KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
By Dee Burgess
(Copyright 2005)

There are billions of text books written on the subject of 'spiritual enlightenment' but
unlike temporal pursuits, this is a not a craft which can be passed on, one to another, like
woodworking techniques; it must be sought and revealed through the Spirit of God. This
spiritual knowledge is often considered *hidden knowledge*. I qualify 'hidden' knowledge as
meaning ‘covered’ or ‘veiled‘... i.e. truth which can only be fully understood through searching.
In life, any kind of knowledge which is pursued must be developed, like building blocks. You
can't do calculus until you've learned basic math, etc. God openly invites all to be partakers of
His light, love and truth, but as scripture indicates, 'all are called, few are chosen' - ‘few
choose' would be more accurately expressed. Spiritual gnosis/knowledge is not a mystical
taboo only available to an exceptional, elite few; though there are those who would complicate
truth and love beyond confusion. Text books and teachers can be helpful, but in the end it will
always come down to ‘one on one’ with God. Walking step by step, with all diligence, belief
that you can commune with God (via His Holy Spirit), desire to know the truth beyond all else
and joy in your pursuit will bring you into the simplicity of ‘intelligence’ (not to be confused
w/intelligent). With all the evolving spiritual enlightenment which has flourished over the last
20-30 years, it is sad that there are still those people/religions which still try to imply such a
difficulty to know God. This is the greatest difficulty in itself: the outer negative influences of
our society which make it difficult to look within one’s own heart for the understandings which
bring solutions, peace and knowledge.

Everyone can ‘walk and talk’ in communion with God on a daily basis if you but set your
heart and mind to it. God’s Holy Spirit is within every soul; it is your built-in, ready-made
guide which will take you every step of the way to all truth. Pure Love is the highest goal we
all seek. Pure Love is a new vision and life which evolves through eternal truth. A pure heart
opens to Love and the only way to a pure heart is through the Holy Spirit, also referred to as the Holy Ghost. Perfecting of the soul is the work of the Holy Spirit and pure motives are the
primary lessons; quietly revealing and teaching how to become honest with yourself first, then
God and then all others.

The door to Love/God is only locked from the inside of our hearts. I use the word
‘locked’ as it indicates the need for keys to be used to open this door from within. There are 5
fundamental keys which are essential in spiritual communion and are the basic standards of all
serious disciplines. These keys are vital in understanding lessons of eternal principles and
participation in every aspect of communion with God via His Spirit:

*Faith = one must believe communion they are seek is available for/to them.
*Desire = this heartfelt involvement is essential...it is where union begins.
*Ask = as opposed to expect or require.
*Patience = understandable but concept expands as comprehension does.
*Acceptance = much is missed/blocked without this commitment to receive given responses
without fear or prejudice.

These five keys are eternal and deepen in significance and profundity as one’s
experience and knowledge increase. Though they may seem an elementary pathway, the closer one comes to Love the more refined and expansive the definition of these keys become. Even in the very presence of God, the wise soul always uses this protocol, be it ever so sublime. It is the respectful approach to life, love and truth, and if at any time any key is discarded in one’s pursuit; "I see" will be his *blinding* revelation...ultimately sending that seeker back to square one.

The Holy Ghost is the essence of Christ's presence and mediator to man. The Holy Ghost
teaches and prepares man to receive the presence of Christ and then Christ is mediator to the
Father. Like stepping stones, each leads deeper into the comprehensions of eternal truth. In that
they are all one in truth, each is always present in the presence of the other but man's
perception/reception of each will depend on his experience, knowledge and developed
sensitivities. The first experiences man will have of God will always be the Holy Ghost
whether he is aware of this fact or not; receiving Christ comes with spiritual growth because
His presence requires an open heart even as a high school teacher requires an elementary
education of his student.

Receiving the Holy Ghost as our guide, teacher, mentor, purifier/cleanser, comforter,
witness of truth, etc., isn't a widely known concept or belief that is developed and/or taught
among the major religions. In reading scripture, it becomes obvious that the disciples were
taught this truth by Christ and that the prophets and sages of old were also familiar with it. The
Holy Ghost is a purpose designed from eternal beginnings, to mediate and abide with/in all
who would receive and pursue a continual communion with it. Like most people today, the
most common belief is that the Spirit comes and goes according to the will of God and is
experienced differently by different individuals. Though true in respect to the nature of the
Holy Spirit, this suggests it has no distinct qualities or objective for mankind - untrue. Many of
these beliefs may have emerged through the arrogance and pride of institutional superiority;
withholding ‘sacred knowledge’ with intent to ‘dominate’ mankind‘s personal relationship to
God, by establishing ‘priesthood authority‘ as the only access to God. The Holy Ghost can
actually never be controlled by any power or person because truth is the only everlasting
authority. But fear and oppression can stifle and blind the minds and hearts of men through
indifference and ignorance. The Spirit of God knows no boundaries and keeping people in
ignorance may slow down this eternal connection but won't prevent it. Without respect to race,
creed or gender, the Holy Ghost can take a willing heart into light and truth as slowly or
quickly as you choose to go. This isn't a theory to me, but a tried & proven, analyzed, studied,
researched, developed and established truth - and a living testimony in my life. I must know
beyond a doubt, by what Spirit I am led. I would invite you to do the same.

The Holy Ghost is the: “record of heaven, the comforter, the peaceable things of
immortal glory, the truth of all things, that which quickens all things, which makes alive all
things, that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth,
justice and judgment.” The gift of the Holy Ghost is literally a new language in itself which can
be experienced, practiced and learned. Like any language it begins with the 'voice' or
knowledge that it exist by it's very literally felt presence within one‘s heart/bosom. It has the
very distinctive attributes of warmth/heat/fire and a deep feeling of assurance and peace.

