To those who distort the Sabbath day observed by Jesus

Today, there are people who call themselves "Orthodox" while worshiping on Sunday which is not based on the Bible and distorting the truth by claiming that "Jesus did not keep the Sabbath day" with regard to the verse indicating that Jesus observed the Sabbath day. Yet, they overlook one thing: if they misinterpret the verse regarding the Sabbath day kept by Jesus as "Jesus did not keep the Sabbath", they lose the slightest opportunity to justify the "Sunday service" they observe. 

First, let's see the verse about the Sabbath day observed by Jesus.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. (Luke 4:16)

About the above Verse, they distort the truth by saying: "At first glance, it seems that Jesus kept the Sabbath day. However, if you read it carefully once more, you will find that there is no word "observe." The Bible says, "On the Sabbath day, Jesus went into the synagogue to read the Bible." Can we understand it today as ‘Jesus observed the Sabbath day?’”

They insist that it's not about keeping the Sabbath day since there is no direct expression "observe". Then, let's apply their logic to the Sunday service the same way. Are there any verses indicating Jesus kept the Sunday service?  At least, are they any record that Jesus went into the synagogue to read the Bible? They must first provide the ground for the Sunday service before they argue about the Sabbath day. They distort the truth by claiming that the Sabbath day was not observed although there is a record of keeping the Sabbath day. I wonder on what ground they keep the Sunday service. Isn’t it strange?

The word "custom" is the translation of the Greek word "ἔθω (εἰωθὸς)", which means "custom, common practice or ritual." In other words, we can confirm that the Sabbath day is a day observed as a custom, common practice or ritual. Of course, since the Sabbath day is one of God's Commandments, it can be also called "as his custom was or as he did as usual." It's because Jesus observed the Sabbath day as his custom was or as he did as usual.

Why do they diligently keep the Sunday service which was not kept by Jesus without considering observing the Sabbath day kept by Jesus? Believing in God with lips only; the demons also do. The demons also believe in God (James 2:19), the demons also acknowledged Jesus as the Lord (Matthew 8:29), and even the evil spirit said he knew Jesus (Acts 19:15.) If we get salvation as long as we believe without action, it can be also said that the demons and evil spirits who are destined to be destroyed will be saved. The difference between the devils who are destined to be destroyed and the Christians who will be saved depends on whether or not to do according to the words of God.

http://www.wmscog.org

A Letter from the Son, and Mother’s Reply

A Letter from the Son, and Mother’s Reply

There was an immature son who wrote a letter to his mother.

On the header it reads, “I love you Mom.”

Mom, I know that you are having hard times with me.

I always go out and play and never help you. I’m sorry, Mom.

But I know you’ll forgive me, right?

Mom. I love you so much. 

Do you also love me? 

Mom, even if you don’t love me, I’m really thankful that you’re my Mom.

Mom, I love you!

Of course the son wrote an unaffected and pure letter.

Then, the mother replied to his letter:

My son, do you know?

I love you not because you are the only one in this world.

It’s because I love you, and that’s why you are the only one in this world.

My son, do you know?

Even if I lost everything in this world, I don’t want to lose you for this world.

My son, do you know?

The only reason why I exist in this world?

That’s because of you.

I love you always.

From General Pastor’s sermon: ‘God is Love’

Always loving these immature children, and only considering us,

I give thanks, praises and eternal glory to our Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother.

I no longer want to be an immature child, and want to confess,

“Father and Mother, I love you!”

http://www.wmscog.org

Do the things Abraham did

"Abraham did not do such things."

This is what Jesus said to the Jews who alleged that they were the children of Abraham. Why did Jesus deny the blood of the Jews who were the actual offspring of Abraham? What's the difference between Abraham and them?

“… I [Jesus] am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. (John 8:38-40)

In the past, Abraham had met God who had appeared just as the Jews met God in the flesh. At that time, how did Abraham receive God?

The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men [God and two angels] standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way--now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say." (Genesis 18:1-5)

Abraham treated God who appeared as a man with best butter and milk, and a calf dish. So, God allowed Abraham to have a son "Isaac" and blessed him, giving such titles as "the father of faith" and "the father of many nations." Receiving God in the flesh; it's what Abraham did.

