Universal Life Church

God Going for the Gold

By Rev. Dr. Hobart J. Crusenberry

Universal Life Church

Noticeable at the 2004 Olympic competitions:

1. No Olympic athlete from any country other than America ever mentions God (or any other godly being).

Can you imagine, say, a Muslim track-runner from Somalia giving a post-competition interview in which the Muslim credits Allah for helping him beat the "crusader infidels"? Would there then be a furor of protests by the jingoistic American announcers about "religion" being brought into the Olympics?

Have you ever heard a Chinese athlete claim that he lost a competition because Buddha had not planned he win a medal?

Can you imagine a weightlifter from India claiming that Shiva helped him cross the finish line ahead of all the Muslims and Christians? What would be the outcry then by America's evangelical ministers when they found out that Shiva is often represented by a penis and that three-foot high, stone, phallic statues representing Shiva are all over the place in India? The Christian god beaten by a "penis-god”? The horrors!

2. Only black American athletes mention God.

Why is this? Are white American athletes, unlike white American politicians, ashamed to admit that they believe in a giant, unseen "tooth fairy" god who hovers in the sky above each venue and who diddles in athletic competitions? The so-called "God-of-the-Gold?"

3. Only black American athletes kneel down on tracks, fields, etc. and "pretend" to talk to this powerful unseen, godly being hovering in the sky above the venue. We know where the athletes think this God is; they often point upward to show us non-believers where this God is.

Why do these black athletes do this only after they win an event, not after they lose an event? After losing are they ashamed their mojo doesn't seem to be working?

What if all athletes prayed after the competitions?

Can you imagine, say, a shot-putter from Iraq spreading down a blanket on the field, aligning himself to the east and then bowing repeatedly to an unseen Allah?

What if a judo-contestant from Israel put on a kippah (yarmulke) and tallit (prayer shawl) and began swaying and nodding toward the east as the Jew chanted the Shema?

Meanwhile a Chinese would be lighting a stick of incense, nodding three times to an unseen Bodhisattva, clappin’ his hands three times, and chanting a mantra to Buddha-Amidaha?

What if the pagans disemboweled a chicken before and after each event and publicly studied the entrails to see who the gods had ordained to win?

And, I ask: Do these black athletes pray similarly when they know there is no camera watching them? A Zen paradox: Does it still count as prayer if no camera is watching?

Are the black athletes ignorant of (the mythical) Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" in which Jesus admonished his listeners about praying in public? Don't the athletes read the Bible? Don't they hear about the Bible in their church? It seems they do not. Here quoted:

Matthew 6:5/6 "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the 'hypocrites' are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

Their praying in public brings back memories for me.

During the forties and fifties, as I grew up in Southwestern Virginia, a steady stream of local fire-and-brimstone preachers visited my "unwashed" father at our isolated, ramshackle house in Rocklick holler. I assure you that these preachers always had to arrive unannounced and uninvited; otherwise, my coal-miner father would have chosen that evening either to go fishing or to go to a local beer-joint.

During these visits, always-- it seems-- during the warm, humid twilight summer evenings, I'd sit fascinated on the front porch with my father and these proselytizing preachers. While watching the "lightnin' bugs" and listening to the crickets and Whip-o-Wills, I'd watch my father being "sermonized" by these visiting preachers. As we all swatted at mosquitoes and no-see-ums, the preacher's exhortations seemed to go on and on. Despite their railings though, the preachers seemed to make little progress against my father's stoical, but usually polite iconoclasm.

Clutching their well-worn Bibles, and frothing at the mouth with their church's "gospel," each preacher hoped to drag my father (and later our entire family) into HIS church. There, the preacher would "save my father's soul," whatever that meant. (It is worth noting here that each minister told my father that ONLY his, that minister's, church and religion could save my father. Each assured my father that all the other churches were worthless.)

"But, Brother Crusenberry," they'd finally plead in frustration, "don't ye want t' get down on yer knees hyar 'n' pray t' Jesus t' save yer soul?"

By this time a couple of hours or more would have passed and we'd all be covered with bug-bites and scratching furiously. The preacher would have by this time threatened my father repeatedly with visions of Hell and descriptions of countless-souls like my father writhing in the eternal, fiery, sulphurous stench of damnation. The preacher would be covered with righteous sweat, and beginning to look a bit desperate. Daddy on the other hand would still be sitting there in his favorite rocker, looking nonplussed.

At the invitation to "get down and pray," my daddy would always ask slyly, a hint of a smile on his face, "Preacher, don't we have t' find a closet first t' pray in? Remember Mathew 6: 5/6?