Communion begins with single syllable words; felt as increases and decreases of it's
(fire/warmth) presence for 'yes' and 'no' responses. Confirmations will develop into concepts
(sentences), then into revelation (paragraphs) and on to what I refer to as 'light talk'.
Developing this communion is a multi-purpose design. With diligent pursuit, the presence of
the Holy Ghost continues to increase/expand within the soul, literally purifying and
transforming your flesh to become one with Spirit: Christ/God. It is the 'fire' of God purging
out the darkness (misunderstandings) of our minds/souls until we can become one and abide
the fullness of Christ and the Father without being consumed by their presence in the flesh.
Spirit and flesh literally become one; it is the plan of salvation, the mystery of eternity and the
pathway to the kingdom of God. It is literally the elixir of life and lack of it is why the flesh
deteriorates and dies.

In conclusion, a word of warning and advice I would also like to convey in regards
to deceiving spirits. In my experience and research, I discovered a counterfeit lying spirit which
seeks to imitate or duplicate the Holy Ghost. The bible warns us continually to test and try the
spirits that we may not be deceived. Though this may not sound relevant or applicable to one's
experience at present, it is sound advice for the times to come. Our world is changing quickly
and as we move into more difficult and confusing times, a sound anchor to the Divine may be
the only stabilizing power by which we can know the truth of anything. We are admonished to
prepare and watch always for the time of Messiah's return and not to be deceived by the powers that seek to dominate and destroy the souls of men. I am providing these truths and information exactly and only for this reason; to assist everyone in their identification and communion with God.

I've described the tangible and spiritual aspects of the Holy Ghost as defined within the
Holy Scriptures, so one might know that there is distinctly a difference in God's spirit from the
spirits of other entities/powers. I have heard and witnessed many describing the spirit of God as
'electricity', or vibration or trembling, or goosbumps, etc., and many 'signs' are manifested by
means of such spirits. But lying spirits seek to duplicate the Holy Spirit by using the same
concepts, but does not possess the same qualities. The purpose is to confuse and deceive.
The Holy Ghost manifests itself from within the soul of a person as only it can. The lying
spirit manifests itself from outside/exterior an attempts to penetrate the soul to enter within.
The Holy Spirit manifests/originates from deep within the heart or bosom of a soul and expands
outward as experience grows. The lying spirit manifests itself disjunctively to different parts of
the body, according to it's purpose and acceptance of the person (arms, legs, head, hands, torso,
etc.). The fire of the Holy Ghost is a spiritual heat, not a physical heat. As Moses experienced
the presence of God as a 'burning bush' on Mount Sinai, he described it as a fire which did not
consume. The lying spirit manifests a physical heat which may feel like the heat of a fire or
funace, again exterior. When the Holy Ghost manifests it's presence, it is accompanied by a
deep, quiet peace and assurance which permeates all one's flesh, within and without (expanding with association). The lying spirit manifests a forceful energy, sometimes described as 'electric' or vibrational feeling moving around according to it's intention. The Holy Ghost manifests understanding and revelation, using our own experiences, thoughts and nature as tools of communication; bringing a complete picture into focus of purpose, hope, light and truth. The lying spirit brings random suggestions and dictates without ability to develop intelligent communion or understanding; a blind guide so to speak. The Holy Ghost manifests when the intent and purpose of an individual is selfless and open to truth, only motivated to develop goodness, love and understanding. The lying spirit uses every weakness of man's ego, pride, and lust to seduce and flatter with promises of power, recognition and control. This is a very basic knowledge, but sufficient to establish an awareness of possible discouragements along the pathway to God. The lie and the truth do travel close but an honest heart can not be easily deceived.

Holy scripture from Bibles of all religions bear witness of the Holy Spirit and it’s
purpose and relationships to all mankind. But using only the Old and New Testament, I’ve
compiled a short selection of most important passages for reference and study. This is an
excellent place to begin your relationship with the Holy Ghost. To feel the Spirit and presence
of your God is a beautiful experience, but questions and answers are the beginnings of
knowledge of truth and eternal life.

Hebrews 12:29. For our God is a consuming fire.
Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Luke 3:16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one
mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For
the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the
LORD our God shall call.

Acts 10:44. While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46. For they
heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47. Can any man
forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as
we? 48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Hebrews 6:4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the
heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.

Malachi 3:1. Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and
the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the
covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts. 2. But who may
abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeared? for he is like a refiner's
fire, and like fullers' soap: 3. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall
purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD
an offering in righteousness. 4. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. 5. And I will come near to you to
judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and
against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, says the LORD of hosts. 6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

John 15:5. ...I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same
brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6. If a man abide not in me, he is
cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and
they are burned...

Jeremiah 20:9. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name.
But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with
forbearing, and I could not stay.

Psalms 39:3. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I
with my tongue,

Luke 24:31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their
sight. 32. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with
us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Revelations 19:10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it
not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God:
for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.

Ephesians 3:14. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. Of
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you, according
to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; 17. That
Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May
be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19.
 

And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fullness of God.

1 John 5:6. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but
by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7. For
there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these
three are one. 8. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

John 7:39. (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for
the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 16:7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not
away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8. And
when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9. Of
sin, because they believe not on me; 10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye
see me no more; 11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12. I have yet
many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever
he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14. He shall glorify me:
for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15. All things that the Father hath are
mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

John 15:26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even
the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 14:15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know
him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will
come to you. 19. Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but ye see me: because I
live, ye shall live also. 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I
in you. 21. He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that
loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22.

Judas says unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not
unto the world? 23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24. He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the
Father's which sent me. 25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said
unto you. 27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I
unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.