As of September 24th 2012, the New Thought Ministries blog has been moved to our website www.newthoughtministries.org. Come visit us!
Dr. T.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Living The Paschal Mystery In Divine Wisdom
Reference Scripture: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8, 'Two kinds of wisdom'
Key Verse: 'But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy' (James 3:17).
Introduction
In today's Epistle, James discusses how witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, could live their lives in harmony with God's plan and will for their lives. The unifying faith needed, to fulfill God's design and plan for mankind and all creation, was revealed, taught and modeled in Jesus Christ as Messiah. Unifying mindsets are revealed in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Proper Christ-centered mindsets produce harmonious relationships. Proper behavior and good works are produced as witness follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (John 10:14-21, Mark 8:31-34, Romans 8:12-17).
Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based conduct produces good works
To James Christ-centered, spiritual mindedness produces true faith. In the context of the Gospel of Christ as revealed in Jesus Christ, true faith brings self-effacement, humility, meekness, compassion, surrender and obedience to God's will. True faith provided the proper mental alignment for the descent and incarnation of the divine wisdom, which is from above. Divine wisdom bring spiritual understanding, virtues, spiritual fruit and good works in human lives and relationships (James 3:13-14).
Worldly wisdom produces works of the flesh
In contrast to divine wisdom, worldly wisdom is human wisdom. To James, human wisdom is flawed, because it is grounded and established in the inappropriate, left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. Human wisdom produces competition, conflict, envy, strife and bitterness, hypocrisy, and envy within witnessing paschal faith communities. Out of evil human hearts proceed not only false professions of faith, but also evil mindsets, destructive human relationships and the devastating works of the flesh (Romans 8:1-11, Galatians 5:19-21, James 3:15-16).
Divine wisdom produces spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit
When witnesses follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, purity and impartiality prevail in their witnessing paschal faith communities. Agape love, gentleness, loving kindness, sincerity and peacefulness are characteristic of relationships in these faith communities. In true wisdom, seeds of peace, righteousness and spiritual formation and maturity and sown. Spiritual gifts and discerned and used to not just build up the body of Christ, but to also bear the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-26, James 3:17-18).
Evil desire is the source of conflicts and strife
The inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh is the source and perpetuation of mankind's alienation and separation from the Godhead and one another here on earth. The mortal, carnal and worldly mindsets of the mind of the flesh, do not please God and cannot fulfill God's plan and will for human lives and God's creation, here on earth. The mind of the flesh impedes and destroys the prayer life of witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities. Contentiousness, evil desires and strife arise from the inappropriate dominion of the mid of the flesh, within witnessing paschal faith communities, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout our planet earth (James 4:1-3).
Submit yourselves to the Godhead's plan and will for your lives
James ends his discussion about divine wisdom and worldly wisdom by admonishing witness and all witnessing paschal faith communities to repent and submit to God's will and plan for their lives, as revealed in Jesus Christ. He advises them to resist evil and embrace the spiritual cleansing of the Word and the Holy Spirit. He assures them if they steadfastly follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, they will not only avoid double mindedness, they will also purify their hearts and fulfill God's will and plan for their lives (James 4:7-8).
Conclusion
Are you willing to be an iconoclast and intrapreneur within your witnessing paschal faith community?
Will you follow Jesus Christ and lay down living your life in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion and human wisdom, of the mind of the flesh? Are you ready and willing to steadfastly follow Jesus Christ and take up living you life in the right-brain hemisphere dominion and divine wisdom, of the mind of the spirit? James assures every witness that if the do these things, they like Jesus Christ will be called beloved Sons and Daughters of God, in Christ. They will fulfill God's will and plan for their lives in divine wisdom (Mark 8:31-34, 9:30-32; John 10:14-21).
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 20
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Your Brain-Are You In Your Right Mind by Beverly Golden
Your Brain-Are You In Your Right Mind by Beverly Golden
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Taming The Tongue And Living The Paschal Mystery
Key Scripture: James 3:1-12, "Controlling the tongue, within witnessing paschal faith communities'
Key Verse: ' And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it strains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle on nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.' (James 3:6).
Introduction
Today's Epistle was written by James to brothers and sisters who are witnesses, within witnessing paschal faith communities, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups. As fishers of men, James reminds these believers that as the image of God, they are called to follow Jesus Christ in becoming the likeness of God, here on earth. In loving-kindness, patience and spiritual maturity, they are called to live, teach and proclaim the Paschal Mystery, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. He them sternly warns these witness, they must avoid the harsh words, condemnation and arrogant rebuking of others, which is so common, when witness choose to dwell in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, in their teaching and preaching ministries. To James taming the tongue is critical in creating and maintaining effective ministries (James 3:1).
Taming the tongue - key to personal mastery
James stresses that within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, taming the tongue is the key to personal mastery. He recognizes that we are all human, and that believers as well as unbelievers will stumble and make mistakes. To James controlled speech leads to perfect control over the whole person, spirit, mind, emotions, relationships and body. James uses the example of how a small bit and bridle control a large horse and describes how a large ship, even in the midst of a storm, is controlled by a small rudder, to describe taming the tongue (James 3:2-5).
Power of Evil Speech
To James vain boasting and evil speaking exist within witnessing paschal faith communities, when witness choose the live their lives and practice their faith and ministries, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. The mind of the flesh produce defilement, destruction, unnecessary hurt and suffering within faith communities. James stresses that mankind can successfully tame wild beasts, birds, serpents, and sea animals, but the tongue cannot be tamed by mankind. The human tongue can be like a wild fire. The tongue can only be tamed when witnesses surrender their souls, hearts, minds and lives, to the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, within witnessing paschal faith communities, as revealed in Jesus Christ. In God's redemptive plan in Christ, the tamed tongue glorifies God as universal Father, and proclaims the universal brotherhood of all mankind in Christ (James 3:6-9).
Metaphors related to speech
In closing James remind us about the inconsistency and destruction of evil words, which can proceed from the mouth unregenerate human souls, hearts, minds and tongues. James stresses that within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups the human tongue must be controlled and restrained. Blessing and curses may come from the same tongue. This sort of thing should not be happening within witnessing paschal faith communities. James asks the questions, "Have you ever seen a fig tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine". He then declares, "It is just as impossible for a spring to give fresh and salt water at the same time" (James 3:10-12).
Conclusion
Have you chosen to be a brother or sister within a witnessing paschal faith community, within your tradition, religion, culture, ethnic and secular group? Have you chosen follow Jesus Christ, by laying down speaking words and living your life, in the evil, condemnation, rebuke, destruction and divisiveness of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh? Will you now choose to follow James admonition and embrace taming your speech, and living your life, in the loving-kindness, patience, long suffering, grace, agape love and truth of the appropriate right brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Mark 8:31-38, Romans 8:1-17)?
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 19
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Key Verse: ' And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it strains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle on nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.' (James 3:6).
Introduction
Today's Epistle was written by James to brothers and sisters who are witnesses, within witnessing paschal faith communities, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups. As fishers of men, James reminds these believers that as the image of God, they are called to follow Jesus Christ in becoming the likeness of God, here on earth. In loving-kindness, patience and spiritual maturity, they are called to live, teach and proclaim the Paschal Mystery, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. He them sternly warns these witness, they must avoid the harsh words, condemnation and arrogant rebuking of others, which is so common, when witness choose to dwell in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, in their teaching and preaching ministries. To James taming the tongue is critical in creating and maintaining effective ministries (James 3:1).
Taming the tongue - key to personal mastery
James stresses that within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, taming the tongue is the key to personal mastery. He recognizes that we are all human, and that believers as well as unbelievers will stumble and make mistakes. To James controlled speech leads to perfect control over the whole person, spirit, mind, emotions, relationships and body. James uses the example of how a small bit and bridle control a large horse and describes how a large ship, even in the midst of a storm, is controlled by a small rudder, to describe taming the tongue (James 3:2-5).
Power of Evil Speech
To James vain boasting and evil speaking exist within witnessing paschal faith communities, when witness choose the live their lives and practice their faith and ministries, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. The mind of the flesh produce defilement, destruction, unnecessary hurt and suffering within faith communities. James stresses that mankind can successfully tame wild beasts, birds, serpents, and sea animals, but the tongue cannot be tamed by mankind. The human tongue can be like a wild fire. The tongue can only be tamed when witnesses surrender their souls, hearts, minds and lives, to the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, within witnessing paschal faith communities, as revealed in Jesus Christ. In God's redemptive plan in Christ, the tamed tongue glorifies God as universal Father, and proclaims the universal brotherhood of all mankind in Christ (James 3:6-9).
Metaphors related to speech
In closing James remind us about the inconsistency and destruction of evil words, which can proceed from the mouth unregenerate human souls, hearts, minds and tongues. James stresses that within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups the human tongue must be controlled and restrained. Blessing and curses may come from the same tongue. This sort of thing should not be happening within witnessing paschal faith communities. James asks the questions, "Have you ever seen a fig tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine". He then declares, "It is just as impossible for a spring to give fresh and salt water at the same time" (James 3:10-12).
Conclusion
Have you chosen to be a brother or sister within a witnessing paschal faith community, within your tradition, religion, culture, ethnic and secular group? Have you chosen follow Jesus Christ, by laying down speaking words and living your life, in the evil, condemnation, rebuke, destruction and divisiveness of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh? Will you now choose to follow James admonition and embrace taming your speech, and living your life, in the loving-kindness, patience, long suffering, grace, agape love and truth of the appropriate right brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Mark 8:31-38, Romans 8:1-17)?
