Universal Life Church

I became a ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, because I believe mortals are called to Christ's ministry by Christ. Christ does not require a four year degree at a seminary school. Education is always good for the individual, but it is not necessary to preach the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus, did not select the educated scholars of the time to be his 12 apostles, he picked tax collectors, fisherman, unlearned mortals, etc. 

Why, because when you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not adding or subtracting anything from the word of God, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you need to say or know, when the time comes. The Universal Life Church, asks only that we be honest and true to ourselves and helpful to our brothers and sisters.

Since, I have been ordained, I have mostly officiated at funerals, now I would not have picked this way to serve, but this must be my calling at the time. To serve and give comfort to those that mourn. I have been told several times that I have the Holy Spirit guiding me in my funeral sermons, and I usually get asked where I went to school, when I tell them I did not attend a seminary, most are surprised, and I feel they think I am joking. But, I pray and give myself to the Holy Spirit, who knows all, and helps us when needed.

I say all this to show that the Universal Life Church is doing a service to the mortals of this earth, male and female, with no rejection because of ones race, sex, education level, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

God Bless and keep the Universal Life Church,
Reverend Dennis William Hawkins
Unicorporated Jefferson County, Colorado
Gluscushawk-at-Comcast.Net 

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.

 

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

 Universal Life Church

All my life I've been a very spiritual person, and also somewhat of a psychic. Of course that is not acceptable in any monotheistic religions that I've come across. And I found the contradictions of the bible, an angry vengeful god in the old testament, versus a gentle loving god in the new testament, something I could not put my faith in.


As I grew older and studied more I learned that, through my own ancestry, there were a class of Priests long before Christianity came to northern Europe. That was when I learned about Druidry. I joined an organization based in England called OBOD, or the Order of Bards, Oviates, and Druids. I took their correspondence course and was completely amazed at how this ancient spirituality, the worship of nature and the duality of the universe, felt so right in my heart and mind. Because I live in the US, belonging to this organization doesn't give me any rights as a priest or minister. When I found your organization I had found what I was looking for, a way to be legally ordained under my own belief system.


I now have a small ministry where I teach the ways of my ancient ancestors. I have also learned, by tracing of the family tree, that it is very likely I am descendant of real Druids. My maiden name, Cady, means House of God in Gaelic.


I have also taken some of the ULC courses, which have contributed to my understanding of all spirituality. I am very grateful that I found ULC. 

ulc.net 

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

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 theUniversal 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

Sunday School Lesson

The Golden Rule

To Remember: We should treat others as we want to be treated

Vocabulary
   Love: putting others first

Lesson

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

God has always given His people guidance on how they should treat one another. We tend to be selfish, unless trained otherwise. But God wants us to be considerate of others. He said that we should treat others they way we would like to be treated. How do you like to be treated? With respect, listened to, not interrupted, loved, share things with, treated fairly, honest with, follow through on promises. If we like these things from others, it is only natural that others would like us to treat them the same. Display and discuss the iron rule, silver rule, golden rule. (Define on a chart: Iron Rule "Do unto others before the do it to me." Silver Rule "Do unto others as they do unto me." Golden Rule "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me."
 
SING: I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart

Love is not just a warm fuzzy feeling of affection, although it can include that. Love is putting someone else first in your life; taking care of what they need before taking care of your needs. The golden rule is love in action; treating others well, because others are as important as you are. Jesus said that Christians' love and caring for each other would be how the world identified us.

John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

True or False

1. God didn't always want people to love each other. F
2. We don't know how others want to be treated. F
3. Jesus cared for others more than himself. T
4. People around us can tell if we love one another. T
5. It is easy to be unselfish. F
6. The silver rule says: love those that love you. T
7. Loving others makes us like God. T

Activities

Discussion/Worksheet: Have students choose the "rule" applied in each of the examples (iron, silver, gold)

1. When Cain killed Abel.      iron
2. When Israelites took revenge on murderers in the Old Testament.      silver
3. When Christ died for us.   gold
4. When we hit back.  silver
5. When we lie to keep from getting in trouble.      iron
6. When we forgive.    gold

Printable Worksheet: Unscramble a verse about the golden rule
 
Memory Work:

• Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
• PK "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Activities:

1. Think about how you like to be treated. Now choose one person you will make an effort to treat like this in the coming week. (Picking someone who is difficult to be around will make a significant difference in your week!)
2. Draw a picture of someone applying the "golden rule."
3. Act out the following scenarios, with both "silver" and "golden" responses. Discuss how the golden response promotes peace and love, and reflects Christ.
   • A fellow student makes fun of your outfit in the lunch line. How do you handle it?
   • You and a friend are telling your parents about your field trip. Your friend interrupted you and took over the story. He's leaving out parts. What do you do?
   • You know someone who lies all the time. One day she asks you in you can help her with a project on Friday. You know for a fact you could, but you'd rather not. How to you respond?

