October 06, 2024

Sunday Service on October 6, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on October 6, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon

Jesus teaches that acts of love and compassion towards others determine our fate in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing living a principled life over mere belief. Key Insights

  • Actions Define Faith: Our actions are the true measure of our faith. Jesus highlights that serving others is equivalent to serving Him, challenging believers to live out their faith through tangible deeds.
  • Understanding Love: Love is portrayed as an active force, not merely a feeling. True love manifests in caring for others, reflecting the nature of God’s love for humanity.
  • The Path of Restoration: The teachings of True Parents emphasize a personal journey toward spiritual maturity, where individuals must discover and practice truth for themselves.
  • Judgment and Mercy: The narrative of the sheep and goats emphasizes that judgment is not solely punitive but also a reflection of God’s mercy and the opportunities given to help others.
  • Cultural Roots: The connection between different cultures and the divine mission suggests that understanding one’s heritage can deepen spiritual insights and responsibilities.
  • Holistic Spirituality: Spiritual growth requires aligning one’s heart, mind, and actions with divine principles, showcasing that true spirituality is comprehensive and not abstract.
  • Empowerment Through Truth: The call to live according to divine truth empowers individuals to overcome challenges and transforms their lives, allowing them to contribute positively to the world.

Sunday School: Bible Study - Malachi reminds Israel of God's love calling them to repent

Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, was sent to remind the Jewish people of God's love and call them to repentance.

  • Role and Meaning of Malachi: Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," was a prophet sent to deliver God's message to the Jews in Judea and all of Israel.
  • God's Promises and Punishments: God had promised to forgive His people if they repented, but they ignored the prophets and were punished by being sent to Babylon for 70 years. After their return, God continued to send prophets to encourage them.
  • Message of Love and Disappointment: Malachi reminded the people of God's love, but they doubted it because the Messiah had not yet come. God expressed His disappointment with their actions, including robbing Him and claiming it was useless to serve Him.
  • Silence and Future Hope: After Malachi's message, God was silent for 400 years. Malachi encouraged those who feared God with the promise that "the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings".

October 02, 2024

Sodom And Gomorra - Morning Devotion in September 2024

Sodom And Gomorra

And the Loud said, "If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city. I will spare the whole place for their sake."
Genesis 18:26

One Righteous Man

18:23 Then Abraham drew near: and said. "Wilt thou indeed destroy the righteous with the wicked?
24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou then destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?
25 Far be it from thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fair as the wicked! Far be that from thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
26 And the Lord said, "If I find at Sodom fifth righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake."

If you look at Isaiah 6:13, it is written, "As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land." Here God emphasizes that if any root remains, He is going to use that root to blossom new buds and begin a new dispensation...

Abraham, who was like the hidden root, did not evade any situation but overcame all of them, even when the era was laden with vices. History was haunted by confusion, and the environment was chaotic. He felt heartbroken about the declining cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and appealed to Heaven on their behalf.

Sodom and Gomorrah deserved to be punished by God, but they had nothing to do with the place where Abraham was. It did not directly concern Abraham whether or not the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah understood the will of God, or whether the people were doomed.

But because he had a sense of mission toward the dispensation of Heaven, and he felt that he must take the responsibility, he was concerned and anxious about the two cities night and day. What is written in the biblical verses reveals such internal feelings of Abraham.

Today when we are witnessing the concluding period of the 6,000-year history, you are able to sleep in peace, wear good clothes and eat good food, not because of some merit on your part. You will be doomed if that is what you think. The reason that the world can at least sustain us like this is because in the background, there were unknown people who have become the hidden root and were building the altar of appeal on which they have been shedding tears and blood.

If there were even just a few righteous people, no matter how wicked Sodom and Gomorrah were, Abraham would have used the fact that there were righteous people as a condition, and would have appealed to God, "Father, who determines and judges with justice, is not judging both the good and the evil people equally with fire contrary to Your will?" When he realized that it was only he who was praying for Sodom and

Gomorrah, Abraham's heart was deeply hurt.

Do you know the main reason Abraham became such an historical figure? We must never forget that, eschewing his own happiness and comfort, Abraham risked his life for the sake of his tribe, without others even knowing about it.

The Responsibility of Those Who Have Become the Root
July I, 1956

18:27 Abraham answered, "Behold, I have taken upon myself to speak to speak to the Lord, who am I but dust and ashes.
28 Suppose five of fifty righteous are lacking? Wilt thou destiny the whole city for lack of five? ... Suppose forty are found there... Suppose thirty are found there...
Suppose twenty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it."
32 Then he said, "Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once.
Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it."
33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and

Abraham returned to his place.

