Like Prayer, Shincheonji Chairman Man Hee Lee

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,

if only I may finish the race

and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me the task

of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

"Now I know that none of you among whom

I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.

Threrefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood

of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you

the whole will of God.

 

ACTS 20:24~27

[Shincheonji God's Word] The Lord’s Prayer & His Kingdom And His Righteousness

 Main reference: Mt 6
 
What is the true meaning of the Lord’s prayer, and what are his kingdom and his righteousness referring to?
 
After the choosing of the disciples, starting in Matthew 5, Jesus gave us commands to keep as believers. One of them is the Lord’s prayer (Mt 6:9-13). He also said to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (Mt 6:33). These are the two main points of Matthew 6.
 
After seeing the way in which the hypocrites prayed and gave to the needy, Jesus told his disciples not to do these things to be seen by men as they (hypocrites) do, but to pray to God who is unseen. He then told us what we should pray (Mt 6:1-13).

 
This prayer is the Lord’s prayer that many believers recite at the end of worship services. They do so with their mouths without knowing its meaning. If one does not follow through with their prayer in action, one is a liar to God. He listens to our prayers only if we act as well.
 
● Explanation of the Lord’s prayer
 
1) Verse 9: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name
 
① In heaven
Where is the ‘heaven’ at which God resides? The place in Revelation 4 where God’s throne is located is the spiritual heaven. God coming to Jesus at the First Coming (Mt 3:16-17; 4:17) was the spiritual heaven coming down to earth.
Also, the ‘tabernacle’ on earth on which heaven came down was called ‘heaven’ as well. The reason is that just as the sun, moon, and the stars are in the sky, Israel, who are God’s chosen people, were figuratively referred to as the sun, moon, and the stars, and thus, God’s tabernacle was heaven, the spiritual sky (Gn 37:9-11; Rv 13:6; 12:1; 15:1, 5; Mt 13:24).

 
② Our Father
In John 8, when the Jews claimed that God was their father, Jesus said to them that their father is not the true God, but the lying devil (Jn 8:41-44). This was because they were born of the seed of the devil (liar).
Only by being born of God’s seed, which is his word (Lk 8:11), can one call God ‘father’. Furthermore, God will only acknowledge those born of his seed as his sons (children). God doesn’t just automatically become the father of someone born of the devil’s seed just because he calls (the true) God his father. Neither can he just automatically become God’s son.
 
③ Hallowed be your name
God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He has no sin; he is the light of righteousness and life. He is the Lord who judges between righteousness and wickedness. He is also the owner of all nations and all creation. God is truly a holy and flawless being. It is only logical that his creation reveres and praises God’s holiness as he deserves.
 
2) Verse 10: Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
 
① Your kingdom come
This is praying for the spiritual heaven to come down to and unite with the tabernacle of heaven on earth. It is also praying for God, who left the world, to come down to the recreated kingdom (tabernacle) on earth.
 
② Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Moses (Ex 25) and Jesus (Jn 5) fulfilled on earth just as they saw in heaven. In the same way, at the Second Coming, the one who fights against and overcomes the devil (the promised pastor) sees the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, in Revelation 21 and 4. He then fulfills it (Rv 3:12). Although the devil and his group will interfere with this, God and Jesus will be happy. We also ought to be happy, as seen in Revelation 19.
 
3) Verse 11: Give us today our daily bread
 
In the time of Moses, until they entered into Canaan, produced their own crop, and settled in the land, God gave the people of Israel manna from heaven every morning (Ex 16:14-36). Jesus said, however, that although the forefathers ate the manna that Moses gave, they died; but that he gives the food that does not spoil, that endures to eternal life. He said that this food was the living bread from heaven, his flesh and blood (Jn 6). Jesus himself is also the ‘Word’ as seen in 1 John 1.
The true daily bread that Jesus gives is the revealed word of the New Testament. This revelation was sealed in God’s right hand in Revelation 5, but Jesus opened it starting in Revelation 6, and thus, gave it as ‘the manna from heaven’, as the real food that endures to eternal life. The one who overcomes (i.e. the New John) in Revelation 10 is the only one through whom we can receive this (revelation).

 
4) Verse 12: Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
 
⇒ Refer to the explanations of verses 14-15
 
5) Verse 13: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
 
① Lead us not into temptation
Jesus told us to pray this because he knew what would take place at his Second Coming. As seen in Matthew 24, nations will rise against nations and kingdom against kingdom. At that time, many fall into deception and temptation so as to betray each other; and as there is an increase of evil, the destroyer stands on the pulpit. He is telling us to pray to not fall into these temptations and trials.
 
② But deliver us from the evil one
He is telling us to pray for deliverance from the destroyer during when he strikes and overtakes the chosen people.
 
③ For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
It is only proper for the power and the glory to be God’s because he is the creator of everything, the Lord of all, and the Lord of lords (1 Cor 15:28; Ep 4:6; 1 Tm 6:15). All created things must befittingly give glory to the maker (creator) of all beings.
 
