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.

Jesus Is Coming Soon

Jesus is coming soon!!

The Second Coming - What is it?
The Second Coming is when Jesus Christ will return to earth in fulfillment of His promises and to fulfill the prophecies made about Him. Jesus Himself promised

Before Jesus’ ascension in John 14:3 says “He promised that He would return and that nobody would know the time of his returning”. I ask this question why would He come back? Do people understand why he would come back? Do you hurt others do you care about others does money rule everything we do. After the 911 attacks they said it was because the people of the Untied States were too hung up on money and material things. You know I do not agree what they did was right but they yes are right. These hard times we are having is and everyday life for these people. This is what they were trying to get across that we take our lifestyle for granted. How many people in the Untied States even read the Bible you better why...? Oh he’s coming Jesus does not like what is going on. As a Master of Metaphysics when I mediate I try to find out when; all I ever get is soon prepare people show them my ways are good and pure. Now you have seen the sermons that I have posted the past few days about my friend. I have been trying to show her and folks like her that as long as you let Satan or Satan’s people control you they will. Satan will not control anybody that will stand up and preach and pray to the Lord.

I am taken my life back I am taken her life back and if you should hear that he is nuts, he is crazy you don’t believe all the hocus-pocus do you? Say to them yes I do call it what you will yes I do believe in the word of God. Watch how quickly they will call you a name or try to tell you other wise. Jesus is coming back and no matter what you have done He will forgive you but you also must forgive others. Too many people think that God does not love them or God will not accept them back because of things they have done he will God loves us all. Let’s look at the scriptures now. Revelations 22: 4-21

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.(This nobody ever saw before you will see the Lord face to face.) (The name on foreheads is in contrast to the mark to the marks of the beast.)
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (“No night no lamp fulfills Christ proclamation of Himself as the light of the world.”)
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Now from these two verses is to inform the servants of God.) ( They needed to know that they need to be true believers”.)
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy
brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
(Again the angel reminds John the second time.) (God and admonishes him to worship only God.)
10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. (John was told not to seal the book because the time of fulfillment was potentially very near.)
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
(This verse seems to be a prediction that believers and unbelievers will live out their lives true to their nature until judgment day.)
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
(Talks about Christ’s rewards)
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Now this verse talks about the obedience to God how we followed Him in faith.)
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (The word dogs was a common expression used by Jews to speak to Gentiles.)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Now we must focus on bright and morning star this means Jesus is coming)

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Means you better get ready for judgment day) 

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Jesus is coming quickly)
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Would you believe in this day and age there are people who do not believe in God they think that they just came out of no where. They think that all of this is made up. This is why we preach and we teach the words. If they think all this is not true the Bible comes from scriptures that come from scrolls. It’s like someone telling me that John Kennedy was not shot he was. This is all very real. The people that are full of hate are of Satan’s world you know them they are out to hurt everybody. Turn to God look into the greatest book in the world. Always remember the truth is the only thing that will set you free. Do not ever say you can not change because you can I did. You can change your relationship you can change your mind you change your lifestyle but there is only one thing you can not change and that is God. God will always stay the same. God is always there for us all no matter what.

Amen <: ))))<><
Bruce Richard Wallace

The Pitfalls of Preachers

Pride: The Pitfall of Preachers

We strive for excellence in preaching, and we should--but there are dangers if we succeed.

Did you see the opening battle scene in Saving Private Ryan? Imagine the most frightening and dangerous terrain from any war movie. What if pride is the threat and preaching is the mission? Uh-oh, it looks dangerous:

 

1. Preaching involves speaking to others about their lives. Of course, it can be “we” rather than just “you” (as if you are the finished product!), but even so, there is massive temptation to pride when being the dispenser of spiritual input.

2. You might be effective as a preacher. This doesn’t help because you will then receive affirmation and even admiration from people helped by your ministry.  Warning!

3. You might be rubbish as a preacher, but never fear, there are plenty of people who will be polite and affirm your ministry anyway. False affirmation and feedback is a frequent feature of church lobbies and doorways.

4. You might be trained, equipped and well-informed. That might mean numerous years of high level academic training. Or it might mean you read a book during preparation. Either way, you may be, or perceive yourself to be, beyond others in your knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, careful!

5. Up-front ministry will get kudos other ministries won’t. So you’re up front in the church. People will talk to you and about you and they will see you and they know you. A ridiculously low-level celebrity status awaits everyone who steps into a pulpit. Warning!

6. What if you see lives change “under your ministry”? That’s a scary thought, since you might think you achieved that.

7. The enemy would love to see you believing the hype. Was it Spurgeon who was approached by a congregant and told that was the best sermon she’d ever heard, only to reply, “The Devil has already told me that.”

8. Public speaking presents continual opportunity to perform, or as we might say to children, “show off.” Listen to me, see what I know, watch as I impress you with my Greek, or cultural awareness, or translation critique, or ministry experience, or name drop, or … warning!

9. You are not yet glorified, so your flesh is still pre-programmed with a prideful operating system. So you are not immune to any of this.

10. You may find it hard to have genuine close friendships since you are in a position of influence, so you will be lonely and vulnerable while everybody affirms and endorses your spirituality.

11. You may find yourself, or put yourself, in a separate spiritual category to everyone else. Sort of a clerical bubble that promises immunity from spiritual struggle, but guarantees a greater exposure to the attractive fruit of temptation.

12. There are probably a dozen more reasons that pride may be lurking behind every pew as you stand to preach.

To be honest, I think the terrain looks absolutely frightening, terrifying, a deadly terrain.

The only way to go there is in absolute reliance on God!

 

Learn to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God!
www.pocketpower.org/referrer/342162

Min. Johnathan Hester