Wednesday's communication (3/5/08) sponsored by Inner Flames Press (The Hidden and the Revealed) shared the idea that we are all living at a historic time. A shift in human consciousness is occurring. We are moving away from materialism toward a greater expression of spirituality.
Evidence of this shift completely surrounds us. As the Master taught, let those with eyes to see perceive the flowering of a new day.
Last year a charismatic young man named Bishop E. Bernard Jordan published an interesting book entitled The Laws of Thinking (Hay House, February 2007.) Using a conversational-style reminiscent of the Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Jordan presents his complex (and sometimes shocking) ideas in an easy to read format. He is the author of over 40 books, a speaker in high demand and the prodigy of New York's famous Rev Ike.
Dr. Aaron D. Lewis writes the book's introduction. He presents the old thinking Bishop Jordan promises the book will liberate Readers from. Lewis writes, "Being a third-generation child of the Pentecostal heritage I distinctly remember pastors strictly forbidding members to visit certain churches within our denomination, fearing that we might not come back. . . .Also, I remember how the same pastors encouraged us to read the Bible only, claiming that other books would contaminate our mind and spirit, rendering us worthless in the sight of God. . . .Most parishioners acquiesced and remained ignorant." (Jordan, The Laws of Thinking, pg. xvii)
Contrary to the limited belief systems of those preachers, Jordan promises to share with his Readers knowledge that will "rock your world. It's mind-blowing and perception-enhancing, and not everyone will be able to handle it. In fact, I'd say that the majority of Christians cannot handle the ideas in The Laws of Thinking." (pg. xvii)
So what are those ideas?
They all arise from the hot bed of controversy.
Inside the 20 chapters Jordan composed are some of the most shocking sentences I have ever read come from the pen of a minister claiming faith in the salvation work of the Lord Jesus Christ! I imagine the church Fathers who attended the Nicene Council and wrote the Apostle's Creed turning over in their graves. I am amazed Jordan receives speaking engagement by Bible-believing churches.
Echoing the Ancient World's belief that humanity and the Almighty share the same essence, Jordan thunders with authority, "When you declare 'I Am,' You become God. Ignorant minds will look at that statement and call it blasphemy, but that is only because they do not truly understand the nature of the relationship between God and man." (pg. 3) emphasis mine
Please allow me to repeat that idea. "You are god. But when you think about it, is it really so far-fetched?"
Bishop Jordan continues with one controversial paragraph after another.
"You are already at one with God. Separation from God does not exist. Everything is within the Infinite Mind. The only separation from God exists in your mind. That is the only sin in the world." (pg. 19-20)
"There is no such thing as evil. There is only the lack of awareness of God. You create the only evil there is when you choose to walk a path that rejects the good in you and rejects the calling from God to express His Spirit in the world." (pg. 44) emphasis mine
Such ideas are more comfortable coming out of the mouth of a so-called New Age, or New Thought, philosopher, not a Christian minister.
Personally, I applaud Bishop E. Bernard Jordan for the courage he expressed through the pages of this book. I disagree with some of his ungrounded speculations in the later chapters, but he blows the trumpet the Master gives any Believer in John 10:33-36 with fierceness!
"The Jews said to him [the Master], It is not because of the good works we stone you, but because you blaspheme; for while you are only a man, you make yourself God.
"Jesus said to them, Is it not so written in your law, I said, you are gods? (See Psalms 82:6)
"If he [King David] called them gods because the word of God was with them (and the scripture cannot be broken)
"Why to the one whom the Father sanctified and sent to the world, do you say, I am the Son of God."
From: The Holy Bible: George M. Lamsa's Translation from the Aramaic of the Peshitta; originally presented to the West in 1933
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Make Flesh Your Desires - The Law of Increase (Pt. 1)
In this communication we advance our theme to give you practical information that you can use RIGHT NOW to improve your life. Increase is something we all desire. Here is the LAW OF INCREASE!
Achieving that elusive "thing" called success is a step-by-step process by which you convert your emotional desires into material objects, events or experiences. It is a simple process. It is one we at Inner Flames Press believe can be made to order.
