tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17015861262776393462024-03-04T23:38:57.922-08:00A Course in Miracles Discourses<strong>"All miracles mean life, and God is the Giver of life. His Voice will direct you very specifically. You will be told all you need to know." (ACIM Page 1)</strong>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-65800132806113578262022-12-14T12:03:00.001-08:002022-12-14T12:03:09.597-08:00"Just Say NO to Altruism!"<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8d2M6RhYtWNOpxGF_vFFDStYnxHZRWNCZ8k31gweNyhix9JRutC0t9l173CpUOz2WM5399m9f4IiHP15MllwK65kxBeLUvuM0wMPBekYNcyv6OEwJN4kTYqOB4eGXGgB9O3wy7n2PPEu/s1600-h/givingJesus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8d2M6RhYtWNOpxGF_vFFDStYnxHZRWNCZ8k31gweNyhix9JRutC0t9l173CpUOz2WM5399m9f4IiHP15MllwK65kxBeLUvuM0wMPBekYNcyv6OEwJN4kTYqOB4eGXGgB9O3wy7n2PPEu/s320/givingJesus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093003945145185602" /></a><br />Sometime in the early 1800s the French philosopher Auguste Comte (1798-1857) invented and marketed a hitherto unknown concept which he called "altruism," by which he intended to mean <strong>"unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness; self-sacrifice as a virtue." </strong><br /><P><br />Not long thereafter, Karl Marx came up with the basic socialist slogan "take from each according to his ability, and give to each according to his need." Since then, those who call themselves "liberal-progressives" have used the concept of altruism to lay guilt trips on freedom advocates and justify forcing heavy-handed socialist government programs on everyone. The liberal-progressive reasoning? If altruism is good, then why not <strong>force</strong> everyone to appear altruistic?<br /><P><br />One of the first to recognize the destructiveness which comes from trying to practice altruism was the Russian-American novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand (1905-1982), who as a 12 year old girl had observed first-hand the brutality of communists trying to establish their ideal state, which became the Soviet Union. Young Ayn Rand quickly visualized her life purpose, which was to shine the light of reason not on the end results of socialism or communism, but on the underlying concept of altruism. Ultimately she published in 1961 in book form a collection of essays entitled "The Virtue of Selfishness."<br /><P><br />The ethics Ayn Rand championed in her works became known as enlightened self-interest. She argued that pursuit of our values, whether material or spiritual, is noble; and that the act of self-sacrifice would be a vice. She sought to show that altruism was evil and that political freedom could only be maintained if selfishness is seen as a virtue.<br /><P><br />This was the exact opposite of the way the world had been taught to think since Auguste Comte, and as you might imagine there was a time when it seemed like Ayn Rand stood alone against the world. The virtue of <strong>selfishness</strong>??? How dare she!<br /><P><br />But did Ayn Rand really stand alone? While early readers were discovering The Virtue of Selfishness, psychiatrist and atheist Helen Schucman became a reluctant prophet hearing and writing down the teaching of Jesus Christ in words understandable to the 21st Century mind: <strong>A Course in Miracles</strong>. As it turns out with a little enlightenment from this Course given by Jesus Christ, we see there can be no such thing as altruism.<br /><P><br />To one's logical mind the contradiction in the definition of altruism is so obvious that one wonders why the idea survived so long. You cannot <strong>not</strong> act in your own interest as you perceive your own interest. If you honestly feel it is good to concern yourself with the welfare of others, then the welfare of others is, by definition, your selfish interest. <br /><P><br />But Jesus makes it even more clear by explaining we are all in this together as one. If we listen to our holy spirit and do what is right for us, we are teaching everyone to stay open and do what is right. If we mistakenly ignore our holy spirit and do what is not best for us, then we are teaching ourselves a lesson which everyone learns with us. Everyone gains no matter what we pursue as our self-interest. The only variable is the time it takes for all of us together to finally get it right, for which we need the freedom of trial and error.<br /><P><br />Mitt Romney, former American Presidential Candidate, uses a term from business statistics to describe a definition like the definition of altruism. He calls it a "null set:" a definition for which there can be no such thing.<br /><P><br />That altruism is necessarily impossible is true enough, but in <em><strong>A Course in Miracles</strong></em> Jesus addresses thoroughly the human penchant for <em><strong>believing in</strong> and <strong>giving power to</strong> </em> sacrifice:<br /><P><br /><em><strong>"Those who believe in sin must think the Holy Spirit asks for sacrifice. For this is how they think their purpose is accomplished. Brothers, the Holy Spirit knows that sacrifice brings nothing. Your faith in sacrifice has given it great power in your sight. Except you do not realize you cannot see because of it."</em> (ACIM Text Chap. 21)</strong><br /><P><br /><strong><em>"Sacrifice is so essential to your thought system that salvation apart from sacrifice means nothing to you. Your confusion of sacrifice and love is so profound that you cannot conceive of love without sacrifice. And it is this that you must look at; sacrifice is attack, not love. If you would accept but this one idea, your fear of love would vanish."</em> (ACIM Text Chap. 15)</strong><br /><P><br /><strong><em>"All roads will lead to this one in the end. For sacrifice and deprivation are paths which lead nowhere, choices for defeat, and aims which will remain impossible. All this steps back as truth comes forth in you to lead your brothers from the ways of death, and set them on the way to happiness."</em> (ACIM Workbook Lesson 155)</strong><br /><P><br />"But hasn't Christianity always taught sacrifice? Didn't Jesus Christ make the ultimate sacrifice for our sins?"<br /><P><br />The answer Jesus himself gives in his <strong>A Course in Miracles </strong>is that the crucifixion was not a sacrifice, but a teaching device. Listen to Jesus speaking:<br /><P><br /><strong><em>"Do not make the pathetic human error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.' The only message of the crucifixion is in respect for man's ability to OVERCOME the cross. Unless he does so, he is free to crucify himself as often as he chooses. But this was NOT the gospel I intended to offer him."</em> (ACIM Text Chap.4)</strong><br /><P><br /><strong><em>"The message which the crucifixion was intended to teach was that it is not necessary to perceive ANY form of assault in persecution because you cannot BE persecuted. If you respond with anger, you MUST be equating yourself with the destructible, and are therefore regarding yourself insanely.<br /><P><br />"I elected, both for your sake AND mine, to demonstrate that the most outrageous assault, as judged by the ego, did not matter. As the world judges these things, but NOT as God knows them, I was betrayed, abandoned, beaten, torn, and finally killed. It was perfectly clear that this was only because of the projection of others onto me, because I had not harmed anyone and had healed many. We are still equal as learners, even though we need not have equal experiences. The Holy Spirit is glad when you can learn enough from MINE to be re-awakened by them. That was their only purpose, and that is the only way in which I can be perceived as the Way, the Truth, and the Light. <br /><P><br />"When you hear only one voice, you are never called on to sacrifice. On the contrary, by enabling yourselves to hear the Holy Spirit in others, you can learn from their experiences and gain from them WITHOUT experiencing them. That is because the Holy Spirit IS one, and anyone who listens is inevitably led to demonstrate His way for ALL. You are not persecuted, nor was I. You are not asked to repeat my experience, because the Holy Spirit which we SHARE, makes this unnecessary. But to use my experiences constructively for yourselves, you must still follow my example in how to perceive them. </em> (ACIM Text Chap.6)</strong><br /><P><br />Having clarified that there never was any sacrifice on his part and there can be no altruism, Jesus does indeed differentiate between our <strong>true</strong> self-interest and <strong>ego-vested </strong>interest. He tells us that if we are listening not to our holy spirit but to our ego, we will be <strong>delaying</strong> our own and every one's ultimate salvation. Would delaying be called a "sacrifice?" Or merely an unhappy choice?<br /><P><br />Because Jesus sees us suffering when we delay and feels so much compassion and love for us, and because it is in his own selfish interest to save us from delay, pain and suffering, he has given us his teaching once again for the 21st Century. <strong>A Course in Miracles</strong>, written down by Helen Schucman but authored by Jesus Christ, is a preparation device for our salvation, a device preparing us for freedom from pain, fear, and guilt.<br /><P><br />Maybe it doesn't seem so strange that Ayn Rand's ideal hero in her novels was a man or woman free of pain, fear, and guilt.<br /><P><br />But Jesus doesn't <strong>force</strong> his Course on us. He doesn't set up government programs requiring mandatory participation "for our own good." As much as progressive-liberals would like to claim Jesus Christ is somehow their own, Jesus is more like Ayn Rand in telling us that our own voluntary choice to pursue happiness in our own trial and error way is the only way our salvation can ever happen.<br /><P><br />Do we forgive Auguste Comte, who knew not what he was doing in trying to invent altruism? It goes without saying. To the spiritually attuned, it never happened. Likewise, although we do not choose to support mandatory government programs, we forgive today's progressive-liberals who know not what they do in trying to force on people altruism and sacrifice.<br /><P><br />So we continue with last month's affirmation from Jesus Christ, which now has deeper meaning to us as we recognize the forgotten virtue of selfishness:<br /><center><br /><strong><em><strong>My salvation comes from me.<br />It cannot come from anywhere else.<br />My salvation cannot come from anything else.<br />My salvation comes from me and only me.<br />Nothing outside of me can hold me back.<br />Within me is the world's salvation ... and my own.<br /></strong></em></strong> </center><br /><p><br /><p><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eMPWCpCZIQ/RhAqd9MCwGI/AAAAAAAAAAU/PnBDoDWxaaE/s1600-h/jesus+welcome.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048581876411973730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5eMPWCpCZIQ/RhAqd9MCwGI/AAAAAAAAAAU/PnBDoDWxaaE/s200/jesus+welcome.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#006600;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message of prophetic revelation which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#006600;">If you would like to receive an email each month containing a link to the latest message from our Holy Spirit, please email us with "ADD" in the subject line:</span> <a href="mailto:holyinstant@aol.com">holyinstant@aol.com</a></span></strong></div><div></div><br /><P><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)<br /><P><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship- Salt Lake City<br /></a></p>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-67061273555418275872017-09-13T07:35:00.002-07:002017-09-13T07:35:40.551-07:00Christianity Is Slowly Understanding the Teaching of Jesus<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbrian.eenigenburg%2Fposts%2F10156309645322598&width=500" width="500" height="354" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-7625491311919438532017-06-19T12:27:00.001-07:002017-06-19T12:27:44.881-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-12730271133805857152017-04-29T08:11:00.000-07:002017-04-29T08:11:41.480-07:00<h2>
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I AM</span></center>
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Perpetual exuberant joy,</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Incessant overflowing love,</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Never-ending inner peace,</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">beyond all understanding--</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I called myself "enlightenment,"</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and imagined I had to be earned.</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But my beloved Jesus laughs</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">at any notion of having to "earn"</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my very natural identity</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">as a spiritual being.</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Repent,"</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my Jesus softly whispers,</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">which means:</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"This moment</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">cease any thought</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">which blocks</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my experience</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of who I really am."</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Mother Mary</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">even comes</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in times of trouble</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">speaking wisdom:</span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Just let yourself be!"</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: 18px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="color: #731452; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; padding: 4px;" /></a></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 15.3px;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i> <span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i style="font-size: 18px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="p"><b><br /></b><b><b><span style="font-size: 15.3px;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br /><span class="p"><b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/" style="color: #731452; text-decoration-line: none;">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a></b></span></i></span><br />
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Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-38198022525619844322016-08-01T06:54:00.000-07:002016-08-01T06:54:29.193-07:00Keep Your Eye On God ... Not On Yourself ... Not On Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"The light of the body is the eye: </i><br />
<i>if therefore thine eye be single, </i><br />
<i>thy whole body shall be full of light." (Matthew 6:22)</i></h4>
In the Disciple's Literal Translation the above utterance of Jesus from the Bible is seen to read: <i><b>"</b>The body's light depends on the eye: if your eye's focus is only on God, your whole body shall be illumined.<b>"</b></i><br />
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Can this be the most important teaching of Christ Jesus?<br />
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It implies we are not to judge by surface appearances because surface appearances are only seen through the clouded lenses of a self-made ego identity which sees what it wants to see, not what is there to see in reality.<br />
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In the Biblical narration, Jesus emphasizes: <i>"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."</i> (John 7:24) In other words, reality lies beneath and beyond appearances. And seeing reality is seeing with focus on God.<br />
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In <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course In Miracles</a>, which is clarification of His teaching given for the 21st Century, Jesus states: <i>"Appearances deceive BECAUSE they are appearances, and not reality. Dwell not on them in any form. They but obscure reality. And they bring fear BECAUSE they hide the truth.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>If we totally adhered to the teaching of Jesus Christ, we would ultimately not even see what we would label "faults" or "mistakes" in ourselves or others. We would see only God, the reality beyond any appearances.<br />
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Most of us are not there yet. Most of us do not quite at all times see only God in ourselves and others, and only God at work behind the scenes in every situation. But this single focus, seeing with the single eye guidance of Jesus contains another implication which will lead us out of the temptation to see wrongly.<br />
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We are being guided to not try to "fix" ourselves or others, because only God knows how to bring us to realize our perfection, and God will accomplish this wonderfully if we do not try to usurp his function. Jesus is teaching us to not try to <i>do</i>, but to simply <i>be</i>.<br />
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In <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course In Miracles</a>, Jesus states: <i><b>"</b>You are prepared. Now you need but remember you need do nothing. It would be far more profitable now merely to concentrate on this than to consider what you should do. When peace comes at last to those who wrestle with temptation and fight against giving in to sin; when the light comes at last into the mind given to contemplation; or when the goal is finally achieved by anyone, it always comes with just one happy realization: <b>'I need do nothing'</b> "</i><br />