Didn't ye bother t' read yer Bible? Well, uhhhhh, we don't have a closet, but we could crawl up under the front porch where no one could see us. But then hit's pretty dirty and lots of spiders, maybe even a snake or two under there, so I ain't a'gonn’ under there. But unlike me, yer "saved," so ye probably have no fear of going under there by yerself.

Hit's either that fer ye, er be one of them thar hypocrites Jesus talks about who prays in public."

I don't ever remember a preacher crawling under our front porch to prove his faith. At my father's death in 1975, daddy still remained a member of the "unwashed heathens" doomed to roast in the apocalyptic Hell. I look forward to being with him there someday, complaining about the heat and all the Christian ministers there with us.

Back to the Olympics:

On the other hand, it is noticeable that none of the Muslim athletes has credited their wins (or losses) to the will of Allah.

No Asian, mostly Buddhist, have credited their wins (or losses) to the influence of Buddha or their prayers to Buddha for a medal.

Most frequent statements by these black athletes:

“God gave me that extra push at the finish line.”

“God intended that I win this gold medal.”

“God did NOT intend that I win this race”

My questions:

Why do these athletes bother to train for these competitions? Won't God take care of their running techniques and speed? Isn't it an insult to God to train for the competitions, knowing that God can do it by Himself/Herself?

If God predetermines the race, how does God prioritize the prayers of the athletes, all praying to get the Gold?

If God predetermines the race, is that really fair to the rest of the competitors?

If God predetermines the winners, how come He/She wastes the athletes' time by allowing them to compete in events in races in which He/She has already picked some other winner? How come God doesn't just go ahead and announce the winner before the competition starts?

4. I have another, final, big question: If the count of gold medals is equal between the two leaders, United States and China, does that mean that God is running neck-to-neck with Buddha-- even on God's home turf? Does that mean Buddha will have the home-field advantage in Beijing in 2008 and can be predicted to whoop God's divine ass?

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

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

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

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Online Sermons

By Scott Phillips

When Lame Expectations Meet and Apostolic Mindset

What do you do when you meet someone whose thinking is on the wrong level? It is hard to relate with people who have had certain life experience. Life has away of causing us to relegate our thinking to

survival concepts. However I think it goes without saying, we must have a mind change.

To often lame expectations meet lame excuses.

Silver and Gold have I none. Imagine that, the apostles with Pentecost behind their belt, faith burning in their heart, but yet the golden steed had not arrived. So often we can fall into these lame excuses and never go any further.

Silver and Gold have I none.

That can become the crux of our conversation. We can position ourselves at beautiful gates where people go to worship looking for

money, but lame mindsets can't get in the house of God. Often people take their bodies to the temple, but their brains hang out at the gates. The carnal mind cannot understand the things of God, so while we reach for the mighty God, we plot and scheme silver and gold plans whereby we reason we will reach the world.

How many calls have I received from people who of honest heart and fervent faith were asking me for silver and gold? I get emails

regularly from India from christians and they share with me their need for some silver and gold. We are bombarded from all

directions this plea for silver, gold, plastic or paper.

How did the early church reach the world of their day? Was it Radio, Internet, Television, marketing campaigns, nice buildings or

billboards? I am not against these things, please bear with me. I have been on radio and will again. I send out this via the

internet and have a website, spend a lot of money on marketing and would love to have a few billboards and just built a new building.

How did they, the early church, do what we seem to have trouble doing with all of these aids available to us? All of the things listed takes silver and gold, and if you're like me, I don't have enough to do what I want to do.

Peter and John said, silver and gold have I none. He did not follow that by saying, "Give your way to a miracle." He did not tell him for a monthly partnership he could get his latest series on how to get healing. He simply did what he did because something came alive inside of him when he fastened his eyes on this lame man.

We live in a religious world whose leaders are money grubbing and money hungry who think gain is godliness. In the words of the

Apostle, "from such withdraw thyself." Phillips translation, "Don't have anything to do with them for they are walking in the error of

Balaam, selling their prophecy to the highest bidder."

What would happen if you would fasten your eyes on someone who needs what you have? You may say, I don't have the money or I don't have

a van or I don't have a place to preach or you repeat what your last lame excuse was. Quit worrying about what you don't have and

realize and say, "There is something I do have."

We can spend our lives worrying about what we wish we had and not use what we do have. You do have a power that can transform people's lives. It does not require a degree, certificate, training course, position or title. All it requires is for you to let your

lame excuses get an apostolic infusion to start doing what you can do.

