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Listening to Ourselves: The Key to Everything that Matters

Discover Truth and Be Free

Life’s Greatest Lesson: The Message Jesus Intended for Us

Commune With Your Heart: The Only Way to Find Peace, Joy and Happiness

The Truth About The Gospel: How to Find Peace, Joy, and Happiness

Peace, Truth, Love and Joy: What the Bible Is All About

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The Power of Love — Love has the potential for bringing peace and harmony to us, our families, and the entire world.

The Gospel of Peace

Know this to be true:  The gospel of peace that Jesus preached and that he commanded his disciples to preach to every creature in the world has the potential for bringing peace, joy, love, happiness and harmony to us, our families, our nation and the entire world, if people understood, believed — and did — what Jesus said.

The following topics are explained in this essay:

·         Learn the truth about what would save us, according to what Jesus and other biblical teachers taught, which is different from what fundamentalists teach.

·        Discover a passage by Jesus that ought to be a top priority in the teachings of Christianity. A clear understanding of this one passage has the potential for transforming the way Christianity is being taught. As it is, this passage is glossed over. If we did this one thing that Jesus said to do, we would be saved; we would have peace and joy … what everyone desires.

·        Learn the truth. Jesus expected his followers to do what he said. Jesus said: "Be perfect."

·        Learn the truth about the hidden cause of all psychosomatic illnesses (those illnesses cause by the mind)—all mental turmoil and suffering, and all unhappiness and discontent. Truth is the solution to all of these things.  

·        Learn the truth about when wars, suffering, and violence will end, according to what Isaiah and Jesus said. Think about it: A world in peace and harmony. Although it is incomprehensible, it’s possible—if only we understood, believed— and did — what biblical teachers said.

·        Learn the truth about why fundamentalists and hypocrites do not understand and believe what Jesus said; Jesus made this clear.

·        Learn the secret for being happy … the secret that will not fail. Everyone desires to be happy. This secret has been known for more than 3,000 years; it’s in the Old Testament. Why is this glossed over?  

·        Learn the secret for discovering the truth that makes us free— the secret for doing what we must do to be saved. This secret was left for us by Isaiah more than 3000 years ago. Jesus confirmed what Isaiah said; however, Jesus’ use of the personal pronoun I might have caused many to gloss over this gem of wisdom.

·        Learn the truth. The entire Bible is about being perfect and having peace and joy.

Unfortunately, rather than believing and doing what Jesus and other biblical teachers said to do, people are doing today what Jesus said people were doing about 2,000 years ago. Jesus said, “People honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups, and many other such like things ye do. … Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7: 6-9).

Note the part: "They worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." This seems to be what fundamentalists do. Think about it. Fundamentalists dominate the teachings of Christianity, and they interpret the Bible literally. Their interpretations are not consistent with the gospel Jesus preached.

Notice from what Jesus said that it is in vain to worship him. Isn’t this what many so-called Christians do? Know this to be consistent with the gospel Jesus preached: If we understood, believed, and embodied the gospel Jesus preached, we would worship our Father (God) within us.

Jesus said: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. … God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

A true worshipper is one who believes and does what Jesus and other biblical teachers said. True worshipers are unified with the God within them ... same thing as Jesus being one with his Father. 

Note that Jesus used the words Father and God synonymously. Similarly, the spiritual teachers of the Old Testament used the words Lord and God synonymously.

Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8). In our language, we will worship — and follow the guidance of — our true spiritual self (God within us), rather than worshipping our false ego-self … thus, “get thee behind me, Satan.”

Understanding that our Father is within us and that heaven is within us sheds light on understanding several passages by Jesus. It helps us know where to seek and where to find. It helps us understand who forgives and who saves. It helps us understand that the power is within us.

Jesus said, "Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" (John 10:34). David the Psalmist said, "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High" (Psalms 82:6).

Pay particular attention to the words Father and heaven in the following passages by Jesus: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6). Notice that our Father which is in secret rewards us, according to what Jesus said. Hasn’t this been glossed over?

Further, Jesus said, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen" (Matthew 6:  9-13).

Note from these passages that our Father is within us and heaven is within us. And our Father forgives us and delivers us from evil. And when we pray we are praying to our Father that is within us.

Understanding that our Father is within us also helps us to understand what biblical teachers (other than Jesus) said. The apostle John said, “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not” (1 John 3:5).

For clarification, the teachings of Jesus (not the man Jesus) would take away our sins if we believed and did what Jesus said. Truth resides with our Father within us, and truth takes away our sins. And there is no sin in our true divine spiritual self; our Father within us is perfect. Those who abideth in him do the will of the Father. They have the peace that passeth all understanding.

Those who do not abide in him follow the whims of their false ego self; they are in violation of the law. The apostle John said, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).

To be clear, those who do not serve God serve Satan; it’s one or the other. And we do not serve God when we are alienated from God. When we serve Satan we suffer the torment of a troubled, tormented mind. When we serve God we enjoy the peace of God—the peace that passeth all understanding. 

Jesus made it clear that heaven is within us (Luke 17:  21). Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God is the same thing as heaven. And the apostle Paul made it clear that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14: 17). 

If we do not understand the phrase in earth, we will not get a clear understanding and appreciation for the prayer by Jesus.  When we study, assemble, assimilate, and understand the teachings of Jesus and other biblical teachers — realizing that the purpose for their teachings is that we might have peace and joy — we realize that the phrase in earth (in our language that is easy to grasp and understand) refers to our false, ego-self. Or, we might say, an aspect of our subconscious mind.

It’s our obscure fears and deeply held false beliefs we hold about ourselves (not our false religious beliefs) that rob us of peace and joy and that bring about mental turmoil and suffering. False religious beliefs lead us astray from the gospel of peace Jesus preached that would obliterate the cause of our suffering—if only we believed — and did — what Jesus said.

Our ultimate prayer is for a pure heart. When we pray God does not go into action doing anything differently from what God has done and will always be doing. God does for us according to the way we believe and think in our heart. This is in agreement with the teachings of Islam:  “God changes not what is in a people, until they change what is in themselves.” 

David the psalmist prayed for a pure heart: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. …  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalms 51:10-12). Note that David said restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. When we are saved — when our heart is pure — we have peace and joy.

Thus, when Jesus said in earth he was speaking about something within us (what I am calling our false ego-self. We might think in terms of our true self versus our false self). 

Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). When we have done what Jesus said to do first, we are perfect; we are unified with God. Jesus said, “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” (Matthew 23:26). When we have cleaned the inside of the cup and platter, we are perfect; we are unified with God—the way Jesus was and the way he wanted his followers to be. Jesus said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10: 30).

Thus, when Jesus said, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” he was teaching people to pray that the will of their false ego self would be the same as the will of their Father (their true divine spiritual self). Thus, Jesus’ prayer was one of unification. When we have cleaned the inside of the cup and the platter — when we have overcome the world of the ego — we can say about ourselves what Jesus said about himself:  “I and my Father are one.” Jesus set an example for us.

According to Jesus only those who do the will of their Father enjoy the peace and joy of heaven. Doing the will of our Father is abiding by that which is true, rather than following the dictates of the false ego self. Jesus said, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

This is quite significant. Only those who follow the guidance of their Father (our true divine spiritual self)— only those who are as perfect as their Father which is in heaven is perfect — enjoy inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness. Those who follow the whims of the ego suffer stress, struggle, strain and tribulations; they suffer the torments of hell. They have no inkling of what the peace that passeth all understanding is (language of the apostle Paul). 

Doing the will of our Father is the same thing as serving thee … same thing as walking in the ways of the Lord.  And we know from Isaiah that "the nation that does not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted."

As it is, in our hectic, rush-rush, hurry-hurry society — with the desire for materialistic things and our unrelenting desire to appear special, happy, and important — we are so far alienated from God that we have no inkling of understanding of what life is like being in harmony with truth, God and nature and having inner serenity, peace, joy, and happiness. As it is, it’s like Solomon said, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).   

With our pretense of being happy, special and important — hiding our false, evil self behind a mask — we do not realize we are living a lie. No one is happy, satisfied and contented living a lie.

The apostle Paul said, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthian 2:9). Peace, truth, love, joy and happiness are already prepared for us, awaiting our understanding and acceptance of the truth that makes us free.   

We do not love ourselves or anyone else if we do not love God. And we know from the apostle Paul: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The apostle Paul also said, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).

If everyone were pure in heart and loved God, we would be guided by truth and love. We would do what Jesus said to do: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). All would be peace and harmony.

Many people get themselves in a quandary trying to figure out what their purpose is. We would do well to keep simple things simple. In all simplicity, our purpose is to express life in harmony with truth, God and nature. Solomon said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The commandments of God are in agreement with truth.

When we have done what Jesus said to do first, we have obliterated the devils in our heart that are the hidden cause of all mental turmoil and suffering. When we have obliterated all that is fearful and false, what remains must be true.

David the Psalmist said, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults" (same thing as cleaning the inside of the cup and platter).  Secret faults (same thing as obscure, unwarranted fear and deeply held false beliefs) are the obscure, hidden cause of all mental turmoil and suffering. When we cleanse ourselves of secret faults — when we clean the inside of the cup and the platter — our heart is pure; we are saved, and we have peace and joy.

Jesus followed his prayer with, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6: 14-15).  For emphasis and clarification, our Father within us forgives us. Being clear about what Jesus said helps us know clearly what we must do to find peace and joy.

It is significant to understand that genuine prayers occur after we shut the door and pray to our true divine spiritual self. Shutting the door involves being still and transcending the chatter of the ego. In secret is that quiet place within referred to by the Psalmist as the secret place of the most high. This is the only place we can discover the truth that makes us free—the truth that would save us.

It's in that quiet place within that we discern that which is true from that which is false—where we discern thoughts coming from the false ego self from thoughts coming from our true divine spiritual self.

Further, it's in that quiet place within that we notice the way we believe and think in our heart—whether it's good or whether it's evil. For example, if we find ourselves talking behind someone’s back, saying things that could be harmful; saying things that seemingly make us appear righteous, loving and good, by making someone else appear evil; if we take from another, steal from another, cheat another —if we in any manner do unto others as we would not have others do unto us — we are not abiding by the Ten Commandments; we are serving Satan, not God.  

Can you imagine — can you comprehend — what this world would be like if we, individually and collectively, followed the Ten Commandments? It’s incomprehensible. All would be peace, harmony, and joy. 

Actually, all would be peace, harmony and joy if adhered to the first and the greatest of all commandments. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). If we loved as Jesus said to love, we would quite naturally abide by the other commandments.

Many so-called Christians try to adhere to the thy-shalt-not commandments. The world would be a better and safer place if a vast majority followed the thy-shalt-not commandments. However, following the thy-shalt-not commandments does not save us; we could adhere to these commandments and still have evil in our hearts.

Jesus was a strict teacher. He meant for his followers to do what he said. We either believe and do what Jesus said, or we don’t believe and do what he said. We are pure in heart, or we are not pure in heart. We serve Satan, or we serve God. We are perfect, or we are not perfect.  It’s one or the other; there are no various shades of gray. And remember that Jesus said: Be perfect.

Jesus also said, “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

Fundamentalists seem to believe that the gospel is the good news about the man Jesus. Simply put, the gospel is what Jesus preached and what he commanded his disciples to preach to every creature in the world.

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of God.  Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached” (Luke 16:16).

Remember, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Isn't this clear? Why has this been glossed over or misconstrued to make it seem different from what Jesus said?

The apostle Paul said, “The kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy” (Romans 14: 17).  He also referred to the gospel as the gospel of Peace.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16: 15).

