Weekly Update on Mar. 28, 2024

Happy Easter.  TFC will meet on Sunday, March 31 at Lake Crabtree county park at 12 noon at the White Oak shelter for a picnic.  The Asada family is preparing burgers and hot dogs.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Bob will give a brief message.  There will be an Easter egg hunt for the kids.  Feel free to invite our young families for this family-friendly gathering.    

TFC is committed to helping Syun Hasabe and WonJin Bowman attend the Pilgrimage to Korea by raising funds for their air fare.  Please donate at this GoFundMe page.  

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. 

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is April 1. 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.  

I AM IN THE FATHER AND THE FATHER IS IN ME - Morning Devotion on Mar. 28, 2024

I AM IN THE FATHER AND THE FATHER IS IN ME

John 14:10-20

Don't you believe that I am in the Faster; and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father: You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father; and he will give you another counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." 

Jesus said that he and God were one body. Furthermore, he said that he was the Son of God -- specifically, the only begotten Son. Going one step further, he said that he was the bridegroom of humanity. You have to understand that Jesus was the True Parent of humanity... Therefore, Jesus was the King of all kings. In regard to life, Jesus spoke of being the bridegroom, and we are the brides. The purpose of these words is to implant the idea of a united couple in the living realm. Accordingly, even when he was passing away, Jesus pledged to do the work of True Parents through himself and the Holy Spirit. Since God who created the earth is invisible, it can be said that the purpose of Jesus' coming to this earth was to represent the invisible God, to testify to humankind of the invisible God.

Let Us Join in Pursuit of the Homeland

September 22, 1957

Among God, parents, and children, there must be some unifying concept. Unity and harmony among all three is vitally important. None of these components can be removed; we cannot eliminate God from the package, we cannot delete parents, and we cannot leave out the children. Within true parents exist elements of God and children. Within children are elements of God and the parents. In other words, every component contains an expression of the whole.

John 14 records a deep message which Jesus gave to his disciples, preparing them for his impending crucifixion. In that talk Jesus said, "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me?" and "In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." What did Jesus mean? What is the essence and implication of his words? Based upon the family concept, Jesus stated that he was in the Father and the father in him, and that he was in his disciples and they in him. These are amazing assertions.

The Way God Is Pursuing

January 23, 1983

Why do we want everlasting love and life? It is because God has them and we want to be like him. What's so good about becoming one with God and his love? It is simple; once you become like that, God and the universe belong to you. That's a big ambition, isn't it? Judge for yourself, is this truly possible or not? I have talked about truth, life, and love this morning. Once you possess these three, you don't have to follow God. Even if you try to go a different way or escape from God, you will find yourself in God already. Jesus said he was in God and God in him, and he called himself the way, the truth, and the life. If you are in me and I in you, then we are like each other. This is the one genuine, public way.

The Age of New Dispensation

May 14, 1978

Last Supper - Morning Devotion on Mar. 26, 2024

The Last Supper

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for your, do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Luke 22:14-20

Then to what degree should we be like Jesus? We have to reach the point where we are one with Jesus in flesh and blood. That's why he set up the condition of the sacrament: We should feel that we are actually eating Jesus' flesh and blood. We should actually feel Jesus' life and love for us more than anything else when we are eating the bread; and when drinking the wine, we should really feel that we are drinking his blood. Without such actual sense experience, salvation cannot be affected. This was Jesus' method to bring mankind out of Satan's world into God's world. Through this communion Satan is cut off and mankind is engrafted into Jesus -- a communion with him resulting in one flesh, one blood, in other words: one mankind.

How Can We Become One with God?

January 15, 1972

What is the meaning of Jesus' words to his disciples, "You must drink my blood and eat my flesh"? Implied in those words is Jesus' earnest heart that pleads to you, "Even though I leave you, you have to become the owners of all the tasks that fall within the sphere of the dispensation and accomplish my unfulfilled wishes."

The blood that the disciples received from Jesus symbolized the spiritual aspect. The flesh symbolizes the physical aspect and also signifies the Holy Spirit... Therefore, through partaking of the flesh and blood, the communion of Jesus and the Holy Spirit established them as central figures who would head single-mindedly for God's purpose. What is more, the blood of Jesus symbolizes heaven while his flesh symbolizes the earth. Accordingly, the hope and aspirations of Jesus are so great as to fill the cosmos.