Review Questions for gameboard

 linguistic questions

1. Summarize the "golden rule". Treat others as you want them to treat you
2. Unscramble the word:     veol     (love)
3. Name the book where this lesson is taught.   (Matthew, John)

  activity questions

1. Act out someone who is not putting others first.
2. Draw a heart with your eyes shut.
3. Name something you will do this week for someone you don't like.

  emotion questions

1. How do you feel when others let you pick first? special, happy
2. How do you feel when other people won't share with you? unhappy, disliked
3. How does God feel when we treat each other nice? happy, pleased

application questions

1. How should I treat those who don't like me? the same as my friends
2. In what ways has God treated you better than you deserve? he always provides for us, he blesses us with more than we need, he sent his son to die for us
3. In what ways can you treat others "like yourself"? Share the best of what I have, let them go first, treat them politely and kindly, help when needed

fact questions

1. Who treats us better than anyone else? God
2. Do we deserve God's mercy? yes
3. Who should we show kindness to? everyone

review questions

1. Why should we treat others well? 1) to be like God, 2) to show we are his children, 3) because we were treated well by God, 4) it is God's law
2. How do we determine how to treat others? We do what we'd like done to us
3. What example can we look to when we are uncertain how to act? Jesus 

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

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

Becoming ordained

Universal Life Church

I wish to share why I became ordained by the ULC.  Firstly, I believe we are all called and ordained by God when each of us decides to serve our fellow brethren in the world. I come from a religious background, raised in the back of my grandmother's Pentecostal church. 

My grandfather, on the other side of the family, was a Baptist ,so there was some discourse in growing up. I believe that if God is using you now for anything that HE has a plan for you and your life. So to my calling, I have been involved in many organizations of religion and I have found many real Christians in all churches and a lot not even in a church, so I decided to try to reach others who have been disfellowshiped or deflocked or thrown out or simply walked away from their churches. 

I want to give them a place to come and to express their views and write poems or faith articles that gives all a chance to help other's. I have been down the road that leads to destruction and back by the mercy of God and brought out to serve. So I asked myself how do I go about serving God? I got an answer when one day a friend of mine asked if I would like to go with him to a public TV class,well I got a chance to do a TV show. 

I asked God what should I call this show? I want to keep it simple and try to reach other's without preaching to them to let them know that receiving salvation is a simple thing to do if you truly want to be with the Lord Jesus. Bingo the name Simple Salvation came to me ,so I used it as the title of the TV show which numbered only four. Soon people who I knew stated asking me which church I belonged to and how long had I been a minister? I was afraid to do more as I was not ordained by a man's church but by God's calling as decribed in the book of John. 

 A young friend of my son who I did a Bible study with told me he was an ordained minister,so I asked how someone as young as himself had become ordained and by which church? He then informed me about the ULC church in Modesto CA. so I went to the site and became ordained by them in Oct.1999 I have received a lot of respect since being ordained by a recognized church. I think you ULC though there are a lot of thing's I disagree with the whole thing of letting anyone become ordained, I do respect the idea to do good to all and respect their beliefs. 

God will straighten us all out on His return. I encourage all who wish to serve as a minister to become ordained and I have a link on my site to come to ULC and become ordained them selves. Thank you Jesus for all who wish to be with you and be in the kingdom of God. 

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church. 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

ulc.net

Become an ordained minister

Why did I become a ULC Minister?


It was an interesting chain of events, and a story I'm sure I've told more than once here.


When my husband and I first got engaged, a friend of ours informed us that as an ordained minister, he'd be happy to perform our wedding. I absolutely did NOT believe that he was ordained. He told me about the ULC, the only doctrine of which was "Do that which is right", and that's what intrigued me. He explained that it wasn't about a specific religion or belief, but about religious and spiritual freedom.


