Why is it that when you mention the name Jesus Christ, the room gets really quiet? Why does the name offend so many people? Why over the centuries has this man been the topic of much heated discussions and why are there so many arguments over his name? Why are there so many debates where this man is concerned and why is this topic so controversial? Who is this man? Where did he come from and what does he have to do with me, you or the world?

There has never been such heated debate over such controversial discussions than the ones I’ve heard about our Lord. Before I was a Christian if someone brought up the name God. I too would get really quiet. I didn’t know what to say about this man and I didn’t know too much about him. All I knew was the way I felt when his name was brought up. I felt like I had no standing before him and that I was surely going to hell but I didn’t know what to do about it or what questions to ask to avoid hell. I didn’t hang around people who knew who this man was so I didn’t have anything to do with him.

Through the years I’d go to church once in a great while because someone would ask me to or someone in my family was getting baptized or married but I never understood what the preacher was saying and the whole church thing didn’t make sense to me. I lived and worked in this world like many others and the Bible, God, and Jesus Christ had no place in my life so I pretty much avoided talking about him or going to church.

Now that I am saved and have been for fourteen years I understand the heated discussions, the controversial issues and the debates people get into in the name of Christ. Out of the 4000 plus years we’ve been on this earth there has never been anything or anyone that could strike a chord in the souls of men. When I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and savior and began to read and understand His word it became apparent to me why this man-God was such a big deal and why the debates of men were so heated.

Our Savior should be the name on every man’s lips and the discussions in every circle of life. He’s the beginning and the end the Alpha and the Omega. He is what makes the world go round. If He decided to take the day off, the earth would spin off its axis and the world would disintegrate into nothingness. He is our creator of Heaven and Earth. We are His people and we should love Him as much as our next breath. He is everywhere. How could any man say that He isn’t? How could any man deny His deity? There is no excuse for man denying His maker. He has left His mark which is the Holy Spirit in every man who believes in Him. He owns everyone and everything. We are only His caretakers and are only here for a short time.

All the controversy and debating over our Lord Jesus Christ comes from people who believe that all religions lead to heaven and that there are more gods than the true living God of the Bible. People in generations past as generations now still have their idols and the ones they worship. They don’t believe that Jesus Christ is God, the one and only true living God.

Division in the church is the result of man trying to incorporate their imperfect ideas, perceptions, and religious rituals into the perfection of God’s Holy Word. In the Bible days, the church of Corinth was the perfect example of this type of behavior within the church. Paul did address their behavior concerning this matter and warned them of the consequences of division (1 Corinthians 3:4). It appears that this same type of thinking is plaguing our churches today. Unfortunately, in modern society, we accept philosophical thinking to be the final authority of truth; especially, if the speaker has fame and fortune. Our society has started to demonstrate that money and material gain equals wisdom on all subject matters. The Body of Christ has made a habit of transferring the world’s pattern of thinking in with their new life in Christ. Unfortunately, the church wants to continue to lean on their own understanding and dismiss the power of the Holy Spirit for direction in their lives. Earthly knowledge portrayed in our churches will always consist of several opinions; therefore, encouraging division in the church. Earthly knowledge should never take precedence over the Word of God. The Word of God should always be the final authority in governing circumstances and issues in our everyday living. What are the consequences of division in the Church? Spiritual immaturity and sexual immorality are two results of division in the church. There are several other consequences of division in the church; but these are the two that I will be discussing today.

Spiritual immaturity is one of the major results of division in the church. The Body of Christ should be focused on exemplifying unity in the church. The spiritual foundation of the church is built on the Word of God. Quarreling, jealousy, backbiting, and chaos are friends of the world; therefore, enemies of spiritual growth. Unity in the Body of Christ can only be obtain through the Word of God (Ephesians 4:13). When we fail to conduct our behavior on a strong, spiritual foundation based on Christ, we will never grow in Christ. Unfortunately, the Body of Christ has embraced expressions such as “babes in Christ” and “carnal-minded” as accepted states in a believer’s life. These terms should never become permanent fixtures in the believer’s life. Spiritual immaturity is the exception in the believer’s life, not the rule. When the believer fails to grow in Christ, they fail to be what God has called them to be. Everyday, the believer should be striving to become more like Christ (Galatians 4:19). The believer’s life should be mandated by the Word of God and nurtured by the Holy Spirit.