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We need not work on ourselves. We need not try to undo our conditioning, or train our minds, or even pay attention to our thoughts. Nor do we need to concern ourselves with helping others undo their mistakes. God has set in motion the process of salvation and we need only get ourselves out of the way and focus <i>only</i> on God.<br />
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Notice that regularly doing nothing in the sense of not reacting to our mistakes or the mistakes of others continually short-circuits the ego's sense of self-importance, thus weakening the temptation to be looking through the ego's smudged lenses. The temptation to see ego as opposed to God, to see evil or mistakes as opposed to good, becomes exhausted.<br />
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By regularly doing nothing we begin to realize "I <i>am not ...</i> but God<i> is ...</i> in charge of the Atonement." With each letting go of doing we allow more thoroughly the truth that God is providing every experience needed by everyone, and it is God's judgment and only God's judgment of ourselves or others that can be righteous.<br />
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Every moment we are not busy doing ... aaah! ... the way is opened to seeing only oneness beyond surface appearances. Each minute of seeing with the single eye focus Jesus refers to is a minute seeing beyond ourselves, seeing beyond others, seeing only God ... and our world becomes bright.<br />
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a></b></span></i></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-69903992543811671942016-03-30T07:27:00.000-07:002016-04-07T01:44:58.515-07:00Genesis I and II ... And ... How Your Story Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>"In the beginning God created....</i></span><i>" </i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">(Genesis 1:1)</span></i></h4>
The above phrase does not refer to God's beginning because existence without time has no beginning or ending. Without time, there is only <b><i>present being</i></b>. Genesis 1 refers rather to the beginning of the realm of existence we experience as earth.<br />
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Prior to the Genesis 1 beginning ... God is. Existence exists. God is formless existence. Prior to this Genesis 1 beginning the earth is not formed, all is formless spirit, emptiness.<br />
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Now....<br />
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"Let there be light and darkness." Suddenly there seems two: emptiness and radiant light. Radiant light shines into the emptiness so that where light shines emptiness is no longer ... seeming interaction ... seeming time and space. All existence seems two: male extension and female receptivity. Existence identifies itself as "I AM." Yet light and darkness identify themselves as, "We ARE." In reality nothing has changed. God IS.<br />
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Now....<br />
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"Let there be forms." Suddenly out of light and darkness there seem many. Formless existence has been seemingly divided into formed existence. Suddenly there are various forms: seas and land, plants and trees with seeds and fruit, sun and moon and stars, fish and birds and land animals and mankind. Thus the heavens and earth are completed in all their vast array, each form seeming separate. In reality nothing has changed. God IS.<br />
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Now....<br />
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Each of these forms of existence, being of God, also experiences the interaction of light and darkness; male virility and female fertility; seeming time and space; the seeming rhythm of creativity according to God's likeness.<br />
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All these forms made of God are "good." No forms not good have been made of God.<br />
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Now....<br />
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God says to all forms, "Be fruitful and multiply." And the forms themselves continue to divide existence into further forms according to <i>their</i> likeness.<br />
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Earth life has been set in motion. And the story includes mankind.<br />
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God says, "Let us make mankind in our image and our likeness:" the interaction of light and darkness, the synergy of male and female which is also able to further form existence.<br />
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Now....<br />
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Adam and Eve are aware of who they really are as God in form. They experience no sense of separation from God, but only a sense of oneness with their source. They know neither guilt, nor shame, nor anger, nor fear. They know not of pain, sickness, suffering or death. Even though they are in form, they experience paradise. They are perfectly protected and their every need perfectly provided. Their state of being is called the "Garden of Eden," the natural state of mankind on earth.<br />
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In the now moment....<br />
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The being of which we are formed ... our Source ... God ... says to our natural selves: "You must not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if you eat from it you will certainly feel separated from me, separated from the very tree of life. You shall know death."<br />
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Yet in the now moment....<br />
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We can formulate in our minds temptations. We see forms in the world which we imagine to promise such delicious tastiness, or so much pleasure, or such abundant wisdom, or so great a benefit that we tempt ourselves to ignore God's guidance.<br />
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And in the now moment....<br />
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We have a choice to ignore temptations or yield to the allure our imagination has made of the world of forms.<br />
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In the now moment....<br />
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If we yield to such temptations, valuing above God's guidance those forms which offer imagined promise, we now further take our focus off God by heightening our alertness for threats to these idols we have made. We become even more fully willing to ignore God's guidance even unto judging for ourselves what we shall see as good and what we shall see as evil.<br />
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And if we so commit this original sin in the now moment....<br />
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We are now banished from the Garden of Eden, from the glorious blissful experience of our true nature. We have sentenced ourselves to knowing hardship and pain and suffering and death.<br />
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That is the story of earth life's genesis, our beginning story.<br />
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But our story continues. The interaction between light's radiance and dark emptiness goes on.<br />
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In the now moment....<br />
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Jesus draws us to him. His brilliant light, our own light mostly forgotten, extends far beyond hardship, pain, suffering, and death. Yeshua enlivening our being provides us with inklings of Home and shows us the Way.<br />
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In the now moment....<br />
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We choose to follow. We repent, directing our focus away from temptations, turning back to awareness of God's very real presence, once again experiencing the peace and love and joy that is our natural state, the Garden of Eden on earth.<br />
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And in any now moment....<br />
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If we join this luminous light of Jesus fully, surrendering ourselves wholly, absolutely, completely into experiencing our oneness with Yeshua...<br />
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...even the Garden of Eden disappears, leaving no longer earthly forms but only radiant light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i>
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a></b></span></i></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-78053690436495400432015-10-01T07:01:00.000-07:002015-10-01T07:01:09.331-07:00Pope Francis And Capitalism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>"How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!</i></span><i>" </i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">(Luke 18:24)</span></i></h4>
Pope Francis during his recent visit in the United States blessed millions of Americans with awe-inspiring love and powerful spiritual nourishment. Even so, there remained a lurking underlying confusion about the Pope's teaching with regard to capitalism. Many U.S. commentators who understand the enormous benefits mankind has gained from capitalism have interpreted bits and pieces of Francis' messages to indicate this Pope is unequivocally anti-capitalist. Leftists who for ideological reasons wish to destroy capitalism attempt to claim the Pope as their ally. Many have even gone so far as to call Pope Francis a Marxist.<br />
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It seems the world would benefit from some good old-fashioned seeing-below-the-surface spiritual vision regarding Pope Francis and Capitalism.<br />
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First of all, Pope Francis truly believes he is not a Marxist. He has consistently spoke against being guided by political "ideologies." In Havana, two days before he flew to the United States, Pope Francis used his homily to differentiate true Christian service from the Cuban communist government's illusion of service:<br />
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<i>"Service always looks to their faces, touches their flesh, senses their closeness and even, in some cases, 'suffers' in trying to help. Service is never ideological, for we do not serve ideas, we serve people."
</i><br />
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Unfortunately, Pope Francis apparently also views capitalism as an "ideology." He has recently written that the capitalist "ideology" is to blame for income inequality and the encouragement of greed.<br />
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So confusion arises because normally only Marxists see capitalism as an ideology. Those who are not influenced by Marxist thought see capitalism not as an ideology, but as simply a condition of <i>freedom</i> economically, people freely making their economic choices without coercion by politicians and their political supporters. The alternative to capitalism is <i>dictatorship</i> in economic transactions. Such dictatorship doesn't have to be outright government control. It can be goverment preemptive attacks on business people who have harmed no one, usually called "regulations." <i>Any</i> form of economic dictatorship stifles incentive and economic progress.<br />
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When government dictates, the system which evolves is not capitalism but an aristocracy of political pull. In fact, it is the long-predominant atmosphere of politicians in cahoots with business people which provides fertile soil for greed and income inequality. When people do not enjoy freedom in their economic choices, it is politicians and those business people who learn to wield political influence who become unnaturally rich.<br />
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(To clearly understand the difference between capitalism and the polluted economic environment of political pull, do not hesitate to read Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged).<br />
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Pope Francis sincerely believes he is teaching as Jesus teaches. In Biblical accounts, Jesus never condemns riches. He merely counsels us that it is hard to sustain an experience of heaven if we value riches higher than valuing God. He simply reminds us of the true source of our good.<br />
<br />
In his clarifying revelation for the 21st Century, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course In Miracles</a>, Jesus states:<br />
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<i>In this world, you believe you are sustained by everything but God. Your faith is placed in the most trivial and insane symbols: pills, money, “protective” clothing, “influence,” “prestige,” being liked, knowing the “right” people, and an endless list of forms of nothingness which you endow with magical powers. Do not put your faith in the worthless. It will not sustain you. Put not your faith in illusions. They will fail you.</i><br />
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Jesus doesn't tell us to totally disregard protective clothing in a climate of possible weather extremes, or to altogether abandon money in a world where money is the most widely accepted tool of exchange. We are simply being told to reject the temptation to make these things into idols for worship (which includes saying "no" to the temptation to buy or peddle political influence).<br />
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Seeking the kingdom of political dictatorship is not the way to solve greed and income inequality. Jesus tells everyone ... those who are tempted to be political influence buyers or peddlers, those who think politically forced redistribution of wealth would be good for society, those who idolize political programs to reduce poverty ... everyone ... that the one and only solution is seeking the kingdom of heaven:<br />
<br />
<i>"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well." </i>(Matthew 6:31-33)<br />
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In his <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course In Miracles</a>, Jesus explains the underlying depth of this spiritual teaching:<br />
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<i>Lack implies that you would be better off in a state somehow different than the one you are in. A sense of separation from God is the only lack you really need correct. This sense of separation would never have arisen if you had not distorted your perception of truth, and had thus perceived yourself as lacking.</i><br />
<br />
As for the illusion that political dictatorship in the form of government control or regulation of business could solve greed and income inequality, Jesus in <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course In Miracles</a> states with great spiritual force:<br />
<br />
<i>Freedom cannot be learned by tyranny of ANY kind, and the perfect equality of all cannot be recognized through the dominion of one will over another.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Pope Francis understands this teaching of Jesus. He understands men and women must be free to choose for themselves, that righteousness economically cannot be created by dictatorship over producers and consumers, or dictatorship over job creators and employees. Despite the confusion of the Pope's surface statements, in the depths of his being Francis does not support political dictatorship in economic choices. In his holy spirit, deep inside, unrelated to surface confusion, Pope Francis supports economic freedom of choice for all ... freedom known as capitalism.<br />
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a></b></span></i></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-77615354489965642872015-09-01T07:20:00.000-07:002015-09-01T07:20:26.130-07:00How Christian Authorities Can Bring About World Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."</i></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">(Matthew 5:9)</span></h4>
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<i>"Under no circumstances are you to be at peace and be happy!"</i> This seems to be the unspoken advice of most Christian authority figures. Pastors' sermons, priests' homilies, and talks by general authorities contain endless warnings against various evils. Church organizations declare immense displeasure with political decisions and laws which are immoral or wrong. Theologians resist challenges to their particular version of doctrine.<br />
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In this respect, it is hard to tell the difference between many modern Christian authorities and the Pharisees or Sadducees who lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.<br />
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Yet Jesus showed up during that very reign to bring peace, not fear or resistance or a troubled heart. <i>"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."</i> (John 14:27) <i>"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil."</i> (Matthew 5:39)<br />
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So why do so many Christian authorities not bring peace as Jesus brings peace?
