Universal Life church

Hello and welcome,

My name is Reverend Jeanette,

I am filled with joy to see that you have come to hear and be filled with the infallible word of God. As we are leaky vessels & need to be refilled & refueled with the word on a regular basis. B I B L E, when broken down,this word means, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Every question can be answered in this good book. This, the guide that God has left us to live our lives by.

If you stay in the word and apply it to your daily life, then you're living right, the way God has planned for us to live.

Everyone please stand and lets us pray to welcome God into this place of worship.

I want to show,those who do not know,the power of prayer. Let us pray.

Oh Father God,we all have gathered in your presence to praise you & to receive your word, we welcome your presence, we ask for you to come into this place of worship, we've opened our hearts & minds to you. We thank you for your grace & foregiveness you offer us.

Everyone where you stand,welcome our Lord & Savior into this place of worship, you can do this however you like. Because if he's nor here,lets all go home. Amen?

Praise Jesus !!!

This is a place that we can know that the Lord Jesus is present right now!!! It is written in the book of Matthew 18:20, where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I with them.

Of course this is only one of the many reasons to gather & meet up with other Christians, it is benificial to be with like-minded people. You've heard that there is safety in numbers?,Well there is power & strength in our agreement & unity together in prayer in the Lord's presence.

It is very powerful & blessed.

Do you believe I'm preaching the truth?

Praise Jesus !!!

When you feel the Holy Spirit's presence upon you,it's so wonderful & powerful, you've never been humbled in the way you will at that time. It is so precious & wonderful.

Thank you Jesus !!!!

At this time I would like to offer an altar call, please everyone stand up, bow your heads, close your eyes & open your hearts.

If there be any one hear that doesn't know Jesus as their Lord & Savior,please raise your hand & then put it back down again. God loves an honest heart. There is no shame, it doesn't matter who you are or what you've done or been in your life.

God loves you & is not mad at you.

God will forgive you. You only need to confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. This is done through prayer.

John 14:6,Says Jesus told them "I am the way,the truth and the life,no one can come to the Father except through me."

There is no shame, he forgives all.

It is written in the book of Matthew 8:38, that anyone who is ashamed of me & my words in this adulterous & sinful generation,the son of man,Jesus will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the Holy Angels.

For those who raised their hands ,I want to pray with you so you may receive your Lord & Savior into your heart & inherit your promise of eternal life.

Your time has come !!!! The time is now !!!!! Time is running out !!!! Time is so short !!!!!

Life is but a blink of an eye to God. If you were to leave this world today,do you know where you would spend eternity?

Do you know Jesus? Is he in your heart? Are you saved? Are you sure?

Those who will come to the altar to kneel & pray for their salvation,please come.

Everyone please repeat after me while we all pray for forgiveness of our sins.

Oh dear Lord Jesus,I know that I am a sinner and fall short of your glory,I need & ask for you to forgive me. I confess that you died on the cross for me & rose again so that I could be forgiven & receive eternal life. I turn from sin & turn my face towards you. I invite you into my heart & my life to be my Lord & Savior. Please have all of me as yours to do your will now & forever. Amen PRAISE JESUS !!!!!!! HALLELUJAH !!!!!!

Thank you Jesus for the gift of forgiveness & salvation.

Everyone may be seated,if you can,stand if you'd like.

When we pray we allow the Holy Spirit to come into us to guide us into truth & wisdom.

I'll say it again,the power of prayer is so powerful,there is no other feeling like the feeling of the Holy Spirit filling our being,filling our heart with humbleness & overflowing love.

There is no replacement for,nor alternate route or way,other than through prayer for establishing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Be careful what you ask for in prayer. If you ask for the Lord to teach you patience,he will give you trials & lessons to help teach you patience.

Pray in all you do,but pray selectively.

In my past I had thought that If I attended church every now and then or for long stretches of time,not at all,as long as I prayed,you know ,at dinner,special holiday gatherings,every now & then,usually when I needed something.Or when there would be a major upheaval in my life.

I honestly thought this was adequate.

I've since realized that this is not the case.

God's most important commandment is found in the book of Mark 12:29, It is written "Love the Lord your God with all your heart,soul,mind & strenth.

I believe this would involve communication with our Lord through prayer & praise.

Praising him in all he has done & all that he is going to do in our lives.Note that I said "all he has done". You may not agree to this,but you should.

There are unforeseen lessons in all that was,is & will be the Lord's will.

Sometimes the Lord tests us ,I believe there can not be a testimony with out a test.

I believe that sometimes things happen in life that we do not understand because the Lord is trying to get our attention,one way or another he will get our attention.He has gotten my attention more than once through life experiences,be them good or bad.The Lord has brought me to prayer more than once. Think about it for a minute,when were you last brought to prayer,to a personal conversation with God through Jesus Christ? Was it due to a circumstance?