Yes, made to order.
In fact, we believe this guarantee is the essence of the Gospel; it empowers ordinary men and women to utilize their latent internal powers to dramatically improve their lives.
In this communication we drink deeply from American success literature to give you the tools you need right now to make flesh your innermost desires.
Our source for eight hard and fast rules is the world-renown Catherine Ponder. She is most famous for "The Millionaires of the Bible" series. Using a conversational tone she extracts the ancient "secrets" of Moses, Joshua and the Master, Jesus for modern Readers to employ and improve their own financial storehouses.
Success comes in many forms, but none more readily enjoyed than monetary resources. In our society we use money to acquire the "things" we require in this life: such as food, clothing and shelter. Money is not power, but the people who trade money for goods and services do possess power. Through her fourteen books and international ministry, Ponder has helped thousands of people enjoy the fruit of their labor more abundantly.
Here are the eight hard and fast rules toward a more prosperous future.
1) Identify someone you admire and imitate them. It doesn't matter if the person is alive or not, fact or fiction. What matters is that you see yourself reflected in that person.
Motivational speaker Anthony Robbins has counselled people for years concerning the potent power of modeling. (It is an echo of Napoleon Hill's advice.) Find a successful person in your chosen field of endeavor, then learn how to think like they think. Act like they act. See the world the same way they see the world. Approach life the same way they approach life and you will get the same results they do.
The point is not to become the person you admire, but to color your subconscious mind with their success-orientated thoughts and behaviors. Since your subconscious mind never sleeps, this technique is extremely powerful. It's results are well documented int he annuals of American business. Ask Denzel Washington, who admires Clint Eastwood, if you possess any doubts.
2) Put your Faith into Universal Principles. This is a critical point that requires emphasis. As Americans we are bombarded by clever sales pitches. Commercials abound with the latest, most scientific method to achieve this or that. We counsel you to not be fooled by such gimmicks. Success principles are tried and tested, simple to apply to everyday life.
Universal Principles are similar to the classic Western definition of God: the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. They work anywhere, by anyone. They are not a respector of persons or religious systems. Principles do not care if you ascribe to being a Buddhist, Muslim or Rastarfarian. Principles only care if you use them or not.
As Ponder writes in her 1983 book Dare to Prosper, "These prosperity methods are recession-depression-and-inflation proof, so that you will enjoy using them often!" (pg. ix)
3) Create a vacuum to receive. It is an oft-stated proverb that the Universe abhors a vacuum. This is a basic scientific law. It appears as if the Universe wants to be everywhere at all times. (Again, this echoes the Western definition of God.)
We can use this Principle to our benefit. We can consciously create vacuums in two ways: mentally and physically - in that order. Mentally we can form a vacuum by "cleaning out of your mind, negative, limited, unforgiving thoughts." (pg. 3) Physically, we move things our of our space. "Do not retain items of clothing, furniture, letters, files, books or any other personal possessions that you no longer need to use. Get them out of the way to make room for what you do want." (pg. 5)
4) Make plain your desire. This is the hardest of the Priniciples to use because you cannot fool yourself or the Father. Nothing mechanical here. Whatever you truly conceive prosperity to be will come forth. It becomes extremely important that you become clear on what you desire. Be specific. Very specific.
"Your deep-seated desires are God's good tapping at the door of your mind. Furthermore, write down dates by which you wish your desired good to be accomplished. You will be amazed at how the substance of heaven and earth will hasten to do your bidding when you give it definite desires and dates through which to work out good results." (pg. 10)
Achieving that elusive "thing" called success is a step-by-step process by which you convert your emotional desires into material objects, events or experiences. It is a simple process. It is one we at Inner Flames Press believe can be made to order.
Yes, made to order.
In fact, we believe this guarantee is the essence of the Gospel; it empowers ordinary men and women to utilize their latent internal powers to dramatically improve their lives.
In this communication we drink deeply from American success literature to give you the tools you need right now to make flesh your innermost desires.