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 19
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Living The Paschal Mystery In Agape Love
Text: James 2:1-17, 'True witnesses live and are judged by the law of liberty'
Key verse: 'So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty' (James 2:12).
Introduction
In John 10:10, Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd declared, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that you may have life and have it more abundantly". These statements confirm that witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities of true faith, self-surrender, humility and obedience, follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit. In true faith, witnesses turn from the mind of the flesh, to be filled, guided and empowered by the Godhead, in the mind of the spirit. They speak and act as those who live and are judge by God's law of liberty, in the Godhead's agape love, grace and truth, as revealed in Jesus Christ (Mark 8:31-34, John 1:14-18, 10:14-21; Romans 8:12-17). Today's epistle assures us that when living the Paschal Mystery, true faith begins in the mind of the flesh. More importantly however, James reminds us that true faith and true religion are fulfilled here on earth, in the mind of the spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45, James 2:12).
Speaking and acting in God's law of liberty means that witnesses follow Jesus Christ by setting their minds on the thing of God, heavenly things, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. They let go their inappropriate obsessions and preoccupations with the things of men, the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of flesh (Matthew 16:33, Mark 8:33, Romans 8:1-11). They proclaim, affirm and manifest mankind's deliverance and freedom, from the bondage, slavery, condemnation, incivility, sinfulness and spiritual death of Satan, the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. In the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they embrace and fulfill God's promises of salvation and righteousness in Christ, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). These spiritually resurrected believers realize and make daily practical application of God's promises of pardon, peace, civility, agape love and eternal life in Christ, while living here on earth, in the mind of the spirit (Genesis 1:26-31, John 3:16-17, Romans 8:1-11).
Are you people of faith or judges of the poor? (Verses 1-4)
The Christ-centered witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities which James exhorts and encourages in today's Epistle, can be found in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout the earth. These spiritually resurrected believers can be readily identified, because like Jesus Christ, they seek, serve and surrender their lives to the universal, indwelling Christ, the Godhead's invisible presence, image and likeness, in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, themselves and all persons (Genesis 1:26-31). In the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, these witnesses love the LORD their God, with all their hearts, their souls, their minds and all their strength. In the mind of the spirit, they are discovering the awesome and daunting reality, that when dwelling in God's law of liberty, in the mind of the spirit, it is normal, natural, effortless, compassionate and civil human behavior to love their neighbors, as they love themselves (Matthew 12:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-38).
Because they live in the mind of the spirit, these witnesses discern that all human beings are designed by the Godhead, to be forever bound together as one visible spiritual family, in Christ. They know, embrace and honor God's planned, normal spiritual unity and planned normal mental, emotional and physical diversity, within all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout the earth. In the mind of the spirit, these spiritually resurrected witnesses learn to naturally discern differences and to show no partiality. They learn not to despise the poor, because they know they are called by the indwelling Godhead, to use their resources to protect, provide for, care for the poor. In the mind of the spirit, they learn not condemn others, because they know that there remains so much to be forgiven, in their own hearts, souls, minds, relationships and lives (James 2:1-4).
Who are the poor and the rich, in the kingdom of God?
In the mind of the spirit, witnesses discern how the Godhead so often chooses the people who are the poor in the context of material possessions, to be rich in true faith and kingdom living, here on earth. Many holy men and holy women have demonstrated, that when believers follow Jesus Christ, in living according to God's law of liberty, that is living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, they become rich in true faith and true works that please the Godhead, whether they are rich or poor in the material possessions of this world. In the mind of the spirit, these witnesses are able to possess, dwell in and demonstrate the invisible kingdom of heaven, which Jesus Christ declared and revealed, is forever within each person and in our midst (Luke 17:20-37).
These Christ-centered, spiritually resurrected believers are now becoming iconoclasts and intrapreneurs, within their own traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups. Like Jesus Christ and his brother James, they are also called by the indwelling Godhead, to remind all people that too often, those who are rich in material possession, find it most convenient and easy to live their lives, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. Those who choose to live in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, are often the ones who consciously or unconsciously, who practice incivility, speak evil of, and often oppress and drag down those witnesses, who choose to live in the mind of the spirit, within their traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups (Matthew 22:38, Mark 12:29-31, Luke 10:25-37, James 2:5-8).
The Essence of true faith
To James, the essence of true faith is following Jesus Christ in fulfilling the letter, as well as the spirit of the ten commandments, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 5:17). It is thinking, speaking and acting as believers, who are liberated and free from the laws of the sin, incivility, condemnation, and spiritual death of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. James declares that God will not show mercy and forgiveness to those who choose not to have mercy and forgive themselves and others (Matthew 6::5-14, James 2:11-13).
Daily practical application of true faith
James summaries his statements of exhortation and encouragement by asking these questions, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith, but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm and eat you fill", and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what good is that? James then declares that true faith is based on works, which have their origin, goals, and ultimate fulfillment in seeking, lifting up, honoring and serving Christ, God's invisible presence, image and likeness, within the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, ones own spiritual body and the spiritual body of all persons, in the mind of the spirit (John 3:14-17, James 1:14-17).
Conclusion
Today's Epistle of James reminds us, that believers who choose to live their lives in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, cannot practice true religion. The inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh is the universal reason why, many sincere believers in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, continue the practice false religion in mindsets, attitudes, behaviors and works, which are displeasing to the indwelling Godhead. Unless they repent and lay down living their lives in the mind of the flesh, carnal, mortal and worldly minded believers do not and cannot live their lives, in God's law of liberty, within the context of God's agape love, grace and truth, as revealed in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-17).
Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ, in laying down living your life, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh? Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ, in taking up thinking, speaking, behaving and acting, in the practical application of true religion, in the mind of the spirit, within you witnessing paschal faith community? Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ as a Christ-centered, Holy Spirit empowered iconoclast and intrapreneur, living the Paschal Mystery, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Mark 8:31-34, John 10:14-21, Ephesians 2:12)?
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 18
Key verse: 'So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty' (James 2:12).
Introduction
In John 10:10, Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd declared, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that you may have life and have it more abundantly". These statements confirm that witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities of true faith, self-surrender, humility and obedience, follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit. In true faith, witnesses turn from the mind of the flesh, to be filled, guided and empowered by the Godhead, in the mind of the spirit. They speak and act as those who live and are judge by God's law of liberty, in the Godhead's agape love, grace and truth, as revealed in Jesus Christ (Mark 8:31-34, John 1:14-18, 10:14-21; Romans 8:12-17). Today's epistle assures us that when living the Paschal Mystery, true faith begins in the mind of the flesh. More importantly however, James reminds us that true faith and true religion are fulfilled here on earth, in the mind of the spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45, James 2:12).
Speaking and acting in God's law of liberty means that witnesses follow Jesus Christ by setting their minds on the thing of God, heavenly things, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. They let go their inappropriate obsessions and preoccupations with the things of men, the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of flesh (Matthew 16:33, Mark 8:33, Romans 8:1-11). They proclaim, affirm and manifest mankind's deliverance and freedom, from the bondage, slavery, condemnation, incivility, sinfulness and spiritual death of Satan, the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. In the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they embrace and fulfill God's promises of salvation and righteousness in Christ, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). These spiritually resurrected believers realize and make daily practical application of God's promises of pardon, peace, civility, agape love and eternal life in Christ, while living here on earth, in the mind of the spirit (Genesis 1:26-31, John 3:16-17, Romans 8:1-11).
Are you people of faith or judges of the poor? (Verses 1-4)
The Christ-centered witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities which James exhorts and encourages in today's Epistle, can be found in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout the earth. These spiritually resurrected believers can be readily identified, because like Jesus Christ, they seek, serve and surrender their lives to the universal, indwelling Christ, the Godhead's invisible presence, image and likeness, in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, themselves and all persons (Genesis 1:26-31). In the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, these witnesses love the LORD their God, with all their hearts, their souls, their minds and all their strength. In the mind of the spirit, they are discovering the awesome and daunting reality, that when dwelling in God's law of liberty, in the mind of the spirit, it is normal, natural, effortless, compassionate and civil human behavior to love their neighbors, as they love themselves (Matthew 12:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-38).
Because they live in the mind of the spirit, these witnesses discern that all human beings are designed by the Godhead, to be forever bound together as one visible spiritual family, in Christ. They know, embrace and honor God's planned, normal spiritual unity and planned normal mental, emotional and physical diversity, within all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout the earth. In the mind of the spirit, these spiritually resurrected witnesses learn to naturally discern differences and to show no partiality. They learn not to despise the poor, because they know they are called by the indwelling Godhead, to use their resources to protect, provide for, care for the poor. In the mind of the spirit, they learn not condemn others, because they know that there remains so much to be forgiven, in their own hearts, souls, minds, relationships and lives (James 2:1-4).
Who are the poor and the rich, in the kingdom of God?
In the mind of the spirit, witnesses discern how the Godhead so often chooses the people who are the poor in the context of material possessions, to be rich in true faith and kingdom living, here on earth. Many holy men and holy women have demonstrated, that when believers follow Jesus Christ, in living according to God's law of liberty, that is living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, they become rich in true faith and true works that please the Godhead, whether they are rich or poor in the material possessions of this world. In the mind of the spirit, these witnesses are able to possess, dwell in and demonstrate the invisible kingdom of heaven, which Jesus Christ declared and revealed, is forever within each person and in our midst (Luke 17:20-37).