Sexual Immorality is the second result of division in the church. This type of behavior has become so incorporated in our culture that it has become accepted within the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ behavior pertaining to sexual perversion has become a mirror to the world concerning this matter. The Word of God states that His people are not to be conformed to the world; but to be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:2). It appears that believers are taking a reversed role with the world. God has declared His people to be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). Believers are called to be the light in a dark world. When believers embrace or indulge in inappropriate sexual behavior, the world takes the church’s behavior as a stamp of approval in their own sexual perversion. When it comes to sexual behavior, the church should fall in line with the Word of God. This is the standard set by God that should be exemplified in every aspect of our lives.

Division in the church is a major problem; but we have the assurance of God’s Word. Jesus is the head of the church and will always have control over it’s final destination. Jesus is fully aware of the division in the Body of Christ and I am sure He has a reason for allowing division to remain within the church. Jesus promised to build the church, to never forsake the church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18). The responsibility of the Body of Christ is to trust Christ. We have to relinquish our own way of thinking and accept the authority of the Word of God in our lives. Everyday we should be shedding our “worldly beliefs” and putting on the whole armor of God. The Body of Christ has to stop trusting its knowledge and start to trust God’s wisdom.

As part of the Sermon On The Mount Jesus shared these words that give us an important insight into pursuing the mission Christ has given us. He said,

“You are the light of world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

It’s not hard to understand the point that Jesus is making from this imagery. The primary purpose of light is to illuminate an area and thereby dispel the darkness so that people are able to clearly see where they are at and where they are going. At the very heart of this mission is for Christ’s followers to be those luminaries by which people can see there way through this world’s spiritual darkness. Our lives are to be such a powerful force of light that people are able to clearly see Jesus and understand the gospel of Christ. If the people in this spiritually dark world can’t see Jesus, they can’t find the way out of their spiritual darkness. Christ is the only way for them get out. Jesus, himself, said that He was the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to God the Father accept through Him. While it’s God’s responsibility, through the Holy Spirit, to convict people of this world of their sin and to draw them to Christ, it is the job of Christ’s followers to be the light that illuminates in the spiritual darkness and reveal Christ.

But if the pollsters are correct the Christian luminaries of North America, Christ’s Followers, are not doing a very good job. All the reports indicate that the Christian faith is in decline and that the fastest growing religious group in North America is those who claim “No Religious Affiliation” at all. These are people who are completely secular and hold to no religious affiliation. That group, the no religious affiliation, has more than doubled between surveys and is now the third largest religious index group overall in North America. If present trends continue this group could easily become the largest Religious Identification Group of all North America.

Why? What has happened to the North American Church that has caused its light not shine as brightly as it once did? What has happened to Christ’s Followers that have dimmed their light? These are the questions that haunt my mind and for which I deliberately seek the scripture for answers.

I think the Apostle Peter might have an answer for us to this question. As I was reading 1 Peter 2:11,12 it became obviously clear to me that he was thinking of Jesus’ words during the Sermon on the Mount about us being the light of the world. At one point Peter almost quotes Jesus. Read what it says,

“Dear Friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

There it is, “see our good deeds and glorify God… ” That’s almost exactly what Jesus said about being the light of the world! Our desire and ambition should be to live good lives and perform good deeds so that we bring honor and glory to God. But it’s the first part of the verse that I feel is the key to making sure our light doesn’t dim or flicker out! Peter pleads with and urges Christ’s followers to abstain from the sinful desires of the world. Peter is warning Christians that failure to stay pure and live holy lives will result in lost people not seeing our good deeds (our light) thereby, not be able to glorify God. I truly believe that there is a direct correlation between Christians not living holy lives and lost people not seeing the light that can lead them to Jesus. Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me when I hear that studies reveal that the morality of Christian’s of North America is statistically no different from those in North America who don’t claim to be Christians. We have done exactly what Peter begs Christians not to do. As followers of Christ we have failed to abstain, and in some cases wholeheartedly embraced, the sinful desires of the world.

