Tag: Christian Mystic

Church History / Maze Runner!

Path Without End

20171117_161659 I’ve been away for a few days, lost in running a maze. Hence, new title. And a very meaningful one. We are still in pursuit of unraveling the mystery of our early church fathers compared to our modern American church, because frankly folks, something is rotten in Denmark. And after several intense days in the maze, I’m beginning to have proof.

What has taken me many hours/days/weeks of research, and many many pages of reading, I will hopefully be able to condense for you in the articles to follow. My search is finally starting to pay off. I thought I was going crazy at one point. My mind was literally in a swirl. I wake up every morning with God speaking, helping me finally organize what I learned the day before, giving me some sanity before I come out from under those covers. So before we get into too much, I want to talk about this MAZE.

The devil has done a good job of trying to hide his tracks, but not good enough! The diligent can still find a true path. The discerning can still see Satan’s footprints where he has trod, and beware. But it’s not easy. This maze will eat you alive if it gets the chance! It will crush you in its walls! You may think I’m being too dramatic, exaggerating, but I’ve spent days there trying to survive and find my way. I now have a marked path you can take advantage of and research for yourself. It will unfold here slowly, but it can greatly speed your own research if you so desire.

God has also timed all this perfectly. You are not going to believe what I have found concerning Easter, and a big confrontation in the early churches concerning this! And I’m talking church fathers who sat under the Apostle John! And other Apostles. This has become one of my greatest finds, so far, and is a strong piece of evidence in this church court and trial we have begun to set up! And wouldn’t you know it, here we are in the time of Lent, well on our way to Easter! You would think I set this up, but not I! Grandpa White Feather is not that powerful. Believe me. I can’t even do a rain dance! (LOL).

There is a table I must set in order to properly present the spiritual food I have found. For as you know, this blog site is all about the “Table”, more than the “Temple”. (Please read earlier blogs to understand.) For the appetizer, I need to talk about this MAZE. First of all, I’d like to say it is EVIL! I’m not exaggerating when I say people have tried to use it to confuse the honest seeker, and lead them on paths that are dead ends! The end result being they never find their way out! They finally become so exhausted, they give up and simply yield to whatever strongest stream seems to be pulling them.

I am also amazed that I gave this site the name: “Path Without End”. The one path you are trying to find in a maze is the one without end! All the others dead end! The only path leading out of the prison of the maze is the path that does not end! I remember when I felt God gave me that title for the blog. I now shake my head in wonder.

So… if you have not already been thinking it, yes…this mission I have been on reminded me of the movie: “The Maze Runner”, which I saw a couple years ago, and the final episode of the trilogy is playing at theaters right now. Subtitle to final episode just happens to be: “The Death Cure”. (Wow.) (This is almost too much.)

So I stuck the first movie in my player and rewatched it, to refresh my mind on the details. (I wasn’t too big on episode 2, but looking very forward to #3, and will likely see tomorrow.) As I read the backside of the DVD, consider the plot description it gave >

Thomas wakes up trapped in a massive, ever-changing maze with a group of boys who have no memory of the outside world. Facing dangerous obstacles at every turn, especially the deadly Grievers that roam the concrete corridors at night, Thomas and the others must race to piece together clues in order to discover their true purpose, and find a way out before it’s too late!

I feel like in a spiritual way I have been living that movie! Notice a few coincidental details. His name is “Thomas”, doubting Thomas? – This maze is full of false paths and much opportunity for doubting. 2nd: “Wakes up?” God is calling his people to wake up! And when we do, we discover we are #3> “Trapped”… in a “Box”! And if we try to find our way out > #4 It is a “deadly maze” with changing walls and creatures that want to kill you! #5 And they have no “memory of their past”! (Early church fathers?) Or the world outside their four walls. They can barely remember their name! The deadly maze is between them and the vital answers they need! #6 A message is sent saying their will be no more food or supplies sent to this box, signaling “time is running out”! (Billy Graham passes and if you have not read the previous article “Billy Graham/ Methuselah”, I highly recommend you do!) #7 So they must piece together “clues”! #8 In order to discover their “true purpose”! #9 And find their way out before it is “too late”!

Wow…that even amazes me as I look at it, and I already knew of this comparison.