These Christ-centered, spiritually resurrected believers are now becoming iconoclasts and intrapreneurs, within their own traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups. Like Jesus Christ and his brother James, they are also called by the indwelling Godhead, to remind all people that too often, those who are rich in material possession, find it most convenient and easy to live their lives, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. Those who choose to live in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, are often the ones who consciously or unconsciously, who practice incivility, speak evil of, and often oppress and drag down those witnesses, who choose to live in the mind of the spirit, within their traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups (Matthew 22:38, Mark 12:29-31, Luke 10:25-37, James 2:5-8).
The Essence of true faith
To James, the essence of true faith is following Jesus Christ in fulfilling the letter, as well as the spirit of the ten commandments, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 5:17). It is thinking, speaking and acting as believers, who are liberated and free from the laws of the sin, incivility, condemnation, and spiritual death of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. James declares that God will not show mercy and forgiveness to those who choose not to have mercy and forgive themselves and others (Matthew 6::5-14, James 2:11-13).
Daily practical application of true faith
James summaries his statements of exhortation and encouragement by asking these questions, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith, but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm and eat you fill", and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what good is that? James then declares that true faith is based on works, which have their origin, goals, and ultimate fulfillment in seeking, lifting up, honoring and serving Christ, God's invisible presence, image and likeness, within the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, ones own spiritual body and the spiritual body of all persons, in the mind of the spirit (John 3:14-17, James 1:14-17).
Conclusion
Today's Epistle of James reminds us, that believers who choose to live their lives in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, cannot practice true religion. The inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh is the universal reason why, many sincere believers in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, continue the practice false religion in mindsets, attitudes, behaviors and works, which are displeasing to the indwelling Godhead. Unless they repent and lay down living their lives in the mind of the flesh, carnal, mortal and worldly minded believers do not and cannot live their lives, in God's law of liberty, within the context of God's agape love, grace and truth, as revealed in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-17).
Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ, in laying down living your life, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh? Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ, in taking up thinking, speaking, behaving and acting, in the practical application of true religion, in the mind of the spirit, within you witnessing paschal faith community? Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ as a Christ-centered, Holy Spirit empowered iconoclast and intrapreneur, living the Paschal Mystery, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Mark 8:31-34, John 10:14-21, Ephesians 2:12)?
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 18
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Friday, August 31, 2012
Witnesses' Works Confirm True Faith When Living The Paschal Mystery
Reference Scripture: James 1:17-27, 'True faith manifests as good works'.
Key verse: "But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who for forget but doers who act - they will be blessed in their doing" (James 1:25).
Introduction
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus Christ declared that as Messiah, he came to discern, teach, fulfill and complete God's law and plan for the liberation of all mankind from sin. Jesus revealed the inner or spiritual meaning of God's law and prophets, within his Jewish tradition, religion, culture, ethnic and secular group. To Jesus fulfilling God's law meant more than just knowing and understanding the letter of God's law, which is often local and xenophobic. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus Christ stressed knowing, understanding and daily practical application of the spirit and intent of God's law, as universal and inclusive. His teaching may be applied and practiced in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in the right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (John 3:14-17, Acts 17:28).
Today's Epistle James 1:17-27, reminds us, that before Jesus' resurrection, James, Jesus' half brother, rejected Jesus as Messiah. He did not embrace Jesus' universal, Christ-centered and Holy Spirit-base understanding, teaching and daily practical of the spirit of God's law and the prophets, in their Jewish faith. Only after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension was James able to discern, embrace, and stress true hearing and proper daily practical application of the Gospel of Christ, in the mind of the spirit.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus taught and lived his faith in the appropriate Right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Before Jesus' resurrection James lived his faith in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. After Jesus' resurrection James lived, taught and applied his faith, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Romans 1:1-17).
Indwelling Godhead is the source of blessing for hearers of the word
Witnesses and witnesses paschal faith communities, who follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, seek to know, understand and fully experience the same relationship with the Godhead, which Jesus Christ knew. Like Jesus Christ they declare and practice total dependence of the Godhead (John 5:19, 30). In faith, self-surrender, humility and obedience, they seek the same proper mental alignment, incarnation and the full manifestation of the Godhead in their lives through Christ, which Jesus Christ revealed and experienced here on earth (Mark 8:34, John 10:24-30, Colossians 2:6-10).
Jesus Christ prayed that his witnesses and fishers of men, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, would be one with the Godhead. He pictured this oneness to be the same oneness that he had with the Godhead. He prayed that his witnesses would practice the same kingdom living here on earth, he taught and manifested, here on earth (Matthew 6:9-10, Luke 4:14-21, John 17:20-26, 1 John 1:17-18).
Created in God Image and begotten of the Holy Spirit
In the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, spiritually resurrected and spiritually awake witnesses are open and receptive to the letter as well as the spirit of God's law and all the prophets, as revealed in Jesus Christ. As intrapreneurs, they seek to obey Jesus Christ' teaching and make them fully applicable, within their unique, witnessing paschal faith communities. Because they seek and serve Christ in all persons and love their neighbor as themselves, they are quick to listen, and slow to speak words of condemnation, criticism, incivility, revenge and anger.
In the mind and power of the Holy Spirit, they are quick to cast down and cast out the selfishness, filthy habits, wickedness and sins of the inappropriate dominion of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, within their own attitudes, mindsets, relationships, behaviors and actions (Galatians 5:19-21). They submit to and make daily practical application of the letter and spirit of God's law, in their lives and relationships. They study, memorize and pray that their oracles and sacred scriptures will be planted in their hearts by the indwelling and incarnate Godhead. The seek to be empowered and begotten of the Holy Spirit, in their daily lives and relationships, in God's New Covenant in Christ (Joel 31:31-34, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 9:15, James 1:19-21).
Many are deceived in their understanding and application of God's Word
In the Gospel of Christ, believers who claim to be witnesses, and choose to live and practice their faith in the mind of the flesh, have been deceived in the past, are being deceived in the present and will continue to be deceived, in their understanding and daily practical application of the Holy Oracles and Scriptures in their religions (Romans 8:1-11). Because of the spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness, spiritual sleep, and spiritual death of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, their mind are closed, and their hearts are hardened, resistant, unresponsive and unrepentant to God's law and their prophets, even when their error, sin and unrighteousness are obvious and exposed (James 1:22-24).
What is true religion?
In conclusion, James gives instructions about true religion to Jesus Christ's fishers of men, witnesses and witnessing Paschal faith communities, throughout the world. He assures them that by following Jesus teachings and imitating the example of Jesus Christ, in living the Paschal mystery in the mind of the spirit, they will experience God's perfect law of liberation from bondage and slavery to the sin and works of the mind of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). In the mind of the spirit, they will pass over into the freedom, love, virtues, gifts and fruit of the glorified life with the Godhead in Christ, which Jesus Christ knew here on earth (Galatians 5:22-26). They will discern and manifest the will of God, as they take care of the orphans and widows. In the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, they will keep themselves uncorrupted, while in the world (James 1:25-27).
Conclusion
Do you know, understand and embrace Jesus Christ's summary of God's law and all the prophet, as fully applicable in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in the mind of the spirit? Do you love the indwelling Godhead with all you heart, soul, mind and strength, in the mind of the spirit? Do you love your neighbor as yourself, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 22:35-40)?
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 17
Key verse: "But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who for forget but doers who act - they will be blessed in their doing" (James 1:25).
Introduction
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus Christ declared that as Messiah, he came to discern, teach, fulfill and complete God's law and plan for the liberation of all mankind from sin. Jesus revealed the inner or spiritual meaning of God's law and prophets, within his Jewish tradition, religion, culture, ethnic and secular group. To Jesus fulfilling God's law meant more than just knowing and understanding the letter of God's law, which is often local and xenophobic. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus Christ stressed knowing, understanding and daily practical application of the spirit and intent of God's law, as universal and inclusive. His teaching may be applied and practiced in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in the right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (John 3:14-17, Acts 17:28).
Today's Epistle James 1:17-27, reminds us, that before Jesus' resurrection, James, Jesus' half brother, rejected Jesus as Messiah. He did not embrace Jesus' universal, Christ-centered and Holy Spirit-base understanding, teaching and daily practical of the spirit of God's law and the prophets, in their Jewish faith. Only after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension was James able to discern, embrace, and stress true hearing and proper daily practical application of the Gospel of Christ, in the mind of the spirit.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus taught and lived his faith in the appropriate Right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Before Jesus' resurrection James lived his faith in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. After Jesus' resurrection James lived, taught and applied his faith, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Romans 1:1-17).
Indwelling Godhead is the source of blessing for hearers of the word
Witnesses and witnesses paschal faith communities, who follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, seek to know, understand and fully experience the same relationship with the Godhead, which Jesus Christ knew. Like Jesus Christ they declare and practice total dependence of the Godhead (John 5:19, 30). In faith, self-surrender, humility and obedience, they seek the same proper mental alignment, incarnation and the full manifestation of the Godhead in their lives through Christ, which Jesus Christ revealed and experienced here on earth (Mark 8:34, John 10:24-30, Colossians 2:6-10).
Jesus Christ prayed that his witnesses and fishers of men, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, would be one with the Godhead. He pictured this oneness to be the same oneness that he had with the Godhead. He prayed that his witnesses would practice the same kingdom living here on earth, he taught and manifested, here on earth (Matthew 6:9-10, Luke 4:14-21, John 17:20-26, 1 John 1:17-18).
Created in God Image and begotten of the Holy Spirit
In the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, spiritually resurrected and spiritually awake witnesses are open and receptive to the letter as well as the spirit of God's law and all the prophets, as revealed in Jesus Christ. As intrapreneurs, they seek to obey Jesus Christ' teaching and make them fully applicable, within their unique, witnessing paschal faith communities. Because they seek and serve Christ in all persons and love their neighbor as themselves, they are quick to listen, and slow to speak words of condemnation, criticism, incivility, revenge and anger.
