Logopraxis

The Third Round
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Seeking to make the Lord God Jesus Christ visible in our midst... "Where two or three are gathered together in My name there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20)

  1. 17h ago

    We can be transformed through our engagement as we meet together (6 mins)

    Transcript So the method and the structure is there as a guide. It’s not sacrosanct as such. So what’s important really has to do with what’s actually arising for us. So as we engage with the Text, things happen and no one has any control over what happens. So whatever your experience is as you engage, that’s what’s being given to you for the group. That’s the thing to remember, that it’s not just about the work the Lord is doing in my life. There’s a reason that that work is being done and it’s for the benefit of the whole. So it’s always looking beyond our self to use. And you know, as we speak off often, the Text is psychoactive. So the Word, if we just stay open to it, it’ll work its own work in us. And it’s not always going to be the case that we’ll even have clarity when we get to the meeting and that’s fine. That’s perfectly okay. Because whatever the state is that is active as we come together is what we bring. And we just have to trust that what we bring is from the Lord for the group – because it is. And this is the working of Providence in all the details. So no two meetings are the same meeting. I know that’s blindingly obvious, but what is brought to any particular meeting is a unique aspect of the Lord working in our lives. So coming together, just bringing an awareness of the Lord as the one who is what has come forth from our practice. The insights and things that have been received by each of us through our engagement with the Text is the faith of charity. That’s what that’s defined as. It is what arises from praxis as opposed to what is just knowledge in the memory. So from a spiritually practical point of view, what happens in this process of meeting together? This is the question, I think. And I was taken with when your son shall ask you … And it shall be when thy son shall ask thee tomorrow, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, In strength of hand Jehovah led us forth from Egypt, from the house of servants. (Exodus 13:14) So the inquiry, what are we doing here? Why are we here? And then just thinking about how what you bring is an offering, essentially. And what that does is that it grounds different things in the different individuals that are here. Because as individuals, we are not fixed things. We are really processes because what passes in as we listen or what appears to pass in – really what it does is what is heard without is grounded -something grounds from within in what is heard because influx always moves from what is interior to exterior. So it’s as much as what is being grounded, is as important as the work we have done and are bringing as our offering here. So as we engage with one another things arise within, things are being grounded – states, thoughts, affections, all of this is in the mix. And so there is a passing between each of us something of the work of each other. And because that is the Lord at work, you know, that’s the Word at work, it has a transformative power to it that if we allow it. We can be transformed through our engagement as we meet together. And that transformation is a means whereby what is present that cannot serve can be identified and what is of use can be elevated. So I know this can sound quite vague, but it’s really about bringing attention and allowing the obscurity to clear as we engage and it will – something will remain out of the shares for each of us. It always does. So we have direct experience of that happening. We might not have really thought much about it, but it happens in the meeting, right? It happens as we gather together. So this idea then is not so much listening and repeating back what people have said, but giving attention to what is coming from without and what is coming from within. And at that meeting point is something profoundly holy. And it can be just one thing. So when we move through the rounds, in Round Two, sure, bring what you feel you need to bring, but bring a conscious attention also to what it is you’re going to bring. And whether it’s one thing or many things, that’s over to you. That’s an inner dialogue between you and the Lord. And we can just trust in the process in the sense that the Lord delivers through the process what each one needs, what the group needs, and what we need to carry forth from this place when we go. So these are just a few things to try and hold in mind as we move through the meeting. The good of faith Arcana Coelestia 8080 [3] That regarded in itself the truth of faith without its good is not to be ascribed to the Lord, that is, given to Him, or acknowledged to be from Him, is because no truth of faith has any life in it until it becomes the good of faith; and the truth of faith becomes the good of faith by willing it and doing it (n. 7835). When therefore it becomes the good of faith, then it is acknowledged by the Lord as being His, for the Lord gives faith mediately through its good. Moreover with the man of the spiritual church all the truth of faith becomes the good of faith when he is being regenerated, and then for the first time it becomes the Lord’s. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges. Learn More & Practice With Us: LP Institute & Resources: logopraxis-institute.online Member Practice Community: logopraxis.online Contact Us: LPI@logopraxis-institute.online

