Monday, February 3, 2014
An Explanation of History & Canonicity in the Church.
"May God help and protect him [Gregory of Colorado] for many years!" [1]
For Gregory is perhaps the only U.S. 'golden link' in the apostolic chain, following and taking oversight of the 'golden thread of faith'. He is a U.S. born bishop+plus of the true-glory Church. He is a missionary here because his valid credential reaches us across time and continent from the late Roman and Russian Christian Empires.
"He [Gregory] is also known for his missionary activity."
And he is straight forward with the true Faith that he confesses.
"His [Gregory's] confession of Faith can be seen on the web sites, www.TrueOrthodoxy.org and www.TrueOrthodoxy.info."
Fortunately for all, he is a stickler for obeying Church law and applies it in all areas of Church government and life with great wisdom. This is an expression of genuine love seldom understood or seen in these perilous times.
"Although Archbishop Gregory has the reputation of being the strictest bishop in Orthodoxy, yet in reality he is just a normal Orthodox bishop, applying strictness when applicable and economia when necessary."
In reading his life story i find myself cheering him on for his righteous principle.
"The Life Story of Archbishop Gregory may be found at www.ArchbishopGregory.Info."
I would not wish the circumstances that forced Gregory to defend himself on anyone, but it has worked out for our good. His life is his defense. Oh, how diverse are the cultures and traditions in Christendom! A golden chain lased with the golden thread of faith in an ocean of subterfuge. All antichrists, heretics, and schismatics are focused on defaming the one end-time Church of true-glory.
"It is because of this [vicious schismatics] that a comprehensive biography of the Archbishop’s life has shown itself to be necessary."
Gregory's insight and teaching on schismatics reveals profound discernment. He also clearly shows how the world of Orthodoxy (a specialized area of Christendom) is filled with heretics identifiable by credible Councils of valid Church legislators.
"As may be expected, the schismatics have been even more vicious than the heretics of World Orthodoxy, in slandering the reputation of Archbishop Gregory."
The need for Church leadership is clearly observed in the handling of schismatics. Heretics are bad enough, they continually re-invent and multiply themselves for each generation under the cloak of many innovative devices.
"The Archbishop has also been outspoken against schismatics who according to St. John Chrysostom are worse than heretics since they emulate the truth so closely and are therefore more deceptive." [2]
Gregory leads by example concerning what to do if your local church or legitimate ecclesiastical authority heads down a side-road of heresy. Concerning such a heresy, valid Church Council; identified, defined, and declared ecumenism as a heresy in 1983. Those who have placed themselves under this anathema have become broken links in the 'golden chain' of apostolic succession. A fall to heresy breaks the link!
"It is because of his continuous desire to preserve his canonicity, that he had to, at times, abandon churches that had fallen prey to this, the greatest heresy of all times, Ecumenism."
According to standing Church legislation of the past, communion with those who have fallen into heresy contaminates one in the same heresy.
"As far as maintaining the Orthodox Faith in America, again, Archbishop Gregory is the only hierarch in this country who has not succumbed to the heresy of Ecumenism either by espousing it or by being in communion with anyone who espouses it."
This latest link in the golden chain in the U.S. is one among many chains emerging from the late Christian Empires of Rome and Russia. There has been a continual decline in the governments of the world forcing new challenges upon the Church of true-glory.
"Ever since his consecration [2001], Archbishop Gregory has been an upholder of the canons in all his dealings with the remaining true hierarchs [all now outside of the U.S.] of the Orthodox Church."
He himself is an Archbishop in accordance with the exact requirements of Church law.
"This [faithful bishops] establishes the line of canonicity for Archbishop Gregory. In 2001 he was made a bishop by these hierarchs."
Gregory was made a bishop by credible bishops in Russia and a valid Church council of bishops to which he belonged.
"These bishops [in Russia, ordained by the Russian Church Abroad, but who did not accept ecumenism] remained faithful and were canonical and grace filled."
Many of the 'Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church' (in Russia), the 'Russian Church Abroad', and the 'Greek Old Calendar Church' (mostly Greek) splintered and fell under the anathema of ecumenism as defined in 1983.
"In the year 2000 he [Gregory] was released from the Greek Old Calendar Church to enter the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church which was led by bishops in Russia, ordained by the Russian Church Abroad, but who did not accept their Ecumenism and who separated from them because of it." [3]
Previously Gregory left the 'Russian Church Abroad' after 30 years because they fell to ecumenism.
"He left the Russian Church Abroad, 30 years later, in 1995 because of their acceptance of Ecumenism through their union with the heretic Cyprian of Fili and joined the Greek Old Calendar Church which was a canonical and grace filled Church."
Previously Gregory left the 'Antiochian Church' after 21 years because they fell to ecumenism.
"He left the Antiochian Church, 21 years later, because of their acceptance of Ecumenism in 1965 and joined the Russian Church Abroad which was a canonical and grace filled Church at that time."
Gregory's baptism was valid because this credible group had not yet fallen into heresy.
"He [Gregory] was baptized at infancy in the Antiochian Church [in the U.S.] which was a canonical and grace filled Church at that time."
Gregory has lived to see many links in the 'golden chain' of apostolic succession in the country of the 'Late Great United States' break off and fall. Maybe the seeds of revolt-rebellion, Masonic domination, and Askanauzy anti-Christianity has been underestimated by everyone?
"Archbishop Gregory is the only hierarch in the United States who has remained free of any communion or union with this heresy of Ecumenism who has valid apostolic succession. Therefore, he is considered to be truly canonical."
Many of the thousands of denominations in Christendom were launched in the United States. Neither the Protestants, Vaticans, nor Orthodoxy have been exempt from splintering after hitting the shores of the U.S.?
"They are all under condemnation."
Many come to believe that numbers gives credibility to any movement, but that simply is not the case. Especially within the the degeneration of the Constitutional Republic of the U.S. to a welfare state; for the mob of the majority on any issue believe that they are right - even though they are manipulated every day by a power that they cannot quite understand!
"Does it matter if these hierarchs number two or three, or does it matter if these hierarchs number two or three hundred? It does not matter how many hierarchs espouse heresy." [4]
Are we going to be ultimately judged by our choice of allegiance between one heresy or another, or between a heresy and the one true Church of true-glory? Yes, indeed!
"Is it difficult to understand why any Orthodox Christian who remains under allegiance to these newly appeared heretical hierarchs is committing spiritual suicide? These 'hierarchs' are the ones who have become uncanonical and heretical."
What are the standing Anathemas of the past and is there a legitimate law-making body that can altar them? No one will be able to plead ignorance when they have lived most of their lives with access to a search engine that instantly provides such information! Was the Council [of 1965] that lifted the anathema, that cut off one fifth of the Church a thousand years ago [1054], legitimate? Or rather was the standing anathema lifted according to established Church law? I say, NO; and NO a second time!
"With the mutual lifting of these Anathemas [of 1054] the conclusion is that the two churches [the Franco-Latin Vaticans, a.k.a Roman Catholic Church] - and the other 4 world centers of Christianity; [grouped as the Ecumenical Greek Orthodox] are again one church."