If we are going to be serious about pursuing the mission that Christ has called us to, we have to be serious about living holy lives. While we are actively pursuing lost people, while we are hanging out with them, while we are going where they are, we must always remain pure and holy. Otherwise all will be for naught. What do we need to do in order to become effective and obedient in pursuing Christ’s mission? We need to start with repentance! Listen to the words of God to his people:

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek after my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chron. 7:14

Repentance is the starting point! Repentance to have a total change of mind that produces a change of heart, which allows us to change our actions. We once thought that living sinful and impure lives was the right way to live but now we have had a change of mind and heart that allows us to live a life inline with God’s will and ways. In order to have true repentance a person must have true humility. A person who changes their life is the person who admits they were wrong in the way they had been living their life. They are a person who admits they need help. They are a person who is willing to seek help from God. The promise that follows is God hearing, forgiving and healing. How great is that?

Some find this hard to swallow.

Rebellious Jonah, running away from Almighty God, would rather die than do what God had called him to do.

The sailors knew that Jonah was the cause of the fierce Mediterranean storm. A decision is made to throw him overboard.

With Jonah gone they rowed hard to return to safety. They tried to pull themselves out of this danger, but they could not.

When their efforts failed they cried out to God, and called upon God.

As soon as they dispatched Jonah, and prayed, the waters became calm.

They became very religious in their hour of danger and need. Many do.

Jonah is on the point of death, but God is not finished with him.

God provided a great fish to swallow Jonah and for three days and three nights Jonah is in the belly of that sea creature, and from there he prayed.

God made this happen at just the right moment. It was deliberate on the part of God. God does not wipe out all rebels immediately.

Was Jonah glad to be rescued from the waves, although perhaps not in the way he would have wished?

As he prays there is no request about how he might get out of the tomb. He pours out his heart in praise and thanksgiving.

He seems to have no concern about his future, if he is to have a future.

He prays phrases from the Psalms. Jonah knew his Bible and he had stored up God's Word in his heart. It was so needed at such a desperate hour.

The Word of God reassured Jonah that he was in God's hands.

Many have found that to be comforting, when imprisoned for their faith in Jesus Christ, and removed from their families.

Make the effort to get into the Word of God. Decide and determine to be reading part of the Bible every day. It has been my pattern now for many years to read around three passages of Scripture each day and normally I do so in the morning. that is the best time for me, but the time of day is not all that important. Just make sure you are feeding upon the Word of God and allow God to speak to you through His holy Word, strengthening and encouraging and nourishing you in so many various areas.

We have to be very practical too. We feed upon the Word of God so that we may serve people around us.

Are you familiar with what is going on amongst those who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ today?

Get to know the fact and support the genuine agencies and organizations which God has raised up to minister to those who are enduring sever and sore suffering.

We have been connected with Open Doors led by that faithful man, Brother Andrew who has served in the front line for many years.

His book, "God's Smuggler", released this year after 60 years of serving in such exciting and at time dangerous situations, is an inspirational read.

If you have never read it, and you need a word that will inspire you, get hold of a copy and let it motivate and encourage.

There are some people in the Church of Jesus Christ who will just not give up nor give in.

Be such a person.

If I can help in any way do get in touch through the excellent contact facilities provided by this website.

In all the passages in the four gospels, there are two that really stand out as testaments to Christ’s humanity. The first one is obviously the prayer from the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” What inspiration this offers to the suffering. Here hangs Christ, at the hour of fulfillment. At his most admirable moment…while He is in total conformity to God’s will. And He feels abandoned. If any person out there hasn’t felt abandoned by God, it’s because they never felt in company with God.

