Jesus Appears to the Disciples - Morning Devotion on May 29, 2024

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they' saw him, and worshiped him; but some doubted.

Matthew 28:16-17

Even after his death, Jesus was concerned about the disciples who had scattered, and even during the three days in the tomb he was determined to protect them for eternity. Consequently he went to the shores of Galilee after his resurrection and searched for them.

We might wonder from a humanistic perspective today how he could treat them like that when they had no sense of responsibility Although they had betrayed him when they faced difficulty right after the resurrection, he went to Galilee and started to fulfill his responsibility The character of Jesus, who raised them up to be unchanging disciples even when he was going over the hill of death, is an admirable character we should learn from today.

That is not all. We should understand that in addition to his disciples at that time, he was taking responsibility for the countless saints who came after him, and for us, 2,000 years later. The history of restoration is the history of the whole. Because God's will is saving the whole, Jesus has taken responsibility for the whole of humanity.

Jesus Christ, the Pride of God
May 16, 1956

What is the resurrection of Jesus? It is not merely the issue of whether his body rose out of the tomb. That is but a small part. The most significant aspect is the resurrection of Jesus' heavenly principle and his God-centered love.

God and the Building of the Kingdom of God
April 17, 1977

Jesus' resurrection was the first representation of the glory of heaven and the glory of victory won in the fight with Satan in the 4,000-year history Because Jesus had demonstrated the standard of victory on the spiritual and substantial level, God raised the deceased Jesus to unfold another dispensation. Through the crucifixion, Jesus took on the responsibility for the 4,000-year history of the dispensation and the responsibility of the ancestors. Representing the glory of heaven, he ascended to heaven. This is what the resurrection and ascension are about. Similarly, Jesus came with the purpose to show substantially the internal glory of God on the earth. In other words, he came to demonstrate fully the glory of God. The complete glory combines the internal and external glory. This is the mission that Jesus came to fulfill.

Like Jesus, Let Us Return the Glory of Resurrection to God
May 27, 1956

Satan exercised his maximum power to crucify Jesus, there-by attaining the goal he had sought throughout the 4,000-year course of history On the other hand, by delivering Jesus to Satan, God set up as compensation the condition to save sinful humanity. How did God achieve this? Because Satan had already exercised his maximum power in killing Jesus, according to the principle of restoration through indemnity, God was entitled to exercise his maximum power. While Satan uses his power to kill, God uses his power to bring the dead to life. As compensation for Satan's exercise of his maximum power in killing Jesus, God exercised his maximum power and resurrected Jesus. God thus opened the way for all humanity to be engrafted with the resurrected Jesus and thereby receive salvation and rebirth.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Moses and Jesus 3.3.1.1

Mary Cries Out To Jesus - Morning Devotion on May 28, 2024

Mary Cries Out To Jesus

"They have taken my Lord away;" she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her; "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father: Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to my Father and your Father; to my God and our God."

John 20:12-17

When Mary Magdalene went to look for Jesus right after his resurrection, Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father." (John 20:17) Nevertheless, Jesus appeared before Mary Magdalene because she had the heart that could console him. Similarly, only when you comprehend the ideal and will of heavenly principle transcending yourselves will Jesus manifest himself to your comprehending heart. If you listen to the words of God and can convey them on his behalf, the Lord will come toward you even if you do not ask him. You should understand that the Lord is motioning with his arms spread out for you to come. God also is doing that.

Let Us Be the Ones Jesus Wants
February 17, 1957

Now we are facing Jesus with the cross standing in between. Someone should resolve the grief and suffering caused by the cross; it is we of today who should do it. Without resolving it, we cannot graft onto Jesus and call him our Bridegroom. This is the reason when Mary Magdalene called out, "Oh Lord!" right after the resurrection, Jesus stopped her. For the simple reason, although Mary wanted to begin life in the kingdom of heaven from the day she met the Lord, life in the kingdom was prohibited for 2,000 years. We should understand this grief from the background of the cross, and we who have faith should bring the solution.