Now if the issue between the East and the West was just a split or schism, they could kiss and make up as was supposed to have happened in 1965. But what happened in 1054 is that four of the Roman Patriarchates of the Christian Church removed one Patriarchate for having a counterfeit faith. Those of the counterfeit faith could then only be received through repentance from that heresy.
"We [Constantinople, Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria] anathematized the teritorial Old-Roman Papal church for their heresy of the infallibility of the pope and his changing of the Creed and they [the old city of Rome and environs] anathematized us, those of True-glory, for not accepting their heresy [all in 1054]."
Nine hundred years later (five hundred of which were under Ottoman rule) the Patriarch of Constantinople presumed to lift the anathema in agreement with the Pope!
"From that time [1965] onwards, all the other local Orthodox Churches were forced to either reject this path by breaking communion with this false church, or accept this new direction by remaining in communion with it."
Franco-Latin Vaticanism was in no way renouncing or repented of their counterfeit faith. And so the Church of true-glory came to a fork in the path of the straight and narrow - a valley of decision if you please.
"The first official action of apostasy occurred in 1965, when Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople lifted the Anathema placed on the Roman Catholic Church in 1054." [5]
It is not the ancient viruses of Papism and the 'trinity-in-contortion' that attacked the Body of Christ (on the earth) with full force this time in our day; but rather ecumenism was the leading heresy under the cloak of brotherly love, equality, and toleration.
"This heresy of Ecumenism infected the Orthodox Church."
Now the reason the Orthodox Church is singled out in all of Christendom here is because she is the trunk that has never been chopped. She is that from which everything else has been pruned and cut off. Does history bare this out? Who were of the council of the 'Russian Church Abroad' and what authority where they wielding? Are the Bishops of the council linked together in the golden chain of apostolic succession having apprehended the golden thread of faith? Have a listen to their declaration...
"In 1983 the Russian Church Abroad declared “To those who attack the Church of Christ by teaching that Christ’s Church is divided into so-called 'branches' which differ in doctrine and way of life, or that the Church does not exist visibly, but will be formed in the future when all 'branches' or sects or denominations, and even religions will be united into one body; and who do not distinguish the priesthood and mysteries of the Church from those of the heretics, but say that the baptism and Eucharist of heretics is effectual for salvation; therefore, to those who knowingly have communion with these aforementioned heretics or who advocate, disseminate, or defend their new heresy of Ecumenism under the pretext of brotherly love or the supposed unification of separated Christians, Anathema!"
And so one good anathema follows hard after another as populations expand and all trees bear their fruit. Do you not think we have been led down into a valley of decision in our generation? Which is it for you? -the 1965 lifting of the old 1054 anathema, or the 1983 anathema against ecumenism upholding the old 1054 anathema?
"Now we come to the present time when the holy Church issued its Anathema against Ecumenism."
And so from St. Peter's day down to our day "there were false prophets also among the people" and he was warning of "damnable heresies" brought in "privily" or cunningly and secretive. He tells clearly the "many shall follow their pernicious ways". Many anathemas are just a matter of undisputed history rather we like them or not, for example:
"Again, therefore, if any bishop or church teaches that the Son of God was not begotten before time and did not become incarnate of the Virgin Mary or who does not believe that the Eucharist is the very body and blood of Christ, they are Anathema, and any person who is a member of this so called church, will find his membership to be spiritual suicide." [1]
I think a case could be made that anyone in Christendom should at least consider the anathemas of the first seven councils of the undivided Church? No one in the West would consider the Church split at that time - 741 A.D. After a careful consideration of those then look over the rest.
"Another example is when the Church anathematized the Bogomils by saying, 'To those who deny that the Logos and Son was begotten before time, and became incarnate of the Virgin Mary for our salvation: and those who believe the Eucharist to be only bread and wine and not truly the flesh and blood of the Savior: Anathema'."
This anathema requires some background reading to realize that the term 'begotten' used with regard to the Uncreated differs than when it is used of the creatures. For example Arias had Jesus as a begotten creature before creation and was therefore condemned. Notice also that the Protestant reaction against Vaticanism can easily end up in throwing the Baby out with the bath water. Consider another historical reality:
"Therefore, if any bishop is an iconoclast or any church is iconoclastic, it is uncanonical, and to unite oneself to them is spiritual suicide."
The way the following anathema is worded leads me to believe that icons were used for education in the faith and to function in part as a mnemonic device for the one teaching. Certainly they preserved remembrance or tradition both in the local church and at large. Also notice that one could rebuke another for worshipping an icon without reprisal because 'to venerate' is a long way from and much different than 'to worship'.
"For example, the iconoclasts refused to accept the holy icons. The Church put an Anathema on these heretics by saying, “To those who accept Christ’s saving works but refuse to view those acts depicted in holy icons or to venerate them: Anathema”"
However, those who make an issue out of the use of icons, misrepresenting their several purposes, would have appropriate discipline placed upon them.
"When this happens [being labeled uncanonical or heretical] the Church puts an ‘Anathema’ on that teaching or on that preacher of heresy, (anathema means a complete cutting off from God and separation from the Church and consignment to the devil)."
Can a heretic fulfill Church law including and built upon the Bible?
"He [that teaches falsely] is rightly labeled uncanonical or heretical. All heretics of course are by their very meaning, uncanonical."
Being labeled a heretic or against Church law is really just a confirmation of what already exists - it is a corrective and protective measure.
"When a bishop does not keep the first requirement and teaches a heresy even though he is in the Church, if he is not corrected, he loses his Orthodox Faith, and he loses his canonicity."
Teaching a heresy or being a heretic also breaks the link of apostolic succession.
"In other words, he must be part of the unbroken line of ordinations which can be traced back to the holy Apostles, and which have occurred only in the Church."
An apostolic faith (Jesus' faith) and a lawful lineage of ordinations are a requirement of a credible Bishop.
"Secondly a bishop must have the continuous apostolic succession in his ordination." [2]
How can one preach and teach the Faith of true-glory if he doesn't know what it is, and how can he have no variation to the left or to the right if he comprehends not the straight and narrow?
"In other words, he must preach the Orthodox Faith which was once handed down to us by the holy Apostles, our predecessors in the Church."
St. Paul taught that part of standing fast was to hold the traditions that one had been taught in the Church (2 Thes 2:15).
"First a bishop must maintain at all times and continuously the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church."
The teachings and traditions of the Church only brings it in harmony with Church canon or law first established by the Apostles.
"We say a church is canonical if it keeps or maintains two essential requirements."
When a Counsel or Synod falls into heresy or are lawless they often think they can continue business as usual.
"When a bishop or a Synod does not obey the canons they are considered renegades and lawless and this lawlessness will inevitably lead to heresy."
Church law is binding on all Christians and leaders.
"These commandments [rules of the Church] are binding on all Christians, especially the bishops who are sworn to uphold the canons and teachings of Christ."
When speaking of Church rules the term 'canones' is used from the Greek.
"When we speak of the word canonicity we mean nothing other than that which is according to the rules (canons) of the Church."