In the time of Abraham, God announced His judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham pleaded with God not to destroy those cities, so God promised to relent if Abraham could find ten righteous people in them. Abraham could not come up with even ten righteous people, so the cities were destroyed.

Do you think New York City today is better or worse than Sodom and Gomorrah? It is worse. This means that New York, and actually every city on the earth, deserves fire and brimstone today. The angels told Lot to leave Sodom because God was going to destroy it. Such an order is about to be given to people in the world today, "Leave that place behind; don't try to save anything, just come out of there." What would you do in such a situation?

Our Pledge
November 2I, 1982

Within each individual, there is that borderline between God and Satan. Perhaps one person has every part of himself on God's side, with only one foot straddling the line over to the Satanic side. Or maybe he has only his big toe hanging over in Satan's realm and he thinks he is okay. But Satan can loop a string around that toe and try to pull him all the way over to the other side. Once Satan successfully pulls half of him over, he will claim the whole person. Satan uses winches and ropes and drags him completely over and God cannot do anything to prevent it.

Between hostile nations, the border is watched very carefully. If someone steps over the line with just one foot, he is considered to have invaded the other country. He might argue that he was mostly on his side, but that would not prevent the other country from claiming an invasion. By the same token, when a person steps one foot on Satan's territory, he is claimed by Satan and God cannot do anything.

According to this viewpoint, are you clearly on Gods side or are you still on the borderline, moving back and forth? If you are standing on Gods side, do your eyes still wander over to the satanic side? Now it is the Christmas season and you are involved in your mission work, which means that you probably have to make the sacrifice of not seeing your family during this special time.

By dedicating yourself now, you know you are offering that sacrifice for the sake of God and the world. When Lot was commanded to leave the city of Sodom, he had no idea of where he was going, or what he was going to do. He and his family were leaving behind familiar, comfortable surroundings and heading towards the unknown When Lot's wife was tempted by her past situation, and she looked back, she tuned into a pillar of salt.

Emergency Time Period
December 12, 1982

Today, we in the free world see many kinds of love, and the problem we have is finding a true discipline or standard of love. Commonly people think that when men and women have a good time together, that is love. In many cases that enjoyment is an expression of carnal desire and there is no real beginning or end, just a phenomenon with no direction.

That kind of love could not form that nation of peace and freedom and unity. People talk about love today, but tomorrow they could he strangers or even mortal enemies.

There is no guarantee of happiness there, only chaos and setbacks.

That kind of love causes destruction and does not possess what we call the central theme of true love. I want you to understand that Satan mobilized the force of such love to destroy the world. Using this kind of love as bait, Satan is taking true freedom, true peace and true unity away from us.

We know about Satan, but there is also a God, the opposite of Satan. God is talking about love, but of an entirely different kind, one which has a beginning and end, with some background and tradition. From this standpoint, the satanic expression of love is truly His adversary.

The word "sin" refers to violation of the law of the love of God. God abhors sin, and the misuse of love is the crime God abhors the most. It is the principle that ultimately the law and love of God will prevail. Therefore, whoever indulges in unprincipled love can only perish.

In Italy the lustful and immoral city of Pompeii was destroyed by instant calamity.

Sodom and Gomorrah perished under the same law. The Roman Empire once prevailed in the world with unparalleled power, but it collapsed when it violated the will of God. America today is no exception, so it must not violate the law of the love of God or it too will be destroyed.

Mankind and the Ideal World
April 29, 1979

19:1 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening; and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them there, he :went to meet them, and bowed himself with his face to the earth,
2 and said, "My lords, turn aside, I pray you, to your servant house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise up early and go on your way." They said, "No; we will spend the night in the street."
3 But he tugged them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city. the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house.

Adam and Eve are the dwelling place of God -- a holy place, a temple. The human heart is meant to be the dwelling place of God's love. Thus Adam and Eve represent a walking and visible form of God on the earth. God is meant to dwell within them and through them to have dominion over all the creation.

This is the secret of the universe; no one in history has known this. If there had been no Fall. God would have fully loved Adam and Eve. They were the most holy temple and dwelling place for God's love. But Satan took away that most holy place. This was the worst disaster of history. That is why the misuse of love is a cardinal sin in the sight of God; thus such places as Sodom and Gomorrah, in which immorality was rampant, were destroyed by fire and brimstone.

God's Day
January 1, 1987

19:9 But they said, "Stand back" And they said, "This fellow came to sojourn, and he would play the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them." Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door 
10 But the men (the angels) put forth their hands and brought Lot into the house to them and shut the door.
11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the door of the house, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves groping for the door.

In the Bible verses I read at the beginning of this sermon (Gen, 19:18-29), the aching heart of God, who had to bring judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, is expressed.

When God was about to cast down judgment upon those cities, there was Lot, the nephew of the beloved Abraham.

