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A Genius in Love

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:57:00 +0000

A Genius in Love

Teach us how short our lives really are that we may be wise. (Psalm 90:12)

Lord, thank You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

For more sermons from the ULC Seminary, go to Chapel.

I've heard tell of human-genius that is;

Genius . . . . that power which dazzles human eyes, is oft but perseverance in disguise.

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." If people knew how hard one has to work to gain mastery it wouldn't seem wonderful at all. Genius is the very eye of intellect and the wing of thought: it is always in advance of its time, and is the pioneer for the generation which it proceeds. Inventive genius requires pleasurable mental activity as a condition for its vigorous exercise. I believe genius is the ability to go on when ordinary men say the battle is lost. Genius has been described as "an infinite capacity for taking pains," which is not very far from the truth.

All the genius I have lies just in this: When I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. I explore it in all its bearings; My mind becomes pervaded/impregnated/saturated/ filled with it. Then the effort and progress which I make, the people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is really the fruit of labor and thought. True genius is simply eternal patience.

Listen. Persistence will keep you moving forward, yet you need passion to feed your persistence. You must put your whole heart into your vision. Never forget that physical sight is the ability to see things as they are. Vision is the capacity to see things as they could be, and that takes faith. Please remember when we have vision, we are governed by the faith God has put in our hearts.

Please listen: Whether words are spoken or written, they are full of creative power. When you speak words expressing what you see in your vision, your words become creative power to help bring that vision to fruition. The faith of vision is crucial because the way you see things determines how you think and act and, therefore, whether or not your vision will become a reality. Listen. You can undermine your vision through negative thoughts and words.

God has a plan for each of our lives, yet He brings those plans to pass in a gradual way. There is no hurried way to get to God's vision. Oh, say can you see! The process of vision develops our character and produces responsibility in us.

Sometimes, we think that just because we are going through difficult times, God has stopped working to fulfill our purposes. Yet God is working on us, preparing us for our purposes through the process. Life's hardships are part of God's perfect plan for us and our visions. Listen. Whatever you have been chosen to do in life . . . . . Live by faith as you move through the process of vision.

Teach us how short our lives really are that we may be wise. (Psalm 90:12)

In a life marked by doctor appointments, dentist appointments, and school appointments, there is one appointment that none of us will miss, the appointment with death. Not very many like to talk about it, but "Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God" (Hebrews 9:27). Oh, how we'd like to change that verse. Just a word or two would suffice. "Nearly everyone must die . . . . " or "Everyone but me must die . . . ." or "Everyone who forgets to eat right or take vitamins must die . . . ." But those are not God's words. In His plan everyone must die, even those who eat right and take their vitamins.

Exercise may buy us a few more heartbeats. Medicine may grant us a few more breaths. But in the end, there is an end. And that's why God/Jesus did it. Did what? You say.

He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing. (Philippians 2:7)

This is why He did it: Just thoughts here...

Holiday travel. It isn't easy as it used to be. Then why do we do it? Why cram the trunks and endure the airports? Or pack into the cars or suvs or motor- homes or motor-coaches. You know the answer. We love to be with the ones we love.

The four-year-old running up the sidewalk into the arms of grandpa.

A cup of coffee with a parent before the rest of the house awakes.

The moment when, for a moment, everyone is quiet as we hold hands around the table and thank God for family and friends and pumpkin pie.

We love to be with the ones we love.

May I remind you? So does God. He loves to be with the ones He loves too. How else can we explain what He did? Between Him and us, there was a distance---a great span. And He couldn't bear it. He couldn't stand it. So He did something about it.

Jesus, gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing.

You be blessed now, you hear!

His Name's Jesus Ministries &

I. C. Music Corporation

May you be blessed,

Ric

A Lesson Of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:26:00 +0000

The Universal Life Church offers stories about growth and strength.

May the Lord grant all of us the grace, courage and strength to be generous and kind in our dealings with others especially with those who are less fortunate than we are.

Dedicated staff, he offered a question:

Two Choices

What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued.. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, “Do you think they'll let me play?” I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, “We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.”

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, “Shay, run to first!

Run to first!”

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base..

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, “Run to second, run to second!”

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly
ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head..

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, “Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay”

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, “Run to third!

Shay, run to third!”

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, “Shay, run home! Run home!”

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

“That day”, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, “the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.”

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day !

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the “natural order of things.”

So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:

Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

Ten Secrets Many Pastors Keep

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:02:00 +0000

"10 Secrets Many Senior Pastors Keep"

I get to hang out and know many senior pastors. I have a great heart for them and understand, firsthand, some of the pressures, frustrations, and joys which are unique to the role of a senior
pastor. In my recent blog survey, over half my readers are in ministry and half that number are senior leaders.

After sharing these points at a conference for executive pastors I was asked to give my perspective as a senior pastor, since each of them report to one. I have revised some of them and added a couple, so I decided to share it again.

For more sermons, you can find Online Sermons here.

Here are 10 “secrets” about many senior pastors:

1. Leading from this position is overwhelming at times. We know Christ is ultimately in charge, but we also know it often seems everyone looks to us to have all the answers.

2. People tell the senior pastor all kinds of things about what is happening in their life or in the lives of others…many we would sometimes rather not know…and sometimes the weight of others problems we carry is enormous.

3. Most pastors walk with a degree of uncertainty, which keeps us in prayer, but also makes us question our abilities at times. It makes depression common for many senior pastors. (Need a Biblical example…see 1 Kings 19.)

4. Many senior pastors fear the possibility of failing in their role, so they thrive on the encouragement and prayers of others.

5. Sometimes we allow insecurity to cause us to become overprotective of our reputation and our position.

6. We face the same temptations and occasional spiritual dryness as everyone else. This means we need accountability, but are often afraid to seek it.

7. Our spouse is sometimes the loneliest person in the church and often feels extreme pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations.

8. Loneliness can exist for all leaders and many pastors suffer from it.

9. We seldom know whom we can trust, which is why we become guarded and appear hard to get to know. Most senior pastors have been burned by someone they once trusted.

10. We suspect the staff, church leaders, and congregation sometimes talk about us behind our back.

Granted, not every pastor faces each of these (that’s why I said “many”) and I happen to be in an extremely healthy church, but even still, some of these are real for me at times. Other pastors, for reasons on this post, will not want you assuming these things about them. In talking with dozens of senior pastors each year, I know this is a representative list for "many."

Senior pastors find joy in our work and, thankfully, most of us know we are in the center of God’s will vocationally. I don’t intend to take anything away from that in this post. We serve in a called position, so we are doing what we have been asked of God to do. When I share any post like this, however, I have come to expect a lecture on the need to depend on Christ for these issues, which only further demonstrates my points.

Senior pastors are to fully rely on Christ’s strength, as is every other believer. This is just a reminder that we happen to also be like Elijah…"a man just like us" (James 5:17).

Pastors, anyone honest enough to agree?

Seasons Greetings from OMCSydney
www.OMCSydney.multiply.com

Spiritual Attitude Check

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:56:00 +0000

The Apostolic 7^th Day Church of God

a7dcog@gmail.com.-- www.a7dcog.org. --352-360-0070

A Sabbath Message From Richard

For more sermons, go to the ULC Seminary Chapel

(Weekly thought provoking article and letters from the Pastor)

It's Time for a Spiritual "Attitude Check"

Self-evaluation is a necessary part of spiritual growth. Let's take a look at our spiritual reflections in the mirror of God's Word.

In warfare, many times it becomes necessary for soldiers to go through an "attitude check" before a battle. At this critical moment, a soldier must assess the dangerous reality of what he or she is about to face and muster courage and confidence to enter the battle ready to fight and come out of it alive. It's a mind-set that keeps a soldier from looking back in fear and instead keeps him or her moving forward to victory. When an army is at a turning point in the battle, it is especially important that they check their attitudes, because such a win-or-lose situation could affect their future as a nation.