Jesus Is Searching for Us in This Way
May 20, 1956

Resurrection - Morning Devotion on May 27, 2024

The Resurrection

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."

John 11:25

Appearance to Mary Magdalene

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. Now I have told you."

Matthew 28:1-7

Jesus was a true man because he perfectly lived the life of God. He was a walking God. There was no separation between God and Jesus, and because no one can destroy God no one can destroy Jesus Christ. The crucifixion was not his destruction; God manifested the power of resurrection so that the world could see that Jesus was never destroyed.

God's Will and Christmas
December 25, 1976

When Jesus was resurrected, there was not even one disciple who stood guard next to his tomb. Only enemies, the Roman soldiers, were guarding the place. How could this be! Today there are many instances wherein Christianity is not guarding the tomb of Jesus. Enemies, like the Roman soldiers, are guarding it. Is there no group on earth who can encircle the Roman soldiers and long to attend the tomb of Jesus? Even though there were no such people then, among us, the believers, there should emerge many such people.

Who are the ones who could meet the resurrected Jesus? Those who let Jesus die, those who abandoned Jesus and scattered everywhere to wander according to their will could not meet Jesus. After his death, who was the person who went in search for Jesus without eating for three days? Who was groping in darkness not knowing where his body was? The disciples of Jesus should have become this kind of people more than anyone else. However, the three disciples that Jesus loved the most, Peter, James, and John, all returned home. The ones who met Jesus first were the women who searched for Jesus' tomb before dawn. They were Mary Magdalene; Mary the mother of James; and Salome.

They were longing for Jesus, who had been executed as a traitor. Shedding tears for three days and unable to bear it any longer, they came searching for him. They were the first ones to meet the resurrected Jesus. This shows in what direction and how the believers of the last days should act.

We should understand that now is the last days when we should go in desperate search for the tomb of Jesus. The women who were desperately searching for the tomb met the resurrected Lord in place of the Israelite people, who should have met the resurrected Lord first. Today when the resurrected Lord comes on the world level, the ones who can meet the Lord first are those who do not sleep and rest in spite of their desire, which shed tears for heaven while wandering through the mountains and hills with an unsettled heart that cannot be expressed.

If you transcend your life and live a life of anxiety, unrest, and lack of sleep for the sake of the lives of your people and humanity, then the Lord of glory who is coming to this world again will surely come after you. You will be entitled to the glory of receiving the Lord when you are not even aware of it. You have to understand that such a time is approaching.

Let Us Become People Who Participate in the Glory of the Lord
June 16, 1957

National Parents' Day

Greetings from the North Carolina National Parents Day Committee,

The National Parents' Day Council is urging all Americans to celebrate Parents’ Day this year on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

Back in 1994 the bill to establish Parents’ Day was sponsored by Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana and Honorable Floyd Flake, in an act of bipartisanship for a great cause.  It passed both houses without a hitch and was signed into law by President Clinton. The commemoration of Parents Day, a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July since then, has grown in popularity. You can find it on most calendars published today.

Learn more about this holiday at www.parentsday.com

Sunday, July 28^th is officially National Parents Day and you might want to honor the great Parents in your congregation by recognizing them or even your message could be about recognizing the original True Parent, God and His support for True Family Values. Also, please nominate as Parents of the Year a deserving family that you know personally. Go to www.parents day.com. The deadline for nominating families here in North Carolina is July 5^th, 2024

In North Carolina, our Local Parents Day Celebration will be on Saturday, July 20 from 3 to 5:30 pm at 1414 Watts Street in Durham NC. There will be volley ball, games for the kids (bring your own favorite kids games to share), face painting, crafts and of course a free picnic dinner and inspired musicians and speakers.

If you can’t attend personally, Please email the letter or proclamation to johnandsharon40@outlook.com or send a hard copy to me, Sharon Pace at: 907 Bryn Mawr Ct., Apex, N.C., 27502

Sunday Service on May 19, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on May 19, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon

Does Jordan Peterson Believe in God?