Lets read 1 Peter 1:6-9,It is written "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead,even though you have many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being as fire tests and purifies gold,though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.So when your faith remains strong through many trials,it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

So as you can see trials sharpen our faith.

Through prayer and our special relationship with God we can realize his will & plan for us.

The closer the relationship,the more we realize.

We should all realize that we are all meant to be more Jesus like in all that we think,say & do.

Think W.W.J.D. What Would Jesus Do?

Would he approve of this or that? It applies to everything !!!! Jesus prayed a lot !!!!

Lets look at the passage in the book of John 8:12, It is written"I am the the light of the world.

If you follow me,you will not walk in darkness,because you will have the light that leads to life. Amen !!!!

Did you know that amen means so be it?

How awesome is that?

Another way that the Lord says to honor him is through first fruits & tithe.

This at times seems to be a touchy subject.

It should not be !!!!!

Lets look at Proverbs 3:9-10, It is written"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Also lets look at Malachi 3:8-10, It is written"Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me."But you ask what do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?

You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse,for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the store house so there will be enough food in my temple.If you do "says the Lord of heaven's armies,I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you wont have enough room to take it in !Try it,put me to the test.

You see here,the Lord will bless you,but you must first bless,give & you shall receive.

Would you admit to robbing God? Of course not.

I have given when that had already been allocated to go else where,I gave freely & happily.

PRAISE JESUS !!!!!!!!

It was returned to me multiplied in several ways,probably in some ways that I have not even realized yet.

If you have not experienced this for yourself,try it,believe it,see it in your heart & then bless & be blessed.

The Lord only has asked for 10%,give more gladly,freely and cheerfully claim your blessing,you can even name what you would ask it to be.

God loves a cheerful tither.

We will now pass around the tithe collection dish. Thank you Lord !

We will now pray over the tithes given, Dear Father God,we thank you for cheerful,gracious tithers,we are tithing in faith,and you said we would be blessed. Thank you Lord..

We pray that these tithes will meet all the needs of this ministry according to your will.

Amen.

We all need to remember as saved children of God,we are anew,the old is gone.

Lets look at 2 Corinthians 5:17- 6:2,It is written "Therefor if any one is in Christ he is a new creation,the old has gone and the new has come.All this is from God,who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

We are therefor Christ's ambassadors,as though God were making his appeal through us,we implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says

"In the time of my favor I heard you and in the day of salvation I will help you.

I tell now is the time of God's favor,now is the day of salvation.

PRAISE JESUS !!!!!

As this scripture states,we are ambassadors of God and should live as though.

In closing I would like to stress that it is up to us to help those in need.Be it in their spiritual salvation,being saved, or in any other type of need.

We as ambassadors of Christ are to offer any and all that is needed.

Please remember as long as you walk,speak,think and act out of love, you are becoming more Jesus like all the time. PRAISE JESUS !!!!!!!!

As the scripture reads in Matthew 9:37-38, Then he said to his disciples"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

I believe this refers to the harvest of souls for God.

As you go through your week please be reminded of the fact that we are ambassadors for Jesus and the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Offer those you know and meet that they too through prayer can have salvation.

Should any one have any prayer requests,please see me after the service and our prayer warriors and I will pray with you.

Let us close in prayer

Father God we thank you for your grace,your forgiveness & our salvation.

We thank you & praise you for all you've done,all you're doing & all you're going to do in our lives.

Amen

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Four Gospels

Dissertation About Matthew

Points of Inquire for the Chapters of the Review in Sequence

1. The Genealogy with various skips in the names

In most Applications of the Original Translation of the Holy Scriptures I’ve seen a constant form of posting of the Genealogy of the Master. Its funny in a way that the “Church” has not placed a long-term study of the facts in the gaps which those whom read and study the Word have seen as they review the Order of Sequence. I see the same “location” difficulties with this book’s list. According to Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology this was common in the Old Writings that only important and known Characters where included in sequenced listings as this; however one must “see” the concern that gaps are there and not addressed.

2. Appears / Says – Old Greek versus Middle Greek

My Greek is as bad as my Russian and I speak, read nor write either fine languages; however the term Appears or the root word appear as posted is

of the “peparein” definition and must be considered such in the base of its relationship to the word Says. Whereas the base word of Appear from Strong’s Dictionary states that the word could be “phaaneroo” (render apparent) or “phaneros” (visible) in this location of the Scriptures. I agree with the concept as written in the Book is sound but wished to point these few items out which made me pause in my reading.