He gave me the website, and I checked it out that night. I still couldn't believe it could be that easy to become ordained, and I had to try for myself just to see if it was true.


I take pride in my status as ULC Minister. I don't preach in a church or hold sermons. My ministry is about spreading peace and understanding to as many people as I can reach. 

From a minister at ulc.net 

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church. 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Four Gospels

A commentary on part of the four gospels course. For whoever has taken this course I hope you will find this short Bible study edifying. For those who have not I hope you also find it useful. This courses main reference was from a book called the Unvarnished Gospels which I will not refer to. I have chosen to use a New American Standard Bible. Use whatever one you wish. The author of this course made mention of a passage in Matthew 9:14-17. For ease of instruction the words of Jesus are all in red. "The disciples of John came to Him (Jesus), asking, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. But no one puts a patch of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. Nor do people put new wine into old wine skins; otherwise the wine skins burst, and the wine pours out and the wine skins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wine skins, and both are preserved." It is here that the author of the course is hoping to use this as a forum conversation starter. So I think I will try to take him up on his offer. Whoever wants to add in on the subject please feel free even if it is to tell me I don't know what I am talking about, but this is somewhat how a preacher explained this in a sermon I heard long ago and it has directed be ever since how I read my Bible. The question the 4 gospels author is asking is, does this mean you can't teach an old dog new tricks? He doesn't seem to think so but it is a good base question to start with. This parables theme seems to be saying "Out with the old and in with the new." Here is how I understand it. In Christ we are a brand new creation. The old man is buried with Christ to be raised again a new man. Every now and then the old man likes to pop up and we need to metaphorically beat him on the head to put him back in the grave. 　 Scriptural support. Romans 6:3-11 (Read the whole chapter to get a better picture.) "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin." Philippians 3:21 "Jesus Christ…who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory…" Here we have it painted quite clearly. Our old lives are buried. This is the meaning of baptism. Our old self in a tomb and raised again in Christ. One might deduce the wine skins being spoken of in this parable would mean us. I will get back to this point later on. Now what is the wine? Acts 2:4 is the day of Pentecost when everyone in the upper room was filled with the Holy Spirit. Later on in the same chapter in vs13 when they were speaking in tongues and being full of the Holy Spirit some mocked them saying they are full of "sweet wine" or as other translations of the Bible render this "new wine." The Holy Spirit in many cases in the Bible is compared to wine. Ephesians 5:18 "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…" In Numbers 6:2-3 in the case of taking a Nazirite vow it says "he shall abstain from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar, whether made from wine or strong drink, nor shall he drink any grape juice nor eat fresh or dried grapes." What is Numbers 6 saying here? It is saying if you want to live a life of not just devotion to God but separation to God your partying and carousing days are over. Nowadays unless for other purposes I wouldn't take it so far as to abstain from a little alcohol but what is being said here is don't even have a hint of worldly influence in you. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to work in you by abstaining from impurities and evil. I am not saying drinking is evil, but I sure wouldn't want to get liquored up on a Sunday morning and go to church claiming to be Spirit filled. The same goes for sexual immorality. Do not be under the influence of the world here is the message and even think you can serve God. Samson in the book of Judges could not drink alcohol or any other fermented drink because of the Holy Spirit stirring in Him. Not that he was known for obeying the rules but this one I believe he respected. But the message of this study is the wine and the wine skins. I would strongly say the Wine spoken of in Matthew 9 is the Holy Spirit that God promised through the prophet Joel in chapter 2 vs23. "So rejoice O sons of Zion, and be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain. The early and latter rain as before. The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with the new wine and oil." Then later in in vs. 28-29 he prophesies "It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days." The Holy Spirit is the new wine and the oil. Read Matt 25 for how the Holy Spirit is the oil. All the virgins had lamps which is the word of God but some of them didn't have any oil. The Holy Spirit is what illuminates and brings to life. It instructs, it guides and teaches. It is our anointing. It is our promise given to us of Christ's return. 