The speaker discusses their perspective on the physical resurrection of Christ and the importance of not letting theological differences break relationships. He also talk about the concept of suffering and surrendering to God's will, emphasizing the need to overcome challenges and not play the victim. Key Insights - The speaker acknowledges his own uncertainty regarding the physical resurrection of Christ but emphasizes the importance of not letting theological differences divide relationships. This shows a willingness to recognize differing beliefs and prioritize unity and love. - The concept of suffering is discussed, with the speaker emphasizing the need to surrender to God's will and overcome challenges. He challenge the idea of using suffering as an excuse to become a victim, instead encouraging strength, resilience, and growth. - The speaker shares a personal story of overcoming anger and resentment towards someone who had mistreated him, illustrating the power of surrendering to God and finding healing in sharing his experience with others. - The speaker critiques the idea of viewing God as solely wanting to provide comfort and avoid hurting His children. He argues for a more mature and realistic faith that acknowledges the purpose and value in going through difficult experiences. - The speaker highlights the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's own growth and not blaming others, such as church leaders, for their own struggles. He encourages individuals to let go of anger, resentment, and victimhood, and to focus on personal transformation and living according to God's will. - The speaker emphasizes the significance of unity and love, praying for the dissolution of enmity and hatred. He expresses a desire for God's truth to prevail and for people to practice it in their lives. - The speaker acknowledges his own internal struggle and recognizes that his words are a reminder for himself as well. This shows humility and self-awareness, indicating a willingness to continually grow and improve in his faith journey.

Sunday School: Bible study - Daniel and the Lion's Den

Divine Rescue: Daniel's unwavering faith and consistent service to God led to his miraculous rescue from the lions' den.

Royal Decree: King Darius acknowledged the power of Daniel's God, issuing a decree for all to revere Him after witnessing Daniel's deliverance. 

Loyalty Tested: Despite facing opposition and life-threatening challenges, Daniel remained steadfast in his religious practices. 

Punishment & Patience: God's punishment for disobedience came after years of patience and warnings through prophets.

Descent into Hell - Morning Devotion on May 16, 2024

Descent into Hell

He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day...."

Luke 24:46

In the world of love there is no boundary because love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can go beyond any boundary. Even hell has no boundary that can withstand the power of love. According to Scripture, after the Crucifixion, Jesus Christ spent three days in darkness. Where did he go? He went to the dungeons of hell and preached the gospel for three days.

Satan, the master of men, might have said, "Jesus, you strayed into our cage. I'm going to lock the door; you are my prisoner." But that is impossible: Satan had no power to bind Jesus there. Jesus Christ, the complete manifestation of the love of God, said, "Love your enemy." Therefore, he can even turn hell into heaven, so going in and out of hell is no problem for him. Let's say there is a boundary in the kingdom of God. If there is a person who truly loves God with his heart and mind and soul, would God say to him, "You cannot come in here; you have to have a passport, or you must bring a gift. You cannot come to the throne of God"? Would he be stopped at that point? No.

Boundary Line
December 5. 1976

How could Jesus take charge of hell? If Jesus had assumed the responsibility for the will of God only in its good aspect and died for the sake of God only in its good aspect, then he would have been able to manage the heavenly kingdom, but not hell. Therefore, because Jesus established the heavenly standard by keeping his integrity even in hell, he set the standard of being able to manage hell too.

God's Possession and Our Possession
November 9, 1958

A good man may go to the dungeons of hell for God's purpose, but his quality and value will not be changed by doing so. The important thing is whether he goes down there to bring the people up. He may look the same as people in the evil world, but his motivation is to influence the world of evil to come back to God.

The Bible says that after the Crucifixion, Jesus spent three days in hell before he ascended into heaven. Was he still the Savior during those three days? Yes. Did he go there because he was attracted by life there? No. He went there to bring hell into his realm, which is heaven.

Our Present Position
October 7, 1979

Saints Rise Out Of the Tombs - Morning Devotion on May 15, 2024

The Saints Rise Out Of the Tombs

The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Matthew 27:52-53

It is written in the Bible that in the last Days the dead will rise from their graves:

With the archangel's call and with the sound of the trumpet of God ... the dead in Christ will rise first.