This task is also essential for each member of God's Church to do so we may be counted among the Armageddon survivors of the Great Multitude. At Revelation 7: 9, 10, 14 we learn aboutthese survivors, we read, “After these things I looked, and behold, a Great Multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!...These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” How near is Armageddon? Evidence abounds that we are living when the coming of God’s Kingdom and his war of Armageddon are very near! ( Matthew 24:3-12; 2Timothy 3:1-5) While this vital news has been ignored almost totally by the news channels of the world, Almighty God’s people are sharing in spreading it worldwide. This good news we tell is not only that God will cleanse the earth of all corruption but that, under the rule of his Kingdom government, the entire earth will be made into a delightful, garden-like paradise.

What Is an "Attitude Check"?

An attitude check is a process of evaluating your principles and your determination in light of present circumstances and conditions that surround you. An attitude check can be painful if you have been letting down, not performing to the highest standards of the leader—in our case, Jesus Christ. However, it should be a positive motivator that assists us in making the necessary changes in our lives that will lead us to winning the battle we are involved in—gaining eternal life and entering into the family of God (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Ever since God, through Jesus Christ, recreated the heavens and the earth, the most important battle and mission for God's people has been internal—a battle in the mind and in the thought processes. We are surrounded in this world by a hostile environment made up of people and governments that hate God and God's way of life—and for the most part, this hatred is unbeknownst to them.

The world is filled with opportunities, gadgets, concepts, ideas, attitudes and other powerful influences that shape mankind's mental framework. These influential forces are, for the most part, inspired by the god of this world, Satan the devil. Satan understands mankind's proclivity to follow the undercurrent of "popular opinion" (Ephesians 2:1-3). We seek out newer and better things, are only satisfied in the short term, are easily distracted and at times act as people pleasers. If we are not careful on a daily basis, we can fall into the trap of adjusting our lives and thought patterns to be in line with the best practices and best standards of the world around us instead of always adjusting and refocusing on the high standards of our elder Brother Jesus Christ.

Some may say none of us measure up to that standard, and that would be true. However, Jesus Christ came to earth and set the example for us to follow. Our job is to work hard daily, through God's Holy Spirit in us, to follow Jesus Christ and become like Him (John 12:26; Galatians 3:27-29). We must not allow ourselves to fall into living by the best standards of this world, because they will lead us in the wrong direction (Romans 12:1, 2).

So let's take an attitude check today and look into our reflections in the mirror of God's Word. Philippians 4:8 is a passage we normally consider to be a list of things we should "meditate on," but it is also a list of seven internal character traits we should strive to develop. In his commentary, Adam Clarke tells us that "think on these things" (King James Version) means we should "esteem them highly, recommend them heartily and practice them fervently" (emphasis added).

God inspired Paul to list these traits for us to meditate upon often to see how we measure up to these standards. These standards reflect the mind of Jesus Christ and the areas of His mind that need to be developing within each of us—the members of the Body of Jesus Christ.

Let's check our own attitudes in relation to these virtues and see how we individually measure up to Jesus Christ.

"Whatever Things Are True"

Paul begins the verse with the Greek word for "true," alethes, which means openness, not concealing, living a life of truth. People growing in alethes have nothing to hide. They are right with God; they have repented of past sins and are led by God's Holy Spirit. They are open and honest in conversations with others and, when alone, maintain closeness with God and fight the downward pulls that surround them and that tug at them daily. By being genuine at all times, both inwardly and outwardly, they are not hypocrites.

John 4:24 reminds us that God must be worshiped "in spirit and truth." A true member of Christ's Body cannot act one way, putting on a vain show on the Sabbath day, while living entirely different when alone. One must live the truth at all times. In Ephesians 4:24 God inspired Paul to write, "Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

"Whatever Things Are Noble"

Here the Greek word is semnos, meaning to be serious-minded, venerable, respected, esteemed, admired, honorable and honest. Again, being noble or honest requires one to exhibit this attribute inwardly and outwardly, publicly and privately.

To be genuinely noble requires God's Spirit working in us, as well as a commitment on our part to follow the lead and inspiration of God's Spirit. God calls us in our sins. We are not noble or wise at that time. But after repentance, baptism and receiving God's Spirit, we begin to put on the nobility of Jesus Christ daily through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, meditation and fasting. We grow in becoming a new creation—a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:20-24).

"Whatever Things Are Just"

In Greek, the word translated "just" is dikaios, meaning to be equitable in character and action, to be innocent, not crafty or cunning, and to be righteous—keeping the commandments physically and spiritually.

God hates the act of playing favorites. God does not look on the outward appearance or judge people by what they appear to be. God looks on the heart, the inward man (1 Peter 1:17). God looks at us the way we really are. He is absolutely fair with each one of us.

A true member of the Body of Christ must be growing to be just, not one who "plays politics" to get recognition or position. That's why God instructs His ministers not to "lay hands on anyone hastily" (1 Timothy 5:22). We must cast away our proclivity to join cliques and to give opportunities to those who look good outwardly. Hebrews 12:22-24 tells us that those who become just and overcome the downward pull of playing favorites and politics will maintain their registry in heaven as members of God’s Church.

"Whatever Things Are Pure"

The Greek here is hagnos, which means to become clean, innocent, modest, chaste and pure. Because the world around us is becoming more corrupt at an astounding rate, we must be ever vigilant to maintain the purity of Jesus Christ in us. We cannot become prey to or fall into the trap of adjusting our lives to the best practices of this world. If we do, we will be falling short of the standard God set for us as members of the Body of Jesus Christ.

We must not conform to this world but be transformed, changed, become totally different from the way we were when we were in the world (Romans 12:1, 2). We can only do this through daily two-way communication with God—proper prayer and Bible study—which leads us to obedience and overcoming through daily repentance. Then every day, our once dirty robes become pure and white and our inward man becomes more and more like Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16).

"Whatever Things Are Lovely"

"Lovely" is translated from the Greek word prosphiles, meaning to be friendly toward others and not perverted. When we think of loveliness, a flower, a painting or our children usually come to mind. Men describe their wives as lovely. But to God, all of His people are lovely if they are growing in friendliness and unity, overcoming bitterness and critical opinions and avoiding profanity, which is so common and prevalent in today's media-driven world. We all must become lovely, harmonious, unified and pure-minded before God and each other. If we do, we will become increasingly more Christ-like and pleasing to God.

"Whatever Things Are of Good Report"

"Good report" is from the Greek word euphemos, meaning to be well spoken of, reputable, of high moral and ethical standards. We all have made some mistakes in the past, before God called us and placed us in His Church. And unfortunately, we continue to make mistakes after our calling. Some of our former or present neighbors, associates, relatives and friends may think we have "lost it" because of our beliefs and our obedience to God. Additionally, we may have marred our own reputation and caused others to hold us in lower esteem by erring in some way or by offending others. is what counts. If we have made mistakes, we must repent before God and ask Him to help us make things right with our fellow man, according to His will. We must ask Him for the courage and the strength to make the necessary changes in our lives and begin building our reputation back day by day through God's Spirit in us (Proverbs 3:11,12).

Understanding the Judgement Day should give us strength and hope in these bleak hours of this age. The Bible gives a joyous picture of the Judgment Day. It is not a day to be dreaded or feared. Note what the Bible says of God: “He has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”(Acts 17:31) This judge appointed by God is, of course, Jesus Christ.

We can be sure that Christ will be fair and just in his judgment. A prophecy regarding him at Isaiah 11:3, 4 assures us of this. So, contrary to popular opinion, he will not judge persons on the basis of their past sins, many of which may have been committed in ignorance. The Bible explains that at death a person is set free or released from any sins he has committed. It says: “For he who has died has been freed from sin.” (Romans 6:7) This means that when a person is resurrected he will be judged on the basis of what he does during Judgment Day, not on what he did before he died.

Judgment Day, therefore, is not a literal 24-hour day. The Bible makes this clear when it speaks of those who will share with Jesus Christ in doing the judging., (1 Corinthians 6:1-3) “I saw thrones” the Bible writer says, “and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them.” These judges are Christ’s faithful holy followers who, as the Bible goes on to say, “they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.” So Judgment Day will be 1,000 years long. It is the same 1,000-year period during which Christ and his 144,000 faithful anointed followers will rule as “new heavens” over the “new earth.”—Revelation 20:4, 6; 2 Peter 3:13.