  2. 3d ago

    What conscience dictates changes as our understanding of truth changes (5 mins)

    Arcana Colestia 8081. And it shall be when thy son asketh thee. That this signifies perception from the truth which is of conscience, is evident from the signification of “to ask,” as being knowledge from perception (see n. 5597, 5800, 6250); and from the signification of “son,” as being truth (n. 489, 491, 533, 1147, 2623, 3373); that it denotes perception from the truth which is of conscience, is evident from what has been unfolded above (see n. 7935), where like words occur. It is said “from the truth which is of conscience,” because the conscience of those who are of the spiritual church is a conscience of truth, for it is procured from the doctrinal things of the church which are believed to be true, whether they are true or not; but they then become truths of conscience when they become also of the life. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges. Learn More & Practice With Us: LP Institute & Resources: logopraxis-institute.online Member Practice Community: logopraxis.online Contact Us: LPI@logopraxis-institute.online

  3. 6d ago

    Accomodation Occurs in the Human Mind, not His Constant Love – S3 Overview (9 mins)

    And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him; for swearing he had called the sons of Israel to swear, saying, Visiting God will visit you; and ye shall bring up my bones with you from hence. And they journeyed from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, at the end of the wilderness. And Jehovah went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them in the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, departed not from before the people. Exodus 13:19-22 The proprium/sense of self is a psychic system that forms according to reception in any given moment Divine Providence 308… everything we think and intend is flowing into us, and since all speech flows from thought like an effect from its cause, and all action similarly flows from volition, everything we say and do is flowing in as well, albeit secondarily or indirectly. No one can deny that everything we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel is flowing in. What about the things we think and intend, then? Can there be any difference except that what flows in from the physical world flows in through our outer or physical sensory organs, while what flows in from the spiritual world flows in through the organic substances of our inner senses or our minds? In other words, just as the organs of our outer or physical senses are attuned to material objects, the organic substances of our inner senses or our minds are receptive of spiritual objects. Since this is our actual state, what is our “self” (proprium)? Our “self” is not really one or another kind of receiver, since it is nothing but the quality of its own receptivity. It is not some aspect of life that is actually ours. When we say “the self (proprium),” no one hears anything but a being that lives on its own and therefore thinks and intends on its own. Yet it follows from what has just been said that there is no such self (proprium) in us and that there cannot be. True Chrisitan Religion 25{3} … the Divine Being is Divine Being in itself, not from itself, because the phrase “from itself” supposes Being in itself from another prior to it; thus it postulates a God from God, which is impossible. What is from God is not called God, but Divine: for a God from God, and a God born of God from eternity, and a God from God, proceeding through a God born from eternity, are but words in which there is no light from heaven. They further said that the Divine Being, which in itself is God, is the Same, not simply the Same but infinitely so; that is, the Same from eternity to eternity. He is the Same everywhere, with everyone and in everyone, whereas all variation and change are in those who receive Him, according to their state (of mind). Pillar of cloud( enlightenment with obscurity of truth ) and fire (obscurity with good) Arcana Coelestia 8102 … “And they journeyed from Succoth, and encamped in Etham,” signifies the second state after they were liberated; “at the end of the wilderness,” signifies the first state of temptations; “and Jehovah went before them,” signifies the continuous presence of the Lord; “by day in a pillar of cloud,” signifies that when there was a state of enlightenment, it was tempered by obscurity of truth; “to lead them in the way,” signifies the Divine auspices; “and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light,” signifies that when there was a state of obscurity it was tempered by enlightenment from good; “to go by day and by night,” signifies thus life in both states; “the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, departed not from before the people,” signifies that the presence of the Lord was perpetual. Kingdoms and empires Arcana Coelestia 8118. I have been told by the angels that the most ancient people on this earth dwelt in like manner, that is, distinguished into nations, families and houses; that they were all content with their own goods; and that to grow rich from the goods of others, and to exercise dominion, were then quite unknown. On this account, the ancient times, and especially the most ancient, were more acceptable to the Lord than the succeeding ones; and such being the state, innocence also then reigned, and with innocence, wisdom. Everyone then did what is good from good, and what is just from justice. They did not know what it is to do what is good and just with a view to self-honor, or for the sake of profit. They did not then speak anything but the truth; and this not so much from truth, as from good; that is, not from the understanding separate, but from the will conjoined. Such were the ancient times, and therefore angels could then have interaction with men, and lead their minds home to heaven in a state almost separated from bodily things, and could take them round, and show them the magnificent and happy things there, and likewise communicate to them their own happinesses and delights. Moreover those times were known to ancient writers, and were called by them the Golden and also the Saturnian Age. [2] Those times were of this nature, because, as before said, they lived distinguished into nations, and the nations into families, and the families into houses, and each house dwelt by itself; and because it never then came into anyone’s mind to attack the inheritance of another, and thereby get for himself wealth and dominion. Far removed then were the love of self and the love of the world, and everyone rejoiced at heart by reason of his own good, and not less by reason of another’s. [3] But in the succeeding time this scene was changed and turned into the opposite, when the lust of dominion and of possessing the goods of others invaded the mind. Then for the sake of self-defense, the human race gathered into kingdoms and empires. And as the laws of charity and conscience, which had been written on hearts, ceased to operate, it became necessary to enact laws to restrain acts of violence; in which laws, honors, and riches were the rewards, and the deprivation of these were the penalties. When the state was thus changed, heaven removed itself from man, and this more and more, even to the present age, when it is no longer known whether there is a heaven, and consequently whether there is a hell, and when it is even denied that these exist. These things have been stated, in order that by the parallelism there may be illustrated the quality of the state of those who are on the earth Jupiter, and whence comes their good disposition, and also their wisdom, of which more will be said in what follows.  Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges. Learn More & Practice With Us: LP Institute & Resources: logopraxis-institute.online Member Practice Community: logopraxis.online Contact Us: LPI@logopraxis-institute.online

