Keys To 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 through Jesus Christ. This is Jesus work and purpose to/for all mankind. Walking step by step, with all diligence, belief that you can commune with God (via His Holy Spirit/Ghost), 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 available within every soul; it is your built-in, ready-made guide which will take you every step of the way into the fullness of 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 through Christ. *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 God’s presence and Jesus Christ it’s mediator to man. The spirit of Jesus Christ teaches and prepares man to receive the ‘burning’, cleansing presence of the Holy Ghost which is the vehicle or mediator of God the Father/Mother. 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 Spirit/presence of Jesus Christ whether he is aware of this fact or not. Receiving the Holy Ghost comes through spiritual growth because God’s presence requires an open heart even as a high school teacher requires an elementary education of his students. Jesus spirit is the key to opening man’s heart for receiving of the Holy Ghost. Receiving the Holy Ghost is a guide, teacher, mentor, purifier/cleanser, comforter, witness of truth, etc. This 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 directly by Christ and that the prophets and sages of old were also familiar with this eternal truth. The Jesus Christ is a purpose designed from eternal beginnings, to mediate and abide with/in all who would receive and pursue a continual communion with Him. The most common belief is that the Spirit comes and goes according to the will of God, etc. Though true in respect to the nature of the Holy Spirit, this suggests it has no distinct 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, rather than one‘s personal relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost can actually never be controlled by any power because truth is the only real 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, Jesus Christ can take a willing heart into God’s light and truth as slowly or quickly as one chooses 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 through the spiritual guidance of Jesus. 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), opening of our hearts/minds/souls until we can become one and abide the fullness of Christ and the Father without being consumed by God’s ‘fiery’ 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. Holy scripture from Bibles of all religions bear witness of the Holy Ghost and it’s purpose and relationships to all mankind. For those who need a reference, witness or evidence of this eternal principle, I’ve compiled a short selection of most important passages for reference and study, using only the Old and New Testament here. This is an excellent place to begin your relationship with the Holy Ghost by receiving Jesus Christ to be your savior and eternal guide. To feel the Spirit and presence of your God within your heart is a beautiful experience, but questions and answers are truly the beginnings of knowledge 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 spake 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 (Jesus); 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 spake 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.