What Jesus said is worth emphasizing. If we understood, believed, and did what Jesus said, we would be saved. If we (individually and collectively) were saved, we would have peace and harmony within us, our families and the entire world.

And note that Jesus said that those who do not believe shall be damned. Those who are damned suffer the torment of a troubled mind; they are lost.

Jesus said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When the lost are saved, they have peace and joy. 

Following are some pointers that help us understand the gospel; however, I must tell you that this essay is composed of highlights from my previous books that include in-depth explanations (Listening to Ourselves: The Key to Everything that Matters; Life’s Greatest Lesson: The Message Jesus Intended for Us; Commune with Your Heart: The Only Way to Find Peace, Joy and Happiness).

·        The prophets of the Old Testament used the word Lord in same manner that Jesus used the word Father. Further, it is especially helpful to know that whatever name we wish to call Lord or Father (true self, spiritual self, divine self, sacred self, higher self, and so on), this divine essence of our being is within us.

·        Jesus was the personification of truth. In selected passages by Jesus, we can substitute the word truth for the personal pronouns I and me. For example, Jesus said, “I am the way.” The gospel Jesus preached is the way. The gospel is truth. Thus, truth is the way. Further, we know that truth is the way based on what Jesus and other biblical teachers said.   

·        Dreams, visions, parables, and idioms are not reality; they are not to be interpreted literally ... what fundamentalists seem to do.   

·        The sole purpose for the teachings of Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament is to guide us so that we would be perfect and have peace and joy—now.

There are many passages in the Bible that mean essentially the same thing; however, they are said quite differently. For example, Jeremiah said, "Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth." In our language that is easy to understand, Jeremiah communed with his heart (the Lord within him) and gained the wisdom for teaching the things he said.

This is how the prophets of the Old Testament gained the wisdom for teaching the things they taught. This is how Moses gained the wisdom for writing the Ten Commandments. He spent 40 days and 40 nights with the Lord ... the Lord within himself.

Whereas Jeremiah used the word Lord, Jesus used the word Father. Jesus said, “I have not spoken of myself; but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. … whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” John 12:49). Notice from this statement where Jesus got the wisdom for his teachings. It's important to remember that our Father (same as the Lord) is within us.

In addition, sometimes Jesus used the phrase, Holy Ghost in the same manner that he used the word Father. For example, Jesus said, “Take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye. For it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost” (Mark 13:11).

And, in a passage in the book of Matthew, Jesus said, “Take no thought how or what ye shall speak, for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak” (Matthew 10:19). Jesus also said, “For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say” (Luke 12:12). Thus, whether we are speaking about our Father or speaking about the Holy Ghost, we realize that we are speaking about something within us.

Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). All words that proceedeth from our true divine spiritual self are true; they are the words of God.

It's important for us to know that we can do what Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament did to gain wisdom and understanding. As a matter of fact, if we are to discover the truth that makes us free, we must do what they did. We must learn to be still and commune with our own heart. There is no other way to discover the truth that makes us free.  

We could study the Bible and listen to sermons all our life; however, if we do not learn to be still and commune and understand with our heart, we will not find the kingdom of God that is within us. Remember, Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God."

Jesus also said, "Seek and ye shall find." Mainline churches do not teach us how to seek and how to find; at least they do not make it clear. Also, they do not make it clear what we will find, which is peace, truth, love and joy. Or one might say God; God is love. Or one might say heaven, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy (according to the apostle Paul).  

A method I used that helped me understand the Holy Scriptures is assembling and assimilating related passages. By use of a computer and software with the Bible on it, I searched for selected words and phrases. For example, I searched for the words peace and joy and related words such as: rejoice (rejoicing), happy, gladness, bless (blessed) and salvation. These words appear more than a thousand times in the Bible.

And I must add: Most likely I would never have understood many things I have explained had I not practiced Transcendental Meditation^® (TM) that was taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. From this, I learned how to be still, a prerequisite for understanding spiritual matters. Ezra said, “Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding … that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God” (1 Chronicles 22:12). We gain wisdom and understanding by being still and communing with our heart.

Clearly, from the manner in which Jesus and other biblical teachers used the words and phrases referred to above (the words and phrases that appear more than a thousand times in the Bible), the purpose for their teachings is that we might have peace and joy ... what everyone avidly desires. There is no other explanation for their teachings. A few selected examples explain the purpose for biblical teachings:

·     Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) … meaning life this very moment, not after we are dead and gone. The abundant life is characterized by peace, truth, love and joy.

·     Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace” (John 16:33). Note: In me means through the gospel Jesus preached. Remember that Jesus said that those who believe the gospel would be saved. 

·     Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). All these things must include peace and joy. Remember that the Apostle Paul said the kingdom of God [heaven] is peace, joy and righteousness.

·     Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). When we purify our heart — when we clean the inside of the cup and platter — our heart is not troubled; we are not afraid. Instead, we have peace and joy.

·     Isaiah said, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near.  … For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:6-12). [Again, the word Lord, as used by the prophets of the Old Testament, means the same thing as the word Father as used by Jesus.]

·     Isaiah also said, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3). When our mind is stayed on thee we are doing the will of our Father—a prerequisite for having peace and joy, according to Jesus. Our mind is stayed on thee when we abide by the truth that emanates from our true divine spiritual self, rather than acquiescing to the whims of the false ego self.

·     The apostle John said, “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4).

·     James said, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then  peaceable. … And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (James 3:17).

Think about it! When you seek and unite with your true spiritual self (your Father), you will have peace and joy:  “the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” This beautiful descriptive language of Isaiah must refer to heaven, which is characterized by peace and joy. 

And note that Isaiah said, “while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near.” Unfortunately, people who have had false fundamentalist beliefs drummed into them since childhood (perhaps what we might call being brainwashed) become what is termed by biblical teachers as stiff necked. It’s difficult for them to break free from the shackles of fundamentalism. Borrowing from the apostle Paul: “They are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. … so do these also resist the truth.”

When Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (the same thing as heaven), he was speaking about the present. Similarly, when Jeremiah said, “Wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved,” he was speaking about the present. Similarly, when Moses said, “Sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy,” he was speaking about the present.

Thus, it is significant to note that Jesus and other biblical teachers were teaching about the present. There are no passages in the Bible that indicate anyone will find peace and joy after they die and go to heaven … what fundamentalists teach.

The following passage by David the Psalmist indicates that heaven and hell are here and now: “The pains of hell gat hold upon me; I found trouble and sorrow. … Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there” (Psalms 18:4). Clearly, David was speaking about the present, not about life after death.

John Milton, seventeenth century poet, said, “The mind is its own place and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell and Hell of Heaven.”

If you notice, many people make a hell of heaven regularly. They bring suffering and illness on themselves; they do things they ought not to do and do not do the things they ought to do—making a hell of heaven.

Acknowledging faults in ourselves is a real challenge. We are prone to blame the faults in others for our own unhappiness. However, acknowledging the same faults in ourselves that we see in others is the least likely thing we will ever do.

Jesus said, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? … Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye” (Luke 6:41-42).

And here is something else to keep in mind. Carl Gustav Jung, Swiss psychiatrist, said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” 

It helps us understand ourselves to be still, transcend the chatter of the ego, and pay attention. In the stillness of our mind we can discover the same fault in others that irritates us is in us. Communing and understanding with our heart is how we obliterate the faults in ourselves—how we remove the beam from our own eye.   

Fundamentalists teach that heaven and hell are places where people go after they die. Solomon let us know where people go after they die. Solomon said, “For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun. … Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:5-10).

I also searched for the words heaven, hell, and the phrase kingdom of God (same thing as heaven). These words and the phrase kingdom of God appear 815 times in the Bible. I did not find any passages that indicate that heaven and hell are places where people go after they die.

What all this boils down to is that it’s all within us. The power is in us. God the Father is in us. Truth, love and peace are in us. The kingdom of God (heaven) is within us. If our heart is not pure, then fear and evil (the cause of suffering) are within us; hell is in us.

Our state of being — who we are — depends on what we believe and think in our heart. If our heart is not pure, it is harboring fear and evil—the hidden cause of mental turmoil and suffering … the hidden cause of all deplorable things. 

Unwarranted obscure fear and falsehoods (what David the Psalmist termed secret faults) are the underlying cause of all mental turmoil and suffering: hate, anger, anxiety, jealousy, suppressed hostility, depression, psychosomatic illnesses, dysfunctional families, the breakup of families, drug abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, alcoholism, crime, violence and on and on and on.

In an article appearing in the July, 2007, issue of NewsMax magazine, Dr. Laura Schlessinger said: “Our American society is becoming alarmingly ugly and dangerous. ... Our society has become a meaner, harsher, and more dangerous place than ever before. I don’t know what can turn it back.”

The gospel of peace that Jesus preached has the potential for turning it back. If we, individually and collectively, lived the kind of life that Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament wanted their followers to live, we would be perfect; we would have inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness.

For clarification, angry people seem to think that what others say or do makes them angry. Angry people are already angry. Triggering their repressed anger is not the cause of their anger. Their secret faults are the cause. Shakespeare said, “The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.”

Peace, truth, love and joy — things that matter most — emanate from our true divine spiritual self—what Jesus called the Father. Thus, we experience peace and joy when we have overcome the world of the ego and are unified with our true divine spiritual self ... same thing as Jesus being one with his Father.     

Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you” (John 14:2). If we study, assimilate, and understand the teachings of Jesus, we realize that our Father’s house with many mansions is within us. We have a spiritual world within us; we have a spiritual mind and soul.  

Regarding what is within us, note what David the Psalmist said, keeping in mind that the Lord is the same thing as the Father: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. … The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. … Forget not all his benefits … who forgiveth all thine iniquities … who healeth all thy diseases … who redeemeth thy life from destruction. … In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. … O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  Redeemer is another word for savior.

David the Psalmist said, “Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:104-105).

Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Thus, David was guided by truth (a lamp unto my feet). And to sanctify is to save; thus, we are saved by truth.

Thus, David received understanding from the Lord within himself and he followed the ways of truth—“thy word is a lamp unto my feet.” David received understanding from the Lord. Jesus received understanding from his Father—same thing just different words.

Similarly, Jesus said, “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). Him refers to the Father. And doing those things that please him is the same thing as David following the guidance of the Lord.

David also said, “I hate vain thoughts; but thy law do I love” (Psalms 119:113). David loved the ways of truth; thy law is truth. Truth emanates from our true divine spiritual self. Truth brings peace, joy and happiness.  Vain thoughts emanate from the false ego-self; they bring metal turmoil, suffering and chaos.

Also, David said, “Great peace have they which love thy law” (Psalms 119:165), and “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Psalms 19:7).  Notice that we would have great peace if we loved thy law; our soul would be converted (same thing as being saved). If we loved thy law, we would be guided by truth, and we would have peace and joy. … another reminder that having peace and joy is what the Bible is all about.

Thoughts rule the world. Thoughts precede actions. We think, we perceive, and we act according to the way be believe and think in our heart. Simply, if our heart is pure and characterized by peace and love, then our thoughts will be peaceful and loving.  On the other hand, if our heart is characterized by fear, evil and falsehoods, then our thoughts will be negative, destructive and cause suffering.

Can you imagine what we, our families, and the very world itself would be like if we overcame the world of the ego and adhered to the thoughts emanating from our true divine spiritual self. All would be peace, joy and happiness—what everyone inherently desires.

Satan (our false ego self) is shrewd, clever, and deceiving. Satan has us thinking that we are loving, kind, righteous, holy, and happy, satisfied, and contented—when in actuality, we have no inkling of what life is like to have inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness. Until we experience inner serenity, peace, joy, and happiness, we have no basis for comparison.  