  4. Sep 27

    ACV10 S05 8158-8176

    CLICK TO PRINT READING CLICK TO GO TO COMMENTS 8158 Verses 10-14. And Pharaoh drew nigh, and the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold the Egyptian marching after them, and they were sore afraid; and the sons of Israel cried unto Jehovah. And they said unto Moses, Were there no graves in Egypt, that thou hast taken us to die in the wilderness? Why hast thou done this to us, to lead us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Cease from us, and let us serve the Egyptians? because it is good for us to serve the Egyptians, rather than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which He will do for you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. Jehovah shall wage war for you, and ye shall keep silence. “And Pharaoh drew nigh,” signifies the influx of falsity from evil being thence grievous; “and the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes,” signifies the mind’s intellectual part and its thought; “and behold the Egyptian marching after them,” signifies the grievousness of falsity continually increasing; “and they were sore afraid,” signifies a horrible dread; “and the sons of Israel cried unto Jehovah,” signifies supplication for aid; “and they said unto Moses,” signifies the height of temptation when there is despair; “Were there no graves in Egypt, that thou hast taken us to die in the wilderness?” signifies that if there is damnation it would be all the same whether it came through the falsities of the infested, or through a state of temptations in which they would yield; “why hast thou done this to us, to lead us forth out of Egypt?” signifies that it was in vain that they had been liberated from infestations by falsities; “is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying,” signifies that some such thing was thought of when they were infested by falsities; “Cease from us, and let us serve the Egyptians,” signifies that they would not be withheld from surrendering; “because it is good for us to serve the Egyptians, rather than that we should die in the wilderness,” signifies that damnation by the violence of falsity in a state of infestations was to be preferred to the damnation which comes by yielding in a state of temptations; “and Moses said unto the people,” signifies elevation from a state of despair by means of truth Divine; “Fear ye not,” signifies that they must not despair; “stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah,” signifies salvation from the Lord alone and not at all from them; “which He will do for you today,” signifies which is to eternity; “for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever,” signifies that the falsities which are once removed will be removed to eternity; “Jehovah shall wage war for you,” signifies that the Lord alone sustains the combats of temptations “and ye shall keep silence,” signifies that from their own strength they will effect nothing at all. 8159 And Pharaoh drew nigh. That this signifies the influx of falsity from evil being thence grievous, is evident from the representation of Pharaoh, as being those who are in falsities from evil (see n. 8132, 8135, 8146, 8148); and from the signification of “drawing nigh,” as being influx. In the internal sense, the subject treated of is the first temptation of those who had been liberated. All temptation is effected by means of an influx from the hells, for the spirits who are thence excite and draw forth all things in a man that have been evilly done and evilly thought, and thereby accuse and condemn him. Thereupon the conscience is troubled, and the mind comes into anxiety. This is done by influx from the hells, especially from this hell which is represented by the sea Suph. From all this it can be seen that by “drawing nigh,” in the spiritual sense, in which temptations are treated of, is signified influx. [2] As in the verses that now follow, the subject treated of is the first temptation of those who had been of the spiritual church, be it known that they could not undergo temptations until after the Lord had glorified His Human, that is, made it Divine, and in this was present with them. If they had been tempted before, they would have yielded, for they who were of the spiritual church were saved solely through the Divine Human of the Lord. The temptations of those who were of the spiritual church, which they were to undergo after the Lord came into the world, and could then from the Divine Human fight for them against the hells, are meant by these words in Malachi: The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple, even the angel of the covenant whom ye desire, behold He cometh, saith Jehovah Zebaoth: who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap; and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and as silver; and they shall bring unto Jehovah a meat-offering in righteousness. Then shall the meat-offering of Judah and Jerusalem be sweet to Jehovah, according to the days of eternity, and according to the former years (3:1-4); clearly speaking of the Lord’s coming; “the sons of Levi” here denote those who are of the spiritual church, for by “Levi” is signified charity or spiritual good (n. 3875, 4497, 4502, 4503); “the refiner’s fire” is temptation, whereby is effected purification, which is here meant by “purifying and refining them as gold and silver;” “the meat-offering which they shall bring to Jehovah” is faith and charity; “the days of eternity” and “the former years” denote the ancient churches, and the states of worship of the Lord at that time. [3] As regards temptations, the case with them is as was said above (n. 8131), that the hells fight against man, and the Lord for man; to every falsity the hells inject, there is an answer from the Divine. The falsities which are from the hells are injected and flow into the external or natural man; but the answer from the Divine flows into the internal or spiritual man. This latter influx, which is from the Divine, does not come to the man’s perception so much as do the falsities; neither does it move the singulars of his thought, but its generals, and in such a manner that it scarcely comes to the perception otherwise than as hope and the consequent consolation, in which there are nevertheless innumerable things of which the man is ignorant, being such things as are in agreement with his affection or love, especially his affection or love of truth and good, from which he has conscience. [4] These things have been said in order that it may be known that by the life of the sons of Israel in the wilderness are described in their series the temptations which those underwent who had been of the Lord’s spiritual church and had been liberated. They underwent temptations in order that they might be further prepared for heaven; for by means of temptations, and by these as the only means, goods and truths are confirmed and are conjoined; and by means of temptations charity becomes the charity of faith, and faith becomes the faith of charity. That they who are of the church must undergo temptations, is meant by what the Lord has said in these passages: He that does not take up his cross, and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me (Matt. 10:38, 39; Mark 8:31 to the end). Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me (Matt. 16:24, 25; Luke 9:23, 24). Whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:27). Jesus said to the rich man, Come, follow Me, taking up the cross (Mark 10:21). Think not that I am come to send peace on the earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword (Matt. 10:34). [5] But be it known that in temptations the man does not fight; but the Lord alone fights for the man, although it appears as if it were done by the man; and when the Lord fights for a man the man conquers in all things. At this day few are admitted into temptations, for the reason that they are not in the life of faith, and therefore not in the conscience of truth; and he who is not in the conscience of truth from the good of life, yields; whereby his subsequent state becomes worse than the former. 8160 The sons of Israel lifted up their eyes. That this signifies the mind’s intellectual part and its thought, is evident from the signification of “eyes,” as being the intellectual part of the mind (see n. 2701, 3820, 4403-4421, 4523-4534); therefore “to lift up the eyes” denotes mental view, perception, and thought (n. 2789, 2829, 3198, 3202, 4083, 4086, 4339). 8161 And behold the Egyptian marching after them. That this signifies the grievousness of falsity continually increasing, is evident from the signification of “the Egyptian,” as being those who are in falsities from evil, thus also the falsity itself from evil (see n. 8132, 8135, 8146, 8148); and from the signification of “marching after them,” as being a nearer influx and communication. By “Pharaoh drew nigh” was signified the influx of falsity from evil (n. 8159), therefore by “marching after them” is signified influx still nearer, thus more grievous; hence it is that there is signified the grievousness of falsity continually increasing. In what presently follows is described temptation, and as this arises through an influx of falsity from evil from the hells, its approach is now described, that is, its increasing grievousness. 8162 And they were sore afraid. That this signifies a horrible dread, is evident from the signification of “being afraid,” when predicated of temptation, as being horror, or hor

