The Passover, the secret of the kingdom of heaven

Now many people know that the Passover is the feast of God which allows us eternal life. However, some people consider those who keep the Passover as legalists or even heretics. How pathetic! Why do some realize the fact that the Passover should be observed while others do not although they all read the same Bible? Of course, we can find the answer in the Bible.

He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them… This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. (Matthew 13:11-13)

It means that there are people who are allowed to understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven while there are also those who are not allowed to. The Passover is a secret of the kingdom of heaven which contains the blessings of the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Therefore, not everyone can understand the Passover. What’s the difference between those who understand the Passover and those who don’t? 

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll [the Scriptures] with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. (Revelation 5:1-4)

The Apostle John wept much on the island of Patmos when he heard the words of God would be sealed with seven seals and no one could open the scroll or even look inside it. It is natural that John could not help but cry. Since then, people could not understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven although they see and read the Bible. It means that people were not able to know the Passover. Fortunately, however, the Bible would not be sealed for good. 

Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. (Revelation 5:5-6)

It’s written that the scroll would be opened by a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, or Jesus who is the Root of David. Therefore, those who receive the Second Coming Jesus can know the secret of the kingdom of heaven or the Passover. In other words, those who keep the Passover have received the Second Coming Jesus.

Do you know who keeps the Passover today? Only the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) keeps the Passover in the world as did Jesus and the apostles 2,000 years ago. This means that the Second Coming Jesus has already come to this church. Who is the Second Coming Jesus? We cannot realize the true meaning of the Passover until we receive him. The Passover is the feast which Jesus desired to keep and the secret of the kingdom of heaven for which the Apostle John cried bitterly with the concern that it would not be observed.

Times Square Street Cleaning

The New York Metropolitan area is home to roughly 18.9 million people—with 40% of its population residing in New York City. At some point in time, the majority of these individuals make their way through the 20-square miles that make up the island of Manhattan. Such a large human conglomeration leaves a large footprint and this is evident in the streets of New York City.

Times Square: the crossroads of the world and prime destination for the majority of visitors. Not only is this area frequented by tourists, but locals also pass through this area. Such transit leaves behind a lot of waste and serves as a great site for the World Mission Society Church of God’s 2011 Clean World Movement.

This area, once open to traffic, is now strewn with tables, chairs and benches for the general public to enjoy. Thinking of the visitors who come from around the world to visit New York, the members of the Church of God worked with an enthusiastic mind to beautify this area by picking up litter and scraping gum off the concrete floor.

If even for a day, New York can be a more pleasant haven for the visitors of the world and residents as well.

Click!!!

[Philippine News] World Mission Society Church of God at Parañaque

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7T0itmvg18

[Dallas News] WORLD MISSION SOCIETY CHURCH OF GOD Arkan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2x-dnBn5-4

2003 Daegu Universiade

Over recent decades, the volunteer core of the World Mission Society Church of God has performed astounding work. Receiving praise both domestically and internationally, the members forsake any narrow-mindedness and think globally. With unity of work and love in their hearts, they do an excellent job of giving support to others.

On August 21, 2003, representatives of over 150 countries gathered to Daegu, South Korea, to participate in the 2003 Summer Universiade. Daegu is a small city in South Korea, so the Universiade organizers were initially fearful of a low fan turnout and, ultimately, a failed event. However, the hand of God turned things around for the better.

The volunteers of the Church of God once again gathered together to show support to the overseas visitors. From rich to poor countries, large to small, peaceful to war-torn, the volunteers of the Church of God cheered strongly for the participating teams of all countries. Like a mother who loves each of her children equally, the supporters loudly cheered for all the teams. Through this, both the athletes and the spectators were fired up. The local residents, though once scornful of this large event in their small city, noticed the fervor of the Church of God volunteers. Day after day, more and more local and regional residents began attending the games and were moved by the spectator excitement brought by the volunteers of the Church of God.

Particularly noteworthy was the “We Love You” special lights show. The Church of God volunteers practiced for countless hours and, during match games, displayed the volunteer core’s catchphrase through a carefully choreographed lights array. With chants of “We Love You” and cheers for the athletes, the Church of God volunteers moved the minds of the other spectators, who cheered the athletes with conviction and power.

Even government officials and representatives of other organizations were happy to see the efforts of the volunteer core of the Church of God. “Magnificent effort,” said an IOC official, “you don’t see this kind of spectator excitement anywhere except here.” Domestic and international, they give praise to the supporters who put in time and work to make the Universiade successful. “We will not forget Korea,” said a Turkish official, “and we will not forget Church of God and their Aurah Supporters.”

On August 28, 2003, the Church of God held a dinner party for participating members of over 80 countries, particularly for those sent less than 5 athletes or those who had not received an official welcome ceremony. The General Pastor of the Church of God, Kim Joo-cheol, the President of the Daegu Universiade, Park Sang-ha, and the Chairwoman of the New Life Welfare Corp., Zhang Gil-ja, also took seats and were given awards for their contribution to this successful Universiade.

Representatives from Nigeria, Jamaica, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Somalia and Pakistan were particularly moved by the actions and support of the Church of God’s Aurah Supporters. With thank you’s, we love you’s and tears on their faces, their words were simply lost in a stream of emotion.

The volunteers were also present at the Daegu International Airport when the athletes had to head back to their home countries. The atmosphere was once again filled with deep emotion. The bond of friendship that was made during this event could not be dissolved by farewells and good-byes.

The members of the World Mission Society Church of God actively participate in volunteer activities that increase the national prestige, such as this one. As ambassadors of the New Covenant, the volunteer core of the Church of God displays the glory of the New Jerusalem through good deeds and kindness to all.

1-Mile River Cleanup

Over 100 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God gathered to clean up Pennington Park along the Passaic River on July 24, 2011. The members cleaned up a substantial amount of the river surface, the riverbank, and adjacent park areas. For several hours, they worked under the sweltering heat to achieve a result that moved the hearts of the families that frequent the park.

For years, this area along the Passaic River had lain fallow and littered and had not been navigated. But it was once again flowing with watercrafts, as the Church of God members jumped into canoes for a more thorough clean of the river. Through unity and dedication, they were able to dispose of seemingly immovable material. Large amounts of waste were collected in a centralized location to expedite its removal by the City’s Department of Public Works personnel.

Local residents, bystanders and city workers were moved by the dedication, joy and efficiency of the volunteers. One young woman saw them at work and immediately joined them, being moved to tears. “I’m so glad there’s a group that cares about nature,” she said.

“We make the effort of taking care of our environment and the local communities,” responded Pastor Daniel Lee, overseer of the Church of God in Ridgewood, “for this is in par with a Mother’s mind. Mothers want the best and most enriched environment to raise their children because Mother shows pure love to the children. This love is the core of God’s teaching and the guideline for action of the Church of God.”

Through this event, the Church of God earnestly hopes the people of the local community will realize the importance of volunteerism and its positive effect in the community, particularly the youth. We hope that through it they will see the necessity of environmental work and take pride in the natural resources of the region.

Van Dyk Manor

In the cold winter of January 2011, members of the World Mission Society Church of God visited Van Dyk Manor in Ridgewood, NJ to spread the love of Heavenly Mother with the slogan “We Love You!” All those involved shared a graceful and uplifting time with each other. Wintertime can have a physically depressing atmosphere, so the Church of God members made sure to wear their bright smiles in order to spread warmth and encouragement.

The residents and staff of Van Dyk Manor were absolutely thrilled to have the group entertain and liven up the afternoon. They danced and sang, taking into consideration what their audience would appreciate and enjoy the most. Residents communicated that they felt extremely special having the group cater to their interests. They appreciated that the volunteers took time out of their busy schedules to do something for others. Employees of Van Dyk were shocked and extremely moved to see the excitement on the faces of the residents. Many of the residents had been depressed. One in particular explained that she had been feeling “down in the dumps,” but the performances by the members of the Church of God raised her spirits.

The members themselves felt thankful to be involved in this community service activity. They experienced the love and joy of selflessly giving unto others, a teaching of Heavenly Mother. Through this experience, they undoubtedly pleased God, who gave us the example of serving others rather than being served.

Hackensack River Cleanup

On August 1, 2010, the World Mission Society Church of God volunteers joined the Hackensack Riverkeeper Program in an effort to combat urban environmental pollution. Its river cleanup program dedicates itself to the cleanliness of the Hackensack River by regularly scheduling public cleanups to abate the build up of litter in waterways and tributaries due to constant pollution and storm runoffs.

About 100 yellow-vested volunteers showed up on the banks of the Hackensack River, on the north side Fort Lee Road at the intersection of DeGraw Avenue. Hackensack Riverkeeper provided all the necessary equipment and Church of God members brought their passion and fervor to serve the community in order to make the event a success. Some volunteers used pickup sticks to uncover common objects, like glass and plastic bottles,  while some relied on cumulative strength to haul out extra-large tires and even pieces of rusted household appliances embedded in the overgrown brush. Others donned hip waders, taking to the river to grab debris lodged in areas unreachable from the shore and uncovering objects buried in the riverbed. Throwing the refuse in large black plastic bags, teams in canoes paddled up and down gathering all that the teams accumulated.

World Mission Society Church of God members reflected on their participation in this event, taking moments to consider why exactly they joined in this effort to clean the Hackensack River. Members shared similar thoughts: realizing the joy from volunteering came from the feeling of wanting to make a difference as opposed to be forced to do something and understanding the importance of unity in accomplishing great feats. They took time to think about the environment rather than focusing life’s trivialities. As a result of their efforts, the team collected enough trash to fill a small dump truck–a number of participants even managed to catapult a large tree limb into the truck’s dumping bed! Lisa Ryan, Operations Director and Volunteer Coordinator of the Hackensack Riverkeeper, said, “I was amazed today… it was just amazing, incredibly efficient and the teamwork was really really impressive. We got some spots cleaned up that we never thought we [would] get cleaned up here.”