1 John 2:26-27 - The Holy Spirit is our anointing; our instructor. John 16 - He is the Spirit of truth that reveals to us what we need. By the way as a side note. If you want to read a gospel that brings to light the deity of Jesus and what we have in Him through the Holy Spirit He sends read John. Eph 1:13 - The Holy Spirit is our seal/pledge. We have all as Christians been sealed with it for the day of redemption. Let us only by the strength Jesus brings us submit to Him daily through prayer that we might not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus is the one who brings us this Holy Spirit. John 14:16-17 - "I will ask the Father and He will give you ANOTHER helper, that He may be with your forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you." 　 John 2 is the first miracle Jesus performed. The miracle at Cana. Here He took ordinary water and turned it into wine that was better than what any man could make. Even the headwaiter exclaimed "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus makes the old like new again. We are the wineskin and he fills us up with the wine. But as John 2:26-27 says we cannot be filled with the wine if we are of the world or still the old man, decaying and dying. Titus 3:5 "He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." A sign of coming out of the world and into the new family of Jesus is the taming of the tongue. James 3 says "The tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity…the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell." James is making it sound very dismal. Who can control the tongue but God? We must therefore as put so well in Romans 6:12-13 "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." And there you have it! I totally did not mean to write a sermon on Christian living, but if you are looking for the signs of God living in you and that you are submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil then this is part of what needs to happen. I am by no means saying this happens on our strength. I have been a Christian since I was a child. I have never known anything else. But at a point I fell away sort of. I presented by tongue and my body as instruments of unrighteousness and I had to say to God "Something just isn't working here. I need the Spirit of regeneration working in me like it did before." Then along came a change in my attitudes; desires and the strength of God came more and more into my life. We are all people in process. Only those who have died are free from sin. But we must never give up submitting to God. In Acts 10 Peter proclaimed the gospel message to the Gentiles, and as they heard this message. As this truth sank into their mind and their souls they became filled with the Holy Spirit. Then it was after this they were baptized with water. I use this verse for anyone who tells me a Christian is not spirit filled until they receive the water baptism for it was not before but after receiving the Holy Spirits baptism were the gentiles then baptised with water. And they were baptised into the name of Jesus Christ. Now assuming the reader of this is a Christian and wants to know more about the baptism of the Holy Spirit here is how I think of it as being. When you became a Christian you got a life saving drink of water. You were dying in the desert of your own sin. Along comes Jesus and says have a drink. Now that you have had a drink of water and have been partially filled you want more and more and more. You realise you cannot live the Christian life on your own power. If you are a pastor who has not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit you will one day out of humility ask God out of humility to fill your sermons and your ministry because you will finally realise you cannot do it on your own. Here comes a full blast of the Holy Spirit filling you right up. John 7:37-38 "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said 'from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" In vs. 39 the writer says "But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." If you want the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Talk to a pastor about it if you want, but I say unplug your phone and your TV set. Turn off your computer and pray and ask God for it. You have a heavenly Father who will not give you a scorpion if you ask for an egg or a snake if they ask for a fish. You have a perfect heavenly Father who wants to set your life on fire with His Holy Spirit so he can live out His desires through you. Not through forcefulness but by you submitting to Him. If the reader of this is not a Christian. I am telling you there is no better life than the Christian life. If anyone disputes that I and many other spirit filled Christians have a testimony that proves otherwise. You might be putting it off for whatever reason but in this case there is no time like the present. Please share your thoughts on the forum or contact me at justpray@hotmail.ca Colin. ******************************* 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. 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