  5. Sep 26

    A wilderness state occurs when new insights destabilise what we’ve always held to be true (7 mins)

    Arcana Coelestia 8096. Perchance the people will repent when they see war. That this signifies that they will turn aside from truth by reason of assaults, is evident from the signification of “to repent,” as being to turn aside from truth (of which in what follows); and from the signification of “war,” as being spiritual combats (see n. 1664, 1788, 2686), thus assaults. That “to repent” denotes to turn aside from truth, is because by the departure of the sons of Israel from Egypt, and by their stay in the wilderness, and by their introduction into the land of Canaan, is signified that they were continually led to good, and so to heaven. Hence by “repenting and returning to Egypt” is signified to depart from good, thus to turn aside from truth; for by “Egypt” or “the Egyptians” are signified those who are in faith separate from charity, and who are opposed to the truths of the church (n. 6692, 7039, 7097, 7317, 7766, 7926). 8098. And God led the people about, by the way of the wilderness. That this signifies that under the Divine auspices they were brought to confirm the truths and goods of faith through temptations, is evident from the signification of “God led,” as being Providence (see n. 8093), or what is the same, the Divine auspices, and from the signification of “the way of the wilderness,” as being to undergo temptations, thus to confirm the truths and goods of faith, for they are confirmed by temptations. By “wilderness” is signified where there is what is uninhabited and uncultivated (see n. 2708), in the spiritual sense, where are no good and truth, and also where truth is not yet conjoined with good. Thus by “wilderness” is signified the state of those with whom conjunction will be effected; and as conjunction is not effected except through temptations, these also are signified, but only when the number “forty” is added, whether “forty years,” or “forty months,” or “forty days;” for “forty” signifies temptations and their duration, whatever this may be (n. 730, 862, 2272, 2273). These things are signified by the sojournings of the sons of Israel in the wilderness forty years; moreover the temptations which they underwent are described. That they were led into the wilderness in order that they might undergo these temptations and might thus represent them, is clear from these words in Moses: Thou shalt remember all the way in which Jehovah thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to afflict thee, to tempt thee, to know what was in thy heart. He fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, to afflict thee, and to tempt thee, to do thee good in thy future time (Deuteronomy 8:2, 6). As by “forty” were signified temptations and their duration, and by the “wilderness” the state of those who undergo them, therefore when the Lord was tempted, He also went out into the wilderness, and was there forty days (Matthew 4:1-2, seq.; Luke 4:1-2, seq.; Mark 1:12-13). [2] As regards assaults by those who are in truth of faith which is not from good, who are signified by “the Philistines,” be it known that in the other life these infest the well-disposed, and continually assault the good of faith, that is, charity; for the principles which they have caught at in the world they carry with them into the other life, and retain them until they have been vastated, that is, are deprived of all the memory-knowledge of the knowledges of faith, and are let down into hell. There are at this day great numbers of such spirits, and they dwell to the right in front, in a plane beneath the sole of the foot; their dwelling-place is a kind of city. It has often been granted me to speak with them from there, and to hear their reasonings in favor of faith alone, which are acute; and their assaults against charity, which are stubborn. These then are the things which in the internal sense are meant by their not being led by the way of the land of the Philistines, and by their perchance repenting when they saw war. AC 8098. And God led the people about, by the way of the wilderness. That this signifies that under the Divine auspices they were brought to confirm the truths and goods of faith through temptations, is evident from the signification of “God led,” as being Providence (see n. 8093), or what is the same, the Divine auspices, and from the signification of “the way of the wilderness,” as being to undergo temptations, thus to confirm the truths and goods of faith, for they are confirmed by temptations. By “wilderness” is signified where there is what is uninhabited and uncultivated (see n. 2708), in the spiritual sense, where are no good and truth, and also where truth is not yet conjoined with good. Thus by “wilderness” is signified the state of those with whom conjunction will be effected; and as conjunction is not effected except through temptations, these also are signified, but only when the number “forty” is added, whether “forty years,” or “forty months,” or “forty days;” for “forty” signifies temptations and their duration, whatever this may be (n. 730, 862, 2272, 2273). These things are signified by the sojournings of the sons of Israel in the wilderness forty years; moreover the temptations which they underwent are described. That they were led into the wilderness in order that they might undergo these temptations and might thus represent them, is clear from these words in Moses: Thou shalt remember all the way in which Jehovah thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to afflict thee, to tempt thee, to know what was in thy heart. He fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, to afflict thee, and to tempt thee, to do thee good in thy future time (Deuteronomy 8:2, 6). As by “forty” were signified temptations and their duration, and by the “wilderness” the state of those who undergo them, therefore when the Lord was tempted, He also went out into the wilderness, and was there forty days (Matthew 4:1-2, seq.; Luke 4:1-2, seq.; Mark 1:12-13). Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges. Learn More & Practice With Us: LP Institute & Resources: logopraxis-institute.online Member Practice Community: logopraxis.online Contact Us: LPI@logopraxis-institute.online