The other event isn’t quite as obvious, and is only reported in Luke. It’s the small exchange between Christ and the good thief. Where the first one relates to man’s relationship with God, this one relates to man’s relationship with man.

It’s easy to see the connection to Christ’s parable of the “Prodigal Son”. The thief asks Christ to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. Christ tells hime that “on this day, you will be with me in paradise.”

When the thief utters his acceptance of guilt and pleads for mercy, Christ breaks all precedence. At the thief’s last hour, he becomes one of the few men we know for certain is in heaven. But looking at it from a more personal level, it’s about more than just mercy. It’s about companionship.

I’ll never forget my childhood school days. Sadly, I spent much of it sitting outside the principal’s office anticipating a punishment. The list of my offenses is long, and I won’t begin to mention them. Most of the time, I was waiting out in that hallway alone. But every now and then, there was someone to share my state of dread.

In short, misery loves company. No one wants to go through something alone…and Christ was no exception. His punishment was different from the thief’s because Christ hadn’t actually committed a crime. But when the thief asked to be remembered, it was more than a petition. It was “We’re in this together…even though I deserve it and you don’t.” So it’s no wonder that Christ promised to take him the whole way, even after death.

While we’re going through pain and suffering in life, it helps to remember that we’re sharing something with Christ. Offer your pain to Him as sign of your commitment. “I’m here for you…be there with me at the hour of death.” Remember that every one shares Christ’s joy and gladness. But suffering connects us to Christ at His hour of fulfillment in a deep, personal way. And the second person of the Trinity still finds satisfaction from this personal connection

For the past eight centuries, European paintings that depict Christ's crucifixion and modern movies about Jesus' life have traditionally portrayed our Lord as a nearly naked man registering no trace of pain or emotion. As a matter of fact, He looks like He's sleeping with his arms stretched out and his feet standing, (not hanging) on ​​a cross. Many images show little or no blood "which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26: 27-28) Most old and modern paintings and almost every cinematic crucifixion scene (except for the Passion of the Christ) show just another man offering a "watered down" sacrifice of Himself for every soul of humanity.

The mores of old Europe and early American culture dictate that blood be removed from works of art because it lacks "good taste," as if Christ's body is being presented for a PG-rated movie. But if you went back in time to witness the true Crucifixion, you wouldn't see Jesus as those who saw Him as a Rabbi, Miracle worker, Teacher, Consoler, Savior and the Son of God. You wouldn't recognize Him due to blood covering a majority of his body, starting with the crown of thick, long thorns which wrapped around His entire head where there is an enormous supply of blood. His wrists are impaled by long, sharp spikes, while his arms are hung above Him at 70 degrees above his shoulders. His back was beaten so thoroughly, He could not have possibly pushed His body up on both feet, driven through by an enormous thick nail – just to take a sip of air without rubbing it against the rugged wooden post behind Him. Alone, naked, shamed by spectators spitting, yelling, taunting Him to come down from the cross. His mouth is wide open, straining for breath. His eyes are blinking harshly, not only to rid them of blood and sweat but to try taking in unimaginable pain. How could Jesus keep a "straight face" with all He endured – taking all of the sins of man upon Himself, and yelling, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mathew 27:45)

Our Churches are a lot like these "gentle" depictions of the Our Savior's Sacrifice – lukewarm, indifferent and compromising. Its depictions of God dying make a viewer wonder if His death was "no big deal." The Crucifixion was extremely graphic. In the case of Christ, glory looked graphic. He looked like he had been through hell. The truth was that he was experiencing the hells of every man who had lived and will live.

Most art that illustrates the Crucifixion doesn't represent Christ as it should have been. Christ didn't go to the cross to stand and sleep; He came to suffer physically and have every man's sin poured out on Him for six hours so that we could be close to Him. I don't believe any artist could portray that much love, grace and mercy.