Universal LIfe Church

“How do I walk in Balance?” 

Invocation:  Welcome everyone. that is here, those seen and unseen.

It is important for all of us who are of like mind to join together and fellowship. Whether this is in meditation, prayer or sharing what we are called to share.

Today we are gathered here to explore the question,

“How do I actively Walk in Balance?”

Candle lighting   As you are saying this have, 3 candles that are set equal distances apart in the center of the room lit by a designated person.

have all participants be in a circle

As we begin tonight, go within yourself.

find your Sacred Center.  Allow Divine Creator to open your heart so you may hear that which is shared here tonight.

Allow the light of the Divine creator light you way and illuminate enlightenment for you as we explore a few concepts today

Prayer:   Skwanilawnu~Divine Creator~ Come and be with us today.

as I share what you have put upon my heart to say,

Open everyone’s heart, so they may receive what you have lead me to say.

Open everyone’s ears to hear clearly what you choose for them to have.

impart wholeness, wellness and a beautyway (Balance with all that is).

to all that are present and ready to receive at this time,

Bless each and everyone who has come,

Galaliga Wadan “I am greatful, Thank you!”

Sing   the Healing Song     

then hand out copy of the song and lead everyone in the song

Message: “How do I walk in balance?”

>HONOR, CREATOR, SELF, & OTHERS<

all of the sacred hoop of life is sacred!

all of THE sacred hoop of life is to be honored!

all of the sacred hoop of life is valued!

Handout:   The beauty way path

give back ground infor on term as you are handing out text

The beauty way path (handout)

from venerable dhyani ywahoo of the GWY nation

walk in beauty within one another

be attenative here and now

maintain a spiritual practice and moral and ethical framework of living

realize your voice as a treasure

sound is power

Chanting~~sound power~~prayer power

speak clearly

meditation with visualization and chanting

clairifies channels in the body

(this creates a Still Pool where our Nature is reflected & our thoughts race across).

With time Emotions will race across less.

Patterns become apparent and change can be facilitated.

have the courage to speak the truth

we energize “the Vision”

attract outcome through magnetization

(patterns of thought)

envisioning right action

through disciplined practice

Harmony is created!

harmonious relationship with sacred l

can attract

what will benefit all

actively cultivate thoughts of peace, harmony, AND GOOD relationship for all!

affirm the Life Force within ourselves

stand up for what we know is correct

by our thinking & speaking of ourselves in a postive manner we assist the beauty way path

Here are the principals of: walking in balance:

(KEEP IN MIND THE HANDOUT AS WE GO ALONG!)

·        honor creator:  of all things,

                                                            SELF & the creator in others

·        honor yourself: THE self within you the DIvine Creator of all, YOUR higher self that resides with the DIvine at all times.

·        honor others:     OTHERS sacred point of view,

                                                                                otheR's actions and their Higher self.

walk in beauty in all things!

~~how do i put these principals into action in my life? ~~

1.    HONOR CREATOR~set aside a space for an altar:

·        SET your environment

·        somewhere inside your home AND set up an area OUTSIDE

set aside quiet time FOR: you and The Divine

no matter how long that is; 10 MIN., AN HOUR,

OVER A CUP OF TEA!       get your thoughts CLEAR!

                         be; calm, still & listen

THEN SET ASIDE SACREDNESS: WITHIN YOUR DAILY LIFE

                             

SOFT SHOES, POSITIVE MUSIC, INCENSE TO SMELL,

               PICTURES OF DIVINE CREATOR--BESIDE A MIRROR

          or some where it will be seen often by you.

Ie: in the car, near your desk at work, or in your appointment book.

2. HONOR SELF ~YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE DIVINE! ~

SKWANILANU-“CREATOR OF BREATH AND LIFE”

**ABIDES WITHIN YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!**

·        TAKE PRIDE IN YOU--dO THINGS FOR YOURSELF

                    aN ELDER ONCE SAID,

                    HEAD UP, WALK TALL-PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE!”

·        dO THINGS FOR YOURSELF

bATH OR SAUNA, PUT PERFUME ON, fellowship here with us

     TAKE A WALK in the woods, A NAP; BUY YOURSELF A SOFT SWEATER.The point is DO SOMETHING FOR YOU, WHAT EVER THAT IS.

·        DRESS UP FOR YOU,

               IT DOES WONDERS FOR YOUR SELF ESTEEM.

DO THESE THINGS EACH DAY,

THIS HELPS TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR dIVINENESS!

3. HONOR OTHERS:

EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE HAS A SACRED POINT OF vIEW & HAS A RIGHT     TO VOICE ITAND OR SHOW IT!

          HOWEVER, YOU CAN CHOOSE TO SEE;

ISSUES, OPINIONS VALUES   FROM DIFFENENT SIDE OF THE SAME CRYSTAL.

HERE IS A VISUALFOR YOU: A CRYSTAL HAS MANY FASCETS,

  SO DO PEOPLE WE BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW

          ALL ARE HONORED IN THE SACRED HOOP OF LIFE

                                WE ARE ALL ONE—SAWU

OfFEratory:  One time I was called to be of service to someone.  I wasn’t sure if they really had money to pay for my services so, I ask creator, “what should I do?”  Creator said to do the job and not to be concerNed with the MONETARY THAT My family and I would be taken care of.  Needless to say, BY having faith and doing what I was asked to do I was rewarded tenfold.

Concluding prayer: Divine Creator~ I pray that what I said today with your direction will assist all who we here.  May they all be blessed by walking in your beauty way,

in balance with all that is.

Galaliga Wadan~I am greatful, Thank you

IN CONCLUSION, BY HONORING

SKAWANILANU-“Divine CREATOR”

HONORING YOURSELF AND HONOR OTHERS,

YOU RESPECT

the SACRED HOOP OF LIFE

iN DOING THIS~

YOU WALK YOUR PATH IN BALANCE, AND IN BEAUTY!

Blessings upon you this day

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Sunday School Lesson

_____________________ "Called to Be a Winner" Printed Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13 Background Scripture:1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13. Devotional Reading:Hebrews 12:1-12. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. INTRODUCTION   At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, John Stephen Akhwari, a runner from Tanzania, finished dead last in the marathon. Injured along the way, Akhwari hobbled into the nearly empty stadium an hour after the last runner had crossed the finish line.   The official filmmaker for the games, Bud Greenspan, asked the athlete why he put himself through so much pain to finish the race. Akhwari replied, "My country did not send me 5000 miles to start the race. They sent me to finish it!" (Roper, Out of the Ordinary, Discovery House).   When we trusted in Christ, we began the Christian race. Like the African runner, we entered the race not merely to begin it but to finish it! Therefore it is imperative that we persevere to the end. The Christian life is not a quick sprint but a long-distance marathon!   To successfully finish, we must "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and ... run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. Restate the positive and negative examples that Paul gives regarding following through to the end. 2. Draw one parallel between the ancient Israelites’ experiences in the wilderness and the challenges of modern Christian life. 3. Plan to overcome a specific temptations Our Efforts (1 Corinthians 9:24–27) 1. What two athletic illustrations did Paul use to depict the Christian life (1 Corinthians 9:24)?   Since the Corinthians would have been familiar with both the ancient Olympic and Isthmian games that occurred in Greece, Paul used illustrations from athletics to press home his point. Although the ancient Greek games had few events compared to the modern Olympics, races were always prominent. As in all races, there is only one runner who receives the blue ribbon or the gold medal. "So run, that ye may obtain" (v. 24), said Paul. In short, run to win! All those entering the Christian race should strive to cross the finish line. A similar thought is found in Philippians: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (3:14). 2. What are some examples of modern “prizes” that we are tempted to pursue that pale in comparison with what is available through Christ? How do we keep a proper focus?   Some people go to great lengths in an effort to become famous or even merely popular. Others are willing to pour overwhelming energy into their vocation in an effort to obtain promotions or “self-fulfillment.” The pursuit of our culture’s status symbols-bigger houses, luxury boats, impressive cars, designer clothing, and the latest electronic gadgets-frequently dominates even the lives of God’s people. The pursuit of expertise in various hobbies can essentially become the pursuit of a fading crown. The pursuit of certain relationships can fall into this category.   Perspective is one key to proper focus. For example, the desire for a ______ _______ can be examined with the prayerful question, “Why do I really think I need a ______ _______ ?” Beware of the danger of rationalizing! 3. How was an ancient athlete "temperate" (v. 25)?   As in modern sports, ancient athletes had to be "temperate" (v. 25), or self-controlled, in order to prepare for their chosen event. Those unwilling to enter such strict training would prove unsuccessful.   The ancient athlete was willing to commit to such self-discipline for a mere earthly reward, "a corruptible crown" (v. 25). The winner was awarded a simple wreath-crown that would quickly fade and become brittle. Even the gold medal of the modern Olympics will eventually be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10).   As Christians, we are running a race to receive an "incorruptible" crown (1 Cor. 9:25). As saints, our calling is to "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). 4. What are some additional similarities between the Christian life and athletics that can help us live faithfully for God? Which similarity do you find to be most important? What hidden dangers are there?   One similarity is the single-minded focus required for success. Becoming a world-class athlete in many sports is a full-time job. Similarly, our development as disciples requires that we make spiritual issues the highest of priorities. The physical and mental exertion required to develop athletically is paralleled by the extreme effort required for spiritual maturity. We are sometimes lulled into thinking that Christian maturity can come without great effort. But Paul describes the process as very hard work.   But there is a pitfall: a few people focus so much on being spiritually minded that they no longer are able to “connect with” the unsaved. Shuffling off to join a monastery (house for monks), either physically or just in one’s thoughts, doesn’t help! 5. What did Paul mean when he said he wanted to avoid being a "castaway" (v. 27)?   