  6. Sep 23

    ‘Faith alone’ states are mindsets that justify avoiding self-examination (4 mins)

    Arcana Coelestia 8095. For God said. That this signifies the Divine foresight, is evident from the signification of “God said,” when of things future, as being the Divine foresight (see n. 5361, 6946). AC 8094 (Potts). Because that was near. That this signifies that it first comes up, is evident from the signification of “near,” when said of faith separate, as being that it first comes up. How it is to be understood that the opinion concerning faith separate or alone first comes up, shall be briefly told. Evil of life is attended with its own falsity, which falsity lies hidden in the man who is in evil of life, and sometimes he is not aware that it is in him; but as soon as he thinks about the truths of the church, and especially when he thinks about salvation, then this falsity comes forth and clearly shows itself, and if it cannot deny the truth itself in respect to its general statement, it explains it in favor of its own evil, and thus falsifies it; consequently, when he is thinking about faith and charity, which are the essentials of the church and of salvation, faith at once comes up, but not charity, because charity is opposite to evil of life; and therefore he also sets charity aside, and chooses faith alone. From all this it is evident that the truths of faith are near, but not the goods of faith; that is, that the former come up first, and not the latter. [2] From this erroneous and false principle afterward follow many false and erroneous notions; as that good works effect nothing for salvation; that a man’s life does not follow him after death; that man is then saved by mercy alone through faith, howsoever he has lived in the world; that the most wicked is saved by faith in the last hour of his life; that evils are wiped away in a moment. These and the like things are thought out and established from this principle, and are consequently so many links in a chain. But they would be perceived to be utterly different if charity and life were the first principle. AC 8094 (NCE). Although it was nearby means that this is what comes to mind first. This can be seen from the symbolism of nearby, when it applies to a detached faith, as that which comes to mind first. I need to say briefly how to understand the idea that the theory of faith alone (faith detached [from neighborly love]) comes to mind first. An evil life brings related falsity with it. This falsity lies hidden in people whose lives are evil, and sometimes they are unaware it is there, but as soon as they think about the truths of their religion, especially about salvation, the falsity comes out in the open. If they cannot deny genuine truth in its broad outlines, they interpret it in such a way as to justify their evil, and in this way they render the truth false. So when they think about faith and neighborly love (the essential ingredients of religion and salvation), faith springs to mind right away but neighborly love does not, because it opposes the evil in their lives. For this reason they push charity aside and choose faith alone. From these remarks you can see that the truth faith teaches is nearby but the goodness it teaches is not; in other words, religious truth rather than religious goodness occurs to them first. [2] From this false and mistaken premise many other distortions and errors then follow: Good deeds contribute nothing to salvation. Our life does not follow us after death. After death we are saved by mercy alone because of our faith, no matter how we lived in the world. The most flagrant criminal is saved by faith in the final moments of life. Evil is wiped away instantly. These thoughts and conclusions and others like them rise out of that premise; they are links in a chain running from it. But if neighborly love and living a good life were the premise, the reality in each case would be seen to be totally different. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges. Learn More & Practice With Us: LP Institute & Resources: logopraxis-institute.online Member Practice Community: logopraxis.online Contact Us: LPI@logopraxis-institute.online