Our source for eight hard and fast rules is the world-renown Catherine Ponder. She is most famous for "The Millionaires of the Bible" series. Using a conversational tone she extracts the ancient "secrets" of Moses, Joshua and the Master, Jesus for modern Readers to employ and improve their own financial storehouses.
Success comes in many forms, but none more readily enjoyed than monetary resources. In our society we use money to acquire the "things" we require in this life: such as food, clothing and shelter. Money is not power, but the people who trade money for goods and services do possess power. Through her fourteen books and international ministry, Ponder has helped thousands of people enjoy the fruit of their labor more abundantly.
Here are the eight hard and fast rules toward a more prosperous future.
1) Identify someone you admire and imitate them. It doesn't matter if the person is alive or not, fact or fiction. What matters is that you see yourself reflected in that person.
Motivational speaker Anthony Robbins has counselled people for years concerning the potent power of modeling. (It is an echo of Napoleon Hill's advice.) Find a successful person in your chosen field of endeavor, then learn how to think like they think. Act like they act. See the world the same way they see the world. Approach life the same way they approach life and you will get the same results they do.
The point is not to become the person you admire, but to color your subconscious mind with their success-orientated thoughts and behaviors. Since your subconscious mind never sleeps, this technique is extremely powerful. It's results are well documented int he annuals of American business. Ask Denzel Washington, who admires Clint Eastwood, if you possess any doubts.
2) Put your Faith into Universal Principles. This is a critical point that requires emphasis. As Americans we are bombarded by clever sales pitches. Commercials abound with the latest, most scientific method to achieve this or that. We counsel you to not be fooled by such gimmicks. Success principles are tried and tested, simple to apply to everyday life.
Universal Principles are similar to the classic Western definition of God: the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. They work anywhere, by anyone. They are not a respector of persons or religious systems. Principles do not care if you ascribe to being a Buddhist, Muslim or Rastarfarian. Principles only care if you use them or not.
As Ponder writes in her 1983 book Dare to Prosper, "These prosperity methods are recession-depression-and-inflation proof, so that you will enjoy using them often!" (pg. ix)
3) Create a vacuum to receive. It is an oft-stated proverb that the Universe abhors a vacuum. This is a basic scientific law. It appears as if the Universe wants to be everywhere at all times. (Again, this echoes the Western definition of God.)
We can use this Principle to our benefit. We can consciously create vacuums in two ways: mentally and physically - in that order. Mentally we can form a vacuum by "cleaning out of your mind, negative, limited, unforgiving thoughts." (pg. 3) Physically, we move things our of our space. "Do not retain items of clothing, furniture, letters, files, books or any other personal possessions that you no longer need to use. Get them out of the way to make room for what you do want." (pg. 5)
4) Make plain your desire. This is the hardest of the Priniciples to use because you cannot fool yourself or the Father. Nothing mechanical here. Whatever you truly conceive prosperity to be will come forth. It becomes extremely important that you become clear on what you desire. Be specific. Very specific.
"Your deep-seated desires are God's good tapping at the door of your mind. Furthermore, write down dates by which you wish your desired good to be accomplished. You will be amazed at how the substance of heaven and earth will hasten to do your bidding when you give it definite desires and dates through which to work out good results." (pg. 10)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Go Beyond the Norm
He desired to pierce the veil and understand the Mysteries of the Father. He wanted to know how to apply spiritual insights to dramatically improve his life's conditions. He wanted to experience success.
Napoleon Hill did more than experience success: he documented it. As a young journalist, Hill interviewed steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. It was a fateful meeting. Carnegie was so impressed by Hill that the old Scot gave the young man an assignment: create and distribute a philosophy of success.
For twenty years Napoleon Hill criss-crossed the American continent interviewing notable men and women. A pattern emerged. Slowly he began to understand why some people were successful and others were not.
In 1927 Napoleon Hill published a masterpiece entitled, THE LAWS OF SUCCESS! Here is the philosophy of success in three beautiful paragraphs:
"If you have ever done any farming, you understand that certain preparations are necessary before a crop can be produced from the ground. You know, of course, that grain will not grow in the woods, that it requires sunshine and rain for its growth. Likewise, you understand that the farmer must plow the soil and properly plant the grain.