This is a partial and brief explanation of the history and canonicity of the Church of true-glory using modern examples.
Monday, July 29, 2013
When The Perfect Comes ...
continuation from 8
"Higher than prophesying is its abolition in glorification, which is the coming of the perfect, when one is known as Paul was known by God[2]."
One who prizes the gift (tongue of the heart) is to pray that he may prophecy. When one has arrived there and is proficient in the practice, presume not to think you are a prophet.
"What Paul is saying is that one is not a prophet ( I Cor. 12:29) simply because by tongues he prophesies[4]."
The place one has as participating in the part, is suspended when the Perfect comes, returning to the part in anticipation to be known again.
"When the perfect comes, that which is in part will be abolished. …. Then ... I will be known as also I was known (I Cor. 13:10,12)[2]."
Do you have the gift of tongues? Do you hear such in yourself? Where does your prophecy - your expounding on behalf of the Triune God in the Old Testament come from? This is all wonderful! However, without the experience of transformed godliness do not presume to be a prophet of the New Testament type.
"Paul is speaking about those who prophesy as a result of the gift of tongues[3]."
In earnest prayer move from childhood to manhood in Christ. Do you still transgress the law as defined in the complete view of the Bible? Then you are still a child following hard after Christ in the Church. The Spirit via your conscience will keep you informed on this issue.
"During this time (going from childhood to manhood) one sees by means of a mirror dimly and knows yet in part and prophesies in part (I Cor. 13:9,12)[2]."
Now there is the created law and the uncreated law. Both of these are presented in the Bible without confusion. The letter kills but the Spirit give life? -sounds like the cross, does it not? Did you think that the Christian Faith is just one selection among many religions? It is the free gift, that costs you everything, that returns all things new!
"One goes from childhood under the law (Gal 3:24) to manhood by faith, having the gift of tongues wherein the created Law is replaced by the uncreated law in His human nature in the heart[5]."
Their is a higher level in true Christianity where one indeed knows for sure in part, and yet abides in order to be known again as once already happened.
"I know yet in part, but I will then be known as I was known (I Cor. 13:11-12)[2]."
And I have heard this one and that one say, 'my life has been changed forever!'.
"For we now see by means of a mirror dimly, then face to face[3]."
The Living Law is literally written in my heart!
"When I became a man, I abolished the things of the child[2]."
I abolished the law's relationship to me as tutor, but appreciate even more the law's purpose which abides as the eternal law that it is.
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child[4]."
As i speak, think, and reason - so am I. But growing up is not a matter of trying to change my speech, thoughts, and reason. The right of passage to manhood is not, having met the glorified Lord - that was the beginning; the right of passage is having been glorified in His Body and Presence and persevering until it transpires again.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
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[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
Sunday, July 28, 2013
The Prophet Is Necessary ...
LISTING #8. RELEVANT TO YOU - UNNOTICED?
continuation from 7
It is true that without the prophets their is no Church "so long as it is realized that the name prophet means he who like the apostles experienced glorification; thus whether they are called prophets or fathers of the Church is secondary[3]."
Has there been a time when we have seen the last remaining prophet of the Church since the time of Christ until now? No. Will there come a time when there is no New Testament Prophet on earth? Will the Lord find Faith on the earth when He returns?
"Since it would be safe to assume that the prophet was in Paul's mind a necessary part of the structure of the Body Of Christ (Eph. 2:19-22; 3:5-6; 4:11- 13; I Cor. 12.28), being an essential part of its foundation, along with the apostles, it would also seem to follow that without them there is no Church[2]."
There is a time in the training for the Faith, perhaps around baptism, or under the hand of a Church teacher, when a Christian moves from the tutelage of the 'law' to the 'Spirit'. It is also possible to fake this reality among any that have not the gift of discernment.
"That 'children under the law' should prophesy or theologize would indeed be a ridiculous idea to Paul as it was to the Fathers in their confrontation with laymen or heretics who pretended to be theologians[4]."
Now with regard to this distinction (under law) within Christianity, the individual inwardly experiences the dispensation of the law and its relations to the cross of Christ. Once one is guided to participation in purification with the expected evidence, a new level in the Faith is experienced.
If "it is they with unceasing prayer, who see by means of a mirror dimly and 'know yet in part and prophesy in part' (I Cor. 13:12); then, the rest of those who believe in Christ are children under the law[2]."
Theology, which is the true word on God, can be a verb and is prophecy itself. When we practice, receive, and know unceasing prayer; we know in part. This is an important opening of the eyes of the heart, as in a dim room.
"The other members of the Body of Christ, who are so because they have the gift of the Holy Spirit's prayer unceasingly in their hearts, know and prophesy or theologize in part[3]."
Jesus said of himself and so himself exists as Truth. The Spirit of Truth rests in Him and is another comforter sent by Him. No Truth exists outside of Christ (Person of Triune Essence). Jesus' Spirit reveals Him. Are you glorified in Jesus' Body? Then your quest for the truth is over and you know it, for it is a wonderful feeling when you know you've found what you have been looking for. You have all Truth.
"All the Truth, which is Christ, is revealed by His Spirit, or the Spirit of Truth, to those glorified in His Body[2]."
Is it possible for you to be part of the Church without having been glorified in His Body? Yes, you may be a trainee in the Faith.
"It seems quite clear that nowhere in the New Testament do we find the idea that all the Truth is revealed to the Church, or that the Church is being led into an understanding of all the Truth[1]."
Oh, that all in the Church were glorified! 'For those whom he justified, he also sanctified, and those whom he sanctified, he also glorified'. Participating in the Truth is not the same as having 'all Truth'; when the Spirit comes He will guide you into all Truth.
"For Paul, God reveals to each of the glorified 'as many' of the 'things' 'as God prepared for those who love Him'; in other words, 'all the Truth' (John 16:13) which those who love God will participate in[2]."
That which the Spirit reveals in glorification has not entered the most sanctified imagination before the experience. Why has God bothered to prepare the glorified? -for those who love Him.
"That St. Paul would be completely shocked at the idea that the Church is either led into all the Truth or to a better understanding of all the Truth is clear from the following: And as it is written, the things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and did not arise within the heart of man - as many as God prepared for those who love Him - God therefore revealed to us by the Spirit" (I Cor. 2:9-10)[3]."
And so we see the appearance of a new prophet, one whose prophesying has been suspended and then he is returned to us.
It is this experience (prophesying abolished in glorification) which makes apostles and prophets.
When one experiences the Ultimate, he simply waits and cooperates with all that will bring about the Ultimate encounter again - faithfulness, perseverance, keeping in step with the Spirit. (Note: i know of these things neither by speculation or experience, but by the testimony of the mighty few).
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
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[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
continuation from 7
It is true that without the prophets their is no Church "so long as it is realized that the name prophet means he who like the apostles experienced glorification; thus whether they are called prophets or fathers of the Church is secondary[3]."
Has there been a time when we have seen the last remaining prophet of the Church since the time of Christ until now? No. Will there come a time when there is no New Testament Prophet on earth? Will the Lord find Faith on the earth when He returns?
