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Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 178 – LAST DAY AT THE CAMP
[INTRODUCTION]
JESUS planned to spend this Thursday, his last free day on earth as a divine Son incarnated in the flesh, with his apostles and a few loyal and devoted disciples. Soon after the breakfast hour on this beautiful morning, the Master led them to a secluded spot a short distance above their camp and there taught them many new truths. Although Jesus delivered other discourses to the apostles during the early evening hours of the day, this talk of Thursday forenoon was his farewell address to the combined camp group of apostles and chosen disciples, both Jews and gentiles. The twelve were all present save Judas. Peter and several of the apostles remarked about his absence, and some of them thought Jesus had sent him into the city to attend to some matter, probably to arrange the details of their forthcoming celebration of the Passover. Judas did not return to the camp until midafternoon, a short time before Jesus led the twelve into Jerusalem to partake of the Last Supper.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors!
WELCOME to the OPAD presentation of Paper 178. It has just three Sections, seven pages, and covers about twelve daylight hours of April 6, AD 30.
Jesus has but a day and a half to wrap up his bestowal mission in the flesh. Even though he will die a horrific death very soon, he is not in a hurry, nor is he worried or seeking to avoid it. He spends this Thursday morning delivering final instructions to about 50 of his trusted ones. The afternoon is spent planning for, and traveling to, the “upper room” at John Mark’s home, where they will convene as a group for a final meal, and where Judas will depart to do his disloyal deed.
Overview of Paper 178 – Last Day at the Camp
1. Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship
Synopsis of Paper 178:
After breakfast Thursday Jesus led fifty disciples to a secluded place above the camp to deliver his farewell discourse. He spoke for nearly two hours on the subject of the relationship between earthly kingdoms and the kingdom of heaven. Jesus taught that while earthly governments may use physical force to maintain law and order, in the kingdom of heaven believers will not, although social groups of believers are right to maintain order and discipline among their membership.
Awareness of spiritual sonship should help mortals become ideal earthly citizens. There is no conflict between cosmic and earthly citizenship unless human rulers usurp the spiritual honor and worship that belongs to God. Material-minded people will only know of spiritual light when those who possess it draw near them in unselfish social service.
Jesus taught, “As faith-enlightened and spirit-liberated sons of the kingdom of heaven, you face a double responsibility of duty to man and duty to God while you voluntarily assume a third and sacred obligation: service to the brotherhood of God-knowing believers.”
Jesus admonished his followers not to worship earthly rulers and not to use temporal power to further the spiritual kingdom. He asked them to offer loving service to believers and unbelievers alike; sincere and loving service is a mighty social lever. Jesus advised them to become experts at adjusting misunderstandings and disagreements, and to seek to live peacefully with all people.
Jesus warned his followers that in the near future they should expect trouble, persecution, and death. He told them that the manner in which they suffered for the gospel would enlighten their backward brethren. He asked that they remain faithful to the kingdom even in times of peace, always laboring to persuade people but never trying to compel them.
He gave them much instruction in dealing with other people in the work of spreading the gospel. “The revelation I have made to you is a living revelation, and I desire that it shall bear appropriate fruits in each individual and in each generation in accordance with the laws of spiritual growth, increase, and adaptive development. You are not to attack the old ways; you are skillfully to put the leaven of new truth in the midst of the old beliefs. Let the Spirit of Truth do his own work.” Few who heard Jesus speak that morning comprehended anything he said, but the Greeks understood him best. The apostles were bewildered by his references to generations of believers.
David Zebedee learned of the plan to arrest Jesus-including Judas’ part in the plot-but when he tried to speak to Jesus, Jesus asked him to remain silent. Philip asked Jesus what plan should be made for the Passover meal. Judas tried to eavesdrop on this conversation, but David quickly drew Judas aside to discuss the status of the apostolic funds. During this conversation, Judas turned over the money in his possession to David.
Meanwhile, Philip, Peter, and John learned that Jesus had made plans to have supper that evening at John Mark’s parents house in Jerusalem. They went into the city to make the arrangements, then returned to the camp to lead the rest of the group back into Jerusalem.