After all this has been done, he then waits on Nature to do her share of the work; and she does it in due time, without outside help.
This is a perfect simile which illustrates the method through which one may attain the object of one's definite chief aim. First comes the preparing of the soil to receive the seed, which is represented by faith and infinite intelligence (read God, JAH, Allah) and understanding of the principle of Auto-suggestion (read affirmations, positive self-talk) and the subconscious mind through which the seed of a definite purpose may be planted. Then comes a period of waiting and working for the realization of the object of that purpose. During this period, there must be continuous, intensified faith, which serves as the sunshine and the rain, without which the seed will wither and die in the ground. Then comes realization, harvest-time." (from "Accurate Thinking," pg. 89-91 THE LAWS OF SUCCESS, 1937 edition)
Look for the Laws of Increase; they can change your LIFE!
May you remain open to the Blessings of the Father. Selah.
Napoleon Hill did more than experience success: he documented it. As a young journalist, Hill interviewed steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. It was a fateful meeting. Carnegie was so impressed by Hill that the old Scot gave the young man an assignment: create and distribute a philosophy of success.
For twenty years Napoleon Hill criss-crossed the American continent interviewing notable men and women. A pattern emerged. Slowly he began to understand why some people were successful and others were not.
In 1927 Napoleon Hill published a masterpiece entitled, THE LAWS OF SUCCESS! Here is the philosophy of success in three beautiful paragraphs:
"If you have ever done any farming, you understand that certain preparations are necessary before a crop can be produced from the ground. You know, of course, that grain will not grow in the woods, that it requires sunshine and rain for its growth. Likewise, you understand that the farmer must plow the soil and properly plant the grain.
After all this has been done, he then waits on Nature to do her share of the work; and she does it in due time, without outside help.
This is a perfect simile which illustrates the method through which one may attain the object of one's definite chief aim. First comes the preparing of the soil to receive the seed, which is represented by faith and infinite intelligence (read God, JAH, Allah) and understanding of the principle of Auto-suggestion (read affirmations, positive self-talk) and the subconscious mind through which the seed of a definite purpose may be planted. Then comes a period of waiting and working for the realization of the object of that purpose. During this period, there must be continuous, intensified faith, which serves as the sunshine and the rain, without which the seed will wither and die in the ground. Then comes realization, harvest-time." (from "Accurate Thinking," pg. 89-91 THE LAWS OF SUCCESS, 1937 edition)
Look for the Laws of Increase; they can change your LIFE!
May you remain open to the Blessings of the Father. Selah.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Fundamentalism is DEAD!
Without pretense - without employing the intellectual arrogance of High Academia - yet, adhering to the standards of Truth and Integrity, we here at Inner Flames Press will continue our tradition of presenting controversial, high quality information to our Readers over the next several weeks.
Look for THE LAW OF INCREASE. It can transform your LIFE.
Some, who have grown used to us and welcome the penetrating level of criticism we bring to spiritual matters, will think nothing of our new series of articles. Others will be shocked. A few ill choose to attack us. To all three groups we say in advance: THANK YOU. Please leave comments!
Our goal, as always, is to make plain the Mystery of the Gospel. In direct imitation of the Master (Jesus of Nazareth), we wish to reveal the Mysteries of the Father to the babes and the suckling. We believe it is only as the 1) least among us reach mastery over the base natures, 2) consciously learn how to direct Thoughts and Emotions along the Creative Process and 3) become aware of the Holy Spirit, which is ever striving to "connect" the human instrument (being) to the Divine Mind, will "civilization" reach the heights the Father intends.
Towards this end, we promoted this position during 2007 via an email campaign. Specifically, we communicated the following ideas: You Are a Spiritual Being Having a Human Experience and Thoughts and Emotions = The Events, Experiences and Things That Enter Your Life.
Although the email campaign was successful, rapidly growing from 12 email addresses to 572, we received ambitions to grow beyond the limitations of an email campaign. However, experimentations with cyberspace did not bear fruit until now. We look forward to INCREASE for the services we provide.