Following this lame mans encounter with someone who understood the power that resides inside of everyone of us, he walked, leaped and

praised God into the temple. The result was that multitudes were added to the church. About five thousand men. Imagine trying to

teach them all Bible Studies.

To answer my earlier question of how the early church reached their world, they used what they had and did not let their lack stop them.

The great miracle we need is not for the lame to start walking, but our lame thinking to be lifted up to a new level. To fasten our

vision on those things we can put our hands on. Lift them up, pull them up, drag them up and walk them into the presence of the Lord.

"And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us."

Quit whining about what you don't have and what you can't do.

These are lame excuses.

"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and

walk." Acts 3:6

Pray this prayer.

Lord Renew me in the Spirit of my Mind. Transform my Thinking. Help

me to see an opportunity for your Spirit to do a miracle. I have

decided I am not going to let what I don't have, stop what I do have.

In Jesus Name,

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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

Ordination with the 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

Solomon is Calling

By Jack Hook
2005-01-06



Hello family and friends.

I suppose that most of you are experiencing the same feelings as Carol and I when it comes to the earthquake and tidal wave that killed so many people in Asia. As followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, the first reaction was one of intense grief and sorrow for the families of those swept away by the waves of water. This sorrow only intensified in me as I thought about the heartbreaking reality that most of those souls opened their spiritual eyes in Hell, with the exception of the young innocent children who opened their eyes in Heaven with our Lord.

The next article I am working on is called "The Wise Man" and this tragedy fits right in there. These are days when, more than ever, we need to walk in the wisdom of God. For many are asking if God had anything to do with this devastation and death? Why did he allow this to happen? If he is so powerful, why didn't he prevent this from happening? Sadly, I have not heard one person on Fox News or CNN ask how many of these people went to Hell or Heaven.

The question...why does God allow this...should be changed to...why shouldn't he? Doesn't he have every right to? Instead of questioning or blaming God, people should heed the warnings of Solomon and begin fearing the God of Israel and repent before they are next to fall victim to the consequences of their sin. Remember also that Paul told the Roman believers....the wages of sin is death. I know this sounds harsh and unloving to many Christian ears, but think about it a minute. Most of Christendom in America has been utterly seduced by a "self" gospel of possibility thinking that preaches only the love and prosperity of God, a gospel that ignores, diminishes, or even rejects the truth that the God of Israel is also a God of justice and wrath. Wars, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes are instruments of his wrath, both in the Old and New Testaments, even against his own people who habitually refuse his reproof, Proverbs 1:7, 20-29, Jeremiah 24:10, Matthew 24:3-14. These false preachers of Christendom have failed to warn the world that Jesus is returning to separate his followers from those who despise and reject him, and then establish his millennial Kingdom on Earth, Matthew 25:31-46.

We should all know how much the God of Israel loves all of mankind. As I said, he had every right to destroy all mankind again, but before the world was formed he decided to take upon himself human flesh and die for our sins, that through our repentance and faith we could be reconciled back into his fellowship. His love for us was so consuming that he sent his Son down to his Earth, to reveal himself publicly to his chosen Jewish people and the Roman Empire that ruled the Gentiles. How did all of mankind react to this heavenly visit? He sent his Son with a message of love and judgment, exposing the deep need in men for a spiritual rebirth...and we killed him. That's how lost mankind is my friends. We are all born from our mother's wombs that way.

Some are saying that what happened in Asia is just the beginning of birthpangs, the opening sorrows of God's coming wrath upon all those who doubt or deny the Lord Jesus Christ and his coming Kingdom. Is this disaster a warning from the God of Israel that Daniel's 70th Week of judgment and wrath is near? I believe the prophecies of the Revelation are about to be fulfilled. At the time I received Jesus as my Lord years ago, he exposed the wretchedness of my sin nature that was sending me into eternal condemnation, and I knew then I deserved to suffer his wrath, and like the poor souls in Asia, be swept away forever into the bottomless pit of Hell.

But at the same time he showed me the horror of my sin, he offered me a way of escape from my sin nature through his shed blood on the cross. He offers us all a way of escape from his wrath to come, but we must repent and reach out to grab his hand by faith.

Paul said to the Thessalonians and to you today....And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8.

Your eternal friends. Jack and Carol Hook at:
Babylon the Great is Falling
http://www.babylonthegreatisfalling.net

P.S. President Bush said on December 19....I will bring peace to the Middle East. Does this declaration from the most powerful man on Earth reflect the Wisdom of God or the wisdom of this world? Do you care?