In the mind and power of the Holy Spirit, they are quick to cast down and cast out the selfishness, filthy habits, wickedness and sins of the inappropriate dominion of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, within their own attitudes, mindsets, relationships, behaviors and actions (Galatians 5:19-21). They submit to and make daily practical application of the letter and spirit of God's law, in their lives and relationships. They study, memorize and pray that their oracles and sacred scriptures will be planted in their hearts by the indwelling and incarnate Godhead. The seek to be empowered and begotten of the Holy Spirit, in their daily lives and relationships, in God's New Covenant in Christ (Joel 31:31-34, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 9:15, James 1:19-21).
Many are deceived in their understanding and application of God's Word
In the Gospel of Christ, believers who claim to be witnesses, and choose to live and practice their faith in the mind of the flesh, have been deceived in the past, are being deceived in the present and will continue to be deceived, in their understanding and daily practical application of the Holy Oracles and Scriptures in their religions (Romans 8:1-11). Because of the spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness, spiritual sleep, and spiritual death of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, their mind are closed, and their hearts are hardened, resistant, unresponsive and unrepentant to God's law and their prophets, even when their error, sin and unrighteousness are obvious and exposed (James 1:22-24).
What is true religion?
In conclusion, James gives instructions about true religion to Jesus Christ's fishers of men, witnesses and witnessing Paschal faith communities, throughout the world. He assures them that by following Jesus teachings and imitating the example of Jesus Christ, in living the Paschal mystery in the mind of the spirit, they will experience God's perfect law of liberation from bondage and slavery to the sin and works of the mind of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). In the mind of the spirit, they will pass over into the freedom, love, virtues, gifts and fruit of the glorified life with the Godhead in Christ, which Jesus Christ knew here on earth (Galatians 5:22-26). They will discern and manifest the will of God, as they take care of the orphans and widows. In the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, they will keep themselves uncorrupted, while in the world (James 1:25-27).
Conclusion
Do you know, understand and embrace Jesus Christ's summary of God's law and all the prophet, as fully applicable in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in the mind of the spirit? Do you love the indwelling Godhead with all you heart, soul, mind and strength, in the mind of the spirit? Do you love your neighbor as yourself, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 22:35-40)?
Related Articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 17
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Divinely Empowered And Equipped To Live The Paschal Mystery
Reference Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, 'The whole armor of God'.
Key Verse: 'For our struggle is not against enemies of flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places' (Ephesians 6:12).
Introduction
In today's Epistle, the Apostle Paul addresses Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based witnessing paschal faith communities. He reminds these witnesses that they have been given the same divine power, protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ had to proclaim, incarnate and manifest God's redemptive plan for kingdom living here on earth. God's redemptive plan includes mankind's freedom from and victory over the presence and forces of evil, resurrection from spiritual death and ascension in spiritual formation and maturity in Christ. In the power of the Holy spirit witnesses of the Gospel of Christ are called and empowered to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery and manifesting kingdom living here on earth as it is in heaven, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 6:9-13, Mark 8:31-34, Luke 4:16-21, 17:20-21; Acts 1:8, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 6:10).
Witnessing paschal faith communities are engaged in spiritual warfare
Paul therefore admonishes witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups to put on the power and strength of the spiritual armor, which the Godhead has made available to them. God's spiritual armor will enable them to overcome the deception, greed, tricks, sin, alienation, incivility, guilt, and spiritual death of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, on earth and in the heavenly places (Luke 17:20-37). He reminds witnesses that their battle is not against the flesh and blood of human beings. Their battle is against emotional, intellectual and spiritual wickedness, within and outside of every person. These forces and powers of the mind of the flesh are the invisible rulers, authorities, and dark cosmic powers of the sin and evil of Satan, the inappropriate dominion of the mind of flesh, in human attitudes, mindsets, actions, relationships and lives, throughout planet earth (Matthew 16:33, Mark 8:32-33, Romans 8:5-8, Ephesians 6:11-12).
God's armor for spiritual warfare
Because all people, believers and unbelievers alike, continue to encounter and are subject to the inappropriate dominion of the mind of the flesh within and without, the Apostle Paul enjoins all witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities to be steadfast and diligent in clothing themselves in God's spiritual armor. By embracing the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, he assured them that when the evil days come, they will be able to resist and ward off the selfishness, condemnation, exploitation, victimization and destruction of Satan, the inappropriate dominion of the mind of the flesh. In the mind of the spirit, they will be able to stand their ground in the truth of the Gospel of Christ. In the mind of the spirit, they will wear the breastplate of righteousness (Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 6:13-14).
Preparation for spiritual warfare
In Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based preparation for spiritual warfare, Paul encourage witnessing paschal faith communities to embrace the peacefulness, compassion, agape love, inclusiveness, civility, mercy and kindness of the mind of the spirit, as essential and normal attitudes and elements of human behavior and action. As they faithfully seek, discern and serve Christ, God's invisible Presence and Image in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, themselves, and all person, the Godhead will shield them from the power, control, hatred and destruction of both internal as well as external evil thought, attitudes, and actions they will encounter, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. Paul assured them that in the mind of the spirit, God will equip them with the helmet of salvation (Genesis 1:26-31, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 6:15-16).
Divine weapons for spiritual warfare
In addition to the divine initiative of Jesus Christ's redemptive work of salvation, Paul stresses the human initiative and urgent need for witnesses to study, share, memorize and store the words of Holy Scripture and especially the teaching of Jesus Christ, in their souls, hearts and minds (Matthew 5, 6, 7). These holy writings and oral tradition are the foundation of truth and sword of the spirit, for the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Like Jesus Christ in his wilderness encounter with the Devil, the word of God is the believers sure defensive and offensive weapon against the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life (Luke 4:1-13, Ephesians 6:17, 1 John 2:15-17).
Admonished to pray in the mind of the spirit
Paul then encouraged witness and witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups to center their prayer, worship, caring, teaching, serving, healing and sharing in true prayer, by always knowing that in the Godhead we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). In that awareness, true witnesses of the Gospel of Christ can always be fully dependent on God's guidance and help. He admonished them to not only be faithful in prayer, but to also live their lives, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Paul then encourage them to never be discouraged and give up, but be fervent in prayer for all of God's people, throughout the earth (Matthew 6:5-15, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 6:18-19).
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul concluded by reminding these believers that he was now imprisoned, because he proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. He assured them that they can now be fully empowered and equipped by the Godhead, to proclaim the same Gospel of Christ, as revealed in Jesus Christ, if they dwell in the mind of the spirit. Paul then asked them to pray that he would remain rooted, grounded and bold in declaring the truth and the mysteries of the Gospel of Christ, as God's Ambassador, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Ephesians 6:20, Romans 8:12-17).
Reference Articles
Season of Pentecost, Proper 16
Key Verse: 'For our struggle is not against enemies of flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places' (Ephesians 6:12).
Introduction
In today's Epistle, the Apostle Paul addresses Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based witnessing paschal faith communities. He reminds these witnesses that they have been given the same divine power, protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ had to proclaim, incarnate and manifest God's redemptive plan for kingdom living here on earth. God's redemptive plan includes mankind's freedom from and victory over the presence and forces of evil, resurrection from spiritual death and ascension in spiritual formation and maturity in Christ. In the power of the Holy spirit witnesses of the Gospel of Christ are called and empowered to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery and manifesting kingdom living here on earth as it is in heaven, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 6:9-13, Mark 8:31-34, Luke 4:16-21, 17:20-21; Acts 1:8, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 6:10).
Witnessing paschal faith communities are engaged in spiritual warfare
Paul therefore admonishes witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups to put on the power and strength of the spiritual armor, which the Godhead has made available to them. God's spiritual armor will enable them to overcome the deception, greed, tricks, sin, alienation, incivility, guilt, and spiritual death of the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, on earth and in the heavenly places (Luke 17:20-37). He reminds witnesses that their battle is not against the flesh and blood of human beings. Their battle is against emotional, intellectual and spiritual wickedness, within and outside of every person. These forces and powers of the mind of the flesh are the invisible rulers, authorities, and dark cosmic powers of the sin and evil of Satan, the inappropriate dominion of the mind of flesh, in human attitudes, mindsets, actions, relationships and lives, throughout planet earth (Matthew 16:33, Mark 8:32-33, Romans 8:5-8, Ephesians 6:11-12).
God's armor for spiritual warfare
Because all people, believers and unbelievers alike, continue to encounter and are subject to the inappropriate dominion of the mind of the flesh within and without, the Apostle Paul enjoins all witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities to be steadfast and diligent in clothing themselves in God's spiritual armor. By embracing the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, he assured them that when the evil days come, they will be able to resist and ward off the selfishness, condemnation, exploitation, victimization and destruction of Satan, the inappropriate dominion of the mind of the flesh. In the mind of the spirit, they will be able to stand their ground in the truth of the Gospel of Christ. In the mind of the spirit, they will wear the breastplate of righteousness (Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 6:13-14).
Preparation for spiritual warfare
In Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based preparation for spiritual warfare, Paul encourage witnessing paschal faith communities to embrace the peacefulness, compassion, agape love, inclusiveness, civility, mercy and kindness of the mind of the spirit, as essential and normal attitudes and elements of human behavior and action. As they faithfully seek, discern and serve Christ, God's invisible Presence and Image in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, themselves, and all person, the Godhead will shield them from the power, control, hatred and destruction of both internal as well as external evil thought, attitudes, and actions they will encounter, in the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. Paul assured them that in the mind of the spirit, God will equip them with the helmet of salvation (Genesis 1:26-31, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 6:15-16).