Now, after having been sanctified through the Holy Spirit, your minds should be linked to the holy body of Jesus. This is a type of historical restoration. When God created Adam and Eve, he first created the body and then created the spirit. He created their physical body, and then he blew life into their nostrils. Just as the two principles are combined to create one man, similarly in the course of restoration until now, the works of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, which combine heaven and earth, are being carried on in conjunction.

When you think about this, you have to realize how important is the responsibility we bear. We insignificant apostles actually determine the fate of heaven and earth. You represent the apostles! You have been born with the holy body of Jesus, and you must manifest the power of Jesus' life as you work on behalf of God. Inspirational works of the Holy Spirit, which act on behalf of heaven, must emerge from you. When you move as one to do the will of Jesus Christ, who seeks to restore the whole world of creation, heaven will move according to the direction you move.

...What did Jesus command as he was giving out his flesh and blood to the disciples? He said, "Take this and divide it among you." Since we have received the flesh and blood of Jesus, as long as we take responsibility for the problems in heaven on behalf of Jesus, then the will of God will be fulfilled. This is the wish of heaven.

The Pledge that Must Be Fulfilled

July 8, 1956

As he distributed the bread and wine, Jesus told the twelve disciples whom he loved; "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." He meant that until the sorrows of all human beings are resolved on the earth, he also cannot rest in peace. Understanding this situation, we should never cause Jesus to feel more lonely, painful, or constrained.

We should experience all these situations with our mind and body to understand the situation of Jesus, and on his behalf fight with Satan and win over him to put God's worries to rest. If we cannot become the ones who can take care of the people of this earth in Jesus' place, then we will not be able to receive Jesus who is coming to this earth in the Last Days.

The Lord Is My Good Shepherd

March 25, 1957

The Last Supper was given by Jesus, to the Church, as a symbolic reminder of His love for and obedience to God and his desire to free us from sin through His death on the cross. The Last Supper is symbolic. It is a channel through which we are reminded of the saving grace we have received.

The Last Supper is the last meal Jesus ate with His disciples before His betrayal and arrest. It is recorded in the Gospels: Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–30

It was also a Passover meal which symbolized the passing of the Hebrew people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt to the journey to Canaan. Exodus 11:1-13:16 

Jesus brought the observance of the Passover to its fulfillment. During the Last Supper with His apostles, Jesus took two symbols associated with Passover and permeated them with fresh meaning to remember His sacrifice, “After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” Luke 22:17–20.

One of the important moments of the Last Supper is Jesus’ command to remember what He was about to do on behalf of all mankind: shed His blood on the cross thereby paying the debt of our sins: Luke 22:19.

In addition to predicting His suffering and death for our salvation: Luke 22:15–16, 

Jesus also used the Last Supper to foretell Peter’s denial of Him: Luke 22:34 and Judas Iscariot’s betrayal, Matthew 26:21–24, John 6:35,52,54-55

Jesus’ words during the Last Supper about the unleavened bread and the cup echo what He had said after He fed the 5000 after his Sermon on the Mount: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. . . . I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink). Salvation comes through Christ and the sacrifice of His physical body on the cross.

Also during the Last Supper, Jesus taught the principles of servanthood and forgiveness as He washed His disciples’ feet: “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:26–27, John 13:1–20

Typically, the Passover meal was a family celebration. However, at the Last Supper, the apostles were alone with Jesus. Luke 22:14 which suggests that this particular meal has specific meaning for the church, of which the apostles became the foundation Ephesians 2:19-20. While the Last Supper had implications for the Jews, it was designed for the future church as well. The Last Supper today is remembered during the Lord’s Supper, or communion 1 Corinthians 11:23–33.

The Last Supper was rooted in the Old Covenant even as it brought in the New. Jeremiah 31:31 promised a New Covenant between God and Israel, in which God said, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” Jeremiah 31:33. 

Jesus made a direct reference to this New Covenant during the Last Supper: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” Luke 22:20. A new dispensation was on the horizon. In God’s grace, the New Covenant applies to more than Israel; everyone who has faith in Christ can be saved. Ephesians 2:12–14.