2 Thess. 4:16

We can understand the meaning of this prophecy by examining a similar event, when the dead rose from their tombs at the time of Jesus' death.

Matthew 27:52-53 does not mean that the decomposed bodies of the saints literally rose up from their graves. If the physical bodies of the saints of the Old Testament Age had actually risen from their tombs and appeared before many people in Jerusalem, they would certainly have testified to the people about Jesus, since they already knew that he was the Messiah. After hearing such testimony, who among the inhabitants of Jerusalem would not have believed in the crucified Jesus? Additionally, if the saints really had risen from their tombs in the flesh, then surely their deeds would have been recorded in the Bible. However, we find no such records.

What does the Scripture mean when it says that the bodies of the saints rose from their tombs? This record was made by people who could perceive the spirits of the past saints being resurrected spiritually and appearing on the earth. This is much like Moses and Elijah who, as spirits, briefly appeared before Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. (Matt. 17:3)

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Eschatology 3.2.3

Curtain of the Temple Is Split - Morning Devotion on May 14, 2024

The Curtain of the Temple Is Split

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the socks split.

Matthew 27:51

The Tabernacle was divided into two parts: the holy place (sanctuary) and the most holy place (holy of holies). Only the high priest could enter the most holy place, and only once a year when making the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. The most holy place was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Here was the place where God made Himself present. It symbolized the spirit of Jesus. The holy place contained a lamp stand, an incense altar, and a table for the bread of the Presence, which were tended daily by the priests. It symbolized the body of Jesus.

Furthermore, the most holy place symbolized the spiritual world, while the holy place symbolized the physical world. When Jesus was crucified, the curtain between the holy place and the most holy place was torn in two, from top to bottom. This meant that Jesus' crucifixion laid the basis for spiritual salvation, when the gate was opened between spirit and flesh, or between heaven and earth.

Exposition of the Divine Principle

Moses and Jesus 2.2.2.3.1

Sunday Service on May 12, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on May 12, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon

The sermon discusses the importance of humility and how it can bring healing and unity to our divided nation. It shares personal stories and biblical references to emphasize the need for humility in our lives.

Key Insights

- The sermon emphasizes the need for humility in our lives, especially in a divided nation. Humility allows us to see God's perspective and serve others, ultimately bringing healing and unity to our land.

- The sermon addresses the hypocrisy in churches that pushes young people away. It encourages respecting and loving those who disagree with us, as well as loving our enemies. Humility is crucial in showing true love and compassion.

- The story of claiming the toilets symbolizes the importance of serving others and humbling ourselves. It reminds us that even our achievements and education should not make us proud, but rather, we should be willing to humble ourselves for the sake of others.

- The personal story of experiencing God's love challenges misconceptions about Him and highlights the importance of understanding His true nature. It leads to a deeper understanding of God's love and a change in perspective.

- The crucifixion story teaches us that even in our lowest moments, repentance and humility can lead to redemption and closeness with God. It reminds us of the power of humility in our spiritual journey.

- The story from the Blue Dragon Tour emphasizes the importance of unity and repentance within the church. It shows that even leaders need to humble themselves, listen, and repent in order to move forward and fulfill God's will.

Weekly Update on May 9, 2024

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Join us this Sunday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. for our weekly worship service.  Bob Huneycutt is giving a message titled A Time For Humility.  No Sunday School this week.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch. 

ON MAY 17TH-19TH, President Demian Dunkley will be coming to Atlanta for the BLUE DRAGON TOUR! Please register as soon as possible.

1. Main Link to register: https://hsa.regfox.com/blue-dragon-tour
Deadline of registration is: May 15th 

2. Families have discounts and it is all on the registration form.  

3. For any housing or Cheon Bo/CES related activities, please contact Haruki Kimura. Mr. Kimura's number is 678-357-4779. 

