The bible says “the Kingdom is not meat and drink (material) but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” These are all inner qualities of someone in touch with God. Heaven is a spiritual dimension that we all have access to. Jesus said it is WITHIN you which is where we must look to discover those attributes. Jesus prayed that “the kingdom would come in earth as it is in heaven.” God is doing an INSIDE JOB which is the only real way to bring about transformation. First the inner and then the outer.
What is Hell?
The Hebrew word for hell in the OT is 'Sheol' which means a grave.
In the NT the Greek word for hell is 'Hades' which means an unseen place.
Another Greek word for hell fire is 'Ghenna' which was a literal garbage dump that surrounded the city in those days where a continual fire was burning to rid them of garbage and waste. Also the maggots continually fed on the trash (”the worm dieth not”).
As you can see none of these places are afterlife realities where folk are burned forever.
How can you burn a spirit anyway?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What is meant by the word Salvation?
If you believe that Jesus is the Savior then Jesus is the savior of all and the condemner of none. The disciples were commissioned to share this Good News of the HAPPY God and teach the forgiveness of sins rather than the blaming & accusing of so called "sinners" and holding them to their errors. The word sin is an old english word and simply means to “miss the mark” and we have all missed it. Sin is a mistake and thankfully Jesus taught us, it is finished, done, over with, now stop talking about your ability to make mistakes and receive “God's grace that is sufficient for you.”
The word salvation means wholeness and wellness and is an ongoing process of a deepening, meaningful relationship with the divine. We do not teach sin consciousness. We speak often about God consciousness (awareness). If you tell a child he/she is stupid then that is the behavior they will demonstrate. If you tell them of their positive attributes then THAT is what they will tend to demonstrate. I believe the same principle applies to adults on the spiritual path too.
The word salvation means wholeness and wellness and is an ongoing process of a deepening, meaningful relationship with the divine. We do not teach sin consciousness. We speak often about God consciousness (awareness). If you tell a child he/she is stupid then that is the behavior they will demonstrate. If you tell them of their positive attributes then THAT is what they will tend to demonstrate. I believe the same principle applies to adults on the spiritual path too.
The Power of Truth
Jesus said, “We would know the truth and the truth would make us free.” From this statement we understand that whatever else truth is it is really about FREEDOM. Jesus made the statement “I am the truth” so therefore truth is not the telling of words but the demonstration of truth through ones actions and lifestyle.
In other words he was saying we must BE the truth rather than argue intellectually about who is doctrinally right and who is wrong ABOUT the truth. True belief is more about an ongoing encounter with the Divine and then naturally living out from that experience. It is as natural as a child expressing joy and loving kindness through a close relationship with his or her parents.
So we conclude that truth is BEING rather than simply speaking about truth and if you are intimately acquainted with the truth then you are being made free. This is different than religious dogma that is mere mental concepts that have no freeing power to them. Truth is demonstration and action. Freedom is the result of truth that is experiential rather than mental assent. Truth is powerful.
In other words he was saying we must BE the truth rather than argue intellectually about who is doctrinally right and who is wrong ABOUT the truth. True belief is more about an ongoing encounter with the Divine and then naturally living out from that experience. It is as natural as a child expressing joy and loving kindness through a close relationship with his or her parents.
So we conclude that truth is BEING rather than simply speaking about truth and if you are intimately acquainted with the truth then you are being made free. This is different than religious dogma that is mere mental concepts that have no freeing power to them. Truth is demonstration and action. Freedom is the result of truth that is experiential rather than mental assent. Truth is powerful.
Doctrinal Statement Not Required
First - We believe that God is love and is actively loving, accepting and forgiving of all. Jesus said, “They will know you are my disciples(disciplined ones) because of the demonstration of your love” Jesus never once mentioned anything about having the proper doctrinal statement. He said, “Love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself and on this hang all the law”(all rules).
Any doctrine(core teaching basis) other than love creates separation and is in opposition to the prayer Jesus told his disciples to pray. “I pray that you would all be one even as the Father and I are one.” Love is not really about having the proper mental precepts - it is simply a manifestation of an intimate relationship with God that is birthed through the closeness & nearness of the presence of God within.