The Last Supper was a significant event and proclaimed a turning point in God’s plan for the world. In comparing the crucifixion of Jesus to the feast of Passover, we can see the redeeming nature of Christ’s death. As symbolized by the original Passover sacrifice in the Old Testament, Christ’s death atones for the sins of His people; His blood rescues us from death and saves us from the bondage of sin. Today, the Lord’s Supper is a time when believers reflect upon Christ’s sacrifice and know that, through our faith in believing in Him, we will be with Him forever. Luke 22:18; Revelation 3:20.

Judas' Betrayal - Morning Devotion on Mar. 25, 2024

Judas' Betrayal

Then one of the Twelve -- the one called Judas Iscariot -- went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Matthew 26:14-16

Jesus came as the True Parent or True Father, but Judas betrayed him. In his act of betrayal, all mankind was represented. Through him, all human beings, as the offspring of traitors, betrayed their True Parent... For 30 pieces of silver, one man banished the True Parent from this earth and completely frustrated God's providence of 4,000 years. At that moment, Satan prevailed on the earth.

Restoration and Blessing

February 2, 1969

The twelve months comprise one circle of seasons. There is always balance there, with six months up and six months down, six months left and six months right. One place is hot and the other cold. Each season reaches a peak and then changes. You cannot say you want only spring or only enjoy hot weather. Most people don't like winter, but you have to live through it. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, and at least three disciples collaborated with him; their betrayal was equivalent to the three months of winter. You must pass through winter to welcome spring. Winter is essential, because without it nothing can be prepared for the spring.

Heaven and Us

March 25, 1979

Woman Anoints Jesus' Feet with Oil - Morning Devotion on Mar. 22, 2024

 A Woman Anoints Jesus' Feet with Oil

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper; a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor"

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Matthew 26:6-13

Why is Mary remembered in Christianity? Why is it that her name has been passed down through many generations in memory? Jesus said it should be so. At that time, who would have tolerated a lowly woman pouring 300 denarii worth of aromatic oil on the feet of a bachelor and wiping it with her hair? Why did Jesus say that the name of Mary would be remembered wherever the Gospel was taught? The disciples laughed at him, Judas Iscariot protested, and everyone opposed him on this. He spoke these words because, more than his beloved disciples or countless other people, the actions of Mary in that hour set the condition of having offered all of her heart and effort.

To Whom Do You Belong?

March 16, 1958

Judas Iscariot chastised Mary... as she knelt and poured three hundred denarii worth of oil on the feet of Jesus and washed them with her hair. When Judas chastised her, Jesus defended her. Mary was not acting unreasonably because she was concerned for the heart of Jesus, who was to be killed; an aspect of God's pained and indignant heart was reflected through her. Therefore Jesus predicted that her name would remain wherever the words of the Gospel spread.

The Father and I

July 12, 1959

Unnamed, Unknown but Not UnLoved

The Gospels are not clear about the identity of the woman who poured oil or perfume on Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. 

John 11: 1 – 2 says it was Mary of Bethany: “This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.” 

They were all at a dinner. Lazarus was there. 

Martha (as usual) was serving.

Mary (as usual) was devoting herself to attending Jesus personally: “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12:3). 

Judas objected and said the money should have been given to the poor (John 12:4-5). 

Maybe practical Martha objected too. 

But Jesus defended Mary: “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (John 12: 7 – 8).

As we have seen, Matthew 26: 6-13 tells of a similar incident, but Matthew does not name the woman. 

He also adds in Jesus saying, “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13). 

Mark 14: 3 - 9 tells the story almost exactly the same way as Matthew. 

Due to the similarity of the three stories, it is likely that this was Mary of Bethany. 

However, in Luke 7: 37 – 50, the situation is very different. 

Jesus was again dining in someone’s home in Bethany, but this homeowner was a Pharisee. 

Something very socially awkward happened.  

“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.”

When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is.’” 

Jesus seemed to read the Pharisee’s thoughts, because he asked him who would love a moneylender more—someone who was forgiven a debt of 50 denarii or someone who was forgiven a debt of 500 denarii? 

The Pharisee answered correctly that it would be the one who had the bigger debt forgiven. 

Then Jesus talked about the woman’s care for him in contrast to the Pharisee’s. 

Israel was dry and dusty, and it was customary for the servants of a house to wash the guests’ feet. Yet the Pharisee didn’t give Jesus any water for his feet. 

The Pharisee had not kissed him in greeting, as was customary.

Yet the woman had not stopped kissing Jesus’ feet since he had entered. 

