Our mission statement is:
“To guide America back to God through the teachings and Marriage Blessing of True Parents.”
We are a local branch in Durham, NC of FFWPU (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification).
We have Sunday service at 11:00am.
Please join us on Sunday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m. for our weekly worship service. Reverend Alan Saunders is giving the message. Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch. Feel free to join Anne Nilson at noon for a 7-minute prayer in the Cheon Shim Won (prayer room). Sunday school: Bible study - Solomon built temple
President Demian Dunkley is traveling to 10 cities to speak about Second Rebirth Experience and Spiritual Cleansing and Awakening. He will be in Capitol Family Church from March 8 - 10 and he will also speak in Atlanta.
Samuel Mundula is leading Yoga Night at the church on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. Bring a yoga mat if you have one.
TFC is having movie night on Saturday, March 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We will be watching WONKA. Popcorn, snacks and beverages will be served.
Pray for NC pastors and youth leaders who are attending the SR2 Pastor's Retreat in Puerto Rico on March 1 and 2: Reverend Alan Saunders, Bob Huneycutt, Pastor Watanabe, Syun Hasabe and Ben Pongo.
Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.
Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is March 4. 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.
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger: When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her:" John 8:3-7
You know the story in the Bible where Jesus spoke to the people who almost stoned the woman who had committed adultery. Do you know on whose side God stood? God stood on the side of the sinful woman. Jesus felt toward her as he would feel toward his own sister or his own aunt. To Jesus, all women were related to him as sisters, mothers, or aunts. This spirit, this ideology was what God wanted Jesus to bring to this world so that everyone could live in the center. God did not intend to have Jesus be a pastor or religious leader who only spoke in glowing terms from a big pulpit. The true religious leader is crying out to the multitudes of people who are miserably defeated in this world.
Men Are Destined to Go the Road of Restoration
March 14, 1965
Jesus and the Adulterous Woman
This story took place near the temple in
Jerusalem, where Jesus had been preaching (John 8:2).
·John 8: 3 – 11 tells the story of a woman in
despair.
·She is about to be killed in a brutal and
violent way for her sin of adultery.
·The men who brought the woman before Jesus were going
to kill her, but they also were trying to test Jesus.
·At first, Jesus did not seem to be paying
attention to all the furor. He was drawing figures in the sand or dirt.
·Finally, he spoke. He said simply, “Let him
who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
·It made the men pause and think.
·After a few minutes, they all went away,
stricken in their consciences.
·John 10: 9-11 says, “They went away, one by one,
beginning with the eldest, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing
before him. Jesus looked up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has
no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’
And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.’”
·Like the story of the Good Samaritan, this is a
story of compassion for someone who was, as Father put it in the speech we just
read, “miserably defeated in this world.”
·Jesus says it to us today: “Let the one who has
no sin be the first to throw a stone.”
·As Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God.”
·We all need compassion.
·As we extend mercy and forgiveness so we shall
be shown mercy and forgiveness. (Matthew 6:14 – 15)
”For if
you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive
you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses.”
In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave then to the innkeeper: 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Luke 10:30-37
Which people are most likely to go to heaven -- those who are at the top of human society, such as the rulers and people in power, or those at the bottom, who are at the lowest rung of society? Which group is more likely to go to heaven, the first or the second? Do you like the bottom of society? You have to go through the bottom of hell in order to reach heaven.
Living in the Highest Historical Age
April 9, 1989
Evil is self-centeredness. The person who makes himself the center of everything is an evil person. What is good? A good person exists solely for the sake of others. A good man is always trying to give of himself to make others happy, trying to bring benefit to them.
I want you to know that there is a universal law and principle created by God that declares that anyone who builds his life on absolute love and the absolute ideal of service to others will have the rest of creation respond to him as his object. This is a universal law that no one can bend. It is true simply because God is such a person. God exists in that ideology and it is God's own way of life. God controls this world through the philosophy of giving himself for the sake of others.
Our Family in Light of the Dispensation, Part II
March 6, 1977
Jesus went beyond the limited concept of law when he lived love; he went beyond the concept of race because he wanted to belong to the world. He also went beyond his own religion, transcending the detailed tenets of Jewish law because he was faithful to broader principles. He loved not only the Jews but also even the enemies of his people, as well as the rest of the world. Jesus could even embrace the people who crucified him.
If Jesus lived in today's America, would he advocate segregation of white and black people? White people may feel most comfortable with their own kind because they can digest that situation, but God would warn them that as long as they had to follow their Christian ideals by failing to accommodate black people and bring unity, then white people themselves risk their own survival.
The Way of Prosperity and Defeat
March 11, 1979
Our homeland is the earth as God originally intended it to be -- a place where parents, siblings, and children who did not commit the Fall would live together. This was to be a place where black people, yellow people, and white people could live together in harmony. Who is the parent of all these different races? There is only one parent. The God who is with us wherever we go in the universe is the Father of humankind. Thus, it would be a mistake for anyone to think that white people, black people, or yellow people are the masters of America. God is the master of America.
Differences in skin color are nothing more than the result of our ancestors having had to adapt to different climates and environments in different parts of the globe. In areas with large amounts of snowfall, we find mainly white people living. In places such as Africa where the rays of the sun are particularly bright, we find mainly black people. Fundamentally, though, people are the same. The color of our blood is the same. Our flesh and bones look the same. We all have the capacity to love. Thus, there should be no discrimination based on race.
