Scripture Reading
“You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.”
John 15:16 (NRSVUE)
Introductory Remarks:
It is no accident that we have spent the past 2 months re-affirming the universal spiritual teachings that brought forth amazing results in the ministry of Jesus the Christ and to UFBL over its 50 year history. They also continue to be a blessing and benediction to us today. We give eternal thanks to UFBL Founder, The Reverend Johnnie Colemon, Don Nedd and the UFBL for being a vehicle for the spreading of these practical teachings that call us to inspired living.
We have affirmed:
The UFBL Foundational Principle
The 5 Purposes of a UFBL Church
UFBL Statement of Faith – Statements 1-7
We Believe that it is God’s will that every individual on the face of this earth should live a healthy, happy, and prosperous life.
We Believe that such a life is within the reach of each one of us and the way to its attainment begins with the realization that the Kingdom of God is within waiting for us to bring it into expression.
We Believe that we can bring this Kingdom forth by practicing the universal spiritual principles, handed down through the ages and taught by our Way-Shower, Jesus Christ.
We Believe with Jesus that our experiences are the reflections of our beliefs and therefore, the key to happy and successful living is right thinking, followed by right action.
We Believe with Jesus that the basis for right thinking is LOVE, love of God and all that is good in others and ourselves.
We Believe that learning to listen to the whisperings of the “still small voice” within us will ensure that we are guided into right action.
We Believe that rather than devoting our primary efforts to providing for the needy of the world, the time has come to make available to all people everywhere a teaching that will enable them to provide for themselves by learning to release the divine potential within them.
Today, we address Statement 8:
We Believe that the Universal Foundation for Better Living is a vehicle for the spreading of such a teaching.
1. UFBL exists as a vehicle to:
a. Help you to come into an awareness of your true self; your real self; your spiritual self. ‘Sometime, somewhere, every human being must come to himself. Having tired of eating husks, he will “arise and go to my Father” (Lk. 15:18).’
b. Equip you with the spiritual tools that will enable you to stand steadfast, alone with your God, during the darkest night or deep wilderness or when crossing your seemingly impassable Red Sea, or when your courage seems to fail.
2. UFBL calls us to remember:
a. “It is through Christ, the indwelling Christ, that we are to receive all that God has and is, as much or as little as we can or dare to claim…There is no permanent or real outward way of escape from miseries or circumstances; all help must come from within.” Cady, H. Emilie. Lessons in Truth. Chapter 1.
b. In daily meditation lies the secret of power. No one can grow in either spiritual knowledge or power without it. Cady, H.E.
c. “Victory must be won in the silence of your own being first, and then you need take no part in the outer demonstration of relief from conditions.” Cady, H.E.
Quote:
“When your life experience appears difficult, lean into the spiritual truth that called you and that you’ve studied and practiced. Never abandon what you’ve proven works when you dare to work it.”
Sheila R. McKeithen
Assignment:
Which of the spiritual teachings inspires you most? How can you share the teaching with others, causing a ripple effect of ‘better’ in the world? Are you willing?