The Pharisee did not greet Jesus with oil for his head, but the woman had poured perfume on him. 

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven . . . Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

This unnamed woman went into someone else’s house, uninvited. 

She was so overcome by the love that Jesus radiated, it made her sorry for what she had done in her life. 

She cried uncontrollably the whole time she was there. 

Jesus must have been the only man she had ever met who gazed at her without desire, without wanting anything from her but only wanting something for her—the love of God. 

Tradition has it that the woman who wept at Jesus’ feet was Mary Magdalene. 

Yet none of the Gospels identify Mary Magdalene that way. 

Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus who, along with other women, helped support Jesus and the disciples with their own money (Mark 15:40 – 41, Matthew 27:55). 

Mary Magdalene is described by Luke 8: 1 – 3 and Mark 16: 9 as a woman out of whom came seven demons. This probably meant she had psychological problems before she met Jesus. 

History may have done a great injustice to Mary Magdalene by assuming she was a prostitute. 

History has also done an injustice to the woman who loved Jesus so much, she wept over his feet and dried them with her own hair. 

We don’t even know her name. 

We do, however, know her heart. 

Sunday Service on March 24, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on March 24, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon - Essence of Love

The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and one's value in relation to True Parents. It encourages self-awareness, self-compassion, and the practice of God's love. The speaker highlights the need to break patterns, develop self-awareness, and put teachings into practice to truly know God and experience happiness. Key Insights:

• Understanding oneself in relation to True Parents: The sermon highlights the danger of idolizing True Parents and losing sight of one's own value and purpose. It encourages shifting perspectives and understanding that True Parents' teachings help us understand ourselves and our relationship with God.
• The importance of self-awareness and self-compassion: The speaker emphasizes the need to develop self-awareness and practice self-compassion to break patterns and grow. Meditation and prayer are mentioned as tools for deepening self-understanding and embodying teachings.
• Putting teachings into practice: The sermon emphasizes that knowledge alone is not enough; it must be put into practice to bring about change and transformation. Understanding oneself and living intentionally is seen as the best testament to the teachings of True Parents.
• Learning from new expressions of True Parents' love: The sermon encourages open-mindedness and learning from new expressions of True Parents' love, such as "HJ Heaven and Earth CheonBo Training Center" and the Death Valley Holy Salt. It highlights the opportunity to grow and participate in these new experiences.
• Supporting and learning from young leaders: The sermon expresses support for young leaders and their content, highlighting their depth of understanding and the opportunity to learn from them. It suggests that their emergence signifies a new age and the need for ongoing discussion and learning.

Sunday School: Moral lesson from Japanese folk tale "Crane’s Gratitude (Tsuru no Ongaeshi 鶴の恩返し)"

If you are kind to others, they will be kind to you. You will find that even animals respond to kindness.

Weekly Update on Mar. 21, 2024

Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m.   Carol Anne Nilson is giving the message.  Mr. Asada is teaching the Sunday school about gratitude in a Japanese folk tale.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.  Feel free to join Carol Anne at noon for a 7-minute prayer in the Cheon Shim Won (prayer room). 

Samuel Mundula is leading a yoga class at the church on Saturday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a yoga mat if you have one, and we have a few extras. Feel free to bring board  games to play after the class. 

Young adults between 18 and 40 are encouraged to join the Blue Dragon Pilgrimage to Korea from April 17 - 27.  Register at this link:  

TFC is committed to helping Syun Hasabe and WonJin Bowman attend the Pilgrimage to Korea by raising funds for their air fare.  Please donate at this GoFundMe page.  

Congratulations to the Bowman family on the arrival of their third child, Jacob Bowman.  Our community continues to grow. 

  

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. 

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is April 1. 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.  

Mission and Mantle - Morning Devotion on Mar. 21, 2024

The Mission and the Mantle

Elijah has been a very active spirit. 

Yet, in spite of Jewish expectations, he has never appeared again in the flesh as Elijah. 

That is partly why Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah.  

In their view, Elijah did not come to herald Jesus, as God had promised 400 years before Christ: “I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes” (Malachi 4:6). 

Yet Elijah did come to herald the Messiah in the form of John the Baptist. 

Jesus said John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 11:14).

Elijah’s spirit was “resting on” John the Baptist, as his spirit had “rested on” Elijah (2 Kings 2:15). 

When Elijah appointed Elisha as his successor, he put his own mantle, or cloak, on him to symbolize that Elisha was inheriting his mission: “Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him” (1 Kings 19:19).

John the Baptist inherited the mission of Elijah too. Spiritually, he wore his mantle. 

Yet John the Baptist did not have the same body as Elijah’s. He was a different man with a different body. 

The two men were very similar, though. 

They were both prophets of God.

People described Elijah as having “a garment of hair” and “a leather belt around his waist” (2 Kings 1:8).

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist (Matthew 3:4). 

Elijah went out into the wilderness and was fed by ravens and from a stream (1 Kings 17: 2-6).   

John went out into the wilderness and ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). 

Both spoke truth to power, challenging the corrupt kings of their times. 

When someone comes with the mission and mantle of someone who has gone before, Unificationists call it “Returning Resurrection.”  

It is not the same as reincarnation.  

John the Baptist had his own distinct talents, devotion, personality, and spirit, but he spoke in the power and spirit of Elijah, inheriting his mission and mantle.  

We know that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah; the anointed one; the Christ. 

When he comes again, we posit that he will come like Elijah did—“resting on” someone else who has inherited his mission and mantle, someone who has been anointed by God. 

It will be someone with a different body than Jesus of Nazareth, just as John the Baptist had a different body than Elijah. 

When Jesus came the first time, he did not literally fulfill the prophecy of Daniel 7:13 that he would come “with the clouds of heaven”. 

He was spiritually surrounded by angels and trumpets and great heavenly heralding with pure clouds of heaven around him. 

Yet he was born on earth in a lowly manger. 

Like the prophecy of Daniel, there were prophecies about the Second Coming, including by Jesus himself that he would come on the clouds. 

There are many such prophecies: Matthew 24:30-31, Matthew 26:64, Mark 13:26, 

1 Thessalonians 4:17, and Revelation 1:7 all say Jesus will come on the clouds. 

The question is whether these verses speak of mystical, spiritual experiences, such as the disciples had when they saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, or whether it will be a literal event that everyone can see.  

Like Jesus, Elijah left the earth mysteriously. He was “taken up to heaven in a whirlwind on a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire” (2 Kings 2:11).

Jesus also left the earth mysteriously, through ascending to heaven in the clouds as his disciples watched (Acts 1:9-11).

In spite of this, Elijah has never come back in the same body, recognizable as the prophet of old.  

He has come back spiritually, helping those who have the same mission and mantle as he had. 

When Jesus comes again, we believe it will be someone with a different body than Jesus of Nazareth, just as John the Baptist had a different body than Elijah. 

But for those who have eyes to see, the Christ will be spiritually surrounded by angels and trumpets and great heavenly heralding with pure clouds of heaven showing that he comes in the power and spirit of God. 

Prophecies of the Second Coming - Morning Devotion on Mar. 20, 2024

Prophecies of the Second Coming

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other".
Matthew 24:30-31

"However; when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:8

What will Jesus do when he comes? Will he come to wipe out the world? The word "judgment" is frequently misunderstood to mean that God will wipe out everything in anger. That is not the purpose of the Messiah's coming a second time. The whole purpose is to fulfill the mission that was left undone 2,000 years ago, to work for individual, family, social, national, and world perfection. Judgment is the constructive work of God to see the fulfillment of the kingdom of God here on earth.

Because the work of God is realistic and physical, the Messiah's coming on literal clouds in the sky does not make sense. By interpreting the Bible literally many Christians anticipate Jesus appearance in the sky, but that could not be so. People perceive God as being supernatural, someone who could perform even the miracle of bringing Jesus on the clouds. In that case, why would Christianity be necessary? Why would faith be necessary? Why didn't God use supernatural power to build up the kingdom of God in the first place? Why has he waited for 6,000 years to accomplish it?

Gods Will and Christmas
December 25, 1976

Another reason why Jesus was not believed was that the people expected the Messiah to arrive on the clouds of heaven. Daniel 7:13 reads, "I saw in the night visions, and behold, on the clouds of heaven...the son of man." In other words, Daniel is saying that the coming of Jesus, the Son of God, will take place on the clouds of heaven. The people expected his arrival on the clouds of heaven; so when Jesus appeared in the flesh, it was very difficult to accept him. So at that time, there were arguments among Jesus' disciples and the faithful of Israel: "Well, if your master, Jesus, is the Son of God, how could he appear as a man, in the flesh? Impossible! How could he be the Son of God? We know him. He is the son of Joseph, the son of Mary; the Son of God is supposed to come on the clouds of heaven."