● Verse 14-15: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. *But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
 
Jesus spoke about forgiveness as follows.
In Matthew 18:21-35, the one whose master canceled his debt of ten thousand talents did not forgive his servant who owed him a hundred denarii, but had him thrown into prison until he could pay back the debt. The master, having heard this, called in the one whose debt he canceled, and asked why he threw his servant in prison instead of canceling his debt of a hundred denarii, when the master has canceled his own debt entirely. He then said that he too shall be thrown into jail, until he should pay back all that he owed.
This is a moral teaching regarding forgiveness. One who does not forgive others will not be forgiven.
 
● Verse 33: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.
 

What kingdom is this referring to? It is indeed referring to heaven. One cannot see or touch this heaven. Expressed in parables, heaven comes down on the tree that grows from a seed (Mt 13:31-32). This heaven also comes down on the one who overcomes (Rv 3:12). God’s kingdom (heaven) fulfills here on earth as it is in heaven, and it is to this place that heaven (above) comes down. This heaven is the kingdom that he told us to seek. This kingdom is the sealed twelve tribes of New Spiritual Israel (Rv 7, 14). We must seek and find this kingdom which God and the angels are with. Furthermore, ‘his righteousness’ that we must seek is the revealed word (Rv 10; 14:1-5) and faith, both of which can be found at this kingdom.

 
God’s will, as well as the objective of our faith that the 66 books of the Bible points to, is the twelve tribes of New Spiritual Israel, the kingdom that is created here on earth as it is heaven. This is the place we as believers must go to.
 
 
Shincheonji: Healing All Nations
 
http://cafe.daum.net/scjschool/E3qZ/297

[Shinchonji Word] Where is God?

Main Reference: Rev 21-22: (Jn 1:1-4, 1Jn 1:1)
 
God is in the Bible. When the Bible (Word) is in our heart, God is in us with the Word.
 
In the Gospel John chapter 1, God was the ‘Word,’ God was with the Word, and God made all things with the Word. Jesus who was born from God was the ‘Word’ in 1Jn 1:, God was in Jesus who was the word, and God became one with Jesus.
 
Jesus promised in John chapter 14 - ‘On that day,  when I return, you will realize that I am in my Father, and I am in you,’ meaning the word of God and Jesus will be in my heart. Thus, God and Jesus are in me. The kingdom of God is within me (Lk 17:21). God’s building is my heart, God’s spirit dwells in my heart (1Co 3:9, 16). God is sacred, God is in the holy temple (1Co 3:17).  The word can make me holy (Jn 17:17), so the word must dwell in me.
 
In Rm 8:9-11, it is said, 'without the Spirit of Christ, the man does not belong to Christ.’  It is also said, ‘if the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.’ 
 
I would like to ask you, “Do you truly believe in this word?”  “If you so (believe), what are the qualifications for God and Jesus to live in me?”  It is the word of Jesus. The Word is the life, light, and God (Jn 1:1-4). A man who is sealed by the word is a man who inscribes the word in his mind and heart. How can a man know God and Jesus who are the word without the word? How can anyone know the work of God without it? 
 
In Jn 10:35, Jesus said that a man who receives the word of God is god. In Acts 17:27-29, they are ‘God’s offspring.’ God’s offspring are born from God - born with the seed of God. The seed of God is the word of God (Lk 8:11), so if you don’t receive the word, you cannot be the offspring of God. Can anyone be born again from a church and pastor where God is not in?  What can we learn from a seminary that God is not with? There are only the words of man. God or life cannot be found in any education institute in the world. God is only with the word of God. One can only find God in the Bible if a person wants to know where God is. Then, God will give the answer in the Bible.
I saw the figure of God and Jesus, and the organization of the angels. I also saw my spirit in my body. And God and His Spirits are in the Bible. You don’t need to try to find God in the distance. It will be much easier to meet God in the Bible and sense His closeness. 
 
Although there are many people and believers in the world, God is with a man who loves the words of God, and provides him/her with understanding. God cannot provide His words to anyone. For example, in Genesis 3, after Adam sinned God said, ‘he must not be allowed to reach out hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.’  So, God banished him, placed cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Also, Jesus said, ‘the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them (outsiders).
The word is God, life, and creation. Is there anything greater than the word?
 