I suppose if I must confess to a doctrinal statement it would have to be the BE-attitudes which are purported to be from the mouth of Jesus and are not someone else's interpretation of what they THINK he taught. We are all made in the image of this One Spirit (love) and are all children of the same One Spirit (love). When we live from Love we are expressing God. There is One God with many differing expressions and approaches. God is spirit and is everywhere present and IN ALL which makes sense - since we are all children of God.
My definition of all is that all means all.
Any doctrine(core teaching basis) other than love creates separation and is in opposition to the prayer Jesus told his disciples to pray. “I pray that you would all be one even as the Father and I are one.” Love is not really about having the proper mental precepts - it is simply a manifestation of an intimate relationship with God that is birthed through the closeness & nearness of the presence of God within.
I suppose if I must confess to a doctrinal statement it would have to be the BE-attitudes which are purported to be from the mouth of Jesus and are not someone else's interpretation of what they THINK he taught. We are all made in the image of this One Spirit (love) and are all children of the same One Spirit (love). When we live from Love we are expressing God. There is One God with many differing expressions and approaches. God is spirit and is everywhere present and IN ALL which makes sense - since we are all children of God.
My definition of all is that all means all.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Setting The World Free!
Many people today do not understand their feelings and emotions and therefore misinterpret what life is saying to them. Bryon Katie who wrote the book, "Loving What Is" says, reality is much kinder than our beliefs about it." Reality is what it is in each moment and we must learn to see it with fresh eyes. Sometimes when we view life from a past hurt we are looking from a perspective that may be angry or bitter which is a harsh look at reality. This creates a sense of separateness from the world and the people around us. Many interpret this as lonliness and a feeling of being cut off from others.
When you feel lonely or isolated it is very easy to blame others when they leave you. We tend to think that every time someone leaves us it is because we are unworthy in some way. The truth is that there are always people coming and going in your life and it is a natural happening. We live in a temporary world and nothing ever stays the same for very long.
What we really need is an inner healing of our attachment to negative emotions. We need to wean ourselves from that false sense of ourselves that we create as a reaction to the world. The world is as it is. If I want to participate with the world in a healthy way I have to set it free. Until I do that I will always be a slave to my negative feelings.
You may have many disagreements with what is going on in the world and may want to affect it in a positive way. If you do you must set the world free! Once you give the responsibility back to everyone else for their part in the co-creation of the way the world operates - you will be free too! I have no power over how other people think, speak or act. I have no power over what people think of me either. So I let the world think what it wants and I will do the same!
I no longer have any control of your good or bad opinion of me. The only opinion that really matters to me is - my opinon of me. So, what do I choose to think and believe about myself?
"Today, I set the world free to be whatever it is and I also set myself free to be the person I have chosen to be - for now."
Enjoy the freedom,
James
When you feel lonely or isolated it is very easy to blame others when they leave you. We tend to think that every time someone leaves us it is because we are unworthy in some way. The truth is that there are always people coming and going in your life and it is a natural happening. We live in a temporary world and nothing ever stays the same for very long.
What we really need is an inner healing of our attachment to negative emotions. We need to wean ourselves from that false sense of ourselves that we create as a reaction to the world. The world is as it is. If I want to participate with the world in a healthy way I have to set it free. Until I do that I will always be a slave to my negative feelings.
You may have many disagreements with what is going on in the world and may want to affect it in a positive way. If you do you must set the world free! Once you give the responsibility back to everyone else for their part in the co-creation of the way the world operates - you will be free too! I have no power over how other people think, speak or act. I have no power over what people think of me either. So I let the world think what it wants and I will do the same!
I no longer have any control of your good or bad opinion of me. The only opinion that really matters to me is - my opinon of me. So, what do I choose to think and believe about myself?
"Today, I set the world free to be whatever it is and I also set myself free to be the person I have chosen to be - for now."
Enjoy the freedom,
James
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Cosmic Joke!
Are you getting the cosmic joke yet? That life is more like a comedy and is really quite funny. Nothing lasts for very long and everything is temporary. What is up one day is down the next. What is all the rage today will be sold in the garage sale of tomorrow.
The supermodel that graces the front pages of Vanity Fair will eventually get hungry and begin eating again. After that she will get a face lift to try and recapture her beauty and then we will see her on a rerun of "where are they now".
Nothing is really all that serious when you understand the truth about existence. Some people spend their whole life scraping and clawing their way to the top of the heap, and then they die. This is the joke that the ego plays upon itself over and over never seeming to get it.