The Bible prophesies that God is to appear in the flesh "a second time" to bring salvation to those who are waiting in the last days. Moreover, in these days, not only God the Father but also God the Mother, His bride, is to come together.

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

Jesus said, "If you were Abraham's children, then you would do the things Abraham did." In this age, those who accept the Holy Spirit God the Father and the bride God the Mother who have come in the flesh to give us the water of life are Abraham's children.

http://www.wmscog.org

The goal of our faith is the salvation of our souls

Why do people work for companies? 

Some say that they feel happy while working in a company. Others say that they are having a happy work life due to good colleagues. There will be also people who find something worth by participating in community services in the course of working in a company. However, are there any people who continue to work for a company if they are not paid? The primary purpose of working for a company is to live on their salary. Even if they love their jobs or they are happy to work with other colleagues, people have no reason to work for companies if they are not paid.

Then, what’s the purpose of our faith in God?

Some say that they live a religious life to find peace of mind. Others say that they live a life of faith because they enjoy meeting people. Or there are people who are happy to participate in community services while attending the church. However, can these can be the ultimate purpose of our faith life?

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

The most important goal of our faith is the salvation of our souls. A life of faith without the salvation of souls is no more than a job without salary. Although they might feel happy or they think they obtain something worth, their efforts will be in vain in the end. The problem is that many churches teach different doctrines and different religious lives depending on their denominations. Which way of faith is the right one which leads us to the salvation of our souls?

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers [depart from me, you workers of lawlessness – ESV]!' (Matthew 7:21-23)

Those who live a life of lawless faith which does not follow the will of God cannot enter the kingdom of heaven even though they call 'Lord, Lord', act as prophets who preach God, cast out demons or perform many miracles. They can obtain nothing while making many efforts.

Why should we do the will of God to get the salvation of our souls? It’s because the Word of God is the promise of salvation. 

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. (John 6:53-55)

Whether we can receive life or not depends on following this Word containing the promise of eternal life. Then, how can eat and drink the flesh and blood of Jesus?

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover… While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:19-28)

Jesus promised that the Passover bread is His flesh and the Passover wine is His blood. Therefore, faith without keeping the Passover cannot give us the salvation of souls. Those who do not observe the Passover worship God in vain. Religious life which results in the salvation of souls, the goal of faith, is that of receiving eternal life through the Passover of the new covenant. If you believe in God, please live a life of faith which leads you to the kingdom of heaven by following the will of God.

The greatest miracle in the world

The greatest miracle in the world

Which one is the greater miracle: Rising from the dead or living eternally?

Of course, the latter is. Even if someone rises from the dead, he will die again some day. Eternal living is really the greatest miracle in the world. “Eternal life”– the area which has not been accomplished even by the state-of-the-art medical science and which will not be fulfilled by men. 2,000 years ago, God let mankind, who were destined to die, know how to experience the miracle of living forever. He allowed it through the Passover of the new covenant.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life … (John 6:53-54)

And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer… “This [Bread] is my body … This cup [Wine] is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. (Luke 22:15-20)

However, Satan, who watched thirstily for a chance to destroy God’s work, abolished the Passover at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

Christ Ahnsahnghong, God who has come again, said as follows to let us know what the greatest miracle in the world is and how important the Passover is:

People say that the manna which came down from heaven in the wilderness is a miracle, and they say that raising Lazarus from the dead is a miracle.

Yet, in the eyes of God, neither being cured of diseases nor rising from the dead is a miracle. All people including Lazarus and those who ate the manna in the wilderness died.

However, those who eat and drink the flesh and blood of Jesus will live even though they die; and they will never die.

Obtaining eternal life by eating the bread of life!

Giving life through the Passover to those who are to die; there is no greater miracle than this.

The most important thing to us is the flesh and blood of Jesus, which was allowed through His death on the cross.

In this age, we should not seek miracles and signs.

We should seek eternal life.

We must understand deeply and cherish this covenant of life God gives us, and must always give thanks to God.”

I pray that all people around the world will experience the greatest miracle in the world: living forever with the flesh and blood God which was allowed through His death on the cross.

Although they knew the Bible

Is it sufficient just to know the Bible? 2,000 years ago, the Jews took pride in knowing the Bible more than any other people. To considerable degree, it was true that they knew the Bible. Then, did they recognize Christ? As a matter of course, they also had to recognize Jesus because the Bible testifies about Christ. Of course, they understood who Jesus was. So they crucified Jesus who said he came as the "Son of God" on the cross.

Jesus said he came as the "Son" of God, as if he had been a different being from God the Father Jehovah.

"Abba", Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14:36)

"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (Matthew 6:9)

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)

Jesus described God Jehovah as the Almighty One and Himself as a child who obeys the commands of the Father. That is, he regarded himself as the same position like us. Here, don't you have a question? Why did the Jews resent Jesus when he said he came as the Son of God, which might have not been any problem? Further, why did they crucify Him on the cross?

“… I [Jesus] and the Father are one." Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." (John 10:30-33)

Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:17-18)

When Jesus said, "I and the Father are one," the Jews responded by saying "You, a mere man, claim to be God." Also, when Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working," they blamed him for making himself equal with God. Why did they understand "calling God his own Father" as "making himself equal with God"?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The Jews knew the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah. In around 700 B.C., the prophet Isaiah foretold that ‘Almighty God would come as a Son.’ Therefore, the Jews got into rage when he said, "I and Father are one." They knew the Bible better than the disciples.

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. (John 14:8-10)

Philip was not able to understand the words of Jesus properly although he had been with Jesus. He could not understand why Jesus called himself the "Son of God" until he learned many teachings after Jesus ascended to heaven.

The Jews, who understood the word of Jesus by themselves, rejected Jesus and were destroyed after all. Philip, who realized after being taught from Jesus, was blessed. What's the difference between them? Just knowing the Bible is not sufficient. It's no more than mere acquisition of knowledge. To know the Bible means "to realize the words and put them in practice."

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) preaches Christ of the age of the Holy Spirit to great multitude of Christians: God the Holy Spirit in the male image and God the Mother, the bride in the female image witnessed by the Bible from the 1st Chapter of Genesis to the 22nd Chapter of Revelation. At this, most people says that they came to know God the Mother testified by the Bible for the first time, giving a slight nod. 

While seeing many people leaving, saying that they came to know Christ who has come as the Spirit and the bride in the Bible, I thought of the Jews. They also knew but did not believe.

Choose the path of life

God has made us known the path of life to save our souls.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalms 16:11)

But, the problem is that there is also a path that leads us to death. Moreover, the path of death seems right to a man.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12)

It's not easy to tell from the path of life from the path of death with our common sense. For this reason, God said that we must forsake our own thoughts and obey God's thoughts.

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:7-9)

Then, what is the way of life God has showed us?

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' (Jeremiah 6:16)

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first [the first works: KJV]. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Revelation 2:5)

Keeping and following the teachings that Jesus granted us at first -- it is the path of life. Some claim, "Isn't it better to celebrate Christmas than not to celebrate any day although it was the birthday of sun-god?” Others think it's better to keep Sunday rather than to keep Saturday which is the Sabbath day because most people rest on Sunday and more people can come to God. There are also people that it doesn't matter to erect a cross because they remember the sacrifice of Christ whenever they see the cross although it was once used as an execution tool and it was even used as a symbol of pagan religion.

But, there are no verses in the Bible which indicate that Jesus was born on December 25th, which specify that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday, or which teach us to erect the cross. The teaching Jesus taught originally and showed us as an example is the new covenant including the Sabbath day and the Passover.

Please do not forget the words of God: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads us to death." Any other gospel that deviates from the path of life is mere the path of death whatever people make any excuses. We should forsake our thoughts and acknowledge the ancient path is the good way, and then repent and do the first works: it's the path of life.

To Our Home, Heaven

To Our Home, Heaven

My husband’s job required to stay far apart from our house. We are faithful family who needed to keep God’s commandments in those places that we dwelled. 

Our small wish is for my husband’s job to be resolved so that we can all live together in one place. Though being together once a month is now our daily life, we still don’t seem to be used to it.

As always, being together gives us joy and being apart hurts our hearts. When my husband comes home nearly after a month, my children are delirious with joy.

Seeing them waiting in front of the bathroom door, until my husband finished taking a shower, it made me feel sad and a little bitter considering how much they must have missed him. After I’ve set the table for dinner, we all sat down together, which was in a long time.