God allowed Lot to escape from the judgment. He did not let Lot escape from the judgment because of Lot's personal merit. It was because God loved Abraham that He allowed Lot, who did not have much personal merit, to escape the judgment. It does not mean that the family of Lot understood the heart of God.

Although Lot and his two daughters escaped to the place God directed them to, Lot's wife did not understand the will of God. Because she turned back with more longing for the house and environment that she used to live in than she had concern about her determination toward the will of God, this became the condition for her to receive the wrath of God even as Sodom and Gomorrah did.

There is a path which human beings must walk. That is a path in which we must follow the will of the heavenly principles and be determined to face any kind of difficulty. This is the fateful path that all fallen people must walk.

Lot's wife died because she did not have the determination to step forward without regard for all the things that belonged to her. If she had believed in her husband, who obeyed the direction of Heaven, and had complied with his directions, then she world not have died.

In the course of providential history, God raised someone who could represent His heart so that if the people could not believe in God, they could at least believe in His words and make a determination. However, those who cannot even do that will not avoid the judgment.

Let Us Not Weaken Our Determination Toward Heaven
February 23, 1958

September 30, 2024

Sunday Service on September 29, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on September 29, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon

The sermon emphasizes the importance of a family paradigm over an individual paradigm, highlighting how relationships shape our identities and values. Key Insights:

  • Paradigm Shift: Shifting from an individualistic view to a family-centric perspective enriches our understanding of identity and purpose. This change fosters deeper connections beyond mere individuality.
  • Eternal Relationships: Unlike fleeting friendships, familial bonds are eternal and defined by divine intention, which provides a stable foundation for our lives and responsibilities.
  • Value in Lineage: Our identities are intertwined with our lineage, providing intrinsic value and meaning to our lives, as we inherit roles and responsibilities from our ancestors.
  • Relational Ontology: Understanding that existence is rooted in relationships helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of all beings and the significance of our interactions.
  • Marriage and Lineage: Marriage is not just a union of individuals, but a sacred merging of lineages, creating a new family identity with lasting implications.
  • Tapestry of Life: Recognizing ourselves as part of a larger tapestry of relationships encourages us to value our connections and understand our place in a divine order.
  • Embracing Growth: Family challenges are essential for personal growth and learning to love, emphasizing that relationships require effort, commitment, and understanding.


African Network And Peace Initiative




 

September 21, 2024

Weekly Update on Sep. 19, 2024

Join us at Lake Crabtree Park in Morrisville on Sunday, September 22 at Noon for an autumn picnic.  THERE IS NO SERVICE AT THE CHURCH.   We have reserved the White Oak Shelter, but bring an umbrella just in case. Won Gin Bowman will share a brief message titled What Does A Life of Faith Mean To You?  Mr. Asada is grilling hot dogs and hamburgers; please bring a side dish, beverage or dessert to share.  There are mountain biking trails at the park, volleyball courts and playgrounds.  

We are having Game Night on Saturday, September 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00.   TFC will provide light refreshments and you can bring your favorite board games.

We are currently in the first week of a 21-Day witnessing condition. Please share your efforts and results with HQ at this link.

Message from Cathy Kace, SR2 BFM representative: The most important takeaways from Glimpse of A Blessed Life (October 25 - 27, New Hill NC) is hearing from couples about what a Blessed Life is like and how it differs from a typical marraige.  They hear about the challenges and victories, which is more personal and relatable than a sermon.  They will also receive a Level 2 Certificate.  This workshop is especially important for single members who may be on the fence about the Blessing.  There will be anonymous question and answer sessions, and special guest speaker Reverend Edgerly, who will speak about the meaning and value of the Blessing.  It's completely different, with very thorough explanations of lineage, which is a difficult but important topic to understand.  

Workshop is open to BC's between 18 and 35.  Here is the link to register.  

Join Reverend Saunders online on Friday evening, September 13th, at 7:00 pm. We will hear Dr. Thomas and Dr. Grace Selover's third presentation on the abridged version of the CIG scriptures. This presentation will also include some new materials that came out of a special Witnessing Summit dubbed "The Manhattan Project 2024" and information on the 21-day witnessing campaign set to begin Monday, September 16th.  Join by Zoom at: http://us04web.zoom.us/j/9415791302

SR2 Education Programs to Introduce DP:
Create A Life You Love - Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Essence of Principles of Peace - 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.
Discovering the Principles of Peace - Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.
Living the Principles of Peace - Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

Here is the link to join.

President Dunkley is asking us to contribute to the Cheon Won Gung, the original holy Temple where our Heavenly Parent will reside.  Please donate online or you can leave your donation in the tithing basket at church.  Write CWG Fund on your check.

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, Sep. 16 at 7:00p.m. 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.  