  7. Sep 19

    If You Want Heavenly States — You Have to Go Through Temptation: S3 Overview (10 mins)

    And it shall be when Jehovah shall have brought thee into the land of the Canaanite, as He sware to thee and to thy fathers, and shall have given it thee, that thou shalt cause to pass over to Jehovah all that openeth the womb; and all that openeth of the offspring of a beast, which shall be to thee males, shall be for Jehovah. And all that openeth of an ass thou shalt redeem with one of the flock; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break its neck: and every firstborn of man among thy sons shalt thou redeem. And it shall be when thy son shall ask thee tomorrow, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say, unto him, In strength of hand Jehovah led us forth from Egypt, from the house of servants. And it was that Pharaoh hardened himself against letting us go, and Jehovah slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt; from the firstborn of man and even to the firstborn of beast; therefore I sacrifice to Jehovah all that openeth the womb, being males; and all the firstborn of thy sons I redeem. And it shall be for a sign upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes; because in strength of hand Jehovah led us forth out of Egypt. And it was in Pharaoh’s letting the people go, that God led them not by the way of the land of the Philistines, because that was near; for God said, Perchance the people will repent when they see war, and return to Egypt. And God led the people about, by the way of the wilderness, the sea Suph; and the sons of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. Exodus Verses 11-18 Arcana Coelestia 8078. And all that openeth of an ass thou shalt redeem with one of the flock. That this signifies that faith merely natural must not be ascribed to the Lord, but the truth of innocence which is therein, is evident from the signification of “that openeth,” as being that which is born first from a regenerate one, that is, the firstborn, thus faith (that faith is the firstborn has been shown heretofore); and from the signification of “an ass,” as being the natural, for by “an ass” is signified memory-knowledge (n. 5492, 5741), also service (n. 5958, 6389), thus also the natural, for memory-knowledges belong to the natural, and relatively to the spiritual the natural is service, consequently now by “that which openeth of an ass” is signified faith merely natural (of which presently); and from the signification of “redeeming” as being to give something else in its place. That “redeeming” has this signification is clear from the full meaning of the words, namely, of these, “that which openeth of an ass thou shalt not cause to pass over to Jehovah, but shalt redeem with one of the flock.” [2] That “to cause to pass over to Jehovah” denotes to ascribe to the Lord, in like manner as “to sanctify,” and “to sacrifice,” has been shown just above (n. 8074); thus “not to cause to pass over, but to redeem” denotes not to ascribe, but to give something else in its place. And from the signification of “one of the flock,” as being the truth of innocence. That “one of the flock” denotes the truth of innocence, is because by “one of the flock” is meant a lamb or a kid, and by these is signified innocence (n. 3519, 3994, 7840), here, the truth of innocence, because it is not said “a lamb,” or “a kid,” but “one of the flock.” From all this it is evident that by “all that openeth of an ass thou shalt redeem with one of the flock” is signified that faith merely natural must not be ascribed to the Lord, but the truth of innocence which is therein. [3] Faith merely natural is faith which is insinuated by an external and not by an internal way, such as sensuous faith, which consists in believing a thing to be so because the eye has seen, and the hand has touched. This is the faith concerning which the Lord said to Thomas, “Because thou hast seen, Thomas, thou hast believed; blessed are they who do not see, and believe” (John 20:29); and also is like the faith of miracles, which consists in believing a thing to be so merely from the miracles, concerning which faith see above (n. 7290); as also the faith of authority, which consists in believing a thing to be so because another, in whom one has faith, has said it. [4] But spiritual faith is that which is insinuated by an internal and at the same time by an external way; the insinuation by the internal way causes it to be believed, and then that which is insinuated by the external way causes it to be confirmed. The spiritual of faith is the affection of charity, and from this the affection of truth for the sake of good use and for the sake of life; these make faith to be spiritual. The insinuation of faith by the internal way is effected by the reading of the Word, and by enlightenment then from the Lord, which is granted according to the quality of the affection, that is, according to the end sought in knowing the truth. [5] From all this it can now be seen what faith merely natural is; and that this faith, because it is not spiritual, cannot be ascribed to the Lord, that is, be acknowledged and believed to be from the Lord; for the Lord flows in through the affection of truth and good. (That faith is an internal affection, see n. 8034.) The truth of innocence, which can be in this faith and be accepted by the Lord, is that which from innocence is believed to be so. From all this it is now evident how it is to be understood that faith merely natural must not be ascribed to the Lord, but the truth of innocence which is therein. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges. Learn More & Practice With Us: LP Institute & Resources: logopraxis-institute.online Member Practice Community: logopraxis.online Contact Us: LPI@logopraxis-institute.online