I'm Amy with the Universal Life Church and it's Seminary. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We are also members of the ULC Minister's Association and have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Universal Life Church

By Rev. Raymond Muñoz, PhD

Peace = Understanding and Respect

The Simple Formula For Peace

Peace is something that everyone seems to want, but no one knows how to achieve successfully. The key to attaining worldwide peace is this simple formula: Peace = Understanding + Respect.

Let me give you a few definitions before we get more in depth into the formula. Peace is defined as the absence of war or other hostilities. Understanding, in this situation, is defined as knowing and being tolerant of another's point of view. And finally, respect is defined as a willingness to show consideration and appreciation for the beliefs of others.

In order to achieve a world without war and hostility, you need understanding and respect. Without understanding and respect, we have nothing but a world full of intolerant individuals, each concerned only with their own beliefs and ideals. We currently live in a world full of selfish people that believe that their way is right, and anyone else's way of thinking that differs even slightly from their beliefs is wrong!

The first thing we need in order to successfully complete the peace formula is understanding. What can we do in order to bring understanding into the equation? It's simple really. What we need to do is promote more open-mindedness when it comes to studying other belief systems. I've encountered Christians that believe that anyone that's not a Christian, for example Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc., is going straight to hell after they die.

I've also encountered Muslims that believe that Christians and Jews are their mortal enemies and therefore must not be thought of as "friends." Why do we insist on holding on to such outdated beliefs? This isn't the 5th century, this is the 21st century! If we would only take a little time to learn about and understand each other's differing views and get rid of some of these outdated belief systems, we would be much better off and the first part of the peace equation would be complete!

The second part of the peace equation is respect. We can tolerate other people's viewpoints, but without respecting their views and showing consideration for them when making decisions, the concept of understanding becomes moot. If we don't show respect for other people's beliefs and take them into consideration when making a decision, you can pretty much rest assured that not all parties involved are going to be happy with the final decision. Take what's going on in Israel right now for example. Everyone is proclaiming, "Oh, we want peace!" But neither side is willing to respect the other's point of view and make any sort of compromise. Without this, the peace process in Israel may never be fulfilled and the Israelis and the

Palestinians will remain fighting for centuries to come!

Though it may seem that I'm coming from some sort of religious and cultural viewpoint by presenting the two examples above, the concepts of understanding and respect relate to many events that take place in our everyday lives. If we just take a closer look at what's going on and try to understand and respect each other's views when it comes to the decisions we make everyday, the world will definitely be a much better place and the equation of peace will be complete, or at least given a chance to succeed!

Rev. Raymond Muñoz, PhD

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

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

By Rev. Devin Krech

Universal Life Church

Spiritual Self

It is important in these times to rekindle with ones nature. We are all but spiritual beings on different paths, which lead to different places. To know your self is to know the true secrets of life, and to know those secrets is to know ones path. We may stumble from time to time, and we may even turn our backs to that which placed us here. But, is it not truth to speak of our selves as ever connected with that being, rather it be Jesus, Buddha, Diana, Hera, whatever it is that gives us purpose?

As wiccans we seek out knowledge and as practitioners of the old ways we are constantly attempting to change things. When one practices a magical art, it can be only with half intent, and with only half the knowledge and we ask our selves why things do not play as we planned. In some cases we can have all the knowledge, know our intent, cast the circle and say our blessings, and still, no out come. And, if there is an out come, than maybe it did not work the way we had planned. So we say it didn’t work, we say that we are not strong enough, or we claim it did work.

Only you know the right and wrong of those situations. And on that hand, only you can make that change to work harder to achieve a better out come. In my experience, we have people running around watching the television shows, and then making false claims, pointing fingers, and scaring people. I ask you, is that who we are? Are we that which is truly of the dark? Are we that which is placed here to scare? And as we are finding our selves in situations where our magical working did not end the way they were intended, can we not blame others? Can we not blame others if we are the ones who are pointing fingers and making false claims.

The meaning of the term witch is different for every one. But, to me, witch means strength, wisdom, and connection. I can hold my head up proudly when I speak of my craft, I am not ashamed, nor do I go out of my way to hide it. Things do not always work as I had planned, but have they not worked out the way that our mother has planned? I am forever giving advice, and forever asking for it. I am forever amazed at the new things I learn, and that I can teach. Knowledge is the key to our ways. Knowing this, and understanding it is the key to survival.