Using himself as an example, Paul said that he was not like a man running aimlessly. He sought to stay on course and not become distracted by those things that might pull him off the chosen path (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7). Changing the figure from running to boxing, Paul said that he was not merely shadowboxing, either. He was at-tempting to land blows where they would count.   As all athletes know, the human body must be brought into subjection. The body may want food or drink that may not be best for athletic training. The body may want to stay up late when it needs rest. The body may want to quit when the coach says to go on. So it is in the Christian life. The believer must live a life of self-discipline. "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34), Jesus said.   Even though Paul had "preached to others" (1 Cor. 9:27), he knew that he had to persevere to the end; otherwise, he might become a "castaway." This word meant rejected, disqualified, or not standing the test.   Paul is not only a Christian preacher, he is also one who plays in the game. That is, he not only preached the Gospel but he also lived by the Gospel's rules. True Christians, while confident of God's sovereign grace, are nevertheless conscious of their own battle against sin" (Barker and Kohlenberger). Their Examples (1 Corinthians 10:1–5) 6. How was Israel "baptized unto Moses" (1 Corinthians 10:12) How does this relate to Christian baptism?   Having encouraged faithfulness by using athletic illustrations, Paul now turns to the example of Israel to stress the same point. Although many of the Corinthians were Gentiles, it was appropriate to refer to the ancient Israelites as "our fathers" (v. 1). There is a continuity between the Old Testament saints and New Testament believers. Indeed, those who trust in Christ are "Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29).   After the ten plagues were visited on Egypt, Moses led the Israelites out of bondage and on their journey toward the Promised Land. "The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night" (Exodus 13:21).   The first major obstacle on the journey was the Red Sea. At God's command, Moses lifted his rod, the sea parted, and the people passed through on dry land. "The waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" (Exod. 14:22).   That the people of Israel were "baptized unto Moses" (1 Cor. 10:2) simply means that they submitted themselves to the authority and leadership of Moses. Similarly, those who trust in Christ submit to His authority by being obedient followers of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). As the Hebrews were "baptized unto Moses" under the old covenant (1 Cor. 10:2), so those rescued from spiritual bondage under the new covenant are "baptized into Christ" (Gal. 3:27). Christian baptism portrays what the blood of Christ performs (Romans 6:3-4). 7. Who was the "spiritual Rock" (v. 4) that accompanied Israel in the wilderness?   Once they passed through the Red Sea, the Hebrews found themselves in the wilderness. During their long and difficult journey, they relied on God to provide them with both food and drink. While God sustained them physically, they were also being spiritually nourished.   The "spiritual Rock" (v. 4) that accompanied them on this journey was Christ Himself. While we often think of Christ in terms of His earthly ministry, we must not forget that He is the eternal Son of God, who preexisted with the Father (John 1:1-3; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:1-3).   Although the Israelites had the very presence of God as they journeyed to-ward the Promised Land, "with many of them God was not well pleased" (1 Cor. 10:5). Consequently, the vast majority of those rescued from Egyptian bondage never saw the Promised Land (cf. Heb. 3:16-19).   The application for the Corinthian church was clear. Just because they had trusted in Christ and were baptized (Acts 18:8) did not mean they had arrived at the end of the journey. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, they were facing many trials and temptations along the journey. In their arrogance, they may have assumed that they were above sin (1 Cor. 10:12). As with the well-trained athlete (9:25,27), though, perseverance and diligence are necessary to complete the race (Phil. 3:12-14). Our Task (1 Corinthians 10:6–13) 8. What four examples did Paul give from the wilderness journey (vs. 6-10)?   Although we are no longer under the old covenant (Rom. 6:14), there are many examples in the Old Testament that are helpful to Christians. More often than not, these examples tell us what not to do. Paul selected four examples (or warnings) from the wilderness experience of Israel to encourage the Corinthians to faithfully and patiently endure.   The first example was a warning against idolatry. The incident alluded to was when Aaron made the golden calf (Exod. 32:1-6). Those unwilling to repent were slain by the Levites, and about three thousand perished (v. 28).   The second example was the Israelites' fornication with the daughters of Moab (Num. 25:1-9). Because of this sin, God brought a plague upon the people that resulted in the deaths of more than 23,000 people in a single day.   The third example was when the people became impatient and began to speak against God and Moses. They said, "Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread" (Numbers 21:5). Because of their complaining, God sent "fiery serpents" (v. 6), or poisonous snakes, among the people, many of whom perished. Only by looking with faith on the bronze serpent erected by Moses could the people be healed (Num. 21:9; cf. John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32).   Although there were several occasions when the people murmured (or grumbled) against Moses, the fourth example used by Paul probably referred to Korah's rebellion (Num.16). Besides the earth opening up and swallowing the rebellious leaders (vs.. 31-33), over 14,000 were killed by a plague (vs. 49). The "destroyer" (1 Cor. 10:10) is likely a reference to a destroying angel (cf. 2 Sam. 24:16-17; 2 Kings 19:35).   Significantly, the examples selected by Paul as warnings to the Corinthian church paralleled some of the very problems they were facing. 9. Why did Paul warn the Corinthians about falling (vs. 11,12)?   The things that had happened to ancient Israel in the wilderness "happened unto them for ensamples." "Ensamples" is an archaic spelling of the word "examples." The Greek word here is a form of the word tupos, which is also used in verse 6.   These Old Testament examples have come down to us for the purpose of "admonition" (1 Cor. 10:11), or warning. Those who are unwilling to learn from the past are destined to repeat those mistakes again. Many people think that they are strong. But this complacency leads them to become careless and undisciplined, leaving them unprepared to resist temptation. If the Corinthians would not receive this instruction, they were headed for spiritual disaster. The phrase "upon whom the ends of the world are come" indicates that the warnings of the past find their fulfillment in the present. That is, they are relevant for those living in this current age.  10. How is God faithful to us when we are experiencing temptation (v. 13)?   This verse is one of the great promises of the Bible. First, no temptation, trial, or test that we face is unique. While we may sometimes feel that we are the only person facing a particular trial or temptation, this is not true.   The temptations and tribulations we face are "common to man," that is, they are the kinds of things all of us experience. To be sure, not every person will be tested in the same way, but we all are tempted. Since Christ "was in all points tempted like as we are" (Hebrews 4:15), we can be confident that He fully understands the plight of human beings.   Since "God is faithful" (1 Cor. 10:13), He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our strength to resist. In the midst of temptation we may not think this to be true, but it is. Therefore, we cannot blame Satan or others when we succumb to temptation. If we sin, it is because we choose to do so.   God also promises that with each temptation there is an escape route. Just as there are doors into temptation, so too there are doors out. Of course, Satan will try to make the temptation so attractive that we may not be looking for a way out. Like Christ (Luke 4:1-13), we must use the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17), "the word of God") to gain victory over the devil.   Several years ago, nascar driver Steve Park was involved in a serious accident when his steering wheel came off. The doors on race cars do not open, so drivers must crawl in and out of the vehicle through a window. To make this easier the cars are equipped with removable steering wheels.   Park’s accident occurred during a caution period in a race, when the cars move slowly around the track. While he cannot remember exactly what happened, it seems that Park turned his head momentarily as another vehicle approached on his left. In that split second, his steering wheel somehow detached. Park’s car veered suddenly and was broadsided by the passing car. Someone at some point had not securely fastened the steering wheel. That momentary loss of focus could have cost Park his life!   When Paul compares the Christian life with a race, he does not mean to encourage a competitive spirit. He means to stress our need to be prepared and vigilant at all times. Unfortunately, we usually do not know when trials and temptations will crop up; they often seem to come when we least expect them or are least prepared to deal with them.   The danger may be greatest when we feel the strongest, because at these moments a false sense of security may lead us to drop our guard. We therefore are on the alert constantly. We discipline ourselves spiritually so that we will be ready for any challenge that comes our way.   God, please give us the discipline and focus to remain pure in an evil world. Help us to keep focused on the prize ahead, and help us to draw on Your strength to endure temptations. Help us also to understand that You are a holy God and that You have called us to be a holy people for You. In Jesus’ name, amen. Stay focused and disciplined to win life’s race! Anticipating Next Week's Lesson:   Next week's lesson introduces spiritual gifts and their importance to the body of Christ. Study 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. LESSON SUMMARIZED BY ________________________________ ********************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. 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