The Bible psalmist wrote of that glorious time: “Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy before Almighty God; for he comes, For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness.”—Psalm 96:12, 13.

During Judgment Day those who survive Armageddon will work to make the earth a paradise. Into this paradise the dead will be welcomed back. (Luke 23:43) What happiness there will be when families long separated by death are joined together again! Yes, how pleasant to live in peace, to enjoy good health and to receive instruction regarding God’s purposes! The Bible says: “when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9) During Judgment Day all the people will learn about Almighty God, and they will be given every opportunity to obey and serve him.

It is under such paradise conditions that Jesus Christ and his 144,000 associate kings and priests will judge humankind. People who choose to serve Almighty God will be in a position to receive everlasting life. But, even under these best of circumstances, some will refuse to serve God. Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly. “Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not see the majesty of Almighty God.” (Isaiah 26:10) So after being given full opportunity to change their ways and to learn righteousness, such wicked ones will be destroyed. Some will be put to death even before Judgment Day ends. (Isaiah 65:20) They will not be permitted to remain to corrupt or spoil the paradise earth. It will truly be a grand privilege to be resurrected on earth during Almighty God’s great Judgment Day.

In describing the situation on Judgment Day, Jesus said: “Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me. ” (John 5:28-30) What is this “resurrection of life,” and what is the “resurrection of judgment”? And who receive them?

We have clearly seen that when the dead come forth from the grave, they are not judged by their past deeds. Rather, they are judged on the basis of what they do during Judgment Day. So when Jesus mentioned “those who have done good” and “those who have done evil,” he was referring to the good things and bad things that they would do during Judgment Day. Because of the good things they do, many of those resurrected will progress to human perfection by the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day. Therefore their return from the dead will prove to be a “resurrection of life,” for they will attain to perfect life without sin.

On the other hand, what about those who practiced bad things during Judgment Day? Their return from the dead will prove to be a “resurrection of judgment.” What does this mean? It means a judgment or condemnation to death. So these persons will be destroyed either during or by the close of Judgment Day. The reason is that they do bad things; they stubbornly refuse to learn and practice righteousness. What is righteousness? “For all your commandments are righteousness.”---Psalm 119:172

The apostle John saw in vision what takes place immediately before Judgment Day. He wrote: “I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away…I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and…The dead were judged.” (Revelation 20:11, 12) So before Judgment Day begins, this present system of things made up of “the earth and the heaven” will pass away. Only those serving God will survive, while all the wicked are destroyed at Armageddon to be resurrected to judgement at later time. Remember, they will be freed from their sin by their death—1 John 2:17; Romans 6:7.

Therefore, it is not only the resurrected “dead” who will be judged during Judgment Day. The “living” who survive Armageddon, as well as any children they may have, also will be judged. (2 Timothy 4:1) In his vision John saw how they are judged. “I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.”—Revelation 20:12, 13.

What are the “books” that are opened from which “the dead” as well as “the living” are judged. They are inspired writings or books that contain Almighty God’s laws and instructions. By reading these all people on earth will be able to know God’s will. Then, on the basis of the laws and instructions in these “books,” everyone on earth will be judged. Those who obey the things written therein will receive the benefits of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, and they will gradually grow to human perfection.

By the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day nobody on earth will be in a dying condition because of Adam’s sin. Truly, in the fullest sense everyone will have come to life. This is what the Bible refers to when it says: “The rest of the dead didn’t live until the thousand years were finished.” (Revelation 20:5) The reference here to “the rest of the dead” does not mean that others are resurrected at the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day. Rather, it means that all persons come to life in that they finally reach human perfection. They will be in the same perfect condition as were Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. What will happen then?

Having done all that God has given him to do, Jesus Christ “hands over the kingdom to his God and Father.” This is at the end of the 1,000-year Judgment Day. By then all enemies will have been put out of the way. The last of these is the death inherited from Adam. It will be destroyed! Then the Kingdom becomes the property of Almighty God God. He rules it directly as King.—1 Corinthians 15:24-28.

How will Almighty God determine whose names are to be written in the “scroll of life,” or “the book of life”? (Revelation 20:12, 15) It will be by a test upon humankind. Remember how Adam and Eve failed under such a test, and how Job, when tested, kept integrity. But most humans that live to the end of the 1,000 years will never have had their faith tested. Before they were resurrected they were ignorant of Almighty God’s purposes. They were part of Satan’s wicked age of things; they were “unrighteous.” Then, after their resurrection, it was easy for them to serve Almighty God because of living in Paradise without any opposition from the Devil. But will these billions of humans, who are then perfect, serve Almighty God if Satan is given the opportunity to try to stop them from further doing so? Can Satan do to them what he did to the perfect Adam and Eve?

To settle such questions, Almighty God lets Satan and his demons loose from the abyss where they have been for the 1,000 years. What is the result? The Bible shows that Satan is successful in turning some persons away from serving Almighty God. These will be as “the sand of the sea,” meaning that their number is undetermined. After this test is carried out, Satan and his demons, and also those who do not pass the test, are thrown into the symbolic “lake of fire,” which is the second (eternal) death. (Revelation 20:7-10, 15) But those whose names are found written in “the book of life” will remain in the glorious earthly paradise. Having their names written in “the book of life” means that Almighty God judges them to be perfectly righteous in heart, mind and body and thus worthy of living forever in paradise on earth. With this in mind we should be changing our attitudes now so we do not risk loosing out to permanent death in the millennium.—rjk/a7dcog

KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:53:00 +0000

KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
By Dee Burgess
(Copyright 2005)

There are billions of text books written on the subject of 'spiritual enlightenment' but
unlike temporal pursuits, this is a not a craft which can be passed on, one to another, like
woodworking techniques; it must be sought and revealed through the Spirit of God. This
spiritual knowledge is often considered *hidden knowledge*. I qualify 'hidden' knowledge as
meaning ‘covered’ or ‘veiled‘... i.e. truth which can only be fully understood through searching.
In life, any kind of knowledge which is pursued must be developed, like building blocks. You
can't do calculus until you've learned basic math, etc. God openly invites all to be partakers of
His light, love and truth, but as scripture indicates, 'all are called, few are chosen' - ‘few
choose' would be more accurately expressed. Spiritual gnosis/knowledge is not a mystical
taboo only available to an exceptional, elite few; though there are those who would complicate
truth and love beyond confusion. Text books and teachers can be helpful, but in the end it will
always come down to ‘one on one’ with God. Walking step by step, with all diligence, belief
that you can commune with God (via His Holy Spirit), desire to know the truth beyond all else
and joy in your pursuit will bring you into the simplicity of ‘intelligence’ (not to be confused
w/intelligent). With all the evolving spiritual enlightenment which has flourished over the last
20-30 years, it is sad that there are still those people/religions which still try to imply such a
difficulty to know God. This is the greatest difficulty in itself: the outer negative influences of
our society which make it difficult to look within one’s own heart for the understandings which
bring solutions, peace and knowledge.

Everyone can ‘walk and talk’ in communion with God on a daily basis if you but set your
heart and mind to it. God’s Holy Spirit is within every soul; it is your built-in, ready-made
guide which will take you every step of the way to all truth. Pure Love is the highest goal we
all seek. Pure Love is a new vision and life which evolves through eternal truth. A pure heart
opens to Love and the only way to a pure heart is through the Holy Spirit, also referred to as the Holy Ghost. Perfecting of the soul is the work of the Holy Spirit and pure motives are the
primary lessons; quietly revealing and teaching how to become honest with yourself first, then
God and then all others.