We must know our selves in order to carry out these tasks. We must know our deity if our tasks are to work. And one must know ones spirit if that is to be achieved. We are always on our own paths, rather we know what that path is or not.

Know that you are spiritual in every day. Know that connection with your deity, and talk to them often. Concentrate on the deity, concentrate on your soul, and concentrate on your heart. We know what is right, we know what is wrong. And we know not to blame things on spirits, gods, and demons. This is why so many are led a stray. Let your spirit speak to you, let your god speak to you, and let your heart speak to you. That in a sense is your spiritual self. Knowing right from wrong, knowing that there is an ever present influence in your life that we call our deity, and knowing that all these can make a difference.

Praying isn't just for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Praying is for every one, in every religion. How can we ask that our charms, spells and rituals to work, if that which we are asking energy of does not know who we are? There has to be a connection with that energy if we are to take from it. And where does that connection come from? That connection comes from knowing them on more than a ritual basis. Knowing them on a personal spiritual basis is truly knowing what those secrets are, and truly knowing who you are.

Rev. Devin Krech

Southern Ohio Association for Pagan Practices

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

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is a free and lifetime ordination, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. We also make available many free wedding ceremonies for your use, as well as funeral ceremonies and other types of ceremonies.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program where you can earn the coveted title of Chaplain. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church materials to help you with your professionalism and confidence.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and an amazed by the frequent upgrades and new functions of the seminary.
 

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Mystical Christianity

By Rev. Delores E. Burgess

Mary Magdalene

In and among many current spiritual and religious trends, the presence of Mary Magdalene’s legacy is emerging with great interest and influence. Within recently unearthed Gnostic doctrines, her role and purpose with Jesus Christ and His disciples has been newly resurrected and can no longer be ignored or considered insignificant but applauded as an ensign for eternal foundations. It is for this cause I would like to share this perspective in hopes of establishing the vital relevance of the feminine message to modern day religion and social enlightenment and reform.

This writing is the result of a friend’s inquiry to me, concerning the life and works of Mary Magdalene and their meaning to mankind today in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following, is the dialog which was shared between us.

“...One has to wonder, over the course of 2,000 years, what has *happened* relative to that particular soul... (Mary Magdalene) Certainly, on the *now*-Scene, *lots* of people seem to be interested in her! It's like a Magdalene Renaissance!”

Mary Magdalene bears a powerful revelation; a principle. Perhaps this is her day; but if her truth goes without understanding or application it is lost (to man, not God). I've read much speculations these days of Mary's purpose...but in my estimation, hardly giving her purpose integrity. Tying her to High-Priestess of the Goddess or perhaps carrying Jesus Christ's child in secret, etc., may all bear truth in some respect, but I suspect these inventions are more to influence current theological movements than reveal her truth.

Throughout time, every *revelation* born of/in the flesh, by whatever name they are called by, are all messengers of God. They bear witness of eternal truth which furthers man's comprehensions of God to break down the barriers, through the power of Spirit, which separate us from Love and are continually constructed through ignorance. These souls are God's 'Aces in the Hole' and without them man would most probably be lost. I know this is not popular philosophy today as many choose to believe that everything goes and is as it should be, all progressing into light naturally. But if you consider this world *without* these who have given their lives to *bare* revelations of eternal truth, you must admit that this philosophy would be no more than an illusion or delusion.

To understand Mary Magdalene's truth, you must consider her conditions. Because of her gender and choices in life, her person/ality was considered contemptible among her peers. She was cast off by men and considered the filthiest form of life to the pious; the religious. She knew physical body contact but was empty within her soul. She *knew* she did not know pure love or peace; she *knew* she was lost. But when she found Christ; the revelation of God on earth, she *knew* she was found and brought back to Life and Love again with purpose in God. No *man* could give her this hope or knowledge or love - it was Divine intervention alone. Even the disciples of Christ did not know or carry this potent message. She walked closer to Christ than all of them because in her heart she *knew* her condition and could relate it to the reality of all mankind; though they remained blind to this reality through their own traditions. The disciples were taught these truths/principles but they believed on Christ's words, never truly understanding/feeling how separated they really were from the Eternal Divine. This is their difference. While Jesus' male disciples struggled with pride among themselves, Mary demonstrated the total equality within the nature of God which those of her day (as even today to large extent) could never fully consider. Christ's relationship to her was without prejudice, only established through the love in her heart for His truth. Jesus taught true worship of God through pure heartfelt love, which was considered revolutionary doctrine in that time. He did not allow even His disciples to glorify Him, only love Him. Humility and equality are fundamental principles of spiritual growth and eternal life.