To avoid the crowds, the group traveled by way of the western brow of Mount Olivet. As they paused to look down on the city, Jesus told his men that he would soon leave them to return to the work the Father had given him. He warned them not to needlessly expose themselves to danger when he was taken, saying that if the Father wished his departure, nothing the apostles could do would change things. The Master asked them not to be misled into any foolish plan to defend him. He spoke to them of cities whose builder is God and worlds whose habit of life is righteousness and joy in the truth. He told them that they would one day sit with him on high when their work on earth was finished. The apostles then stood up and made their way into the city, where John Mark welcomed them into his parent’s home.
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Tomorrow’s reading is part one of Section 1. Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship. In this discourse the Master summarizes his teachings and the work ahead for those he must leave behind. He warns them about putting man before God, reminds them of their sacred duties and obligations, and declares their suffering, for the sake of the gospel, will not be in vain.
Listen to Paper 178: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 178 – LAST DAY AT THE CAMP
1. Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship
[Part 1 of 2]
Jesus talked to about fifty of his trusted followers for almost two hours and answered a score of questions regarding the relation of the kingdom of heaven to the kingdoms of this world, concerning the relation of sonship with God to citizenship in earthly governments. This discourse, together with his answers to questions, may be summarized and restated in modern language as follows:
(1929.3) 178:1.2 The kingdoms of this world, being material, may often find it necessary to employ physical force in the execution of their laws and for the maintenance of order. In the kingdom of heaven true believers will not resort to the employment of physical force. The kingdom of heaven, being a spiritual brotherhood of the spirit-born sons of God, may be promulgated only by the power of the spirit. This distinction of procedure refers to the relations of the kingdom of believers to the kingdoms of secular government and does not nullify the right of social groups of believers to maintain order in their ranks and administer discipline upon unruly and unworthy members.
(1929.4) 178:1.3 There is nothing incompatible between sonship in the spiritual kingdom and citizenship in the secular or civil government. It is the believer’s duty to render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and to God the things which are God’s. There cannot be any disagreement between these two requirements, the one being material and the other spiritual, unless it should develop that a Caesar presumes to usurp the prerogatives of God and demand that spiritual homage and supreme worship be rendered to him. In such a case you shall worship only God while you seek to enlighten such misguided earthly rulers and in this way lead them also to the recognition of the Father in heaven. You shall not render spiritual worship to earthly rulers; neither should you employ the physical forces of earthly governments, whose rulers may sometime become believers, in the work of furthering the mission of the spiritual kingdom.
(1930.1) 178:1.4 Sonship in the kingdom, from the standpoint of advancing civilization, should assist you in becoming the ideal citizens of the kingdoms of this world since brotherhood and service are the cornerstones of the gospel of the kingdom. The love call of the spiritual kingdom should prove to be the effective destroyer of the hate urge of the unbelieving and war-minded citizens of the earthly kingdoms. But these material-minded sons in darkness will never know of your spiritual light of truth unless you draw very near them with that unselfish social service which is the natural outgrowth of the bearing of the fruits of the spirit in the life experience of each individual believer.
(1930.2) 178:1.5 As mortal and material men, you are indeed citizens of the earthly kingdoms, and you should be good citizens, all the better for having become reborn spirit sons of the heavenly kingdom. As faith-enlightened and spirit-liberated sons of the kingdom of heaven, you face a double responsibility of duty to man and duty to God while you voluntarily assume a third and sacred obligation: service to the brotherhood of God-knowing believers.
(1930.3) 178:1.6 You may not worship your temporal rulers, and you should not employ temporal power in the furtherance of the spiritual kingdom; but you should manifest the righteous ministry of loving service to believers and unbelievers alike. In the gospel of the kingdom there resides the mighty Spirit of Truth, and presently I will pour out this same spirit upon all flesh. The fruits of the spirit, your sincere and loving service, are the mighty social lever to uplift the races of darkness, and this Spirit of Truth will become your power-multiplying fulcrum.
