Father Divine
"Search the Scriptures," said Jesus, "for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. (St. John 5:39) Jesus Himself frequently quoted the ancient scriptures, that those learned in them might better understand Him. After His Ascension, His Teachings in the four gospels became the chief source of comfort and inspiration to those who sought righteousness. The making of the Bible available to the world in a language all could understand was a work which cost the life of such pioneers as Tyndale; for the world which killed Jesus, killed those who tried to propagate His Words.
When GOD revealed His own Holy Body to mankind in the Person of Father Divine, He came speaking the language of the Bible and teaching everyone to live the four gospels. By Living the Life of Christ He satisfies those who seek righteousness. To those who do not recognize Him, He has said, "I often tell men who question Me concerning a record of My Life, to read Me in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation."
Many of those who followed Father already knew and loved the Bible. To them He made its mysteries plain. Others came from walks of life where the Bible was neither known of considered. It was natural therefore, that in Peace Mission Churches, Bible classes should come into being, where those who knew the Bible might gain enlightenment by reading it along with Father's Messages, and those who did not , might become acquainted with it.
To keep Bible study in the Peace Mission Movement free from the theories and doctrines of men, Father Divine has stressed the importance of letting GOD be the only interpreter. He has said: "We do not mean to say that we will study the Bible to change the Bible, but learn the Bible just as you learn your alphabet, it does not say that you are obliged to put your interpretation on the Bible or someone else's version . . . In all our churches and connections we do have Bible studies. We want everybody to learn the Bible, not necessarily someone's interpretation. Of course we do have the King James version of the Bible, copies of the King James Version in all of our churches and connections; but we believe in reading the Bible and learning the Bible verbatim! Know what it says and the Spirit itself will give you the interpretation: "When He the Spirit of Truth is come, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
Cabinet Bible Class Graduation
Some like to read the Bible privately, communing with Father Divine in solitude. Others feel they gain more studying in a group. A Bible class for sisters in the Unity Mission Church on 117th Street, New York City has been in existence for many years. Here the Bible is read in conjunction with Messages given by Father Divine on the same subject. A similar class for sisters at the Bible Institute of the Unity Mission Church in Philadelphia has also proved a source of inspiration over the years. Numerous classes have existed for shorter periods in the various churches both in this country and overseas.
Many of the younger members of the Peace Mission knew the Bible from what Father had preached as they sat around Him, but had no great interest in reading it for themselves. However, a few years ago Father inspired some with the desire to read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation. Among those were some of Father Divine's Personal Cabinet. Because of varied duties, they were seldom able to read together as a group and evolved a system whereby each in turn was responsible for picking out certain points in an agreed number of chapters and questioning others on them. Briefing and questions were typed out to be answered as convenient, but returned to sender.
Before long other Rosebuds desired to read the Bible through and formed themselves into groups of 15-20 members. Since some lived in Philadelphia, some in Newark and some on New York (with one-world citizen, the International Traveler, Miss Roma Graveur of Australia) and could rarely get together, and because most of them could type, four classes were formed on a basis similar to the Cabinet Class. A little later another Cabinet Class was formed which operated a little differently and also a class which read together every week.
Meanwhile the Crusaders had organized themselves into classes similar to the Rosebuds'. There were also those among the sisters and brothers who desired to read the Bible straight through. A Bible reading class for sisters was formed at the Circle Mission Church on Broad Street in Philadelphia which proved very popular, and another at the Unity Mission Church, 41st Street and Westminster Avenue, also in Philadelphia. After the lapse of some time a second Bible reading for sisters was begun at the 41st Street Church. The brothers also had a class at the Circle Mission Church in Philadelphia as well as one at the Unity Mission Church Annex.
Young Rosebuds of school age read the highlights of the Bible. They become accustomed to its language at an early age by reading directly from the Bible. At the Circle Mission Church, Broad Street, school age Buds read together with a Rosebud who has already completed the Old Testament and who quizzes them on important points. Those who live in Newark and New York and are not able to come to class, receive a briefing with written questions and do their reading individually.
Australian Rosebuds
In Newark and in New York— indeed all over the world, in Panama, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, England, Austria, France, New Zealand— there are Bible reading classes in the churches and connections under the Peace Mission Movement. The wonderful panorama of the Works of GOD through the rise of the Jewish nation and the making of the Word Flesh in Jesus inspires students as they read.
Father Divine said in a letter to one of the classes:
"Through the study of the Bible you will more readily comprehend with all saints, and it will bring you together harmoniously on one common level; but those of you who live the commandments will know ME more profoundly . . ."
This constructive activity of reading the Bible through has received much Personal encouragement from Father Divine. Mother Divine has given Her unstinted time and energy in renewing lagging zeal and in inspiring and creating interest in the Holy Scripture.
It was to encourage others that the graduation of the Cabinet Class was held after their completion of Bible study from Genesis to Revelation. The graduates wore the traditional black cap with white tassel to Holy Communion Services afterward.
Mother Divine with the Bible
During these services Mother Divine said,
"I do want to say, Father Dear, that this recognition that you have given those that have diligently read the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation is not for any personal recognition that we desire. If there is any recognition at all, it is to encourage others that they might have the fulfillment of their desire as You blessed us; because we truly do know that it was only You Who blessed us to read the Bible through as a group and we are humbly grateful to You, Father Dear, and we give You all the Praise and all the Glory and all the Honor. And we do know, Father Dear, that it is not just reading the Bible that is the great significance, or why You have so often told us to read it and encouraged us to read it, but it is the Spirit and the Meaning of the Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding that can be gained in reading the Bible, that You desire us to get deep within us; that is the great significance."
Father Divine stressed the memorizing and living the Creeds of the Peace Mission Movement at the same services. He said:
"While listening to the different testimonies and while observing the significance of your travel, your journey through the Scriptures, but most specifically and definitely to be considered is that of which has been so freely given— your documents as being called your Creeds and your Endeavors and your Commandments— those were something deep to be considered and always to be remembered— The Rosebuds', the Crusaders' and the Lilly-Buds' Creeds and Documents! If you will read them and live them and commit them to memory and put them forth in your spirit and your mind with a determination to be one with them, I will be there every time and give you the victory over every difficulty."
Therefore the Creeds are not neglected by Bible students. As five of the Rosebuds' classes have completed the reading of the Old Testament, they have paused before commencing the New Testament to brush up and perfect Rosebuds', Lilly-Buds' and Crusaders' Creeds.
Just as Father Divine has said that everything done in the Peace Mission Movement can be scripturally verified, so the perfect action in every situation is to be found in the Creeds. As He further says:
"It is your privilege to live above limitations, live above adverse and undesirable conditions by committing to memory the Word of GOD— for the Word of GOD is the Spirit Personified and conscientiously and sincerely realized."
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