2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ was born and that is why many of us celebrate the day of Christmas. However, did you know that there was much more to the story of how Jesus appeared? Jesus did not just come from a sudden decision of God, but actually God had promised Jesus to come.
One verse that promises Jesus to come is Zechariah 9:9. This verse shows that Jerusalem's king will come on a foal of a donkey. This verse was given before Jesus ever came to the earth, but was fulfilled once he was born and grew up spreading his ministry. The verse came to reality in Matthew 21:1-9.
Another verse that promised Jesus to come was in Isaiah 7:14. This verse shows that Jesus would be born of a virgin and he will be called Immanuel (God with us). This verse came to reality in Matthew 1:23 where Jesus was born from virgin Mary which is the nativity scene that many of us look at today and remember the birth of Jesus through Christmas.
Therefore, let us always remember that Christmas is not just about celebrating the festive nights and lights that are put on display, but let us always remember that Christ was promised to us and that is why we are able to believe his coming to this earth to bring salvation.
What does it mean when asked, "what is the heart of a disciple?"
During the first coming of Jesus Christ, there were many disciples that followed Jesus. The ones who stayed with him till the very end until He descended to heaven were the 12 disciples. Although there were many others, not many of them stayed with him as they found Jesus to bring a teaching that did not fit their standards (John 6:60,66). Then we must ask why the 12 disciples decided to stay with Jesus till the very end. According to John 6:67-68, Jesus asks the disciples if they wanted to leave. Peter, one of the 12 disciples answered to whom should they go because they knew Jesus had the words of eternal life. They stuck with Jesus because they knew He had the words of eternal life.
Then why did some think of Jesus' words as words of foolishness and why did the 12 disciples hear the words as eternal life? This was because they understood the scriptures and perceived Jesus had come to fulfill all the scriptures regarding himself (Matthew 5:17). They knew He was the walking word in flesh and believed it with all their heart and their soul. Their faith was so strong they even died themselves spreading these words of eternal life (Bible). Not anyone in this world is willing to die for others, and moreover for a couple of words. If you ask anyone if they are willing to die for their favorite book, it is hard for them to say yes because it isn't precious enough for them to do so. Then what did the disciples see in the Bible that was so precious that they spilled their blood, were torn apart, hid in catacombs, and risked their life everyday for the Bible? That is something we must ask ourselves everyday. Even further, we must ask ourselves, how precious do we see the Bible? Are we willing to die for it as if we were to be able to die for our loved ones? Do we have the same heart as the disciples where they were willing to die for the Bible to be spread all over the world to even today in our hands? They died so we can have these words of eternal life and died for people who they didn't even know. Then, let's make sure we never forget what they have done for us, and furthermore what Jesus has done for us. Their death has become a chance for us to live. Let us understand the scriptures and search for the preciousness written within the Bible to understand their heart and the heart of God everyday. Amen.
Through the history in the Bible, we have heard about God and how much He has done for us, but how many times do we ask what we should do for him? In Genesis chapter 22, God shows us a shadow of what His heart is like through the history of Abraham being commanded to sacrifice his beloved son. Through the testing of Abraham's faith, many of us who have the scriptures in our very hands are able to see why this history was given for us. In obedience, Abraham was able to take action to sacrifice his son, but by the grace of God, Isaac was spared and Abraham's faith was that much greater. With God's promise through Isaac, Abraham was able to fully have faith and do as commanded. What a relief it must have been for Abraham as a father right?
We see the true intention of God only when we look at the Bible as whole. Why is that? Because the story of Abraham and Isaac was a shadow of what God would do about 4000 years later. Instead of a lamb, Abraham was about to sacrifice his son in place of it. A lamb when sacrificed was to atone the sins of those who were under the law. However, Jesus came as the reality of the law and was the true lamb. God however, did not hold back, but His own beloved son had to die for the sins of men under the law and for the blood to purchase a people in the future who will do the final work of God. Now if we were in the place of a father or even a mother, would we sacrifice our one and only child for many people? How difficult would that be? Truly truly, we must rethink the heart that God has for his people. In order to save the 7.3 billion people on earth and to give all of them life, He gave up His son for people who have been breaking His promises for 6,000 years. God's love is greater than we might perceive, but once a person is in the shoes of a father having to give up his own son for the lives of man, it is only by a huge heart that can contain the world that it can happen. Let's always reflect on the heart God for us in this era. Shincheonji is where finally the people who can see God's heart are appearing and it is where the blood that was spilt is finally redeemed. May we all live to repay God for what he has done as our eternal, spiritual, and true Father! Amen!
Paper boats are placed in a map of the world to show that peace is being spread by Shincheonji Volunteers and all who are involved
In a world today where there is much war and suffering, peace is the first thing that many people look forward to in this day and age. It is difficult for many to imagine a peaceful world, but it is possible if everyone takes peace into their own hands. Shincheonji volunteers look forward to every moment where peace can be expressed. Through volunteer events such as"Love for the Nation and Sharing Peace," peace is being spread all around the nation and even through media.
Children paint the Korean flag to show the love for the nation and it shows that peace is needed for the future generations
Today, nations seek for peace, but more than the nation as a whole, children seek for peace. In a world where there is so much war and chaos, the ones who will fight are those who are young and those who have future dreams. Shincheonji volunteers put in their efforts to make peace happen for those who truly are looking for it. Although it may seem like baby steps, one by one, it will surely fulfill if everyone takes matters into their own hands.
Shincheonji Volunteers host performances to remind the citizens of the efforts made for peace within the nation.
August 15, 2015 marked the 70th anniversary when S.Korea finally became an independent nation. Shincheonji Volunteers hosted an event called, "Love for the Nation and Sharing of Peace," to open remind the citizens of the nation of the love that was fought for a long 70 years. Through this event the atmosphere of the cities within the nation grew bright in one heart and voice for peace. A variety of performances were showcased to remind the citizens of the joy of being liberated due to the past ancestors who fought so hard for their freedom.
Youth performances opened up the hearts of a new generation that has come for peace.
Some performances were also done by the youth to remind that now a new generation of peace and not war has come. The performances inspired the hearts of many to show that now instead of hating one another, we must come as one and share the love that was given to us. With a voice to end war, the youth brightly expressed their hearts of love through a variety of vocal performances.
Performances lasted until the evening and the event ended with the crowd coming together in oneness with bright shining lights to indicate a spark for love and peace. The event was successful and eternally reminded the people of the nation that peace is achieved by the individual efforts of every single person. It reminded everyone that if they come altogether in love, then peace is possible as it was achieved 70 years ago...