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The answer is: they are human, subject to human foibles and human shortcomings. Which means they sometimes lapse into letting ego control their words and actions. Their spirit deep down inside is totally at peace, undisturbed. But ego's constant whispered message in their mind is: <i>"Under no circumstances are you to be at peace and be happy!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Certainly there are precious moments (hopefully even hours) when priests and pastors and general authorities do experience their underlying spiritual nature, times when they do not listen to ego and instead radiate the love and joy of their spirit, times when they are serenely at peace inside and teaching peace to the world. But when they again revert to allowing ego control, they are governed by fear accompanied by the urge to resist what they fear, thus teaching conflict to the world.<br />
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Are there Christian leaders who help people avoid immorality and damaging lifestyles without losing their peace in the process? Yes, but you know them by their laughter, not their admonitions and pleading; and people are attracted to them by the glowing example they set, not by their preaching.<br />
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In addition to those who lapse into ego-influenced combat against immorality and wickedness, there are also those Christian leaders who can be seen abandoning their peace by insisting on being "right" theologically. In His revelation for the 21st Century, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, Jesus laughs at human silliness and asks us if we would rather be right or happy. He tells us that insistence on theological precision is entirely unnecessary:<br />
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<i>"All terms are potentially controversial, and those who seek controversy will find it. Yet those who seek clarification will find it as well.Theological considerations as such are necessarily controversial, since they depend on belief and can therefore be accepted or rejected. A universal theology is impossible, but a universal experience is not only possible but necessary. It is this experience toward which the course is directed."</i><br />
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So how do Christian leaders become true peacemakers, teaching peace to the world rather than conflict? Jesus Christ, always present, calls to all Christian leaders to enroll in His <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Course in Miracles</a>, the device he is now using to prepare each of us for a personal all-pervading and everlasting peace which in turn brings peace to our world:<br />
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<i>"Forget not that the motivation for this course is the attainment and the KEEPING of the state of peace. Given this state, the mind is quiet, and the condition in which God is remembered is attained. Peace will be yours BECAUSE it is His Will. </i><br />
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<i>"The secret enemies of peace, your least decisions to choose attack instead of love, unrecognized and swift to challenge YOU to combat and to violence, far more inclusive than you think, are there by your election. </i><br />
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<i>"You always choose between your weakness and the strength of Christ in you. Christ calls to you, and gently says, <b><span style="font-size: large;">'My brother, choose again.'</span> </b>"</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a></b></span></i></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-3124445126242135372015-08-01T08:54:00.001-07:002015-08-01T08:54:31.198-07:00Jesus Christ Invites You To Enroll In A Course In Miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO_YZ3xbj1N2qwKfwi-xbcJs62S-3qYL9FExIV5UG69_BVMo9wv1SMozyPw-B1j1VBFSn2DZfQHG-3LGq3Y2IAieq-cVQ0kPmGtqSr7NHvZlFljQTsTY8DzdR7Cw6h5kVVF0vgyvqBkbL/s1600/Jesus-Of-Nazareth-Photos-from-the-Movie-Jesus-played-by-Robert-Powell-jesus-23779888-798-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO_YZ3xbj1N2qwKfwi-xbcJs62S-3qYL9FExIV5UG69_BVMo9wv1SMozyPw-B1j1VBFSn2DZfQHG-3LGq3Y2IAieq-cVQ0kPmGtqSr7NHvZlFljQTsTY8DzdR7Cw6h5kVVF0vgyvqBkbL/s320/Jesus-Of-Nazareth-Photos-from-the-Movie-Jesus-played-by-Robert-Powell-jesus-23779888-798-600.jpg" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>"Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip?"</i></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">(John 14:9)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Under no circumstances are you to master <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>!" This admonishment issues fairly fiercely from many of today's Christian leaders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Why their resistance? What are they afraid of? Do they fear you are not capable of letting Jesus Christ create miracles through you? Or are they worried you might actually become efficient at allowing His miracles? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Maybe they are alarmed at the prospect of you surpassing themselves in understanding and spiritual experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Not at all!" these Christian leaders would reply. "We are simply convinced </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">that </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> doesn't really come from Jesus Christ, but from the adversary."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Which invites the question: "So you are scared to death people are so weak-minded that they would not be discerning enough to know for themselves the difference between Jesus Christ and the adversary?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">To all this resistance and fear by Christian leaders Jesus Christ asks: <i>"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?"</i> Jesus would be quick to point out that resistance and fear are actually tools of the adversary, not of God. Jesus teaches us our greatest offering to God is not fear or resistance, but trust.<br />
<br />But ignoring Jesus, these Christian leaders continue to beseech their readers and listeners: "Don't even consider mastering </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>!<span style="font-family: Georgia;">" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jesus would gently remind us: <i>"Forgive them; for they know not what they do."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jesus Christ opens His Course by stating at the very beginning: <i>"It is crucial to say first that this is a required course. Only the time you take it is voluntary. Free will does not mean that you establish the curriculum. It means only that you can elect what to take when."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jesus goes on to indicate that if we consider all the pain, sickness, and suffering which could be avoided ... delay is tragic. Clearly these Christian leaders know not what they do if they are trying to influence us to delay taking a required course, wouldn't you say? So yes, forgive them. Like Philip in the Gospels, these Christian leaders have been with Jesus a long time, but they do not really know Him. Not until they themselves enroll in <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The purpose of His Course is to lead us to the <i>experience</i> Jesus wants to share with us in which we truly <i>know</i> Him. It is an experience of indescribable love and joy and inner peace which is beyond mere human understanding. It is an experience which knows nothing whatsoever of fear or resistance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">His Course is not like earthly seminary courses in which you learn doctrine or theology or Biblical hermeneutics. In the process of explaining this difference, Jesus also answers those Christians who he knew would fear and resist and fuel controversy over His Course. He states: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>All terms are potentially controversial, and those who seek controversy will find it. Yet those who seek clarification will find it as well. They must, however, be willing to overlook controversy, recognizing that it is a defense against truth in the form of a delaying maneuver. Theological considerations as such are necessarily controversial, since they depend on belief and can therefore be accepted or rejected. A universal theology is impossible, but a universal experience is not only possible but necessary. It is this experience toward which the course is directed. Here alone consistency becomes possible because here alone uncertainty ends.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><br /></i>
Jesus wants us to know Him ... to really, really, <i>really know</i> Him. He wants us to enroll in His Course which is designed to lead us to joining into and sharing His experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One beloved disciple who understands this writes: "A Course In Miracles <i>IS</i> a required Course, so the idea that 99% of the world don’t even know about it seems like a waste of time. I am trying with this project to simply make the ideas that the Course advocates more readily available." This disciple's non-profit website offers a free copy of the Course to anyone who cannot afford one. (<a href="http://courseinmiracles.com/acim-resources/a-course-in-miracles-book-fund/" target="_blank">A Course In Miracles Book Fund</a>)<br /><br />
Another dear one has published the "Sparkly Edition" of Jesus Christ's Course which is sold inexpensively not-for-profit (over 13,000 copies had been given away free, for example to prisoners). Click the book image below to reach a Sparkly Edition website. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So here is our question to you: In the depths of your heart, do you desire to really, really, <i>really</i> <i>know</i> Jesus? If so, rejoice! Jesus invites you to enroll in His Course.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i>
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<i style="font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a></b></span></i></span>
Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-27399479391430927432015-07-01T07:34:00.000-07:002015-07-01T07:34:25.768-07:00Will Christianity Accept It's Own Salvation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mNenXUY8N71IdGpnBMN0iUqwtZxBZWuZoUO3q_n34MkyWkHVTEKys8-3T0WbZelmUVDEOCJSh6lHqfUeRq8OgOpj4K34HZnwCR7JSZptFtgDd967U98m-Iz5pA5MTevtvwCp0-wBDCRM/s1600/jesusgives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mNenXUY8N71IdGpnBMN0iUqwtZxBZWuZoUO3q_n34MkyWkHVTEKys8-3T0WbZelmUVDEOCJSh6lHqfUeRq8OgOpj4K34HZnwCR7JSZptFtgDd967U98m-Iz5pA5MTevtvwCp0-wBDCRM/s320/jesusgives.jpg" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; </i></span><i style="font-size: 20px;">neither hid, that shall not be known." </i><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">(Luke 12:2)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A Pew Research Center study, <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/" target="_blank">America's Changing Religious Landscape</a>, published in May 2015 shows an ominous decline in numbers of people identifying with Christianity. The study showed Evangelical Protestants down close to 1%, Catholics down approximately 3%, and mainline Protestants down about 3 1/2%. Excuses offered by Christian leaders range from blaming others ("Liberal-progressive political correctness is waging a war on Christianity.") to blaming themselves ("We are turning people off by appearing holier-than-thou.").</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But none of this need be. Christianity can once again increase and thrive. Jesus Christ has already given the solution. Christians need only open their minds and accept His modern day revelation for the 21st Century. The problem has been Christian closed-mindedness and Christian arrogance, the insistence on the part of Christian leaders that they already know the entire teaching of Jesus and all correct interpretations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Can you imagine Jesus revealing more thorough, clear and complete explanations of his teachings, and saying, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Here, read this. It will help you," </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and Christian leaders (instead of rejoicing) rushing into print with attacks to "prove" this new revelation cannot be from Jesus because it doesn't in every respect fit their previous understanding of Christianity?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">No matter, say Christian leaders, that this new revelation, </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, <span style="font-family: Georgia;">has released tremendous amounts of pain, fear, and guilt from the lives of millions of people who have read it, and allowed them instead to live with ever-present joy, deep inner peace, and overwhelming love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">No matter, argue Christian leaders, that this new revelation has actually brought many former atheists <i>into</i> Christianity.</span><br />
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<br />Christian leaders brush aside such evidence. "In this case we don't care about <i>by their fruits ye shall know them," </i>they declare. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They insist all Christians should buy into the argument that </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> cannot really be revelation from Jesus because the voice which identified itself as Jesus was heard and written down by a non-practicing Jewish woman who at the time she first heard it considered herself to be an atheist. After all, doesn't Jesus say in the Bible: </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God?</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Are Christian leaders saying that nobody can hear God's voice unless in their ego mind they think of themselves as "of God?" Does it mean nothing that this woman from a non-practicing Jewish family had been deeply influenced as a little girl by the family housekeeper, Idabel, who was a fervent Baptist? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">No matter, they say. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What if as a little girl she had secretly prayed to someday hear God's voice speaking to her? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">No matter, they echo.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It doesn't appear to matter to Christian leaders that one of the first things this woman heard was: </span><i>"All miracles mean life, and God is the giver of life. His voice will direct you very specifically. You will be told all you need to know."</i> (<a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, page 1)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Christianity teaches that those who listen to God's voice and follow His direction become true teachers of God. One of the attributes of a true teacher of God is open-mindedness, about which His Course states:<br />
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"The centrality of open-mindedness, perhaps the last of the attributes the teacher of God acquires, is easily understood when its relation to forgiveness is recognized. Open-mindedness comes with lack of judgment." </i>(<a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, Manual for Teachers)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Christianity's salvation will come when enough Christian leaders decide to open their minds, quit trying to judge what is beyond their current understanding, and accept modern revelation from Jesus Christ. To be sure, there are those who are already open to hearing, and who will lead the way. But there are still far too many, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Biblical times, who are in resistance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When Christian leaders quit judging based on their past learning and preconceived ideas, when open-mindedness to modern revelation becomes the norm far and wide throughout Christianity, when Christian writers quit resisting new revelation from Jesus ... we will see a bright new Christian Renaissance. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Christianity will thrive as never before, having accepted its salvation from Jesus Christ. And we'll all have fun reading a new study from the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> Pew Research Center: <i>The miracle of Christianity's resurrection and ascension.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i>