The Online Registration option is now open for the Las Vegas Blue Dragon Tour. The cost for online participation is $50.  Register at this link

National Parents Day is Saturday, July 20 at TFC.  This event recognizes families as the cornerstone of a harmonious society.  Contact Sharon Pace for more info or to volunteer to serve.

Hyo Jeong Internation Foundation for Environmental Peace is sponsoring an Environmental Summit, Rejuvenating Our Ecosystems, on Saturday, June 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Register to call 410-800-3743. 

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. 

Thank you for your continued prayers for Pastor Davetta who is recuperating at home.   

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

Victory of Jesus on The Cross - Morning Devotion on May 8, 2024

The Victory of Jesus on The Cross

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

Matthew 27:50

Ladies and gentlemen: for whom has God been sacrificing himself? It is not for America, nor is it for Christianity. But it is for each of us, for "you" and for "me." Likewise the reason why Jesus was crucified was also not to save himself, but to save us, "you" and "me."

The Path for America and Humanity in the Last Days
January 22, 2000

First and last, Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice of undefiled matter. This is how he introduced his nature, heart, and mind to human beings on this earth. Jesus was the man whom God could consider worthy, whom God could call righteous, and whom God could be happy with and love as the representative of all people in history and for all things.

Jesus Who Is to Establish Heaven's Love
February 24, 1957

The path of the cross fulfilled eternal faith. The cross enabled Jesus to experience the eternal hope of God. The cross advises us also to possess the eternal life and love of God. You should understand that by virtue of the cross, the history of atonement resulted in opening the way of salvation for us. It became the condition that bequeaths to us the eternal faith, the eternal hope, the eternal life, and the eternal love of Jesus.

Let Us Claim Back the Eternal Ideal of God
October 7, 1956

In the eyes of those around him, Jesus was a miserable failure who was crucified. But God came down to Jesus, saying. "My son, do not worry. I will take over your mission." That promise became God's work of Christianity.

Day of the Victory of Heaven
October 4, 1976

Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:29

God's highest love is received when one surpasses the point of death. Therefore, in order to receive the love of Jesus, we have to have the mindset to even cross the point of death. At that moment, Satan will surely submit. For 4,000 years, God looked down on the world with sorrow and worry by himself, but when Jesus stood on the earth, centering on him, a new battle with Satan unfolded. Jesus forgot everything about himself and fought on for the sake of God. Not only that, because he did not have any selfish desire even when he faced death, he could manifest the power of resurrection. Today, we should also pass through the same course of victors' as Jesus....

Based on the victory of the cross that testified to his love, Jesus could forge an immutable link with God who had been carrying on the dispensation for 4,000 years. Jesus became the embodiment of unchanging victory and love. Jesus representing heaven, earth, and humankind, became one with God; and since God remains unchanging, he also will not change.

Like Jesus, Let Us Return the Glory of Resurrection to God
May 27, 1956

Satan... has a certain conscience, and he realizes that he cannot be loved to the same degree as God. He knows he does not deserve such love, yet that is the love that Jesus Christ demonstrated on the cross. Even wounded and dying, Jesus forgot about himself and loved his enemies and asked forgiveness for them. Under such circumstances, however vicious the enemy may be, as long as even one ounce of conscience remains in his heart he cannot help but bow down and surrender.

By practicing this same love you can completely separate yourself from your enemy -- and you will discover that you have no enemy. When you reach that level of perfection of love, you can enter a new era, the age of ideal love.

The Road of God's Will
May 30, 1982

He humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.

Philippians 2:8-9

Jesus died for the liberation of God and mankind, not his own salvation. If today's Christians are thinking people, should they believe in Jesus and God for their own salvation, or for mankind and the liberation of Jesus and God? Many prayers offered today by Christians are self-centered, full of requests for money and health and comfort. Compared to Jesus' tradition, these people have the mind of a thief or robber; they don't think at all about giving but only about taking. There is no way for such people to avoid declining.