Spiritually, the child Mary did indeed conceive with Christ would no doubt be the eternal principle of complete and perfect "equality". And truly, she did protect and carry it to the far ends of the earth, wherever His Spirit guided her. Equality is multi-faceted as is all eternal truth. Though Mary's life's demonstration was primarily the spiritual *gender-bender* of all time, it also revealed, in the most profound and blatant way, the misconceptions of *righteousness* through God's eyes. All are worthy: God sees only the heart; it is His temple and if it is open to give place to His presence, then so will He abide there. Her reality is the plight of all mankind: forsake the lie, become married to truth, conceive and bare revelation of it to the world...each according to their own purpose and without exception to race, gender, creed or status in life. She covered 'em all boys - and in one single shot. I know that many believe giving Mary glory as a 'Goddess' stature appears to credit her purpose, but if you see her in her truth you would never concede to do such a vile thing to her face. It is filthy slander to her very soul and discredits, defiles and destroys her work and purpose. To give one's life to establish equality, only to have it torn down so men can glorify an image is blasphemy and I can tell you she would not appreciate it in the least. This concept separates, yet again, men from God...drawing them to glorify *her* - not a chance in hell. Her spirit would not return the compliment in any degree. If people want to know her, they should seek to know her *truth*. If this seems insignificant to their understanding, in comparison to *honorable* recognitions, then these are the ones most in need of her ministry. Man tends to conceives all things in relationship to his own understandings and this is what has been done to Mary Magdalene today. Though I wouldn't consider her a *sexist*, I suspect she has born a male image more than once throughout her vast lifetimes of growth and revelation. Trying to tie her to the tiny concepts of man's understanding only (male/female union) would not be as beneficial as to pursue all the fullest meanings of her known life/lives on earth. This is so much like the Hebrews slaves wanting to go back to the false security of Egypt (despite enslavement) after being freed into new life. Though the male/female aspects of Jesus/Mary bare great significance to spiritual concepts of truth, if not understood and applied correctly, they are worthless. Letting go of traditional beliefs to conceive of higher visions is the path which frees us all up, within and toward each other also.

These are only the basic understandings Mary Magdalene brought to mankind. But as indicated, revelation of truth is multi-faceted so her purpose also bears witness and remedy to spiritual, eternal disputes past. Though elemental time continually projects/reveals all events past unto/until perfection, so these demonstrations convey personal and collective conditions necessary to align all properties in pure Light and Love of the Divine. Mary's personal plight is also to be considered within her demonstration in time, but not so much to the general public as to herself through her own responses in life and her progressions in Love.

Another facet of her revelation validates the truths of God/dess only in respect to revealing the aspects of the Divine which were violated and corrupted, in Creation's infant beginnings, through the designs of those souls who took advantage of Love for selfish intents. The 'female' attributes of God's Spirit drew all souls into intimate *comm/union* to conceive and birth the spiritual truths which enlightened and enlivened to develop her being/soul in and through Love's ever-expanding dimensions. *Intimate* because *His* presence permeated the very core essence of one's being to join within Her body, thus aligning the soul's perspectives to higher/greater vision and experiences of Love. The understandings conceived, bonded that soul to Her in degrees which were inseparable beyond any concept of marriage man has yet to imagine. It was in pure joy, innocence and Love that the soul experienced the internal conception and birth of truths of God never before known...and sadly, it was pride and lust for power which almost destroyed this irreplaceable aspect of God/dess' nature. Such was life before the *fall*. All religions and subconscious fears whisper of this eternal crime, but none remember fully. This gift of Love and Life, was all but entirely demolished, except for the intervention of Christ even then. God's sacred interactions with souls was made a filthy act by the counterfeit spiritual intercourse of arrogant, lying spirits drawing souls to it's/their own diabolical schemes of a world beyond it's Creator. Infecting unsuspecting souls with his own seed of perversion of misconceived imaginations and illusions of grandeur, power and control. Light became darkness and Life/Love withdrew in pain. 

As Mary and Christ demonstrated, it was His love and intervention which saved and drew her purpose back to Life again....so did He then also hold the balance of Her eternal purpose in His hands. I know some would debate that God's properties/reality can't be destroyed/altered and I do concede...but God's direct intervention with mankind *is* the negotiable factor and only exercised according to God's will, not man's. But this is another story which could be too lengthy to expound in this setting. Sufficient to say, Mary was/is a very important link to man's evolution back into the Love of God/dess.