September 15, 2024

Sunday Service on September 15, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on September 15, 2024

Sermon



The sermon reflects on shalom as flourishing, sharing personal stories of love, desperation, and the importance of returning to God amidst life’s challenges. Key Insights - Flourishing Beyond Peace: Shalom encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a state of thriving and well-being, pushing us to seek deeper connections and purpose. - Family Connections: Personal symbols, like the hat worn for a nephew, remind us of the importance of nurturing relationships and engaging with the innocence of children. - Vulnerability Strengthens Bonds: Sharing personal struggles can foster deeper connections within the community, allowing others to feel less isolated in their own challenges. - Commitment in Love: The wedding vows serve as a powerful reminder of the unconditional love and support we can offer to one another in our relationships. - Desperation Drives Change: Recognizing our own desperation can be the catalyst for seeking redemption and reconciliation with ourselves and God. - True Repentance: Understanding repentance as a return home to God emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our faith rather than merely feeling guilty for our actions. - Healing Through Community: Embracing our brokenness and sharing our stories can lead to healing, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that support is available.

Message from Rev. Demian Dunkley: 21-Day Activation


Sunday School: moral lesson from the Korean folktale "Tiger’s Whisker"
Only love can make a person more open to change NOT by magic potion.
  • Story Summary: A woman learns patience and kindness by taming a tiger to help her husband. 
  • Village Elder: The elder advises the woman to get a tiger's whisker for a potion, teaching her a valuable lesson. 
  • Patience & Kindness: The woman’s patience and kindness towards the tiger helped her gain its trust. 
  • Moral Lesson: The elder reveals that the same patience can be used to win her husband's heart.

September 12, 2024

Abraham And Sarah's Family - Morning Devotion in September 2024

Abraham And Sarah's Family

No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Genesis 17:5

The Idol-Maker's Son

12:1 Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.
2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse: and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves."

The eyes of the world could not understand the way of God. In this manner, with such implausible instructions, God could test the faith of the man he had chosen as His champion. This is what happened in Noah's day. And at the time of Abraham it was no different. God called Abraham, the son of an idol-maker, and commanded him, "Leave your home at once!" God does not allow for any compromise. God takes a position where evil can be totally denied. In no other way can good begin.

God has said He will start a new history, in which no element of evil will remain. God demands a complete response from man. Those who follow God's direction must begin from absolute denial of the evil world. That is why Jesus Christ taught: "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matt.10:39) He also said, "A man's foes will be those of his own household." (Matt. 10:36)

You may ask what kind of message is this? This is God's way, to choose His own people and put them in a position where they will be rejected by evil. Otherwise His champion can do no good for God. From the point of view of God's standard, then, modern Christians have been having a very easy time. This is very strange, because there is no easy way indicated in Christian teaching. I wonder how many Christians are really serious about following the path of God. God's demands are absolute. He allows no middle ground.

The Future of Christianity
October 28, 1973

12:4 So Abram went as the Lord had told him and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

5 And Abram took Sar'ai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions which they had gathered, and the persons that they had gotten in Haran and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, 
6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.
7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said. "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appealed to him.

God called Abraham and drove him the opposite way, toward tribulation. You have to understand that God ordered Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldeans and drove him into tribulations that his relatives, family and people dared not attempt.

We have to understand that Abraham transcended himself and deeply felt the existence of Heaven, which was guiding his tribe and descendants to the ideal world.

Abraham knew that ordinary daily life was not something of which the people could be proud, When God's command was given to him in this state of mind, he abandoned all that he owned.

It was not easy for him to do that. Abraham set out on a truly miserable journey toward the land of Harran, abandoning all that he had -- his family, which had given him great joy, and all his belongings.

However, even though he was a pitiful wanderer, his footsteps were full of confidence because he believed that a glorious and proud day would come, even if he could not be proud of his situation at that time.

Abraham was determined that no matter what kind of ordeals and difficulties he might face, he would overcome them hundreds and thousands of times. Because the heart of Abraham and the heart of God, who was desperately looking for a reciprocal object, came together in unity. God was able to proudly give Abraham His blessings, which included the garden of the absolute ideal for which God longed. This is how Abraham was put in the blessed position of being the ancestor of faith before Heaven. Let Us Understand God. 

Who Wanted to Be Proud
February 8, 1959

12:10 Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there for the famine was severe in the land.
11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sar'ai his wife, "I know that you are a woman beautiful to behold;
12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say. This is his wife; then they will kill me, but they will let you live.
13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared on your account...
14 When Abram entered Egypt the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
15 And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.

Since Noah was the second human ancestor, for Abraham to restore the position of Noah, he also had to assume Adam's position, For this reason, he was required to make a symbolic condition of restitution to restore the position of Adam's family before he could make the actual symbolic offering.