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For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-83933125843166382872015-06-01T06:39:00.000-07:002015-06-01T06:44:34.124-07:00Truths of Jesus Which Christians Cannot Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>"I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now."</i></span><span 14px="" 24px="" arial="" elvetica="" font-family:="" font-size:="" helvetica="" line-height:="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" verdana=""><br />(John 16:12)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Does anyone really believe that only those teachings of Jesus recorded in the Bible are to be taken into account because he quit teaching us 2,000 years ago, and human open-mindedness has not evolved in the last 2,000 years?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Such an idea is absurd.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">In the Catholic tradition many devotees throughout history have been willing to listen to the voice of Jesus (or sometimes Mary) teaching them more sweeping truths as they have opened to evermore expansive levels of spiritual experience. Often these dear ones become recognized as saints.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">In Pentecostal prayer gatherings participants surrender themselves to our holy spirit, the very essence of Christ, and they are shown experiences which provide them with entirely new levels of understanding.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">All Christians believe in miracles ... and because of their open-mindedness with respect to miracles they learn one of the most important lessons Jesus teaches: "believing is seeing."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Why then is it so hard for some Christians to believe Jesus has now revealed teachings his disciples at the time couldn't bear, but our 21st Century minds can bear? Why is it such a struggle for some Christians to believe Jesus when he says he has given us a clearer explanation and expansion of his teachings in <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Do we dare conclude such Christians are stuck in arrogance, self-importance, an insistent attitude of "I am right ... and if anything differs from what I've previously been taught, it has to be wrong?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Strangely, these unbelieving Christians do grasp perfectly the blocking mechanisms erected by arrogance, because they see such blocks all the time in atheists who constantly declare: "When I see it I'll believe it."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">The Christian answer to atheists is always, "How are you going to see something if you aren't really open to seeing it in the first place? We only see what our minds are open to seeing." In the same way, Jesus asks non-believing Christians, "How are you going to see that <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a> is <i>my</i> teaching if you aren't really open to seeing it?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Early enthusiasts of <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a> haven't been much help in this respect. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">Honest book publishers print the author's name on the book's cover, spine, or title page. But in this case the group which for years published the most widely sold edition has pretended there is no author. In addition to the cover or title page nowhere mentioning an author, in a cryptic 6-page preface to their version, the source of the work is referred to as a Voice, but the fact that the voice has identified itself as Jesus is never once mentioned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">Unlike the sentiment of the old African-American spiritual song, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere...," </i><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">purveyors of the Course in the early years of its publication seemed highly interested in hiding the Course's authorship, as if they were afraid of unhesitatingly declaring the good news. Arrogance again? It's as if you can hear them saying, "Yes, I know Jesus makes it obvious within </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"> that he is the author, but I also know better than to admit it in public."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">The fact that Jesus has never quit teaching us and is the author of </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a> <span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">is even in our enlightened 21st Century unbearable to some. And many Christians are unfortunately missing advanced levels of understanding and experience which Jesus wants us to have, because they cannot bear those few aspects of his teaching which Jesus explains in </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">, but which had always been interpreted incorrectly throughout history by those who could not bear correct interpretations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">We can almost imagine Jesus in heaven laughing and saying, "Down there on earth adults are so funny! Their little children are far less afraid of truth!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Wouldn't you agree we all need to move in the direction of becoming more like little children, more open-minded? Maybe a first step is to <a href="http://www.dcvbooks.com/Shop/show_item.asp?MainCat=0&Category=0&Item=2&page=1" target="_blank">order Jesus Christ's Course in Miracles</a></span></span>, <span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">read it, and begin to understand the teachings of Jesus more fully than ever before. Then experiencing a whole new peace and child-like joy we may very well feel like happily telling everyone on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Jesus has given you </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">a wonderful new presentation </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">of his teaching...</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">...and guess what?</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">You can bear it."</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.dcvbooks.com/Shop/show_item.asp?MainCat=0&Category=0&Item=2&page=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W5wUPkvmfN-YhPm9XzzF-dc9Qb0KiA3x1_y_nmOUHSY236EJfWH-NJbHzQsKwydixx2KcCM9rG2vBxSV833QtUzEiLdCGPWc5rasaq1pHy4M4q34vIxsIT_7uH0rVGB7RCfuH9FdMBjv/s400/Sparkly2.jpg" /></a><span 14px="" 24px="" arial="" elvetica="" font-family:="" font-size:="" helvetica="" line-height:="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" verdana=""><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Click on image above to order</i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<i><br /></i></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-39647780565722120622015-05-01T07:09:00.000-07:002015-05-01T07:09:00.514-07:00Pope Francis, Ted Cruz, and Religious Liberty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><i>And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."</i></span><span 14px="" 24px="" arial="" elvetica="" font-family:="" font-size:="" helvetica="" line-height:="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" verdana=""> (Matthew 16:18)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The "church" Jesus refers to is the Way to heaven. And the "rock" foundation needed for the Way to prevail is rock-solid <i>consistency, </i>which Jesus saw as Simon's future potential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pope Francis, heir to Peter's bishopric in Rome, has called all Catholics to champion religious liberty. "Religious freedom is a fundamental human right," Francis said recently. "Each individual must be free, alone or in association with others, to seek the truth, and to openly express his or her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external compulsion."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">But is it enough to call for only <i>religious</i> liberty? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Senator Ted Cruz, who is competing to become the Republican Presidential nominee, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">also speaks of religious liberty, daring</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"> to call a gate of hell ... a gate of hell. He declares, "There is a liberal fascism that is going after Christian believers. Today’s Democratic Party has become so radicalized .... there is no longer any room for religious liberty." Cruz is one of many Christians helping to waken people to the need to stand strong for religious liberty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />But Cruz doesn't stop there. He takes a stand for liberty in many other respects, almost as if something inside him is beginning to ask, "What good is religious liberty if we don't have liberty in other areas?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Freedom vs. dictatorship was the same conflict faced by men and women in ancient Judea. Roman rulers granted the Jews religious liberty, but controlled their lives in every other way. E</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">ach day John the Baptist and his cousin, Jesus, saw the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">common sense of individual liberty and responsibility struggling against the kind of insanity our modern world knows as "fascism." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Today we hear Roman Catholic leaders lament about government demanding that Catholics pay for contraceptives for people who engage in sex not for love and family creation, but for lustful body-pleasure and the avoidance of family responsibility. But Jesus would say the real problem is about much more than contraceptives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We hear Baptist leaders and their brother and sister Mormons bemoaning political attempts to redefine marriage, with government deciding who can be licensed to marry. Jesus would laugh at the insanity of government licenses for marriage, but he would know the deeper issue is far more than political interference in people's love lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Even a few leaders of the Methodist Church cringe when they see government policies facilitating the killing of not yet fully developed babies. Jesus would of course shed tears over fetus killing, yet he would understand the real magnitude of political abuse is much greater than that of government-aided abortion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />The Democratic Party's fascist dictatorship referred to by Senator Cruz is definitely more all-pervading than these few searing social issues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The real trouble is one group of people of a particular mindset using government to force their objectives on everyone. It's the same as if a particular religion were to use government to force its values on everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The liberal-progressive ideology (which Benito Mussolini gave the label "fascism") is held <i>religiously</i> by Democratic Party leaders. These Democrats <i>worship</i> the good intentions of their Utopian idealism. Their desired objectives serve as their gods. And like misguided Catholic and Lutheran inquisitors of old, they believe they are justified in using their political power to force their Utopian goals on everyone "for their own good."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Maybe it was Saint Bernard of Clairvaux who gave rise to the proverb: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." But it was Jesus speaking to Peter who told us how the gates of hell are prevailed against.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">Ted Cruz and Pope Francis in their fight for religious liberty </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">are heroes to Jesus</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">. But we can also imagine the gentle voice of Jesus guiding them to total consistency: "The Way to heaven is not built on <i>religious</i> liberty alone. In order to learn from their mistakes and allow course corrections as they find the Way to heaven, men and women must be free from <i>all</i> political coercion. They must 'build their inner church,' so to speak, in a political climate of </span><i style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">consistent</i><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"> liberty across the board, liberty in every respect, the total absence of government forcing them into seemingly well-intentioned Utopian schemes."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Of course, Democratic Party leaders like to pretend their programs are "government by the people," but programs forced on people against their will are not "by the people." Dictatorship by any other name is no less dictatorship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In His modern revelation for the 21st Century, Jesus Christ reminds each and every one of us of the need to hold to Peter's rock-solid consistency: <b><i>"Freedom cannot be learned by tyranny of ANY kind, and the perfect equality of all cannot be recognized through the dominion of one will over another."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></span></div>
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<i><br /></i></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-1615684328596076772015-04-01T09:27:00.000-07:002015-04-01T09:27:53.533-07:00Honest Moments of Christianity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><i>But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." '</i></span><span 14px="" 24px="" arial="" elvetica="" font-family:="" font-size:="" helvetica="" line-height:="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" verdana=""> (Luke 15:17-18)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">These words of Jesus Christ from the Bible describe an honest moment. "When he came to himself" ... the honest moment of a son who had been living a misguided liberal life but has now decided to return home to his father.</span><br />
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The parable of the prodigal son was one of several parables Jesus is said to have voiced in answer to Pharisees and scribes who had abandoned their peace because he was eating with those they had condemned as "sinners." The scribes and Pharisees viewed people who had sinned as having rendered themselves forever unclean, doomed to hell and unworthy of fellowship. Jesus considered those he was eating with to be brothers and sisters who had made mistakes and whose mistakes did not call for condemnation, but for forgiveness and further opportunity to correct themselves.</span><br />
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"Sin" was a ancient term used by archers. It meant "missing the mark," or "mistaken aim." As spiritual beings, sparks of the infinite spiritual fire of existence, we have as a function of the fullness of life a constant guidance of spirit which provides perfect aim.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">“God is the giver of the Life. He will direct you VERY specifically.... It is quite possible to listen to God’s Voice all day without interrupting your regular activities in any way. The part of your mind in which truth abides is in constant communication with God, whether you are aware of it or not."</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Quotes in blue in the body of this article are words of Jesus Christ himself from his modern revelation for the 21st Century: </span><a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a><span style="font-family: Georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">.)</span></span><br />
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But wait! There are other voices:
<i><b><span style="color: #073763;">"It is the other part of your mind that functions in the world and obeys the world’s laws. It is this part which is constantly distracted, disorganized, and highly uncertain."</span></b></i>
In a touching scene from a current film, a mother tells her wayward and troubled son that he has many voices pulling him in many directions, but there is only one voice he should be listening to. She places her hand on his heart and indicates his inner spiritual voice. (We recommend the superbly crafted movie <a href="http://doyoubelieve.com/" target="_blank">Do You Believe?</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So we are all prodigal sons when we are not listening to and following the guidance of the truth within us, and are thereby making mistakes in our aim. Jesus forgives us. Our infinite spiritual existence forgives us. The only lack of forgiveness comes from mistaken minds, Pharisee-type minds who gain ego satisfaction by judging people to be "sinners." Yet in the end even those minds are also happily forgiven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But at some point it becomes apparent to all of us prodigal children that there is no deep and lasting satisfaction to be gained by not listening to or not following God's guidance, and in fact such mistakes always inevitably lead to feelings of sadness and emptiness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>"He goes uncertainly about in endless search, seeking in darkness what he cannot find; not recognizing what it is he seeks. A thousand homes he makes, yet none contents his restless mind. He does not understand he builds in vain. The home he seeks can not be made by him. There is no substitute for Heaven."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So in moments of honesty we cry to the universe "help me." And in each honest moment we almost hear again the universe's ever beckoning request: "come home."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>"A memory of home keeps haunting you, as if there were a place that called you to return although you do not recognize the Voice, nor what it is the Voice reminds you of."</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We finally make the decision that going home is what we really want. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We don't know the way home, but no matter, we've identified our deepest desire. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And it also doesn't matter how far distant from home we might feel. As Jesus explained in his parable, our spiritual father sees our decision to come home, and rushes to welcome us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><i>"God’s welcome waits for us all, and He will welcome us as I am welcoming YOU.... </i></b>
<i><b>"This son of a loving father left his home and squandered everything for nothing of any value, though he did not know its worthlessness at the time. He was ashamed to return to his father, because he thought he had hurt him. But when he came home the father welcomed him with joy, because only the son himself was his father’s treasure. HE WANTED NOTHING ELSE. God wants only His Son, because His Son is His only treasure."</b></i></span><br />
We are welcomed with all the love in the universe, and then Our Father guides us the rest of the way back.<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">"He will take you to His home, and you will stay with Him in perfect stillness, silent and at peace, beyond all words, untouched by fear and doubt, sublimely certain that you are at home."</span></i></b><br />
<span style="white-space: normal;">All of this "when he came to himself." </span>Jesus Christ smiles when we experience honest moments, wouldn't you say?