Although truth is the only thing that brings us inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness — what everyone inherently desires — Satan has us resisting truth at every turn of the road. Let’s face it; people resist and resent truth. Many resist what Jesus taught. Teaching truth is what got Jesus and his disciples executed.

Yet, truth has the power to transform us, our families, our nation—the entire world. Everyone who lives in agreement with truth — who does the will of their Father — enriches the world. That's the way GOD designed the process to work. 

Only good comes from truth. Suffering comes from living a lie. For help in adhering to that which is true, here is wisdom that will not fail you: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

To discover the truth that makes us free, we must rely on the understanding we get from our heart. There is no other way to discover the truth that makes us free … the truth that would save us.  

Sometimes, when refuting something someone has said (something that is true) that is contrary to what a fundamentalist believes, a fundamentalist will respond: “But we cannot lean on our own understanding.” Some fundamentalists seem to gloss over the first part of this passage: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.” When we trust in the Lord with all our heart, we do not lean on the understanding we get from our false ego self. Instead, we are guided by the wisdom and understanding we get from our true divine spiritual self.

Remember that David the Psalmist said, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). David followed the guidance he got from the Lord within himself. Remember that our Lord (or Father) is within us. And we have peace and joy when abide by the guidance — the truth — that emanates from the Lord.

In the Proverbs we find: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 16:25). The ways of man are the ways of the false ego self. The word death, as used here, refers to the death of one’s spirit.

False ways are the ways of the ego; they bring suffering, confusion and chaos. In biblical language, false ways bring tribulations.

The ways of our true spiritual self are true; they bring inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness. Unfortunately, the lives of most people are ego driven, rather than truth driven. Few find the truth that makes them free; few find the narrow way that leads to truth.

As it is, presently things are similar to the way they were during the ministry of Jesus and to a great extent because of false teachings of fundamentalists. Nothing has impeded our spiritual development more than the teachings of fundamentalists.

Jesus said, “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who follow it. Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there be who find it” (Matthew 7: 13-14).

In this passage, the word life alludes to being fully alive in the spirit of truth … a life of peace and joy, rather than being dead in spirit. For clarification, the word dead as used in some passages in the Bible means being dead in spirit. And the word world, as used in some passages in the bible, is (in our language) the world of the ego.

Our false ego-self is most ingenious in keeping us on the broad way that leads to destruction. Our false ego-self is ingenious in leading us astray from anything leading to truth, which brings peace, joy, and happiness.

In regard to false teachings, anyone who has his or her finger on the pulse of the direction this Nation is headed realizes that we are headed toward being utterly wasted. Isaiah said, “The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; those nations shall be utterly wasted” (Isaiah 60: 1-12).

Remember that Jesus said, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8) (emphasis added). Again, Jesus expected his followers to do what he said. With all the corrupt leaders in Washington; with all the fractured, dysfunctional families; with all the hypocrites in the churches; with all the fundamentalists who teach falsely; with all the crime and violence (the list goes on); raises the question: What percentage of the population serves God? 

Serving thee is following the guidance of our true divine spiritual self — it’s doing the will of our Father — rather than following the dictates of our false ego self. Remember Isaiah said, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3).  However, we cannot keep our mind stayed on thee if our heart is not pure … if we have not cleaned the inside of the cup and the platter.

Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12: 25). Let’s face it. We, our families, our society, our leaders in Washington, and our nation are divided.

If we are not pure in heart, we are divided in our psyche: divided between our true divine spiritual self and our fearful, false ego self. Jesus spoke of two aspects of himself. He said, “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28) … the I being the ego self. 

When we are not pure in heart — when we are not perfect — we are serving Satan, rather than serving God. When we are not pure in heart, we are ego driven, rather than being truth driven; rather than abiding by our true divine spiritual self and doing the will of our Father.  

Jesus also said, "All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matthew 26: 52). Doesn't our nation take the sword? And, aren't we headed toward perishing? Think about it. The gospel of peace Jesus preached has the potential for changing the direction we are headed.

We as a nation cannot buy peace; we cannot scare another nation into genuine peace. Regardless of how powerful our military is; regardless of how many nuclear weapons we have, we will not achieve peace with other nations and feel secure, if we do not achieve peace by peaceful means.

To achieve peace by peaceful means, we would do well to follow the wise guidance of Isaiah, who said, "Come now, and let us reason together" (Isaiah 1:18). And we know from Solomon: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18).

From the Proverbs (29:18) we know: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." As it is, we as a nation have no vision for a genuine lasting peace. We live in a troubled, unsafe world. Our nation seems to get out of one conflict and other conflicts are brewing.

Let’s face it! We must be a part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. Aren’t we trying to impose our views and system of government on other nations?

We would do well to pay attention to something that former President John F. Kennedy said, “The United States is only six percent of the world’s population, and we have no right to impose our views or even our system of government on the other 94 percent.” Isn’t this what our leaders in Washington do? And wasn’t President Kennedy right? And isn’t what he said at least part of the explanation of why so many people in other nations despise us and keep stock piling weapons to use against us?

As things are now, we should be thankful for this great nation. However our greatness is in its infancy. Our nation will truly be a great nation when the teachers of Christianity begin teaching the gospel of peace that Jesus preached—teaching it in a manner that people can understand, believe, and embody.

At the national level, we seem to have the same problem we have at the individual level, which is seeing ourselves as other see us; seeing ourselves as we really are—with no understanding of the way we believe and think in our heart. Robert Burns, Scottish poet, said, "Oh what some power the gift he give us, to see ourselves as other see us!"

We seem to believe that our nation is a Christian nation. Are we really? If we were a Christian nation, would not most people believe and do what Jesus said? Would not most people serve God?

Being a Christian nation is not determined by the number of people who claim to be Christian. Let's face it, many so-called Christians are hypocrites, and many religious denominations are dominated by fundamentalists, who do not teach the true gospel of peace that Jesus preached.

During the time of writing this, I heard a news report about a Sunday school teacher who was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering a little girl. Most likely the Sunday school teacher was counted among those who were called Christian. And there are many others who have committed crimes almost as horrific as this one. They too have been among those counted as Christians.   

 And, what about all those clients of psychiatrists, psychics, and marriage counselors; what about all those people taking antidepressants and tranquilizers, and so on; what about all the people with psychosomatic illnesses? Are they Christian? Have they done what Jesus said to do? Are they as perfect as Jesus said to be? Have they cleaned the inside of the cup and the platter? Have they “received with meekness the engrafted word [the truth], which is able to save their souls”?  Do they really have inner serenity, peace, and joy? Or, are they wearing a mask pretending to be righteous, loving, kind, and happy? Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).

The peace that hypocrites enjoy is a false sense of peace, a deception of Satan. Instead of genuine peace, it’s a pretense. Many people are heavily burdened and plagued with tribulations. Let’s face it. Most people do not enjoy the peace of God—the peace that passeth all understanding.  

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29). There is no psychological stress, struggle and strain living in harmony with truth, God and nature. Instead, all is peace and joy.  

Luke, author of both “The Gospel According to Luke” and the “Acts of the Apostles” said, “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It is not clear what Luke had in mind when he said this. We know that we would be saved if we believed and did what other biblical teachers said to do (explained elsewhere in this essay).   

We also know that we would be the light of the world if we believed and did what Jesus said. Speaking about people who are true believers, Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Think about it. When we, individually and collectively as a nation, are true believers and doers of what Jesus said, we will truly be a light unto the entire world. We could help transform the world from one that is troubled and dangerous to one of peace and harmony … if only we believed and did what Jesus said.    

One of the greatest failures of the churches is that they do not teach clearly how to do the things Jesus and other biblical teachers said to do. As mentioned earlier, Jesus expected his followers to do what he said. Jesus said, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6: 46).

 How many so-called Christians do you know:

·     Who are as perfect as Jesus said to be? Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

·     Who have done what Jesus said to do first? Jesus said, “Seek ye first the Kingdom and God” (Matthew 6:33), and, “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” (Matthew 23:26).

·     Who cast the devils from their heart?

·     Who know the truth that makes them free?  

·     Who are as truthful and humble as little children?

·     Who do the will of their Father?

·     Who love as Moses and Jesus said to love?

·     Who have done what James (brother of Jesus) said to do? James said, "Purify your hearts, ye double minded,” and, “receive with meekness the engrafted word [the truth], which is able to save your souls.”

·     Who have done what Jeremiah said to do: "Wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved?" Note that we would be saved if we washed our heart from wickedness, which is the same thing as purifying our heart; the same thing as cleaning the inside of the cup and platter.

·     Who do what the apostle Paul said? The apostle Paul said, “Call upon the name of the Lord,” and “Work out your own salvation” (more about these sayings later).

·     Who abide by the truth that emanates from the true divine spiritual self — who do the will of their Father —  rather than following the whims of the false ego-self?

·     Who have done what Moses said to do? Moses said, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and ye shall be holy.” (Leviticus 20:7). When we sanctify ourselves and are holy, we are perfect; we are saved. And notice that we must sanctify (save) ourselves. Although we get guidance from others, in a sense, we are our own savior.     

Is one really a Christian who does not believe and do what Jesus and other biblical teachers said to do? From the following, it does not seem like we are a Christian nation. Don McAlvany, author of Storm Warning: The Coming Persecution of Christians and Traditionalists in America, said:

“The United States of America, the greatest nation in the history of the world up until a few decades ago, is in decline in every way that a nation can be—economic, financial, social, political, moral, spiritual. We lead the world in divorce, violent crime, drug usage, pornography, promiscuity, illegitimate births, homosexuality, abortion, teenage pregnancies, teenage suicide, alcoholism, child abuse, and per capita prison population.

We have the most corrupt government in our history, but the great majority of Americans (including Christians) don’t really care, because they feel prosperous, and because the morals of our leaders simply reflect the morals of our people.”

The author’s book was published in 1999. Aren’t things much worse now? Think about it. All those things would eventually fade away if we understood, believed, and did what Jesus and other biblical teachers said.

There is no doubt about it: Our churches are the greatest social organizations in the world. The helpful things they do are astounding. Without the churches, our nation would perhaps have already been utterly wasted (language of Isaiah).

However, the difference the churches would make if they were teaching the true gospel of peace that Jesus preached is incomprehensible. 

A great transformation awaits us when religious teachers begin teaching the true gospel of peace that Jesus preached, teaching in a manner people can believe and embody. Think about it. A vast majority of illnesses are psychosomatic (caused by unwarranted, obscure fear and deeply held false beliefs). This is the same hidden cause of neuroticism and all mental turmoil and suffering.  

Psychiatrists, marriage counselors, and psychics have a booming business trying to help clients overcome their mental and emotional problems and find peace. In a sense, what psychiatrists attempt to do is what we would do if we understood, believed, and did what Jesus said. If we cleaned the inside of the cup and the platter — if we purified our heart — we have rid ourselves of the underlying cause of our mental and emotional problems. And we have inner serenity, peace, joy, and happiness.

Think about it. The solution to all our mental turmoil and suffering — our hatred, anger, jealous, envy, depression, anxiety, addictions, neurotic behavior, tension headaches, the break-up of families, dysfunctional families and on and on and on — is in the Bible.

Although it has been glossed over, the secret to finding happiness has been known for more than 3,000 years; it’s in the Old Testament. Everyone desires to be happy. Why do our religious teachers gloss over this? Here is the secret to finding happiness. This is comparatively simple, and it would not fail you if only you exercised the self discipline to be still and commune with your heart. It’s simple from the stand point that all you need to do is to be still and commune with your heart.