(1930.4) 178:1.7 Display wisdom and exhibit sagacity in your dealings with unbelieving civil rulers. By discretion show yourselves to be expert in ironing out minor disagreements and in adjusting trifling misunderstandings. In every possible way — in everything short of your spiritual allegiance to the rulers of the universe — seek to live peaceably with all men. Be you always as wise as serpents but as harmless as doves.
(1930.5) 178:1.8 You should be made all the better citizens of the secular government as a result of becoming enlightened sons of the kingdom; so should the rulers of earthly governments become all the better rulers in civil affairs as a result of believing this gospel of the heavenly kingdom. The attitude of unselfish service of man and intelligent worship of God should make all kingdom believers better world citizens, while the attitude of honest citizenship and sincere devotion to one’s temporal duty should help to make such a citizen the more easily reached by the spirit call to sonship in the heavenly kingdom.
(1930.6) 178:1.9 So long as the rulers of earthly governments seek to exercise the authority of religious dictators, you who believe this gospel can expect only trouble, persecution, and even death. But the very light which you bear to the world, and even the very manner in which you will suffer and die for this gospel of the kingdom, will, in themselves, eventually enlighten the whole world and result in the gradual divorcement of politics and religion. The persistent preaching of this gospel of the kingdom will some day bring to all nations a new and unbelievable liberation, intellectual freedom, and religious liberty.
(1931.1) 178:1.10 Under the soon-coming persecutions by those who hate this gospel of joy and liberty, you will thrive and the kingdom will prosper. But you will stand in grave danger in subsequent times when most men will speak well of kingdom believers and many in high places nominally accept the gospel of the heavenly kingdom. Learn to be faithful to the kingdom even in times of peace and prosperity. Tempt not the angels of your supervision to lead you in troublous ways as a loving discipline designed to save your ease-drifting souls.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Good Day Bonita, Brad, Alina, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,
More than once we are told physical force may have to be employed in the material world. From today’s reading:
…The kingdoms of this world, being material, may often find it necessary to employ physical force in the execution of their laws and for the maintenance of order…. (1929.3)178:1.2
From Paper 71:
…an ideal society cannot be realized when either the weak or the wicked lie in wait to take unfair and unholy advantage of those who are chiefly actuated by devotion to the service of truth, beauty, and goodness. In such a situation only one course is practical: The “golden rulers” may establish a progressive society in which they live according to their ideals while maintaining an adequate defense against their benighted fellows who might seek either to exploit their pacific predilections or to destroy their advancing civilization…. (804.16) 71:4.16
There seems to be a clear delineation between what the individual believer should do, and what a group of them must sometimes do to keep from being killed or overun. From the Midwayers, in Paper 194:
…Pentecost, with its spiritual endowment, was designed forever to loose the religion of the Master from all dependence upon physical force; the teachers of this new religion are now equipped with spiritual weapons. They are to go out to conquer the world with unfailing forgiveness, matchless good will, and abounding love. They are equipped to overcome evil with good, to vanquish hate by love, to destroy fear with a courageous and living faith in truth…. (2064.3) 194:3.11
From today’s reading:
…The kingdoms of this world, being material, may often find it necessary to employ physical force in the execution of their laws and for the maintenance of order. In the kingdom of heaven true believers will not resort to the employment of physical force….(1929.3)178:1.2
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Twice in today’s reading we are warned not to deify humans:
…You shall not render spiritual worship to earthly rulers….(1929.4)178:1.3
…You may not worship your temporal rulers…. (1930.3)178:1.6
This is not an issue solely for our king-adoring ancestors, humans still venerate and worship other humans. Personality cults still exist.
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This from today’s text is echoed in other Papers:
…these material-minded sons in darkness will never know of your spiritual light of truth unless you draw very near them with that unselfish social service which is the natural outgrowth of the bearing of the fruits of the spirit in the life experience of each individual believer….(1930.1)178:1.4
Jesus said as much at the apostles’ ordination, using the very same words, twice in Paper 140:
“…You are the light of the world. A city set upon a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and be led to glorify your Father who is in heaven….(1570.14)140:3.13
“…You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and be led to glorify your Father who is in heaven….” 1572.4) 140:4.4
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The Master lays out our three-fold obligation in today’s reading:
…you face a double responsibility of duty to man and duty to God while you voluntarily assume a third and sacred obligation: service to the brotherhood of God-knowing believers….(1930.2)178:1.5
Makes one wonder how duty to man and service to the brotherhood differ?