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<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-43755811392321843142015-03-01T05:59:00.002-08:002017-03-01T11:59:15.188-08:00The Common Teaching of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 24px;"><i>The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.</i></span><span 14px="" 24px="" arial="" elvetica="" font-family:="" font-size:="" helvetica="" line-height:="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;" verdana=""> (Psalm 23:1)</span></h4>
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The above very widely-known lyric is believed to have risen from the heart and soul of a Hebrew shepherd, poet, and eventually hero-king, David, who is considered a great teacher in Judaism, who is revered as an ancestor of Jesus in Christianity, and who is honored as a prophet in Islam. Despite man-made surface differences in these religions, adherents of all three faiths strive to live by the inspiration of David's songs, such as the teaching "I shall not want."</div>
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But how many grasp the true meaning of "I shall not want?"</div>
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Most people believe it means there is nothing we could ever really need that is not provided ... and the corollary, if it is not provided it is not really needed. When one is in ego consciousness the thought goes something like this: "I'm separate from God, but God bestows." "I'm only a sheep, but my shepherd provides."<br />
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Holding this thought in mind is indeed a valuable early step in one's spiritual opening process. But prophetic inspiration, as with David's psalms, usually carries much deeper meaning than that which would likely be imagined by our ego awareness. So we watch for further revelation and deeper understanding, and find it provided by Jesus Christ in his revelation for the 21st Century: <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>. </div>
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According to Jesus, our natural state is not awareness of body and bodies. Our natural state is awareness of only oneness, as in "I AM." In our natural state, there is no wanting.</div>
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So how do we fall from our natural state into an unnatural state or, as the Bible presents it symbolically, from the Garden of Eden into the world? We don't fall first by eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eating the fruit is a result. First we <i><b>want</b></i> the fruit. </div>
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<i>So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. </i>(Genesis 3:6)</div>
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"Pleasant to the eyes?" "Desirable?" Wanting precedes eating.<br />
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It is <i>wanting</i> that expels us from the Garden of Eden. It is <i>wanting</i> that brings us down from our natural state to an "ungodly" unnatural state punctuated by fear, pain, guilt, sickness, suffering, and death. In fact, the wanting itself is painful. We can experience the absolutely unbelievable joy of God ... or we can experience ... wanting.<br />
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Buddhists teach that all suffering is caused by desire. Their teaching is perfectly true if the desire is for something in a world viewed as separate bodies and separate things. Jesus Christ echoes this teaching in his Lesson 128 from <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>: <b><i>"The world I see has nothing that I want."</i></b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>Here are the words of Jesus Christ:<br />
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<b><i>"The world you see has nothing that you need to offer you; nothing that you can use in any way, nor anything at all that serves to give you joy. Believe this thought, and you are saved from years of misery, from countless disappointments, and from hopes that turn to bitter ashes of despair.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>"Escape today the chains you place upon your mind when you perceive salvation here. Nothing is here to cherish. Nothing here is worth one instant of delay and pain; one moment of uncertainty and doubt. The worthless offer nothing."</i></b><br />
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Yet Jesus also recognizes that he is speaking to those who still see separation, whose habit of wanting is a habit he can turn to good use. His message then becomes (stated in many ways) <i>want only God</i>, <i>want only your true nature</i>. A good example is Lesson 185 from <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>: <i><b>"I want the peace of God."</b></i><br />
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<b><i>"To say these words is nothing. But to mean these words is everything. If you could but mean them for just an instant, there would be no further sorrow possible for you in any form; in any place or time. Heaven would be completely given back to full awareness, memory of God entirely restored, the resurrection of all creation fully recognized."</i></b><br />
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Look around in your world and identify those who want only attributes of God, only peace and joy and love, attributes of our true nature. Then notice those who crave and strive and hope for something particular in their world. Who is experiencing heaven? Who is experiencing hell?<br />
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Notice that King David failed to live up to the prophesy of his own psalm. He failed to want nothing in his world. Although mostly a good leader, David nonetheless symbolically "lost the Garden of Eden" by wanting Uriah's wife, Bathsheba. David's wanting in this instance led to enormous pain and suffering, which ultimately became in Jewish teaching an illustration of how <i><b>not</b></i> to live.<br />
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"I shall not want" is<span style="text-align: center;"> a core teaching of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; but is not limited to these three religions. It is a universal spiritual teaching which, if followed, takes everyone all the way home:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Want nothing in your world</i></b><br />
<b><i>Want only God</i></b></span>
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<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please visit A Course in Miracles Discourses on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i><br />
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Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-71403617921392076042015-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:002015-02-01T13:31:01.610-08:00Pope Francis Reveals True Reality Of Christianity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 24px;"><i>When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, His spirit poured out and He was visibly overcome. Jesus wept.</i></span><span 14px="" 24px="" arial="" elvetica="" font-family:="" font-size:="" helvetica="" line-height:="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;" verdana=""> (John 11:33,35)</span></h4>
<i>"Tears and sobs did not allow her to finish her testimony before Pope Francis. But the small Jun, a teenage girl who overcame drug addiction and prostitution, was the focus of the meeting that the pontiff had this morning with the young people in the sports field at the Saint Thomas University in Manila. Francis put aside his prepared speech and talked for over half an hour off the cuff."</i> --AsiaNews.it<br />
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"Why did God let this happen to us?" the young Filipino girl had asked, burying her face in her hands as tears burst forth. Pope Francis, visibly moved, began by answering: "The nucleus of your question almost doesn't have a reply." Then he surrendered to our holy spirit, allowing his heart and soul to speak of joining with her in tears as he himself joined with her in feeling her deepest pain. It was a reply of such love that those with ears to hear were changed forever. It was a reply which apparently flew 20,000 feet over the heads of pharisees.<br />
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The National Catholic Reporter led their news coverage with the headline: "Francis struggles to answer crying girl's question about suffering." Struggles? The Pope was nearly Jesus speaking.<br />
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Google advertised: "Francis left without reply to crying, impoverished Filipino girl." Apparently, Francis' in-depth joining in spirit with Jun meant nothing to deaf ears.<br />
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Comparing the pontiff's actual response to the girl with these media reactions, we see clearly the difference between those who think they understand and those who really understand, between those who worship words and those who feel reality?<br />
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At the end of his talk, Pope Francis referred to this difference saying, "Sorry if I haven't read what I prepared for you but there is a phrase that consoles me: that <i><b>reality is superior to ideas</b></i>. The reality that you have is superior to the paper I have in front of me".<br />
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With these words Pope Francis let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. With these 5 words he voiced the true meaning of Christianity: <i><b>reality is superior to ideas</b></i>.<br />
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In other words, reality trumps theology. The Bible tells us Jesus thought little of the pharisee's theology. Rather, Jesus Christ beckons us to join him in the <i><b>experience</b></i>.<br />
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Can you imagine conflicts simply disappearing everywhere in the Christian world (and beyond) if this was understood? Theology is not the point. It is about experience.<br />
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Can you imagine the healing which occurred with the Filipino girl Jun when Pope Francis refused to answer her with theology, but answered her fully with an experience? Can you imagine the healing which occurred in others in the crowd who joined in this experience?<br />
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Christianity has long been misunderstood by Christians with pharisee-type minds who have made ideas more important than reality. Jesus Christ in his wonderful revelation for the 21st Century, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, clarifies so many long held misunderstandings of his teaching even as he steers us away from making ourselves into pillars of theological salt and guides us toward an evermore soaring holy experience:<br />
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<i><b>"Theological considerations as such are necessarily controversial, since they depend on belief and can therefore be accepted or rejected. A universal theology is impossible, but a universal experience is not only possible but necessary. It is this experience toward which the course is directed."</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>In the beginning, Christianity was not about theology. It was about a way of reaching an experience, of surrendering into an experience.<br />
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If Pope Francis would have answered Jun with a theological formulation, healing would not have occurred and controversy would have frothed among various Christians, even among Catholics, even among non-Christians, over the theology. Here again are words of Jesus Christ from His <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, words which actually apply to His entire Way.<br />
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<b><i>"This is not a course in philosophical speculation, nor is it concerned with precise terminology. It is concerned only with Atonement. All terms are potentially controversial, and those who seek controversy will find it. Yet those who seek clarification will find it as well."</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Those who seek clarification <i><b>do</b></i> find it ... in the <i><b>experience</b></i> Jesus Christ offers.<br />
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By joining with the girl Jun in her pain and tears, Pope Francis taught us what we couldn't have been taught with words. When two or more are joined together, there I AM. When there is joining in spirit ... there is reality. This is the true teaching of Christianity. <i><b>Reality is superior to ideas</b></i>.<br />
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<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<i><br /></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-79823985348173162492015-01-01T07:25:00.000-08:002015-01-18T14:19:53.234-08:00For Christians The World Ends In Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> (Matthew 16:15-16)</span></h4>
Now we enjoy another new year, 2015, and some might be tempted to wonder if this is the year the world will end. What will happen during this new year? Earthquakes? Floods? Tornadoes? Well, yes, the normal cycles of nature. Nothing earth ending. After all, earth ending is <b><i>up to you</i></b>, isn't it?<br />
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"Earth ending up to me? Who do you say I am?"<br />
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We say you are the Christ, son of the living God.<br />
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Why is our true nature as the Christ surprising to some Christians? As spiritual beings, we are children of God. Jesus didn't begin the prayer he taught us with "My Father, Who art in heaven...." but rather "Our Father, Who art in Heaven." Our divine nature is recognized in all Christian religious rites, Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Orthodox ... and goes back centuries upon centuries. <i><b>"Ye are the children of the Lord your God."</b></i> (Deuteronomy 14:1) <b><i>"I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."</i></b> (Psalm 82:6)
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In His revelation for the 21st Century, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>, Jesus asks rhetorically, <i><b>"Am I the Christ?"</b></i> and answers: <i><b>"O yes, along with you."
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Then Jesus asks, again rhetorically, <b><i>"Am I God's only helper?"</i></b> He answers: <i><b>"No, indeed. For Christ takes many forms with different names until their oneness can be recognized. Forget your dreams of sin and guilt, and come with me instead to share the resurrection of God’s Son. And bring with you all those whom He has sent to you to care for as I care for you."</b></i><br />
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One Christ, many forms ... until their oneness can be recognized? What will happen when we recognize, not as an intellectual concept, but in real experience, that we are the one Christ? Will we recognize our experience as the second coming? Will the earth end?<br />
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Here's how Jesus (who already experiences his Christ nature just as we will) mentions earth ending in <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>: <b><i>"The world will end with the benediction of holiness upon it. When not one thought of sin remains, the world is over. It will not be destroyed nor attacked nor even touched. It will merely cease to seem to be. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>"The world will end in joy, because it is a place of sorrow. When joy has come, the purpose of the world has gone. The world will end in peace, because it is a place of war. When peace has come, what is the purpose of the world? The world will end in laughter, because it is a place of tears. Where there is laughter, who can longer weep?"</i></b><br />
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This will all occur as we open to the experience of who we really are, and as we see others as they really are beyond surface appearances. Seeing true, seeing beyond perception colored by human limitation, surface appearances change miraculously before our eyes. We see the glowing reality. Surface appearances become indistinct in the glow, and flash away. Our ascension into heaven is not to a different place, but to a true state of being. Our previously imagined limited state of being is gone. A world of pain, sickness, suffering, and death has disappeared, revealing heaven, the true home of God's singular child.<br />
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Will the world end in 2015? O yes, for those who really want it so. After all, it is <i><b>up to us</b></i>. When we totally desire it, the whole world ascends ... <i><b>up to us</b></i> as one. Now dwelling in timelessness far beyond "Joyous New Year!" we know only <span style="font-size: 20px;"><b><i>"Joyous!"</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<i><br /></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-28144817930691550352014-12-01T07:57:00.000-08:002014-12-01T07:57:26.500-08:00The Long-Forgotten True Meaning of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: left;">“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness,<br /> but will have the light of life.”