The door to Love/God is only locked from the inside of our hearts. I use the word
‘locked’ as it indicates the need for keys to be used to open this door from within. There are 5
fundamental keys which are essential in spiritual communion and are the basic standards of all
serious disciplines. These keys are vital in understanding lessons of eternal principles and
participation in every aspect of communion with God via His Spirit:

*Faith = one must believe communion they are seek is available for/to them.
*Desire = this heartfelt involvement is essential...it is where union begins.
*Ask = as opposed to expect or require.
*Patience = understandable but concept expands as comprehension does.
*Acceptance = much is missed/blocked without this commitment to receive given responses
without fear or prejudice.

These five keys are eternal and deepen in significance and profundity as one’s
experience and knowledge increase. Though they may seem an elementary pathway, the closer one comes to Love the more refined and expansive the definition of these keys become. Even in the very presence of God, the wise soul always uses this protocol, be it ever so sublime. It is the respectful approach to life, love and truth, and if at any time any key is discarded in one’s pursuit; "I see" will be his *blinding* revelation...ultimately sending that seeker back to square one.

The Holy Ghost is the essence of Christ's presence and mediator to man. The Holy Ghost
teaches and prepares man to receive the presence of Christ and then Christ is mediator to the
Father. Like stepping stones, each leads deeper into the comprehensions of eternal truth. In that
they are all one in truth, each is always present in the presence of the other but man's
perception/reception of each will depend on his experience, knowledge and developed
sensitivities. The first experiences man will have of God will always be the Holy Ghost
whether he is aware of this fact or not; receiving Christ comes with spiritual growth because
His presence requires an open heart even as a high school teacher requires an elementary
education of his student.

Receiving the Holy Ghost as our guide, teacher, mentor, purifier/cleanser, comforter,
witness of truth, etc., isn't a widely known concept or belief that is developed and/or taught
among the major religions. In reading scripture, it becomes obvious that the disciples were
taught this truth by Christ and that the prophets and sages of old were also familiar with it. The
Holy Ghost is a purpose designed from eternal beginnings, to mediate and abide with/in all
who would receive and pursue a continual communion with it. Like most people today, the
most common belief is that the Spirit comes and goes according to the will of God and is
experienced differently by different individuals. Though true in respect to the nature of the
Holy Spirit, this suggests it has no distinct qualities or objective for mankind - untrue. Many of
these beliefs may have emerged through the arrogance and pride of institutional superiority;
withholding ‘sacred knowledge’ with intent to ‘dominate’ mankind‘s personal relationship to
God, by establishing ‘priesthood authority‘ as the only access to God. The Holy Ghost can
actually never be controlled by any power or person because truth is the only everlasting
authority. But fear and oppression can stifle and blind the minds and hearts of men through
indifference and ignorance. The Spirit of God knows no boundaries and keeping people in
ignorance may slow down this eternal connection but won't prevent it. Without respect to race,
creed or gender, the Holy Ghost can take a willing heart into light and truth as slowly or
quickly as you choose to go. This isn't a theory to me, but a tried & proven, analyzed, studied,
researched, developed and established truth - and a living testimony in my life. I must know
beyond a doubt, by what Spirit I am led. I would invite you to do the same.

The Holy Ghost is the: “record of heaven, the comforter, the peaceable things of
immortal glory, the truth of all things, that which quickens all things, which makes alive all
things, that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth,
justice and judgment.” The gift of the Holy Ghost is literally a new language in itself which can
be experienced, practiced and learned. Like any language it begins with the 'voice' or
knowledge that it exist by it's very literally felt presence within one‘s heart/bosom. It has the
very distinctive attributes of warmth/heat/fire and a deep feeling of assurance and peace.

Communion begins with single syllable words; felt as increases and decreases of it's
(fire/warmth) presence for 'yes' and 'no' responses. Confirmations will develop into concepts
(sentences), then into revelation (paragraphs) and on to what I refer to as 'light talk'.
Developing this communion is a multi-purpose design. With diligent pursuit, the presence of
the Holy Ghost continues to increase/expand within the soul, literally purifying and
transforming your flesh to become one with Spirit: Christ/God. It is the 'fire' of God purging
out the darkness (misunderstandings) of our minds/souls until we can become one and abide
the fullness of Christ and the Father without being consumed by their presence in the flesh.
Spirit and flesh literally become one; it is the plan of salvation, the mystery of eternity and the
pathway to the kingdom of God. It is literally the elixir of life and lack of it is why the flesh
deteriorates and dies.

In conclusion, a word of warning and advice I would also like to convey in regards
to deceiving spirits. In my experience and research, I discovered a counterfeit lying spirit which
seeks to imitate or duplicate the Holy Ghost. The bible warns us continually to test and try the
spirits that we may not be deceived. Though this may not sound relevant or applicable to one's
experience at present, it is sound advice for the times to come. Our world is changing quickly
and as we move into more difficult and confusing times, a sound anchor to the Divine may be
the only stabilizing power by which we can know the truth of anything. We are admonished to
prepare and watch always for the time of Messiah's return and not to be deceived by the powers that seek to dominate and destroy the souls of men. I am providing these truths and information exactly and only for this reason; to assist everyone in their identification and communion with God.

I've described the tangible and spiritual aspects of the Holy Ghost as defined within the
Holy Scriptures, so one might know that there is distinctly a difference in God's spirit from the
spirits of other entities/powers. I have heard and witnessed many describing the spirit of God as
'electricity', or vibration or trembling, or goosbumps, etc., and many 'signs' are manifested by
means of such spirits. But lying spirits seek to duplicate the Holy Spirit by using the same
concepts, but does not possess the same qualities. The purpose is to confuse and deceive.
The Holy Ghost manifests itself from within the soul of a person as only it can. The lying
spirit manifests itself from outside/exterior an attempts to penetrate the soul to enter within.
The Holy Spirit manifests/originates from deep within the heart or bosom of a soul and expands
outward as experience grows. The lying spirit manifests itself disjunctively to different parts of
the body, according to it's purpose and acceptance of the person (arms, legs, head, hands, torso,
etc.). The fire of the Holy Ghost is a spiritual heat, not a physical heat. As Moses experienced
the presence of God as a 'burning bush' on Mount Sinai, he described it as a fire which did not
consume. The lying spirit manifests a physical heat which may feel like the heat of a fire or
funace, again exterior. When the Holy Ghost manifests it's presence, it is accompanied by a
deep, quiet peace and assurance which permeates all one's flesh, within and without (expanding with association). The lying spirit manifests a forceful energy, sometimes described as 'electric' or vibrational feeling moving around according to it's intention. The Holy Ghost manifests understanding and revelation, using our own experiences, thoughts and nature as tools of communication; bringing a complete picture into focus of purpose, hope, light and truth. The lying spirit brings random suggestions and dictates without ability to develop intelligent communion or understanding; a blind guide so to speak. The Holy Ghost manifests when the intent and purpose of an individual is selfless and open to truth, only motivated to develop goodness, love and understanding. The lying spirit uses every weakness of man's ego, pride, and lust to seduce and flatter with promises of power, recognition and control. This is a very basic knowledge, but sufficient to establish an awareness of possible discouragements along the pathway to God. The lie and the truth do travel close but an honest heart can not be easily deceived.

Holy scripture from Bibles of all religions bear witness of the Holy Spirit and it’s
purpose and relationships to all mankind. But using only the Old and New Testament, I’ve
compiled a short selection of most important passages for reference and study. This is an
excellent place to begin your relationship with the Holy Ghost. To feel the Spirit and presence
of your God is a beautiful experience, but questions and answers are the beginnings of
knowledge of truth and eternal life.

Hebrews 12:29. For our God is a consuming fire.
Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Luke 3:16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one
mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For
the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the
LORD our God shall call.

Acts 10:44. While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46. For they
heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47. Can any man
forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as
we? 48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Hebrews 6:4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the
heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.

Malachi 3:1. Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and
the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the
covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts. 2. But who may
abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeared? for he is like a refiner's
fire, and like fullers' soap: 3. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall
purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD
an offering in righteousness. 4. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. 5. And I will come near to you to
judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and
against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, says the LORD of hosts. 6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

John 15:5. ...I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same
brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6. If a man abide not in me, he is
cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and
they are burned...

Jeremiah 20:9. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name.
But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with
forbearing, and I could not stay.