Two thousand years ago, the situation was such that the people expected Elijah first; but Elijah did not come. They expected Elijah to come from the blue sky, but he did not appear in that manner. Again they expected the Son of God to come on the clouds of heaven; this also was not fulfilled. So how could they accept Jesus? On what grounds? Those who believed the letter of the Old Testament, not the spirit, missed the whole thing. They said, "He is a heretic," and to this day the Jewish faith hasn't recognized Christianity. Today, we need to know the truth, and the truth will make us free.

Then how will the Lord reappear in the Last Days? We are in a situation exactly parallel to that of the time of Jesus Christ. If we become slaves to the letter of the New Testament, instead of living by the spirit of the New Testament, we could commit the same transgression that the elders, scribes, and Pharisees committed 2,000 years ago. Two thousand years ago, God promised Elijah but God did not send him in a miraculous way. He sent him as John the Baptist. Two thousand years ago, God promised the Messiah but the Messiah did not come on the clouds of heaven. Today Christians are expecting the Second Advent to appear on the clouds of heaven. If we are slaves to the letter of the New Testament, we will be in a position to commit the same transgression as the Israelites.

Christmas in Heart
December 25, 1973

Contrary to the expectations of many faithful Jews who believed on biblical grounds that the Messiah would come on the clouds with signs and portents in the heavens, Jesus was born on the earth as a child in a lowly family. Hence, we should reexamine the Bible from the perspective that the Second Advent of Christ may not take place in a miraculous way. It may, in fact, take place in the same manner as the First Advent.

Jesus made a number of predictions foretelling what would happen to the Lord at his return. He said, "But first he must suffer many things and he rejected by this generation." (Luke 17:25) If Jesus were to return literally on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and with the trumpets of angels, would he not readily be accepted and honored, even by this sin-ridden world? Returning in such a manner, there is no way he would ever suffer persecution or rejection...

Jesus said, "I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8) As the world enters the Last Days, increasing numbers of Christians are striving to develop stronger faith. How can they all fall into faithlessness at the Second Advent of the Lord if he literally comes on the clouds of heaven amidst the sounds of angels' trumpets and the glory of God? This prophecy also cannot be fulfilled if Christ returns in a supernatural manner...

What do the clouds actually symbolize? Clouds are formed by the evaporation of impure water from the earth. In the Bible, water often symbolizes fallen people. (Rev. 17:15; Ps. 144:7) We may deduce that clouds symbolize devout Christians whose hearts dwell in heaven and not on the earth because they have been reborn and raised from their fallen state. The Bible and other sacred scriptures also use the symbolism of clouds to indicate the multitudes. (Heb. 12:1)... We can conclude that Jesus' coming on the clouds signifies that he will emerge from among a group of reborn believers to become the leader of Christians, the Second Israel. Recall that when Jesus was asked about the place of his return, he replied, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together." (Luke 17:37) Jesus meant by this that he will return to the place where faithful believers have gathered, which basically signifies the same thing as the biblical prophecy that Christ will return on the clouds.

When we interpret the clouds metaphorically in this way, it is evident that at his First Coming Jesus himself symbolically came down from heaven on the clouds. It is written, "The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven" (1 Cor. 15:47), and "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man." (John 3:13) Even though Jesus was born on the earth, from the standpoint of the providence and with regard to his true value, he indeed came from heaven. This is also the true meaning of the prophecy in Daniel 7:13 which foretold that Jesus would come on the clouds.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Second Advent 2

Elijah: A Very Active Spirit in Several Bodies 

To this day, at Passover, Jews put a cup of wine out on the dinner table for Elijah. They call this “The Cup of Elijah.” 

There are Elijah’s cups for sale on the Internet this very day for Jews to use at Passover!

After the Passover meal, Jews open the door for Elijah to come in.  

Jews believe that, at this moment, Elijah the prophet enters their home in spirit.  

They also believe that Elijah attends every circumcision ceremony of Jewish male children.

Jews believe that Elijah attends these ceremonies to go testify to God that the Jewish people are being observant of the tradition of circumcision. 