I try to keep my articles to approximately 1000 words. My recent days in the cave have been very rewarding and I have much to share, but do not want to choke you. Also, a peaceful meal is always best. He is the Prince of Peace. So my plan over the next few days is to keep it short, but write often and soon. So realize this is a very real and deadly maze. I invite you to explore it with me, there is much more to come, but I would like to end with a final note on Billy Graham.

Reverend Graham is being buried today, as a matter of fact, as I write these words, his services just started 10 minutes ago. It causes me to pause to consider that, but I want to point out his services are being held in a large tent, at the foot of a 40 foot glass cross in the side of what looks like a remodeled barn. The photo I saw even showed other farm buildings around. Reminds me of where my Teepee is, and the barn I worked on there just this week. The Internet said this barn is the “Billy Graham Library”. The part I especially want to point out is the CROSS. And here is the reason why>

Reading the early church fathers has greatly affected me. We have our popular modern day writers, and some of them excite us to the point of recommending to others. But because they are not canon scripture, Pastors do not generally preach from them in church. However, when it comes to someone who actually sat under the teachings of the Apostles, and were appointed church bishops by the Apostles, and proved themselves faithfully even unto death, just like the Apostles; I think I would like to know more of things they wrote and taught. I don’t know why our churches have not taught us more of these things? I think they are intentionally hiding certain things. And so far, what I have found, lends to confirming such an accusation. And our Lord’s CROSS has a big part in what I’m finding, even as Reverend Graham is reminding everyone of, this very day, probably this very moment. (Please read the below article, if you want to know more of Billy Graham and Methuselah). When we return we will begin revealing why I’m pointing out, once again, that CROSS. And so it seems is Billy Graham. More coming very soon.

 

Billy Graham / Methuselah?

Path Without End

20170430_151937 This may sound weird, and please allow me to explain what I mean by this, but I have been watching for the passing of Billy Graham for years. It did not surprise me when he lived to be so old, because I “suspect” Reverend Graham may have been a “marker” with God. Has there ever been a more well-known, or stronger preacher of GRACE, than Billy Graham? The GRACE preacher. And what does this mean?

Well…remember how we get a little mystical here…I can only make possible suggestions…you must decide if it has any value, or not. But I see a world racing towards the book of Revelation, just like mankind was in the days of Noah. But God had a marker in that day. His name was Methuselah. He is the oldest living man we have record of, living to be 969! Consider how spiritually interesting those numbers are. Methuselah’s son, Lemech (father of Noah), lived to be 777! Another set of very interesting numbers. And his grandpa, Grandpa Enoch, never died! But was translated 300 years after the birth of his son, Methuselah. More interesting numbers. Then Noah goes into the ark at age 600! (Interesting.) And if you calculate all these numbers you will find that in the same year Methuselah died, the great flood came!

From the date of Methuselah’s birth a clock of judgement began ticking, but God, showing his great mercy and long-suffering for sinful man, extended Methuselah’s life to be the longest of anyone known! And even though Billy Graham lived to be very old against all the odds, and he died at 99, another interesting number, those are not the reasons I have looked at him as a possible marker, although they do add evidence. We have a lot to consider here, and I will try to be as concise and simple as possible.

In Noah’s case, it all started with his great grand daddy Enoch. This guy was the 7th generation from Adam! (Another special number.) And he was so special, it says he walked with God, and pleased God! So much so that “God took him”! He was translated!But before God took him, he had a son named Methuselah, and if you study the name deep enough, you will find meanings of “man”, “mature man”, “extension of”, and “coming judgement”, as in a dart or missile!

I was curious one day and began calculating all the very specific dates (ages) given from Enoch to Noah concerning birth of children and ages of death. It was then I discovered that the flood was unleashed the very year this very long-lived person, Methuselah died! In other words, and I assume no one knew this, but every year Methuselah lived was another year the judgement did NOT come. And in this I saw a tremendous testimony of God’s great mercy and how he does not want to pour out judgement, but eventually the wickedness reaches such a level that there is no other choice.

As you can see, Noah was of a very special linage. It wasn’t just Noah. But how does this relate to Billy Graham? It’s not his great age, or that his number is 99 and Methuselah was 969, or that he fell just short of 100, like Methuselah fell short of 1000. (I had suspected he would not see 100, for this very reason.)