</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>(John 8:12)</b></span></h3>
Religious scholars have asked for centuries: What does Jesus mean by "will have the light of life?" What does he mean by "who follows me?"<br />
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These phrases have been debated endlessly in historical Christianity, but always from the perspective of human ego. The ego is one's self-identification as a separate being. The ego sees in this manner: "I am here. You are there." "I am here. Jesus is there." "I am here. God is there." "We are separate."<br />
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A recent ego attempt to interpret the above Bible quote goes something like this: <i>Jesus uses "light" metaphorically, referring to himself as being able to help his disciples see the way, similar to a guide with a flashlight in dark woods. To "follow" him is to accompany him, or engage in his way of life, or accept his authority.</i><br />
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It took 20 centuries of human progress, a few concepts constructed in the mind of Sigmund Freud, and a recent new revelation from Jesus Christ ... but now we can finally laugh at all the ego misinterpretations of the past. We now understand Jesus was not speaking as ego, not speaking as a being separate from his listeners or separate from you or me. His was the voice of <i>who we are beyond ego, of who we are in reality; the voice of our higher Christ nature</i>.<br />
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In saying "I am the light," Jesus was speaking in the name of our own true nature beyond our mistaken notion of being separate. In saying "follow me," he was not speaking of one ego following another. He was saying "be light, as I am."<br />
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Now the fun. In "following" our non-ego Jesus, our Christ (in other words, in experiencing our Christ light), we truly experience Christmas.<br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"The sign of Christmas is a star, a light in darkness. See it not OUTSIDE of yourself, but shining in the Heaven within, and accept it as the sign the time of Christ has come.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>"You have never understood what 'The Kingdom of Heaven is within you' means. The word 'within' does not belong. The Kingdom of Heaven IS you. Christmas is not a time; it is a state of mind. The Christ Mind wills from the Soul, not from the Ego, and the Christ Mind IS yours."</i></b> --<i>Jesus Christ, in his revelation for the 21st Century</i>, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>.<br />
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Experiencing the kingdom of heaven here, now, as who we are? The Apostles could not have spent time with Jesus without having opened to this beyond-human experience. They may not have had a name for this opening, but they did know Jesus referred to it as being "born again."<br />
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So another name naturally arises. If Jesus is inviting us to experience our true nature of total heaven, then each moment we become newly joined in awareness of heaven, newly joined in oneness as the Christ, newly born into the Christ, can be called in spiritual symbolic language ... a "Christmas" moment.<br />
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In early Roman Christianity the word "mass" (from Latin "missa," meaning dismissal) was a fine word for the celebration which occurs in our being as we dismiss all ego consciousness. Christ's mass (Christmas) is actually experienced in our being as the exultant celebration of our Christ nature, the irrepressible exhilarated joy and radiant love which we experience in whatever moment our Christ nature is born in our awareness. Early Christians did not celebrate the nativity, the birth of the human child Jesus. The ego-focus on the birth of the baby Jesus only became prevalent about three centuries later.<br />
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Jesus teaches that every experience which is not sparkling joy or glowing love or out-of-this-world peace is of the ego. Every vested interest of the ego is hurtful and painful, a tragic sacrifice of who we really are. Our true nature is unimaginable love, inconceivable joy, and peace beyond any possible ego-understanding. The spontaneous rejoicing of our Christmas happens in those moments when we relinquish all ego beliefs, give up all ego desires, surrender all ego responses, release all ego sense of separate being, and do nothing but let go ... let go and let be. In those glorious moments all sacrifice disappears, replaced by wondrous healing.<br />
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Even though the first disciples didn't have the word "Christmas," they knew the true meaning, they knew the experience for which the word arises. But with the exception of a few mystics through the centuries who also knew the experience, the true meaning has been long forgotten. Now in modern times, just as he did 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ extends an invitation to us with his new revelation: <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>.<br />
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<i><b>"This Christmas, give the Holy Spirit EVERYTHING that would hurt you. LET yourself be healed completely, that you may JOIN with Him in healing. The lesson I was born to teach, and still would teach to all my brothers, is that sacrifice is nowhere and love is everywhere. Let no despair darken the joy of Christmas, for the time of Christ is meaningless APART from joy. Let us join in celebrating peace by demanding no sacrifice of anyone, for so will you offer me the love I offer you."</b></i><br />
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Here in the 21st Century we now understand what only a few original disciples and occasional mystics have previously understood. Now we too grasp the long-forgotten true meaning of Christmas. Now it will not be ego, but our true reality speaking as we exuberantly utter the words Jesus once spoke as us and for us:<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: left;">“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness,<br /> but will have the light of life.”</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
<br />
<br />
<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-14120722602847620872014-11-01T07:55:00.000-07:002014-11-01T07:55:41.695-07:00The Never Understood Teaching of Christianity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b> (John 16:24)</b></span></h3>
The ego reads the above words of Jesus and immediately thinks of asking for help with its concerns in the world: help with money, relationships, situations, physical healing ... earthly body fulfillment. But of course the ego does not understand that Jesus is speaking as the Christ who sees an entirely different world than the world the ego sees.<br />
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Jesus Christ is inviting his disciples to join with him in spirit when asking ("ask in my name"), and at the same time telling his disciples that by so far asking for comforts and satisfactions of earth, they have asked for nothing.<br />
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<b><i>"The world you see has nothing that you need to offer you; nothing that you can use in any way, nor anything at all that serves to give you joy. Each thing you value here is but a chain that binds you to the world, and it will serve no other end but this. The world you see has nothing that you want."</i></b> --<i>Jesus Christ, in his revelation for the 21st Century</i>, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>.<br />
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Christianity, the true teaching of Jesus Christ, is not first and foremost about achieving an improvement in life on earth or an enjoyment of more of the short-lived pleasures of earth. The Christ wants for us the <i><b>fullness</b></i> of joy, an ever-extending never-ending experience of love and peace that is beyond all earthly ego grasp.<br />
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Again, from Jesus Christ's <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>: <b><i>"Our emphasis is not on giving up the world, but on exchanging it for what is far more satisfying, filled with joy, and capable of offering you peace. Is it a loss to find a world instead where losing is impossible, where love endures forever, hate cannot exist, and vengeance has no meaning? Is it loss to find all things you really want and know they have no ending, and they will remain exactly as you want them throughout time?"</i></b><br />
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The goal of Christianity, the goal of all saints and angels helping us, the goal of Jesus giving us his Course in Miracles, is not that we enjoy a <i><b>somewhat</b></i> more comfortable or satisfying or fun life. The goal is that we experience total joy, total love, total peace, <b><i>total</i></b> salvation by giving up the world of never-lasting-satisfaction we have made in exchange for a world of indescribable, unspeakable joy.<br />
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Jesus teaches us this shift happens when we <i><b>want nothing</b></i> in our world. <b><i>"Each thing you value here is but a chain that binds you to the world, and it will serve no other end but this. The world you see has nothing that you want."</i></b><br />
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Does this entail becoming an ascetic hermit monk? Not at all. Jesus does not advise <i><b>having</b></i> nothing currently in our world, or <i><b>enjoying</b></i> nothing currently in your world. He only emphasizes <i><b>wanting</b></i> nothing (which in modern psychology would include <i><b>not being attached</b></i> in our minds to the possibility of having or enjoying anything in the future, to the memory of anything we've had or enjoyed in the past, or to holding onto anything which happens to be presently in our lives to have or enjoy).<br />
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<i>"But it seems like from the very beginning as little babies we have wanted and been taught to want. Wanting seems to be more than an acquired habit to be broken. Wanting seems like an ingrained impulse. How can we ever learn to want nothing?"</i><br />
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Very good question! Within our ego world to form a new habit, we practice. But practicing wanting nothing on earth (while helpful if one doesn't become attached to the practice) cannot take us very far. The sense of "ingrained" is valid because the ego defines itself by lack and keeps itself ego by wanting. The ego, in and of itself, can never totally want nothing.<br />
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But all is not lost. The ultimate state of having no earthly wants develops automatically when we ask <i><b>only </b></i>for the heavenly. Jesus, with the words from John 16:24 which began this article, is inviting his disciples to ask not for earthly values which are nothing, but to ask for something real. His disciples hearing his words would have felt some of the fervor of the singer of Psalm 16:11: <i>You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.</i><br />
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Jesus was saying to his disciples and to all of us who are ready to hear:<br />
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"<i>Ask me for totality; for wholeness; for all being, Alpha to Omega! Ask in my name [feeling my presence] and</i> <i>I will give you <b>fullness</b>!</i>"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-88910052056193483212014-10-01T07:23:00.000-07:002014-10-01T07:23:58.188-07:00Knowing November's Midterm Election Results in October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>"By myself I am not capable, but as I hear, I judge: so my judgement is correct."</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b> (John 5:30)</b></span></h3>
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As we approach the mid-term elections in America, hundreds of political prognosticators are making election predictions. Most of these are educated guesses based on human perception, which is always limited as to input and colored by problematic theories. A politics watcher making forecasts with limited polling and inadequate information gathered from past experience can only honestly say, as Jesus implied in the above Bible quote: "With a limited human mind, I'm not capable!"<br />
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But Jesus reminds us there is more than limited human mind. There is a way to know for sure. Jesus teaches us to hear inside the voice from God, the voice of our holy spirit. Our holy spirit experiences all existence ... past ...future ... and the present everywhere. Our holy spirit offers certainty because our holy spirit knows all.<br />
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Of course Jesus guides us to listen inside all day long, every day, not merely use inner hearing as a foolproof way to predict the results of future elections. Such every moment hearing and living with the inner voice takes a little willingness and maybe some practice. But yes, we can actually be informed by the voice from God regarding every waking life decision.<br />
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<b><i>It is quite possible to listen to God's Voice all day without interrupting your regular activities in any way. The part of your mind in which truth abides is in constant communication with God, whether you are aware of it or not. It is the other part of your mind that functions in the world and obeys the world’s laws. It is this part which is constantly distracted, disorganized, and highly uncertain. --</i></b><i>Jesus Christ, in his revelation for the 21st Century</i>, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>.<br />
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Gamblers might exclaim: <i>"Oh, good! I can learn to hear election results beforehand, place my bets, and win a lot of money."</i> Politicians might calculate, <i>"If I know for sure the results of this or that election, I can adjust my strategy with respect to this or that issue."</i><br />
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Sorry ... listening inside in the hopes of serving ego purposes will not work. Those familiar with the words of Jesus quoted at the beginning of this article know that he added in the same breath, <b><i>"...because I seek not my own will."</i></b> Jesus was able to hear God's voice clearly because he held no ego-vested interests. Our holy spirit will not serve our ego unless our ego has been dedicated to serving only our holy spirit. For these gamblers or politicians, the inner voice will either not come through clearly or will be confusing.<br />
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On the other hand, if you have placed your life in God's service, if you have said and really meant something like, <i><b>"I live for no other reason than to serve the light,"</b></i> then with a little practice you will hear inside everything you need to hear for a miraculous life, including knowing upcoming election results before the elections if you need to know them. Again, from Jesus Christ's <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>:<br />
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<b><i>All miracles mean Life, and God is the giver of the Life. He will direct you VERY specifically.</i></b><br />
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<i>"But I really want to know how this coming midterm election will turn out. I'm a good person. I try to serve God. I would never use the information for gambling or for political purposes. I just want to let go of my 'ye-of-little faith' anxiety about the results."</i><br />
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Letting go of anxiety is good. If you remember God is in charge, and trust God, you will surely laugh at any ego-temptation to feel anxiety. Nonetheless, your prayer is heard. Here is a hint: as with all of God's results, it will be a much bigger win than anyone expects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-65728048398973938522014-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:002014-09-01T15:00:36.416-07:00The Only Real Homeland Security<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>"Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." (Mark 8:33)</b></span></h3>
With this statement, Jesus teaches us the entire course of salvation, the complete God-planned curriculum which rescues us from pain, sickness, suffering, aging, and even death. Yet this is also a statement which those of us living in the 21st Century can more easily grasp in its fullness when modern language is used.<br />
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Many scholars prefer a much more accurate translation of the original Greek version of Jesus' words: <b>"Get behind me, Adversary, because you do not focus on the things of God, but the things of men."</b> Indeed, our true nature, our holy life spirit, is day and night challenged by an adversary, but it is not an adversary outside ourselves. We are constantly tempted to fall out of grace into a way of thinking and seeing which functions as an internal adversary to our true spiritual nature by wanting to lead rather than follow.<br />
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In modern language, this ancient adversary has been given the label "ego" <i>(the identification of oneself as a separate being)</i>. In his revelation for 21st Century mankind, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a>, Jesus explains very clearly: <b>"The mind can make the belief in separation VERY real and VERY fearful. And this belief IS the devil. It is powerful, active, destructive, and clearly in opposition to God, because it literally denies His Fatherhood. Never underestimate the power of this denial</b>."
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It sometimes seems like every second or third moment the ego is busy attempting to maintain this sense of separation from God and thus separation from everything and everybody. The ego's tricks are legion: from puffing oneself up, to denying one's possibilities; from foolishly worshiping others, to judging others for "being wrong;" from seeking thrills, to languishing in feelings of pain or fear or guilt.<br />
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Like a left-wing heckler attempting to shout down a loving and reasoning voice, the ego forever tries to speak first and so loud as to drown out our inner God-thoughts. If the ego's voice prevails, then the natural experience of all-embracing love, bounteous joy, and delightful inner peace seems to be muffled, at best a seemingly very still and small inner voice.<br />
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Any thought which seeks to separate us from love, or joy, or inner peace is an ego thought. And on the heels of any such thought, the ego quickly tries to justify itself to us by convincing us that any judgment it makes, whether positive or negative, is "righteous."<br />
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In the baby step stages of our salvation from ego-treachery, we can help our holy spirit by diligent alertness to our thoughts, aiding in our mind's "neighborhood watch," so to speak (or what might even by called "homeland security"). It serves us well to monitor the ego chatter, notice when it attempts to sabotage us by trying to create a sense of separation, and do what it takes to stop it.<br />
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Some possible examples of catching ego thought and redirecting our mind:<br />
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"The thought I just had separates me from this person (group). I need not do that to myself! There are better ways to see this person (group)."<br />
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"I'm thinking I am not everything (everywhere; all time). Silly me! Why limit myself like that?"<br />
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"Whoa! That kind of thinking pulls me out of love (peace, joy). But I deserve love (peace, joy)! Holy Spirit, help me see with <i><b>your</b></i> eyes."<br />
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Note how paying attention to our thoughts, taking control of our mind, and asking for a new way of seeing opens the way for God-thought to rise within and assume a natural and pleasantly relaxing leadership.<br />
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Jesus is efficient in helping us. Our observance of his Workbook Lessons in <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A COURSE IN MIRACLES</a> is one method of assuring a much higher level of security in mind. Every lesson helps us short-circuit an ego tendency and focus on thoughts of Truth which amplify our true nature, our Homeland. <br />
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While we are away from Home in a strange world, Jesus Christ tenderly reminds us not to worry ... it's only for a little while longer, we are under his guidance and care, and he cannot fail. Obviously ego temptations will arise as long as we are not living in heaven. But our holy spirit laughs at such temptations, gently restraining them, guiding them to follow behind instead of trying to lead.<br />
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When ego thus holds back, our holy spirit thankfully finds ways to subsequently use ego to serve the spiritual goal of an utterly amazing mind-boggling fullness of life. So when our ego does speak, let's be like Jesus in the stained glass depiction shown above and answer: <b>"Calm yourself! Be at peace! I'm focusing on God!"</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<br />
<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-20558657704457175652014-06-30T20:39:00.001-07:002014-06-30T20:39:24.134-07:00Liberals and Conservatives in a Dream World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)</b></span></h3>
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Wouldn't it be fun if some old man had a dream in which everyone was opening spiritually to the experience of heaven, and in the dream there were spiritual liberals and spiritual conservatives, something like the liberals and conservatives of American politics? Imagine the old man is dreaming in the 21st Century, so as part of the dream both spiritual liberals and spiritual conservatives would be attracted to the modern day revelation from Jesus Christ, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/">A Course In Miracles</a>.<br />
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In the dream, spiritual liberals are thinking this is a course they have to intellectually work at. They use phrases like "studying the course," or "our study group."<br />
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Spiritual conservatives, on the other hand, feel they are surrendering into a training which Jesus and his angels are directing. One conserative in the dream is heard saying, like a navy seal trainee, "Whew, this course I'm being put through is changing me so quickly! The only easy day was yesterday!" Conservatives coming together to share do not say "our study group," choosing instead to use language like "our gathering" and even "our sessions."<br />
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Also in the dream, there are spiritual liberals who try to make themselves Course teachers, some (reminiscent of college professors addicted to publishing) rushing into print while they are still, so to speak, "half-baked," others teaching mental practices based on the belief human beings are capable of training their own minds, still others hyping material that is supposedly channeled from spirit but which fails to offer anything new, anything an impostor ego couldn't offer.<br />
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Meanwhile, spiritual conservatives in the dream simply feel their opening is naturally progressing just fine. They happily share their experiences and insights and the light to which they have opened, not resisting if someone says, "you've really been a good teacher for me," but they have no wish to be viewed as having a unique role as if they were more advanced or had something special to offer.
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In the dream, conservatives can be heard saying, "We only need to follow the instruction given by Jesus, who tells us in his revelation of the universal course: <b>The purpose of these exercises is to train the mind to a different perception of everything in the world.</b> "<br />
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Liberals are attracted to various extra curricula. "We've practiced the exercises Jesus has given, but certainly we can improve the process with other reading, or other ways for us to work with our mind."<br />
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Spiritual conservatives and liberals in the dream view differently the following words of Jesus in <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/">A Course In Miracles</a>:<br />
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<b>You <i>are</i> prepared. Now you need but remember <i>you need do nothing</i>. It would be far more profitable now merely to concentrate on this than to consider what you should do.</b><br />
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Here is the ultimate release. "I need do nothing" is a statement of allegiance, a truly undivided loyalty. Believe it for just one instant and you will accomplish more than is given to a century of contemplation, or of struggle against temptation.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Dream character liberals having read these words of Jesus think thoughts like: <i>I'm glad the ground is cultivated and seeds planted</i> ... (then secretly: <i>I can help by watering plenty and weeding constantly.</i>)<br />
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Dream conservatives reading these same words happily rejoice in their minds: <i>Yes! Eternal vacation! Praise you, God!</i><br />
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The dream goes on and spiritual liberals continue trying to make changes happen in their minds or in their habits ... "working at it" ... "doing."<br />
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Spiritual conservatives on the other hand seem so at ease in the dream, resting in total trust, allowing our holy spirit to be the "doer."<br />
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Conservatives in the dream exude <b><i>faith</i></b>. Liberals in the dream give the impression of being obsessed with <i><b>works</b></i>.<br />
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Can you imagine if some old guy really did dream such a dream? He would have so much fun watching the dream play out, he might not even want to wake up, wouldn't you say?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
<br />
<br />
<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-58939808274586116732014-05-18T17:24:00.001-07:002014-05-18T18:09:29.992-07:00No Judgment Day On The Schedule?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."</b> (Matthew 7:1-2)</span></h3>
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There is no judgement in heaven ... true or false?
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Quiet your intellect. Listen not to your past learning. Listen inside to what our holy spirit is saying <i>right now</i>. Without intellectualizing or falling back on previous learning, what are you hearing inside? True? Or false?<br />
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In the Bible, Jesus mentions a certain kind of "judgment" made by our holy spirit. Here are the words said to have been spoken by Jesus sometime around year 3790 of the Hebrew Calendar:<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.299999237060547px;">"I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." </span></b></i>(John 5:30)<br />
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But is this "righteous judgment" of the holy spirit simply referring to "seeing reality rather than what human perception would choose to see?"<br />
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The only other time Jesus mentions judgment in the Bible are with these words:<br />
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<i><b></b><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.299999237060547px;"><b>"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” </b></span></i>(John 7:24)<br />
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We know Jesus is not talking about self-righteous judgment, judgment based on perception chosen by human ego, because he has already said truly righteous judgment is heard inside from the voice of our holy spirit.<br />
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The statements quoted above constitute the entire extent of what the Bible reports Jesus saying about judgment.<br />
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But then along comes Paul, whose words are sometimes understood only by a state of awareness which most people would call mystical, and when we read Paul's words in our human perception the waters might start appearing muddied. Paul almost makes it sound like we must stand before a courtroom magistrate.<br />
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<i><b></b><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.299999237060547px;"><b>"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." </b></span></i>(2 Corinthians 5:10)<br />
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But does this really mean that Jesus Christ, who dwells in heaven as our holy spirit, has done a 180 degree flip and is now into judging by appearances? Are we being asked to believe that God abandons His very essence of total never-ending love, preferring at times to be unforgiving?<br />
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Or is there another way to understand Paul's words?<br />
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How would a Hindu who grasps the concept of karma interpret Paul's words?<br />
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Could the idea Paul tried to convey mean if you fail to listen inside and follow the guidance of our holy spirit, you encounter difficulties; but on the other hand if you diligently listen inside and honor the counsel of our holy spirit, your yoke is easy and your burden light? In other words, is Paul's "judgment seat of Christ" merely his mystical way of stating the law of cause and effect?<br />
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You be the judge. (Just kidding!)<br />
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Thank goodness we have the voice of our holy spirit always speaking inside of us. And thank God we have in addition modern day revelation from Jesus Christ, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, in which Jesus explains the correct interpretation of many of his utterances in Biblical days, including thorough discussions of the insanity of thinking any judgments we attempt could be meaningful.<br />
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Addressing one's identification as ego, Jesus states:<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.299999237060547px;">"How can you judge? Your judgment rests upon the witness that your senses offer you. Yet witness never falser was than this. But how else do you judge the world you see? You place pathetic faith in what your eyes and ears report. Can this be judgement? You have often been urged to refrain from judging, not because it is a right to be withheld from you. You cannot judge. You merely can believe the ego’s judgments, all of which are false." </span></b></i>(ACIM Lesson 151)<br />
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But then focusing more on our true nature, Jesus laughs with us and gently points out:<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.299999237060547px;">"No course whose purpose is to teach you what you really are could fail to emphasize there is no difference in what you are and what love is. Love’s meaning is your own, and shared by God Himself. For what you are is what He is. There is no love but His, and what He is is everything there is. There is no principle which rules where love is not. Love is a law without an opposite. Love cannot judge." </span></b></i>(ACIM Lesson 127)<br />
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Does "judge not, that you be not judged" simply mean that using judgment to shut down the extension of your true nature of love is like unto judging yourself unworthy of experiencing the love that you are? Maybe the statement "with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" is merely saying something like, "the amount of love you extend, small, large, or total ... is the amount of love you will experience."<br />
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Elsewhere in the Bible Jesus is quoted as saying:<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Geneva, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.299999237060547px;">"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." </span></b></i>(Matthew 5:48)<br />
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Is Jesus telling us to be only love, and therefore teach only love to the world?<br />
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You be the judge.<br />
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Oops, wait! Maybe just be the <b><i>love</i></b> you are!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<i><span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></i></div>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span></i>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-13212870000135767892014-04-02T08:31:00.000-07:002014-04-02T08:31:36.049-07:00After Noah: The True Story of Lot's Wife?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."</b> (Genesis 19:26)</span></h3>
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Lot and his wife and daughters were escaping from their city of Sodom, having been warned by angels that Sodom was to be destroyed. One of the angels had urged Lot: “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” (Genesis 19:15)<br />
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Lot pleaded with the angels that he was afraid of the mountains and felt better about escaping to a nearby city, Zoar. One of the angels agreed to the compromise, and Lot's family was in the process of escaping to Zoar when his wife looked back.<br />
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All Bible stories have a metaphorical meaning in addition to any literal meaning. "Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed," means angels are telling us: "Escape to an ever higher experience of God, because staying in ego will destroy you."<br />
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In his modern day revelation, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, Jesus describes our Lot-reminiscent fear of the spiritual mountain experience: <b>"This is the secret bargain, made with the ego, to keep what lies <i>beyond</i> the veil forever blotted out and unremembered. Here is your promise never to allow union to call you <i>out</i> of separation; the great amnesia in which the memory of God seems quite forgotten; the cleavage of your Self from you; <i>the fear of God</i>, the final step in your dissociation."</b><br />
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Totally losing self-identification as a separate body, and experiencing oneself as one with God .... totally scary, right? <br />