  8. Sep 15

    The ‘natural world’ is NOT the physical world outside of us (6 mins)

    For a deeper dive into the spiritual and natural world being our spiritual and natural mind – WATCH the video and READ the associated passages from the doctrines for Spiritual Christianity readings here – https://logopraxis-institute.online/2-the-spiritual-and-natural-minds-world/ HH 304… These outward things that are in the natural world are all the contents of our natural or outer memory and the thinking and imaging we do on that basis. In general, this includes our insights and information together with their delights and charm to the extent that they have a worldly flavor, and all the pleasures that derive from our physical senses. Then too, there are those senses themselves and our words and actions.  Arcana Coelestia 89… “earth” signifies the external man, and “heaven” the internal, and in the spiritual man reformation begins from “earth” that is, from the external man, while in the celestial man, who is here treated of, it begins from the internal man, or from “heaven.” Heaven and Hell 303… there is a connection of the natural world with the spiritual world that results in a correspondence between everything in the natural world and everything in the spiritual world. (On this correspondence, see 103-115, and on the connection and consequent correspondence of everything in us with everything in heaven, see 87-102) HH 306. I have been told from heaven that the earliest people had direct revelation because their inner natures were turned toward heaven, and that this was the source of the Lord’s union with the human race at that time. After those times, though, there was not the same kind of direct revelation, but an indirect revelation through correspondences. All their divine worship consisted of these; so the churches of those times were called symbolic churches. They knew what correspondences and representations were and that everything on earth answered to spiritual things in heaven and the church (or represented them, which amounts to the same thing). In this way, the natural elements that constituted their outward worship served them as means for thinking spiritually and therefore thinking with angels. Once all knowledge of correspondences and representations had been lost, then a Word was written in which all the words and the meanings of the words are correspondences and therefore contain that spiritual or inner meaning in which angels are engaged. So when we read the Word and grasp it in its literal or outward meaning, angels grasp it in its inner or spiritual meaning. In fact, all the thought of angels is spiritual, while ours is natural. These two kinds of thought do seem different, but they are one because they correspond. This is why, after we had moved away from heaven and broken the connection, the Lord provided that there should be a means of union of heaven with us through the Word.bond, the Lord provided a medium of conjunction of heaven with man by means of the Word. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain a focus on understanding the Text’s application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges.

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Seeking to make the Lord God Jesus Christ visible in our midst... "Where two or three are gathered together in My name there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20)

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  • Creator
    The Third Round
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    499
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Logopraxis