“Dad, have this.”

My children were busily placing the best food on to his plate.

“Thanks sweetie pies.”

His voice was trembling and eventually his eyes welled up. At an instant, I burst into tears and couldn’t stop crying for a while. It was not only because of how I longed and wished for my family to be together, but it was mostly because I thought I have felt Heavenly Mother’s heart.

In Heaven…

Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, and we, their children, were all in happiness and joy every day. Because of our sins, the joy in Heaven stopped, and we were scattered apart in this world. Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother had to receive sacrifice instead of glory.

Thinking of Heavenly Mother who had to stay on this earth all alone when Father ascended, my heart hurt so much. How much would Heavenly Mother be longing for the day when She returns to Heavenly Father with Her children? How hard must it be for Her, on this very moment, when Her children are living apart from Her?

The only way to end this pain, suffering, hardship, and longing, is to return to our home; Heaven. In Heaven, where we can all live together…

I will endure more, and will promptly accomplish Heavenly Father’s and Heavenly Mother’s wish, the wish that we all long for.

God the Mother giving love

God the Mother giving love 

First of all, I would like to give thanks to God the Father and God the Mother for allowing me to realize Their true love.
 
When I first got the truth and received a lot of care from brothers and sisters in Zion, I thought it is natural to receive love and sometimes, I even felt a little hurt when they did not pay attention to me.  However, since I am in the position to give love rather than to receive it, I easily got in trouble suiting every member of the spiritual family. 
 
Then, I could realize that this whole situation had me understand the true mind of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother.  Our Father and Mother have endured and suffered everything just for the love toward Their Children for a long time. 
 
In spite Christ Ahnsahnghong and God the Mother sincerely care and love all our Heavenly brothers and sisters, I rather hurt them with arrogant mind.  I truly give thanks to God for allowing me to realize my shortage and lack.
 
Just like God the Father and God the Mother who never give up on us, I would also like to become the one who cares each and every brother and sister with earnest mind, waiting patiently to give love to them.
 
I eagerly desire to go back to our everlasting Heavenly hometown with God the Mother, wearing the perfect robe of angel.

Words that I really wanted to tell

Words that I really wanted to tell

My parents had me quite late in their age. That is why I was embarrassed with them since they were far older than my friends' parents.

Being shameful, I did hurt my parents'hearts many times with harsh words.

I wonder how hurt their hearts would have been with an immature daughter.

Despite of all that, my parents had been through all hardships to send me and my sister to college in narrow circumstances.

Since my father only graduated elementary school, and my mother graduated junior high, they said that they had nothing else but their children. They always told us to study diligently and not to get into hot water. Though they didn't want us to worry about money like other ordinary children, they secretly wiped their tears for not being able to make us grow well-off.

As I and my younger sister grew up, my mother did all sorts of work; like working in the fields. And my father went abroad, to Chile,Russia, Laos, and many other countries, with his skill of making charcoals. He stayed there shortly for one month, in long-term for many months, and returned home with his income. While making charcoals, because of the massive heat and light, his skin was darkly burnt.

When there were times when he had serious accidents, we all had our hearts in our mouths. He said he had difficult times in Russia because of the severe cold weather. Feeling sorry to see my parents enduring all hardships, I even thought it was better for me to give up my studies and get a job. But I thought the best way to be filial to them is being diligent with my studies.

With their extreme love, I am now expecting my graduation.

Now that my parents are old, they quit working, and there are no parts of them that's left unscathed. Nevertheless, they are the ones who worry about me, telling me to stop worrying about them, to take care of myself, and not to skip any meals. Whenever they say those words, I burst into tears. Though they are enduring more pain and sufferings, they are always worrying about their children.

How much would our Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother be worrying about Their children? For me, it is unimaginable. These days, thinking about my physical parents and Heavenly Father and Mother, I cry like a baby.

Sometimes I move to tears by just hearing the words; "Father," or "Mother."

To my physical parents, I truly want to tell them that I am really thankful to them for raising me up well in difficult situations, and I want to tell them that I love them.

And to my heavenly parents...

Heavenly Father, thank you for finding your children throughout the most painful situation.

Heavenly Mother, thank you for praying and for living a life with your children without a moment of rest.

These are truly the words that I wanted to tell You all.