Divine weapons for spiritual warfare
In addition to the divine initiative of Jesus Christ's redemptive work of salvation, Paul stresses the human initiative and urgent need for witnesses to study, share, memorize and store the words of Holy Scripture and especially the teaching of Jesus Christ, in their souls, hearts and minds (Matthew 5, 6, 7). These holy writings and oral tradition are the foundation of truth and sword of the spirit, for the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Like Jesus Christ in his wilderness encounter with the Devil, the word of God is the believers sure defensive and offensive weapon against the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life (Luke 4:1-13, Ephesians 6:17, 1 John 2:15-17).
Admonished to pray in the mind of the spirit
Paul then encouraged witness and witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups to center their prayer, worship, caring, teaching, serving, healing and sharing in true prayer, by always knowing that in the Godhead we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). In that awareness, true witnesses of the Gospel of Christ can always be fully dependent on God's guidance and help. He admonished them to not only be faithful in prayer, but to also live their lives, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit. Paul then encourage them to never be discouraged and give up, but be fervent in prayer for all of God's people, throughout the earth (Matthew 6:5-15, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 6:18-19).
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul concluded by reminding these believers that he was now imprisoned, because he proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. He assured them that they can now be fully empowered and equipped by the Godhead, to proclaim the same Gospel of Christ, as revealed in Jesus Christ, if they dwell in the mind of the spirit. Paul then asked them to pray that he would remain rooted, grounded and bold in declaring the truth and the mysteries of the Gospel of Christ, as God's Ambassador, in the appropriate right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit (Ephesians 6:20, Romans 8:12-17).
Reference Articles
Season of Pentecost, Proper 16
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Friday, August 17, 2012
Wisdom Needed For Living The Paschal Mystery
Reference Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20, 'God's will for witnessing paschal faith communities'.
Key Verse: The Apostle Paul declared, "So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17).
Introduction
In today Epistle, the Apostle Paul discerned that the error, sins, unrighteousness, incivility, evil and spiritual death of the left-brain hemisphere dominant thinking, attitudes and actions of the mind of the flesh, prevailed throughout the region of Ephesus. He knew that many aspects of the same wickedness existed in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in those days. Paul therefore admonishes members of the witnessing paschal faith communities, which he organized, supported and guided, to be extra wise believers and fishers of men, by knowing and obeying the will of God, for their lives and ministries. He admonished them to embrace and clothe themselves in the Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based, right-brain hemisphere dominant, thinking, attitudes and behavior, which lead to the righteousness, peace, civility, justice, truth, grace, joy and everlasting life, which Jesus Christ revealed, taught and modeled, while here on earth (Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-34, Luke 9:22-27, Ephesians 5:15).
Redeeming the time
Because to Paul the days were evil, he admonished witnesses in his witnessing paschal faith communities, to make good use of every opportunity they had, to live their lives in the right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the mind of the spirit. He encouraged them to avoid the folly of living their lives in the sins, error and spiritual blindness of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. He encouraged witness to redeem the time by reading, studying and appropriating the teaching of Jesus Christ. He exhorted them to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit (Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 5:16-17).
Spiritual fullness
Paul admonished these witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities to avoid getting drunk with wine, because it would only lead to their ruin as fishers of men. He encouraged them to be filled, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, as they worship, serve, care for, teach, heal, nourish and dialogue with each other, through scripture, psalms, hymns and sacred song, to the glory of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul discerns and proclaims that casting down and casting out (shedding the blood of) the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh is the only acceptable and effective sacrifice and sacrament that all mankind can make to God for sin (Romans 8:1-11, Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 5:18-19).
Thanksgiving, worship and praise to God
By embracing and living their lives in the mind of the spirit, Paul assured these witnesses that they will be able to discern and fulfill the will of God for their lives and ministries. In the right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, they will be able to seek and find the truth of the Gospel of Christ. Through study, dialogue, enlightenment and resurrection from the spiritual deception, blindness, deafness, sleep and death of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, they will offer true worship and give thanks to the Godhead, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
Conclusion
Like the Apostle Paul, have you noticed how the wickedness and sins of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of flesh are gaining inappropriate dominion in the thinking, attitudes and actions of believers within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout our planet earth? Are you ready and willing to cast aside and avoid the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, which leads to sin, unrighteousness, evil, wickedness, incivility and spiritual death? Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit? Right-brain hemisphere dominion in the thinking, attitudes and actions of witness in Christ-centered, witnessing paschal faith communities will lead to righteousness, peace, civility, joy and eternal life within all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups throughout the earth.
Reference Articles
Season of Pentecost, Proper 15
Key Verse: The Apostle Paul declared, "So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17).
Introduction
In today Epistle, the Apostle Paul discerned that the error, sins, unrighteousness, incivility, evil and spiritual death of the left-brain hemisphere dominant thinking, attitudes and actions of the mind of the flesh, prevailed throughout the region of Ephesus. He knew that many aspects of the same wickedness existed in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in those days. Paul therefore admonishes members of the witnessing paschal faith communities, which he organized, supported and guided, to be extra wise believers and fishers of men, by knowing and obeying the will of God, for their lives and ministries. He admonished them to embrace and clothe themselves in the Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-based, right-brain hemisphere dominant, thinking, attitudes and behavior, which lead to the righteousness, peace, civility, justice, truth, grace, joy and everlasting life, which Jesus Christ revealed, taught and modeled, while here on earth (Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-34, Luke 9:22-27, Ephesians 5:15).
Redeeming the time
Because to Paul the days were evil, he admonished witnesses in his witnessing paschal faith communities, to make good use of every opportunity they had, to live their lives in the right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the mind of the spirit. He encouraged them to avoid the folly of living their lives in the sins, error and spiritual blindness of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh. He encouraged witness to redeem the time by reading, studying and appropriating the teaching of Jesus Christ. He exhorted them to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit (Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 5:16-17).
Spiritual fullness
Paul admonished these witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities to avoid getting drunk with wine, because it would only lead to their ruin as fishers of men. He encouraged them to be filled, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, as they worship, serve, care for, teach, heal, nourish and dialogue with each other, through scripture, psalms, hymns and sacred song, to the glory of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul discerns and proclaims that casting down and casting out (shedding the blood of) the inappropriate left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh is the only acceptable and effective sacrifice and sacrament that all mankind can make to God for sin (Romans 8:1-11, Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 5:18-19).
Thanksgiving, worship and praise to God
By embracing and living their lives in the mind of the spirit, Paul assured these witnesses that they will be able to discern and fulfill the will of God for their lives and ministries. In the right-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the spirit, they will be able to seek and find the truth of the Gospel of Christ. Through study, dialogue, enlightenment and resurrection from the spiritual deception, blindness, deafness, sleep and death of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, they will offer true worship and give thanks to the Godhead, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
Conclusion
Like the Apostle Paul, have you noticed how the wickedness and sins of the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of flesh are gaining inappropriate dominion in the thinking, attitudes and actions of believers within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, throughout our planet earth? Are you ready and willing to cast aside and avoid the left-brain hemisphere dominion of the mind of the flesh, which leads to sin, unrighteousness, evil, wickedness, incivility and spiritual death? Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit? Right-brain hemisphere dominion in the thinking, attitudes and actions of witness in Christ-centered, witnessing paschal faith communities will lead to righteousness, peace, civility, joy and eternal life within all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups throughout the earth.
Reference Articles
Season of Pentecost, Proper 15
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Friday, August 10, 2012
Attitudes And Behaviors Needed To Live The Paschal Mystery
Reference text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2, 'Rules for living the new life in Christ'
Key Verse: "...and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God' "(Ephesians 5:2).
Introduction
The essential message and mission of the Gospel of Christ is revealed in Jesus Christ living the Paschal Mystery as Messiah. The Paschal Mystery is laying down the old human life, which is inappropriately dominated by the mind of the flesh, and putting on the new human life in Christ, which is dominated by the mind of the spirit (Romans 8:1-17). In the context of theology, the mind of the flesh, which may be described scientifically as left brain hemisphere thinking and behavior, is called sinfulness. The mind of the spirit, which may be described scientifically as right brain hemisphere thinking and behavior, is called righteousness.
In today's Epistle the Apostle Paul describes how right brain hemisphere mindsets, attitudes, behaviors and relationships should have dominion in Christ-centered witnessing paschal faith communities. The mind of the spirit facilitates spiritual resurrection, spiritual awakening and spiritual formation in Christ. It enhances the human experiences of the new and eternal life in Christ, which Jesus Christ revealed here on earth. In right brain hemisphere thinking, attitudes and behavior, physical things are seen as manifestations of the hidden, interpenetrating spiritual universe, in which we all live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). Interrelatedness and interdependence of the divine and the human, and integrating the religious and secular dimensions of our lives are embraced as characteristic of right brain hemisphere thinking and behavior. Mercy, compassion, civility and agape love are seen as essential elements in expressing humanness.
Unity in Christ
To the Apostle Paul, right brain hemisphere dominion, faith, humility, obedience and agape love are needed to cast down and cast out the old and erroneous dogmas, xenophobias, divisions, incivility, falsehood, and lies of left brain hemisphere thinking, behavior and relationships. In the mind of the spirit, Christ-centered believers and witnesses are able to put away lying, anger, stealing and slander. In the mind of the spirit witnesses are empowered to practice, truthfulness, forgiveness, and work to earn an honest living. Right brain hemisphere dominion enables witnesses to give no place to the indignation, sin, wrath, and spiritual death of the Devil. In right brain hemisphere thinking and behaviors, the mind of the flesh is blocked from succeeding and prevailing within witnessing paschal faith communities (Ephesians 4:25-28).