Psalms 39:3. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I
with my tongue,

Luke 24:31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their
sight. 32. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with
us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Revelations 19:10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it
not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God:
for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.

Ephesians 3:14. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. Of
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you, according
to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; 17. That
Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May
be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19.

And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fullness of God.

1 John 5:6. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but
by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7. For
there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these
three are one. 8. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

John 7:39. (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for
the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 16:7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not
away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8. And
when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9. Of
sin, because they believe not on me; 10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye
see me no more; 11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12. I have yet
many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever
he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14. He shall glorify me:
for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15. All things that the Father hath are
mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

John 15:26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even
the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 14:15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know
him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will
come to you. 19. Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but ye see me: because I
live, ye shall live also. 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I
in you. 21. He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that
loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22.

Judas says unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not
unto the world? 23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24. He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the
Father's which sent me. 25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said
unto you. 27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I
unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus Is Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Jesus is coming soon!!

The Second Coming - What is it?
The Second Coming is when Jesus Christ will return to earth in fulfillment of His promises and to fulfill the prophecies made about Him. Jesus Himself promised

Before Jesus’ ascension in John 14:3 says “He promised that He would return and that nobody would know the time of his returning”. I ask this question why would He come back? Do people understand why he would come back? Do you hurt others do you care about others does money rule everything we do. After the 911 attacks they said it was because the people of the Untied States were too hung up on money and material things. You know I do not agree what they did was right but they yes are right. These hard times we are having is and everyday life for these people. This is what they were trying to get across that we take our lifestyle for granted. How many people in the Untied States even read the Bible you better why...? Oh he’s coming Jesus does not like what is going on. As a Master of Metaphysics when I mediate I try to find out when; all I ever get is soon prepare people show them my ways are good and pure. Now you have seen the sermons that I have posted the past few days about my friend. I have been trying to show her and folks like her that as long as you let Satan or Satan’s people control you they will. Satan will not control anybody that will stand up and preach and pray to the Lord.

I am taken my life back I am taken her life back and if you should hear that he is nuts, he is crazy you don’t believe all the hocus-pocus do you? Say to them yes I do call it what you will yes I do believe in the word of God. Watch how quickly they will call you a name or try to tell you other wise. Jesus is coming back and no matter what you have done He will forgive you but you also must forgive others. Too many people think that God does not love them or God will not accept them back because of things they have done he will God loves us all. Let’s look at the scriptures now. Revelations 22: 4-21

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.(This nobody ever saw before you will see the Lord face to face.) (The name on foreheads is in contrast to the mark to the marks of the beast.)
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (“No night no lamp fulfills Christ proclamation of Himself as the light of the world.”)
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Now from these two verses is to inform the servants of God.) ( They needed to know that they need to be true believers”.)
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy
brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
(Again the angel reminds John the second time.) (God and admonishes him to worship only God.)
10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. (John was told not to seal the book because the time of fulfillment was potentially very near.)
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
(This verse seems to be a prediction that believers and unbelievers will live out their lives true to their nature until judgment day.)
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
(Talks about Christ’s rewards)
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Now this verse talks about the obedience to God how we followed Him in faith.)
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (The word dogs was a common expression used by Jews to speak to Gentiles.)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Now we must focus on bright and morning star this means Jesus is coming)

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Means you better get ready for judgment day)

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Jesus is coming quickly)
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Would you believe in this day and age there are people who do not believe in God they think that they just came out of no where. They think that all of this is made up. This is why we preach and we teach the words. If they think all this is not true the Bible comes from scriptures that come from scrolls. It’s like someone telling me that John Kennedy was not shot he was. This is all very real. The people that are full of hate are of Satan’s world you know them they are out to hurt everybody. Turn to God look into the greatest book in the world. Always remember the truth is the only thing that will set you free. Do not ever say you can not change because you can I did. You can change your relationship you can change your mind you change your lifestyle but there is only one thing you can not change and that is God. God will always stay the same. God is always there for us all no matter what.

Amen <: ))))<><
Bruce Richard Wallace

The Pitfalls of Preachers

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Pride: The Pitfall of Preachers

We strive for excellence in preaching, and we should--but there are dangers if we succeed.

Did you see the opening battle scene in Saving Private Ryan? Imagine the most frightening and dangerous terrain from any war movie. What if pride is the threat and preaching is the mission? Uh-oh, it looks dangerous:

1. Preaching involves speaking to others about their lives. Of course, it can be “we” rather than just “you” (as if you are the finished product!), but even so, there is massive temptation to pride when being the dispenser of spiritual input.

2. You might be effective as a preacher. This doesn’t help because you will then receive affirmation and even admiration from people helped by your ministry. Warning!

3. You might be rubbish as a preacher, but never fear, there are plenty of people who will be polite and affirm your ministry anyway. False affirmation and feedback is a frequent feature of church lobbies and doorways.

4. You might be trained, equipped and well-informed. That might mean numerous years of high level academic training. Or it might mean you read a book during preparation. Either way, you may be, or perceive yourself to be, beyond others in your knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, careful!

5. Up-front ministry will get kudos other ministries won’t. So you’re up front in the church. People will talk to you and about you and they will see you and they know you. A ridiculously low-level celebrity status awaits everyone who steps into a pulpit. Warning!

6. What if you see lives change “under your ministry”? That’s a scary thought, since you might think you achieved that.

7. The enemy would love to see you believing the hype. Was it Spurgeon who was approached by a congregant and told that was the best sermon she’d ever heard, only to reply, “The Devil has already told me that.”

8. Public speaking presents continual opportunity to perform, or as we might say to children, “show off.” Listen to me, see what I know, watch as I impress you with my Greek, or cultural awareness, or translation critique, or ministry experience, or name drop, or … warning!

9. You are not yet glorified, so your flesh is still pre-programmed with a prideful operating system. So you are not immune to any of this.

10. You may find it hard to have genuine close friendships since you are in a position of influence, so you will be lonely and vulnerable while everybody affirms and endorses your spirituality.

11. You may find yourself, or put yourself, in a separate spiritual category to everyone else. Sort of a clerical bubble that promises immunity from spiritual struggle, but guarantees a greater exposure to the attractive fruit of temptation.

12. There are probably a dozen more reasons that pride may be lurking behind every pew as you stand to preach.

To be honest, I think the terrain looks absolutely frightening, terrifying, a deadly terrain.

The only way to go there is in absolute reliance on God!

Learn to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God!
www.pocketpower.org/referrer/342162

Min. Johnathan Hester

Universal Life Church

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:29:00 +0000

It seems every Christmas story has to have a Scrooge, from Hallmark dramas to children's books. The reason we always write a jerk into our holiday stories is because it's true. In real life there's always a jerk.

Today, I want to encourage you not to be a Christmas jerk. Don't be the Scrooge. It's all too easy. Maybe you're expecting an Xbox and you get a sweater. Maybe you're parents have to tighten the belt and you have fewer packages under the tree especially you teenagers admit you do like those expensive items. Maybe Christmas is a tough time because you're reminded again of the dysfunction of your family. Perhaps you wish you're family would be like the others who seem to have it all together or have all the money.

Or . . . maybe you're stressed out because you have a ton of stuff to do. Recitals, plays, people, parties.

The circumstances and environment around the holidays make it all too easy to fall into jerk mode. And I'm saying, don't let it happen. Why? Because, of all people, it is Christians who should be full of joy on Christmas. Why? Becasuse this is the celebration of our Lord and Savior's story, how God moved dramatically to rescue His creation by sending Jesus to live, first as a baby, then as a growing boy, and then as a man.

Christmas is good news and let it be known. It is God's entrance into the world. God didn't stay in Heaven, he moved to become flesh. What a powerful story we have in Christmas.