If Jesus, knowing he had to die on the cross, had tried to get out of it, would he have been the Messiah? Would he have been fulfilling his part of the mission courageously? He would have been a betrayer of God, and when he eventually died it would have been a dishonorable death. If that had happened it would have been the greatest tragedy, for mankind would have had to pay the indemnity for it. There would have been no Christianity then.

The road of God's dispensation always involves going beyond death. Jesus truly proved he was the Son of God because he willingly accepted the role of death honorably. He died in such a way that Satan had to surrender to him. Satan could make no accusation that Jesus did not deserve to be called the Son of God. Satan had to bow down and say that Jesus loved God more than Satan could ever do. Like a lamb, Jesus became a sacrifice on the altar so that others might live.

Children's Day and Tradition
November 20, 1979

Think about it: even though Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross 2,000 years ago, his power and influence have spread all over the world. But suppose Jesus had not died. Suppose he had [found sufficient foundation to] establish his family; and his children had started multiplying from that time. How long do you think it would have taken to restore the entire world? Not more than 600 years. Jesus' descendants would have formed the mainstream family for all the families of the world, the true olive tree into which all the wild olive trees of the fallen world would have been engrafted. The spreading influence of that true olive tree would have transformed the world into an orchard of true olive trees. In that true olive orchard God would be able to unify all humankind completely and take dominion.

The 43rd Anniversary of Foundation Day
May 1, 1997

Sunday Service on May 5, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on May 5, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon

The sermon discusses the concept of character and how it is related to love. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own character strengths and qualities. It also explores the changes in the exposition of divine principle over the years and the role of intellect, emotion, and will in shaping our character. It concludes with the idea that living by fundamental principles moment to moment can lead to the accumulation and expression of beauty and goodness. Key Insights

• Understanding Character: The sermon highlights that character is the combination of mental and moral qualities that make an individual unique. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating our own character strengths.
• Changes in Divine Principle: It discusses the differences between the 1973 and 1996 versions of divine principle, specifically regarding the order of intellect, emotion, and will. It suggests that these changes are not discrepancies but rather variances influenced by the age and time of change.
• Balancing Intellect, Emotion, and Will: The sermon emphasizes the need to balance intellect, emotion, and will in order to become people of truth, beauty, and goodness. It suggests that an imbalance in these faculties can hinder personal growth and positive change in the world.
• Essence of Heart: The sermon explores the concept of the essence of heart and the desire to understand and discern it. It acknowledges the challenge of fully grasping this concept but suggests that growing close to nature and appreciating the beauty of existence can provide insights into the essence.
• Living by Fundamental Principles: It encourages living by fundamental principles moment to moment rather than focusing on the concept of time. It suggests that small adjustments in character and nature can lead to a cumulative expression of beauty and goodness in one's life.
• Importance of Principles: The sermon emphasizes the importance of principles in guiding our actions and shaping our character. It suggests that principles provide a toolbox of words and concepts that can help us understand and appreciate the value of our actions and existence.
• Offering Ourselves to God: It concludes with a prayer to offer ourselves, our families, and our actions to God. It highlights the importance of recognizing that we are part of something greater than ourselves and accepting ownership and responsibility in our interactions with others and the world.

Father, Forgive Them - Morning Devotion on May 3, 2024

Father, Forgive Them

Jesus said, "Father; forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Luke 23:34

Jesus Christ has endured the pain and has walked this path full of grievance and suffering for 6,000 years until now in order to find us, and he has put his life at stake and walked the road of the cross. We should hold onto Jesus! Even when he was facing death on the cross, which put an end to the thirty years of his life, he earnestly appealed to God, "Oh Father, forgive them."

Jesus Is Searching for Us in This Way
May 20, 1956

The path of Jesus suffering on the cross was the same path of tribulations that God himself walked. In such a situation of trial and tribulation Jesus desperately prayed, "Please forgive them for they know not what they do." Even in the place of death, he forgave Rome and the group of people who opposed him, waiting for victory in the future. Therefore, the life of Jesus did not end at the age of 33. With God's help, Christianity inherited his spirit.

