Starting this past Sunday, Jan. 24th 2016, NH Faith Fusion launched a new program in Nashua, NH. The intention is to alternate our Sunday gatherings between the two cities of Manchester and Nashua and to offer something a little different in each area.

New Opportunity for Growth

We will continue with our Sunday Celebration service in Manchester on the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s of the month. On the 2nd and 4th Sunday’s we are gathering in Nashua as a smaller study group to delve more deeply into the Divine Principle, the Bible and other sacred texts. In this way we can broaden our outreach to another area while also going deeper in our relationship with God and each other.

There were about 13 of us this past Sunday gathered in a circle to read the Divine Principle aloud. Those who wanted to read could volunteer and those who just wanted to listen could pass. After each reader finished their turn, anyone could raise their hand to offer a comment or ask a question. This stimulated some lively and interesting discussion.

We started at Chapter 1 section 1

“Throughout history, people have anguished over the fundamental questions of human life and the universe without arriving at satisfying answers.” (p 15)

We seek to discover the answers to the such questions as, “Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why is life so hard and the world is in such a mess? If there is a God, why doesn’t he do something about all the problems and suffering in the world?”

“…no one has understood the root principle by which humanity and the universe were originally created. To approach this topic properly, it is not enough to examine resultant reality. Problems concerning human life and the universe cannot be solved without first understanding the nature of God.” (p 15)

The first paragraph of chapter one in the Exposition of the Divine Principle pretty much sums up the purpose of our study group. To live life fully, successfully and joyfully we have to know our purpose in life. We have to know our place in the world, how we fit into the big scheme of things. We also need to know how to deal with life’s difficulties and problems, tragedies, and heartbreak. If there is a solution, a purpose and direction for life then the answer must come from the source, the first cause – God.

Discussion broadens our understanding

Through the diverse experiences and understanding of each group member we could gain new insight. The first section is only 5 pages but there was so much to talk about. Each person’s perspective and relationship with God is as unique as their own personality, and there are a lot of deep concepts in this first section that should not be skimmed over.

For example:

” The body is a visible reflection of the invisible mind….This is the idea behind a person’s character and destiny being perceived through examining his outward appearance by such methods as physiognomy or palm reading.” (p 19)

Different cultures have different viewpoints and traditions on such topics. In American culture we tend to think that, “you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover”. But maybe that’s partly true because people are so complicated, and people often play roles that don’t express their true character.

” A human being attains perfection when he centers his life on his mind; likewise, the creation becomes complete only when God stands as its center. Hence, the universe is a perfect organic body that moves only according to God’s purpose of creation. As one organic body, the universe should exist in a relationship of internal nature and external form, with God as the internal nature and the created universe as the external form.” (p 19)

Let’s meditate on that one until next time. Refreshments and fellowship followed our study time as well as planning for future gatherings.