One of the questions we should ask is How do you avoid becoming a Christmas jerk? First, Think about the story. Go back to the chapters in Isaiah and Matthew and Luke. Remember why we celebrate. Second, go with the Christmas flow which I mean is hold your Christmas plans loosely. Remember its about love, about giving, about peace. So if you get stiffed on the Xbox or that Ipod or that cell phone, let it go. Third, find ways to give back this Christmas and remember God loves a heartful giver. Is there a needy child, a program at your church, a community center that needs you're time and perhaps you're money? Give. Fourth, don't get hung up on frivolous stuff. Don't be a Christian who whines about everything that you think that things should be, or about. Just fight against those with genuine, Holy-Spirit-led Christmas cheer. That's not being nice.

Strive this year, to be part of the good at Christmas. And leave the jerkiness to Hallmark Channel, and others.

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Robert G.

Merry Christmas from The Griffus Family.

Universal Life Church

Online Sermons

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Jesus Was Tempted Too
Online Sermon

Today's Scripture

"We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help." Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV (suggested reading for this week: Luke 4:1-15)

Thoughts for Today

Every Christian is tempted to fulfill the natural desires of life in illegitimate ways on a daily basis. Some of us struggle more with sexual temptation. Others with eating too much, desiring to control others, looking good at any cost, taking things that are not our property. The list could continue for pages, but you get the point.

It is surprising for some people to learn that the Bible shows us that Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted. This week we will look at some of the specific temptations Jesus experienced and how he handled them. He was tempted—but he did not sin.

Consider this …

Jesus knows from experience what temptation is like. He is our high priest who intercedes for us with the Father. How comforting to know that he understands what we are going through when we are tempted. We can go to the Father when we are struggling with temptation with assurance that we will find understanding and help. How encouraging today's scripture text is: "So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help."

Prayer

Father, I am so grateful for the knowledge that Jesus experienced temptation too. This helps me know that you will continue to love me and will respond with kindness and help when I turn to you in the midst of a struggle with temptation. In Jesus' name …

http://www.eawweg.com
Universal Life Church

Online Sermon

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:21:00 +0000

Thought

The word for the day is thought. Recently I uploaded the Home Course in Mental Science to my website

Wisaac3rd.com in installments of a chapter every day or two so it took me probably a month to upload all twenty chapters plus the study guide. This is a very challenging course as far as study content. It will make one think if their mind is open to any extent at all.

Thought is what I am into at this time. Thought is very interesting for the course brings out that our world, our bodies and for that matter is all thought, nothing but thought.

As Scripture says as One thinks so it is.

Which sort of interesting for last year I had the epiphany that all there is was belief and perception. The more I study the more things I find that lead me to believe this more and more that the only reality there is, is the one we believe it to be.

As we believe so do we endeavor to bring others into our beliefs so we have our different religions.

Actually, I believe the only reason there are so many religions and branches of religions are that leaders within each one seek to get the attention they think they deserve and if they do not get it they break away to form their own form of whatever it was they were selling this week.

No different from a MLM marketer jumping ship to form their own MLM.

Guess, I am getting cynical as I advance in years. The only thing truthfully I have ever found to satisfy me is when I discovered Spirit and what a Friend it is to me. It walks with me and it talks with me and goes by many names, God, Allah, Buddha, Jesus. Although it matters not what it is called for to me it is the great comforter.

I find I can rest in Spirit while giving all of my challenges to it and knowing they will be worked out. It is not for me to know how only to know it will be.

It is left to me to have faith that Spirit has me in the palm of it’s hand always looking over me. Protecting me and loving me.

It shows me that as long as I seek to harm no one I shall not be harmed.

As ever con man out there knows it is impossible to cheat or to con an honest person. Only the greedy can be conned. Those that are seeking something for nothing. The quick buck, over night success, flash in the pan. The one hit wonders.

Most true over night successes spend years to get the opportunity to be an overnight success.

As much as I am enjoying American Idol this year I am wondering if they will appreciate their success as much as those that spent years in the bars, saloons, county and country fairs, playing on the back of a flat bed trailer.

The true successes I see and it matters not whether it is in the entertainment arena, the world of business, science, medicine, academia, sports or whatever it may it are those that go to the office or to work everyday knowing that if the lottery were theirs tonight that tomorrow they would still be reporting in to their specialty, for they love what they are doing.

Anyone that can bring a passion to what they are doing will be a success. In fact if they are truly passionate about what they do they are already a success.

My website is only a few pages from hitting the three hundred page mark and that at this time is my passion as well as making my sweetie as happy as I possibly can for that is my passion in life to be the best companion I possible can, while serving you through my website by finding and bringing to you the best self-help materials in as many genres as I possibly can.

There are many paths in this world in fact since there are almost seven billion people in our world now that means there are almost seven billion paths to find our way to the top of the mountain as we seek to find our way home again.

The way I am finding my way is by loving and believing in you.

Universal Life Church

Why I became Ordained

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:34:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I became ordained because there was something inside of me that said I should help other people realize their spiritualism without the confines of being associated with an organized religion.

Tolerance for all beliefs is the key to true peace and spiritualism may come in many forms. Doing that which is right is an excellent motto to live by for anyone and I do my best to spread this message. Whether you believe in God or gods or an order in the universe or whatever it might be that helps you to center yourself in life.

All should have an open mind and respect that others might not feel the same way as you do, but that there is nothing wrong with what is spiritually important to you and how you feel about it and express it. Live and let live.

Rev. Dr. Rick

ULC

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

Well I can say this. I became ordained through ULC because:

1. It is a lot easier getting credentials from ULC and you do not have to build a church immediately.

2. I do most of my preaching in Nightclubs. Flogger in one hand Bible in the other preaching The Word of God in BDSM Nightclubs. How I got the nickname the Evil Wicked Cardinal of Evil. :devil:

3. I have vast knowledge of The Bible and know where most of the relics are which are described in the Bible.

4. I love a good debate on religion. I never lost a debate yet. For it is the individual on how they interpret The Bible.

5. I go to religious seminars where my vast knowledge improves religion. And, I talk on my own experiences.

6. ULC is the best place to start as an ordained minister. But, when you preach never implement ULC in any way shape or form. I never tell anyone about my credentials with ULC. I let my knowledge of The Bible do the talking.

7. People ask me where I became a Minister. I say four words. "It was my calling." Why say where you became a Minister. You build a church and call it ULC for instance it is not connected with ULC HQ. It is your church and do not break the law or implement ULC HQ in any way shape or form.

8. All ULC HQ is vouch that we are ordained ministers. Other than that you are on your own. So be smart and use The Bible. It is a powerful weapon.

9. Do not think you can evade IRS just because your a Minister. Because Churches and Ministers do get taxed. But, I do this volunteer and I accept no donations. It is Volunteer Work for me.

So; one thing always preach The Word of God, that is why we became ministers. And, teach others our religion.

Universal Life Church

Online Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:11:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I am currently looking for work in both the Christian world and the secular world. I am hoping and praying that God will lead me to where He wants me to be.

I have felt a calling to minister since I was a child but for some reason things always were in the way or seemed more important at the time. I was raised in the United Methodist church and was away from church until a few years ago when I met my wife and started going to church with her. She was attending a non-denominational church and that is where I learned the most about God and His Word. I once again started feeling the Calling again and I started looking into man's procedure for ordination. I believe that God is the only one that can truly ordain but man's laws need to be respected as long as they are not in conflict with God's laws.

I am currently taking a Christian Seminary course through ULC and I am looking into other courses as well. I want to learn all that God has to offer and receive it.

Pastor Todd

ULC

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free and lasts for life, so use the button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:08:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

Believe it or not...... my day starts at 630 am, Take my boyfriend to work and the little one to school then I come back home and take my catchupfromsleeplessnight nap, This morning during that nap I had a vision of me performing my cousin's wedding ceremony, I used to play an online MMORPG and was a guide in that game and as a guide I would perform various wedding ceremonies.

I had the dream and it was so vivid and it even went further then the wedding ceremony, it went into the hospital here where my other cousin is recovering from a massive brain injury and I have been going to the hospital every other day to visit with him. He doesn't know who I am or anything but knows I am there and will play ball with me and talk with me and count... My god did you all know when you get a brain injury sometimes all you do is count? Anyways... back to my story.. In this dream I was helping small children and other people suffering from various elements... The dream seem to last months, I woke up physically exhausted and yet revived.... I did a google search on Ordain and landed here....