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Once again Jesus refers to the Spirit of Truth he will soon bestow (40 days after his resurrection):
…In the gospel of the kingdom there resides the mighty Spirit of Truth, and presently I will pour out this same spirit upon all flesh…. (1930.3)178:1.6
There is a whole Paper about that: 194: Bestowal of the Spirit of Truth
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This sounds like heaven on Earth:
…The persistent preaching of this gospel of the kingdom will some day bring to all nations a new and unbelievable liberation, intellectual freedom, and religious liberty…. (1930.6)178:1.9
Preaching is losing much of its luster and appeal in these times of scientific enlightenment and rationality, and now that it has become a for-profit industry. But LIVING the gospel truth never goes out of style, never fails to appeal to our better selves. Men and women always want to know and see Truth alive, spontaneously lighting up this dark and brooding world, full of woe and war. But who is qualified and willing so to shine?
…the very light which you bear to the world, and even the very manner in which you will suffer and die for this gospel of the kingdom, will, in themselves, eventually enlighten the whole world and result in the gradual divorcement of politics and religion…. (1930.6)178:1.9
All but three of the apostles did suffer persecution and death, as I recall. Only the Alpheas twins and John Zebedee didn’t.
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This seems to be a curious statement, one that raises the possibility of us tempting our seraphic associates:
…Tempt not the angels of your supervision to lead you in troublous ways as a loving discipline designed to save your ease-drifting souls…. (1931.1)178:1.10
Would they ever be tempted?! Maybe, some angels did go astray during the rebellion. More likely it is me who is tempted
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Bible believers created a phrase that is applied to Jesus’ oft repeated instructions to spread the gospel, know as the “Great Commission”. From Wikipedia:
The most famous version of the Great Commission is in Matthew 28:16–20, where on a mountain in Galilee Jesus calls on his followers to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Only Matthew records an earlier lesser commission, only for the Twelve Apostles, in 10:1–42, and directed only to the children of Israel, undertaken during Jesus’ mortal life, which is similar but different from the episode of the Commissioning the Twelve Apostles found in the other Synoptic Gospels. In Luke, Jesus says that all people will be called to repentance and tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they become invested with power, which presumably happened at Pentecost in the Book of Acts. Luke also has Jesus dispatching disciples during his ministry, sending them to all the nations and giving them power over demons, including the Seventy disciples. In John, Jesus promises to bestow the Paraclete on the disciples, which perhaps is what happens in John 20:21–23. The Great Commission in the traditional ending of Mark is thought to be a second-century summary based on Matthew and Luke.
From Mark 16:
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The Great Commission, stained glass window, Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick in El Paso, Texas
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In tomorrow’s reading, the second half of Section 1. Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship, Jesus reiterates the commission to preach the gospel to the world, reminding them never to use secular laws or force, to avoid asceticism, dreaming and depending on God to do man’s work.
Overview of Paper 178 – Last Day at the Camp
1. Discourse on Sonship and CitizenshipListen to Paper 178: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Makes one wonder how duty to man and service to the brotherhood differ?
Don’t you think that “duty to man” refers to the secular and “brotherhood of man” to the spiritual?
This seems to be a curious statement, one that raises the possibility of us tempting our seraphic associates:
…Tempt not the angels of your supervision to lead you in troublous ways as a loving discipline designed to save your ease-drifting souls…. (1931.1)178:1.10
Would they ever be tempted?! Maybe, some angels did go astray during the rebellion.
I interpret this quote to mean that if someone is spiritually indolent and lazy, avoiding spiritual growth and progress, such behavior will tempt the angels to make his/her life more difficult in order to light a proverbial fire under their butt. Most people only pray when under duress. The angels are fully capable of providing such duress.