The following passages from “The Proverbs” provide guidance for helping you find happiness: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding” (Proverbs 3:13), and “Wisdom resteth in the heart of him who hath understanding” (Proverbs 14:33).  And, “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).

You need look no further for a way to find happiness; this is the simple secret to being happy. We gain wisdom and understanding by being still and communing with our heart; there is no other way.  

If you trust in your true spiritual self and abide by the truth that proceeds from within, you will be happy. Do this seriously and conscientiously, and you are assured of happiness.

We learn from David the Psalmist: “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. …  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalms 139:1-6).

The God who knows all about us (our secret faults; our unwarranted fears and deeply held false beliefs; the evil in our hearts; the cause of our mental suffering) is the God within us.

And notice that David said, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.” It’s wonderful because we can be still, commune — and understand — with our heart and be healed.

The part about communing with our heart is similar to something the prophet Jeremiah said: “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s how we find and commune with God within us (our heart). And that’s how we discover the truth that makes us free.

 The apostle Paul, speaking about people who are not true believers — not true Christians — said they are: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. … so do these also resist the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7-8). We come to the knowledge of the truth by being still and communing with our heart.

Aren’t many so-called Christians ever learning and resisting the true gospel Jesus preached? Many study, study, and study, on and on and on; yet, they have not learned how to be still and know the truth that makes them free. They seem to resist the truth; they seem to resist what Jesus said. It’s no wonder many so-called Christians keep studying; they are attempting the impossible: trying to prove that their false beliefs are true.

For example, fundamentalists seem to believe that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for Christians to enjoy after they die and that he will return to take them to that place, based on the passage by Jesus: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

The fundamentalist interpretation of this passage could not be true and be consistent with other things Jesus said that are reasonably straightforward and clear. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17.21).

Fundamentalists seem to try to make this passage by Jesus mean something Jesus did not say. Jesus also said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6: 33). Clearly, the kingdom of God is not a place Jesus has gone to prepare.

What Jesus meant by the phrase, that where I am, there ye may be also, is easy to understand. Jesus had overcome the world of the ego. Jesus was perfect. Jesus set an example for us. Jesus wanted his followers to be perfect; he said, “Be perfect.” And he expected his followers to do what he said.

It’s uncanny how fundamentalists can take selected passages and construe them to make them seem to support what they believe. Jesus made it clear that “The kingdom of God is within you.” And other biblical teachings are in agreement with what Jesus said. Yet, fundamentalists resort to a passage in the Revelation to John to support their belief that heaven is a place where Christians go after they die.

The passage fundamentalists refer to is: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). Let’s face it. We don’t know what most of the visions of John mean. 

Fundamentalists also seem to think that Moses wrote about the man Jesus, based on the following passage by Jesus: “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:46-47).

In this passage by Jesus, you may substitute the phrase, true spiritual teachings, for the personal pronoun me. Jesus spoke about many things that Moses wrote about; thus, "But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”

It’s uncanny how fundamentalists have misconstrued and misinterpreted the Holy Scriptures. The passage, John 3:16-17, is perhaps the most often quoted — and perhaps the most misinterpreted — passage in the Bible: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

For clarification of the phrase through him, we know that we would be saved if we understood, believed, and did what Jesus said. (Incidentally, the above passage is in red letters in red-letter editions of the New Testament; however, these are the words of John).

Incidentally, John the Baptist was also sent from God: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John” (John 1:6).   

When fundamentalists quote the above passage by John (John 3:16), they seem to give it a meaning that it does not mean. In about 25 passages, Jesus let us know that he was sent by his Father. For clarification, the words Father and God are sometimes used interchangeably.

When you realize that Jesus was sent by his Father, the word Jesus used (or you could say God) and when you realize that the prophets of the Old Testament were sent by the Lord (or you could say God), it seems that fundamentalists get the wrong understanding of John 3:16.

Moses said, “Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of mine own mind” (Numbers 16:28).

Isaiah said, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, and to comfort all that mourn” (Isaiah 61:1-2).

Thus, the prophets of the Old Testament were sent by the Lord; Jesus was sent by his Father—same thing just different words. And they were sent for the same purpose: To help people overcome suffering and to have peace and joy.

The following list is an example of some of the things Jesus said that makes it clear that he was sent by his Father.   

·     Jesus said, “I have not spoken of myself; but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. … whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:49). Notice from this and the following statement where Jesus got wisdom for his teachings.

·     Jesus said, “I have many things to say and to judge of you; but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him” (John 8:26).

·     Jesus said, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). [Him refers to the Father. Things that please him are the ways of truth—not ways of the world of the ego. Doing those things that please his Father is the same thing as doing the will of his Father, a prerequisite for having peace and joy.]

·     Jesus said, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:23). (Emphasis added). This is another passage by Jesus that lets us know that he wanted his followers to be perfect — to be one with their Father — the way Jesus was.

·     Jesus said, “And yet if I judge, my judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me” (John 8:16).

·     Jesus said, “Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world” (John 10:36). [It seems to be glossed over, but note that Jesus was sanctified (saved) by his Father. It is significant to know that our Father is within us, and we are saved by the truth that rests with our Father.]

·     Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me” (John 9:4)

·     Jesus said, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21).

In addition to making it clear that Jesus was sent by his Father, the above passages let us know that Jesus gained wisdom and understanding by communing with his Father. The prophets of the Old Testament gained wisdom and understanding by communing with the Lord.

It’s important that we know how to find wisdom and understanding. From the Proverbs we know: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding. … Wisdom is the tree of life, and happy is every one that has it. All its paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:13-17) (Emphasis added. … another reminder that the Bible is about having peace).

And from the Proverbs, we know: “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).

Further, we find: “Wisdom resteth in the heart of him who hath understanding” (Proverbs 14:33).  And, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

Everyone desires to be happy. Why are these passages glossed over—a simple way of finding happiness … a way that would not fail. We get wisdom and understanding for knowing the truth that makes us free by being still and communing — and understanding — with our heart … communing with God.

Fundamentalists make the mistake of interpreting biblical passages literally. They interpret dreams, visions, and idioms as if they are reality. We cannot understand the teachings of Jesus if we do not understand some of the idioms Jesus used. Literally interpreting idioms, dreams and visions causes one to miss the message Jesus intended for us.

An example of an idiom (one of many) that Jesus used is hell fire, meaning: Mental suffering; torment. (Source: IDIOMS IN THE BIBLE EXPLAINED AND A KEY TO THE ORIGINAL GOSPELS). The author, George M. Lamsa: "... was raised speaking Aramaic in a community that followed customs largely unchanged since the time of Christ" (This appears on the back cover of the book).

If fundamentalists studied the Holy Scriptures with an open mind — assembling and assimilating related passages — they would realize that the passage about Jesus walking on the sea is based on a vision. As it is, fundamentalists seem to believe that Jesus actually walked on water.

In our present society, we seldom — if ever — hear of anyone who gains wisdom from visions. A significant portion of the Bible is based on visions. Jesus learned from his vision of walking on the sea that his disciples were fearful and doubtful. When Peter attempted to walk on the water, “he was afraid, beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:30-31).

Fundamentalists say something to the effect that Jesus died on the cross for our sins; that through his death Jesus took our sins on himself. To be matter of fact, straightforward and clear, Jesus was executed for the same reason that his disciples were executed: Because they were teaching the truth. Further, to free ourselves from our sins, we must do what Jesus said to do: “Cleanse first that which is in the cup and the platter.”

Everyone desires peace, joy, and happiness—the kind of life that Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament wanted everyone to enjoy. Both Isaiah and Jesus let us know when we will have peace, joy, and harmony in the entire world—when wars and rumors of wars will end.

Isaiah said, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Think about it: Peace cannot get any better than perfect peace. And we would have perfect peace if we kept our mind on that which is true, and consequently, walked in the ways of the Lord— if we served God rather that serving Satan.  Walking in the ways of the Lord is simple and natural when our heart is pure—when we have cleaned the inside of the cup and platter.

Notice how things will be when we are doing what Isaiah said: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Incidentally, Micah said the same thing (see Micah 4: 3).

Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom [the gospel of peace] shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).

Jesus was speaking about the end of the world of the ego—the end of suffering. Remember the sole purpose for Jesus preaching the gospel is that we might have peace and joy. Know this to be true: We will have peace and joy when we understand, believe, and embody what Jesus preached.

One of the greatest failures of religious teachers is that they do not teach people how to do the things they must do to be saved; how to do the things that would bring people peace and joy—what all seekers are seeking and what the Bible is all about.

Do you know any mainline Christian teachers who explain clearly how to do the following things: How to seek ye first the kingdom of God? How to know the truth that makes us free? How to purify our hearts? How to sanctify ourselves? How to wash our hearts from wickedness? How to clean the inside of the cup and the platter? How to be as perfect as Jesus said to be? How to be born again? How to love as Moses and Jesus said to love? ... and on and on and on. We would be saved — we would have peace and joy — if we did any one of those things.

If there is any such thing as the hidden secret of the ages, a gem of wisdom Isaiah left for us more than 3,000 years ago must be the secret. The secret for doing the things we must do to be saved; the secret for finding peace, joy, and happiness; the secret for discovering the truth that makes us free is found in a passage by Isaiah. Jesus confirmed what Isaiah said; however, Jesus’ use of the personal pronoun I might have caused many to gloss over this great gem of wisdom.

Isaiah said, “Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; so that they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed” (Isaiah 6: 8-10).

Whereas Isaiah said, “… and be healed,” Jesus said, “… I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15). For clarification, we are converted and healed by truth.

Understanding with our heart is the key to the whole matter of discovering the truth that makes us free; for finding peace, joy and happiness … for being saved. And, the way we understand with our heart is by doing what David the Psalmist said to do: “Be still and commune with your own heart.”

The most elusive thing about communing with our heart is learning to be still and transcending the chatter of the ego, which leads us astray until we overcome it—what Jesus referred to as overcoming the world (the world of the ego).  

Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist and poet, said, “Fear is ignorance and all our punishments are the result and consequence of it.” When our heart is pure, we do not harbor unwarranted fear, the thing that alienates us from God. We free ourselves from fear by knowing the truth that makes us free.

Regarding Jesus’ use of personal pronouns, Jesus said, “If I cast out devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you" (Matthew 12:28). Once we clearly understand the teachings of Jesus, including his use of personal pronouns, we know that truth obliterates the devil — all evil — that is within us.

However, casting out the devils within us is a do-it-yourself task. We must do what Jesus said to do first: “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” (Matthew 23: 26).   

Further, Jesus meant that the kingdom of God (which is within us, which is characterized by peace and joy) comes to us the moment the devils are cast out. In other words, we enjoy peace and joy as soon as we obliterate the cause of our mental turmoil and suffering—when we have cleansed ourselves of secret faults.

It’s a tragic mistake to misinterpret what Jesus said, missing the message Jesus intended for us, and falsely believing that we will find peace and joy after we die and go to heaven.

The confused, misleading teachings of fundamentalists have led millions of people throughout the world astray from the simple ways of Jesus. Jesus said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11: 29). To learn of me is to understand the teachings of Jesus. And note that we would have rest unto our souls; we would have peace and joy—here and now. 

Although the ego makes it seem otherwise, there is nothing simpler than simply being in harmony with truth. Truth would free us from our masks — keeping up a façade — pretending to be something we are not. Truth would free us from the stress, struggle, and strain, trying to keep up with the Joneses, trying to impress others and trying to appear special and important.