The Path for America and Humanity in the Last Days
January 22, 2000

Jesus Christ did not hold grudges against anyone when he stood before the Israelite people, even when he was dying on the cross. The reason is that he knew that by practicing this way the door to the salvation of the world would open, even though it might come after his death.

As he suffered immeasurable agony Jesus could have been resentful towards the Israelite people. Instead, what Jesus felt from the people who opposed him was the toil of God, who had led the dispensation for 4,000 long years. When he was dying on the cross, he could have appealed to heaven, calling judgment upon the Israelite people who had put him to the cross. Instead, he agonized over the history of the dispensation during which God had greatly exerted himself, and seeing how God forgave even the people who opposed those whom he had sent, Jesus had the magnanimity to forgive them. Even though there might have been times in history when those who opposed God avoided judgment and rejoiced, the reason that God did not judge them was not because they themselves were valuable, but because he was able to generate magnanimity by looking at the prophets who had forgiven them. In this way with the heart of sorrow on behalf of heaven, Jesus forgave them as representing all of history and God's dispensation.

Let Us Become People Who Participate in the Glory of the Lord
June 16, 1957

If Jesus, as he hung dying on the cross, had held any feelings of malice toward his enemy, God's providence would have been turned completely upside-down. It is because Jesus overcame death with a heart of praying for and loving his enemies that Satan surrendered in that instance.

World Unification Will Be Accomplished by True Love

February 10, 2000

Last week was an incredible week. I'm sure you heard about it. During this past week, I was dragged into the courtroom under judicial "gun point.' and all kinds of fundamental questions were asked of me, including whether I am the Messiah. What is the difference between the situation 2,000 years ago and the one today? The day after Jesus was questioned, he was crucified. However, God has worked for 2,000 years to establish the foundation of democracy grounded, on religious freedom. Therefore, even after my recent interrogation I am able to come to Belvedere this morning and give this sermon to you.

As I sat in that hostile courtroom last week, there were many different attitudes that I could have chosen to adopt. On the one hand I could have been thinking, "God, I wish you would bring down fire and brimstone on this judge's head! And I don't like those lawyers at all; kick them out!" I might have thought in such a fashion, but I certainly did not. On the contrary, I practiced God's principle in that extremely hostile judicial environment, and I had compassion on my enemies and forgave them. Inside, I was thinking, "God, please forgive them because they don't know what they are doing. Eventually the time will come when they will understand who I am."

During the tax trial the prosecutor, Mr. Flumenbaum, was incredibly vicious toward me. It's natural to have an urge to knock down such a person. Imagine Mother's feelings during all this; she was suffering so much for my sake, and here was Mr. Flumenbaum behaving in such a hateful way, not knowing me at all. Mother couldn't restrain her feelings and kept protesting to me. However, I always comforted her and said, "Mother, I understand how you feel, but please forgive him."

The Road of God's Will
May 30, 1982

However, Jesus did not come for his own sake. First, he came for the sake of history for the sake of the Jewish faith and the Israelite people. He came for the sake of the disciples who were to follow him. On a larger scale, he came for the sake of the people, the nation, the world, and the universe. This is how he lived his life. Even his death was not for his own sake.

...With a heart of compassion, even in the moment of death on the cross, he prayed for the sake of the Jewish people who betrayed him, the disciples, and humanity who betrayed him. Because he was a man of sorrow, he could become their friend. He could pray for the sake of the people who opposed him and the enemies who struck him. Such a thing had never even been heard of in the 4,000 years of human history. This was the work of universal adventure done to dismantle the wall of sin rooted deeply in heaven and earth.

The Providence of God and the Nature of the Adventure that Transcends Reality
December 2, 1956

Weekly Update on May 2, 2024

Join us this Sunday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. for our weekly worship service.  Mark Nilson is giving the message.  Mr. Asada is teaching the Sunday school about Daniel in the lion's den.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch. 

Samuel Mundula is teaching a yoga class on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a yoga mat or we have some extras.  After the class there is time for games and board games.  

The Blue Dragon Tour is coming to Atlanta on May 17 - 19. 

