March 18, 2024

Cleansing the Temple - Morning Devotion on Mar. 18, 2024

Cleansing the Temple

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer but you are making it a den of robbers."

Matthew 21:12-13

In the city of Jerusalem, Jesus was sometimes angered at the immoral behavior of the people. He even overturned the moneychangers' tables in a moment of violence. By normal standards he should have been arrested, and no civil court would have vindicated him. But under the law of God Jesus had not committed any sin. Civil law is not heavenly law.

Do you want to become a person who will be judged in God's court, or become a person who can even rise above the court of God? What kind of person should you become to rise above God's judgment? Become a savior by adopting the savior's way of life as your way of life. You can be a person who can give salvation to the world and who can say, "I will be responsible for the world and all of humanity; I will give my entire life and soul and energy for that purpose." Then you are indeed walking side by side with the Messiah.

The Age of Judgment and Ourselves
November 21, 1976

If a soldier kills many of the enemy on the battlefield, he may be given the Medal of Honor. However, if that same soldier even accidentally kills someone during peacetime, then he is called a criminal. Both are acts of murder. Why do people applaud one act but punish the other? Only one thing makes his actions different: the soldier is not motivated by personal benefit to kill in combat. When his action is a public one for the defense of his nation then he is honored, but if he kills at home for his own selfish reasons then he is condemned.

In light of this, how can we define what law is? Law is a regulation or criterion to control or contain the actions of selfish people. Laws are a necessity if selfish people are to live together. Whether for an individual, group, or nation, the law sets limits and prohibits people from violating their minimal social responsibility. On the other hand, no laws are needed between people who naturally live their lives for the sake of others in a totally unselfish and devoted way. Have you ever heard of a law regulating people who are sincerely devoted to service? Humanity is supposed to be liberated from the law eventually. You must become people who do not require laws on the levels of the individual, group, nation, and even the world.

To live above the law you must become an unselfish person; then your outlook is not limited by your own selfish purpose. When you become a person who is determined to live for the highest cause, for the sake of the world, then you will be liberated from the need for all levels of law below that cause. When you become the type of person about whom people can say, "He does not live for himself. He lives for God," then you are indeed a great and fearless person.

Let Us Think Once More
June 12, 1977


Martha, Mary, and Jesus: Practical and “Impractical” Service 
  • The Bible tells us about Jesus’ relationship with two sisters, Martha and Mary (Luke 10: 38 – 42).
  • The sisters lived in Bethany, outside of Jerusalem (John 11:1).   
  • Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, was their brother (John 11:1).
  • This family was very close to Jesus. 
  • John 11:5 says that “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” 
  • Martha was a very practical, down-to-earth person. 
  • Mary was more impractical—more spiritual. 
  • Being very practical, Martha felt free to speak up very frankly to Jesus at times.  
  • One time, Martha opened her house to Jesus and his disciples (Luke 10: 38). 
  • Martha busily prepared food and drink, but Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to him (Luke 10:39).
  • Martha got frustrated with her sister’s lack of service (Luke 10:40). 
  • Martha went right up to Jesus and said, frankly. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40). 
  • Martha must have felt pretty at ease with Jesus to speak to him so frankly. 
  • Jesus answered her with the familiarity of a friend: “Martha, Martha,” he said (Luke 10:41). “You are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41 – 42).  
  • In other words, Mary was serving the Lord every bit as much—even more so—than Martha.
  • The priority was to pay attention to Jesus and his teachings. That was the most important act of service at that time—attendance to the Lord’s teachings. 
  • Another example of Martha’s practicality is when her brother Lazarus died.
  • Jesus told Martha, “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23). 
  • Practical-minded Martha said, carefully, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection of the last day” (John 11:24). 
  • But Jesus was not speaking practically. 
  • He told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25-26).
  • Martha was practical, but she had great faith too. 
  • She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:27). 
  • At the same time, she couldn’t escape her practical mind. 
  • When Jesus told people to roll away the stone from Lazarus’s tomb, Martha protested. 
  • She told Jesus that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. 
  • “By this time, he stinketh,” she told Jesus (John 11:39 KJV). 
  • Good old practical Martha. 
  • But Jesus reminded Martha that he had told her if she believed, she would see the glory of God (John 11:40).
  • He reminded her of the power of spiritual things over physical things. 
  • So, they rolled away the stone, and Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43)
  • It’s a spooky story. Out of the depths of tomb, Lazarus came out, all dressed in burial clothes, with his jaw tied up with a bandage. 
  • Unsurprisingly, the people who had come to the tomb all believed in Jesus after that (John 11:45). 
  • But why had they come to the tomb?
  • It was because they had followed Mary there. 
  • Apparently, Mary was liked and respected by her neighbors, because when they saw her going to the tomb, they followed her there (John 11:31). 
  • So, for all her impracticality, Mary did what disciples of Jesus are supposed to do: she brought others to him and led them into faith. 
  • Both Mary and Martha had deep faith in Jesus.
  • They were his followers and friends. 
  • They represent two types of service: practical and “impractical” (spiritual). 
  • They both show, in their own ways, examples of the kind of services we are to perform.
  • As Dr. Yong told us, if you can’t witness or do more spiritual work, go ahead and clean the church, help with meal preparation, lick envelopes, serve in some way. 
  • We can be Mary or Martha or a combination of both. 