"Since it would be safe to assume that the prophet was in Paul's mind a necessary part of the structure of the Body Of Christ (Eph. 2:19-22; 3:5-6; 4:11- 13; I Cor. 12.28), being an essential part of its foundation, along with the apostles, it would also seem to follow that without them there is no Church[2]."
There is a time in the training for the Faith, perhaps around baptism, or under the hand of a Church teacher, when a Christian moves from the tutelage of the 'law' to the 'Spirit'. It is also possible to fake this reality among any that have not the gift of discernment.
"That 'children under the law' should prophesy or theologize would indeed be a ridiculous idea to Paul as it was to the Fathers in their confrontation with laymen or heretics who pretended to be theologians[4]."
Now with regard to this distinction (under law) within Christianity, the individual inwardly experiences the dispensation of the law and its relations to the cross of Christ. Once one is guided to participation in purification with the expected evidence, a new level in the Faith is experienced.
If "it is they with unceasing prayer, who see by means of a mirror dimly and 'know yet in part and prophesy in part' (I Cor. 13:12); then, the rest of those who believe in Christ are children under the law[2]."
Theology, which is the true word on God, can be a verb and is prophecy itself. When we practice, receive, and know unceasing prayer; we know in part. This is an important opening of the eyes of the heart, as in a dim room.
"The other members of the Body of Christ, who are so because they have the gift of the Holy Spirit's prayer unceasingly in their hearts, know and prophesy or theologize in part[3]."
Jesus said of himself and so himself exists as Truth. The Spirit of Truth rests in Him and is another comforter sent by Him. No Truth exists outside of Christ (Person of Triune Essence). Jesus' Spirit reveals Him. Are you glorified in Jesus' Body? Then your quest for the truth is over and you know it, for it is a wonderful feeling when you know you've found what you have been looking for. You have all Truth.
"All the Truth, which is Christ, is revealed by His Spirit, or the Spirit of Truth, to those glorified in His Body[2]."
Is it possible for you to be part of the Church without having been glorified in His Body? Yes, you may be a trainee in the Faith.
"It seems quite clear that nowhere in the New Testament do we find the idea that all the Truth is revealed to the Church, or that the Church is being led into an understanding of all the Truth[1]."
Oh, that all in the Church were glorified! 'For those whom he justified, he also sanctified, and those whom he sanctified, he also glorified'. Participating in the Truth is not the same as having 'all Truth'; when the Spirit comes He will guide you into all Truth.
"For Paul, God reveals to each of the glorified 'as many' of the 'things' 'as God prepared for those who love Him'; in other words, 'all the Truth' (John 16:13) which those who love God will participate in[2]."
That which the Spirit reveals in glorification has not entered the most sanctified imagination before the experience. Why has God bothered to prepare the glorified? -for those who love Him.
"That St. Paul would be completely shocked at the idea that the Church is either led into all the Truth or to a better understanding of all the Truth is clear from the following: And as it is written, the things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and did not arise within the heart of man - as many as God prepared for those who love Him - God therefore revealed to us by the Spirit" (I Cor. 2:9-10)[3]."
And so we see the appearance of a new prophet, one whose prophesying has been suspended and then he is returned to us.
It is this experience (prophesying abolished in glorification) which makes apostles and prophets.
When one experiences the Ultimate, he simply waits and cooperates with all that will bring about the Ultimate encounter again - faithfulness, perseverance, keeping in step with the Spirit. (Note: i know of these things neither by speculation or experience, but by the testimony of the mighty few).
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
Purification Of The Heart ...
LISTING #7. RELEVANT TO YOU - OBSCURE?
continuation from 6
Prayer, study, and dogma "are abolished in vision of Christ in His Father's glory by the Spirit, an experience which transcends concepts and expressions about Him, and at the same time inspires concepts and expressions which will lead others to Him[1]."
There are some things that aid in purification of the heart, they are cures for specific injuries that a person may have that need attention before the main cure can be addressed. There are misconceptions from childhood that result in continuous psychological pain, there are unconscious presuppositions from faulty religious training or ideas. There is a great effective support system in true Christianity throughout the world, but definitely mix your adventure with growth in hidden-man-of-the-heart unceasing prayer. It will preserve you if all else fails.
"Theology is to know about God in unceasing prayer and the study of scripture and dogma which is a guide to God in an ocean of superstitions and misunderstandings about Him[2]."
Do you have a concept of God? - do not mistake it for the true word on God, or worse yet for our Triune Deity Himself. Do you have a clear and strong statement of Faith? - realize that no matter how committed you are to it that it is no more than a naming, a partial descriptive, a mere appellative. Our Godhead cannot be named or described. Yes, i am aware of the 250 names and titles of our Deity in scripture distributed throughout three quarters of a million words throughout nearly twenty thousand references! And yet this is a naming, a descriptive, an appellative process effective for guiding us to His Revelation of Himself to the individual.
"Theology is not conceiving God and dogma does not express God[3]."
Consistent collaboration among Church Fathers on a topic needs be seen as persuasive.
"All the Fathers agree with St. Gregory the Theologian, so called because he had reached glorification, that 'it is impossible to express God and even more impossible to conceive Him'[2]."
To attempt to understand the 'mysteries of God' is futile, for understanding is evidenced by those who actually depart from evil. Trying to advance dogma is not theology, dogma is a record of those defending the truth of the Gospel.
"The formulation of dogma had nothing whatsoever to do with any attempt to understand the mysteries (of God)[4]."
If you study the advancement of technology, philosophy, or medicine through time, one would outline the development of the progress of man in such areas. For one to write about theology in such a manner is to reveal that the individual himself is outside the Body of Christ and relying only on human reasoning.
"It should be clear, except for Augustine (of Hippo), no Father of the Church ever imagined himself as being engaged in an alleged attempt by the Church to understand the mystery of God and the incarnation better and better with the passage of time[2]."
Mankind's understanding of the only Triune Godhead is not a matter of the evolution of a certain number of centuries and improvement on that which has gone before. Consider for example the Franks that took over the Roman See by the tenth century; when they saw crowds of people participating in Christian tradition and worship, they assumed it was some kind of magic that they had to have to control their new subjects.
"St. Paul does not say that the Body of Christ is being built up by baptism, chrismation, eucharist, etc., but by apostles and prophets, meaning apostles and fathers who give birth to others in Christ by preparing them for the reception of the Holy Spirit's prayer in their hearts; it is only within such a context that the sacraments of baptism, chrismation, eucharist, ordination, confession, penance, etc. are not hocus pocus[3]."
It is possible and is often the case that many people participate in all the religious rituals of various forms of Christianity and never touch the underground stream that the form represents. Also there are times when the lifeless institution above ground wanders far from the underground river of life below that defines it.
"Without those, who with unceasing prayer and reach glorification, the mysteries (sacraments) of the Church become a system of hocus pocus[2]."
What happens in a location when the disciplined learning (discipleship) is amiss because no illuminated ones are present? Those who become the Body of Christ in such areas are few and far between.
"Whether one has such fathers (those with unceasing prayer who reach glorification) in concrete local congregations, or in monasteries does not change the fact they are the specialists for producing members of the Body of Christ[5]."