It’s because of what his whole life stood for. God’s GRACE! And if there is to be a judgement, which we know Revelation predicts eventually, and if God would choose to have a “marker”, like he did “in the days of Noah”, then what more likely person than the preacher of GRACE, Billy Graham? What more likely person, in all of the earth, who spoke to so many leaders of the whole earth, was so well respected, was so consistent in his message of God’s love and grace, and whose age and numbers also seem to be “interesting”?

Now I add to this what I see as a civil war going on in the churches, which many do not even seem to be aware of, but a silent and mostly respectable war going on between the “Government Pleasing” churches and the “God Pleasing” churches. (Enoch pleased God?) Hhmmm. (And was raptured?) Hhhhhmmmmmmm.

Enough said on that, but I will add yet one more possibility. Again, only food for spiritual thought. You decide. Our President is known for the “Art of the Deal”, and his abilities in this area. And with the move he made concerning the capitol of Jerusalem, I see it as a move that had to be made if there will ever be the peace treaty there. At such a time as all this, am I saying Trump is the antichrist? NO, I AM NOT. I think before his 4-8 years are over, he could be the beginning of the white horse going forth. Is that the same person as the antichrist? I don’t know, but my theory is, if Billy Graham has been a marker from God, then God just took that marker away. His prayers are no longer rising up from the earth. Whatever the power of his prayers may have been, they are in heaven now, but they are not here.

The Ten Virgins heard a cry and woke from their slumber. They discovered their lamps had gone out! They begin to trim their wicks. I believe a trimming is going on even now. However, only five were actually able to light those wicks! So the five foolish go to the five wise asking for charity, give us of your extra oil, and the five wise say no! A division! A civil war? Hhmmm.

Billy Graham is now face to face with our Lord. I envy him. But he ran his race and completed it. Will we be able to say the same? Perhaps if we are wise, it’s not too late? Let a fire of God light in us before it is too late. The door of the ark closed, the five foolish were left behind, but in every case, the “faithful” made it. Jesus said, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Just three little words. Another special number. SELAH.

1240

 

“Refining our def. of Christian Mystic”

Path Without End

20171109_131414 I have found it of necessity to speak more of our definition of Christian Mystic, which is stated in our previous article. In my study of the early church fathers, my mind has been strongly challenged and impressed by their willingness to be martyred. I think I’m only beginning to truly see what is the “Passion of Christ” so  often spoken of.

The “Passion of Christ”, as I understand it, specifically speaks of his suffering leading up to the cross, the acceptance of that cross, the suffering on the cross, and his death. The way I understand it, it is all about that day leading to, and ending in the cross. How he did not defend himself, the beatings he suffered, and the suffering on that cross even unto death. It’s all about complete obedience to the Father, a will that has been completely surrendered, even unto embracing your cross. It’s about “THE LOVE OF GOD FOR US”, in that he was willing to suffer that much in order to rescue his Bride from a fate worse than death. Is there a love in us so strong to enable us to such feats when called for?

The early church fathers saw that such a surrender was the ultimate proof and life style of a fully formed, fully Holy Spirit filled, follower of Christ. But how do you get to such a tremendous degree of surrender and ONENESS with the Father? Well… I think they knew it had to be the supernatural working of God in us, through his grace, growing us, whether quickly, or slowly, to such a divine place. So what does this mean?

It means these church fathers spent much time diligently seeking this inner work that only God could do! How many of us can really say we have embraced the Passion of Christ for ourself? You see, it reveals itself in little ways first. Self denial for the benefit of another, or for seeking a deeper relationship with God, preferring your brother before yourself, the embracing of our personal cross, identifying ourself with the Passion of our Lord, comes in many forms and fashions before we are ever ready to be literally nailed to a cross. As a matter-of-fact, our ultimate goal should be to reach such a place with our Lord spiritually, even though we hope we would never have to be literally nailed like our Lord. Let me say, our early church fathers had that same Passion of Christ! (And they proved it.)

That same richness of Spirit enabled Jesus to live such a cross-life every day, his whole life! And I believe if you’re already trying to think of ways to have that same mindset yourself, by hard discipline, you’re already on the wrong track! All we can do is pray for it. All we can do is admit it is right and desire it. But it will take God mortifying our flesh BY THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT, even as Romans 8:13 says.

So in simple terms, even though I think our longer definition is very useful in helping us to understand, but in really simple terms, I think the Christian Mystic is one who is seeking for Romans 12:1-2 to be actually fulfilled in their daily living. If you study those two verses closely, you will see it is all about becoming this living sacrifice. A life that embraces the Passion of Christ every minute of every day, a form of praying without ceasing. This is a work only God can do in us, BUT WE CAN SEEK IT! This is the Christian Mystic I want to be, and the definition thereof, and the goal every follower of Christ should have. This is meant to be NORMAL CHRISTIANITY! How does Romans say it? THIS IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE? (Lord help us see and agree with our whole heart, soul, strength, and mind.) But this is a mystical work only God can do.

So I’ve written all this to say, if you want my definition of Christian Mystic in its most simple form, combine a Seeker of God’s Mysteries, with Romans 12:1-2, and you have it. Or, just study intently, closely, veraciously, whole heartedly, and honestly Romans 12:1-2. (LOL)

And then always sincerely seek and pray to our Father, in Jesus name, for such a fire to be birthed in you. It is God’s fire! No strange fire! (Which brought death upon priest in the O.T.. Big NO-NO!) (Lev. 10:1-2)!

 

“Christian Mystic & Church History” P-6

Path Without End

20171202_173614 Grandpa White Feather here, and today I’d like to offer up my own definition of a Christian Mystic. Now granted, I don’t have any real authority to do so, and no one needs to agree with my definition. Everyone can totally ignore it if they like, but for my own comfort level, I feel led to do this. As we study the Mystics, there will be some we agree with more than others, and the kind of C.M. I want to be may draw different lines than they, but I believe still qualifies.

Lets start with this point. My definition is based on the Christian Mystic’s desire to understand the “Mysteries of God”. Now I agree we will never solve all the spiritual mysteries God has set before us, but the C.M. I desire to be, loves to dive deep into God seeking such answers as may be found. Consider this scripture from Proverbs, in both the King James and NLT.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” (Prov. 25:2)

“It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them.” (NLT)

This is a “king” in God’s eyes, someone interested in heavenly things enough to dig deep and search out. This person is rich in heavenly possessions. The world may not see them as a king, but God looks at this child and says, “King!” Has not God said, he who shall be least, shall be the greatest?

And why would God hide things, making it difficult for us to find? Doesn’t he want us to be as successful in his Spirit as possible? You’re probably already saying the answer. Lets see if we’re tracking the same? My scripture answer would be…

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)

So, my definition of Christian Mystic has a lot to do with a person who is a seeker of the mysteries of God, to know God in a deep and intimate way, like a Mary and not a Martha.

Here is what I currently have, and I may change and refine as our studies go along:

A Christian Mystic is someone who loves God enough to pursue God into His deeper mysteries. He is fascinated with all things God! Including those things God has hidden for the DILIGENT to seek and find. This love of God in them (he, she), must be such as to not only drive the Mystic into separated times with God, but also drives them to love his fellow man, so that God’s fruit bears witness in his good works towards mankind. (Much like a Dorothy Day, as one example.) All spiritual disciplines are known, and may be used by a C.M., such things as prayer, fasting, holiness, separation, sacrifices to benefit others, moderation in all things, seeker of peace, love, and unity, and so forth, as revealed in God’s Word, which the C.M. searches diligently.

Okay, we have our starting point here, and I want to close out today by adding these scriptures: (In the Amplified version.)

(Psalms 78:1-3) “Give ear, oh my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable — in instruction by (numerous) examples; I WILL UTTER DARK SAYINGS OF OLD (that hide important truth), which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.”

Also: Matt 13:34-35 > “These things all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed without a parable he said nothing to them. This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I WILL UTTER THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.”

We will continue to study Christian Mystics and Church History. My next article will likely be about 3 main early church fathers: Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Smyrna. All three had direct contact with the Apostles. All three became Bishops of the early church and offer light upon what the church is meant to be. Since Origen was our first Mystic, I don’t want to leave his time period without also showing what was going on with early church fathers who may not be called “Mystics”, but certainly had great power and influence with God!

Hope you enjoyed this latest article. Until the next time, Grandpa White Feather and the “Fellowship of the White Path”.

100_3339