The purpose of Inner Flames Press is to promote a world-wide paradigm shift within the Christian mentality. FUNDAMENTALISM IS DEAD! Whether it rears its head as a radical Islamic jihad or the destruction of an abortion clinic, the expression of a rigid belief system that seeks to impose its conception of God onto unwilling people is WRONG! It is intolerable no matter what religious form it manifests as: Islamic or Christian - communist or democratic. An intellectual alternative to fundamentalism must arise and lead the World away form FEAR and VIOLENCE.
For this position, we here at Inner Flames Press are "controversial." We do not blindly ascribe to doctrine or dogma based on "faith," completely devoid of clear intellectual supports. We believe, like the famed African American theologian, James Cone, that we should worship the Father with our minds and our hearts. Pure emotionalism is dangerous! It must be balanced by fluid intellectual discourse and keen questioning of methods.
We are controversial solely because we are not yet endorsed by any mainstream organization. Our ideas are NOT controversial because they lack historical or philosophical proofs. In fact, the ideas we present are common fare for seminary students. The majority of college-trained ministers are well-aware of the "controversial" ideas we present and choose not to share them with their congregations.
Remaining true to our mission, in 2008 Inner Flames Press will focus on the key idea the Master presented to the oppressed peasants of First Century Palestine: It is done unto you as you believe.
Thank you for reading these few words. May you remain open to the Blessings of the Father. Selah.
Look for THE LAW OF INCREASE. It can transform your LIFE.
Some, who have grown used to us and welcome the penetrating level of criticism we bring to spiritual matters, will think nothing of our new series of articles. Others will be shocked. A few ill choose to attack us. To all three groups we say in advance: THANK YOU. Please leave comments!
Our goal, as always, is to make plain the Mystery of the Gospel. In direct imitation of the Master (Jesus of Nazareth), we wish to reveal the Mysteries of the Father to the babes and the suckling. We believe it is only as the 1) least among us reach mastery over the base natures, 2) consciously learn how to direct Thoughts and Emotions along the Creative Process and 3) become aware of the Holy Spirit, which is ever striving to "connect" the human instrument (being) to the Divine Mind, will "civilization" reach the heights the Father intends.
Towards this end, we promoted this position during 2007 via an email campaign. Specifically, we communicated the following ideas: You Are a Spiritual Being Having a Human Experience and Thoughts and Emotions = The Events, Experiences and Things That Enter Your Life.
Although the email campaign was successful, rapidly growing from 12 email addresses to 572, we received ambitions to grow beyond the limitations of an email campaign. However, experimentations with cyberspace did not bear fruit until now. We look forward to INCREASE for the services we provide.
The purpose of Inner Flames Press is to promote a world-wide paradigm shift within the Christian mentality. FUNDAMENTALISM IS DEAD! Whether it rears its head as a radical Islamic jihad or the destruction of an abortion clinic, the expression of a rigid belief system that seeks to impose its conception of God onto unwilling people is WRONG! It is intolerable no matter what religious form it manifests as: Islamic or Christian - communist or democratic. An intellectual alternative to fundamentalism must arise and lead the World away form FEAR and VIOLENCE.
For this position, we here at Inner Flames Press are "controversial." We do not blindly ascribe to doctrine or dogma based on "faith," completely devoid of clear intellectual supports. We believe, like the famed African American theologian, James Cone, that we should worship the Father with our minds and our hearts. Pure emotionalism is dangerous! It must be balanced by fluid intellectual discourse and keen questioning of methods.
We are controversial solely because we are not yet endorsed by any mainstream organization. Our ideas are NOT controversial because they lack historical or philosophical proofs. In fact, the ideas we present are common fare for seminary students. The majority of college-trained ministers are well-aware of the "controversial" ideas we present and choose not to share them with their congregations.
Remaining true to our mission, in 2008 Inner Flames Press will focus on the key idea the Master presented to the oppressed peasants of First Century Palestine: It is done unto you as you believe.
Thank you for reading these few words. May you remain open to the Blessings of the Father. Selah.
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