Sunday Service on March 17, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on March 17, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon - This Glorious Day

Summary
The sermon discusses the story of Paul and Silas and how they turned the world upside down by spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. It emphasizes the importance of finding hope in a world filled with anxieties and the need to rely on God's guidance.

Key Insights

  • The story of Paul and Silas turning the world upside down reminds us that even in challenging times, God can use us to bring about positive change. It is a call to spread the gospel and testify to the truth.
  • Starting each day with a positive mindset and declaring it as a glorious day helps us overcome anxieties and uncertainties. It allows us to approach life with hope and trust in God's guidance.
  • The morning devotion is a valuable practice that offers an opportunity to connect with God and fellow believers, making an offering to start the day. It sets a positive tone and provides a sense of community.
  • Each day is a blank canvas given by God, inviting us to use our creativity and make something beautiful. It is a reminder of the freedom we have to contribute positively to the world.
  • In a world filled with hopelessness, finding hope becomes crucial. We can find hope in God, each other, and the mission of the church. It is a source of strength and inspiration.
  • We are called to do many things, but we can only control our areas of influence. Focusing on what we can control, such as spending time together, worshiping, and supporting one another, allows us to make a meaningful impact.
  • Unity is essential in fulfilling our calling and leading a spiritual revival. By being united and following the guidance of God, we can make a significant difference in our own lives and the world around us.

Announcement

  • The positive experience in Georgia showcases the potential for spiritual growth and encourages others to visit and have their own transformative encounters.
  • Personal change is emphasized as crucial for true transformation, reminding us that liberation efforts alone are not enough to address deep-rooted problems.
  • The deep publishing experience mentioned indicates the significance of sharing and spreading the teachings of the faith, leading to spiritual growth and understanding.
  • The announcement of plans for Parents' Day in Durham demonstrates the commitment to community engagement and the desire to invite others to experience the faith.
  • The efforts to reach out to neighbors and churches reflect the importance of actively spreading the message and inviting others to join the faith community.
  • The upcoming event for Parents' Day in Durham presents an opportunity for fellowship, celebration, and the promotion of unity within the community.

Sunday School: Saint Patrick's Day


St. Patrick's Life: St. Patrick was born in Britain, captured and sold into slavery in Ireland, where he found God and later returned to preach the Gospel 
Mission in Ireland: St. Patrick was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine and spent 28 years converting the Irish population. 

Not to Be Served, But to Serve - Morning Devotion on Mar. 15, 2024

Chapter Six - Jesus' Last Week in Jerusalem

`We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "anti the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."

Mark 10:33-34

Not to Be Served, But to Serve

Jesus called them together and said, "Thu know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must he your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to he served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.,"

Matthew 20:25-28

When you become a God-centered person through giving sacrificial service, you receive glory and service. The Bible even records that Jesus said, "The Son of man came not to be served but to serve." (Matt. 20:28) Is sacrificial service good? Is it easy to do? It is inevitable, almost like a test at school. No one likes tests, but at exam time students work hard, burning the midnight oil in order to prepare for the exam the following day. Even though they dislike it, people go through it because there is no choice. In a similar way, you have to go through sacrificial service. It is not easy.

The Road of God's Will

May 30, 1982

One thing Satan cannot do is become humble, for then he would no longer be Satan. Instead he is boastful and arrogant, trying to put himself up higher. Satan's barriers are those of self-centeredness, but going down low, in the other direction, requires the opposite qualities. Where a person puts himself in the humble position, Satan cannot defeat him. In the world of self-centeredness you cannot find the truth or true things. Truth comes from the other direction, where Satan has no defense, and that is where we go.

The Bible always taught this truth. This is why Jesus said that those who try to make themselves higher will go lower, and why he who loses his life for Jesus' sake will find it. It shows there are two ways of achieving the goal. The powers and principalities of the secular world lie in one direction, and because you cannot penetrate them, you have to go the other way. Once you know the secret, however, going down low is actually the easiest way.

Let Us Set the Record

October 12, 1980

Living A Life of Service

What did Jesus say to his disciples about serving and being served:
Matthew 20:25-28
“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”

How did Jesus exhibit his life through service:
Served others with kindness and humility; 
Healed the sick, even those with leprosy;
Cast out demons of those who were possessed;
Showed kindness towards women, even the prostitutes and the adulterous; 
Gave hope to the hopeless;
Washed his beloved disciples feet;
Died a gruesome death on the cross and in the midst of that great suffering;
He asked His Heavenly Father to forgive us.

 Jesus showed us what real love and a servant's heart truly looks like.

What do the scriptures teach us about living a life of service:

Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,”

Mark 9:34-35
The disciples had been traveling and came to Capernaum.  On their way, they were arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus questioned as to why they were arguing and all were quiet. 
35) Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

John 13:14-16
Jesus had just finished washing the disciples’ feet and had asked them if they understood what he had just done for them. 
14) Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 
15) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
16) I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus goes on to tell them that because they now know these things, they will be blessed if they do them.  They will be blessed if they serve one another.

Galatians 5:13-14 Paul speaking to the church in Galatia
13) You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.
14) The entire law is summed up in a single command. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Philippians 2:4-5,7 Paul again speaking to the church in the city of Philipi
4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
7) But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. 

1 Peter 4:10–11
10) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
11) …If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

How can we learn from these scriptures and put into practice serving others.
If a friend or family member is sick, go visit them with some nourishing food or just go by and show some love.
Someone you know may be discouraged and having a hard time, offer to pray with them; offer to take them to lunch, go for a walk with them.
In our communities, volunteer to distribute food to those in need, give time to help at a food bank; help at the senior center, participate in a clothing drive.

March 14, 2024

Weekly Update on Mar. 14, 2024

Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m.   Bob Huneycutt is giving a message titled This Glorious Day. Mr. Asada is teaching the Sunday school about Saint Patrick.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.  Feel free to join Anne Nilson at noon for a 7-minute prayer in the Cheon Shim Won (prayer room).  

TFC is having a Movie Night on Friday, March 15, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The movie is WONKA, rated PG.  Popcorn, snacks and beverages will be served.  

Samuel Mundula is leading Yoga Night at the church on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a yoga mat if you have one.

There is a zoom meeting Thursday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. with President Dunkley and Youth leader Denthew Learey for young adults interested in the Blue Dragon tour and the pilgrimage to Korea Here is the link to join: Meeting ID: 861 9089 8823

Create A Life You Love is a great way to introduce your guests to Divine Principle, Saturdays from 10:30 - 11:30, facilitated by Henri Schauffler.  Register here

Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.   

Bob Huneycutt has published his second book, Leaving Shadowland, available on Amazon. Thank you to my editor, June Saunders, and Asuka Tsurusaki, for the cover photo, and Ryoko for the inspiration.  I have a few extra copies to give away.     

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is March 18. Here is the link to join the meeting.

Please join us for Morning Devotion from Monday to Friday at 6:00 a.m.
Here is the link.

We will join Dr. Achille and Capitol Family Church on the weekend.
Here is the link.  Passcode: 2027

Please feel free at any time to use the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room) at TFC to pray or meditate.  

March 13, 2024

Living the Great Commandment - Morning Devotion on Mar. 13, 2024

Living the Great Commandment

Action Steps

Matthew: 22:37 Jesus replied: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Put God first, focus our thoughts and lives on Him.  This means constantly calling our attention to God throughout the day, despite our many activities and whatever may be calling our attention.  

If we make promises to God remember to keep them and show our obedience to Him.

Reach out to others and find ways to serve.

Speak to others about Him; share what He has done for us.

I Thessalonians 5:17 St. Paul says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Take time to pray, meditate, commune with God and then listen for His voice and seek His guidance and direction.

Matthew 22:39 Jesus states: “…Love your neighbor as yourself…”

In whatever small or large ways, we should humble ourselves and serve others.

Serve the community.

Once again, live for the sake of others.

Communicate with those you may have an issue with.

Fellowship with the Brethren

Worship God by attending church.

Tithing

Giving time and sharing talents and skills 

Create a Christ Centered-Christ Like Life

The goal of every faithful person should be to live a Christ-like life.

Identify one’s spiritual weaknesses and begin to root them out by prayer, study and service.

Live, love and serve to create a journey of peace, joy and happiness in communion with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Remember, love God with all your heart and soul, and love your neighbor as you love God.

Great Commandment - Morning Devotion on Mar. 12, 2024

The Great Commandment

One of them, an expert in the law; tested him with this question: "Teacher: which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 22:35-40

These verses contain the ideal of love that is the vital logic of the universe, the ideal ideology of the universe, and the center of life of the universe. In this way we can make a love connection with God, loving God by offering all things as said in these words.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." The cosmic representative who loved God with all of his soul and with all of his heart and with all of his mind was none other than Jesus. To receive recognition as the man who came forth with a will like this, Jesus frankly revealed his situation to his beloved disciples. Jesus was a man who employed his utmost for the benefit of heaven. He was a man who exerted all of his heart, his power, and his mind.

We should emulate Jesus' virtues, such as the loyalty and sincerity he showed in his service toward heaven, standing all alone in a swirl of things and holding onto the great mission of the heavenly way. He demonstrated the heart that exerted all, the mind that represented God's will, and the character to make every effort to substantiate the ideal of love.

Jesus Who Is to Establish Heaven's Love

February 24, 1957

The movement that we should ultimately begin is the "New Love Movement." The focus of the "New Love Movement" is to love God as our Father and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The crown of love is sacrifice. The "New Love Movement" should develop into a movement that knows how to sacrifice for God, for the world, for the nation, and for all fellow countrymen.

This is Jesus' ultimate teaching, but in history Christianity always failed to accomplish this "New Love Movement." Any movement that lives only for itself will necessarily fail, while any movement that is willing to die to let others live will remain eternally When Rome which enjoyed the greatest prosperity became self-centered, even that great empire collapsed.

May the Fatherland Shine Forth

October 19, 1978

What if you do your church work just to get a salary or some recognition? Is that the correct motivation? The first commandment of Christ was to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Giving your heart, mind, and soul means that you are ready to stick your neck out, even ready to die for the love of God. Are you doing that?

The End of the World and Our Age - March 19, 1989


The Great Commandment


Jesus’ teachings were so profound that the Scribes and Pharisees always questioned his authority because he was not a learned man as they were.  However he was confident in his understanding of the law because of his authority, wisdom and understanding which came from God directly.
 
Jesus when asked, what is the greatest commandment of the law, He replied that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. In other words, with our entire being. 

We ought not to love God partially, but to give all of ourselves to God. One must attend Him with all the parts and powers of one’s soul. 

As Believers (Christians) it is challenging to live a holy life, one of righteousness, but Jesus gives us these two seemingly simple commands, that if we follow, will be a testament to our faith and conviction in our Heavenly Father. 

Leviticus 19:18 states: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. 

 Love for God and neighbor is not simply emotion, or a gesture of good will; but rather our very own self-emptying and sacrifice, taking on the role of a servant, putting ourselves last and others first. “Living for the sake of others”.
 
Jesus said that all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.   Therefore, they are very much connected and inseparable, together leading us to spiritual growth, and communion with God and our fellow human beings. 

1 John 4:8 states: “Whoever does not love God, does not know God because God is love.

4:19-23 states: “We love because he first loved us; If anyone says I love God. Yet hates his brother, is a liar. 20)For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21)And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
 
As Believers (Christians), we are called to acquire this relationship of love and unity, found in Jesus’ words These passages of scripture remind us of our calling to unite with God in love and to love and serve our brothers and sisters with that divine love. 

Although the Pharisees motives are clearly distorted and impure, seeking to find fault in Jesus, his reply helped them to realize that he understood the law, maybe more than they.  

In Matthew 5:17 Jesus states: “Do not think that I have comer to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” 

Let this therefore be a reminder, if we center our lives, relations, struggles and tests on His everlasting love, we will be fulfilling His greatest commandments.

March 12, 2024

Rich Young Man - Morning Devotion on Mar. 8, 2024

The Rich Young Man

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man inquired

Jesus replied, "'Do not murder; do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself."

Matthew 19:16-25

Everyone is seeking happiness. People do what they do in search of happiness, but we know painfully well that they do not find it. On the other hand, we are a group of people who are agonizing and suffering almost to the maximum extent of misery. But we can find true love, lofty ideals, and all the positive things. Now we can reach a conclusion based on common sense. In the secular life of physical enjoyment, almost no enduring love can be found. As a general rule, you have more chance of finding love among those who lead a suffering life than among well-to-do people. That is exactly what Jesus pointed out when he said it is more difficult for a rich man to go to the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

Who is the most patriotic person in a country? Is it a person who has everything at his disposal and can do whatever he desires? Who has love? Is it this well-to-do person, or is it more likely someone who lives in miserable conditions but is ready to give whatever he has for the sake of the nation? Which of these people has a better chance of finding happiness? The sacrificial person. Nobody envies him, but he is in a better position.

Of course, there are two kinds of humble people. One is forced to live this kind of life simply because he is poor. That may be a different story. But the man who could lead a first-rate, rich life but gives it up to live in a more humble fashion is the one who has the chance of finding love and happiness. You know the rules of the Principle very clearly. By the same token, a citizen in the greatest and most affluent country of America, who gives everything up and chooses to go to Africa and suffer with the people there, helping them to improve and raising them up above misery and sickness, is a great man. If Americans chose to trade their affluence for that way of life, they would be respected all over the world and they would find happiness. They would find the love and respect of other people. Does this sound farfetched or reasonable? This is reality.

The Realm of Heavenly Liberation

December 15, 1991

Would you prefer having true love or cheap love? Would you rather submit to the demands of true love from the very beginning, or only the last 20 percent of your life? A person who thinks he is clever might prefer taking the easy way. That is why Jesus said that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. In the Orient we say "the ear of the needle." Jesus meant that it would be practically impossible, even if the rich man lost all his wealth and sank into poverty. If a poor man could easily enter heaven, why would a rich man never be likely to make it? Once a person becomes self-centered and arrogant, even though he may falter and become penniless he will usually remain self-centered. That quality will not quickly vanish. Poor people, however, have flexibility. Because they have nothing, they are more willing to go anywhere and do anything.

Crossroads of Life and Death

December 17, 1978

Riches of Love  

Matthew 19: 16 – 24 tells the story of a rich young man who asked Jesus’ advice about how he could attain eternal life. 

Jesus told him to keep the Ten Commandments and also to love his neighbor as himself. 

The young man said he had done that since he was very young. Was there anything else? 

Jesus replied, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). 

But when the young man heard that, “he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19: 22).

Then Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).

There is some speculation that “the eye of the needle” was a small, low gate in Jerusalem that a camel could pass through only if it was unloaded of its burdens and went down on its knees. 

The tradition of this interpretation dates back to St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Anselm, Christian church fathers of the 11th and 12th centuries. 

So, a rich person would have to take off the burden of his or her material goods and get down on his or her knees.

Jesus urged a simplicity of life and faith in God’s provision. 

In Luke 12: 24, Jesus said, “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

In the Old Testament, wealth was considered a sign of God’s favor. 

God blessed Jacob and Isaac with flocks and herds—they were rich men.

Verses in Proverbs seem to say that there is only one reason for poverty – laziness. 

Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” 

Proverbs 12:27 says, “The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”

Psalms promise that God will bless those who honor him, with prosperity. 

Psalm 34:10 says, “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” 

Psalm 37:25 says, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their descendants begging bread.” 

Ecclesiastes celebrates abundance as the fruits of a person’s labor: “When God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

There are warnings, though, in the Old Testament not to focus on wealth. 

Psalms 37:16 says, “The little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.”

Proverbs 8:11 warns that “Wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

In modern times, Mother Teresa said the West suffers from a kind of poverty. 

She said, “The poverty of the West is a different kind of poverty—it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There’s a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”  

In addition to addressing material poverty, it is that poverty of spirit and of heart that we need to address through offering others the richness of God’s love and truth. 

Sunday Service on March 10, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on March 10, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon


Jesus explains that he and the Father are one, and whoever believes in him will do even greater things. The sermon also explores the changing roles and perspectives of women in society.

Key Insights

  • The script explores the concept of Jesus and the Father being one, emphasizing the importance of belief and the potential for believers to do greater things.
  • The sermon acknowledges the changing roles and perspectives of women in society, highlighting the need to embrace and understand these changes in the context of the New Age of Women.
  • The script delves into the biblical view of masculinity and femininity, discussing the roles of initiation and response in relation to men and women.
  • The sermon concludes with a prayer for guidance and enlightenment, acknowledging the hidden truths throughout history that have been twisted by evil minds and words.


Sunday School: Bible study - Solomon built temple

  • Solomon built a magnificent temple to honor God and create a place of worship.
  • The temple’s construction was a significant event of Solomon’s reign, symbolizing peace and stability.
  • If God is not in the temple, it does not matter how beautiful it is. The temple is nothing without God.
  • We are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives in us.
  • True Parents built Cheon Won Gung and Cheon Il Sanctum for the whole world to come to know that Heavenly Parent is always with us.



March 07, 2024

Weekly Update on Mar. 7, 2024

Don't forget to spring ahead.  Set your clocks one hour ahead on Sunday at 2:00 a.m.

Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m.   Mark Nilson is giving the message.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.  Feel free to join Anne Nilson at noon for a 7-minute prayer in the Cheon Shim Won (prayer room). 

President Demian Dunkley is traveling to 10 cities for the National Blue Dragon Tour and HJ Cheonbo Great Works.  He will be in Capitol Family Church from March 8 - 10 and he will also speak in Atlanta.

TFC is having a Movie Night on Friday, March 15, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The movie is WONKA, rated PG.  Popcorn, snacks and beverages will be served.  

Samuel Mundula is leading Yoga Night at the church on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.   

Bob Huneycutt has published his second book, Leaving Shadowland, available on Amazon. Thank you to my editor, June Saunders, and Asuka Tsurusaki, for the cover photo, and Ryoko for the inspiration.  I have a few extra copies to give away.     

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is March 18. Here is the link to join the meeting.

Please join us for Morning Devotion from Monday to Friday at 6:00 a.m.
Here is the link.

We will join Dr. Achille and Capitol Family Church on the weekend.
Here is the link.  Passcode: 2027

Please feel free at any time to use the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room) at TFC to pray or meditate.  

Forgiveness "The Marriage Saver" - Morning Devotion on Mar. 7, 2024

Forgiveness – The Marriage Saver

We know that God is compassionate, loving, and merciful. 

Psalm 103: 11 says: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”

At the same time, God expects us to be compassionate, loving and merciful too. 

It is a two-way street. 

As you all know, numerous times in the Bible, Jesus said that if we do not show mercy, we will not be shown mercy. If we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven. 

For example, the “Our Father” says, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Jesus also said, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6: 14 - 15).

So, we must forgive others. But how?

Easier said than done, right? 

We tend to be blind to our own faults but to see others’ faults with 20-20 vision! 

So, one thing that helps is to remember our own imperfections. 

As it says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.,” and that includes each of us. 

1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

Or, as Jesus said (Matthew 7:3): “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

I was driving past someone’s home the other day, someone I know very well, and as I drove past, I thought, “Boy, she really falls short in loving others.”

But then I thought, “But don’t I fall short in loving too? Am I all that I should be to her or to others? No! So, I have to forgive her.” 

We also have to realize it isn’t the person we are fighting. As it says in Ephesians 6:12: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (KJV).

Satan sometimes works through other people to hurt us, maneuvering them like puppets. 

There is some painful reason why the person is acting like he or she is. As the saying goes: 

“Hurt people hurt people.” 

 The person has some good inside too. 


The Amish, who practice forgiveness as a major part of their faith, were asked how they could forgive the evil man who burst into an Amish schoolhouse in 2006 and shot five little girls to death. 

An Amish man said, “He did an evil deed. But he was not an evil man.” 

In fact, even the most evil-seeming person has the original nature, the divine stamp of God somewhere deep inside. So, even if he or she is acting evil, the person is not all evil. He or she is also a child of God. Knowing that, we can begin to open our hearts to forgive.