113:4.4 But the urge to pray so often experienced by God-conscious mortals very often arises as the result of seraphic influence. The guarding seraphim is constantly manipulating the mortal environment for the purpose of augmenting the cosmic insight of the human ascender to the end that such a survival candidate may acquire enhanced realization of the presence of the indwelling Adjuster and thus be enabled to yield increased co-operation with the spiritual mission of the divine presence.
Don’t you think that “duty to man” refers to the secular and “brotherhood of man” to the spiritual?
Hmm…ok, maybe that’s it, I can’t come up with a better interpretation.
…Tempt not the angels of your supervision to lead you in troublous ways as a loving discipline designed to save your ease-drifting souls…. (1931.1)178:1.10
I interpret this quote to mean that if someone is spiritually indolent and lazy, avoiding spiritual growth and progress, such behavior will tempt the angels to make his/her life more difficult in order to light a proverbial fire under their butt. Most people only pray when under duress. The angels are fully capable of providing such duress. 113:4.4 But the urge to pray so often experienced by God-conscious mortals very often arises as the result of seraphic influence. The guarding seraphim is constantly manipulating the mortal environment for the purpose of augmenting the cosmic insight of the human ascender to the end that such a survival candidate may acquire enhanced realization of the presence of the indwelling Adjuster and thus be enabled to yield increased co-operation with the spiritual mission of the divine presence.
Ah, great connection Bonita! Tempt them not to sin, but to induce duress (loving discipline!).
Richard E Warren
Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session
Today’s Presentation
Paper 178 – LAST DAY AT THE CAMP
1. Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship[Part 2 of 2]Remember that you are commissioned to preach this gospel of the kingdom — the supreme desire to do the Father’s will coupled with the supreme joy of the faith realization of sonship with God — and you must not allow anything to divert your devotion to this one duty. Let all mankind benefit from the overflow of your loving spiritual ministry, enlightening intellectual communion, and uplifting social service; but none of these humanitarian labors, nor all of them, should be permitted to take the place of proclaiming the gospel. These mighty ministrations are the social by-products of the still more mighty and sublime ministrations and transformations wrought in the heart of the kingdom believer by the living Spirit of Truth and by the personal realization that the faith of a spirit-born man confers the assurance of living fellowship with the eternal God.
(1931.3)178:1.12 You must not seek to promulgate truth nor to establish righteousness by the power of civil governments or by the enaction of secular laws. You may always labor to persuade men’s minds, but you must never dare to compel them. You must not forget the great law of human fairness which I have taught you in positive form: Whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do even so to them.
(1931.4)178:1.13 When a kingdom believer is called upon to serve the civil government, let him render such service as a temporal citizen of such a government, albeit such a believer should display in his civil service all of the ordinary traits of citizenship as these have been enhanced by the spiritual enlightenment of the ennobling association of the mind of mortal man with the indwelling spirit of the eternal God. If the unbeliever can qualify as a superior civil servant, you should seriously question whether the roots of truth in your heart have not died from the lack of the living waters of combined spiritual communion and social service. The consciousness of sonship with God should quicken the entire life service of every man, woman, and child who has become the possessor of such a mighty stimulus to all the inherent powers of a human personality.
(1931.5)178:1.14 You are not to be passive mystics or colorless ascetics; you should not become dreamers and drifters, supinely trusting in a fictitious Providence to provide even the necessities of life. You are indeed to be gentle in your dealings with erring mortals, patient in your intercourse with ignorant men, and forbearing under provocation; but you are also to be valiant in defense of righteousness, mighty in the promulgation of truth, and aggressive in the preaching of this gospel of the kingdom, even to the ends of the earth.
(1931.6)178:1.15 This gospel of the kingdom is a living truth. I have told you it is like the leaven in the dough, like the grain of mustard seed; and now I declare that it is like the seed of the living being, which, from generation to generation, while it remains the same living seed, unfailingly unfolds itself in new manifestations and grows acceptably in channels of new adaptation to the peculiar needs and conditions of each successive generation. The revelation I have made to you is a living revelation, and I desire that it shall bear appropriate fruits in each individual and in each generation in accordance with the laws of spiritual growth, increase, and adaptative development. From generation to generation this gospel must show increasing vitality and exhibit greater depth of spiritual power. It must not be permitted to become merely a sacred memory, a mere tradition about me and the times in which we now live.
(1932.1)178:1.16 And forget not: We have made no direct attack upon the persons or upon the authority of those who sit in Moses’ seat; we only offered them the new light, which they have so vigorously rejected. We have assailed them only by the denunciation of their spiritual disloyalty to the very truths which they profess to teach and safeguard. We clashed with these established leaders and recognized rulers only when they threw themselves directly in the way of the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to the sons of men. And even now, it is not we who assail them, but they who seek our destruction. Do not forget that you are commissioned to go forth preaching only the good news. You are not to attack the old ways; you are skillfully to put the leaven of new truth in the midst of the old beliefs. Let the Spirit of Truth do his own work. Let controversy come only when they who despise the truth force it upon you. But when the willful unbeliever attacks you, do not hesitate to stand in vigorous defense of the truth which has saved and sanctified you.
(1932.2)178:1.17 Throughout the vicissitudes of life, remember always to love one another. Do not strive with men, even with unbelievers. Show mercy even to those who despitefully abuse you. Show yourselves to be loyal citizens, upright artisans, praiseworthy neighbors, devoted kinsmen, understanding parents, and sincere believers in the brotherhood of the Father’s kingdom. And my spirit shall be upon you, now and even to the end of the world.
(1932.3)178:1.18 When Jesus had concluded his teaching, it was almost one o’clock, and they immediately went back to the camp, where David and his associates had lunch ready for them.
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]
Richard E Warren
.
Greetings Bonita, Brad, Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,
The Spiritual Master of Nebadon wants to be sure his successors understand their priorities:
…none of these humanitarian labors, nor all of them, should be permitted to take the place of proclaiming the gospel…. (1931.2) 178:1.11
Is that advice aimed only at his apostles? Should that still be our priority, even in the 21st century? If not, why not? If so, how?
Once more he alludes to the coming of the Spirit of Truth
…These mighty ministrations are the social by-products of the still more mighty and sublime ministrations and transformations wrought in the heart of the kingdom believer by the living Spirit of Truth…. (1931.2) 178:1.11
The apostles surely haven’t a clue what this Spirit is, when or how it will manifest. And they have to wait 40 long days after his death before it appears in their hearts and minds. But when it does come, they know it and act on it. From Paper 194:
…ABOUT one o’clock, as the one hundred and twenty believers were engaged in prayer, they all became aware of a strange presence in the room. At the same time these disciples all became conscious of a new and profound sense of spiritual joy, security, and confidence. This new consciousness of spiritual strength was immediately followed by a strong urge to go out and publicly proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and the good news that Jesus had risen from the dead…. (2059.1)194:0.1
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More than once are we advised to avoid the short-sighted urge to compel. From today’s reading:
…You may always labor to persuade men’s minds, but you must never dare to compel them…. (1931.3) 178:1.12
From Paper 153:
“…You cannot compel men to love the truth….”(1712.5)153:3.5
From Paper 131:
“…He will take us by the hand and lead us to himself. God saves those who trust him; he does not compel man to serve his name….” (1443.4)131:1.8
Apparently, the only compelling power Deity uses is affection. From Jesus, Paper 143:
“…I declare to you that my Father in Paradise does rule a universe of universes by the compelling power of his love. Love is the greatest of all spirit realities. Truth is a liberating revelation, but love is the supreme relationship….” (1608.1)143:1.4
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Twice in today’s reading the word leaven is used:
..This gospel of the kingdom is a living truth. I have told you it is like the leaven in the dough, like the grain of mustard seed…. (1931.6) 178:1.15
This is one of the more memorable passages in the UB:
…You are not to attack the old ways; you are skillfully to put the leaven of new truth in the midst of the old beliefs. Let the Spirit of Truth do his own work…. (1932.1) 178:1.16
The Midwayers made a similar statement in Paper 132:
…Never once did he attack their errors or even mention the flaws in their teachings. In each case he would select the truth in what they taught and then proceed so to embellish and illuminate this truth in their minds that in a very short time this enhancement of the truth effectively crowded out the associated error…. (1455:4) 132:0.4