In this regard the Bible gives an account of a trip Abraham made to Egypt because of a famine. (Gen. 12:10-20) When they entered Egypt, Abraham instructed his wife Sarah to pose as his sister because he was afraid that the Pharaoh might desire her.

Abraham feared that the Pharaoh would have him killed if he found out that he was Sarah's husband. Indeed, at the Pharaoh's command, Abraham handed Sarah over to him while she posed as his sister. Thereupon, God chastised the Pharaoh, and Abraham took back his wife along with his nephew Lot and the abundant wealth which the Pharaoh had given him, and they left Egypt.

Without knowing it, Abraham walked this providential course to make a symbolic payment of restitution to restore the position of Adam's family. When the Archangel took Eve -- capturing under his dominion all of Eve's descendants and the natural world -- Adam and Eve were still brother and sister.

For Abraham to make the condition of restitution to restore this, he was deprived of Sarah, who was playing the role of his sister, by the Pharaoh, who represented Satan.

He then had to take her back from the Pharaoh as his wife, together with Lot as the representative of all humanity, and wealth symbolizing the natural world... Once he had fulfilled this resiitutional condition, Abraham was deemed ready to make the symbolic offering.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Part II, Chapter 1. Section 3.1

Living The Conviction

15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. "Fear not, Abram. I am your shield; your reward shall be very great."
2 But Abram said, "O Lord God, what wilt thou give me, for I continue childless; and the heir of my house is Elie'zer of Damascus?"
3 And Abram said, "Behold, thou hast given me no offspring; and a slave born in my house will be my heir."
4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, "This man shall not be your heir; your own son shall be your heir:
5 And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be."
6 And he believed the Lord; and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

When Abraham became a wanderer, he was in miserable shape, traveling aimlessly with his family in the wilderness. Yet under those circumstances God gave him this blessing: "Number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your descendants be."

Only a crazy person or a man of adventure could accept that blessing and uphold his faith. Abraham suffered much almost losing his wile and all his possessions and relatives to the Pharaoh in Egypt. However, he never, never gave up his faith in the blessings of God.

Nothing could change his conviction, and he fully lived that conviction, ultimately receiving his promised blessing from God. Anyone who just sits and waits for God to take care of everything will never encounter the blessing of God.

There are three types of religious people in this world. One type are the men of faith who are sitting idle. The second are the men of faith who feel that they should at least set some condition by doing something to help God. The third type are the men of faith who want to translate their conviction 100 percent into action by offering up their lives.

Which ones do you think God will side with? Do you just want to set some condition of restitution to jump over the mountain, or do you really want to pay the full amount and release yourself completely? If you say, "I want to pay the full amount," then your attitude becomes absolute; that is most bold.

The Road of Religion and the Will of God
April 24. 1977

15:7 And he said to him. "I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chalde'ans, to give yon this land to possess.
8 But he said, "O Lord God, how am Ito know that I shall possess it?"
9 He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a she-goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon...
10 And he brought him all these, cut them in two, and laid each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two.
11 And when birds of prey came down upon the carcasses. Abram drove them away.

History reveals that blood must always be shed before an offering can be made to God. Therefore, whatever was sacrificed was killed and cut in half, to ensure that one part representing goodness was separated from the bad so that God was free to claim it. You already know that in Abraham's offering a heifer was cut in half, a ram and a goat were cut in half and birds were to be cut in half. Treasures as well were laid on the altar.

In the ideal of creation no bloodshed should have been necessary, but because the Fall

introduced Satan's blood, the shedding of blood is necessary in order to restore the original position. This is why we see in the course of history that whenever an offering was given it was made by killing things.

By instructing man to shed the blood of animals God could begin to restore man without shedding man's blood. That offering served as a condition, but most important of all it was to separate the offering from satanic domination, the whole purpose of restoration.

If the animal that is shedding blood is not obedient and goes against its master, then the offering will not be valid. Many animals could protest, but some animals like the heifer and the lamb are very obedient and calm.

The lamb is the symbol of obedience and the dove is the symbol of peace, so those animals were selected. Who kills these animals for the offering? The chief priest is the one who kills these animals, and in order for that offering to become a valid and acceptable condition, they have to be completely obedient to the priest, never protesting.

The Day of All Thongs
June 6, 1978

Because Abraham did not cut the dove and pigeon in two as he should have, birds of prey came down and defiled the sacrifices... Let its first investigate the reason why Abraham was instructed to cut the sacrifices in half.

God's work of salvation aims to restore the sovereignty of goodness by first dividing good from evil and then destroying evil and uplifting the good. This is the reason Adam had to be divided into Cain and Abel this is the reason why in Noah's day, God struck down evil through the flood judgment and winnowed out Noah's family as the good.