One of all time best known organ chorale preludes by J.S. Bach is “Ich ruf zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ”, BWV 639. It is included in the Little Organ Book or “Orgelbüchlein”. It is unique among other compositions in this collection because it is written in a trio texture with a chorale tune in the soprano voice. Although it employs three highly independent parts, relative slow tempo and gently pulsating pedal part make it accessible for organists with modest abilities. In fact, it might be a perfect hand and feet coordination exercise. In this article, I will give you 4 tips for playing “Ich ruf zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ” on the organ.

• Fingering. The main rule for choosing the best left hand fingering is to apply arpeggio or broken chord fingerings. Arpeggios of chords in the root position are played using 5 3 2 1 fingers. If the third is major between the two lower notes as in A flat C, play 5 3. If the third is minor as in F A flat, play 5 4. The chords of the first inversion are played using 5 4 2 1 fingerings and 5 3 2 1 are best suited for the second inversion chords.

Try to avoid placing the thumb on the sharp keys in the right hand part. However, it will not be always possible since the key of this chorale prelude has four flats. Play the ornaments using 4 3 fingers of the right hand.

• Pedaling. As in most Baroque compositions, apply toes-only pedaling in this piece. Since the bass line is pulsating it will not always be possible to use alternate toe technique. However, in measures 4, 8, and 14 alternating right and left pedaling works well. You can treat the descending passage with repeated notes in measures 11 and 12 as a scale-like passage and play with alternate toes. Play with the same foot notes that are repeated and notes with change of direction.
• Articulation. Although the traditional way of articulating Baroque music is with articulated legato, you can see the slurs every four notes in the left hand part. This legato articulation is original and you should try to play all four notes legato. Make sure there are delicate breaks between the note groups. Play all notes with a gentle articulation in the right hand part and in the pedals except in measure 3, where the appoggiatura in the soprano should be slurred.
• Ornaments. Ornaments in this chorale prelude should be played from the upper note. Because it is a very gentle and expressive piece, do not rush your ornaments and do not allow them to sound virtuosic. Try to maintain the elegant intimate character even in playing the faster notes. Do not play the ornaments automatically in the precise rhythm. They will sound more natural if you hold the first note of the trill or the mordent longer and play the remaining notes a little faster.

Although the practice keeping in mind the above points about fingering, pedaling, articulation, and ornamentation requires significant amount of patience and attention to detail, the results achieved by such a practice will be great because you will be able to perform “Ich ruf zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ” with precision, clarity, and confidence.

Fourteen centuries ago a man named Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Mother Mary was a pious virgin, when she gave birth to Jesus. He said that Jesus had been born miraculously without any male intervention. And he shut the mouthes of many of those, who used to abuse Mother Mary. It is because of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that around one and a half billion Muslims around the world respect, love and revere Jesus Christ. In fact Islam makes it an article of faith to believe in Jesus. A Muslim can not be a Muslim unless he believes in Jesus Christ

The miraculous birth of Jesus is a compulsory article of the Muslim faith and every Muslim has to believe in it, in order to be a Muslim. Muslims believe in his miracles. Qur'an mentions the miracle of Jesus as a young kid, when he gave life to birds that he had made out of clay, with God's permission. But if one checks the New Testament he would not find this miracle mentioned there. A few days ago while doing a research regarding the Bible, I came across some scriptures that the early Christians included in the Bible and called them the word of God, but the church did not include these scriptures in the New Testament. One of these scriptures is the Gospel of Infancy, which is about the childhood of Jesus Christ. This Gospel of Infancy and the Holy Qur'an contain this miracle, but the Bible does not.