David the psalmist said, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalms 19:7).  The law is truth; we are converted — we are saved — by truth. And although converting the soul — being saved — is elusive, it is comparatively simple. In all simplicity, all we need to do is to learn to be still and pay attention; to do what David the Psalmist said to do: “Be still and commune with our own heart.” 

Pretending to be something they are not, many people are going at a hectic pace, trying all sorts of things to fill the emptiness within; but there is never enough. Stress and fatigue are universal complaints. The only thing that will fill the emptiness is truth and love. 

The prophet Solomon gained more material wealth than anyone in Jerusalem; however, as Solomon advanced in the years, he realized that something was missing in his life; his life was empty and meaningless. He said, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. …  I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge” (Ecclesiastes 1:14-16).  And he said, “There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt” (Ecclesiastes 5:13).

Vain things have their beginning by thoughts coming from the false ego self. And think about it: Solomon said, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Most people are ego driven. Think about what this world would be like if we, individually and collectively, were truth driven. It’s incomprehensible … the world would be in peace and harmony.

As it is, almost everyone wears a mask, projecting an image of the way that the ego has them thinking they appear, which is contrary to the way they believe and think in their heart (the way they really are). The ego is relentless in having us trying to impress others; trying to appear special and important; and trying to prove that the mask we wear is who we are. The all important I demands attention, recognition, and adulation and strives to be the life of the party.

It’s ironic: People wear their masks in an attempt to enhance their self esteem—trying to appear different from the way they believe and think in their heart. There is nothing that would enhance our self esteem more — there is nothing that would make us feel better about ourselves — than surrendering to truth … same thing as surrendering to God.

Many people are preoccupied with what others think about them. By far, the most important thing is what we believe and think in our heart. From Solomon we know: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). What we think in our heart determines whether we have inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness or if we suffer the torments of a troubled mind, which is hell.

And remember that Jesus said: “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35).

All mental turmoil and suffering — all crime violence, anxiety, depression, psychosomatic illnesses, the breakup of families, (the list goes on) are brought about by the evil in one’s heart. Only good — peace, truth, love and joy — comes from a pure heart … what the Bible is all about. Thus, the ultimate prayer is for a pure heart. 

 About fifty years B.C., Lucretius said, “So it is more useful to watch a man in times of peril and in adversity to discern what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn from the depths of his heart, and the mask is torn off, reality remains.”

Instead of wearing a mask, pretending to be something we are not, deep within the soul of our being, everyone desires to be free ... to be human. Jesus’ disciples were ordinary human beings ... free of masks. However, what set them apart from the masses is that they were devout followers of the teachings of Jesus, and they overcame the world of the ego.

Jesus said, “Ye are of this world; I am not of this world" (John 8: 23). And Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16: 33).  

We can be of good cheer because we know that if we believe and do what Jesus said we can overcome the world ... the world of the ego. Jesus let us know that his disciples had overcome the world. Jesus said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16).

When we understand, believe and do what Jesus said, although we are in the world, we are not of the world of the sinful ego self—and we are peaceful, joyous, happy, and contented.

Further, when we overcome the world of the ego — when we have purified our heart —we are unified with God.

The apostle Paul said, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world" (Ephesians 2: 1-2).

When we know the truth that makes us free, we are revived from the dead in trespasses and sins. Then we are fully alive in the spirit of truth. Instead of walking according to the course of this world, we walk in the ways of the Lord (language of the prophets of the Old Testament, or in the language of Jesus, we do the will of our Father.  

When we, individually and collectively, have purified our heart, we will have peace and harmony within ourselves and in the entire world. If we do not purify our heart, we live our lives serving Satan rather than serving God … and many calling themselves Christian.

When I first began writing I had no intention of writing about Jesus, God, and religion. However, while writing I began to get insights and an understanding of what Jesus said. It became clear to me that people were missing the message Jesus intended for us. I began getting feedback from people from various walks of life, including protestant ministers.

Without specifically disagreeing with what I said, a common response from fundamentalists was something like, “That is your opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.” What they did not seem to realize is that my opinions are consistent with the teachings of Jesus (and other biblical teachers). What I am attempting to do in this essay is to explain things so clearly that fundamentalists will understand that what I am saying is in agreement with what Jesus said.

Let’s face it. We, our families, our society, our nation — the very world itself — are in need of a healing. The message Jesus intended for us would heal us … if only we understood, believed, accepted — and did — what Jesus said.    

Thus, for those who are inclined to discount what I say by saying that it is my opinion I urge them to do an in-depth study of what Jesus and other biblical teachers said (especially passages I have quoted in this essay).  

In regard to responses by readers of my writings, overwhelmingly the responses indicate a need for the gospel to be taught in a manner people can understand. Many responses are posted on my Web site. A few examples follow. Incidentally, most of the following responses were in response to my first Web site (which got hijacked). And these responses, unlike many testimonials that some publishers use, were not solicited. Thus, here are a few examples: 

·     Bravo! I have been a “Christian” for many years. I am the son of a Baptist minister. I have known for several years that most people do not understand Jesus’ teachings. I am active in a Baptist church, but do not like being called “Baptist” or even a “Christian” for that matter. Most leaders in the church do not understand Jesus’ teachings and therefore mislead many.

·     After I read three of your articles, I heard this voice inside saying, ‘Yes, yes, yes! This is it. I’ve found it! I’ve found it!’ I have read many books, attended several success seminars, and have been motivated and inspired for years. I know you are speaking the Truth and that this is the answer I have been looking for. Thanks!

·     Thanks! I am only 12 years old. I read everything. It really got to me. Thank you and God.

·     WOW!! — I have learned more about God and religion in the 20 minutes spent on your site than years and years of bible school and sermons — good job!!!

·     I was raised a Christian but no longer am active. I did learn a lot about the Bible and have read it cover to cover five times. I’ve investigated other religions, the new age stuff, and have not been satisfied with the dogma, rituals, or the superficial approach to spirituality. The words of your Web Pages though seem to resonate with me. Thanks.

·     How encouraging to find someone who has found, and so clearly articulated, the truth about the truth. I agree … God has been inspiring us always, and for generations. I experience intense frustration with denominational churches’ lack of capacity to open their hearts to truth.

·     Your Website is very wonderful and sounds much the way we American Indians, as well as our Asian ancestors, believe. If all people could accept the truth, this world would be in peace and harmony.

·     I am a witch and have been for several years. During my teenage years I called myself a Christian. However, as I grew older, I became disheartened with Christianity. It’s astonishing, the hatred from some of these “Christians.” I believe that the spirit, which shone in Jesus, Buddha and others, is very much alive and can shine from any of us if we give it open space. … I’m thankful for all those who do more good than harm.

Regarding that last statement above, aren’t fundamentalists doing more harm than good?

John Shelby Spong, Episcopal Bishop, wrote a book titled, Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism and another book Why Christianity Must Change or Die.

Christianity would flourish if Christian teachers would teach the gospel that Jesus preached, teaching it in a manner we can believe, understand and embody. After all, the kind of life that Jesus and other biblical teachers wanted everyone to live is the kind of life that everyone desires to live ... an abundant life of peace and joy.

As it is, fundamentalists are resistant to hearing anything that is contrary to their false beliefs. The following is from my book, Life's Greatest Lesson — The Message Jesus Intended for Us: "Our false ego-self (Satan within us) hangs on tenaciously, resenting and resisting truth. False beliefs that have been drummed into us since childhood are so thoroughly embedded in us that we can read something that is true — but that differs from our false beliefs — and immediately our mind jumps to some explanation that seems to disprove the true statement we have read."

Thomas Carlyle, Scottish essayist and historian, said, “No iron chain, or outward force of any kind, could ever compel the soul of man to believe or to disbelieve.” Let’s face it! Most people do not understand the message Jesus intended for us, including many who call themselves Christian, and they are not doing what Jesus said to do.

While writing the manuscript for the book mentioned above, I was stunned to learn that some fundamentalists did not know that Jesus said “the kingdom of God is within you.” And some fundamentalists who knew that Jesus said “the kingdom of God is within you” tried to make it seem like Jesus meant something he did not say. A protestant minister asked me if Jesus said that or was it one of the old philosophers. When I showed him the passage in the Bible, he asked me if I had read the parable about the sower of the seed.

This is similar to the way others dodged what Jesus and other biblical teachers said. They would ask something like: But what about this verse or what about that verse. The verses to which they referred did not clarify the particular passages to which they seemed to disagree.

To prove their point, the passages some respondents referred to are in "The Revelation to John." Unless the apostle John, in some manner, in some place, explained some of the visions in "The Revelation to John", we will never know what some of the visions mean. Once one understands the nature of visions, he or she will understand why we cannot understand those visions.

Even some of the biblical teachers had difficulty understanding some of their own visions. Daniel said, “… when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning” (Daniel 8:15). And, “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean” (Acts 10:17).

Instead of trying to understand some of the biblical passages we most likely will never understand (especially visions), our efforts would be much more rewarding if we spent our time doing those things that would purify our heart.

Another way that some fundamentalists try to prove that their fundamentalist beliefs are true is by referring to modern day reference materials. Many of these materials (if not all) seem to support the false beliefs of fundamentalists.

Actually, there is a bit of a mystery about the manner in which Jesus taught. The following passages explain why the teachings of Jesus seem mysterious.

Jesus said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Matthew 11:25).

And in reply to the disciples' question: "Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" Jesus replied, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. ... Therefore speak I to them in parables; because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand" (Matthew 13: 10-13).

Jesus also said, “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12). Heavenly things are about truth, love, peace, and joy. In addition, Jesus said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (John 16:12).

As it is, it seems that fundamentalists do not expect Christians to be perfect ... they do not expect Christians to do what Jesus said to do. Yet, Jesus said clearly: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

The apostle Paul said: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (Emphasis added).

Note the purpose of all scripture: That the man of God may be perfect. We are perfect or we are not perfect; there is no such thing as being partly perfect. We are either of God or we are of Satan. It’s one or the other. Like being wet or being dry, we can’t be both at the same time.

When we are perfect, our heart is pure; we are one with God—the way Jesus was and the way he wanted everyone to be. Jesus said, “…that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:22-23). And again, note that Jesus wanted everyone to be perfect.

When we are perfect — we are saved — and we are blessed with inner serenity, peace, joy, and happiness … what everyone inherently desires … what the Bible is all about.

Isaiah said, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). Similarly, Jesus said. "Ye are from beneath; I am from above; ye are of this world; I am not of this world” (John 8:23).

The thoughts and the ways of Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament were higher than our thoughts and our ways, given that they were perfect; they were holy—the way they wanted everyone to be.

From the teachings of Moses to the teachings of Jesus, biblical teachers taught people to be perfect. Moses said, “Sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). When we are holy, we are perfect. Jesus said, “Be perfect.”

Remember Jesus said, "I have overcome the world.” When we have overcome the world of the ego — when we are perfect and pure in heart — we will be at the same the spiritual height of Isaiah and Jesus. Then our thoughts and our ways will be in harmony with truth ... in harmony with God ... the way Jesus and other biblical teachers wanted everyone to be.

Think about it! Fundamentalists would have us believe that we are not perfect and will not be while we are alive on planet earth. Fundamentalists make it seem impossible for us to achieve perfection; yet, being perfect — being holy — and having peace and joy is what the Bible is all about.

Think about what a difference it would make if fundamentalists were teaching us what we must do to be perfect, instead of teaching us that we will not be perfect while we are alive; that Jesus is the only one who was ever perfect. This false teaching about being perfect could impede most anyone from doing what they must do to be perfect; what they must do to be saved; what they must do to find peace, joy, and happiness—what everyone inherently desires.  