When you know the truth you can settle in and just enjoy each moment for whatever it brings. Life is not a competition but simply a walk in the garden of earth to taste of its fruit and experience the variety of experiences that are here.
This is the ride of your life and there is so much to experience. Take time to laugh and have some fun along the way. Happy people make the planet more enjoyable and peaceful too!
Now that you get the cosmic joke, share a smile with somebody. . :> )
In joy,
James
The supermodel that graces the front pages of Vanity Fair will eventually get hungry and begin eating again. After that she will get a face lift to try and recapture her beauty and then we will see her on a rerun of "where are they now".
Nothing is really all that serious when you understand the truth about existence. Some people spend their whole life scraping and clawing their way to the top of the heap, and then they die. This is the joke that the ego plays upon itself over and over never seeming to get it.
When you know the truth you can settle in and just enjoy each moment for whatever it brings. Life is not a competition but simply a walk in the garden of earth to taste of its fruit and experience the variety of experiences that are here.
This is the ride of your life and there is so much to experience. Take time to laugh and have some fun along the way. Happy people make the planet more enjoyable and peaceful too!
Now that you get the cosmic joke, share a smile with somebody. . :> )
In joy,
James
Monday, August 10, 2009
Peace On Earth?
At the end of almost every Unity service the song, "Let There be Peace on Earth" is sung. Some people see it as a nice idea but unrealistic in practice. Others have tried to make it happen but gave up after much work and a lot of futile effort. A few active folks are still out there talking about peace, peace peace but are only seeing disharmony and a lack of peace in the world. The second part of the song says, "Let it begin with me" and that is the real answer. Peace in the world has to start within me. If I am not a peace filled person then whatever I do comes from a non-peaceful place.
So my first job is to make peace with myself and all I am or think that I am. Peace is a resonance that already exists as a calm spot in the center of our being. Peace is not really created as much as it is allowed. If I am continually arguing with people about becoming peaceful than I am not really at peace. For instance, I know people who are anti-war and have chosen to be that way pretty much for the right reasons. They can give you all the statistics about why there should not be war in the world and would be right. I also believe it would be great if we as a society could move beyond having to war and fight in the world. But, trying to combat war does not help the world very much and can actually polarize people.
Once you say I am against something there will be someone who will stand up and say that they are for it. In that moment you have just created an opponent and you may have opened the door for someone who was not very vocal to become an activist against your desire for a peaceful. world!
You might say, "well then what is the use in standing against anything" and I would say, "don't be against anything, be for something"! Maybe, there is another way to approach the peace process that can really make a difference and reduce the need for war in the world. Peace is a result of being at peace with yourself, your family, your neighbor, your community and so on. We must first embrace the unhealed parts of ourselves that are unacknowledged and hidden from our awareness. The unhealed parts of me can become a projection onto those outside of me and make them our enemies. They become the scapegoat for our lack of inner harmony and wholeness that is being suppressed. I invite you to become an inner activist who watches your thoughts like a hawk so that you are not taken over by mental warring and strife.
This is how peace on earth begins with me, and you!
So my first job is to make peace with myself and all I am or think that I am. Peace is a resonance that already exists as a calm spot in the center of our being. Peace is not really created as much as it is allowed. If I am continually arguing with people about becoming peaceful than I am not really at peace. For instance, I know people who are anti-war and have chosen to be that way pretty much for the right reasons. They can give you all the statistics about why there should not be war in the world and would be right. I also believe it would be great if we as a society could move beyond having to war and fight in the world. But, trying to combat war does not help the world very much and can actually polarize people.
Once you say I am against something there will be someone who will stand up and say that they are for it. In that moment you have just created an opponent and you may have opened the door for someone who was not very vocal to become an activist against your desire for a peaceful. world!
You might say, "well then what is the use in standing against anything" and I would say, "don't be against anything, be for something"! Maybe, there is another way to approach the peace process that can really make a difference and reduce the need for war in the world. Peace is a result of being at peace with yourself, your family, your neighbor, your community and so on. We must first embrace the unhealed parts of ourselves that are unacknowledged and hidden from our awareness. The unhealed parts of me can become a projection onto those outside of me and make them our enemies. They become the scapegoat for our lack of inner harmony and wholeness that is being suppressed. I invite you to become an inner activist who watches your thoughts like a hawk so that you are not taken over by mental warring and strife.
This is how peace on earth begins with me, and you!
Peace,
James
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