Muslims also believe that he gave life to the dead with God's permission and healed those born blind and lepers. We believe in his second coming. It is astonishing that the Qur'an tries to defend Jesus against objectionable things mentioned about him in the Bible. For instance, The Bible says that Jesus Christ never called Mother Mary as "Mother or Mom", but rather called her "you woman!" This is highly objectionable because this is the same language that he uses for a prostitute in the Bible, "you woman!" Astonishingly the Qur'an in turn defends Jesus and says that he was obedient and respectful to his mother and would never say anything as such to his mother.

So astonishing as it maybe, Islam is the only Non Christian faith, which holds Jesus Christ in such high prestige and reverence and makes it an article of faith for its followers to believe in Jesus Christ. The major difference of opinion among Christians and Muslims is that some Christians believe that Jesus Christ claimed divinity and was God. While Muslims believe that he was a mighty messenger of God and never claimed to be God.

So Muslims believe that so many good things about Jesus only because Muhammad (peace be upon him) said so, not that Bible thumpers convinced them. Now the Bible thumpers are making serious efforts to convince Muslims that Jesus is God. They use a wide range of tactics for this purpose from common arguments that Jesus did not have a father so he should be God or that Jesus gave life to the dead that is why he is God. But these arguments have so far failed in front of Muslims, as even Adam did not have parents and even Moses gave life to his dead staff and made it a serpent. The Bible thumpers even get handy with the Qur'an. They quote verses from the Qur'an and tell Muslims that Jesus is " Kalimatullah , the word of Allah" and " Ruhullah , the Spirit of Allah". But the Muslims come forward with the argument that even John, the Baptist is referred to as " Kalimatullah , word of God" in the Qur'an. The Qur'an also says that Allah breathed into Adam of his spirit and also breathed of it into the whole mankind.

Efforts are also being made on the Muslim side as well to convince Christians that Jesus was not God, but is a messenger of God. Muslims use common arguments such as how can Jesus be God and also die for your sins, when God is Eternal? But Christians make some efforts to prove that death is of two types, spiritual death and physical death. While other Christians try to prove how Jesus has a dual nature. Muslims even get handy with the Bible. For instance, this post " Is Jesus God? " Claims that Jesus Christ did not claim divinity anywhere in the Bible. It also makes an effort to answer the several Biblical verses quoted by Christians to prove the divinity of Jesus Christ.

So the major difference of opinion between Muslims and Christians is the divinity of Jesus Christ and both are trying to convince the other to accept their point of view. It is a healthy discussion and is surely going to continue for a long time.

The Bible, as we may know, represents symbolised analogies as a means of Self-realization; biblically phrased, this means coming upon [our] full humanity or developing expanded consciousness. By internalizing scriptural “Jesus” as an inward process rather that an outward, we eternalize Christ Nature as our everyday functioning consciousness — facilitating conscious awareness of our soul’s unbounded eternal status.

For example, when decoded beyond their literal interpretation, the following two verses are indicative of the process of soul disentanglement from generational conditioning thereby allow experiencing through expanded or cosmic consciousness.

For, in their literal dogmatized format — and associated understandings — these and similar scriptures, from an instructional standpoint, make absolutely no sense whatsoever. But, when decoded esoterically – non-literally – their kernel revelation, spiritually speaking, is truly life-changing. The pivotal point in both these scriptures is the vital interpretive understanding formulated around the two “I”s, for they are not one and the same as presented:

“And I, if I be lifted up from this earth, shall draw all men unto me”. John 12.32 KJV – and,

“Where I go you cannot come, but I go to prepare a place for you”. John 13.36.

Now compare the same two scriptures paraphrased (in brackets).

“And I, (eternally-existing consciousness) shall draw all men (divine manifestation) unto me (Christ consciousness lived spontaneously”), [on condition that] if I (lower-self ego) be lifted up from this earth (raising our consciousness from the quagmire of “sin” nature).

“Where I go (Transcendence) you (material world / conditioned lower ego / duality) cannot come, [due to] (non-purified aspect of soul) but I go (process of ego becoming crucified) to prepare (integration or neutralizing of past karmic patterns) a place (state of purified consciousness) for you (experiential eternal Christ nature”).

In both scriptures, John is saying: if [our] lower “I” ego conditioning becomes integrated by means of [our] higher “I” thus, [our] consciousness, on becoming raised — rather than the recurring lower suffering nature — shall manifest (live / create) from that Higher spiritual domain of love, peace and spiritual abundance.

Like so many of scripture’s coded verses, the previous two are indicative of an inner process: that of raising lower-self “I” by means of Higher Self “I” [in meditation] thus leading to purification of embedded subconscious “sin” content; in other words, residual karmic patterns becoming neutralized forever resulting in pure or expanded consciousness.

It should be emphasised that the Higher Christ “I” which raises our consciousness already exists within each person, but, that, we come upon it consciously.

Crucifying the Ego

The Bible’s coded message is primarily of journeying within [consciousness] through personal daily meditation, which, at practical level, is about ego Crucifixion — surrendering identification with the false ego persona unto inner transmutational silence.

In this stillness, we’re not looking or asking for something materially, rather, becoming empty of such; for, intuitively we sense that we’ve each incurred varying amounts of subconscious emotional baggage — attachments to the material world (false gods) — which necessary detachment purification is impossible for lower-ego to perform, hence — by way of stillness-silence — the introduction of light or awareness into the deeper mind.

Psalm 46-10 puts it: “be still and know that I (eternally-existing consciousness or Christ within) am God”- scripture is reminding us to achieve this divine status within our own consciousness through conscious inward endeavour as opposed to persuasive outer conditioning.

Like a line drawn in water as opposed to stone, on gaining purity of expanded consciousness, new or subsequent sensory impressions — on the surface mind and nervous system — fail to cling for future re-enactment, fail to register as compulsive desire-seeds. Thus the soul’s eternal Christ nature is lived in unbounded bliss-consciousness.

Transcendence and Altered States of Consciousness

Scriptural readings indeed feed the mind beautifully, but, primarily intellectually. Thus, it’s vital we mature into comprehension of scriptures’ message non-literally otherwise we remain anchored in static historical narrative without authentic understanding of the transcendental nature of direct perception of eternal Being within our own consciousness – as intended by scriptures’ enlightened authors.

While left-side brain thrives on facts, figures and historical analysis and analogies, (that’s its job) fulfillment of the Heart transcendentally requires entering into naturally-induced altered states of consciousness by way of right brain activity. Such journeying from left to right side brain facilitates — through opening the pineal gland in the brain — direct experience of our divine or cosmic nature. Here “cosmic” simply means all-inclusive, universal, unbounded or expanded consciousness – full humanity.

Biblical compositions are not intended as precise chronological history of people and events of distant eras, rather instructional [to the reader] of going within our deeper consciousness whereby “revelation” [of the divine] becomes actual reality.

Awakening the [biblical] inner Christ

Biblical “Jesus” esoterically means “process” or Way of knowing transcendental Christ [nature] within [our] consciousness. In practical terms, the title “Jesus” refers to stilling the conscious mind (as in “Jesus” calms the lake) by way of personal meditation, thereby preparing the consciousness (“I go before you”) for the coming [of Christ nature], or, direct realization of eternality-awareness within our own expanded cosmic consciousness, while on earth.

In this regard, when the lake is calm the moon reflects perfectly. Similarly, when the nervous system is calmed — functioning through the state of restful alertness – the innately present Christ-nature reflects blissfully. Thus, calming the inner lake [mental turmoil] allows the soul “hear” echoing of its own eternal transcendental love-silence.

The facts surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ are stupendous and astounding. So often they are clouded over by nostalgia or tradition. Let’s read and study the truth.

In Luke Chapter 2, in the New Testament, we read of a ruler issuing a decree. Everyone in the Roman Empire is to be registered. Caesar Augustus orders a census, and this involves all the heads of households – all the men folks – to go to their own cities. For Joseph that means an 80 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem. Some 700 years previously prophets had proclaimed that – but how can it be arranged?