Avoid stealing and evil speaking
Right brain hemisphere attitudes and behavior enable witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities to practice, benevolence, compassion, civility and loving kindness as they provide for the spiritual, psychological, emotional, financial, political, educational and economically poor. By living their lives in the mind of the spirit, witness are able to avoid the demons, evil and destructive communications, attitudes and behaviors of the mind of the flesh. In the power, discernment and seal of the Holy Spirit, witnesses edify and build up one another in Christ-centered regeneration, redemption, spiritual maturity and kingdom living, here on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:29-30).
Be kind hearted and avoid anger and bitterness
Right brain hemisphere thinking and behavior enable witnesses to get rid of bitterness, passion and anger. In the mind and power of the Holy Spirit witness are able to avoid the incivility of shouting insults, holding prejudices and hateful feeling of any sort. In the mind of the spirit witness are able to be tenderhearted, loving, caring and forgive one another, as the Godhead through Christ, has forgiven them (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Exhortation to holy living
In the mind of the spirit, Christ-centered spiritually resurrected believers in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups are exhorted to recognize that every human being is the Image of God, striving to become and manifest the Likeness of God in human flesh (Genesis 1:26-31). By following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, witnesses' lives are controlled by and unified in Christ-centered worship, service, caring, teaching, healing, spiritual formation and agape love, within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Conclusion
Are you an active and tithing (freely sharing your time, thoughts, talents, treasure and tithe) member of your witnessing paschal faith community? Are you steadfastly following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal mystery, the new life in Christ, the mind of the Spirit? Are you committed to laying down living your life in the inappropriate dominion of left brain hemisphere thinking and behavior? Are you steadfast and faithful in taking up living you life in the appropriate and acceptable dominion of the mind of the spirit, as a sweet smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God (Mark 8:31-34, John 10:14-21, Ephesians 5:1-2)?
Related articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 14
Key Verse: "...and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God' "(Ephesians 5:2).
Introduction
The essential message and mission of the Gospel of Christ is revealed in Jesus Christ living the Paschal Mystery as Messiah. The Paschal Mystery is laying down the old human life, which is inappropriately dominated by the mind of the flesh, and putting on the new human life in Christ, which is dominated by the mind of the spirit (Romans 8:1-17). In the context of theology, the mind of the flesh, which may be described scientifically as left brain hemisphere thinking and behavior, is called sinfulness. The mind of the spirit, which may be described scientifically as right brain hemisphere thinking and behavior, is called righteousness.
In today's Epistle the Apostle Paul describes how right brain hemisphere mindsets, attitudes, behaviors and relationships should have dominion in Christ-centered witnessing paschal faith communities. The mind of the spirit facilitates spiritual resurrection, spiritual awakening and spiritual formation in Christ. It enhances the human experiences of the new and eternal life in Christ, which Jesus Christ revealed here on earth. In right brain hemisphere thinking, attitudes and behavior, physical things are seen as manifestations of the hidden, interpenetrating spiritual universe, in which we all live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). Interrelatedness and interdependence of the divine and the human, and integrating the religious and secular dimensions of our lives are embraced as characteristic of right brain hemisphere thinking and behavior. Mercy, compassion, civility and agape love are seen as essential elements in expressing humanness.
Unity in Christ
To the Apostle Paul, right brain hemisphere dominion, faith, humility, obedience and agape love are needed to cast down and cast out the old and erroneous dogmas, xenophobias, divisions, incivility, falsehood, and lies of left brain hemisphere thinking, behavior and relationships. In the mind of the spirit, Christ-centered believers and witnesses are able to put away lying, anger, stealing and slander. In the mind of the spirit witnesses are empowered to practice, truthfulness, forgiveness, and work to earn an honest living. Right brain hemisphere dominion enables witnesses to give no place to the indignation, sin, wrath, and spiritual death of the Devil. In right brain hemisphere thinking and behaviors, the mind of the flesh is blocked from succeeding and prevailing within witnessing paschal faith communities (Ephesians 4:25-28).
Avoid stealing and evil speaking
Right brain hemisphere attitudes and behavior enable witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities to practice, benevolence, compassion, civility and loving kindness as they provide for the spiritual, psychological, emotional, financial, political, educational and economically poor. By living their lives in the mind of the spirit, witness are able to avoid the demons, evil and destructive communications, attitudes and behaviors of the mind of the flesh. In the power, discernment and seal of the Holy Spirit, witnesses edify and build up one another in Christ-centered regeneration, redemption, spiritual maturity and kingdom living, here on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:29-30).
Be kind hearted and avoid anger and bitterness
Right brain hemisphere thinking and behavior enable witnesses to get rid of bitterness, passion and anger. In the mind and power of the Holy Spirit witness are able to avoid the incivility of shouting insults, holding prejudices and hateful feeling of any sort. In the mind of the spirit witness are able to be tenderhearted, loving, caring and forgive one another, as the Godhead through Christ, has forgiven them (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Exhortation to holy living
In the mind of the spirit, Christ-centered spiritually resurrected believers in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups are exhorted to recognize that every human being is the Image of God, striving to become and manifest the Likeness of God in human flesh (Genesis 1:26-31). By following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, witnesses' lives are controlled by and unified in Christ-centered worship, service, caring, teaching, healing, spiritual formation and agape love, within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Conclusion
Are you an active and tithing (freely sharing your time, thoughts, talents, treasure and tithe) member of your witnessing paschal faith community? Are you steadfastly following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal mystery, the new life in Christ, the mind of the Spirit? Are you committed to laying down living your life in the inappropriate dominion of left brain hemisphere thinking and behavior? Are you steadfast and faithful in taking up living you life in the appropriate and acceptable dominion of the mind of the spirit, as a sweet smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God (Mark 8:31-34, John 10:14-21, Ephesians 5:1-2)?
Related articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 14
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Christ-centered Unity In Living The Paschal Mystery
Reference Text: Ephesians 4:1-16, 'Maintaining Christ-centered Unity'
Key Verse: 'But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift' (Ephesians 4:7).
Introduction
In today's Epistle, the Apostle Paul assure us that Jesus Christ as Messiah, has brought to the world, previously alienated from God and mankind disunited from one another in the mind of the flesh, God's way of reconciliation and unity with all mankind in Christ. Paul recognized that the witnessing paschal faith communities created by Jesus Christ, are the human instruments used by the Godhead to facilitate and maintain reconciliation between God and man, and man and man, here on earth, in the mind of the spirit. This unity is realized as Christ-centered witnesses in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups steadfastly follow Jesus Christ in laying down living their lives in the mind of the flesh, and take up living their lives in the mind of the spirit. (Romans 8:1-11).
Christ mankind's source of virtues and spiritual fruit
Jesus Christ was sent by the Godhead and empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal, teach, model and consummate mankind living the Paschal Mystery, in the mind of the spirit. In his passion, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus passed over from life on earth in the mind of the flesh, into the new and glorified life with the Godhead, in the mind of the spirit (Hebrews 4:14-16). Through the descent, incarnation and manifestation of Christ (Logos, ADONAI, JEHOVAH) as LORD of his and all human life here on earth, Jesus Christ has been designated by the Godhead as the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, except through him (John 1:14-18, 10:14-21, 14:1-6).
Within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, we find in witnesses varying degrees of faults, challenges, inadequacies, knowledge, commitment, spiritual formation and spiritual maturity. For Paul it is absolutely necessary that all witness practice living the virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience, as they bear with one another in agape love. These virtues and the spiritual fruit of meekness, peacefulness, long-suffering, faithfulness and self-control are found in Christ, God's invisible image and likeness in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ and in the spiritual body of every person (Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 5:22-27, Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 1:26-27).
Maintaining Unity in Christ
The Apostle Paul assures Christ-centered believers, within all witnessing paschal faith communities, who follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, that they will eventually discern, discover and experience the fact that we all live in a perfect spiritual universe. This universe was created, is sustained and forever controlled by the Godhead. Jesus called this hidden, invisible, eternal and changeless reality, the kingdom of God. He located this kingdom of heaven among us, in our midst and within each person (Luke 17:20-21). Within that spiritual universe, forever dwells the Imminent Trinity, Father-Being, Son-Begotten, and Holy Trinity-Begetting.
The visible witnessing paschal faith communities, which Jesus Christ initially revealed, created and established two thousand years ago, are centered in the Economic Trinity. The Bible declares that the Father sent the Begotten Son into the world (1 John 4:10). The invisible Begotten Son came down from heaven and became fully incarnate in Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Son of Man, in the power, presence and begetting of the Holy Spirit. The Begotten became incarnate in Jesus Christ, not to do the Begotten’s own will, but to do the will of the Father (Being), here on earth (John 6:38). In the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ willingly obeyed God's commands to lay down his life in the mind of the flesh, and take up living again here on earth, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 16:24-28, Mark 8:31-34, Luke 9:23-27; John 6:4-6, 10:14-21, 12:25).
Paul therefore declares that witnessing paschal faith communities, created by Jesus Christ are one body. The head of that visible universal body is Jesus Christ, as Messiah, Savior, Master and Lord. There is one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God, Who is Father of all, above all, through all and in all. In the midst of these hopes, eternal realities and divine promises, the paradox and mystery is that Christ-centered, spiritually resurrected witnesses, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, who choose to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, often find themselves living their lives in the mind of the flesh (Ephesians 4:4-6).
