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From the Pastor(Matthew 5:12) |
From Rev. Garry Walsh
Dear friends,
The people of the New Church of Phoenix form one of the warmest, most inviting communities I have ever encountered. Part of this comes down to the nature of the people themselves. Another part comes from the way the Lord is understood and worshipped here.
As you search through the pages of this website and follow the links, there is much you can learn about the belief system of the New Church. In many ways the New Church rewrites much of the Christian message. Gone is any sense of there being three connected but separate Gods. In its place is a strong conviction in the One God who is the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth. Gone is the idea that some people are accepted by God while others are rejected. Instead, the message is one of every person, no matter who and no matter where, is loved by the Lord. All are destined to be led by Him to heaven if they allow Him.
Those who accept New Church teachings come to see that the spiritual realm exists and is just as real as this natural one we live in now. We, indeed, exist in both worlds simultaneously while we live in this world. We move completely into the spiritual world once our time here is over.
Where ever we are in our lives, whether in a good or not so good place right now, the Lord is equally with us. His infinite love never fails to reach out to us. His equally infinite wisdom is forever seeking to lead us to a better place while never taking away our freedom.
The journey of life in this world and beyond, should be a journey of continual spiritual growth. We are encouraged each day to move closer to the Lord our Creator. As mortals here in this world, most of us have a very long way still to go. Fortunately the Lord also has infinite patience.
We invite you to join together with us as we go on our individual and collective journeys. May you always feel the Lord's blessing along the way.
Best wishes,
Garry