It is very difficult to arrange your own birth! God uses the most unlikely person to have Mary and Joseph where He needs them to be.

Mary went with Joseph. She did not have to go. Why does Mary make that long hazardous arduous journey, just a few days before giving birth to Jesus Christ the Son of God? Why? Well, Mary had been ostracised. If dear Joseph had left Mary in Nazareth there would have been no-one with her. She would be shunned by the community. This young pregnant girl who claimed to be a virgin would have been regarded as an outcast.

We have the arrangement for the confinement – the announcement – and the acceptance.Joseph knew that the living God was doing something beautiful and wonderful. They make their way to Bethlehem – which means ‘house of bread’ – so that the Bread of Life can be born, in accordance with the word of God.

When they arrive Joseph tries to get a room.Bethlehem is crowded – full of men who have come from the census. Joseph continues to seek a room – some space where his beloved Mary can give birth to this special child.

At that time there were two words used for a hotel – one meant a five star hotel – the other meant a one star. It is at the one star hotel where Joseph makes his enquiries. All that he is offered is a place alongside the animals. You could reasonably compare it with a shelter in a pub car park. If we are to recapture the real atmosphere, that is where in modern language Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born. He came down to such a world as this, and was born in a backyard.

Mary gives birth to Jesus. She took the child and wrapped him in strips of cloth – ‘medical bandages’ is the words used. Remember this is being written by a medical doctor.

Doctors can be so sceptical when it comes to miracles, and God has all this told to, and by, a doctor. He must have asked Mary some years later, because we know Mary pondered upon all these matters.

“Tell me Mary – tell me the details of the conception and the confinement.” How else would we have this account? He must have had a wonderful bedside manner and a good listener to elicit all this information from Mary.

She lays Jesus is an animals feeding trough. Note – she did it – there is no other woman present to help – no midwife to wash the baby and wrap him up cosily and hand him over to mother. Mary does it all in such unusual surroundings. We have dressed up the facts to make them more acceptable and respectable. God didn’t! Neither did Luke!

Not very far away are some shepherds. Shepherds at this time were regarded as among the lowest of the low. They were mistrusted rogues. No shepherd was allowed to give evidence in court at this time. They were not trusted. They were like night watchmen.

Yet, God the Father said to the angels – “Go to these shepherds and announce the birth of My Son.” God wanted people to know, just as today we place an intimation in the newspaper.

God is sending this Good News from the highest to the lowest.

The announcement is so simple – but vital words are used – Today – in the city of David – a Saviour has been born to you – He is Christ the Lord.

This is where David used to work and look after sheep, and write Psalms. This is where the great King David was once a shepherd. Now in one little baby there is a shepherd and a lamb – the Good Shepherd – and the Lamb of God – who is to take away the sin of the world.

Bethlehem is only six miles south of Jerusalem, and from the surrounding fields sheep were bred for slaughter in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Thirty three years later the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, was to be slain in Jerusalem – slaughtered – crucified – despised and rejected by men – shedding blood to take away sin.

The shepherds went and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, just as the angel had said. When they had seen Jesus they went around Bethlehem, and told everything. They spoke about what God was doing. They shared everything. They didn’t keep this to themselves, but openly testified.

Some were amazed at what these shepherds were saying. Some wondered – can all this be true? For many it was just a passing interest.

Mary reveals something different. She treasured up all these things. She pondered over all that had happened. She was holding onto what was good and real and true. For Mary it was NOT going to be all over as soon as dawn came. Mary’s heart is filled with joy and peace. She continued to think on the meaning of what had happened.

Some years later it was Mary who must have told Dr. Luke all these very intimate details.

For many in Bethlehem it was only of passing interest. For Mary she pondered, and as we see the shepherds for the final time they are praising God for all they had seen and heard.

What does this familiar passage mean to you? Each part of the Word of God calls for reaction and response, and our individual answer is eternally important.

Sandy Shaw