Also, fundamentalists would have us believe that we were born sinners… that we have a sinful nature; we don’t. Perhaps many people believe we have a flawed nature because there are so many hypocrites—so many sinners. Our true nature is perfect, created in the image and likeness of God. A perfect God did not create anything that is not perfect … anything that is flawed. Solomon said, “God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

Know this to be true: Little babies are born spiritually perfect—pure in heart—the way Jesus was and the way he wanted everyone to be. Remember that Jesus said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Note what Jesus said: We will not experience the peace and joy characteristic of heaven unless we are as perfect as little children.

We became corrupted and sinful by being born into a corrupted, sinful environment. The German psychologist, Max Wertheimer, defined an adult: “a deteriorated child.” From observing our society, we realize that we have sought out many inventions.  

Let’s face it, our society is characterized by sinful people. And believing that Jesus took our sins on himself (what fundamentalists believe and teach) does not free us from our sins. And believing on Jesus does not save us. However, we would be saved of we believed and did what Jesus said.

Again, misleading beliefs lead us astray from doing what we must do to be perfect … to be saved.  The first thing we must do is what Jesus said to do first: “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” (Matthew 23: 26). And again, we are perfect — our heart is pure — when we clean the inside of the cup and platter.  

Knowing the truth that makes us free frees us from our sins. And no one can discover this truth for us, except us.  We discover truth by communing with our heart.

The apostle Paul said, “But now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:12-15). With all the crooked and evil things occurring in our nation, aren’t we as a nation still crooked and perverse?

Further, the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). The teachings of Jesus would strengtheneth us if we believed and did what Jesus said.

We work out our own salvation by cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter. And notice that the apostle Paul said that “That ye may be the sons of God.” If we cleaned the inside of the cup and the platter, we would be pure in heart; we would be perfect, the way Jesus was and the way he wanted his followers to be.

The apostle Paul also said “Let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds … Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9).

We also enjoy the peace of God — the peace that passeth all understanding — when we do what Jesus said to do: “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter.” Believing that Jesus took our sins on himself (what fundamentalists teach) does not clean the inside of the cup and platter. Misleading teachings lead us astray from what we must do to be saved.

Fundamentalists also teach something about Jesus returning to earth and establishing his kingdom. Knowing that the man Jesus is not returning to earth could help fundamentalists modify their teachings about the gospel of peace that Jesus preached, the gospel that would bring us peace, joy, and happiness now if only we believed and did what Jesus said.

Remember Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). And Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom and God” (Matthew 6: 33). The kingdom of God does not need to be established; it’s already within us, awaiting our understanding and acceptance.  

It is noteworthy that Jesus did not pussyfoot around with his teachings. Do you know any modern day Christian teachers who would tell a hypocrite that he or she is not of God ... who would tell a hypocrite that he or she is a hypocrite?

Jesus said, “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. ... Ye blind guides, who strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. … Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? ... For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. … Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:13-27). 

Notice what Jesus said about blind guides (false teachers, which include fundamentalists):  “… who strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” Isn’t this what fundamentalists do? They study, study, and study, trying to clarify their false beliefs and trying to get others to believe what they teach.

It helps to know that we hear God's word — we hear the truth — by doing what David the Psalmist said to do: "Be still and commune with your own heart." We hear the words of God when our heart is pure.

Jesus said, “Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). Clearly, with all the different religious beliefs and all the false teachings of fundamentalists; with all the seeking and searching; with all the crime, violence, suffering, and dysfunctional families, and the breakup of families; with all the psychosomatic illnesses, with so many people angry, anxious, and depressed; with so many people stressed, having tension headaches and taking tranquilizers and antidepressants; with so many people seeking help from psychiatrists and psychics; with so many people wearing masks, pretending to be something they are not, and on and on and on, many people are deceived.  Many are on the broad path that leads to suffering and destruction.

The apostle Paul said, “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18). Vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind is following the guidance of the false ego self, which is relentless in striving to appear special and important. 

Surely we are not going to learn how to be perfect; how to be as humble as little children; how to love as Jesus and Moses said to love; how to purify our heart; how to be saved, and how to be one with God from teachers who are vainly puffed up, enthralled by their elephantine ego.  

Think about it! The suffering, chaos, and confusion that people have endured during the past 2,000 years could have been prevented if people had been taught the true gospel of peace that Jesus preached. Instead of all the mental turmoil, suffering, and chaos, we, our families, our society and our nation would be joyous, happy, contented and harmonious if people understood and embodied the true gospel of peace that Jesus preached ... what all seekers are seeking.

The apostle Paul said, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). When we are walking in the Spirit, we are doing the will of our Father (a prerequisite for having peace and joy). The word flesh is what I am calling our false ego self.

The apostle Paul goes on to say: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would … Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:17-21).

Not inheriting the kingdom of God is the same thing as not having inner serenity, peace, and joy. However if we abide by the Spirit — if we do the will of our Father, if we follow the guidance of our true divine spiritual self — we will have inner serenity, peace, joy and happiness. In the words of the apostle Paul: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

About false prophets (false teachers), this includes fundamentalists and hypocrites). They would do well to think about something Jesus said: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones who believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

The apostle Paul said, “Let us not therefore judge one another anymore; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Roman 14:13).

False teachings are stumbling blocks. False teachings have caused many people to miss the message Jesus intended for us … a message of peace and joy. Think about it. Missionaries travel throughout the world, spreading the teachings of Christianity. Are they spreading the true teachings of the gospel of peace that Jesus preached, or are they doing what Jesus said people were doing about 2,000 years ago: “Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, … Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7: 7-9).    

Here we are in the twenty first century and there are about 400 protestant denominations in the Christian religion and all because of differences in beliefs … and all believing they are right. It’s almost unbelievable how people keep reading and studying the Bible and how they continue to gloss over and misinterpret what they read and study.

The Holy Bible is replete with wisdom that would guide us to living a perfect spiritual life and being rewarded with peace, joy, and happiness … if only we believed, understood and did what biblical teachers said.

As it is, instead of studying and deciphering what Jesus said, fundamentalists follow in the footsteps of other fundamentalists, and consequently, are doing what Jesus said people were doing about 2000 years ago: “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups, and many other such like things ye do. … Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:6-9).

Let’s face it. Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament did not teach the things fundamentalists teach, such as: take Christ into your heart; accept Jesus as your savior; Jesus took our sins on himself; there is no salvation apart from the cross; be of good cheer—you will have peace and joy after you die and go to heaven; the myth about the virgin birth; and on and on and on.

As it is, people can walk down the isle of a Christian church and profess to accept Jesus as their savior and pretend that they are saved. Let’s face it; this does not save us. Going through this ritual does not clean the inside of the cup and the platter; it doesn’t mean that one has done what Jesus said to do. Regardless of what fundamentalists believe about Jesus taking our sins on himself, it does not alter what we must do to be saved.  

Thus, one can go through the ritual of being saved and still have anxiety, hatred, anger, jealousy, be emotional insecure and be plagued with psychosomatic illnesses and on and on and on—all that robs one of inner serenity, peace, joy, and happiness.

As it is, hypocrites receive a certain amount of satisfaction from being associated with like-minded people. Like Spinoza, philosopher and religious thinker, said, “It is a comfort to the unhappy to have companions in misery.”

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). If we follow the teachings of Jesus, we believe and do what he said. And we are saved; we have the light of life—fully alive in the spirit of truth.   

About the birth of Jesus, Joseph had a dream. The contents of dreams are not reality. If religious teachers did an in-depth study of the birth of Jesus and the birth of John the Baptist (there are similarities) in the books of Matthew and Luke, they might believe that Joseph was the father of Jesus.

They would not find any evidence confirming a virgin birth. A passage in the book of Luke suggests that Joseph was the father of Jesus. It seems that fundamentalists not only believe the myth about the virgin birth, but also they seem to believe that much of the Old Testament is a prophesy about the birth of Jesus.

In addition to the similarities between the birth of John and the birth of Jesus, John was the first to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). And, “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Whereas John used the phrase kingdom of heaven, Jesus used the phrase kingdom of God … same thing.

Regardless of the actual events surrounding the birth of Jesus, it does not alter what we must do to be saved. Know this to be true: We would be saved if we understood, believed — and did — what Jesus said.

Also, know this to be true: We would be saved if we understood, believed — and did — what the prophets of the Old Testament said. For example, we would be saved if we did what Jeremiah and Moses said. Jeremiah said, “Wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved.” Moses said, “Sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.” When we are holy, we are perfect and we are saved.

Beliefs about the virgin birth seem to cause fundamentalists to elevate Jesus to such a high spiritual level that it makes him seem to be a supreme being unlike an ordinary human being. In addition, it makes Jesus seem to have reached a level of perfection that is impossible for us to attain; even though Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” That’s how perfect Jesus was, and that’s how perfect he wanted his followers to be.  

The thing that rendered Jesus extraordinary and that set him apart from the masses (who are ego driven) is that he had overcome the sinful world of the ego. He was pure in heart; he was perfect, the way he commanded his followers to be.

In addition to gaining wisdom and understanding by going unto his Father, Jesus borrowed considerably from the teachings of the prophets of the Old Testament. The following passage by Jesus was borrowed from Isaiah.

Jesus said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).

This passage came from Isaiah; however, it is presented in red letters in red-letter editions of the New Testament. It seems that the people who heard Jesus speaking took these words as being those of Jesus. Actually, Jesus taught some of the same things that Isaiah and Moses (and others) taught.

Isaiah said, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, and to comfort all that mourn” (Isaiah 61:1-2).

Perhaps the teachings of the apostles John and Paul (very devout followers of Jesus) have caused more confusion in the teachings of Christianity than any other biblical teachers. The apostle Paul wrote about two thirds of the New Testament. It seems that most of the false beliefs of fundamentalists originated from a misinterpretation and misunderstanding of what the apostles John and Paul said. 

Perhaps the fundamentalist teachings about such things as  taking Christ into our hearts, believing on Jesus, accepting Jesus as our savior, Jesus took our sins on himself, etcetera have come from misinterpreting and misunderstanding what the apostles John and Paul said. Perhaps the belief that Jesus was God in human flesh came from the dream that Joseph had concerning the birth of Jesus (first chapter of “The Gospel According to Matthew). The contents of dreams are not reality.  

Further, the apostle Paul said, “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The phrase, through Jesus Christ our Lord, could cause confusion. Our Lord (same thing as our Father) is within us.

Again, it helps our understanding of the teachings of Jesus to know that we would be saved if we understood, believed, and did what the prophets of the Old Testament said.  

In addition, fundamentalists seem to believe that Jesus makes intercession for us, perhaps based on the following passage by the apostle Paul: “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Roman 8:34).

That passage could lead people astray from what they must do to be saved. The following is a list of things that the apostle Paul said regarding what we must do to be saved.

·    “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:5).

·    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). There is room for confusion in this statement and the one above. Clearly, there are things we must do to be saved. We must clean the inside of the cup the platter; we must purify our heart; we must wash our heart from wickedness; we must believe and do what Jesus said, etcetera. And in the sense that there are things we must do we are our own savior. Although a true spiritual teacher can be most helpful by guiding us, we must discover the truth that makes us free; no one can do this for us.   We know from the apostle Paul that we can work out our own salvation.

·    “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Simply put, it is not necessary to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead for us to be saved. To begin with, there is no evidence that God raised Jesus from the dead. The scriptures that fundamentalists literally interpret that make it seem that God raised Jesus from the dead are based on visions. Visions are not reality.   

·     “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13) (explained below).

·     “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). To be saved, we must believe — and do — what Jesus and other biblical teachers said to do.  

Regardless of what the apostle Paul meant by some of these things, remember that he said, “Work out your own salvation.”

An example of an erroneous interpretation by fundamentalists is their belief that we are saved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, based on the Apostle Paul's statement: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

The only thing that this statement could mean and be consistent with the teachings of Jesus is that those who believe and do what Jesus said shall be saved; this does not seem to be the interpretation of fundamentalists.

In all simplicity we would be saved if we believed and did what Jesus said; Jesus made this clear. Jesus said to his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth [the gospel] and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16: 15-16). It seems to be glossed over but we would be saved if we understood and believed the gospel — and did — what Jesus said.

Jesus also said to his disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations … teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Mathew 28:19-20). Note that Jesus said, “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Clearly, Jesus did not command his disciples to teach the things fundamentalists teach.

Know this to be a fact: If your beliefs and interpretations of the Holy Scriptures are not in agreement with the teachings of Jesus, then your beliefs and interpretations are false.

As it is, it seems that fundamentalism — not the gospel Jesus preached — dominates the teachings of Christianity. And note the horrible conditions of our families, our society and our nation—with all the crime, violence, drug problems, depression, anxiety, murders, divorces, dysfunctional families, psychosomatic illnesses, and on and on and on … all that would be replaced with peace, love and harmony if only we were truth driven rather than ego driven … if only we were guided by our true divine spiritual self, rather than being driven by the Satan within us.    

Too, fundamentalists falsely believe that we are not perfect and never will be until we are dead and in heaven. Yet, Jesus said clearly, Be perfect. He was speaking about the present, not about after we die.

And let us remember what the apostle Paul said: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God ... That the man of God may be perfect.” … again speaking about the present. And note the phrase, "All scripture." The entire Bible is about peace, truth, love and joy. Remember that the apostle Paul described heaven: righteousness, peace and joy. 

In addition, fundamentalists teach that we are saved by the blood; however, they do not seem to understand the passages about eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Jesus.

Jesus said, “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life” (John 6:54). The Apostle John said, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” For clarification, the teachings of Jesus would cleanse us from all sin if we believed and did what Jesus said. Then we would be perfect; we would be fully alive in the spirit of truth—not dead in spirit … not dead in our sins. 

Regarding the above passages by the apostle Paul, it is true that we could be saved by calling upon the name of the Lord; however, this requires explanation. People began calling upon the name of the Lord during early biblical times: “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26).

Calling upon the name of the Lord is the same thing as doing what Jesus said: "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6).

From what Jesus said, note who it is that rewards us, keeping in mind that our Father is within us. And it is significant to know that rewards are peace, joy, and happiness that we experience from being in harmony with truth, rather than stress, confusion, inner turmoil, and suffering that we experience by being guided by our false ego self … by being ego driven. Satan within us is the cause of confusion, mental turmoil and suffering.

Regardless of how fundamentalists have stretched, misconstrued, misinterpreted — added to and taken from — the Holy Scriptures, know this to be true: We would be saved if we did first what Jesus said to do first: “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” (Matthew 23: 26).

Sometime ago I gave a fundamentalist a list of eight things that would save us. I ask the fundamentalist: Do you agree that if we did any one of these things that we would be saved. His reply was: “Yes, but we cannot do these things ourselves. The Holy Ghost does the work.”

That reply is an example of the way fundamentalists miss the message Jesus intended for us—glossing over eight things that would save us, saying the Holy Ghost does the work. We know from what Jesus said that he used the phrase Holy Ghost in the same manner that he used the word Father (explained elsewhere in this essay).

Most importantly, we know that our Father does the works. Jesus said, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:10). (Emphasis added). Thus, from the teachings of Jesus, we know that our Father dwells in us, and we know from Jesus that he doeth the works.

Again, sometimes the words God and Father are used synonymously. The apostle Paul said, “It is God which worketh in you” (Philippians 2:13).    

In addition to cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter, we are saved when we do any of the following things Jesus said:

·     “Seek ye first the kingdom and God” (Matthew 6: 33). The kingdom of God is characterized by peace, truth, love, and joy—what the Bible is all about.  

·     “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Bear in mind that Jesus expected his followers to do what he said. When we are perfect, we are saved.

·     “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). Bear in mind that we cannot love with all our heart when we are not pure in heart … when we have not cleaned the inside of the cup and platter.

·     “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Little children are born truthful, humble, honest, and free; they are spiritually perfect, the way Jesus was and the way he wanted his followers to be.

·     Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). It’s like being born again when we do what James, author of “The Letter of James, said to do: “Purify your hearts, ye double minded" (James 4:8). Also, it’s like being born again when we do what the apostle Paul said to do: “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Our mind is renewed, we are saved — we are born again — when we clean the inside of the cup and the platter.

·    Jesus also said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). In all simplicity, truth would save us. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth” (John 17:17).  

The apostle Paul also expected his followers to do what he said: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9). (Emphasis added).

Thus, to have peace and joy, we must do what religious teachers said to do. Also, note that the apostle Paul was teaching his followers so that they might have peace. We could study the Bible for a lifetime and never be saved — never find peace and joy — if we do not do what biblical teachers said to do.

In addition to the foregoing sayings of Jesus, we would be saved if we did what the prophets of the Old Testament (and some other biblical teachers) said. Knowing that we would be saved if we believed and did what the prophets of the Old Testament said might help fundamentalists get a better understanding of what Jesus really said.

It might help fundamentalists alter their beliefs that lead them astray from the message Jesus intended for us—beliefs about such things as the virgin birth; Jesus being God in human flesh, about Jesus dying and then rising from the dead, and Jesus taking our sins on himself, Jesus walking on water, etcetera.

It seems that several false beliefs have evolved because of the false belief that Jesus died and arose from being dead. There are no passages in the Bible that support this belief. An example of a false belief that might have evolved by believing that Jesus arose from being dead is that Jesus was sent down from heaven and was God in human flesh.

Fundamentalists do regularly what they teach others not to do: Take from or add to the Holy Scriptures. As it is, fundamentalists seem to be more definite about what happened to the body of Jesus than the biblical people present at the time of the death of Jesus. The biblical passages that might make it seem that Jesus arose from being dead and ascending into heaven are based on visions. The content of visions is not reality.

Pay attention to the following passage: “It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not” (Luke 24:10-11).

Also, note this passage: “Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive” (Luke 24:22-23). Note that they were talking about a vision, not reality.

Further, “And, behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. … And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen” (Matthew 28:2-6). Angels are seen in visions. Although a vision is real, its contents are not reality.

The following passage is based on a vision: “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11).

The following passage is also based on a vision: “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56).

This vision might be at least a part of the explanation of the false belief of fundamentalists that Jesus will return to earth.

Notice that he was full of the Holy Ghost, which is an ideal state of mind for seeing visions.  No one has ever seen God. And let us remember that God and heaven are in us.

And note the following about being risen (remembering that Jesus was risen): “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).  For clarification, those things which are above are from the true divine spiritual self (the Father within). Those things on earth are from the false ego-self. The phrase, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, is more confusing than helpful.

Regardless of what one believes about the foregoing passages, it does not alter what we must do to be saved. Remember that we would be saved if we believed — and did — what Jesus and other biblical teachers said.  

Although the language and manner of teaching of the prophets of the Old Testament are quite different from that of Jesus, the basic teachings about what would save us are the same: purifying our heart and being perfect. Walking in the ways of the Lord is the same thing as doing the will of our Father.  

Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament were saviors in the sense that we would be saved if we understood, believed, and did what they said.

The man Jesus will not take away our sins (as fundamentalists believe); however, the teachings of Jesus would take away our sins if we believed — and did — what Jesus said.  

Also, know this to be true: We would be saved if we did what Moses, Jeremiah, David the Psalmist, and the apostles Paul and James said:

·     Jeremiah said, “Wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” (Jeremiah 4:14). Vain thoughts (the underlying cause of mental turmoil and suffering) emanate from our false ego self. They remain lodged within us until we purify our heart … until we discover the truth that makes us free. Washing our heart from wickedness is the same thing as cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter.    

·     The apostle James said, “Purify your hearts, ye double minded" (James 4:8). When we purify our hearts, we are perfect; the way Jesus was and the way he wanted his followers to be. Again, this is the same thing as cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter; the same thing as purifying our heart.  

·     Moses said, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy; for I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 20:7). Our heart is pure and we are holy when we sanctify ourselves. And note, this is something we must do for ourselves. We are saved by communing with our heart (our Father) within us.  

·     David the Psalmist said, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him in truth. … He will hear their cry, and will save them” (Psalms 145: 17-18). Note that the Lord (same thing as the Father who is within us) would save us.

·     David also said, “As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me” (Psalms 55:16). Note that David used the words God and Lord synonymously.

·     The apostle James also said, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). The engrafted word is truth. And truth would save us … if only we would be still and commune and understand with our heart.

·        The apostle Paul said, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).  

Jesus said: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

For clarification, only those who do the will of their Father which is in heaven enjoy the peace and joy of heaven, which is already within us. Remember that Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Also remember that Jesus said: “Pray to thy Father which is in secret.” In secret is in heaven. Jesus said, “Our Father which art in heaven.”

In secret is that quiet place within us referred to by David the Psalmist as the secret place of the most high.

When we sanctify ourselves; or when we wash our heart from wickedness; or when we cleanse first that which is in the cup and the platter; or when we purify our heart — when we do any one of these things — we are as perfect as Jesus wanted his followers to be, and we are saved—and we have peace and joy. 

If we understood, believed — and did — what Jesus and other biblical teachers taught, instead of a sinful life that is ego driven, we would live a spiritual life, guided by truth—the kind of life that Jesus and other biblical teachers wanted everyone to enjoy. The entire world would be characterized by peace and harmony.

Isaiah said, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22). Hosea said, “I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee” (Hosea 11:9). David the Psalmist said, “I am God, even thy God” (Psalms 50:7).

Whereas the prophets of the Old Testament said they were God, Jesus said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus was unified with God.

And a fact is that we would be saved if we believed and did what either the Prophets of the Old Testament said or what Jesus said.

As it is, atheists, fundamentalists, hypocrites, and others do not seem to understand and believe what Jesus said. It isn't clear to me what atheists believe; however, it is clear that they do not believe the false teachings of fundamentalists.

Clearly, fundamentalists are not teaching clearly the true gospel Jesus preached. According to the May 22, 1989, issue of TIME, “Not only are the traditional denominations failing to get their message across; they are increasingly unsure just what the message is.”

Let’s face it: There have been problems with the false teachings of fundamentalists ever since the death of Jesus. The title on the April 13, 2009 issue of Newsweek is: THE DECLINE AND FALL OF CHRISTIAN AMERICA.

It seems that fundamentalists are closed minded to teachings that are contrary to their fundamentalist beliefs (closed minded being what the Bible terms stiff necked and hard hearted). They do not seem to realize it, but their beliefs are contrary to what Jesus said.

A few years ago, a group of fundamentalists burned reports about the book, The Five Gospels — What Did Jesus Really Say, by Robert W. Funk, Roy W. Hoover, and The Jesus Seminar. Bear in mind that this book was written by biblical scholars.