The Cosmos Is Our Hometown and Our Fatherland
February 2, 2000
Jesus said, "Love your enemies" -- but Jesus also said, "Love your neighbor." Who is a Christian's nearest neighbor? Certainly, it is another Christian. But are they doing it? Do Catholics love Mormons? Do Jehovah's Witnesses love Methodists? It doesn't matter who calls us heretics, whoever practices this principle of loving one's enemy is closer to God and is the true orthodox Christian. That is my belief. Love can unite. If Christians practice true love, then Christians can unite among themselves, and Christians can unite all the religions of the world.
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on February 25, 2024
Musical Offering
Sermon - The existence of evil and its role in destroying goodness
The sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between good and evil, and finding the good within ourselves and others.
Key Insights
The sermon highlights the two errors people can make regarding the existence of devils: disbelieving in their existence or having an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. This emphasizes the importance of a balanced understanding of evil.
Evil is portrayed as being incredibly subtle and often easier to see in others than in oneself. The sermon encourages seeking help from others to discern where evil exists and where the good can be found within one's own story.
The sermon suggests that evil's ultimate goal is to get individuals to believe that their natural desires and gifts are bad, leading them to reject the good within themselves. Recognizing the goodness in our fallen nature is crucial for a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of discernment and the need to continually evaluate what is truly good and what is truly evil. It encourages individuals to strive towards seeing themselves and others as God sees them, with compassion and grace.
The personal story shared in the sermon highlights the importance of finding the good even in the midst of embarrassing or low moments. It showcases how the goodness of others can help individuals overcome their own struggles and find relief from shame and self-contempt.
The sermon acknowledges that discerning between good and evil can be challenging, as evil often twists its way into goodness. It warns against colluding with evil by solely focusing on the good or entirely dismissing its presence.
The sermon invites parents and spouses to look beyond the negative aspects of their children and partners and find the good within them. It emphasizes that seeing and acknowledging this goodness is essential for building stronger relationships and understanding the true nature of individuals.
TFC will have a non-traditional service on Sunday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m. We'll start with some icebreakers to find out more about each other. Lunch is served at 11:30. TFC is providing the main dish and you can bring a side dish or dessert. Gene Huneycutt will give a brief message and Benjy and Hitoe will perform a song. This is a family-friendly service. Please invite our young families.
Please join Carol Anne Nilson every Sunday at noon, after Sunday service, for a 7-minute prayer in the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room)
Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.
Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is March 4. 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.
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father: 'Father give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living
When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him...'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'
Luke 15:11-32
God wants to have his day of victory, and once he has it, he will never release it. God has suffered so much that on that one day his joy will be endless; on that day God will become crazy! Then he can forget all his past suffering. Think of being loved by that crazy God in that precious moment. Lovers today try to show their love by hugging and kissing, but that cannot be compared to God's elation when he has his one day of victory. When his own children achieve that goal and bring comfort and liberation to God, he will be crazy in joy and the world will be crazy in joy.
Jesus' parable of the prodigal son demonstrates this. There was a son who wanted to take his inheritance and leave home. He went far away and squandered everything he had and became so destitute that he had to feed pigs to survive. Finally with a repentant heart he decided to return home. His father had compassion and ran to embrace him. His elder brother, however, condemned him and complained at their father's generosity, but the father's joy at his son's return had no limit. If even a prodigal son was welcomed that much by his father, how much more will God welcome you, not as a prodigal son but as a loyal, faithful son who has given his life for the restoration of God's kingdom? When on the day of homecoming you walk to God's throne, how much more will God welcome you? My only desire is to see God feeling that joyful.
God's Day
January 1, 1978
Who could receive the love of God, who had been patient for 4,000 years to give his infinite love? There was no one but Jesus. Jesus knew this, and he could be grateful for the love of God even when he felt lonely.
Then where was there a person of character who understood that God had been sad for 4,000 years and that he had been patiently fighting Satan during that time? Again, it was Jesus alone. Thus, Jesus, who had to walk the path of heaven's principles on behalf of God's patience, carrying the hope of God, who wished that he could lead humans the right way, was sunk in grief.
Therefore, you should also feel God's loyal heart as Jesus did. Thus, you should realize that you should not remain in the position of the prodigal son, but come to represent the full value of God's principles as the ideals of creation. We should take after Jesus, who felt the love, patience, and loyalty of God. He understood that he was found through God's 4,000 years of toil and patience and that he was the hope of God. We should inherit his love, loyalty, and patience.
Jesus' True Heart for God
August 4, 1957
[Among you] there should never be racial discrimination. White people find that it is hard to throw away their old habit of discriminating against blacks, even after the Blessing. But if you do not correct that quickly enough, you will surely go to hell in spirit world. You will perish. That sense of belittling another and feeling superior to them is like a cancerous growth within your spirit. We see in the Bible the story of the prodigal son. He comes back and repents and receives all the blessings of the father. So his position becomes even better than the elder brother. That elder brother was saying, "My younger brother was a bad person but I was good. Why did you give all the blessing to him?"
The Responsibility of Authority of the Unification Family
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'there it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
Luke 17:20-21
Where is God within us? God lies within the mind of the mind. How deep is that mind of the mind? Where is heaven? Wherever God is, there is the kingdom of heaven. If God is in the mind of mind, then we know what Jesus meant when he said that the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. More clearly, we can say that the kingdom lies within the mind of the mind, or the center of the mind.
Let Us Set the Record
October 12, 1980
Are you able to see or touch your conscience? Are you able to touch and see God? We cannot touch or see Him, so where is He? Up in the air some place? The earth itself is rotating, so heaven up here may become heaven down below tomorrow in terms of space. If we look at the planet earth from far way, people at the bottom are standing upside down. For Chinese people, heaven is America because they are standing in China. In reality, heaven describes the state of holiness, the highest and most glorious place. Where is heaven then? Where does God dwell? In the conscience.
God is the root of love, life, lineage, and conscience. Therefore, I come to the conclusion that God dwells in the innermost depth of your conscience. If you pray really seriously and reach a state of real spirituality you will be able to communicate with God directly. In this state when you say, "God, where are you?" Heavenly Father will respond from the center of your being, "I am here. Why do you call me?"
Find Your True Self
November 23, 1994
Your conscience was born from your vertical [heavenly] parents, your body from your horizontal [earthly] parents. Therefore, your conscience is the closest mind to heaven within yourself. When your vertical and horizontal self unite, then you create a perfect man.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for l am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
The Mustard Seed
He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
Matthew 13:31-32
If Judaism had united with Jesus, world Christianity would not have come into being. Instead, a Jesus-centered nation of Israel would have begun. It would have grown in stature, influencing the Cain-type nation of the Roman Empire. It would not have been a Christian country, but would have been Jesus' own country. It would have formed the kingdom of Jesus, rather than forming the religion known as Christianity. If that had happened, the country would have inherited the kingship and would have inherited the world. It would have grown and expanded to the point where today it would be one nation encompassing the world. Other countries would have inherited perfectly the tradition of that kingdom of Jesus. It would have become like a big tree with many different branches. Jesus' country would have been the trunk and each nation of the world would have been another branch, connecting to one trunk and one root. The leaves of that tree would have been individual men and women.
That huge, gigantic tree would have been one nation of God. The flowers and blossoms that bloomed would have been of one root, one tree. Even if you took the smallest leaf, it would contain all the elements of the huge trunk. The root, trunk, each branch, and every little leaf would all contain the same elements. It would have been full of the spirit of the kingdom. The spirit of the root, spirit of the trunk -- everything would have been contained within this tiny leaf, which means each individual.
The 38th Anniversary of the Unification Church May 1st, 1992
If the Jews had become one with Jesus, they could have overcome the great Roman Empire within 40 years. Jesus could have become literally the King of kings and could have ruled the world with truth and love. With this great hope and great providence, Jesus came. But he could not disclose his innermost intention to his countrymen. Jesus had come with the purpose of uniting the spiritual and physical worlds, and establishing the kingdom of heaven both spiritually and physically.
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he should go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law and that he should be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never; Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter "Get behind me, Satan! Thou are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Matthew 16:21-23
God instructed Jesus to alter his mission. Peter's reaction to this news was to reply, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." Do you know what Jesus said to him? He said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men." In general, Christians, including theologians and ministers, interpreted this thusly: "Look, even Peter was scolded by God. Why? Because Peter was in a position to oppose the crucifixion, which was the will of God." This is their interpretation: the crucifixion was a predestined course of Jesus. But people do not know that this was after God informed Jesus of his altered mission toward the crucifixion. This is why Jesus now pursued this altered course and Simon Peter did not know the true heart of God.
Christmas in Heart
December 25, 1973
God gave two kinds of prophecies concerning the accomplishment of his will through Jesus. One foretold that Jesus would die due to the disbelief of the people. (Isaiah 53) Another foretold that the people would believe in and honor Jesus as the Messiah and help him to accomplish God's will in glory. (Isaiah 9)
Why did Jesus chastise Peter so harshly? In truth, when Jesus spoke these words, the disbelief of the chosen people had already frustrated Jesus efforts to complete the providence of salvation both physically and spiritually. By that time, Jesus had resolutely determined to accept the fate of the cross (Luke 9:31) as a condition of indemnity to open the way for the spiritual salvation of humankind. Peter's dissuasion could have hindered Jesus from paving the way for spiritual salvation through the cross. For this reason, Jesus rebuked him.
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on February 18, 2024
Musical Offering
Sermon - Gratitude changes our perspective and invites heavenly fortune.
Gratitude changes our perspective and invites heavenly fortune. The video script discusses the importance of gratitude in our lives, drawing inspiration from a Japanese folk tale and teachings from Buddha. It emphasizes the power of gratitude to transform our mindset and bring blessings.
Key Insights
Gratitude is an essential aspect of faith and can transform how we perceive the world. It is important to cultivate a grateful heart for all aspects of our lives, even in challenging situations.
The practice of gratitude can rewire our brains and bring positive changes to our overall well-being. It has the power to turn ordinary moments into blessings and joy.
The story of the "Straw Millionaire" teaches us the importance of faith, gratitude, and generosity. By staying committed to these values, we can attract heavenly fortune and abundance into our lives.