3. Skies – Multi-Cosmos or Outer Space

As I consider the option let us look at the three base words and examine the aspects of their relationships in the Word of God as it pertains to the quote from the scriptures in the book.

Sky ME < ON, a cloud, akin to OE sceo, a cloud, OHG scuwo, shadow < IE base *(s) keu-, a cloud, OHG scuwo, shadow < IE base *(s) keu-, to cover, hide > HIDE1, L cutis, skin, Greek skytos, leather a) [often pl.] the upper atmosphere, esp. with reference to its appearance b) the expanse of the heavens that forms an apparent arch over the earth; firmament c) heaven, or the celestial regions; climate or weather.

Cosmos ME < Greek kosmos, universe, harmony a) the universe considered as a harmonious and orderly system b) [Rare] harmony; order c) any complete and orderly system. Universe L universum, the universe < neut. of universus, all together < unus, ONE + versus, pp. of vertere, to turn: see VERSE a) the totality of all the things that exist; creation; the cosmos b) the world, or earth, as the scene of human activity. As I understand the translation from Old or Middle Greek the writer is attempting to expand upon the concept of the Infinite Agape expanse of the Lord’s Realm. I believe that Sky is a sound option however; after examining the various tenses and verbs of the basis of the quote from Ur-Mark I feel that the Phrase – Multi-Cosmos is sounder in usage. 4. Isaiah – the quote The only problem or concern I felt in the Fourth Trans-quote was the reference to Isaiah and its applications. 5. Luck is not a good word to use in the forming of the basis of God’s Kingdom on Earth and the preaching of the Master to all people. I do not use the Greek translation of luck in the above posted examination for a specific reason; it is not pertinent to the flow of the Words of the Master Christ, Jesus and the truth of his Universal Message.

6. Prayer

I like the KJV of the Lord’s Prayer – it’s just my way and the one in the book is very nice.

7. 1st Parables – interesting

The only problem or concern I felt in the Seventh Trans-quote was the reference to Isaiah and its applications.

8. Isaiah Quotes again

The only problem or concern I felt in the Eighth Trans-quote was the reference to Isaiah and its applications.

9. Errors are not Factual Sins

As it is stated in Theological Hermeneutics one must seek the following in this discourse and debate towards the factual truth of the Lord our God:

• There is ONE Interpretation but MANY Applications.

• No Text without Context only Pretext.

• Factual Hermeneutics leads towards the Science and Interpretation of all Theological Text.

• Faith through the Holy Scriptures breeds factual truth.

• All Scripture texts relates to Context and Content.

• Common Sense is the Basis of Scripture Texts if taken in the Context that the Lord our God has meant us to understand and acknowledge.

• Historical and Literary precepts are important parts of Context.

Factual Sin of any being in this Multi-Cosmos which is of the Lord’s realm; that course for which all beings are trapped (we are born in SIN and will die in SIN – the SIN we inherited) by our Temporal Mortal Ways. “The character of a life without the aspect of God that which is given; unto all soul beings due to our cloud of doubt between the Lord and us.”

Functional Sin of beings in this Multi-Cosmos which is of the Lord thy God glorious realm; that course for which all beings are empowered by (the SIN we face everyday which we can say NO to – SIN we can defeat) Free Will to conquer. Understand Sin is Sin , however we are aided by Christ, Jesus to overcome the Factual Sin of ourselves. Once you understand the difference of the two forms of Sin, you can stop defeating the assistance of your God in your daily life of struggles against your own ignorance.

Thus the idea that error is the exchange noun for the foundation word / phrase of Sin does not have a firm basis in the fundamental directness of the Word of God. I like the idea of pushing the envelope of truth however; one must consider the inverted sight of those attempting to understand.

10. Sent out the future Apostles

I’ll reread this passage several times before I feel I'll see the inner core of the application of God’s Word; it’s factually true but functionally in error. I am not sure why (please forgive an Old Cavalry Man whom had one too many bumpy rides).

11. John the Baptist

I like the form and style of these passages and how they opened the Word of God to all whom had the pleasure to read (including myself). I feel that the form meant this when John began final preparations for his mission; he was probably in his thirty-second year. He withdrew into the harsh, rocky desert beyond the Jordan to fast and pray, as was the ancient custom of holy men.

It is said that he kept himself alive by eating locusts and wild honey and wore a rough garment of camel's hair, tied with a leathern girdle. When he came back to start preaching in the villages of Judea, he was haggard and uncouth, but his eyes burned with zeal and his voice carried deep conviction. The Jews were accustomed to preachers and prophets, who gave no thought to outward appearances, and they accepted John at once; the times were troubled, and the people yearned for reassurance and comfort.