I know I am fresh meat to the lambs but this dream really kicked my midlife crisis into high gear.
I am in between jobs right now and while I was posting my resume to various places it dawned on me to get information and for whatever reason I did and here I am..... where I am going..... No clue. I am sure it will be an enlightening road of many events though!!

Paladin

ULC

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 10:04:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I was raised in a liberal protestant household. My mother grew up in the Pentecostal Holiness church and often spoke of the rampant hypocrisy that she saw there. Mom goes to church for the music...doctrine means nothing to her. "Be a good person" is the only catechism she needs.

My father was raised in the same church in which I was baptized. He has done his share of praying and contemplation and is at peace with his relationship with God.. Occasionally he and I will have wonderful, sharing conversations on the subject, but he is not the sort to share his beliefs in public.

I was an enthusiastic student in Sunday school and bible study. I was even "born again" at church camp. That is, until I was scolded for suggesting that the Apostle Paul might have been speaking from within his cultural paradigm when he discussed the role of women in the church. I knew then that I would have to continue on my own path.

I became, and continue to be, a student of religion and religious history. Long ago, I realized that I was more familiar with the history of western religious traditions and of the Bible than most of the "Preachers" I encountered. I developed an urgent need to teach...to free people from the ignorance in which many organized religions want to trap them.

I have always been the "Dear Abby" in my circle of friends. I guess that, somehow, I was just naturally empathetic.

I want to teach....I want to serve.. I want to comfort.

I heard about internet ordination, but the first place I found was the Church of Spiritual Humanism. I read their forums, I thought it was right for me, and I became ordained in that church. It was not for several years that I stumbled into a forum where I was berated and belittled and generally treated ill...all because I confessed a belief in the Divine. It turns out they are Orthodox Atheists and have NO tolerance for hopeful agnostics or other 'superstitious' folk. This was stated, very obtusely, in their materials, but I just didn't get it before then. I have since resigned my ordination with them.

I continued my search and, at the urging of a Wiccan friend, I came to ULC. I now feel that I have found my "church home" where I can learn and grow and share.

I have performed several weddings (gay & straight) and one baptism.

Yup...that covers it.

Rev. Kate

ULC

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:57:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

Well, this is the 8th year anniversary in ULC for me. I came here because of the different paths that were celebrated here. I became ordained here because I knew ministry is one of my life missions. I am also a board certified holistic health practitioner, certified expressive art therapist, am earning a ph.d in holistic ministries from American Institute of holistic theology, and I earned a doctor of divinity from universal light church.

I completed the soul clinic class offered by ULC -- very good. I am a certified pastoral counselor, and board certified chaplain through the international pastoral counselors association. My ministry is growing, as am I. I held a beautiful service in my home where 12 of my closest friends showed up"the journey of our nativity" a metaphysical story of the nativity. I participate in many beliefs. I volunteer w/young gay youth.

I live w/ fibromyalgia daily and am writing for the fibromyalgia frontiers a quarterly news journal. I am a known art therapist and writer, look under Kurt Fondriest art therapist. so all this brought me here. All this came from me being here. The journey is still going....

Peace,

Rev. Kurt

ULC

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:53:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

My reason for becoming Ordained was first to get a better relationship with God by doing something to help.Having faith no matter what happens is sometimes hard and things happen that can pull you away from God.That did happen to me.I realized that God is not the reason some things happen,a lot of it is our wrong doing or thinking.I feel much better about doing this and plan on moving further in this.

I was called into the ministry. I was a youth leader in a church in this town for five years, after growing up in church and exploring what I believe on my own, and finding my own self, I decided I don't like what the word christian means anymore, I left the church and called myself a Christ follower. Now me being gay and leaving the church for that and many other reasons, I still wanted to keep my calling, and my dad and my sister are both ordained through the ULC and I thought well lets make it a family thing, and so I did, my wife and I are both ordained we are new, ordained 10 31 05.... and now we want to do marriages and counseling soon. and are fortunate that we have a friend that owns a shop that will get our names out there when we are ready

Rev Michelle

ULC

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:50:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I was originally ordained in mid-1970's. I felt it validated me and it also allowed me to openly work with drug addicts and alcoholics. I was born the 8th Great Granddaughter of Sara Pease, Salem Village, 1692 and have been different all my life.

In the mid 70's I started working with women, who had lost their children to CPS and had problems with substance abuse. I didn't have a degree in social work or law so the legal system didn't accept me as have any expertise. To assist the women I was attempting to help I was ordained and that make me their spiritual adviser/minister. Then the state got involved in substance abuse treatment and my ordination was not acceptable in working in the recovery field for several years.

In addition to having been born into a witch family, I have studied Wicca, Stergia, and Native American Spiritualism. I am an adviser to many women now who have substance abuse problems and now the ordination is considered valid again, although not appreciated by Social Workers or other people who work within the "recovery" field or in CPS.

Lady Aurora

ULC

Online Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:26:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

To answer such a question I would have to give you a brief history. So, here it is. I was raised in a eccelectic home of the Christian mentality which means my parents ran the gamut of possibilities. We attended Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witness, Church of Christ, Baptist, Pentacostal, and non denominational. Though prior to that particular mentality, I was aware of the fact that my mother caste astrological charts and my step father referred to her as a witch, and that I had what is often termed ESP from my age group but what I call intuitive now.

Well, the stepfather who ventured into becoming an ordained minister was in fact the monster in the closet and my brother and I suffered greatly for his perversions. At 18, though deeply spiritual, and obviously wounded, I walked away from the Christian path, and into marriage with a non practicing Catholic. My brother, walked behind the bars of the prison system the same year at 15. We both sought to escape.

Over the years I found that God, or the equivalent, was consistent in all spiritual paths. One always seeks to find communion with the higher purpose, some of us call it God, others Goddess, others think that the answers lie in breaking down all measure of distraction.

I found that what I wanted, was a relationship with God...without barriers, without interpretations. I wanted to be able to KNOW this. So, in my search, I have learned much and I found myself progressivly being asked to share this information. Over time, througout the many conversations on the subject, what I gave as assistance to serve the higher path of each person began to correlate to the teachings of other ministers and spiritualists. I was surprised by this, and thought is odd. I questioned if I was simply parroting the streams of thought I had read. After careful consideration and much soul searching I realized that that was not the case. I always followed the sense of God I found prevailed in those conversations and shared what the message was from the higher ideals. And if it happened to be similar to the lesson their minister gave them, then I reminded them that the Spirit of God moves as necessary, and sometimes we need the message in varied forms before we take heed to it.

Then my mother came to visit and over about a years time in the course of many conversations, again, I shared that had I been Christian, I would have been a minister...but I could not in good conscience perpetuate one path to the exclusion of others. She returned home to find someone close to her had become a ULC minister and there we began.

Ideally I would like to offer guidance to those in need, and I do find myself wondering if perhaps visiting prisoners would not in fact be to the benefit of those feeling not quite aligned with ONE thought yet still in need of spiritual guidance and understanding. As yet I have no married anyone, and having been unemployed for the last year I have not had the financial stability to make time to search out and find the best way to visit prisoners, nor have I had the opportunity to seek out the opportunities to visit those in need at hospitals (as a minister).

Sister Ligeia

ULC

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:47:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

At first, I explored the idea through an internet link that advertised the option, as I was curious. I discovered that the idea of being ordained via the internet was both real and legal, so I broached the subject with the she-devil that was my then-wife. She, a faux-Catholic of rather narrow perspective, considered ULC evil, satanic, subversive, and a waste of time, just as she had considered the venerable institution of Freemasonry in which I had previously been initiated. The wretched woman.

But anyway, her opposition fueled my curiosity and so I soon took the plunge....I forked over the bucks, bought my ordination and two Doctorates, and then summarily boxed away the mailed goodies that soon followed. Now, I just carry the nifty black card in my wallet that denotes my piety as more a conversation piece than anything else... although I am willing and prepared to conduct any service I am fortunate enough to be called upon to perform.