But each disciple was also a principle of eternal truth; each of their individual personalities is a key to the Divine nature and closer walk with God. To seek to know Thomas' truth, or Peter's or John's, etc., is revelation to all. Each principle also speaks to us individually, according to one's need to overcome or discover. So much truth within life and so little perceived. All one needs to do to know is to ask of God.

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

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

 

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

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Universal Life Church

By Queen Mother - Constance Ekon

Excerpt from 'Angels Cometh'

Chapter 6

The Angelic Path

"If we had made it an Angel, we should have sent him as a

man".

Quran: Sura VI - Verse 9

Through our history most religions have professed a particular belief in Angels as messengers or servants of God. Many Angels have come to us in the form of spiritual beings with super natural powers. We have imaged them

with wings being able to fly and even they can just disappear. This is the power endowed upon them by God, as being sent to perform an Angelic charge.

Angels were given and imagined with wings to give them the level above humans because; people have always felt that there is power in being

able to fly. Yet, they would generally, appear in the form much like we are use to

seeing in our everyday life. When Angels appeared it is usually to certain

people that are spiritually charged, that will communicate with them.

We have been taught that Angels have powers above humans. This is the power endowed upon them by God.

The nature of God is in the earth and the entire universe therefore; God can summon any part of creation to the Angelic path. It can be a man woman child animal the winds such as storms the waters or whatever God endows

the spirit of Angelic behavior.

Now, to embark on the Angelic path as a natural person you must be chosen by God just as the spiritual Angel is chosen by God it is not an impossible task for almighty God to send a natural human being on the Angelic path

to exhibit the will of God through methods that is unexpected of others.

God so loved the earth that man was created in the nature and the image of God and above all of creations given the abilities to be a creator. God has given us the ability to perform superior duties with wisdom and knowledge above all other earthly creations.

We also have the abilities of being an Angel should God decide to use us in that way.

When Angelic events happen it will be of some form from the earth and that event will be of a phenomenal understanding. Remember the powers of God.

Moreover, it should be no question in your mind about humans obeying the call of God to walk in the path of Angels. Therefore, prepared

yourself to be commissioned as an Angel for the sake of humanity.

God has given us dominion over all that was created on earth. God put the control of

our earthy processions in the hands of man.

Meaning that man is the supreme being of earth, the caretaker of the earth. It is our

responsibility to protect and govern the earth.

Many of us have disregarded our given rights as protectors of the earth. I believe God have given this message to bring people back to their original commission of caretakers of all the earths inhabitants. Bring us back to the path of righteous, in an effort of willing us to save ourselves.

Even though, you may not understand what is coming to you in this message. Angels will be summoned to earth through natural human beings to protect the earth from the devastation of man.

Ponder these words for a while.

The book can be purchase at Barnes and Noble bookstores or the

internet:www.barnesandnoble.com

Peace be with you.

Queen Mother

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

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is a free and lifetime ordination, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. We also make available many free wedding ceremonies for your use, as well as funeral ceremonies and other types of ceremonies.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program where you can earn the coveted title of Chaplain. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church materials to help you with your professionalism and confidence.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and an amazed by the frequent upgrades and new functions of the seminary.
 

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Miracles Are Everywhere

By Rev. Amy Long

Miracles

Today I'd like to talk about miracles. I'm a strong believer in miracles. I believe that miracles happen every day, all the time, everywhere. The trick is being able to recognize them when they occur.

There have been many words spoken over the last several months about all the helpful beautiful, miraculous people who got a chance to shine in the aftermath of 9/11. For that reason alone, the tragedy could be seen in a different light. For a time, people felt good about their ability to help others and to perform miracles of their own.

I've seen this sort of amazing demonstration myself. About 9 years ago or so, I was very sick with cancer. I was looking for my miracle cure and, in the process, finding many other miracles along the way. I was also getting sicker every day. In my case, being a stubborn ol' so and so, I needed to become too sick to defend myself against a miracle happening. I say defend myself because that what I had always done and what many others do all the time. I was going to take care of this myself and force a miracle to happen.

When I became very ill, I found that I needed help. I still wasn't quite ready to ask, but I got it anyway. One of the first was at the grocery store. I shuffled in, took forever to get my groceries and stood in line at the check-out. The checker looked at me and said, "You look like you're not doing very well. I'd like to come over and help." The first miracle was that she asked and the second was that I let her. She did come over; she emptied my trash, cleaned up my kitchen and generally tidied up. I tried to make conversation and perhaps start a friendship, but she told me point blank that she was just doing a good deed and that was all she wanted. I was shocked. I still think about her, nine years later. I don't know her name either.

I'm pretty sure she was an angel.

Submitted by Rev. Amy Long

If you have a sermon you’d like to submit to appear in the Guest Sermon section, please send it in the body of the e-mail to guestsermon@ulcseminary.org.

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

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

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The Wind Blows Where it Wants To

By Scott Phillips

Universal Life Church

Winds of change are blowing in the world today. It is this unspeakable, unseen power that molds our world. It affects the land and sea. Nothing and nowhere on the surface of the earth is beyond the touch of it's power.

" The wind bloweth where it listeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit." John 3:8

"The Wind Blows where it wants to, and so does everyone that is born again." SP Version

The Wind Blows where it wants to.

The Wind blows where it is willing to.

Wind is a current of air moving across the surface of the earth in a horizontal way at any velocity.

The Mystery of the wind is found that no one knows what it is going to do. They have learned how to measure the direction and speed, however they cannot tell you if either the direction or speed will continue.

The way of the wind is a mystery and Jesus said it this way, "The wind blows where it wants to."

Of all the comparisons of the Born Again believer, I think it is significant that the first comparison is found with the mysterious will of the wind.

You cannot stop the wind. People have learned how to build protection from the wind, even how to harness the power of the wind, but no man can control the wind.

The wind has a will of it's own, and it determines it's speed and direction.

"The Wind Bloweth where it Listeth."

Over time wind can wear a tree down, wear a mountain down, blow a house down, it can change the very face of the landscape in which it blows, and it is determined on simply what it wills itself to do.

If a born again believer sets their mind to change their world, they can influence every square inch of their world.

The wind controls the wind.

The devil cannot change the wind. The neighbors cannot control the wind. The government cannot change the wind.

So if we are like the wind, we control the influence we have in the world.

The truth of the matter is you prayed as much as you wanted to today. You have read your bible to the exact degree that you desired. Because like the wind, we work where we want to in the speed and direction we desire.

The wind blows where it wants to.

If we set our face to seek God, we will find him. If we set our heart to study his word, we will learn. If we set our faith toward an obstacle it will move.

The wind blows where it wants to.

The devil cannot stop you from praying. The family cannot stop you from loving the word of God.

Nothing can stand in the way of the will of a child of God when it is coupled with the purposes of God.

The divine way of the wind is found in its ability to choose. The divine way of humanity is it's divine ability to choose.

I find it interesting in finding that Adam and Eve walked in the Garden with two central and important trees in the Garden. The tree of knowledge and the Tree of Life. In fact if you like, you could call it the Tree of Death and the Tree of Life. It appears that all the time they walked in the Garden, they never ate of the tree of life.

They exercised their divine right to choose and chose death. Many today are walking in the garden with God and in the end they will choose death.

How many have blamed their lack of Godly fidelity on many reasons.

They were offended.

They were done wrong.

They were tempted.

All of this may be true, but in the end, no one will stop you from doing what you want to do.

I have never heard a person say, "I quit going to the bar because someone cussed at me." "I quit lying because I got caught." "I quit

smoking because it made me stink." "I quit going to jail because they violated my rights."

Excuses are simply a smoke screen to hide the fact they are the way they are because the want to be that way. Every one of us is where

we are largely because we exercised our divine right to choose. If a person is lost, this ability is greatly diminished, however the Born again is given power, divine power, Holy Ghost power and with it they have the divine right to choose.

Why is it with the power of the Universe resting in our bosom, we choose to be prayerless? Why is it with the light of the world resting in our spirits, we choose to be silent in our witness?

No one can hold the whirlwind of our will but us. If we would realize, the wind blows where it wants to.

Excuses are simply shadows that we cast over our true motivation and devotion. The truth is, where your heart is, there your treasure will be. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A thistle cannot bear figs.

We can blame the prickly response we have on many things, but the truth is we are the way we are because we choose to be that way. If you are lost, cold, backslid or bitter it is because you have used the Holy Power to choose and that is what you are.

If you are prayerful, studious, honest, humble and forgiving it is because you have decided to give to others what has been given to you.

Today like everyday before, the wind is blowing where it wants to. The direction and velocity has changed, but it is still the same wind.

"The wind bloweth where it listeth."

If you have been born again, choose you this day.

If you have not been born again, when you are, you will experience this supernatural power to choose.

What will it be,

Life or Death?

There is a gentle wind blowing

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

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar