Eric W. King ~ TSW, "The Shepherds Way": "Listening to Divine Intelligence." ~ TSW

Ancient Antiochene

Mysteries

Part Twelve

“Listening to Divine Intelligence.”

By presbyter Eric William King (August 16th 2024)

Most all Humans accept things that they hear that are simply not true. When we look at Christians today in all of the numerous denominations, some were raised from a child in this or that denomination, we see many who really do not understand their own faith, let alone the true history of Christianity. Many carelessly accept the things that are taught to them.

Many Christians go along with the other members of their church without question. Whenever they hear something that may differ from their group, they quickly reject it, without listening or studying the facts. The Bible states: "He who answers a matter before hearing it, it is folly and shame unto him." (Proverbs 18:13) The truth is, one cannot go through life with a proper understanding of anything until he or she recognizes God. A spiritual experience must take place for the eyes to be open.

There are many religions. All of the world religions are man trying to create God in their own image. It is easy to agree with a God that ignores sin. One mustn’t do anything but what “feels good”. This is an easy way to ignore the facts. However, God’s true Word, the Holy Bible will make you change. There is some spiritual work that must be done in order to change into the person that the Creator intended you to be. Nobody likes to be told that they are wrong about anything.

When Humanity was young it was normal to fear the mysterious energies of creation that were not understood. Superstitious traditions and beliefs resulted. This was part of our maturity process. As mankind matured, man still recognized the fact of supernatural morals and realities - that what he wished to become. Humans have always had the sense of morality; God has placed His ways in the heart of man.

Because our true Creator loves us, He has spoken to us through dispensations and ages of time. The Bible reveals this. Man has always had a partial insight of God. As Humanity became more intelligent God was able, and is able, to reveal more of Himself to us. By His grace and mercy, we have His revealed Word – we have the Holy Scriptures. A loving creator gave us His Word. There is effort, conflict and many struggles in the Christian life. God is maturing us – He is our Heavenly Father.

A person may be learned in psychology and philosophy but truly unlearned in God’s word. Many place the word of men and women above the word of Divine Intelligence. This is sad. Our God is the Almighty Intelligence. The Bible gives seven basic time periods, each different in length which are introduced by a covenant or “agreement” given by God to His people.

These time phases are called “dispensations”. The Greek word for dispensation is oikonomia. It comes from a verb which basically means “to manage” or “regulate” time. God has “dispensed” these portions of time as programs, like school classes for His people.

In a dispensation God tests man in respect to a specific revelation of His will. Each dispensation is showing how God is working out His purpose through differing economies. Theologically we also talk about “ages”. We make a distinguishing difference between “dispensations” and “ages” here. We say that an “age”, for the most part, stands for a period of time between two great physical changes on the earth’s surface while a “dispensation” stands for a covenantial probationary period between God and His people.

The Bible clearly outlines “Seven Major Dispensations” and “Three Earth Ages”. It is my hope that if you are reading this that you will continue your Biblical studies with us here at “The Shepherds Way” and the “Nugget of Truth” and continue to gain a better understanding of God and yourself. These are the two ministries of “The Ancient Antiochene Church of God”. Keep the faith.

We are listening to Divine Intelligence.

This is most certainly true.

Eric William King (August 16^th 2024)