So transcendent was the power emanating from the holy man that after hearing him many believed he was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. John quickly put them right, saying he had come only to prepare the way, and that he was not worthy to unloose the Master's sandals. Although his preaching and baptizing continued for some months during the Savior’s own ministry, John always made plain that he was merely the Forerunner.

His humility remained incorruptible even when his fame spread to Jerusalem and members of the higher priesthood came to make inquiries and to hear him. "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,"-this was John's oft-repeated theme. For the evils of the times his remedy was individual purification. "Every tree," he said, "that is not bringing forth good fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire." The reformation of each person's life must be complete—the wheat must be separated from the chaff and the chaff burned "with unquenchable fire."

This is what I got out of the passages and it's a nice view to have of the Word when you are hungry for the truth. The simple form of the Book on this issue gave me pause again. Oh, if we could always be of this path to the Lord.

12. Sabbath / Demon

I consider the application of your definition for Sabbath is too open and at the same time just right; which makes me either very crazy or just a old man trying to grasp the Word of God as he presents it.

The Sabbath as per the definition is: ME sabat < OFr & OE, both < L sabbatum < Greek - sabbaton < Hebrew - shabat < shavat, to rest the seventh day of the week (Saturday), set aside for rest and worship and observed as such by Jews (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and some Christian denominations; Sunday as the usual Christian day of rest and worship; a day or time set aside for rest or worship. I feel that you are correct in your movement towards this point however; if you changed the basis of Heaven why not the Sabbath?

The stories of the battles against the Demons are those of which I was raised however; I’m missing something I just can’t touch.

13. 2nd Parables

Most of all the applications you used in this discourse I liked.

14. Beheaded John the First

Sad but true in application, pain and wonder – will we ever understand the scope of our humanity when we allow our Inner Child to rule?

15. Sadducees not the Pharisees

Most if not all Pharisees felt just like Christ, Jesus and supported his views openly; however the Theological Scholars of the Old World have made sure that this information and supported facts are left out of all text dealing with the Lord and the Theological Movement he belonged to. I have read, studied and researched these issues for over twenty years and so far have found very little to support the thesis of Pharisees biting the hand that feed them.

The Sadducees on the other hand were a Political / Religious Organization which maintained control through the Military Arm of the Roman Empire. The grouping of one with the other is normal for those in that period whom fought daily battles with these fellowships while writing the Gospels. If I understand most of what this Book is trying to convey – the meaning has never changed but the view has.

16. Peter the Rock

It read well but for some reason some parts left me wondering how this application and translation was developed. I cannot place my finger on it but liked the tone quality of it nonetheless. You see the application from Hilary of Potiers "Blessed Simon, who after his confession of the mystery was set to be the foundation-stone of the Church, and received the keys to the kingdom of heaven." (On the Trinity, 20, NPNF2, 9:105)

Then again via Augustine "[In] the Catholic Church, there are many other things which most justly keep me in her bosom. The consent of peoples and nations keeps me in the Church; so does her authority, inaugurated by miracles, nourished by hope, enlarged by love, established by age. The succession of priests keeps me, beginning from the very seat of the Apostle Peter, to whom the Lord, after His resurrection, gave it in charge to feed His sheep, down to the present episcopate. And so, lastly, does the name itself of Catholic , which, not without reason, amid so many heresies, the Church has thus retained; so that, though all heretics wish to be called Catholics, yet when a stranger asks where the Catholic Church meets, no heretic will venture to point to his own chapel or house.

Such then in number and importance are the precious ties belonging to the Christian name, which keep a believer in the Catholic Church, as it is right they should.... With you, where there is none of these things to attract or keep me.... No one shall move me from the faith, which binds my mind with ties so many and so strong to the Christian religion.... For my part, I should not believe the gospel except as moved by the authority of the Catholic Church." (Against the Epistle of Manichaeus [Contra Epistolam Manichaei Quam Vacant Fundamenti.)

17. Transfigurations / Students

The fact their Teacher Transmuted into a higher life form was not the interest of the Chapter, which made me pause. The use of the Word Student for the Disciples was of most intriguing to me. We must always consider the factor of One in the positioning of the reason for the Word of God. This application not withstanding we must compare the two meanings to see the similarities and the differences as used by the author.