At every time the man of God, that is, the messenger of God comes, people who don’t have the word of God persecute him. Why? That’s because the messenger of God receives the word of God and speak on His behalf.
At the end time of the Revelation, the time of the establishment of new era -  the dragon, the beast, and the kings of the earth - false prophets, gather at a place where God comes in (Rev 16:). Then, all the evil spirits of the world flock to the place of God. As a result, this particular place becomes more hostile, and the persecution will be the harshest.  Then there will be a war at that era. However, who can know the time and place, except the one who receives the revelation?
At this time, only a pastor who is anointed by God, knows the place and the reality of the events, and carries out the task that God commands. If there is no promised word of the Bible, how can a chosen pastor testify to the ignorant people about God and the truth that the prophecy had fulfilled? 
Today, just like the time of the first coming of Jesus, the people who do not understand the word are desperate to persecute. However, we will live with God and the family of heaven in the word of promise.
God desires even the rebellious people to see the good and virtuous side of the new heaven’s people (天民), to perceive, repent, and be born again. 
 
With regards to the judgment of the world, there are spirits (heavenly hosts) more than twelve spirits (營 : Army) of the heaven, so they can sweep all at once. It’s the work that God will do. 
The hope awaits for us that we will live with God who is the word, the light of life, heaven, paradise, forever.
Let us achieve our purpose and enter the Sabbath rest. 
 
Amen!

[Shinchonji Truth] His coming or Our Going?

Mt 6 v 10: “…Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.“

Where is Heaven? I think that between this question and the famous: “Who made God?”, my poor mother was at her wit’s end at many points throughout my childhood. I asked these at regular (annoying) intervals when growing up, and never received any satisfying Biblical explanation until recently.

 Heaven is a place in the spiritual realm… and the most logical and straight-forward answer would be that heaven is where God is. God’s throne is always the focal point., right? Well… Let’s then examine WHERE God’s throne, or dwelling place really was throughout the history of God’s people.

At Adam’s time, God walked with him in the Garden of Eden, until the point of Adam’s sin and betrayal (Gen 3 v 8 & Gen 6 v 3). This is an important turning point in history, where God leaves his creation. It is from this point onwards that he works continuously to restore what was destroyed by man’s disobedience  ( Jn 5 v 17). Later on we see that God instructs Moses to build a tabernacle so that He can dwell among His people again (Ex 25 v 8-9). It would be impossible for God to live in people’s hearts at this stage because that is where sin is, so it is interesting that Moses had to make this dwelling place EXACTLY according to the pattern which God showed him – this could be an entire post on it’s own  . The physical tabernacle/temple is where God dwelt in the Old Testament.

At Jesus’ first coming, Mt 3 v 16 or Lk 3 v 21-22, The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. Jesus became the home for God at this time (Jn 10 v 30). He spoke on behalf of God (Jn 7 v 16), acted on behalf of God ( Jn 10 v 25)and was given the authority to judge on behalf of God as well (Jn 5 v 27). Jesus was in fact God’s throne, which meant that where ever Jesus was, heaven was too. This brings new light to the understanding we have of Mt 4 v 17... “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” We now that God’s throne is never just alone in the spiritual realm, it is surrounded by His spiritual kingdom (Rv 4 and throughout Ezekiel), the kingdom of heaven. When Jesus spoke these words, perhaps it was prophecy…although it has been about 2000 years, so judging by man’s standards it was by no means “near”… He was speaking very literally to those who understood him.

It is because of the sacrifice that Jesus made that the problem ofsin could be resolved, which allowed for people to become the “temple” of the New Testament. From that time on, those born again into God’s image (those who make their temple according to the pattern He provides us) can have God’s spirit dwell in him/her.(1 Cor 3 v 9 and 16)

So… What is it that Jesus teaches us to pray? “Your kingdom stay”? No. Does he tell us to pray that we would all become spirits and ascend to heaven? No. Jesus tells us to pray that God’s kingdom would come, and that His will would be done ON EARTH! Ecc 1 v 4: “Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.“ Rev 21 speaks about the new heaven and new earth that God will come and dwell in. “..Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them…” - Rev 21 v 3. It makes sense that since Jesus is heaven (or heaven is where Jesus is) at the first coming, when he comes again, heaven comes with him!

If God’s kingdom really does COME, which is what the prophecies tell us (Rev 12 v 10) then it would be like creation has made full circle. Where it began, it also ends… Alpha and Omega. Interestingly enough, the place Revelation tells us to find God’s throne at the second coming is at Mount Zion – Read Rev 14 v 1 – 5. Understanding these prophecies is so essential!

Shinchonji is the place where you can hear all the explanations to the prophecies of the New Testament. It is Mount Zion, and the Spirit of Truth is working through the Counsellor – Lee Man Hee – to testify God’s truth today, in a similar way to how Jesus came to testify God’s truth at the first coming. Jesus came to reveal God’s promises and fulfill them,making the  Old Testament perfect and complete. Man Hee Lee came today to reveal Jesus’s promises and fulfill them,making the New Testament,and all of God’s word and work perfect and complete.

God, Jesus and the one who overcomes (Man Hee Lee) are waiting for us to be those who Jesus can say belong to God’s kingdom…those who do have faith at the second coming (Luke 18:8).

This is our Hope…”YOUR kingdom COME, YOUR will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven! …Eternal life, with God. Amen!