God's gifts of love, grace and truth in Christ
As in the life of Jesus Christ here on earth, the creative spiritual journeys of Christ-centered witnesses, living their lives in the mind of the spirit, are supported, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness of sins, resurrection from spiritual death, and deliverance from the bondage and slavery of the sins of the mind of the flesh are gifts of God's agape, love, grace and truth. They are eternally available to all in Christ. Christ-centered believer's passing over into the glorious freedom, love and eternal life of the Godhead in Christ, are realized and actualized through repentance, self denial, steadfast faith, humility, obedience and following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit (Mark 8:31-9:1, Ephesians 4:7-10).
Diversity of spiritual gifts and ministries
Paul then declares that the Godhead, through Christ has given witnesses, within witnessing paschal faith communities, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups diverse spiritual gifts and ministries. Some are apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and some teachers. The divine purpose of these spiritual gifts and ministries are to edify and build up these paschal faith communities. These spiritual gifts are used to lovingly and patiently care for, govern, educate and guide witnesses into truth, spiritual formation and spiritual maturity, as intrapreneurs, within their own unique traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in the mind of the spirit (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Spiritual formation, growth and maturity in Christ
By following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, Christ centered believers in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups will come together in oneness of faith, and in the true knowledge of Christ, the invisible Son, Image and Likeness of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, the Son of Man and Messiah. In the mind of the spirit, witnesses will become mature believers, reaching the very height of the Christ's incarnation and fullness, as revealed in Jesus Christ, here on earth. Christ centered, spiritually resurrected witnesses will no longer be tossed to and fro by deceitful and erroneous religious dogma and teaching, which are based in the mind of the flesh. In Christ, these witnessing paschal faith communities will be bound together, just like different parts of the human body. In the presence, power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they will fit together as the whole body of Christ throughout the earth. They will grow and mature together, in the Godhead's agape love, truth and grace and practice kingdom living here on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:13-16).
Conclusion:
What is your level of commitment to living your life in the mind of the spirit, since you have joined your witnessing paschal faith community? Have you sought to discover and be guided in the proper and effective use of your spiritual gifts? Are you in repentance, faith, humility and obedience steadfastly following Jesus Christ, in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind, of the spirit?
Related articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 13
Key Verse: 'But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift' (Ephesians 4:7).
Introduction
In today's Epistle, the Apostle Paul assure us that Jesus Christ as Messiah, has brought to the world, previously alienated from God and mankind disunited from one another in the mind of the flesh, God's way of reconciliation and unity with all mankind in Christ. Paul recognized that the witnessing paschal faith communities created by Jesus Christ, are the human instruments used by the Godhead to facilitate and maintain reconciliation between God and man, and man and man, here on earth, in the mind of the spirit. This unity is realized as Christ-centered witnesses in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups steadfastly follow Jesus Christ in laying down living their lives in the mind of the flesh, and take up living their lives in the mind of the spirit. (Romans 8:1-11).
Christ mankind's source of virtues and spiritual fruit
Jesus Christ was sent by the Godhead and empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal, teach, model and consummate mankind living the Paschal Mystery, in the mind of the spirit. In his passion, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus passed over from life on earth in the mind of the flesh, into the new and glorified life with the Godhead, in the mind of the spirit (Hebrews 4:14-16). Through the descent, incarnation and manifestation of Christ (Logos, ADONAI, JEHOVAH) as LORD of his and all human life here on earth, Jesus Christ has been designated by the Godhead as the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, except through him (John 1:14-18, 10:14-21, 14:1-6).
Within witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, we find in witnesses varying degrees of faults, challenges, inadequacies, knowledge, commitment, spiritual formation and spiritual maturity. For Paul it is absolutely necessary that all witness practice living the virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience, as they bear with one another in agape love. These virtues and the spiritual fruit of meekness, peacefulness, long-suffering, faithfulness and self-control are found in Christ, God's invisible image and likeness in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ and in the spiritual body of every person (Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 5:22-27, Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 1:26-27).
Maintaining Unity in Christ
The Apostle Paul assures Christ-centered believers, within all witnessing paschal faith communities, who follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, that they will eventually discern, discover and experience the fact that we all live in a perfect spiritual universe. This universe was created, is sustained and forever controlled by the Godhead. Jesus called this hidden, invisible, eternal and changeless reality, the kingdom of God. He located this kingdom of heaven among us, in our midst and within each person (Luke 17:20-21). Within that spiritual universe, forever dwells the Imminent Trinity, Father-Being, Son-Begotten, and Holy Trinity-Begetting.
The visible witnessing paschal faith communities, which Jesus Christ initially revealed, created and established two thousand years ago, are centered in the Economic Trinity. The Bible declares that the Father sent the Begotten Son into the world (1 John 4:10). The invisible Begotten Son came down from heaven and became fully incarnate in Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Son of Man, in the power, presence and begetting of the Holy Spirit. The Begotten became incarnate in Jesus Christ, not to do the Begotten’s own will, but to do the will of the Father (Being), here on earth (John 6:38). In the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ willingly obeyed God's commands to lay down his life in the mind of the flesh, and take up living again here on earth, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 16:24-28, Mark 8:31-34, Luke 9:23-27; John 6:4-6, 10:14-21, 12:25).
Paul therefore declares that witnessing paschal faith communities, created by Jesus Christ are one body. The head of that visible universal body is Jesus Christ, as Messiah, Savior, Master and Lord. There is one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God, Who is Father of all, above all, through all and in all. In the midst of these hopes, eternal realities and divine promises, the paradox and mystery is that Christ-centered, spiritually resurrected witnesses, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, who choose to follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, often find themselves living their lives in the mind of the flesh (Ephesians 4:4-6).
God's gifts of love, grace and truth in Christ
As in the life of Jesus Christ here on earth, the creative spiritual journeys of Christ-centered witnesses, living their lives in the mind of the spirit, are supported, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness of sins, resurrection from spiritual death, and deliverance from the bondage and slavery of the sins of the mind of the flesh are gifts of God's agape, love, grace and truth. They are eternally available to all in Christ. Christ-centered believer's passing over into the glorious freedom, love and eternal life of the Godhead in Christ, are realized and actualized through repentance, self denial, steadfast faith, humility, obedience and following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit (Mark 8:31-9:1, Ephesians 4:7-10).
Diversity of spiritual gifts and ministries
Paul then declares that the Godhead, through Christ has given witnesses, within witnessing paschal faith communities, in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups diverse spiritual gifts and ministries. Some are apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and some teachers. The divine purpose of these spiritual gifts and ministries are to edify and build up these paschal faith communities. These spiritual gifts are used to lovingly and patiently care for, govern, educate and guide witnesses into truth, spiritual formation and spiritual maturity, as intrapreneurs, within their own unique traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, in the mind of the spirit (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Spiritual formation, growth and maturity in Christ
By following Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit, Christ centered believers in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups will come together in oneness of faith, and in the true knowledge of Christ, the invisible Son, Image and Likeness of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, the Son of Man and Messiah. In the mind of the spirit, witnesses will become mature believers, reaching the very height of the Christ's incarnation and fullness, as revealed in Jesus Christ, here on earth. Christ centered, spiritually resurrected witnesses will no longer be tossed to and fro by deceitful and erroneous religious dogma and teaching, which are based in the mind of the flesh. In Christ, these witnessing paschal faith communities will be bound together, just like different parts of the human body. In the presence, power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, they will fit together as the whole body of Christ throughout the earth. They will grow and mature together, in the Godhead's agape love, truth and grace and practice kingdom living here on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:13-16).
Conclusion:
What is your level of commitment to living your life in the mind of the spirit, since you have joined your witnessing paschal faith community? Have you sought to discover and be guided in the proper and effective use of your spiritual gifts? Are you in repentance, faith, humility and obedience steadfastly following Jesus Christ, in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind, of the spirit?
Related articles:
Season of Pentecost, Proper 13
http://prayerbookguide.wordpress.com/
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Rooted, Grounded And Established To Live The Paschal Mystery
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:14 -21, 'Rooted, grounded and established in Christ'
Key Verse: Paul prayed, "...and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).
Introduction
In Ephesians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul declared that his ministry of reconciliation was established in the fact that Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of Man, was sent by the Godhead, to save all mankind from the bondage, slavey, sin, alienation and spiritual death of the mind of the flesh (Matthew 1:21, Luke 17:10). God's universal plan of salvation is found and fulfilled only in Christ, God's invisible, changeless, Image and Only Begotten Son, in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, God's Beloved Son, and in the spiritual body of every person (Genesis 1:26-31, Ephesians 3:1-4).
God revealed to Paul that God's universal salvation has been hidden from mankind, down through the ages and generation by the mind of the flesh (Colossians 1:24-29). In Jesus Christ God's plan of salvation is discerned and has been revealed to mankind in the mind of the spirit (John 1:1-18). In the power of the Holy Spirit and through repentance, faith, humility, obedience and discipleship, Jesus Christ at God's command, is now creating witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, to proclaim and live this Paschal Mystery, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 4:18-22, John 3:16-17, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 3:5-10).
The mission of these witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities is discerned and fulfilled by follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, not in the mind of the flesh, but in the mind of the spirit. As fishers of men, they are called the proclaim, further establish and manifest the completion Jesus Christ's mission, to seek and save those who are lost in the dominion and sin of the mind of the flesh (Luke 19:10, Acts 1:8). Their task involves following Jesus Christ in denying self, taking up their cross daily and practicing kingdom living here on earth, as it is in heaven, in the mind and power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 8:31-34, John 10:14-21, Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 3:11-13).