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So, like Lot, we strive for a compromise. If we are too afraid to escape all the way up the mountain, but we've been warned that staying in ego will destroy us, maybe we are willing to escape to a middle ground place. The ego wants to think of itself as supremely important. Maybe an acceptable trade-off is to escape into ego-insignificance. Lot escaped to Zoar. The meaning of "Zoar" in ancient Hebrew is "insignificant."<br />
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Angels, knowing of our fear of the mountain heights, agree to the compromise and urge us (every moment) to quickly escape to ego-insignificance. To aid in forming a habit, maybe we hear inside the voice of angels encouraging us to render the ego insignificant by saying a million times over until it becomes thoroughly true and second nature, <i><b>"I live for no other reason than to serve the light."</b></i><br />
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When we truly live for no other reason than to serve the light, miracles happen constantly in our wake. People feel strangely healed or uplifted when they see us or think about us. The world rearranges itself seemingly magically. Our experience of love and joy explodes. We find ourselves having all sorts of out-of-this-world experiences.<br />
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But what happens if we turn around and look back? What happens if we take our eyes off the goal? What if instead of focusing on moving forward we stop, look back, and try to bring others along?<br />
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Groan! Creak! Ummph! In looking back we are treating illusions as reality. Each time we look back we become crystallized, solid again in the illusion ... until we ultimately again move forward. In <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a> Jesus describes the journey for some: <i><b>"Perhaps they still look back, and think they see an idol that they want. Yet has their path been surely set away from idols toward reality."</b></i><br />
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So for some, escaping ego-provoked destruction might be a process slowed by glances back and crystallization, time and time again being temporarily stuck in place. Yet somewhere deep inside we know that for as long as time seems real delay is tragic. So we finally determine to keep moving forward without looking back. Does that mean not caring about others, not wanting to bring others along?<br />
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Far from it. One great teacher used the analogy that as we continue to keep our eyes on the mountain top and move forward we create a vacuum which sucks everyone along with us. Helpful analogy, but the truth is we all ... <i style="font-weight: bold;">are </i>... literally one. In <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, Jesus tells us when one awakens everyone awakens: relatives, friends, those who were once seen as enemies, even people never met who live across the world or in the distant past. When one is finally healed, all are healed. There<b><i> is</i></b> only one. When one goes Home, the whole world goes Home: <b><i>"How many teachers of God are needed to save the world? The answer to this question is: one. One wholly perfect teacher, whose learning is complete, suffices."</i></b><br />
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Wouldn't it be something if the one who moves <i><b>only</b></i> forward, <i><b>never ever</b></i> looking back, is ...<i style="font-weight: bold;"> you! </i><br />
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Now imagine:<br />
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Since there is no time and space....<br />
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And in your wake everyone who has ever lived is being raised up....<br />
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A millionth of a second before you flash out in the final ascension into heaven you hear a beautiful chorus....<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">"Thank you! </i><i style="font-weight: bold;">Thank you! </i><i style="font-weight: bold;">Thank you!"</i><br />
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And among these sweet-sounding declarations of gratitude you recognize the infinitely appreciative voice of one who you never dreamed would be awakened and transformed and liberated by your never ever looking back....<br />
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Lot's wife.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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<div>
<span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message of prophetic revelation which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></div>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
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<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-46945073720306759252014-02-28T09:15:00.000-08:002014-02-28T09:16:18.161-08:00When Jesus Laughs The World Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled, for such things must come to pass; but the end shall not be yet." (Mark 13:7)<br />
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Why is it that wars must come to pass? And why should we not be troubled by wars?<br />
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It is important to understand that Jesus knew the state of mind of his listeners. But far more all-encompassing, he knows the state of mind of the human condition in general. He sees clearly that the human condition is not one of everlasting peace of mind. And he is aware that what is seen "out there" in man's world is a reflection of what is happening "in here" in man's mind.<br />
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"Not my mind! I'm a pacifist!"<br />
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Not your mind? So you are totally untroubled by war? More than that, your mind is totally free of any conflict?<br />
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Because Jesus is teaching that if <b><i>in your mind</i></b> you are at war with war, you are teaching war to the world. Jesus would say a true pacifist would have a mind so totally peaceful and untroubled in every respect whatsoever that there is not even a temptation to refer to oneself as a pacifist.<br />
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The very human condition, the state of being human, Jesus points out in his modern day revelation, <i><b>A Course in Miracles</b></i>, is a state of conflict until peace is chosen totally. In Chapter 23 entitled, "The War Against Yourself," Jesus teaches:<br />
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"The memory of God comes to the quiet mind. It cannot come where there is conflict, for a mind at war against itself remembers not eternal gentleness. The means of war are not the means of peace. And what the warlike would remember is not love.<br />
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"How strange indeed becomes this war against yourself! You will believe that everything you use for sin can hurt you, and become your enemy. And you will fight against it, and try to weaken it, because of this. And you will think that you succeeded, and attack again.<br />
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"War is the condition in which fear is born, and grows and seeks to dominate. Peace is the state where love abides, and seeks to share itself. Conflict and peace are opposites; where one abides, the other cannot be; where either goes, the other disappears."
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So we join with Jesus in not being troubled when we hear of wars or rumors of wars. Yet what is meant by the last part of Mark 13:7, "But the end shall not be yet?"<br />
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Even when we are finally able to forgive war, staying untroubled by war "out there" in the world we look upon, how are we going to react to any conflict we happen to notice entering our own mind to tempt us? Are we going to be troubled because we notice we are still a bit human? Or are we going to laugh at the feeble little attempts of the ego to draw us into war in our minds, immediately forgiving the ego which knows not what it does anyway ... and once again choose peace?<br />
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For the end will come when we laugh and choose peace.<br />
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"The world will end in peace, because it is a place of war. When peace has come, what is the purpose of the world? The world will end in laughter, because it is a place of tears. Where there is laughter, who can longer weep? The world will end in joy, because it is a place of sorrow. When joy has come, the purpose of the world has gone. And only complete forgiveness brings all this to bless the world."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s1600-h/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac6d1xSSV6tVH4014pCDrIxQ9BMk2TQddhIcXIX14UpE8evB4jwTmwSgz17tRZYvOulJvFJkqfga1IPgPhTfHW6pNs5hff8oVb8VIDu_b8NNgDG6VNfHvtOwSNWOV9UCLjR44lLhAbDNo/s320/transformation_to_light_awakening.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217317122182076482" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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</span><br />
<div>
<span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message of prophetic revelation which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></div>
<span class="p">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #006600;">If you would like to be alerted when these messages are published please "friend" Brian Eenigenburg on Facebook. You'll not only be able to read interesting articles, but also reply and comment. Fun!</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span class="p">
<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>
<br />
<br />
<span class="p"><b><b></b></b></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1701586126277639346.post-65579896950053211292014-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:002014-01-24T10:45:19.715-08:00Disney Oscar for New Film?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the 1956 novel "101 Dalmatians," which Disney popularized in animated and live films and a video game, which eventually became a stage musical, and which has ultimately inspired millions, the heroic challenge is against evil people who kidnap Dalmatian puppies.<br />
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The story is turned around 180 degrees in <b><i>our</i></b> lives. Our lives could be titled: <i>101 temptations</i>. Our heroic challenge each and every day is against the 101 temptations which attempt to kidnap us and substitute 101 other possibilities in place of genuine deep down honest-to-goodness fullness of life.<br />
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In the King James translation of the Bible the Lord's Prayer ends: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:13)<br />
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Jesus certainly knew God doesn't lead anyone into temptation, and his actual words were probably something like "Father, you lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." The main point, however, is that Jesus totally understood it is temptations that cause our missing out and falling short. Jesus tells us there is <i>so much more</i> available, provided we were not constantly creating temptations and going along with them. <br />
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Jesus continues: "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14) Was this an ancient Aramaic way of hinting that the first step in achieving life in magnificent fullness is choosing to recognize and say "no" to temptations?<br />
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Jesus knew about temptation. "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." (Matthew 4:1) Of course "the devil" in modern language is "human ego."<br />
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In his modern day revelation, <a href="http://constitutionparti.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, Jesus states: "What is temptation but a wish to make the wrong decision on what you would learn, and have an outcome which you do not want? You are deceived if you believe you want disaster and disunity and pain. Hear not the call for this within yourself." (Text Chap. 31)<br />
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We have understood some temptations most of our lives, those big bad temptations which parents and spiritual leaders are always warning us about. But the vast majority of temptations of the ego are small pleasures which the ego tells us are harmless bringers of a bit of happiness (as if happiness needs a trigger outside ourselves), but which are really devices to sidetrack us from the much, much deeper and much more vibrant experience Jesus wants for us. Think sweets and meats and greener grass for our feet. Even cute little Dalmatian puppies <i>could</i> be a temptation of the ego, right?<br />
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The human ego is always heard first in our minds, and quite loudly. Yet Jesus tells us the first surface voices heard, the ego's temptations, ultimately offer nothing:<br />
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"The fact that you <i>do</i> listen to the voice of your ego is demonstrated by your attitudes, your feelings, and your behavior. Your attitudes are obviously conflicted; your feelings have a narrow range on the negative side, but are never purely joyous; and your behavior is either strained or unpredictable. Yet this <i>is</i> what you want. This is what you are fighting to keep, and what you are vigilant to save. Watch your minds for the temptations of the ego, and do not be deceived by it. Know it offers you nothing." (Text Chap. 4)<br />
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Notice Jesus recognizes clearly that if we listen to temptations of the ego ... we are never purely joyous. In his modern course, Jesus continually points out that the pleasures the ego offers in this world are always temporary, never 100% fulfilling, and always followed by some form of hangover.<br />
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In the Bible, Jesus shows us by example how to handle the ego: "Get thee hence, Satan!" (Matthew 4:10)<br />
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Meaningfully willing away the ego usually begins with a dedication to listening inside to the voice of our holy spirit and following the guidance of our holy spirit rather than the ego's guidance. In <a href="http://christianprophecy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Course in Miracles</a>, Jesus points us in this direction right away on page one:<br />
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"All miracles mean Life, and God is the giver of the Life. He will direct you <b><i>very</i></b> specifically."
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"Very specifically" means throughout our day, constantly, we are divinely guided as to what to say and not say, what to do and not do, where to go and not go ... even how to think. Which means the ego is substantially ignored and therefore seriously hindered in its goal of sabotaging our happiness.<br />
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But then later on in his course Jesus takes us much deeper and urges us toward completion. He reminds us we are spiritual beings ... and the fullness of life, the fullness of joy and love and peace, is already ours when we turn our attention and focus <i>altogether</i> away from the ego:<br />
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"'I am as God created me.' Today we continue with the one idea which brings complete salvation; the one statement which makes all forms of temptation powerless; the one thought which renders the ego silent and entirely undone. You are as God created you. The sounds of this world are still, the sights of this world disappear, and all the thoughts that this world ever held are wiped away forever by this one idea. Here is salvation accomplished. Here is sanity restored." (Lesson 94)<br />
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Wouldn't it be wonderful if Disney produced a film which really teaches this lesson? A story of someone who neutralizes all the would-be kidnappers of the soul's complete redemption? Imagine the announcement: "And the winner for Best Original Screenplay ... the winner is Disney's ... <b>101 Temptations</b>."<br />
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Hearing such an announcement, angels in heaven would giggle. A win for the film <b>101 Temptations</b> would probably mean in the lives of so many souls ... 101 temptations losing.<br />
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<span class="p"><b><b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 85%;">Each month our Holy Spirit gives a message of prophetic revelation which helps individuals open spiritually and understand Jesus' teaching.</span></b></b></span></div>
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<b><br /><br />"...nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)<br /><br />Click below for more information on A Course in Miracles Light Sessions:<br /><a href="http://holyinstantchristian.blogspot.com/">Holy Instant Christian Fellowship in Salt Lake City</a><br /><b></b></b></span>Christian Prophethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10020964652943679070noreply@blogger.com0