So, clearly, there is a sense of Elijah as an active, spiritual presence.  

Elijah was an active, spiritual presence in the Old Testament. 

During his life, Elijah was the prophet of monotheism—only one God.

His name means “Yahweh is my God.” 

He fought idol worship of other gods.  

In 1 Kings 19:16, God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha, another prophet, as his successor. 

Both men performed many miracles and signs to warn the people to honor God. 

One day, when Elijah was walking and talking with Elisha, “a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind” (2 Kings 2:11). 

Just a short time previously, Elijah had rolled up his cloak and struck the waters of the River Jordan. The waters had parted. 

Now, Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and did the same thing (2 Kings 2:13).

The waters parted again.

There were some other prophets nearby, and when they saw what Elisha had done, they said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” 

In fact, they were so overwhelmed, they bowed to the ground before Elisha (2 Kings 2:15).

The spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. 

The spirit of Elijah also rested on John the Baptist, heralding the advent of the Messiah, but even John did not realize this or recognize it. 

In Malachi 4:5, the return of Elijah was promised as a herald of the coming of the Messiah. 

Jesus said John the Baptist was Elijah. 

In other words, the spirit of Elijah rested upon John the Baptist (Matthew 11: 13 – 14). 

Yet John 1:21 notes that when he was asked, John the Baptist said, “No, I am not Elijah.” 

“They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not’” (John 1:21). 

Elijah was with John the Baptist in spirit, not in body, similar to the way Elijah was with Elisha. 

Ellijah used these men’s bodies to continue to proclaim God. 

We cannot always discern things spiritually. 

Even a great prophet like John the Baptist was not aware of the spiritual presence of Elijah, who was trying to fulfill his mission to herald the Messiah through John.

John was not aware that he, in essence, was the second coming of Elijah.

Second Comings rest upon physical people who take up the mantel and the mission--the office and the responsibility--of the original anointed person but in their own subsequent eras and in their own physical bodies.

Jesus—The Heavenly Outlaw - Morning Devotion on Mar. 19, 2024

Jesus—The Heavenly Outlaw 

Passover week was extremely important in Jesus’ time. 

The historian Josephus estimated that 2.5 million Jews flooded into Jerusalem on a pilgrimage.  

Every family was supposed to sacrifice a lamb.

Almost 300,000 lambs were sacrificed during Passover week. 

To buy an animal to sacrifice, families had to change their Roman money into special silver coins. 

So, there were “moneychangers” around the Temple. 

The price of exchange was probably steep. 

Jesus may have become angry when he saw people being cheated. 

Jesus was so mad, he overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling animals for sacrifice (Matthew 21:12).

Jesus declared the place was like den of robbers (Matthew 21:13). 

Mark tells the same story (Mark 11: 15-17).

John tells the story in even stronger terms.

John says Jesus made a whip out of cords and whipped all the sheep and cattle out of the way in addition to turning over all the tables (John 2:13-17). 

A lot of people were impressed by Jesus’ righteousness, but the chief priests and teachers of the law began to think of ways to kill Jesus (Mark 11:18).

That night, Jesus went and stayed in Bethany, a couple of miles outside of Jerusalem.

This was the town where Martha and Mary lived.  

Practical Martha probably scolded him that he shouldn’t have turned the tables over. 

Father said, though, that Jesus did not violate heavenly law. 

Father made the point that heavenly law and human laws may be different.

Of course, we need laws, Father said, because, “The law sets limits and prohibits people from violating their minimal social responsibility.” 

Dr. Martin Luther King also upheld the rule of law.

He said, “Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.”

Like Father, though, Dr. King recognized higher laws. 

Dr. King said, “a higher law produces love.” 

Good people obey what Dr. King called “unenforceable laws”—the higher, more just, heavenly laws of love.  

Dr. King said that the future of humankind depends on people obeying these higher laws. 

He said that when Jesus chose to die on Calvary, it was “history’s most magnificent expression of obedience to the unenforceable”—that is, obedience to the higher laws of love. 

Because Jesus obeyed the laws of love, two thousand years after Jesus’ death, one out of every three people in the world is a Christian. (2.6 billion Christians out of 8.1 billion people). 

As Dr. Yong said, it is all because of Jesus’ love.  

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.

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.  

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.