The Apostle Paul's Affirmation
In his divine call and commission, the Apostle Paul declared to both Jews and Gentiles, God's changeless and eternal agape love, grace, truth and desire to live in union equally, with all mankind in Christ. This previously hidden, eternal, divine mystery of unity of all mankind with the Godhead and one another in Christ, in the mind of the spirit, is forever centered and established in Christ, the invisible, Begotten Only Son, God's eternal image (LOGOS) in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ and the spiritual body of all persons (Genesis 1:26-27, John 1:1-13). The Bible declares that the letter of the law was given by Moses, but God's eternal love, grace and truth, which is found in the spirit of the law, is now revealed and fully manifested in Jesus Christ, God's Beloved Son of Man as Messiah (John 1:14-18, Ephesians 3:14-15; Colossians 1:24-29, 2:6-9).
Paul's Prayer to the Father
The Apostle Paul prayed that all apostles, disciples and witnesses of the Good News of the Gospel of Christ, would follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, not in the mind of the flesh, but in the mind of the spirit. In living the Paschal Mystery, the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the divine nature of every human being remain unchanged (Genesis 1:26-27, Colossians 1:26-27). Paul recognized that in the Gospel of Christ, the critical human initiatives in salvation are repentance and faith. Repentance to Paul is metanoia. Witnesses must lay down living in the mind of the flesh and taking up living in the mind of the spirit, while here on earth. Faith means following Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, in the mind of the spirit and abiding in Christ as the Son of God, in the mind of the spirit (John 10:14-18, Romans 8:1-17).
Witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities are called in the Gospel of Christ, to put their faith in, abide in and dwell by faith in Christ (LOGOS, ADONAI, JEHOVAH). They are called to seek, discern, serve and worship Christ, the invisible Begotten Son, God's Image, within the spiritual bodies of Jesus Christ, themselves and all persons, in the mind of the spirit. If witnesses desire to become like Jesus Christ, the incarnation and manifestation of the likeness of the Godhead in human flesh, and practice kingdom living here on earth, they must lay down living their lives in the mind of the flesh and take up living their lives in the mind of the spirit (Mark 1:14-15, Luke 17:20-21; John 3:16-17, John 17:20-26, Ephesians 3:14-15).
Riches of God's grace and Truth in Christ, through the Holy Spirit
Paul had deep and passionate concerns, for not only the witnessing paschal faith communities which he established, but for the perpetual body of witnesses here on earth, throughout all ages and generations. He therefore asked God, from the wealth of His glory, to give all witnesses His power, to be strong in their inner man. He prayed that Christ would become incarnate and take up His home in witnesses' hearts through faith. Paul prayer that witnesses in paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups would be rooted, grounded and established in compassion, righteousness and civility, as they manifest God's agape love, grace and truth for all mankind (Ephesians 3:16-17).
Deeper Spiritual Life in Christ here on earth
Paul prayed that Christ-centered witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities would together know and share the deeper spiritual life, by abiding and dwelling in Christ, in the mind of the spirit. That in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, they would know and manifest the spiritual gifts and the fruit of the spirit, in their lives and ministries. He prayed that witnesses who followed Jesus Christ in living the Paschal mystery in the mind of the spirit, would have the power to understand and declare how broad and long, how high and deep, is the Godhead's love for all mankind in Christ (Ephesians 3:18).
Manifesting the spiritual fullness of Christ here on earth
Paul followed Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit. He prayed that witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups would like Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, be filled with the very nature of the Godhead. He prayed that believers would manifest the same divine abilities which Jesus Christ demonstrated in his life and ministry (Luke 4:16-22, Ephesians 3:19-21).
Conclusion
Are you following Jesus Christ in laying down living your life in the mind of the flesh, and taking up living your life in the mind of the spirit? Within your witnessing paschal faith community are you seeking, worshipping and serving Christ in all persons and loving your neighbor as yourself? Are you seeking to be rooted, grounded and established in the incarnation and the fullness of the Godhead in your heart, mind, relationships and body, as revealed in Jesus Christ (John 10:14-18, Romans 8:12-17)?
Key Verse: Paul prayed, "...and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).
Introduction
In Ephesians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul declared that his ministry of reconciliation was established in the fact that Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of Man, was sent by the Godhead, to save all mankind from the bondage, slavey, sin, alienation and spiritual death of the mind of the flesh (Matthew 1:21, Luke 17:10). God's universal plan of salvation is found and fulfilled only in Christ, God's invisible, changeless, Image and Only Begotten Son, in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, God's Beloved Son, and in the spiritual body of every person (Genesis 1:26-31, Ephesians 3:1-4).
God revealed to Paul that God's universal salvation has been hidden from mankind, down through the ages and generation by the mind of the flesh (Colossians 1:24-29). In Jesus Christ God's plan of salvation is discerned and has been revealed to mankind in the mind of the spirit (John 1:1-18). In the power of the Holy Spirit and through repentance, faith, humility, obedience and discipleship, Jesus Christ at God's command, is now creating witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups, to proclaim and live this Paschal Mystery, in the mind of the spirit (Matthew 4:18-22, John 3:16-17, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 3:5-10).
The mission of these witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities is discerned and fulfilled by follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, not in the mind of the flesh, but in the mind of the spirit. As fishers of men, they are called the proclaim, further establish and manifest the completion Jesus Christ's mission, to seek and save those who are lost in the dominion and sin of the mind of the flesh (Luke 19:10, Acts 1:8). Their task involves following Jesus Christ in denying self, taking up their cross daily and practicing kingdom living here on earth, as it is in heaven, in the mind and power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 8:31-34, John 10:14-21, Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 3:11-13).
The Apostle Paul's Affirmation
In his divine call and commission, the Apostle Paul declared to both Jews and Gentiles, God's changeless and eternal agape love, grace, truth and desire to live in union equally, with all mankind in Christ. This previously hidden, eternal, divine mystery of unity of all mankind with the Godhead and one another in Christ, in the mind of the spirit, is forever centered and established in Christ, the invisible, Begotten Only Son, God's eternal image (LOGOS) in the spiritual body of Jesus Christ and the spiritual body of all persons (Genesis 1:26-27, John 1:1-13). The Bible declares that the letter of the law was given by Moses, but God's eternal love, grace and truth, which is found in the spirit of the law, is now revealed and fully manifested in Jesus Christ, God's Beloved Son of Man as Messiah (John 1:14-18, Ephesians 3:14-15; Colossians 1:24-29, 2:6-9).
Paul's Prayer to the Father
The Apostle Paul prayed that all apostles, disciples and witnesses of the Good News of the Gospel of Christ, would follow Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery, not in the mind of the flesh, but in the mind of the spirit. In living the Paschal Mystery, the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the divine nature of every human being remain unchanged (Genesis 1:26-27, Colossians 1:26-27). Paul recognized that in the Gospel of Christ, the critical human initiatives in salvation are repentance and faith. Repentance to Paul is metanoia. Witnesses must lay down living in the mind of the flesh and taking up living in the mind of the spirit, while here on earth. Faith means following Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, in the mind of the spirit and abiding in Christ as the Son of God, in the mind of the spirit (John 10:14-18, Romans 8:1-17).
Witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities are called in the Gospel of Christ, to put their faith in, abide in and dwell by faith in Christ (LOGOS, ADONAI, JEHOVAH). They are called to seek, discern, serve and worship Christ, the invisible Begotten Son, God's Image, within the spiritual bodies of Jesus Christ, themselves and all persons, in the mind of the spirit. If witnesses desire to become like Jesus Christ, the incarnation and manifestation of the likeness of the Godhead in human flesh, and practice kingdom living here on earth, they must lay down living their lives in the mind of the flesh and take up living their lives in the mind of the spirit (Mark 1:14-15, Luke 17:20-21; John 3:16-17, John 17:20-26, Ephesians 3:14-15).
Riches of God's grace and Truth in Christ, through the Holy Spirit
Paul had deep and passionate concerns, for not only the witnessing paschal faith communities which he established, but for the perpetual body of witnesses here on earth, throughout all ages and generations. He therefore asked God, from the wealth of His glory, to give all witnesses His power, to be strong in their inner man. He prayed that Christ would become incarnate and take up His home in witnesses' hearts through faith. Paul prayer that witnesses in paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups would be rooted, grounded and established in compassion, righteousness and civility, as they manifest God's agape love, grace and truth for all mankind (Ephesians 3:16-17).
Deeper Spiritual Life in Christ here on earth
Paul prayed that Christ-centered witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities would together know and share the deeper spiritual life, by abiding and dwelling in Christ, in the mind of the spirit. That in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, they would know and manifest the spiritual gifts and the fruit of the spirit, in their lives and ministries. He prayed that witnesses who followed Jesus Christ in living the Paschal mystery in the mind of the spirit, would have the power to understand and declare how broad and long, how high and deep, is the Godhead's love for all mankind in Christ (Ephesians 3:18).
Manifesting the spiritual fullness of Christ here on earth
Paul followed Jesus Christ in living the Paschal Mystery in the mind of the spirit. He prayed that witnesses and witnessing paschal faith communities in all traditions, religions, cultures, ethnic and secular groups would like Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, be filled with the very nature of the Godhead. He prayed that believers would manifest the same divine abilities which Jesus Christ demonstrated in his life and ministry (Luke 4:16-22, Ephesians 3:19-21).
Conclusion
Are you following Jesus Christ in laying down living your life in the mind of the flesh, and taking up living your life in the mind of the spirit? Within your witnessing paschal faith community are you seeking, worshipping and serving Christ in all persons and loving your neighbor as yourself? Are you seeking to be rooted, grounded and established in the incarnation and the fullness of the Godhead in your heart, mind, relationships and body, as revealed in Jesus Christ (John 10:14-18, Romans 8:12-17)?
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