The Body of Christ is built upon the genuine Apostles and Prophets of the Church only, and has been that way from the beginning.
"The important thing is that those with unceasing prayer who reach glorification are the central core of Holy Tradition since without them there is no Body of Christ[2]."
A prophet can be a prophet in name only as we have seen in so many modern heresies. A genuine prophet can be called something else and it does not change the fact of his state and existence.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
continuation from 6
Prayer, study, and dogma "are abolished in vision of Christ in His Father's glory by the Spirit, an experience which transcends concepts and expressions about Him, and at the same time inspires concepts and expressions which will lead others to Him[1]."
There are some things that aid in purification of the heart, they are cures for specific injuries that a person may have that need attention before the main cure can be addressed. There are misconceptions from childhood that result in continuous psychological pain, there are unconscious presuppositions from faulty religious training or ideas. There is a great effective support system in true Christianity throughout the world, but definitely mix your adventure with growth in hidden-man-of-the-heart unceasing prayer. It will preserve you if all else fails.
"Theology is to know about God in unceasing prayer and the study of scripture and dogma which is a guide to God in an ocean of superstitions and misunderstandings about Him[2]."
Do you have a concept of God? - do not mistake it for the true word on God, or worse yet for our Triune Deity Himself. Do you have a clear and strong statement of Faith? - realize that no matter how committed you are to it that it is no more than a naming, a partial descriptive, a mere appellative. Our Godhead cannot be named or described. Yes, i am aware of the 250 names and titles of our Deity in scripture distributed throughout three quarters of a million words throughout nearly twenty thousand references! And yet this is a naming, a descriptive, an appellative process effective for guiding us to His Revelation of Himself to the individual.
"Theology is not conceiving God and dogma does not express God[3]."
Consistent collaboration among Church Fathers on a topic needs be seen as persuasive.
"All the Fathers agree with St. Gregory the Theologian, so called because he had reached glorification, that 'it is impossible to express God and even more impossible to conceive Him'[2]."
To attempt to understand the 'mysteries of God' is futile, for understanding is evidenced by those who actually depart from evil. Trying to advance dogma is not theology, dogma is a record of those defending the truth of the Gospel.
"The formulation of dogma had nothing whatsoever to do with any attempt to understand the mysteries (of God)[4]."
If you study the advancement of technology, philosophy, or medicine through time, one would outline the development of the progress of man in such areas. For one to write about theology in such a manner is to reveal that the individual himself is outside the Body of Christ and relying only on human reasoning.
"It should be clear, except for Augustine (of Hippo), no Father of the Church ever imagined himself as being engaged in an alleged attempt by the Church to understand the mystery of God and the incarnation better and better with the passage of time[2]."
Mankind's understanding of the only Triune Godhead is not a matter of the evolution of a certain number of centuries and improvement on that which has gone before. Consider for example the Franks that took over the Roman See by the tenth century; when they saw crowds of people participating in Christian tradition and worship, they assumed it was some kind of magic that they had to have to control their new subjects.
"St. Paul does not say that the Body of Christ is being built up by baptism, chrismation, eucharist, etc., but by apostles and prophets, meaning apostles and fathers who give birth to others in Christ by preparing them for the reception of the Holy Spirit's prayer in their hearts; it is only within such a context that the sacraments of baptism, chrismation, eucharist, ordination, confession, penance, etc. are not hocus pocus[3]."
It is possible and is often the case that many people participate in all the religious rituals of various forms of Christianity and never touch the underground stream that the form represents. Also there are times when the lifeless institution above ground wanders far from the underground river of life below that defines it.
"Without those, who with unceasing prayer and reach glorification, the mysteries (sacraments) of the Church become a system of hocus pocus[2]."
What happens in a location when the disciplined learning (discipleship) is amiss because no illuminated ones are present? Those who become the Body of Christ in such areas are few and far between.
"Whether one has such fathers (those with unceasing prayer who reach glorification) in concrete local congregations, or in monasteries does not change the fact they are the specialists for producing members of the Body of Christ[5]."
The Body of Christ is built upon the genuine Apostles and Prophets of the Church only, and has been that way from the beginning.
"The important thing is that those with unceasing prayer who reach glorification are the central core of Holy Tradition since without them there is no Body of Christ[2]."
A prophet can be a prophet in name only as we have seen in so many modern heresies. A genuine prophet can be called something else and it does not change the fact of his state and existence.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
Friday, July 26, 2013
Speaking In Tongues ...
LISTING #6. RELEVANT TO YOU - CLOSE?
continuation from 5
"St. Cyril of Alexandria (375-444) seems to follow a middle road on Paul's speaking in tongues since he notes, that, no one hears (I Cor. 14:2); he does not seem as sure as Chrysostom that this means no one understands[3]."
No one hears the tongue of the heart of another (when it in reality is present) unless he interpret or report it to an interpreter for the edification of others. The gift of languages and the announcing that takes place from them is different than automatic inner prayer or unknown tongues.
"The gift of languages was supposed to have accompanied the gift of unceasing prayer which, according to Chrysostom, St. Paul refers to in I Cor. 14:14-16[2]."
It is a common mistake that has persisted since the fourth century that the gift of language speaking and unceasing prayer to God were and are the same thing.
"By the time of St. John Chrysostom (344-407), the tradition had prevailed in Antioch that speaking in tongues is the gift the apostles had of speaking the languages of the people they were evangelizing[5]."
Two hundred years earlier speaking in tongues was accurately identified in the church of Alexandria. The Philokalia records eleven hundred years on the subject of hidden prayer of the heart which is the speaking in tongues of 1 Corinthians.
"Origen (circa 185-255) identifies speaking in tongues of I Corinthians with unceasing prayer of the Holy Spirit in the heart and sees this tradition operative in the Old Testament since this is what makes prophets, and the Cappadocian Fathers show no signs of disagreement with him on this[2]."
When a Christian returns from that first Face-to-face encounter with Triunity and picks up where he left off in scripture and unceasing prayer things are remarkably different with regard to both (so i have read in testimony). Warning: just because you may feel the Holy Spirit moving in your heart, do not presume yourself to be a prophet or apostle (neither invent a new ministry novelty); take time to consider the serious warnings to self-sent prophets in scripture.
"The Fathers theologize by means of the conformity of their reasoning to 3) their own glorification if such be their case or to that of others, but not by speculation, 2) scripture within the tradition of their own Fathers, 1) their unceasing prayer[3]."
Ninety percent of the true, positive, and glorious Faith remains hidden in those who have it. What we encounter in research is a record of the reaction of resistance of the true against false faith; which is trying to corrupt the pure Faith by masquerading as the original faith - wolves in sheep's clothing. Usually from a very subtle interpretation, which does not fool those who have the gift of discernment. The spirit of antichrist uses a system of human reasoning and speculation - a philosophy of theology if you please - to displace or replace the true Faith in the minds and hearts of the foolish. 'Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, ever praying and watchful over your own heart'.
"The formulation of dogma in the Creed and in definitions of Local and Ecumenical Councils of the indevided Church has in every single case been a reaction to heresy and never a part of an alleged process of transforming speculation or that famous, but non-existent theologoumenon (of individual opinion and not doctrine) into dogma[2]."
Christian creeds, doctrines, and even scriptures are not to be worshiped themselves. Jesus said things like 'what saith the scriptures' - 'ye are in error by your traditions' or 'ye neither know them nor the power of God'. And again, 'search the scriptures, they testify of me'. And a later warning is given, 'the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life'.
"One does understand doctrine, but only when one knows its purpose and does not confuse it with God Himself[4]."
Doctrine, which itself is a perfectly fine word, is a pointer to the Goal. During time spent between the Face-to-face encounters (i will be known again as i have already been known) that one has with our indescribable Deity, doctrine is delegated to its proper use and place in the vast scheme of things.
"The purpose of doctrine is not to be understood, but to be abolished in glorification, which is above understanding, since God is a mystery and remains a mystery even to those who see Him in Christ[2]."
Faith was never a 'leap into an unreasoned trust that proves itself true later' but rather is arrived at by an examination of the facts with the aid and observation of one who can demonstrates it on a high level. The body of documentation among Christians in exposing false faith was soon mistaken in its nature and compared and mixed with the long standing human philosophy of the Greeks.
"Augustine (of Hippo) confused the two (doctrine and the mystery of God) and thought that by accepting the one he could by faith understand the other[3]."
In true Christianity the 'mystery' is not some hocus pocus or something that cannot be experienced as far as the nature of things as possible permits, but rather the experiencing of that which is indescribable and discovered as impenetrable.
"One must make a clear distinction between doctrine and the mystery of God[2]."
Knowing doctrine and God in mystery are two very different things yet a thread of relationship or comparison can be made.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
continuation from 5
"St. Cyril of Alexandria (375-444) seems to follow a middle road on Paul's speaking in tongues since he notes, that, no one hears (I Cor. 14:2); he does not seem as sure as Chrysostom that this means no one understands[3]."
No one hears the tongue of the heart of another (when it in reality is present) unless he interpret or report it to an interpreter for the edification of others. The gift of languages and the announcing that takes place from them is different than automatic inner prayer or unknown tongues.
"The gift of languages was supposed to have accompanied the gift of unceasing prayer which, according to Chrysostom, St. Paul refers to in I Cor. 14:14-16[2]."
It is a common mistake that has persisted since the fourth century that the gift of language speaking and unceasing prayer to God were and are the same thing.
"By the time of St. John Chrysostom (344-407), the tradition had prevailed in Antioch that speaking in tongues is the gift the apostles had of speaking the languages of the people they were evangelizing[5]."
Two hundred years earlier speaking in tongues was accurately identified in the church of Alexandria. The Philokalia records eleven hundred years on the subject of hidden prayer of the heart which is the speaking in tongues of 1 Corinthians.
"Origen (circa 185-255) identifies speaking in tongues of I Corinthians with unceasing prayer of the Holy Spirit in the heart and sees this tradition operative in the Old Testament since this is what makes prophets, and the Cappadocian Fathers show no signs of disagreement with him on this[2]."
When a Christian returns from that first Face-to-face encounter with Triunity and picks up where he left off in scripture and unceasing prayer things are remarkably different with regard to both (so i have read in testimony). Warning: just because you may feel the Holy Spirit moving in your heart, do not presume yourself to be a prophet or apostle (neither invent a new ministry novelty); take time to consider the serious warnings to self-sent prophets in scripture.
"The Fathers theologize by means of the conformity of their reasoning to 3) their own glorification if such be their case or to that of others, but not by speculation, 2) scripture within the tradition of their own Fathers, 1) their unceasing prayer[3]."
Ninety percent of the true, positive, and glorious Faith remains hidden in those who have it. What we encounter in research is a record of the reaction of resistance of the true against false faith; which is trying to corrupt the pure Faith by masquerading as the original faith - wolves in sheep's clothing. Usually from a very subtle interpretation, which does not fool those who have the gift of discernment. The spirit of antichrist uses a system of human reasoning and speculation - a philosophy of theology if you please - to displace or replace the true Faith in the minds and hearts of the foolish. 'Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, ever praying and watchful over your own heart'.
"The formulation of dogma in the Creed and in definitions of Local and Ecumenical Councils of the indevided Church has in every single case been a reaction to heresy and never a part of an alleged process of transforming speculation or that famous, but non-existent theologoumenon (of individual opinion and not doctrine) into dogma[2]."
Christian creeds, doctrines, and even scriptures are not to be worshiped themselves. Jesus said things like 'what saith the scriptures' - 'ye are in error by your traditions' or 'ye neither know them nor the power of God'. And again, 'search the scriptures, they testify of me'. And a later warning is given, 'the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life'.
"One does understand doctrine, but only when one knows its purpose and does not confuse it with God Himself[4]."
Doctrine, which itself is a perfectly fine word, is a pointer to the Goal. During time spent between the Face-to-face encounters (i will be known again as i have already been known) that one has with our indescribable Deity, doctrine is delegated to its proper use and place in the vast scheme of things.
"The purpose of doctrine is not to be understood, but to be abolished in glorification, which is above understanding, since God is a mystery and remains a mystery even to those who see Him in Christ[2]."
Faith was never a 'leap into an unreasoned trust that proves itself true later' but rather is arrived at by an examination of the facts with the aid and observation of one who can demonstrates it on a high level. The body of documentation among Christians in exposing false faith was soon mistaken in its nature and compared and mixed with the long standing human philosophy of the Greeks.
"Augustine (of Hippo) confused the two (doctrine and the mystery of God) and thought that by accepting the one he could by faith understand the other[3]."
In true Christianity the 'mystery' is not some hocus pocus or something that cannot be experienced as far as the nature of things as possible permits, but rather the experiencing of that which is indescribable and discovered as impenetrable.
"One must make a clear distinction between doctrine and the mystery of God[2]."
Knowing doctrine and God in mystery are two very different things yet a thread of relationship or comparison can be made.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Bearers of Effective Chirstianity ...
LISTING #5. RELEVANT TO YOU - ESOTERIC?
continuation from 4
[Top conclusion, #2] "Tradition for the prophets, Apostles, and Fathers is not much different from tradition within today's scientific societies.[4]"
The society of true Faith are preserving a cure for that which ails mankind. Based on results, their presuppositions concerning the nature and purpose of man along with the identity and reality of God are confirmed.
"They (who have experienced glorification) are the chief bearers of the tradition of the therapy of the noetic faculty.[5]"
Those who carry and pass on the cure for humanity have reached the highest of five levels of true Christianity. The qualifying level is an expected, well documented, and verifiable state.
"Normative therapists are those who not only have the unceasing prayer of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, but who have also experienced glorification in this life.[1]"
The chief bearers of effective Christianity are not dealing with a pie-in-the-sky after-life religion but with an eternal state of an experiential faith that starts now.
"Neither the Bible nor the Fathers consider glorification as an experience only for life after death[2]."
That form of humanism that denies the overwhelming evidence and reporting by godly men throughout history must be considered to be a religion rather than a science.
"The cause of the reunion of Christendom may be served by getting scientists involved in the study of" curing the noetic faculty[1].".
Comparing the statistics of those psychologically treated by both psychiatry and true Christianity, a non-prejudiced honest person would have to admit the presence of a positive science within Christianity. Even the effective modern-day twelve step program for alcoholics was originally adapted from a Christian program.
"The very existence of the noetic faculty and its functioning or non-functioning cannot be the concern of theologians alone, indeed, its cure makes the tradition which knows how to bring this about more of a positive science than psychiatry in its present form[3]."
The concern and often times hidden fear that people have concerning death is the reason Christianity's time-proved addiction-breaking solutions are dismissed and sidelined as a religion.
"Perhaps one can methodologically separate the experience of the Holy Spirit's prayer in the heart from concern for life after death for the purpose of treating this phenomenon in conjunction with those sciences related to the medical profession[2]."
The therapeutic aspects of Christianity are so effective because they are based on a physical and psychological verifiable reality that something has been fixed inside the individual. Adjustments have taken place that effect the heart, brain, and central nerves system.
[Top conclusion, #1] "Consistency with the Pauline, early Christian, and patristic understanding of Jesus Christ as the Life of the World, should require that one approach the subject from the side of empirical or experiential theology which overlaps with the therapeutic sciences[4]."
We are at least talking about voluntary behavior modification which reaches toward a specific goal that is confirmable when reached, with plenty of mile markers and instruction from those who have already arrived and returned from that Goal.
"The gift itself of unceasing prayer in the heart and glorification (theosis) has never ceased being understood as the core of the tradition (of the Saints) from the time of the Old Testament prophets" until this very day[5].
Because we have the New Testament and record of the Apostles without the institutional form, discipline, and slant of the early Church; we imagine that the miraculous feats they performed were the main point and miss that the Faith and its methodology was carefully preserved and passed on effectively. Church history records other flourishes of the miraculous signs when there was a providential need.
"It is clear that the attitude had fully developed (by the fifth century) that the apostles were in a class all by themselves so that in comparison with theirs, the surviving gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church are of a lower order[2]."
The basic charismata of Christianity has never been absent from the Faith down to our very day. Improper definitions and identifications of spiritual gifts and their relationship to true Christians have paralleled the difference between those with the real cure and those turning speculation about the real cure into a religion.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
continuation from 4
[Top conclusion, #2] "Tradition for the prophets, Apostles, and Fathers is not much different from tradition within today's scientific societies.[4]"
The society of true Faith are preserving a cure for that which ails mankind. Based on results, their presuppositions concerning the nature and purpose of man along with the identity and reality of God are confirmed.
"They (who have experienced glorification) are the chief bearers of the tradition of the therapy of the noetic faculty.[5]"
Those who carry and pass on the cure for humanity have reached the highest of five levels of true Christianity. The qualifying level is an expected, well documented, and verifiable state.
"Normative therapists are those who not only have the unceasing prayer of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, but who have also experienced glorification in this life.[1]"
The chief bearers of effective Christianity are not dealing with a pie-in-the-sky after-life religion but with an eternal state of an experiential faith that starts now.
"Neither the Bible nor the Fathers consider glorification as an experience only for life after death[2]."
That form of humanism that denies the overwhelming evidence and reporting by godly men throughout history must be considered to be a religion rather than a science.
"The cause of the reunion of Christendom may be served by getting scientists involved in the study of" curing the noetic faculty[1].".
Comparing the statistics of those psychologically treated by both psychiatry and true Christianity, a non-prejudiced honest person would have to admit the presence of a positive science within Christianity. Even the effective modern-day twelve step program for alcoholics was originally adapted from a Christian program.
"The very existence of the noetic faculty and its functioning or non-functioning cannot be the concern of theologians alone, indeed, its cure makes the tradition which knows how to bring this about more of a positive science than psychiatry in its present form[3]."
The concern and often times hidden fear that people have concerning death is the reason Christianity's time-proved addiction-breaking solutions are dismissed and sidelined as a religion.
"Perhaps one can methodologically separate the experience of the Holy Spirit's prayer in the heart from concern for life after death for the purpose of treating this phenomenon in conjunction with those sciences related to the medical profession[2]."
The therapeutic aspects of Christianity are so effective because they are based on a physical and psychological verifiable reality that something has been fixed inside the individual. Adjustments have taken place that effect the heart, brain, and central nerves system.
[Top conclusion, #1] "Consistency with the Pauline, early Christian, and patristic understanding of Jesus Christ as the Life of the World, should require that one approach the subject from the side of empirical or experiential theology which overlaps with the therapeutic sciences[4]."
We are at least talking about voluntary behavior modification which reaches toward a specific goal that is confirmable when reached, with plenty of mile markers and instruction from those who have already arrived and returned from that Goal.
"The gift itself of unceasing prayer in the heart and glorification (theosis) has never ceased being understood as the core of the tradition (of the Saints) from the time of the Old Testament prophets" until this very day[5].
Because we have the New Testament and record of the Apostles without the institutional form, discipline, and slant of the early Church; we imagine that the miraculous feats they performed were the main point and miss that the Faith and its methodology was carefully preserved and passed on effectively. Church history records other flourishes of the miraculous signs when there was a providential need.
"It is clear that the attitude had fully developed (by the fifth century) that the apostles were in a class all by themselves so that in comparison with theirs, the surviving gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church are of a lower order[2]."
The basic charismata of Christianity has never been absent from the Faith down to our very day. Improper definitions and identifications of spiritual gifts and their relationship to true Christians have paralleled the difference between those with the real cure and those turning speculation about the real cure into a religion.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Men Baptized In The Holy Spirit
LISTING #4. RELEVANT TO YOU - UNSEEN?
continuation from 3
"The identity of the experience of illumination and glorification among those gifted does not necessarily entail identity of doctrinal expression, especially when those gifted are geographically separated for extended periods of time.[3]"
The Bible has nearly 250 appellations, names, and descriptors to help reveal to us our Uncreated Deity. If every one of these names are transcended by our Triune Deity, how is it possible for one who has had a face to face encounter with Him to adequately describe it?
"Neither illumination nor glorification can be institutionalized.[4]"
Multiple men baptized in the Holy Spirit have had revealed to them the Son of God in the glory of the Father from the inside out. Because our Triune Deity takes up residence in man in this manner and man resides in Him by the same device (heart), it is well said that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
"Pentecost is never surpassed and is continuously operative in illumination and glorification.[5]"
There is a theoretical presupposition in human understanding that nearly everything develops and evolves as time goes forward. This seriously undermines an understanding of true theology when the wisest of this world begin to handle the writings of the Patriarchs, Apostles, and Prophets of the Church. Philosophical speculation and reasonings about theology identify such scholars as outside the experience of that which they study and comment upon.
"Conceptual and linguistic development (in Church history) is not a sign of deeper understanding; because the highest understanding is participation in glorification - which transcends understanding.[1]"
The appearance of various Church Fathers through time addressing different issues is not a development or progressive evolving of theological thought. They are rather windows in each generation into the highlights of those who took advantage of a continuing Pentecost. When Christ spoke of sending another comforter, then He also said, 'and we will come to him and take up residence with him'.
[Top conclusion, #4] "One can readily discern from the relationship between illumination and glorification or dogma and mystery that much latitude exists for the development of the conceptual and linguistic means used to assist in preparing one to receive the gift of unceasing prayer and inner faith in order to become a temple of the Holy Spirit and a member of the Body of Christ.[2]"
The Goal of becoming a temple and being united with Christ's temple (body) is subjectively the same as receiving and practicing unceasing prayer and inner faith. The conceptual presentation and linguistic variation of those already successfully helping others reach the Goal is of little consequence and yet understandable. The problems begin when the tried and true methods that bring verifiable results are forsaken.
Separation from diagnosis and therapy "has happened to large segments of synodical churches and for extended periods of time when traditional or patristic monasticism has or had for a time been suppressed or shunted off to a siding.[3]"
When the sickness of heart stands, without the practice of diagnosis-therapy even being applied anymore, new theories rise up to account for the institution which now has become a shell of what it once was. Any tradition and that which points to it, if missing the cure, is not the tradition of true glory.
[Top conclusion, #3] "Both faith, prayer, theology, and dogma on the one hand and sacraments and liturgy on the other have been separated from the diagnosis and therapy of the maladies of the noetic faculty" outside the Orthodox (true glory) tradition[4].
Most people on the planet do not have a clue as to the foundation of Christian worship services and rituals. And again those who have seen faith, prayer, theology, and dogma will never discover what they are in terms of being the result of something else, and what that something is.
"Sacraments and liturgy cannot be separated from the purification and illumination of the noetic faculty (and also be effective), nor can faith, prayer, theology, and dogma be separated from the empirical verification of the unceasing prayer of the Holy Spirit in the heart and from glorification.[5]"
Certain rituals and religious activities are hollow when the core purpose has been long gone and forgotten.
"Diagnosis and therapy cannot be reduced to ceremonial acts which produce no attestable restoration of health.[1]"
Just copying the ceremonial acts of others would be like taking medicine without knowing what the ailment was. Sometimes the side-effects of a prescription are more dangerous than the cure.
"Medicine cannot be separated from diagnosis and therapy" without dire consequences[2].
Precisely because it takes time to verify theories through the experimentation of those who have gone before.
"Hypotheses and theories cannot be separated from the tradition of empirical verification" and still be called science[3].
The science of sciences, the art of science, and the art of arts is theology. The true word on God has been not only identified and verified through time, but rather preserved. The true word on God is the law of faith, the truth of the Gospel. It is the single most cause that humans have (out of principle) given their lives for - when one considers that when soldiers give their lives it includes hire.
.... CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS LISTING ...
[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
continuation from 3
"The identity of the experience of illumination and glorification among those gifted does not necessarily entail identity of doctrinal expression, especially when those gifted are geographically separated for extended periods of time.[3]"
The Bible has nearly 250 appellations, names, and descriptors to help reveal to us our Uncreated Deity. If every one of these names are transcended by our Triune Deity, how is it possible for one who has had a face to face encounter with Him to adequately describe it?
"Neither illumination nor glorification can be institutionalized.[4]"
Multiple men baptized in the Holy Spirit have had revealed to them the Son of God in the glory of the Father from the inside out. Because our Triune Deity takes up residence in man in this manner and man resides in Him by the same device (heart), it is well said that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
"Pentecost is never surpassed and is continuously operative in illumination and glorification.[5]"
There is a theoretical presupposition in human understanding that nearly everything develops and evolves as time goes forward. This seriously undermines an understanding of true theology when the wisest of this world begin to handle the writings of the Patriarchs, Apostles, and Prophets of the Church. Philosophical speculation and reasonings about theology identify such scholars as outside the experience of that which they study and comment upon.
"Conceptual and linguistic development (in Church history) is not a sign of deeper understanding; because the highest understanding is participation in glorification - which transcends understanding.[1]"
The appearance of various Church Fathers through time addressing different issues is not a development or progressive evolving of theological thought. They are rather windows in each generation into the highlights of those who took advantage of a continuing Pentecost. When Christ spoke of sending another comforter, then He also said, 'and we will come to him and take up residence with him'.
[Top conclusion, #4] "One can readily discern from the relationship between illumination and glorification or dogma and mystery that much latitude exists for the development of the conceptual and linguistic means used to assist in preparing one to receive the gift of unceasing prayer and inner faith in order to become a temple of the Holy Spirit and a member of the Body of Christ.[2]"
The Goal of becoming a temple and being united with Christ's temple (body) is subjectively the same as receiving and practicing unceasing prayer and inner faith. The conceptual presentation and linguistic variation of those already successfully helping others reach the Goal is of little consequence and yet understandable. The problems begin when the tried and true methods that bring verifiable results are forsaken.
Separation from diagnosis and therapy "has happened to large segments of synodical churches and for extended periods of time when traditional or patristic monasticism has or had for a time been suppressed or shunted off to a siding.[3]"
When the sickness of heart stands, without the practice of diagnosis-therapy even being applied anymore, new theories rise up to account for the institution which now has become a shell of what it once was. Any tradition and that which points to it, if missing the cure, is not the tradition of true glory.
[Top conclusion, #3] "Both faith, prayer, theology, and dogma on the one hand and sacraments and liturgy on the other have been separated from the diagnosis and therapy of the maladies of the noetic faculty" outside the Orthodox (true glory) tradition[4].
Most people on the planet do not have a clue as to the foundation of Christian worship services and rituals. And again those who have seen faith, prayer, theology, and dogma will never discover what they are in terms of being the result of something else, and what that something is.
"Sacraments and liturgy cannot be separated from the purification and illumination of the noetic faculty (and also be effective), nor can faith, prayer, theology, and dogma be separated from the empirical verification of the unceasing prayer of the Holy Spirit in the heart and from glorification.[5]"
Certain rituals and religious activities are hollow when the core purpose has been long gone and forgotten.
"Diagnosis and therapy cannot be reduced to ceremonial acts which produce no attestable restoration of health.[1]"
Just copying the ceremonial acts of others would be like taking medicine without knowing what the ailment was. Sometimes the side-effects of a prescription are more dangerous than the cure.
"Medicine cannot be separated from diagnosis and therapy" without dire consequences[2].
Precisely because it takes time to verify theories through the experimentation of those who have gone before.
"Hypotheses and theories cannot be separated from the tradition of empirical verification" and still be called science[3].
The science of sciences, the art of science, and the art of arts is theology. The true word on God has been not only identified and verified through time, but rather preserved. The true word on God is the law of faith, the truth of the Gospel. It is the single most cause that humans have (out of principle) given their lives for - when one considers that when soldiers give their lives it includes hire.
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[1]. Search for any partial string between any set of quotation marks to follow my sources.
[2]. ALL MY SOURCES ARE ON LINE.
[3]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[4]. All My Sources Are On Line.
[1-5]. John S. Romanides, Romanity.org
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