1. Main Link to register  Deadline of registration is: May 15th 

2. Families have discounts and it is all on the registration form. Once they start the registration process, they will see the discounts available. 

3. For any housing or Cheon Bo/CES related activities, please contact Haruki Kimura. Mr. Kimura's number is 678-357-4779.

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 May 6. 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.  

Why Have You Forsaken Me - Morning Devotion on May 1, 2024

My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" -- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Matthew 27:46

Jesus prayed, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) He did not offer this prayer because he was concerned about himself. You should understand that he offered this prayer out of concern for the people and innumerable future generations.

Let Us Climb over the Hill of Historical Misfortune
January 19, 1958

The reason that Jesus died on the cross saying, "'My God, why have you forsaken me?" was to indemnify the sin of humankind, who had betrayed and acted against God for 4,000 years from the time of our ancestors, Adam and Eve. Because humankind had abandoned God, based on the principle of indemnity, God had to abandon Jesus who represented humankind. However, Jesus did not abandon God.

Those Who Will Possess the Kingdom of Heaven of Hope
December 16, 1956

Similarly, when you try to offer yourself for the task of bearing responsibility for the whole sinful history, at some point God will deny any knowledge of you. If that happens, you have to have the same immutable faith as that of Jesus on the cross. You should have the mindset that you are already a dead person. It is the mission of Christians to advocate this somewhat revolutionary faith.

Behold the Little Lamb of God Who Is Bearing the Sins of the World
November 25, 1956

What should we possess? We should possess the garden of rest, the garden of happiness, the garden of goodness, the garden of love and the ideal. However, before we possess these, we will have to be struck by Satan, as well as by heaven. Jesus was hit by Satan and by heaven. The Pharisees chased Jesus out, and at the same time, the Romans chased him out. From the fact that Jesus desperately prayed at the crucifixion, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) we can see that God had abandoned him too.

Therefore, he who will possess and be possessed by the kingdom of heaven is one who will be put in a most miserable situation in the course of seeking God. Among the races of the world, which will be the one that will own God? The most miserable race will possess God. The closer a race is to such misery the nearer it is to God.

God's Possession and Our Possession
November 9, 1958

In the end, even God said to Jesus who hung on the cross, "I do not know him." At that moment, Jesus cried out, "Father, why have you forsaken me?" but he did not cry out because he feared that the hope would be shattered and all of his life would be in vain. He cried out because he was concerned that, due to his death, he would have to leave without being able to complete the will of the Father. He was not concerned about whether God sent him to heaven or hell, because he fulfilled his personal responsibility Jesus, who had to become a friend of death, tried to be content with his own situation of death and tried to accomplish his mission through his death.

Let Us Become the Ones Who Attend the Lord Who Has Come for the Sake of All Humankind
December 23, 1956

Do you think God is always sweet to me? I knew that God was sweet to everyone except me. Sometimes, he was cold and unappreciative even when I worked hard. I know how God trained me, and that's the way I want to train you. You have to set a record under the most adverse conditions that other people are overwhelmed by. Jesus was the Son of God, but God allowed him to be nailed up on the cross. Even Jesus himself cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" But God gave him that suffering so that Jesus could establish the ultimate example. In that moment true love can be born. Under incredible circumstances, Jesus passed the test, and no one can go beyond his record. Satan has no way to accuse Jesus.

Let Us Set the Record
October 12, 1980

It Is Finished - Morning Devotion on Apr. 30, 2024

It Is Finished

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said. "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19: 29-30

While he took his last breath on the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished." (John 19:30) Until he could say that, he cast out of his mind all his sorrow and bitter grief and suffered in an attempt to accomplish the will of heaven. Because the mission of claiming back the universal life through his one self was on the verge of total collapse, Jesus forgot even his own agony and affliction and overcame all kinds of ordeals. Therefore, the life of Jesus was not a life lived to save only himself; it was lived for the sake of building the nation and people of God.

Jesus Is the Hero of the Universal Revolution
November 11. 1956