Fundamentalists called Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, an atheist, because he did not believe the false teachings of the church. Speaking about the teachings of Jesus, former President Jefferson said:

“The doctrines that flowed from the lips of Jesus himself are within the comprehension of a child. … The genuine and simple religion of Jesus will one day be restored: such as it was preached and practiced by himself. Very soon after his death it became muffled up in mysteries. … The religion-builders have so distorted and deformed the doctrines of Jesus, so muffled them in mysticism, fancies and falsehoods. … Had the doctrines of Jesus been preached always as pure as they came from his lips, the whole civilized world would now have been Christian.” (The Great Quotations, compiled by George Seldes).

Aren’t religious teachers long overdue for restoring the gospel of peace that Jesus preached? After all, deep within the soul of our being (that place within us in which we live, and move, and have our being), there is nothing we desire more than being in harmony with truth — the same thing as being unified with God — which brings peace and joy.

Can you imagine the whole civilized world being Christian? It's incomprehensible! Our families, our nation and the entire world would be in peace and harmony. People would be doing what Jesus said to do: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12).

Atheists, fundamentalists, hypocrites — everyone — would believe the true gospel that Jesus preached if they understood what he preached. And if people understood and believed what Jesus preached, most likely they would do what he said to do. However, bear in mind that believing is not enough; we must do what Jesus and other biblical teachers said to do. 

It's simple: What Jesus and other biblical teachers taught is true and would bring us peace and joy—if only we would do what they said to do. What fundamentalists teach is false, and false teachings lead us astray from the true teachings of the gospel of peace that Jesus preached.

Think about it! When fundamentalists break free from the shackles of fundamentalism and begin teaching the true gospel of peace that Jesus preached and that he commanded his disciples to preach to every creature in the world, in due time we will have peace within ourselves, our families, our nation and the entire world.

Let’s confess and admit: The teachings of fundamentalists are so confusing and misleading that the masses of people are missing the message Jesus intended for us. Jesus explained why people have difficulty understanding what he said. Jesus not only had difficulty in getting people to do what he said, he also had difficulty in getting them to believe and understand what he said.   

Jesus said, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. … If I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8: 43-47). (Emphasis added).

Note in the above passage that the word father is in the lower case. In this passage, the word father refers to the false ego-self. Our Father (the word Father in the upper case) is our true divine spiritual self.

The author of "The Letter to the Hebrews" (perhaps Paul) said, "We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9).

Note that Paul said, and live. When we are living a sinful life of the false, ego-self, we are dead in spirit—dead in our sins. When we are following the guidance of our true divine spiritual self (our Father within), we are fully alive in the spirit of truth.

Also note the part that is emphasized in the above passage by Jesus:  Only those who are of God hear God's words. This begs the question: How does one become of God without hearing and understanding the gospel Jesus preached? ... "ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” We are of God once we hear, believe, understand, and do what Jesus said.

What this boils down to is that the top priority of the teachings of Christianity ought to be teaching people how to do first what Jesus said to do first: “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter” (Matthew 23: 26). When we clean the inside of the cup and platter, our heart is pure. Then we hear the words of God. 

Further, when our heart is pure, we are saved; we are perfect—the way Jesus wanted his followers to be. When we purify our heart, the negative states of mind such as hate, anger, anxiety, jealousy, emotional insecurity — all the negative false thoughts that bring us pain, suffering, hurt, mental turmoil and suffering — are replaced with peace and joy.

It is significant to note that Jesus said to clean the inside of the cup and the platter first. Unfortunately, mainline line Christian churches might mouth this, but they do not teach people how to clean the inside of the cup and the platter ... at least they do not make it clear.

Further, cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter is the same as doing what the apostle James said to do: “Purify your hearts, ye double minded" (James 4:8); it is also same thing as doing what Jeremiah said to do: “Wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved” (Jeremiah 4:14). Again, mainline Christian churches do not make these things clear.

Another passage by Jesus (something he said to do first), which is equally as powerful as cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter, is: “Seek ye first the kingdom and God” (Matthew 6:33). However, it is elusive to seek something when we do not know what we are seeking. And we do not know what heaven (the kingdom of God) is until we find it; then we know from the experience. Like the taste an apple, we would never have known the taste without tasting it.

We experience heaven — we have peace and joy — when we clean the inside of the cup and the platter. Jesus said, “If I cast out devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you" (Matthew 12:28). Casting out devils is the same thing as cleaning the inside of the cup and the platter. And although Jesus used the personal pronoun I, it helps to know that we must cast the devils from our heart.

And note that the kingdom of God comes to us when we cast the devils from our heart. Truth obliterates the devils from our heart. And again, we discover the truth that makes us free by being still and communing and understanding with our heart. 

When we purify our heart, we have accomplished what David the Psalmist prayed for: "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults" (Psalms 9: 12). We can understand our errors, and consequently, cleanse ourselves from secret faults by doing what David said to do: "Be still and commune with your own heart." That's how we discover the truth that makes us free.

As it is, we are in the twenty first century and people still debate the questions: Is Satan real? Where is Satan? Everyone seems to agree that Satan causes suffering. In our language that is easy to understand, Satan (the cause of suffering) is obscure, unwarranted fear.

You can be assured that unwarranted fear underlies any negative emotion and many of our unfortunate experiences such as hate, anger, jealousy, getting fired, getting a divorce, tension headaches, psychosomatic illnesses, insomnia, anxiety, depression and on and on and on. 

We overcome confusion, mental turmoil, and suffering when we understand the underlying fear that is causing it. Thus, we free ourselves from fear when we know the truth that makes us free. We overcome fear by being still, transcending the chatter of the ego, and communing — and understanding — with our heart. 

And here is a challenge for you: Paying attention to the insights that come to you when you are still. If you do not become aware of the fear underlying such negative emotions as anger, hate, jealousy and so on, you have not become sufficiently still.

Learning to be still — transcending the chatter of the ego — is a significant part of the challenge. Once you are still, you can learn to pay attention to the insights that come to you—the insights that can lead you to an understanding of the truth that makes you free.

And along with the insights, just as Jesus and other biblical teachers had visions, you might have visions; there is a high degree of probability that you will. However, you will miss them until you learn to pay attention. Like the white puffy clouds passing by overhead, we don’t particularly notice them until we pause and pay attention.

Further, your visions might be symbolic; you might not know immediately what they mean. However, your visions have a message for you; otherwise, they would not appear. Ponder on the vision; at some point in time the message will become clear.

Jesus said, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth … whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak” (John 16:13).  

And the symbolic images will have no meaning to anyone else; they are personal. Our visions will help others only when we share the wisdom we have gained by learning from them; that’s what Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament did. They shared the wisdom they gained by being still and communing with the Lord (Father). Jesus said, “Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:49).

And from the goodness of your heart, you will be inclined to share things that might help others. However, bear in mind that there will be others who will hate you, despise you, and say evil things about you … all because you are telling the truth. On the other hand, there are those who will appreciate greatly the help and inspiration you may share with them.

Once we understand the fear that is the underlying cause of our mental turmoil and suffering, we will understand clearly what Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).

On the back cover of the first book I wrote, Listening to Ourselves: The Key to Everything that Matters, I go so far as to say: "You cannot follow the 30-day program in this book (practicing the exercises seriously and conscientiously) without discovering truth ... or at least be well on your way."

If we, individually and collectively, did what Jesus said to do — if we discovered the truth that makes us free — there would no longer be any quibbling and arguing about the gospel Jesus preached. Instead of all the differences in beliefs — instead of all the different denominations, religions, cults, and so on — there would be one religion.

Why would there be any other religion? Think about it. The gospel has the potential for bringing us what all seekers are seeking. If we did first what Jesus said to do first — if we cleansed first that which is in the cup and the platter — we would be saved; we would have peace and joy ... what everyone inherently desires … what he Bible is all about.

If we discovered the truth that makes us free, we would do what Isaiah said: "For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” From this beautiful, descriptive language of Isaiah, surely he was speaking about enjoying heaven.  

I realize there is repetition in my writings. I am not apologizing for this. We are in the twenty first century and spiritual teachings in the Bible are still glossed over—the teachings that have the potential for bringing peace and harmony to us, our families, and the entire world.  

Comparatively speaking, the Bible is a huge book. And the apostle John said, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25).

Let us keep simple things simple. The late Reverend Norman Vincent Peale said, “We struggle with the complexities and avoid the simplicities.”

In all simplicity, we would overcome the world of the ego and be saved if we did what Jesus said to do:  “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter.” When we do this, we are perfect and we have peace, joy, and happiness. That’s what the Bible is all about.

As a reminder, Jesus expected his followers to do what he said. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." And he said, "Seek and ye shall find."

Thus, we know that we must seek.  And Jesus let us know where we must seek. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you." The apostle Paul made it clear that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14: 17).

In our studying, let us use some common sense. Where else can we find the peace and joy we are seeking except within ourselves?

The prophet Isaiah let us know how to seek; this was confirmed by Jesus. Isaiah said, “Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; so that they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed” (Isaiah 6: 8-10).

Jesus said essentially the same thing; however, whereas Isaiah ended the passage with, “and be healed,” Jesus said, “I should heal them.” (See Matthew 13:15). 

You might read that passage by Isaiah (and Jesus) one more time. In my way of thinking, this is the same thing as transcending the chatter of the ego and being guided by our true divine spiritual self.

Think about it! The teachings of Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament would take away the sins of the world and bring us, our families, our nation, and the entire world peace and harmony if we understood, believed — and did — what they said.

Also, it’s the same thing as doing what David the Psalmist said to do: “Be still and commune with our own heart. This is how we clean he inside of the cup and the platter; this is how we purify our heart; this is how we discover the truth that makes us free; this is how we find peace and joy … what the Bible is all about. 

Know this to be true:  There will never be any more peace, joy, and happiness than we have the potential to enjoy this very minute.

Something to think about: If we do not find peace, joy, and happiness now, when will we?

The following essays are must reading:

The Power of Love — Loving the way Moses and Jesus commanded us to love has the potential for bringing peace and harmony to us, our families, our nation, and the entire world. Love has the potential for solving all social problems. However, we cannot love with all our heart, soul, and mind (the way Moses and Jesus said to love) when our heart is not pure. The ultimate prayer is for a pure heart.

Peace versus War

Peace begets peace. War begets war. The only way to achieve a lasting peace is by peaceful means, rather than trying to achieve peace by war and the threats of war.

 Learn the truth! Iranian President, Ahmadinejad, could be our friend rather than an enemy—if we let him be. He would like for all nations to get rid of nuclear weapons. Further, he did not say that Israel should be wiped off the map ... all made clear in the subject essay.

 Learn the truth! The same explanation for being in a threatening position with Iran is the same explanation for many nations despising us and the explanation for us getting into one messy morass after another.

 Learn the truth! Ultimately, the one sure thing that would bring us a lasting peace in the entire world — the one thing that would not fail — is following the guidance of biblical teachers (not what is taught in modern day churches). Being perfect and having peace and joy is what the Bible is all about.   Peace versus War

Truth Is The Way — Know this to be true: If we, individually and collectively, knew the truth that makes us free, we, our families, our nation and the very world itself would be in peace and harmony. Why has this been glossed over? How to discover the truth that makes us free.  

[I included an entire chapter, "When Will Suffering and Violence End", in the book, Life's Greatest Lesson: The Message Jesus Intended for Us. For information about this book, click here Life's Greatest Lesson]

Happiness is expressing life in harmony with truth. If we do not discover the truth that makes us free now, when will we?

On the back cover of the first book I wrote, Listening to Ourselves: The Key to Everything that Matters, I go so far as to say: "You cannot follow the 30-day program in this book (practicing the exercises seriously and conscientiously) without discovering truth ... or at least be well on your way."

For information about books by the author, click here: Book Information

To return to the beginning of this Website, click here: Peace, Truth, Love, and Joy