The concept of "arigato" in Japanese, meaning "thank you," reminds us of the miraculous nature of being born as a human being. It is a reminder to appreciate the preciousness of life and the world around us.
True Parents' birthday and anniversary of foundation day are significant events that call for gratitude and appreciation. The second generation can be thankful for their existence and the sacrifices made by True Parents for humankind.
Keeping a grateful heart towards True Parents and showing generosity and kindness to others can bring heavenly fortune and blessings into our lives. By living with gratitude, we can experience a fulfilling and abundant life.
Good morning, everyone. I got a request to give a sermon last Monday. I didn't have much time to prepare. I decided to talk about a moral lesson from a Japanese folk tale called Straw Millionaire (わらしべ長者), which I had planned for Sunday school.
The moral lesson is that gratitude changes how we see the world and brings us heavenly fortune.
First, I want to share True Parents’ Words and a Bible verse on gratitude.
The reality of both the second generation and the first generation deeply concerns me as I see a lack of the most basic element of faith -- a heart of gratitude toward everything. Just as is mentioned in the Bible and the Divine Principle, a common person of faith first offers gratitude to Heaven. However, we have unconsciously strayed into a self-centered life of faith. (2013.07.05, Hawaii)
We must always start each day with a grateful heart. We are gradually aging. All people are very interested in health, but the most important thing about health is always living with a positive, happy, grateful heart. When we open our eyes in the morning, we should smile and shout out, "Today I am beginning a happy day!" It is said that if we do that, all diseases fall away, and endorphins are produced. Therefore, we become healthier and more efficient in our work. (2006.03.22, Japan, Tokyo)
If you can throw away your greed, envy, and jealousy, and live in gratitude, then every day would be the kingdom of heaven. (2016.07.07, Cheon Jeong Gung)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Some of the main points of the words are these.
A grateful heart for everything is the essential part of faith.
If we are grateful for our lives, then every day would be a kingdom of heaven.
It is God's will that we are thankful in every situation.
Straw Millionaire (わらしべ長者) is a Japanese folk tale about a poor young man who was grateful for little things and became wealthy.
The story goes as follows.
The poor young man asked Buddha for help to get out of poverty. Buddha said he should go west with the first thing he picks up from the ground. He tripped as he left the temple and took a piece of straw. As he traveled, he helped people and his item changed from a piece of straw to oranges, silks, horse, and finally rice fields and house.
Let us watch a short video of the story. I hope the young audience will enjoy it.
What led the young poor man to his wealth? What lessons can we learn from this story? I have 3 ideas in mind.
Faith in Buddha
Gratitude
Generous and helpful to others
The first thing he picked up from the ground was a piece of straw. We think it is small, insignificant and of no value.
However, he kept faith in Buddha, who told him that the first thing would bring fortune.
He might have grumbled about how a piece of straw would help him and quit. But he stayed loyal to the word from Buddha and proceeded with a piece of straw and thankfulness.
According to Oxford Languages, Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
We can easily feel gratitude when things go our way, or our desires are met.
It is hard to feel gratitude in all situations, especially unfavorable ones.
Is it possible to be thankful even when things are not going well or when we don't get what we want?
Someone says, "Gratitude is a strong human emotion and can change how we see the world."
One proverb says, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
The Mindfulness Awareness Research Center of UCLA states that gratitude changes neural structures in the brain. It is possible to rewire our brains to feel gratitude in all situations.
One secret to feel gratitude in all situations can be found in the word “Arigato”.
As you know, “Arigato” is thank you in Japanese.
Arigato originated from Arigatai, which means a miraculous occurrence.
Buddha teaches that being born as a human being is a miracle. I would like to share a story Budda told to his disciple to explain how being born as a human being is a miracle.
The story is called “Blind Turtle and Floating Tree”.
It goes as follows.
There is a blind turtle at the bottom of a great ocean. Once every hundred years the turtle rises to the surface to catch its breath.
There is a tree that floats in the ocean, and it has a hole in its center. Would this turtle, which rises to the surface once in a hundred years, ever stick its head through the hole in the floating tree? Budda’s disciple answered, "This is very unlikely and unimaginable”. Buddha said, "Everyone would think that it is impossible. But it is not impossible at all. Being born as a human being is even harder than this example. So being born as a human being is very valuable and a miracle.
Our planet earth is also a miracle.
Do you know what “Habitable Zone” means? It is a term in astronomy.
The habitable zone (also known as the “Goldilocks zone”) is the region around a star where conditions are suitable for liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface.
Of the 1,780 confirmed planets beyond our solar system, as many as 16 are in their star’s habitable zone, where conditions are neither too hot nor too cold to support life. Size also matters: A planet that’s too small can’t maintain an atmosphere; one that’s too large will have a crushing atmosphere.
The earth was placed in the Habitable Zone.
Life would not have emerged if earth was a little nearer to the sun or farther from the sun.
Life would not have emerged if earth was a little larger or smaller.
The story “Straw Millionaire” also shows how being generous and helpful to others is important to bring us heavenly fortune.
The story makes me think of a term Ichigo ichie. The meaning is once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
It's off the subject, but the subtitle of the movie “Forrest Gump” in Japan is Ichigo ichie.
The origin of "ichigo ichie" is a Japanese tea ceremony. It means that in a tea ceremony, the host and the guest should be aware that the event is a unique encounter that will never happen again. Both parties are encouraged to be sincere to each other, value the moment and opportunity, and offer the best service.
We are commemorating True Parents’ Birthday and the anniversary of “Foundation Day”. Encounter with True Parents is the first-time event in human history and will never happen again. This is a time for us to appreciate True Parents and each other blessed by True Parents.
First generation members experienced life-changing moments with True Parents. It is easier for them to be thankful to True Parents. I understand that some second generation members do not understand who True Parents are. That is OK. Even first generation members are still discovering who True Parents truly are.
There is one thing that the second generation can be thankful to True Parents for.
What is it? Second generation, you would not be born without True Parents. True Parents are like the ancestors of the second generation and following generations.
If we keep gratitude to True Parents and be generous and helpful to others, heavenly fortune will surely come to us.
Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Asada is teaching how gratitude changes our perspective and invites heavenly fortune. Feel free to join a weekly prayer condition at noon in the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room) with Carol Anne Nilson. Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.
This Friday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m., is movie night. The movie is The Tuskegee Airmen. This is a family friendly event. Popcorn, snacks and beverages will be served.
TFC will celebrate True Parent's birthday on Sunday, February 18 with a banner, offering table and celebratory cake. Please join the official celebration online on Thursday, February 15. Don't forget to show gratitude by making the offering of a donation online.
Registration for Hyojeung CheonBo Great Works commemorating True Parent's birthday is open. Register at this link.
We have a special, family-friendly Sunday service on February 25 called FAMILY ROOM MEET-UP. We will meet at our usual time, 11:00 a.m. and start with a few icebreakers. Lunch will be around 11:30. TFC will provide the main dish; please bring a side dish or dessert. Gene Huneycutt will give a brief message. Benjy and Hitoe will offer a musical performance.
The Nilsons are hosting a second gen couple from Connecticut who would like to share a successful business idea with other members, especially young people. They will speak at church, after lunch on Sunday, February 18.
Please join the 40 day special devotion period for the triumphant entrance into the Cheon Il Sanctuary and Cheonwon Gong, and True Parent's Birthday, from January 7 - February 15. Pray for: 1. Safety of True Parents and True Family 2. Victorious entrance into Cheon Won Gung and Cheon Il Sanctum 3. Successfully witness to new people, especially young people, and real church growth. 4. For the unification of North and South Korea and a heavenly unified Korea. 5. To overcome all crises affecting our world and realize a heavenly unified world.
Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.
Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is February 19. Here is the link to join the meeting.
Please join us for Morning Devotion from Monday to Friday at 6:00 a.m. Here is the link.
We will join Dr. Achille and Capitol Family Church on the weekend. Here is the link. Passcode: 2027
Please feel free at any time to use the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room) at TFC to pray or meditate.
"I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
About eight days after Jesus said this he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor; talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure,
which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:27-31
In Luke 9:30 there is a description of the Mount of Transfiguration: "Behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem." In other words, this is the occasion in which God sent Moses and Elijah as messengers, informing Jesus about his crucifixion at Jerusalem. The crucifixion was decided upon at that particular moment.
Christmas in Heart
December 25, 1973
In difficult circumstances of persecution, to return the nation and religion to God, Jesus prayed on the mountaintop and fought against Satan throughout his three years of public life. Yet he saw no fruit. Consequently, he finally went up to the Mount of Transfiguration with the heart to awaken the ignorant people, even if he had to undertake his death. After realizing that no human effort would bring about the result, he came forward with an ardent heart to save the people, who had the ties of history and the age and who were linked to the heart of God. He was determined, even if he had to die as a sacrifice and shed his blood.
The place he visited with such a heart was not a great palace. It was neither the house of a disciple, who received him, nor the house of the people of the state, nor the house of a leader of the Jewish religion. It was a mountain, the Mount of Transfiguration...
When Jesus went to the Mount of Transfiguration, he discarded all previous resolutions and set out to give his body to the nation, determined to face death. If someone can imagine the figure and heart of Jesus as he climbed the mountain then, if someone can experience that sorrow as his own and behold Jesus with such a heart, he will be able to experience the sorrow of Jesus toward heaven, the nation, and his religion...
Since that figure and situation were full of pathos, God sent Elijah and Moses to discuss Jesus' death in Jerusalem with him. Jesus knew that heaven and his disciples would be stricken with grief upon his death. Worried about the people and their descendants, he grieved for the sake of the past, the present, and the future. Wanting to save the Jewish people even through his death, Jesus appeared before God with a prayerful heart similar to that of Elijah's when he cried out, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." (l Kings 19:14) Jesus' heart was truly mournful...
After he was notified of his coming death in Jerusalem, Jesus prepared for the day of death. He felt the day of death coming closer and closer, and the situation becoming increasingly chaotic. Seeing that one of his beloved disciples would betray him, Jesus seriously felt the need to conclude all his affairs on earth before going to the cross. Knowing that he had the responsibility as the Savior to follow the path to death, Jesus worried that even after his death the sorrows of the past, present, and future would not disappear, but would remain. His mind and body were immersed in such feelings.
The Sorrowful Heart Of Jesus As He Went To The Mountain
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Matthew 16:19
In Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 Jesus says, "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." When he left this earth, he gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to Peter, who was on earth. Because the kingdom of heaven was lost on earth, it must be found on earth.
One God, One World Religion
February 11, 1972
In Matthew 16:19 Jesus teaches that even though this world is now completely decadent, these problems have to be solved in this realm. God has to restore his family, nation, and world here in this physical world to begin with. Where did God lose his family, his tribe, his nation, and his world? Up in heaven? No. Right here on this earth! Disease erupted right here in the physical world. So it has to be cured here. We have to untie the knot here in this physical world.
True Parents' Birthday
February 13, 1997
What happened after Jesus' crucifixion? God's dispensation was divided, with one side a physical dispensation and the other a spiritual dispensation. Jesus fulfilled the position of the True Parent of mankind spiritually. His body was killed, so he was in a position to be the Bridegroom spiritually. The Holy Spirit is in the Bride's position, but it never had a physical form as Jesus once did.
The Bible teaches that the kingdom will come first on earth and then be opened in heaven: "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Matthew 16:13-20
We should attain the love of God, to say nothing of the love of the Holy Spirit and Jesus. If we express the nature of the Trinity from this perspective, then we can say that the Holy Father is love, the Holy Son is life, and the Holy Spirit is truth.
So, to the question of Jesus, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matt. 16:16) This answer of Peter's refers to the true and existing quality of the nature of Jesus. In other words, it means that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of the living God, and that he is the one existing human being who perfected the mind and body. Similarly, looking at the fact that Peter testified to Jesus as the Son of the living God, we can observe that Peter understood the internal heart of Jesus, and that he was able to stand on the level that can be linked to the one principle.
Then, what should we, who are seeking the truth, do now? More than anything, we should possess the key of truth that can fit inside the heart of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father. If you do not possess this key, then you cannot perfect your physical self. Moreover, you cannot create a bond with the Holy Spirit, the divine spirit of truth...
Beloved Father, please allow this to be a time when the words of the Lord can be heard through the ears of our hearts and minds. Please allow us to understand that the words Jesus spoke were relevant, not only for his time but also for us at present; they are words that transcend history.
Please allow us to fathom the anguishing heart of Jesus toward Peter. Allow us to fathom as Peter understood the thoughts of Jesus and gave such a reply that he could inherit the whole will of heaven.
Beloved Father, we earnestly wish and desire that you will allow the words given to us today to make a deep connection with us. Just as Peter testified, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," allow us to look upon the Lord and rejoice and to testify to the Lord. As the people who can become harmonized with the eternal words of the Father, please guide us always to reflect upon ourselves while we are on the path until the moment when we can appear spotless before the Father, the Holy Spirit, and all created things... Amen.
We Are the Ones Who Should Possess the Keys to Open the Kingdom of Heaven
March 17, 1957
Jesus never won the chosen people of Israel, and he never gained the support he needed from them. He came to erect the kingdom of God on earth, but instead he had to caution his disciples even to keep his identity a secret because people did not accept his legitimacy as the Messiah.
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they, replied Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
John 11:32-36
The Son of God, Jesus Christ, abandoned the crown and lowered himself to the bottom of the misery of humanity. The Bible explains very little about Jesus' life, but he was the one who wept the most; he poured out tears. Jesus came with the mind of a parent and the heart of the True Parent. He examined everything from the viewpoint of a parent.
Men Are Destined to Go the Road of Restoration
March 14, 1965
God's true love means one of two things: either that he only loves himself and is working for his own glory, or that he forgets himself completely and only works for the well-being of the entire creation. Which is true love? Visualize God going after this fallen world. Is he coming with joy, laughing every day and calling: "Here is true love. All my fallen children, please come"? Or is he grieving, going after fallen man with tears? Why is the true God the one who is seeking his children with tears?
Then in what circumstances does God want to meet his loved ones? God will meet his loved ones in a tearful place, in a tearful way If you are absolutely sorrowful and are shaking with sobs then you are not only shedding tears, but water is coming from your nose and mouth as well. Have you ever cried in that fashion? If you have never experienced such tears, you have not yet tasted true love.
Crossroads of Life and Death
December 17, 1978
Acts 1:4 And being assembled together with them (the disciples), He (Jesus) commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from me, for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days from now.
Acts 1:9 Now when he had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you up into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.
Psalms 109:8 Let another take his office.
Acts 1:21 Therefore of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning with the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us, of His resurrection.
Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on February 11, 2024
Musical Offering
Sermon - Will There Be Blues Music In Heaven?
The sermon discusses the intersection of music and the principle of creation. It explores the idea of whether there will be blues music in heaven and delves into the concept of God's dual characteristics. The speaker also shares personal experiences and insights on the direct Dominion of God and the purpose of creation.
Key Insights
The speaker highlights the connection between blues and gospel music, both originating from the work songs of slaves and expressing their suffering and faith.
The speaker discusses the importance of honoring and praying for one's spouse during their transition to the eternal world, as exemplified by True Mother's devotion to True Father.
The speaker emphasizes the significance of the direct Dominion of God, describing it as an intimate and unbreakable relationship that prevents one from falling.
The speaker shares their personal journey of giving up worldly desires to follow God, and how He restored and utilized their talents for His glory.
The speaker recognizes the need for balance in leadership and the revolutionary message of God's dual characteristics, calling for a shift towards female leadership.
The speaker reflects on the purpose of creation, highlighting the joy and blessings that come from living a life of faith and striving towards building God's kingdom.
The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Divine Principle and the importance of having a relationship with God before receiving the more challenging truths.
Sunday school: Bible study - Solomon's Wise Judgement
Solomon's wisdom: Solomon was known for his wisdom and people came to him for advice.
Dispute resolution: Solomon used his wisdom to resolve a dispute between two women claiming the same baby.
True mother: Solomon determined the true mother by her willingness to spare her son's life.
Respect for Solomon: Solomon's wise judgement earned him respect from the people of Israel.
Wisdom from God: The wisdom that God gave Solomon is available to anyone who asks.
Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. Bob Huneycutt is giving a message titled: Will There Be Blues Music In Heaven. Mr. Asada is sharing a Sunday school lesson about the wisdom of Solomon. Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.
The final Cheon Shim Won Wednesday evening prayer will be Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. After that, we will move the CSW prayer to Sundays after service.
TFC will celebrate True Parent's birthday on Sunday, February 18 with a banner, offering table and celebratory cake. Please join the official celebration online on Thursday, February 15. Don't forget to show gratitude by making the offering of a donation online.
Registration for Hyojeung CheonBo Great Works commemorating True Parent's birthday is open. Register at this link.
The Nilsons are hosting a second gen couple from Connecticut who would like to share a successful business idea with other members, especially young people. They will speak at church, after lunch on Sunday, February 18.
Please join the 40 day special devotion period for the triumphant entrance into the Cheon Il Sanctuary and Cheonwon Gong, and True Parent's Birthday, from January 7 - February 15. Pray for: 1. Safety of True Parents and True Family 2. Victorious entrance into Cheon Won Gung and Cheon Il Sanctum 3. Successfully witness to new people, especially young people, and real church growth. 4. For the unification of North and South Korea and a heavenly unified Korea. 5. To overcome all crises affecting our world and realize a heavenly unified world.
Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.
Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is February 19. 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.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35
We know well that Jesus visited high mountains whenever he was laced with serious matters...
Jesus went to the Israelites and the synagogues with the victorious pattern established in his 40-day wilderness course, yet they did not welcome him. Instead of welcoming him, they persecuted him wherever he went. He met with opposition and ridicule. Having to go the wilderness course after being rejected the first time [by John the Baptist] was already enough to provoke hard feelings and anger. When Jesus saw the Jewish religion and the Israelite nation opposing him, having returned to them with a victory over Satan, his heart was consumed with inexpressible pain and sorrow. We need to think about the position and situation of Jesus. In difficult circumstances of persecution, to return the nation and religion to God, Jesus prayed on the mountaintops and fought against Satan throughout his three years of public life.
Jesus' heart was such that rather than feeling sorrow for his lonely position, he regretted that the result of God's efforts for humanity during the 4,000 years was so meager, and he felt sorry to express his heart to heaven. To Jesus, consumed with such a heart, it was out of the question to express resentment toward the nation, the synagogues, or fallen humanity. We should know that Jesus did not have the leisure to bear a grudge against anyone.
Father, we know well that the great religious figures of history had relationships with mountains, sharing their situations with mountains and determining the standards of life and death and victory and defeat on mountains. We have learned that Jesus, as the representative of humankind, visited the top of a mountain and there pleaded with God from the depths of his heart.
As we have realized the historical connections with mountains, please allow many sons and daughters of God to appear on the mountain tops of this peninsula. Guide them to be proud people who can return the glory of victory to you and indemnify the historical grounds of resentment over what took place on the mountains.
To be such people, we know that besides our individual selves, our families, our societies, our religions, nations, and world must all go to the mountaintop. Please guide us to resemble the heart of Jesus, walking up and down the mountains for the sake of heaven and earth, and to follow in his footsteps. Allow us to become the children who can fight with fidelity until the day we set up a victorious altar on the mountaintop and sing "Hosanna" Let us fight without exhaustion or retreat.
Father, we know that if we have such a determination, you will help us. Lead us to go through any complications with single-mindedness. We pray all this in the name of the Lord. Amen.
The Sorrowful Heart of Jesus as He Went to the Mountain
January 25, 1959
How pitiful a person was Jesus? His mind could not help but lament when he looked at the people, and there was nothing for his heart to do but weep aloud when he looked at the religious bodies. Humankind could not understand the situation of Jesus, who carried the responsibility of heaven's providence and destiny. There was no one who understood his heart as he wandered in the mountains alone at night.
Prayer
October 18, 1959
Seeking God Early Mark 1:35; Psalm 5:3; Hosea 6:3, 143:8
There are many scriptures in the bible pointing to the idea of going before God early in the morning.
Some signify that it is the beginning of a new season.
Some suggest we should go to God before the worries of the day manifest.
Some suggest that the morning is the most creative time of the day.
Psalm 30:6 Weeping may linger for the night, but Joy comes in the morning.
What is the significance of mountain top prayers?
The mountain signifies drawing closer to God.
Rising above the hills of the earth but remaining humbly beneath the heavens.
Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, Yet He regards the lowly…
Gen 22 1:18 Abraham went to the Mountains to offer a sacrifice to God. The ram in the bush.
Exodus 3: Moses went to Mount Sinai, where he had an encounter with God:
“the bush burned but it was not consumed.”
The mountain top symbolizes a clearer view of the world around us with fewer distractions.
Matt 4:8 The devil in his temptation efforts, took Jesus to the mountains to avoid distractions.
Most people do not have access to mountain regions.
Praying is not limited to mountains.
Today Scripture says:
Psalm 121:1-4
I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from which comes my help.
My help comes from the Lord. Which made heaven and earth…
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
1.This action demonstrated Power and authority.
Here Jesus performs a very public impressive and over the top act.
Not even his disciple could see this coming.
Jesus had already healed people publicly.
This act was different because it was not only seen but experienced by many.
It is very different to say that: you heard that He did something.
He did this for me!
Here 5,000 men experienced what he did.
2.This action demonstrated Empathy, Compassion, and Generosity.
We can see that following Jesus requires that we should see people where they are and address their immediate needs. Even when they may have gotten themselves in that predicament.
It would have been easy to take the side of the disciples and tell them to go away and get your own food.
Jesus took advantage of the moment and showed Empathy, Compassion and Generosity.
3.This action highlights Motivations.
Was Jesus trying to be their King or control their sustenance (Food), causing dependance.
Were the people following Jesus his righteous message or just to see miracles…?
-Do we follow Jesus for the Fire insurance?
-Do we follow Jesus for the Health insurance?
-Do we follow Jesus for the free bread?
4.This action highlights Faith.
Is your Faith limited to how much money you currently have? Phillip (8 months wages)
Is your Faith limited to the available resources. Andrew (this boy’s lunch is not enough)
Is your Faith in God or resources?
Gen 18:14 Is anything too hard for God?
Jer 32:27 I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Luke 1:27 For nothing will be impossible with God.
Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, mighty is his power, his understanding is unlimited.
Jesus... withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote plate, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.
Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish." they answered.
"Bring them here to me," he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:13-21
In front of his God, Jesus could forget himself without any pretense or excuse. He was willing to do anything for the sake of the Father's will. We should become sons and daughters who inherit the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus gave us the words of the gospels during the 30-odd years of his life. When he met starving people as he was going around with his disciples, he fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes. He gave everything he could. He introduced faith, life, and love. He introduced all that humanity could demand.
Have you ever received the words of Jesus as his substantial body? Have you ever felt through the words of Jesus that he is the embodiment of God's eternal faith? Have you ever felt through the words of Jesus that he is the embodiment of eternal life? Have you ever felt through the words of Jesus that he is the embodiment of eternal love? If you cannot feel this even after you have heard Jesus' words, then Jesus' heart will be torn.
Oh Father; We Welcome You!
March 9, 1959
The countless people who were following Jesus believed he was the Messiah and the Savior of the people when he showed them the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Yet when Jesus was killed, all the people abandoned him and went away. If the people who were following Jesus had understood the internal heart of Jesus toward heaven, if they had understood that he possessed a deeply penetrating heart toward God and that he came to take responsibility for the whole history of the dispensation, they would have realized his situation and followed him. Furthermore, following them, the whole nation of Israel also would have followed Jesus.
Let Us Climb Over the Hill of Historical Misfortune
January 19, 1958
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
We believe with our eyes and our experiences.
Jesus wants us to “live by faith and not by sight.”
1.God is in control.
God will often test our faith.
How far are we mentally and spiritually prepared to go?
Nothing catches God by surprise.
He already knows what he is going to do.
2.God is about Multiplication.
When what you have in your hand is not enough; give it to God!
A little bit in our hand, is more than enough in God’s hands.
3.Multiplication often requires Trust.
If he gives what he has to these people, what would he eat?
This young boy had to put trust in Jesus when giving all he had.
The disciples trusted that they would not be embarrassed in front of all these people.
4.Multiplication often requires Sacrifice.
Sacrifice is often celebrated in Scripture!
The Boy gave all that he had for the purposes of God that day. He personally went from a position of comfort to discomfort, not knowing the outcome.
Sacrifice drives our comfort.
5.Multiplication is a result of God’s work, not our work.
Although the boy supplied the meal and the disciples disperse the meal they were only participants in the performance of God’s miracle.
God wants us to trust in the same way when it comes to our possessions.
God rewards those who sacrifice for kingdom purpose.
John’s mission was to come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord.
Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the LORD”
John understood that God had given him a following for one reason – to point them to Jesus.
1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
John demonstrates the greatest example of humility, especially in times of Success.
John didn’t allow his following to go to his head, he remained humble.
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Lessons we can learn from John the Baptist.
1.Speak out for Justice and truth.
a.John’s unapologetic decision to speak out for what he believed and for the laws of God eventually cost him his life.
b.It is because of his unwavering integrity that we can stand up and speak out against injustice.
Last week the question was asked: Why was John in Prison?
2.John’s primary mission was to steer people away from sin.
“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”.
The Hebrew word for Repent means to “turn away” from sin.
The Greek word for Repent means to: “change one’s mind”.