I do not cite the purchased ULC Doctorates (Divinity and Metaphysics) on my business card, as they do not seem as worthy as those accomplishments I achieved through hard work and time. My fiance, who has two Masters and is soon to get her PhD, and I play with all our various letters and degrees just for fun. I am making her new biz card as a surprise. Here is my alphabet soup, sans Doctorates: Reverend MEK, LCDR, USN(RET), MBA, 32 Degree Mason, APDT, ABC Certified. I am not even sure how I would incorporate the ULC Doctorates into all that....I fear, despite their dubious authentication, they would trump my harder-earned achievements, and I do not want to do that.

Mike

ulc.net

Online Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Why I Became a Universal Life Church Minister

No, this is not "true confession," or any weepy story of redemption. Fed up with the direction that The (formerly Protestant) Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. was taking, I concluded that the fault lay in its professionals -- the priests and bishops. If seminary teaching and practice led to the garbage these people were spouting, then their right to continue should be examined by someone in authority, and heads should roll.

Well, it's not going to happen. They are entrenched and subject to no effective discipline. The only "sin" they can be held guilty of is failing to parrot the agitprop proclaimed by their superiors. Hence, in my opinion, their "credentials" are spurious. Any laymen with diligent study and purity of heart could do a better job of serving Episcopal congregations.

So as a lark -- and as a protest -- I forked over $19.10 to the Universal Life Church for a certificate of ordination and a laminated identification card. This, together with a letter stating that I was "in good standing" as a minister of the Univesral Life Church in Brewster, Massachusetts, entitled me to recognition by the Commonwealth as qualified to perform marriages.

But then a strange thing happened. Something came over me that I cannot explain. I starting acting like a clergyman. Sort of like a friendly Baptist preacher. I took a far greater interest in theology, the creed, the sacraments -- and in people. I thought consciously about how to reach others so that they could lead more satisfying lives. I worried more about those in my circle with problems. I tried to help solve trouble relationships.

Can it be that God is using this tired old doofus for His purposes?
I wonder. What do you think?

ulc.net

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

The Reason I was ordained.. Is because I felt my calling as a Heinzist Minister, and the ULC seemed to be one of the few churches that were open enough for me to legally practice my Heinzist Tradition.

This decision did not come overnight.

At the age of 14 is when the Heinzist path was started by 1998, it was nearly complete in the beliefs section. People I went to highschool with looked up to me as a leader as a minister.

I was not only known as a spiritual person. But as the Leader of the Peace Keeping Rail Gang, who earned high respect for the locals, because we ran hate groups, and caused three violant gangs to truce peacefully between us, in the town of Milton, Wisconsin.

I was known to put my life as risk, and I have went head to head in some extremely dangerous situations. I could list a bunch of very interesting War stories.. which is even more interesting how a non-violant group takes on a violant group in making them think, can make one drop down all weapons.

One such group we ran out was the KKK. Who was desperately trying to recruit some of our friends and nearly had 3-4 within them, Which really made our work cut out to expose to our friend who these people really were, as she thought they were the coolest people to ever set foot on the earth.

Coming from an interracial foster home I have went against them, and other powerful organizations. I helped expose one minister who was sexually abusing, and mentally abusing his congregation and encouraging us .. his youth congregation to STEAL books from their library to steal anything non - christian to burn.

From what I understand New Life Assembly of God church on North wright road in Janesville, Wisconsins STILL practices this. My sister was a member of them last year an she burned some of my books. And they treated her all well, until she told them I was her sister, and was stupid enough to show my email I wrote to her about how I did not want anything to do with her or that terrorist church.

They started to treat her and her bf rotten, and they eventually left the church.

Anyhow the real reason I had became ordained is the same reason I do anything that involves a major choice.. To Make a positive difference.

All though highschool I had teachers whispering to me. You should become ordained through the Universal Life Church... I had students begging me to as well... And for years my foster sisters and I used to do our own ceremonies in the woods... and they too said I should...

It was after a chain reaction of visions and dreams, And the Spirits adding more towards my Heinzism Tradition . Is when I realised... This is no longer just a belief system anymore.. It has now formed into a simple eclectic tradition. And the Spirits urged me.

Go Public, Go Private, Live this, Teach This, Minister This!.

After 3 years of the Spirits I work with doing this. I finally had done so, and I have been into some amazing experiences. I have gifted psychic/healing abilities. Some of the locals call me a Shaman. I use the term Spirit Worker.... They use that term for the weather working abilities I been known for since 1989 when I was 9 years old.

I have been hit by lightning once .. after I went upstairs to prevent anyone from getting hit by making sure everyone was in bed. "Spirit Said" is that story... I have it posted all through the internet and you can find a link to it from my bio page.

Just recently I worked with a paraylised kitten and it made a full recovery.. this has not happened once but 3 times since 1997. So I know I am working with strong Spirits, Strong energy.

And the reason I became ordained is so I could do Spirits work, teach what spirits have taught me, and help make the world a better place.

I am Universal Life Church Minister.. of the Heinzist Tradition.

I am not a perfect person, and if you have seen me in any yahoogroups or chats you will know that I do not hide that.

Over there most of you if you go there know me as "DNatureofDTrain_CaseyJones" on other places "CaseyJTrain" or Just DNatureofDTrain. .. CaseyJonesTrain.

People here will probably recognize me from many chats or networks as I state that.

Take Care and Peace and Blessing,
Rev. Dana C. L.
"DNatureofDTrain"

ulc.net

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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.

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Ordination

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I'm a long-time ULC minister. I became ordained out of necessity in 1972.

I'm a school teacher and with the help of the local Health Department, a local church, and even the USAF, myself and a few colleagues started a free clinic for teens where they could get medical assistance with drug problems, STD's and birth control.

Well, my Vice Principal got wind of it and demanded that within the month I produce a list of the names of all students of our school who came to the clinic for drug problems. I checked with my attorney and I did not have any way of withholding this info. So, I became ordained through ULC---in those days it was by mail--- and refused to supply the list of names on the grounds that it would violate a trust between a minister and his flock. On appeal to the Board of Education attorney, it stood as legal confidentiality and I (we) were off the hook.

John

ulc.net

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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.

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noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I've always had someone approach me for advise or just wanting someone to talk to. I became ordained by ULC because I didn't appreciate the various teachings or beliefs of the standard religions around me. I more or less wanted to be an interfaith believer.

I have always been interested in cars as a hobby and that has brought others closer to me to share their problems. Motorheads and people that can't get their car started on a cold morning have as many problems as the rest of the world. (Go figure!) I did go through some agonizing reappraisels in reaching this decision having gone to Catholic school while brought up Protestant and having lived in a multicultural neighborhood.

Not knowing much about others beliefs I listened and told them what I thought was right. I can't believe how far this attitude has brought me in life. At my job I listen and talk to people from many various cultures from around the world. This diversity has made me more aware that people are the same around the world. They want to make a peaceful living and raise their families. I truly do feel, that now, I am an INTERFAITH MINISTER.

ulc.net

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The Universal Life Church offers free online ordination and an extensive seminary program where we offer a course in Wiccan Studies, one on the Four Gospels, several courses that are based on A Course in Miracles, several Christian Studies courses and a variety of courses on Spiritual Awareness and Spiritual Development.

Universal Life Church

noreply@blogger.com (Universal Life Church/ULC Seminary) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 16:31:00 +0000

Universal Life Church

I guess the biggest reason behind my decision to become ordained was the fact that my best friend asked me to perform his hand-fasting. Up until that point, I was happy merely following my order without any of the, shall we say, "perks" that go with the job.

But once I joined the form I got a better sense the I was just ordained but part of something. I had become part of a free thinking people willing to put difference aside... most of the time ;) and discuss religion and beliefs not from the point of which is right, but from the point of enlightenment. So I guess my spirit must have pulled me to the place I fit in instead of me just becoming ordained.

Love, peace, and happiness

Chirockdruid

ulc.net

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar