The Unity Mission Church, Philadelphia, PA.
The congregation of the Peace Mission Churches is comprised to a great extent of individuals who have been sincere seekers of Truth. Many were born into and came up through Catholicism, Judaism, and the sundry denominations of Protestantism. The time came when they were prompted to seek a greater unfoldment that would make the simple but profound Teachings of Jesus real and applicable in their daily lives. From orthodoxy, these individuals moved into faiths such as Christian Science, Unity, 'I Am,' Rosicrucianism, and the teachings of other metaphysicians of the New Thought Movement. Because FATHER DIVINE'S Philosophy and Precepts were so similar to their own these New Thought groups naturally discussed HIS Activities, and many of these individuals were thereby attracted to the Peace Mission Movement and the wholly unorthodox Teaching of FATHER DIVINE.
The goal of the reality of Heaven on earth and the establishment of the Kingdom of GOD on earth, here and now in this day, can come about only by unity and oneness. For this cause Jesus prayed to His FATHER,
Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. John 17:11
Harmonization leads to unification. First, man must live in a way to create harmony
within himself. This achievement will then create harmony with his fellowman,
and together they must unite with GOD as Jesus did after the Resurrection, to
bring Heaven and the Government of GOD on earth. To bring this about the consciousness
of GOD'S Actual Presence with the people here
on earth must be made a reality
under all Circumstances. The Bible relates many instances of people recognizing
the fact that their GOD was Present with them then and there.
'Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.' Genesis 5:24
Daniel was in the lions' den when he declared,
'My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths.' Daniel 6:22
Three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were bound and cast into the furnace; yet King Nebuchadnezzar declared,
'Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God' Daniel 3:25
GOD gave HIS only begotten Son as evidence of HIS Actual Presence with HIS creation.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is. God with us Matthew 1:23
FATHER DIVINE has said in a Message HE gave November 20, 1949:
That was the Commission of CHRIST in Person and in the personage of His Disciples, to convince mankind of GOD'S Actual Presence. . . . If this Commission would have been preached persistently, conscientiously and sincerely and convictionally, the nations of the earth would have been conscious of GOD'S Presence as these, MY adherents, are conscious of MY Presence.' - THE NEW DAY, November 26,1949, p.11
FATHER DIVINE'S Personal coming was to create and establish the consciousness of GOD'S Actual Presence with the people.
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