The authors of Matthew and Luke included a leaven analogy in their gospels:
Matthew 13:33: Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Luke 13:21: It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
The mustard seed analogy that appears in today’s reading is well known, it appears in both the UB and Bible. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all allude to the tiny mustard seed. This is Jesus speaking, in Paper 151:
“…The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man sowed in his field. Now a mustard seed is the least of seeds, but when it is full grown, it becomes the greatest of all herbs and is like a tree so that the birds of heaven are able to come and rest in the branches thereof….” (1693.8)151:4.2
Do love, and don’t strive, are two constant themes in the Master’s teaching. From today’s text:
…Throughout the vicissitudes of life, remember always to love one another. Do not strive with men, even with unbelievers…. (1932.2) 178:1.17
From Paper 140:
“…You shall return good for evil. My messengers must not strive with men, but be gentle toward all. Measure for measure shall not be your rule. The rulers of men may have such laws, but not so in the kingdom; mercy always shall determine your judgments and love your conduct….” (1577.3)140:6.9
From Paper 141:
“…Do not strive with men — always be patient. It is not your kingdom; you are only ambassadors….” (1592.6)141:6.4
From Paper 192, Jesus to John Z:
…Devote your life to proving that love is the greatest thing in the world. It is the love of God that impels men to seek salvation. Love is the ancestor of all spiritual goodness, the essence of the true and the beautiful….” (2047.5)192:2.1
The Master’s last thoughts for this group:
…And my spirit shall be upon you, now and even to the end of the world…. (1932.2)178:1.17
The world will end?! Jesus is reported to have said the same in Matthew, chapter 28:
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Apocalypse?? Not!
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Tomorrow’s reading is Section 2. After the Noontime Meal. David tries to warn Jesus, but is told he knows, and to say nothing to the others. Later Judas gives “the bag” to David and three apostles go to the city to make ready the “Last Supper”, at John Mark’s home.
Overview of Paper 178 – Last Day at the Camp
1. Discourse on Sonship and Citizenship
Listen to Paper 178: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)
Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.
Much love, Rick/OPAD host.
Richard E Warren
Excellent post, Rick, as always.
The Spiritual Master of Nebadon wants to be sure his successors understand their priorities:
…none of these humanitarian labors, nor all of them, should be permitted to take the place of proclaiming the gospel…. (1931.2) 178:1.11
Is that advice aimed only at his apostles? Should that still be our priority, even in the 21st century? If not, why not? If so, how?
Me, here. In my personal interpretation, that specific exhortation was aimed only at the apostles. Jesus wanted to fully leverage the short time while he was materially present on Urantia to get the Word out as widely as possible about the relationship of the sons of God – that we are God’s children and he is our Father. It was necessary to make an intense push to displace some of the old traditions and bring in the new.
If I recall correctly, elsewhere in the Urantia Book, it cautions against devoting oneself exclusively to any one domain of existence: intellectual, spiritual, and physical but instead advises we maintain balance and not to neglect our responsibilities related to vocation and family (or something to that effect).
I think the advice is meant for everyone then, now and in the future. This quote sums it up nicely:
170:5.12 The Master fully realized that certain social results would appear in the world as a consequence of the spread of the gospel of the kingdom; but he intended that all such desirable social manifestations should appear as unconscious and inevitable outgrowths, or natural fruits, of this inner personal experience of individual believers, this purely spiritual fellowship and communion with the divine spirit which indwells and activates all such believers.
Bonita,
The words you underlined in the quote above are instructive on this issue. Those words are: unconscious, inevitable, inner personal experience. I interpret that quote to mean that each of us is a light, which we should not hide under a bushel, but our natural fruits, borne out of living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings, will light the way for others and in that way will bring others to truth, beauty and goodness.
The question posed by Rick, above, is whether or not we continue to be instructed to “proclaim the gospel” to the exclusion of nearly everything else. One definition of the word “proclaim” is “to announce or declare in an open and ostentatious way”.
The quote Bonita references supports my interpretation that we are to serve as examples, bringing others to God’s truth by virtue of the fruits of the Spirit. We are not expected to quit our jobs, neglect our families, and travel door to door preaching the gospel.
I am sure there is a quote that instructs us to be very cognizant of the precise audience when studying the words of the Master as his message was audience-specific. From the priests, to the spies, to the mob, to the crowds, to the individuals, to the apostles as a group, and the apostles as individuals. Jesus himself said as much on those occasions when he answered questions about money and wealth, etc. I find the inclusion of those teachings to John Mark and the individual apostles very interesting for the student today where Jesus told them each to keep it to themselves.
The apostles were to proclaim the gospel and not get bogged down with social and political issues. Instructions were thusly often “mission” specific. And some were more general – “live” the gospel and show forth the fruit of such a life is one such example:
…Devote your life to proving that love is the greatest thing in the world. It is the love of God that impels men to seek salvation. Love is the ancestor of all spiritual goodness, the essence of the true and the beautiful….” (2047.5)192:2.1
4. You Are the Salt of the Earth
(1572.1) 140:4.1 The so-called “Sermon on the Mount” is not the gospel of Jesus. It does contain much helpful instruction, but it was Jesus’ ordination charge to the twelve apostles. It was the Master’s personal commission to those who were to go on preaching the gospel and aspiring to represent him in the world of men even as he was so eloquently and perfectly representative of his Father.
(1572.2) 140:4.2 “You are the salt of the earth, salt with a saving savor. But if this salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.”
(1572.3) 140:4.3 In Jesus’ time salt was precious. It was even used for money. The modern word “salary” is derived from salt. Salt not only flavors food, but it is also a preservative. It makes other things more tasty, and thus it serves by being spent.
(1572.4) 140:4.4 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and be led to glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
(1572.5) 140:4.5 While light dispels darkness, it can also be so “blinding” as to confuse and frustrate. We are admonished to let our light so shine that our fellows will be guided into new and godly paths of enhanced living. Our light should so shine as not to attract attention to self. Even one’s vocation can be utilized as an effective “reflector” for the dissemination of this light of life.
Agreed. The challenge seems to be: Live the gospel, spiritize life and others will ‘draw near’. And isn’t proclaiming the Gospel that way the only effective and honest way? Not that I’ve come anywhere near mastering it. That quote about seeing his ideals alive in us reSonates here and across time. Also, “as you pass by”.
{thanks Keryn, happy to see your post}
Richard E Warren
Loving spiritual ministry, enlightening intellectual communion and uplifting social service all take a backseat to proclaiming the gospel. By using the word proclaim, I think Jesus means to give emphasis to the one thing that each person should feel is most important in their lives, a relationship with him (141:7.5), and to demonstrate the fact of this relationship as a natural part of living (170:5.12). With this kind of attitude, all professions become sacred and all work is worthwhile in the kingdom(192:2.13; 155:6.11; 25:1.1). He never mentions anything about giving up one’s job and leaving one’s family as a necessary part of proclaiming the gospel. He’s warning against the false sentiment within the Church that has created so many problems for civilization (99:3.5) and the subjective social consciousness taking precidence over the religious consciousness (16:9.8)
Proclaiming the gospel is simply living the religious life where the fatherhood of God precedes the brotherhood of man. Jesus is simply warning not to switch it around and put the brotherhood before the fatherhood, because it cannot be done. To do so would be merely grafting onto the tree, a graft put there by man, not by God, and it will fail to thrive (102:7.4). That’s how I see it.
52:6.7 The brotherhood of man is, after all, predicated on the recognition of the fatherhood of God. The quickest way to realize the brotherhood of man on Urantia is to effect the spiritual transformation of present-day humanity.
16:9.14 You become conscious of man as your creature brother because you are already conscious of God as your Creator Father. Fatherhood is the relationship out of which we reason ourselves into the recognition of brotherhood.
134:4.1 The brotherhood of men is founded on the fatherhood of God.
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