God had Abraham cut the sacrifices in two before offering them, with the intention of doing the symbolic work of dividing good from evil, which was left unaccomplished by Adam and Noah...

Why was it a sin not to divide the offering? First, not dividing the offering has the significance of not dividing Abel from Cain. Without being divided, the offering could not be acceptable to God because it did not provide Him with an Abel-type object partner which He could take. Consequently, the mistakes Cam and Abel had made in their sacrifices were not restored.

Second, not dividing the offering was tantamount to repeating the failure of the providence in Noah's time, when good and evil remained undivided despite the flood.

Like the failure of Noah's family, Abraham's failure to divide the offering also deprived God of His good object partner. Thus, it repeated the mistake which made the dispensation of the flood a failure.

Third, not dividing the offering means there was no symbolic condition to separate a realm of God's good sovereignty out of the universe under Satan's dominion.

Fourth, because the blood of death was not drained out of it, not dividing the offering meant it could not be a sanctified offering acceptable to God.

In other words, when Abraham offered the birds without first dividing them, it meant that he offered what had not been wrested from Satan's possession. His mistake had the effect of acknowledging Satan's claim of possession over them.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Part II, Chapter 1, Section 3.1.2

15:12 As the sun was going down a deep sleep fell on Abram and lo, a dread and great darkness fat upon him.
13 Then the Lord said to Abram, "Know of a surety that your descendants will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and will be slaves there, and they will be oppressed for four hundred years...

Abraham's mistake in making the symbolic offering caused the offering to be defiled. All the conditions God intended to restore through it were lost. As a consequence, Abraham's descendants had to suffer oppression and slavery for 400 years in the land of Egypt. Let us investigate the reason for this.

God called upon Abraham and commanded him to make the symbolic offering at the completion of a 400-year period for the separation of Satan. This period had been set up to restore through restitution the ten generations from Adam to Noah and the 40-day period of the flood judgment, lost to Satan due to Ham's sin. It was also the period of restitution necessary to establish Abraham as the father of faith when he completed the symbolic offering.

When Abraham's mistake in the symbolic offering allowed Satan to claim the offering as his, that 400-year period was also lost to Satan. To re-create on the national level the situation before Abraham's failure in the symbolic offering, which was itself parallel to when Noah was called upon to build the ark, God set up another 400-year period for the separation of Satan.

During this period, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. By enduring through this period, the Israelites were to restore -- this time on the national level -- the mutations of Noah and Abraham at the outset of their missions as the fathers of faith, thereupon also laying the foundation for Moses to begin his mission.

Hence, this period of slavery was both the time when the Israelites were being punished for Abraham's mistake and the time when they were laying the foundation to cut off ties to Satan and commence God's new providence.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Part II, Chapter 1, Section 3.1.2

16:1 Now Sar'ai, Abrams wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar;
2 and Sar'ai said to Abram, "Behold now, the Lord has prevented me front bearing children; go in to my maid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her" And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sar'ai.
3 So, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, Sar'ai, Abram wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife.
4 And he went in to Hagar; and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress... And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ish'mael.

Abraham, representing mankind, tried to make a complete turnabout by making symbolic offerings. Yet because he did not cut the birds in two, the condition was not established. Then the course of Abraham's family was to pass through three stages --

from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. Finally, for the first time, a victorious historical turning point was made at the time of Jacob.

The Turning Point of History
December 1, 1975

If Abraham had not failed in the symbolic offering, Isaac and his half-brother Ishmael would have stood in the positions of Abel and Cain. They would have been responsible to fulfill the restitutional condition to remove the fallen nature which Cain and Abel did not accomplish. However, because Abraham failed in the offering, God set up Isaac in the position of Abraham, and Esau and Jacob in the positions originally intended for Ishmael and Isaac.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Part II, Chapter 1, Section 3.2

... Ishmael was the Cain type offspring of Abraham. Who got the real victory in those areas of the Middle East? Islam. Abraham had two wives. Because Sarah could not bear children, he took a second wife to have a son.

When Sarah was 100 years of age, Isaac was born, but the second wife had a child too. Those two wives were supposed to be united together as one family of Abraham but that was not done.

The crucifixion of Jesus followed the same pattern as Abraham's time. Because of his crucifixion, the right and lets have been divided, and vertically, upper and lower have been divided. All kinds of divisions occurred centering on the crucifixion.

The coming of the messiah is expected within Christianity, and Judaism united in that direction. At the same time, on the left side we see them united with Barabbas. This is the tragic and detrimental division. When the Second Coming of the messiah occurs, his first mission is to unite left and right.

The messiah is going to unite mind and body on the individual level. The Second Coming must be the one who overcomes the failure of the times of Jesus. If acceptance of the Second Coming of the messiah happened immediately after World War II, there would be no communism. However, that was not done. Instead, rejection of the messiah occurred.

So for over 40 years, Father has had to struggle to lay the new foundation from which he can restore the whole world. During this time, modern communism was born.

Therefore, this Cold War era was a time of struggle between right and left. The fight between the free world and the communist world became very severe.

If Abraham had not failed in his symbolic offering, Isaac and his half-brother, Ishmael, in place of Abel and Cain, should have set up the condition of indemnity to remove the fallen nature which had been left unaccomplished by Cain and Abel.

Because of Abraham's failure, God, by setting up Isaac in Abraham's position, and Esau and Jacob in place of Ishmael and Isaac, worked the providence to have them set up the condition of indemnity to remove the fallen nature. Therefore, Esau and Jacob, centering on Isaac, are in the position of Shem and Ham centering on Noah.

True Patents' Birthday
February 20, 1991

17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty, walk below me, and be blameless.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly..."
3 Then Abram fell on his face: and God said to him,
4 "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father a multitude of nations.
5 No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham: for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations..."

In the seventh century the religion of Islam emerged among the central people who received much blessing from God upon their return from Egypt. Muslims and Jews were brothers, but became adversaries. Muslims are expanding more rapidly than Christianity.

They have a strong conviction. They are not swaying back and forth. But Christians are swaying back and forth, compromising. Ishmael and Isaac were both sons of Abraham, but their descendants became adversaries and fought throughout history.

They fought centering on Jerusalem and Israel was lost. The lost Israel should be restored, but not by force.

That's why Rev. Moon, representing Christianity gave his hand to Minister Farrakhan; and also to President W'ahid of Indonesia. I want to see Wahid and Farrakhan become brothers. I helped them at the Million Family March.

White people opened their eyes in alarm, saying that I should not help them. But I said to those people, "You opposed me, so wait and see who is right. Everybody who follows me will be blessed by God. Close your eyes and pray. Don't open your mouth."

UTS 25th Graduation
June 21, 2001

If someone has something special, it is human nature to want to boast about it. But for a long time Abraham kept the great dispensational will promised to him in his heart.

He upheld that dispensation for the sake of fulfilling the will of God.

As the chosen root, no matter who touched him or vied to uproot him, he persisted in his way for the purpose of laying down a solid and unshakable foundation. Even when he was subjected to all kinds of persecution and ridicule, he lived a life of unseen ordeals in which he persevered and overcame.

Abraham's course of ordeals, which others did not know about, became even greater when Abram ("exalted father") was elevated from the individual level to Abraham ("father of many nations"), who was chosen to be the ancestor of faith.

We should reflect back on our own past and, making a one-to-one comparison between ourselves and Abraham, we should deeply repent. What is more, we must experience the situation in which Abraham found himself.

We can never forget that we should inherit the foundation of faith that Abraham established on the basis of his hardships.

The family of Abraham, the ancestor of faith, was promised a blessing. Through Isaac, Jacob and Moses, this was raised to the level of the people, and eventually expanded to the worldwide level. If there had been no loyalty and faith in Abraham that had penetrated deeply into Heaven, then there could not have emerged a relationship on the earth that could create a bond with Heaven.

Do you know what the secret was behind Abraham's rise to the position of the ancestor of faith? Because his heart of longing toward Heaven and love for the earth was so extraordinary, he could build a wide and solid ground for the relationship with the Father in Heaven and could become the ancestor of faith.

The Responsibility Of Those Who Have Become The Root
July 1, 1956

17:15 And God said to Abraham, "As for Sar'ai your wife. you shall not call her name Sar'ai, but Sarah shall be her name.
16 I will bless her and moreover I will give you a son by her; I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall come from her."
17:9 And God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your descendants after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised."

Because of the Fall, Adam's family lost the original blood lineage. That's why, in order to indemnify this lost blood lineage, the people of Israel practiced circumcision.

What is circumcision? It is the cutting of the tip of the manic sexual organ.

At the time of Noah, what kind of judgment was there? A flood, judgment by water.

So, instead of going through the circumcision, that time was the water judgment. It was like a baptism. That's why when John the Baptist came, instead of practicing circumcision, what did he practice? Baptism. It was not just a random happening; it was God's will.

Leaders' Meeting
December 22, 1994

In the Old Testament Age, which was the providential age to find hope, circumcision was the condition for chosen people. In the New Testament Age, baptism of water and fire (through the Holy Spirit) established faith before Gad. You should know that in the coming Completed Testament Age, you can enter into the loving relationship with God by receiving His seal of love.

Let Us Regain the Victorious Nation
January 4, 1959

Weekly Update on Sep. 12, 2024

Join us on Sunday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. for our weekly service.  Gene Huneycutt is sharing a message titled Prodigal.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.

Join us for Yoga Night With Hakwa on Saturday, September 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00.  TFC will provide light refreshments and we have extra yoga mats.

On Sunday, September 22, TFC will meet at Lake Crabtree county park, White Oak shelter at noon for a picnic.  TFC is cooking hamburgers and hot dogs.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Won Jin Bowman will share a brief message: What Does A Life Of Faith Mean To You? 

Message from Cathy Kace, SR2 BFM representative: The most important takeaways from Glimpse of A Blessed Life (October 25 - 27, New Hill NC) is hearing from couples about what a Blessed Life is like and how it differs from a typical marraige.  They hear about the challenges and victories, which is more personal and relatable than a sermon.  They will also receive a Level 2 Certificate.  This workshop is especially important for single members who may be on the fence about the Blessing.  There will be anonymous question and answer sessions, and special guest speaker Reverend Edgerly, who will speak about the meaning and value of the Blessing.  It's completely different, with very thorough explanations of lineage, which is a difficult but important topic to understand.  

Workshop is open to BC's between 18 and 35.  Here is the link to register.  

Join Reverend Saunders online on Friday evening, September 13th, at 7:00 pm. We will hear Dr. Thomas and Dr. Grace Selover's third presentation on the abridged version of the CIG scriptures. This presentation will also include some new materials that came out of a special Witnessing Summit dubbed "The Manhattan Project 2024" and information on the 21-day witnessing campaign set to begin Monday, September 16th.  Join by Zoom at: http://us04web.zoom.us/j/9415791302

SR2 Education Programs to Introduce DP:
Create A Life You Love - Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Essence of Principles of Peace - 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:00 p.m.
Discovering the Principles of Peace - Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.
Living the Principles of Peace - Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

Here is the link to join.

President Dunkley is asking us to contribute to the Cheon Won Gung, the original holy Temple where our Heavenly Parent will reside.  Please donate online or you can leave your donation in the tithing basket at church.  Write CWG Fund on your check.

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, Sep. 16 at 7:00p.m. 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.  


September 08, 2024

Sunday Service on September 8, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on September 8, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon

Key Insights
  • Celebration of Faith: The Riddick's anniversary underscores the importance of community in faith, reminding us how collective milestones strengthen our spiritual journey.
  • Moments of Timelessness: Personal experiences, like the childhood memory shared, illustrate how God reveals Himself in profound ways during seemingly ordinary moments.
  • God’s Forbearance: The concept of God’s patience reflects the divine understanding of humanity's struggles, encouraging us to embrace our journeys towards repentance.
  • Call to Awareness: The sermon highlights the urgency of recognizing our historical context in faith, particularly in light of significant events like the upcoming Cheon Il Sanctum opening.
  • Eternal Dreams: Emphasizing the importance of holding onto our original dreams, even amidst struggles, connects us to our purpose and God’s vision for humanity.
  • Unity in Diversity: The invitation to various Christian denominations to collaborate symbolizes hope for a united faith front, essential for global peace.
  • Significance of Upcoming Events: The anticipation of April 13, 2025, as a pivotal moment in faith history invites reflection on how we prepare for and participate in God’s unfolding plan.

Sunday School: Bible Study - Jonah Runs From God

Jonah's Disobedience: Jonah's disobedience to God negatively affected others around him. 

Consequences of Sin: Sin always has consequences, and God must punish sin, but He is also merciful.

Sailors' Response: The sailors showed compassion and prayed to God before throwing Jonah overboard, calming the sea. 

Positive Actions: Living an obedient life for God positively impacts others; say kind words and encourage others.

Sunday Service on September 1, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on September 1, 2024

Sermon

Jesus emphasizes the importance of making every effort to enter through the narrow door of salvation, highlighting belief and obedience.

Key Insights:

  • Faith and Obedience: Salvation requires more than mere acknowledgment; it demands genuine belief and action. Many fail to grasp this fundamental truth.
  • Navigating Life’s Journey: Just like a map needs updates, our spiritual understanding must evolve to guide us accurately in a changing world.
  • The Narrow Door: The narrow path symbolizes the difficulty in achieving true faith and the commitment needed to follow it.
  • Inclusivity of God’s Kingdom: God welcomes all who respond to His call, showing that past mistakes do not disqualify us from grace.
  • Urgency of Salvation: The closing of the door represents the urgency to embrace faith before it’s too late, as opportunities for salvation are finite.
  • Guidance in Faith: Just as climbers need experienced guides, we require spiritual leaders to navigate our faith journey effectively.
  • True Connection with God: The relationship with God is about unity and belief, which leads to a transformative experience in our lives.