Disciple is the noun {5ME < OFr desciple & OE discipul, both < L discipulus, learner, in LL (Ec), a disciple of Jesus < *discipere, to comprehend < dis-, apart + capere, to hold (see HAVE): influenced by discere, to learn6 a pupil or follower of any teacher or school of religion, learning, art, etc.; an early follower of Jesus, esp. one of the Apostles; [D-] a member of the Disciples of Christ} used to expand the virtue of the followers of the Master (thus maximizing the teaching of Jesus). Now let us look at the term Student that via the footnote shows no detailed definition for the word or term Apostle used in relation to the Instructor – one must consider as to why? The word usage of student in this vein is functionally correct but leaves much to doubt as to its real meaning. 18. 3rd Parables I liked it for the most part and enjoyed its quality of uncomplicated truth for which we all must search. 19. Marriage? We must consider that the Lord would never break the Law nor even consider it an option however; for some reason the Gospel Writer’s in their wisdom required him to break multiple Laws, Edits and Concepts of the Pentateuch – for a Rabbi not to marry and bring forth the rights of the Law unto his family is beyond my understanding. I am just a lost lonely sinner seeking the truth of the Lord as is read and reported by those whom we must trust. May God have mercy on my soul for my questions of faith. 20. Lord in the Field A true story of that the Lord spoke to us whom would hear and for us who would not. I like the presentation of the flow of the story as it brings the message of open Logic of the Lord’s Inner Way. 21. Pre-Jerusalem – Authority The story of the journey to the end and the approach of the use of God’s Power to maintain the pulse of the Multi-Cosmos throughout the passages did much to keep my attention to the main point. God has sovereignty over all whom seek his Will and keeps his Word before he is asked (including his Son). Let us look at how the Word interlinks in the passage from this point and throughout the Book. Jesus, himself the second person of the Godhead, often appealed to scripture as the authoritative word of God (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 7:27; 20:17; 22:37; John 2:17). “With God all things are possible” (Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37). Power and authority are usually associated together. Since God is all-powerful, he also has all authority. Thus, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, both Satan and Jesus appealed to the written word as having all the authority of God himself (Matthew 4:4, 6, 7, 10; Luke 4:4, 8, 10, 12). Since all authority in heaven and on Earth is now given to Christ, he has the right to command (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to hear him in whatever he says (Matthew 17:5; Acts 3:22). In both Old and New Testaments, everyone is required to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:29-30; Luke 10:27), and to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27). From New Testament days until now, everyone should believe that Jesus is God’s son (John 3:18), treat others as they would themselves want to be treated (Matthew 7:12), forgive others for wrongs done against them (Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4) 22. Metaphors The term metaphor {as used in this series of passages show that a metaphor Fr m=taphore < L metaphora < Greek < metapherein, to carry over < meta, over (see META-) + pherein, to BEAR a figure of speech containing an implied comparison, in which a word or phrase ordinarily and primarily used of one thing is applied to another. Allegory 7al$! gCr#c8 pl. -[ries 5ME allegorie < L allegoria < Greek - allcgoria, description of one thing under the image of another < allos, other (see ELSE) + agoreuein, to speak in assembly < agora, AGORA6 a) a story in which people, things, and happenings have a hidden or symbolic meaning: allegories are used for teaching or explaining ideas, moral principles b) the presenting of ideas by means of such stories c) any symbol or emblem} which developed this diatribe from a chaotic reach to a patient craft of loving hope for all whom read it. I liked most of the flow of this Chapter and how it grew the truth of the Lord. 23. Money and Caesar It was as it was and was told as it was – well done. 24. Sadducees not the Pharisees See point 15 and my Second Book once it is published in the near future. 25. Ten Maidens Good but less than I had hoped. 26. Passover The story of the last known supper of the Lord is one of intrigue and mystery, which leads to the next series of events in the Passion. The style of the passages and the application of its changes lead me to study more on the form of Passover committed at the time of the gathering. As it is written the Passover is probably the best known of the Jewish holidays, mostly because it ties in with Christian history (the Last Supper was apparently a Passover seder), and because a lot of its observances have been interpreted by Christians as Messianic and a factual sign of the Lord. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavu’ot and the Sukkot). Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel, but little attention is paid to this aspect of the holiday. The primary observances of Passover are related to the Exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. This story is told in Exodus, Ch. 1-15. Many of the Passover observances are instituted in Chs. 12-15. The name "Passover" refers to the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesach (that "ch" is pronounced as in the Scottish "loch"), which is based on the Hebrew root meaning, "pass over". The holiday is also referred to as Chag he-Aviv (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzoth (the Festival of Matzahs), and Zeman Herutenu (the Time of Our Freedom) (again, all with those Scottish "ch"s). Probably the most significant observance related to Passover involves the removal of chametz (leaven; sounds like "hum it's" with that Scottish ch) from our homes. This commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing the "puffiness" (arrogance, pride) from our souls. The Lord and his “friends” at their meal did this and much, much more for the beings on this sad little planet. God’s Will in the supper and how the passages played out in the book gave me the feel of truth. Let us hope we all remember that time in our lives when the truth touched us. 27. Trial / Pilate / Cross / Resurrection The Passion of the Lord and the War within – the telling was good and very sad at the same time. I liked it but still have that feeling when I read it in the back of my heart – it hurts. 28. Return / Mission The story has come full circle and now the payoff for all the beings in the Multi-Cosmos; The Great Commission. This is the challenging command of Christ which closes each of the synoptic gospels is often called "the great commission." It reads, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:19, 20). Many reasons exist for this commission to be modified with the adjective "great." Perhaps a study of some of them will be edifying, and when appreciation for the commission of Jesus is deepened a higher level of involvement may result. Another reason for the commission being ascribed as great is because of its contrast with the limited commission during the earthly ministry of Christ to the Jews only. When Jesus sent out the twelve he said, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 10:5, 6). Whereas this charge to the twelve (Matt. 10:5) and to the seventy (Lk. 10:1) was limited in its scope, the great commission was "into all the world," "to the whole creation" or "to every creature," and to all the nations. Finally, the commission is great because of the great things that accompany it. Luke recorded that "great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33b). A great sense of wonder, awe, and fear possessed the Christians (Acts 5:5, 11). Luke presents the great commission being associated with "great joy" from the first of his gospel account (Lk. 2:10) to the last of it (Lk. 24:52) and right on through to the task of carrying out the great commission as the church spreads (Acts 8:8, 15:3). Not only is "great joy" a feature of the commission of Christ but "great consolation" or comfort and encouragement is, too (Philem. 7). "Exceeding great and precious promises" come out of the commission (II Pet. 1:4). The great commission should be of paramount interest to everyone because of the "great gain" and "great reward" it promises (Matt. 5:12; Lk. 6:23, 35; I Tim. 6:6; and Heb. 10:35). In summary, the great commission speaks of "so great a salvation" (Heb. 2:3, ASV). When Christ returns from heaven to judge the world (Matt. 25:31-33), he will come "in the clouds with great power and glory" (Mk. 13:26). Perhaps it will not be until then that the true greatness of the charge Jesus gave to that small band of disciples from the top of the Mount of Olives just prior to his ascension will be fully realized. Jesus said, "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Matt. 13:43). Thus I close my small attempt at understanding this new application of truth of God’s Word in a very simple way. Is it the correct way? Does it bring us closer to the Lord in our Hearts? I’ll know more once I finish the reading of the three remaining Gospels; this is a fact. I liked what I’ve read so far and must read more, study wiser and listen better to God’s kind whisper of faith in his Son. 

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

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Unanswered Questions

Universal Life Church

Two weeks ago when I found and made the commitment to the ULC Ministry I have been contemplating a sermon. Something has been bothering me for the last 7 months, I would like to put into my very first sermon.

Today as I cleaned up some of the files in my computer I revisited a letter I wrote May 14, 2005. It wasn't a friendly warm letter, it was a letter of pent up anger and just plain old frustration. It started with years of unsaid words and ended with a prayer.

Back to the letter I wrote. Being a mother and one quite involved in the school, and being vested in my community I have met many of the people around me. I have had the opportunity to interact on many levels. About 7 years ago I met, Donna. Donna was a single mom in the community; she had it hard. She was disabled, but mostly because of choices she made - though not all. Donna had grown up "rough" and it showed in her demeanor. She made many adversaries from sometimes honest, sometimes unneeded and hurtful words. A little ADHD was added to the mix also. I held my tongue.

Donna had a lot of life lessons to share with the world, and could have been very beneficial with the right manner of speaking. For years Donna and I watched our daughters be best friends and grow together. As typical best friends, they loved, laughed and fought. During the times of fighting Donna, would get involved in the agruements. She had this way of letting you know she always had it worse than those around her. I held my tongue.

February 12, 2005 my daughter was raped. In an attempt to make sense of the tragedy, my daughter went to Donna for advice. The attitude my daughter got was not what I would have expected from a grown adult. Donna had been raped 30 years ago and it was, of course, worse than what happened to my 17 year old daughter so she needed to 'buck up and deal with it'. I held my tongue.

The girls had a fight, and Donna got into the middle of the argument. Here is where my unsettled feelings come from, and now 7 months after May 14, 2005 I am still feeling the effects of the letter. I wrote a letter to Donna, expressing all of the years of pent up frustrations that I had held back. In my growing I have been blessed by the Heavens above with patience, I thought it was a gift. The letter started with the hard truth because after all Donna sure dealt a lot of that in her lifetime without regard for who she hurt. I didn't hold my tongue.

I held onto the letter for two weeks, I wanted to make sure it was what I really wanted to say before I sent it. Our girls were graduating, I had bought a gift for her daughter, asked her to stop by pick up the gift and give the letter to her mother. Donna got the letter and freaked out, in a very Donna style - stormed over to my house, with a response that wasn't very friendly. Three days later - Donna killed herself.

Donna's daughter didn't have a mother at graduation. Donna's daughter had to move, within 2 days of her death, out of her home and out into the world of life. Donna's daughter was left with no immediate family because of Donna's hard life and harsh words. Donna's daughter found crack pipes in her mother things as she packed. Donna's daughter is struggling.

Should I have held my tongue? All of the things I held for so many years and prided myself in got the best of me. All the things I hated in Donna came out in me. What could be learned here? We all still answer for everything we do and say. We all still have to live with what is dealt to us.

Hold strong to your convictions, you have them for a reason.

In Peace

~Laura A. Alles ~

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.
 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

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Paganism

Hello all!

Paganism today is as multi-faceted as it ever was, perhaps even more so. But there are fundamental aspects of The Craft which underlie the belief systems of most pagans and which inform us in our daily lives.

One of these in the Threefold Law. Most pagans know the rede "An it harm none, do what ye will." Added to this is the rule that whatever you send out into the Universe you will receive back, like for like, threefold. If you transmit love, then three times as much love will return to you. If you transmit hate, then that hate will be returned to you three times over. This forms the bedrock of pagan morality for many pagans, and as such needs to be explored a little more in relation to notions of good and evil.

As other ministers have already mentioned, most pagans do not believe in a devil, but in evil residing in the hearts of people who practice it. Others argue that paganism is not a religion. For some it is a religion, with a prescribed set of teachings, a book, rules and guidelines for living our lives. Those of us from Hereditary backgrounds are more likely to be of the latter kind of pagan. For us, notions of good and evil also come from working against the laws of nature and of the Family or Coven.

What is to do harm?

Many of us do not realise that to do harm can merely be a product of failing to act. If someone is being unjustly accused of a crime or an action, and we do not act to correct the injustice, we have allowed harm to occur. If we see someone being bullied but do nothing to correct that, we are doing harm. Failing to act in the presence of evil, when such action can bring about good or prevent harm, is to do harm as surely as if we had carried out the act ourselves.

What are the rules?

Our Family tenet revolves around Love, and all of its manifestations. This means we must act only in love, worship only in love, come together only in love, however that may manifest itself. Certain 'morality systems' might then have issues with the ways in which that is occasionally manifested, or with the ways in which certain of our group choose to work magickally in order to engender love or follow the tides of energy that flow from the Gods themselves. If we are to 'do only that which is right' then we must clearly identify the definition of right. Is it right to go against the flow of nature? Is it right to engender hate by ill-wishing through malicious gossip?

But what if the action you take is something that is right for you, but seems wrong to others?

This is where all situations, circumstances and happenings must be examined in the light of full knowledge of all the facts. Let me give you an example. A Family coven is working closely together, and the powers raised are such that two of the coven manifest them in a way that involves physical intimacy. One of the pair is married to someone outside the coven.

Is this wrong? In the light of those simple facts, yes, because it would be doing harm to betray a monogamous, sworn relationship and hurt another person.

But let us look at the full facts. The marriage was already on the point of ending, the couple had been having an open relationship for some time, and the one who engaged in this act did so knowing that it would not change anything in his marriage, only in his magickal growth and knowledge.

The other of the magickal pairing was also aware of these facts, and deemed that if Love was being made manifest in this manner, it was being made manifest as a force of change and growth, liberating the married couple from a stagnant and unhappy state and allowing both to move on to new paths and new relationships.

No harm was done until someone close to the married couple found out and began spreading malicious, cruel and evil gossip about the Family, threatening the Family with physical and psychological violence, and publicly condemning them. This person acted without full knowledge of the facts, and in the assumption that things occurred which did not occur. Their only purpose was to tell the whole world that the Family were evil.

But who was in the wrong here? It is a difficult question. I will not give you the answers, but allow you to muse upon it yourselves. Just remember, so-called Christian morality is not necessarily all-encompassing and, while it works for some people, is not the only moral standpoint. If we look at the tides of life for knowledge and understanding, we can see that life is constantly in a state of growth and change. It is, in our view, more 'right' to follow that flow, to move with the tides of nature and with life and with love.

I hope this has given you food for thought, without laying down the law.

Love and Blessings

Rev. A. Einion (Cardiff)

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.


 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

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Growing a Garden Where God will Go

A few years ago, I watched as my little boy was mesmerized by a

butterfly. I remember thinking, the key to having butterflies, is to have a

garden where the flowers grow. If you plant the flowers, the butterflies

will come. It is along this line of thought that motivates me towards

this endeavor I find myself in.

To grow a garden where God will come. Mere men cannot accomplish what

God can do. I hunger for the Spirit of God. A fresh glimpse of his hand

is what I have set my heart on. To build an altar where heaven touches

earth and lives are changed.

To be broken enough to see shattered lives made whole.

To be humble enough to see the Glory of God displayed.

To be transparent enough to help others see Christ.

“a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:

There are some things that are only accomplished through careful searching and honest prayer.

This world does not need a new marketing campaign or catchy song; this world is looking for what can only be found when God is wrapped in flesh. This cannot be accomplished by will or wit. This cannot be faked or performed. This can only be brought about when the hearts of people are willing to bow down and seek the face of God. We all have heard of the power of prayer, but can we, do we really pray?

Oh Lord help us today.

To see Christ in the revelation that can only be perceived through tears. To hear him in that way only heard in the searching heart that is sincere. Life and its struggles at times cause a wall of callousness to grow where we deal with our walk of the spirit in realistic and ritualistic terms. But the call of the Spirit is not in meat or drink. The call of the Spirit is to cultivate a fresh work of God and His Spirit in your life.

In the Beginning God looked for Adam in the Garden. I believe that if we will give him a chance, he will walk with us today in a garden. Eden, God planted it. Today, it is a garden that we cultivate. Let us set our hearts to plant the things that brings the heart of God near. Honesty, humility, sincerity, mercy, forgiveness and the list could go on.

We are promised if we will hunger and thirst for righteousness, we shall be filled. Let us cultivate hunger. Let us ban from our lives those things that would quench the spirit of God in our lives.

Let us grow a garden where God will come. We need a work of the Spirit to move in our lives. For our own sake. The impact of this will have wide reaching effects. It will impact our children. It will impact our spouse. It will impact our church. It will impact our city. If we will individually begin to do things that will attract the movement of the Spirit of God. Where the Spirit of God is there is liberty. Where the Spirit of God is, his word will operate. Where the Spirit of

God is walls are broken down. Where the Spirit of God is anything is possible.

What we need is the moving and working of Gods Spirit in our lives.

Let us all grow a garden where God will come!

Anticipation!

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

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The Reason to Keep Standing

I was walking through the house when my wife showed my on the computer screen a video of a plane flying through the air. She explained to me that it was a Jet Blue passenger plane that had been flying around in the air for a number of hours because of a malfunctioning landing gear. A short time later she called me in as we watched it slowly land with back tires first and slowly dropping the front tire gently down on the tarmac. On first glance you could see that the tires were positioned sideways, so the momentum of the plane was going across the tire.

Almost immediately the tire started smoking and a few moments later the tire began to

ignite in a bright flame.

My wife and eye held our breath and prayed that the front tire assembly would hold. When the planed finally came to a stop, a great relief and celebration for the safety of the plane and over one hundred and fifty occupants. My wife said, "If I was on that plane, I would be shouting!"

As I reflected on this event, it occurred to me that the life and fortune of all these rested on a part of the plane that gets very little attention. On some yesterday someone in a airplane plant gave special care to assemble this important part. In the meantime, maintenance crews made sure it was strong, so when trouble came, the assembly held together. When the smoke cleared and the fire was extinguished, all of these exited the plane because a small piece of the plane played its unique role and passed the test it was designed for.

No matter your function or skill, you also play an important part.

When the pressure is on and it seems the easy thing would be to give in and give up, remember there are others who are trusting in you to stand, even when you have done all to stand, continue to stand.

You are important and you can handle it. Don't buy the lie that it is more than you can bear, you can bear it, and you can hold up, you have a special reservoir designed in you that will uphold you.

Keep Standing, no matter how insignificant you feel.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.


 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

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By Scott Phillips

Woohooo, I feel Good!

"Woohooo! I feel good! It's a great day!" This and other types of refrains echoed through the rooms in our home early in the morning. I rolled over and wondered, "What is going on? Somebody is really feeling good!"

I asked my wife, "What is all that about?" She explained to me that Nate, our soon to be six year old bouncy boy, was excited about what lay ahead of him that day."

It really made me day; I could hear those happy refrains playing in my ears all day. His joy brought me joy. Our emotional stance is so much made up of expectations. I don't know when the last time I woke up and audibly, "WoohoooEd!" However I know that if I did, it would have a similar effect on those I came in contact with that day.

You know, later in the day I told my wife, "I sure feel good today."

"She guessed at what she thought was the reason, and she may have been right, there were a few reasons why I should feel blessed.

However, the most outstanding on that particular day was a little blond headed boy greeting his day with a Whoo Hoo.

I challenge you to consider that your expectation level and your response reverberate off the walls of the souls you encounter.

Woohhoo, I feel Good, It's a Great Day!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar