The Path to True Happiness:

A Reflection on Unity and Purpose

“The supremely happy and efficiently unified mind is the one wholly dedicated to the doing of the will of the Father in heaven.” — Urantia Book, 133:7.12 (1480.4)

Finding Fulfillment Through Dedication:

In our pursuit of happiness, we often chase fleeting pleasures and superficial achievements. Yet, this profound quote invites us to reconsider where true joy resides. It suggests that a deeply fulfilled mind is one that aligns itself with a higher purpose—the will of the Father in heaven. The

Power of Dedication in Current Affairs:

This principle is particularly relevant in today’s world, where social and political challenges abound. For example,

In Asia, the ongoing efforts of climate activists in countries like India highlight a dedication to a greater cause. These individuals work tirelessly to combat environmental degradation, promoting sustainability and urging governments to take action. Their commitment not only fosters a sense of community but also inspires others to join in the fight for a better future.

In Africa:

Grassroots movements addressing issues like education and healthcare illustrate the power of collective action. Organizations like Teach For All focus on providing quality education to underserved communities. By dedicating themselves to this mission, volunteers create lasting change that uplifts entire communities, demonstrating that true happiness often stems from serving others.

In America:

The recent movements advocating for social justice show how dedication to a higher purpose can unite diverse groups. The Black Lives Matter movement, for instance, rallies individuals around the cause of equality and justice, illustrating how a shared commitment can lead to significant societal shifts. This pursuit of a more equitable world not only empowers those involved but also fosters a sense of unity and purpose.

Embracing a Higher Calling:

By embracing a higher calling, we discover a sense of unity and peace that transcends everyday struggles. Each act of kindness and service becomes a step toward a more meaningful existence. As we engage in these important causes, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute positively to the world around us.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the path to true happiness lies in our willingness to serve a greater purpose. As we align our intentions with the will of the Father, we unlock the door to a life of profound unity and joy. Let us embark on this journey together, dedicated to higher callings that enrich our lives and the lives of others, fostering a more compassionate and connected world.

Ayo 05.04.2025 

And let us always remember

`This is the work of God, that you believe him whom he has sent.'"

 

  ^155:6.11 Never forget there is only one adventure which is more satisfying and thrilling than the attempt to discover the will of the living God, and that is the supreme experience of honestly trying to do that divine will. And fail not to remember that the will of God can be done in any earthly occupation. Some callings are not holy and others secular. All things are sacred in the lives of those who are spirit led; that is, subordinated to truth, ennobled by love, dominated by mercy, and restrained by fairness -- justice. The spirit which my Father and I shall send into the world is not only the Spirit of Truth but also the spirit of idealistic beauty.

The Profound Wisdom of Consequences:

A Reflection on Karma:

“Remember, every act shall receive its reward. Evil results in sorrow and sin ends in pain. Joy and happiness are the outcome of a good life.” — Buddhism, 131:3.5 (1447.2)

Understanding the Cycle of Actions and Consequences:

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the profound truth embedded in this quote. It serves as a reminder that our actions—no matter how small—carry weight and ultimately shape our experiences. The essence of this wisdom transcends cultures and religions, echoing the universal principle of karma: the idea that good deeds lead to positive outcomes while harmful actions yield sorrow.

The Ripple Effect of Goodness:

When we choose kindness, compassion, and integrity, we not only uplift ourselves but also those around us. Each act of goodwill creates a ripple effect, fostering a sense of community and connection. Imagine a simple smile or a helping hand; these small gestures can spark joy and inspire others to act similarly, creating a cycle of positivity.

The Pain of Negative Choices:

Conversely, engaging in negativity, deceit, or harm inevitably leads to suffering—not just for others, but for ourselves as well. The immediate gratification of selfish actions often fades, leaving behind regret and sorrow. This cycle of pain serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of making mindful choices.

Cultivating a Life of Joy:

So, how can we align our lives with the promise of joy and happiness? Here are a few practices I feel we can consider:

Mindfulness:

Stay aware of your thoughts and actions. Reflect on how they impact you and others.

Gratitude:

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Recognizing the good in your life can inspire more positive action.

Service:

Engage in acts of kindness. Volunteer, help a neighbor, or simply lend a listening ear. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your choices and their consequences. Learning from past actions can guide future decisions.

Conclusion

The wisdom in this quote invites us to live consciously, acknowledging that each action contributes to our overall life experience. By choosing goodness, we pave the way for joy and fulfillment. Let us embrace this journey, mindful of the powerful impact of our choices on ourselves and the world around us. In the end, it is our actions that define us, and the legacy of kindness we leave behind is the true reward.

Ayo 05.04.2025 

            Your best days are ahead, they always were and they always will be. The endless seas of time are encompassed by the Almighty. In the finding of the Limitless One, the WHY upon which eternity is built and to which all temporal realities strive, the holy urge to everlasting service is also born which is everlasting consecration to the realisation and manifestation of ever expanding revelations of the Limitless God. Every epoch of destiny opens with new revelations each greater than the last, as the Limitless One entices His children from time into the supernal realisations of eternity, for He is the Dancer and we are the Danced.

Even as the more enduring substance and precious stones are forged using tremendous forces and pressure, so too is the everlasting soul subjected to equally tremendous spiritual testing. How many times are we destroyed and resurrected? How many times must we watch our dreams and hopes and loved ones smashed into a million pieces? As many as it takes! As many as it takes, to free us from bondage to temporal forms and ideas.

Our celestial guardians are not concerned with things temporal. They are concerned with releasing us from things temporal. As the finite children of time we are spiritually bewildered by the fact that our eternal nature is infused into and expressed through a temporal identity. We tend to view our temporal selves as our actual selves, we struggle to distinguish cause from effect [if we ever even try] – to discern the animated from the animator. The animator is the quickening spirit spark that inhabits the temples of clay that are our bodies, and literally brings them to life. Our challenge is to identify less with the temple, all the while maintaining it as a serviceable instrument of God, and more with the indwelling spirit. God lives in us, almost as one trapped – albeit trapped by hope, love, and selfless service, and so depends on our voluntary co-operation if His light is to be released into the world and his goodness made manifest.

The Great Father himself sends a spark of his Limitlessness to accompany and guide you in this life, and even throughout eternity, if you so will it. You are never truly alone. You have never been abandoned, not by him at least. Nor are you ever so lost that he does not know where you are. You may flail about in seemingly endless darkness but you are never so lost that he cannot, if you have faith enough to trust his guidance, lead you back into his realms of everlasting light.

In him we have everlasting hope. In him, through him and with him, we find true liberty, salvation, redemption, and sanctification and when the hurricanes of life batter the soul in him is found respite, consolation, inspiration and the strength to go on, to hold on to him even as you learn to let go of everything else. For even though we may lose everything else, if we gain him we have secured all that is of true value.

Life has its suffering but it also has its ecstasies, it has hidden depths and undiscovered heights, it is marred by ignorance and healed with wisdom, it is enslaved by selfishness and discovers liberty and joy through selflessness. As the sage of old taught: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalm 30:5 Sorrows might be our lot for a time but they are not our whole lot. For, declares the Lord, “ I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. '” — Jeremiah 29:11

Brethren, fear not believe only. It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom, Luke 12:32-34. Let the eyes of the spirit pierce the darkness of uncertainty to find the spiritually nourishing light of the goodness of God.

The citadel of the spirit. When the flood tides of human adversity...

beat about the mortal soul, you may rest in the assurance that there is one inner bastion,

the citadel of the spirit, which is absolutely unassailable... 100:2.7

STRANGE PREACHER SUBSTACK INDEX ON SFN

STRANGE PREACHER PODCAST

By Ken Helsley

Are You Ready for Action?

Are you properly girded with the Armor of the Lord? In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he made this analogy regarding putting on the full armor of God. “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:16-17)

But taking up the armor implies that you are ready for action and have been trained and prepared to go out and face the trials of spiritual warfare. But how many of us, even after years of reading and studying TheUrantia Book, can say we have donned the armor that we have been provided through the Fifth Epochal Revelation to mankind?

Parable of the Wasted Treasure 

A mighty king once ruled over a wonderful and fruitful land. One day, one of his foreign emissaries came to him and said, “My Lord, I have grave news. The king of another land has become hungry for conquest and is preparing his people to march out to war. They are still a long way off, but if they are successful, they will one day come for us as well. You must prepare the people for the day when they will reach our shores.”

So, the King ordered his generals to use all the resources of the treasury to begin preparing to defend the land. They went to the village closest to the landing spot where the enemy would most likely land and spared no expense in giving them armor and weapons, so when the enemy arrived, they would be prepared. He sent his best armorers, smiths, and war trainers to that village. But the people rejected and corrupted the smiths and trainers, and they became lazy.

Five years went by, and the day came when the king went out to inspect the village that he hoped would be his country’s first line of defense when the enemy arrived. But when he came to the village, he found all of the armor and weapons he had sent them were highly polished and gleaming but used only as fancy decorations in the homes of the people. 

The king called the villagers together and said to them, “Five years ago, I sent to you my finest armorers and smiths and a great treasure, so you might prepare yourselves for the enemy when they arrive, and yet it is unused and sits in your homes as decorations. What have you been doing with this great treasure I bestowed upon this village to be prepared to stave off the enemy when they arrive on our shores?”

A spokesman for the village stepped up and said, “But my Lord, we had great fun with the armor and weapons you gave to us. We held many jousts and played many fun games. We donned the armor, held great feasts and wonderful celebrations, and pretended that we were great knights who had just saved the kingdom from destruction. We had a wonderful time with what you gave to us, and we are very appreciative of your gift. But we are just common folk, My Lord. Surely you did not expect us to train and become fit to march out for actual battle?”

But rather than becoming angry, the king became saddened, and with tears rolling down his face, he said to his generals, “These people are lost to us. I hoped that they would be our first line of defense and be able to save themselves and us when the enemy reached our shores, while we worked to call the rest of our people to arms. But, lo, they have wasted this wonderful treasure I have given to them, and they have not used the time I gave them to train for action. Take away all that I have given them and give it to the next village in the path of the enemy, so they now may be prepared when the enemy arrives. This village is of no use to us, they are as good as dead men. They had five years to prepare, and they did nothing. They have given our enemy a great advantage, but perhaps the next village will be wiser and use my treasure to better prepare for action.”

What Have You Done With Your Treasure?

Seventy Years ago, our king delivered to us a great treasure in the form of The Urantia Book. I doubt that any of us alive today has had the full 70 years to read and study this treasure, but the vast majority of Urantia Book readers have had our five years or more to prepare for action. 

So I must ask, what have you done with this treasure? Have you used it as was intended by our king? Or have you wasted it by turning it into nothing more than an object to be enjoyed and frittered away with endless academic studies and discussions? If you have been reading and studying The Urantia Book for five years or more, it’s time to show the fruits of that preparation time.

I often hear people say, “But I’m not ready,” or “I don’t know what to do.” Let me share with you some advice a very wise friend once gave to me. My friend was a pastor at the church I was attending at the time. I was in a bit of an existential crisis and feeling quite lost. I went to Pastor Ron, and I told him that I felt stuck, like I needed to do something, but I just couldn't figure out what I needed to do to get unstuck. 

Pastor Ron looked at me with patience and said, “Ken, remember it is easier to redirect an object already in motion than it is to put that object in motion to begin with. Just get up and do something. Put yourself in motion, and God can then redirect you as he sees fit from that point.”

I took that advice to heart. I began sitting on committees and getting involved in things that before I had felt I was not qualified for and not ready for, and he was right; it led in many different directions and ultimately to The Urantia Book. In that process, I found many things that I didn’t enjoy doing, and it even led me away from the traditional organized institutions I had practiced in my entire life, and I went down many dead-end roads. Admittedly, there were times when I felt like a billiard ball bouncing aimlessly around a pool table, but I eventually found my pocket when I stumbled onto The Urantia Book.

I recently came to the point in my zeal for the message of The Urantia Book that I once again felt compelled to get up and move. I reached out to the Fellowship to volunteer. This led to some very wonderful discussions with several leaders within the community regarding writing some articles and outreach opportunities with the Fellowship’s Area Coordinators. I don’t know what these opportunities will lead to, and I may be bouncing around for a while once again until I find the pocket God has meant for me, but I am confident I will find it.

Service Opportunities Abound 

The one thing I have found, however, is that there is no limit to the opportunities to serve. Part IV of The Urantia Book, “The Life and Teachings of Jesus,” has one unmistakable conclusion. Action is expected of anyone who counts themselves among the brotherhood of man. If you believe yourself to be a faith son under the fatherhood of God, then it doesn’t matter what that action is, so long as it is in service of mankind and the brotherhood.

I have learned that The Urantia Book Fellowship is always in great need of volunteers to help in many different endeavors within the community. But whether you serve within the Urantia community or in your own local civic community in a shelter or food pantry or any of the hundreds of opportunities that abound in the endless need for service volunteers in the service of the brotherhood of man, service is service. 

I understand that when you are new to a message like The Urantia Book or a new church, it can feel awkward when it comes to getting involved with the mechanics of an organization already in place. We all ask ourselves, “Will I be accepted? Do I know enough? What if someone asks me a question I can’t answer? What if they ask more of me than I can give at this time?” But just be honest with those you work with and be willing to try something new occasionally, and if one thing turns out to not be a fit for you, try something else.

If you have been studying The Urantia Book for five years or more, it’s time to take some action if you haven’t already done so. Our king is counting on us to be of service to the brotherhood. Step out of your comfort zone. Find your pocket. I guarantee you, if you just put yourself in motion and are open to doing the will of the Father, he will redirect you as needed to where he knows is your best fit.

It’s hard to be a beacon on a hill if you keep your light covered. If you have taken the message of Jesus to heart, as it is laid out for us in The Urantia Book, then put on the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, and you cannot help but shine with the love for your fellow man just as Jesus did. 

Be the light in your community. Ready yourself for action. Our king is counting on you!

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A Calling to the Sons and Daughters of God on Urantia

The Balance of Wisdom:

Discretion and Courage In our rapidly changing world, the quest for wisdom is more crucial than ever. A thought-provoking quote from The Urantia Book states:

“It would help you much if you would learn that true wisdom embraces discretion as well as courage” (Jesus, 181:2.15).

This profound insight invites us to explore the essential balance between two vital qualities—discretion and courage—and how they contribute to a richer, more meaningful life.

Understanding True Wisdom Wisdom transcends mere knowledge;

it involves the thoughtful application of that knowledge in various situations. True wisdom is not just about having information but knowing how to use it effectively. Discretion allows us to consider the potential consequences of our actions, while courage empowers us to act decisively when the moment calls for it. Together, these qualities form the foundation of wise decision-making.

The Importance of Discretion Discretion;

is often undervalued in a society that tends to celebrate boldness and assertiveness. However, it is through discretion that we learn to navigate the complexities of life. This quality encourages us to pause, reflect, and evaluate each situation before making decisions. Thoughtful consideration can prevent hasty actions that might lead to regret or unintended consequences.

In professional settings,

for example, exercising discretion can significantly impact team dynamics and overall success. A leader who practices discretion can assess the needs and feelings of team members, choosing the right moment to implement changes or address conflicts. This careful approach fosters an environment of collaboration and understanding, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

The Power of Courage:

While discretion is vital, courage is equally essential. Courage is the force that drives us to act in the face of fear or uncertainty. It enables us to stand up for our beliefs, advocate for justice, and pursue our passions. Without courage, we may remain stagnant, allowing fear to dictate our choices.

Throughout history, many great leaders exemplify the balance between courage and discretion. They understood that while it is important to take bold actions, it is equally crucial to be mindful of the broader implications of those actions. This balance allows them to inspire others while navigating challenges effectively.

Finding the Balance;

The interplay between discretion and courage is critical for personal and collective growth. Striking the right balance can be challenging, but it is achievable with intentional practice. Here are some strategies to cultivate this balance in our lives:

1. Reflect Regularly: Set aside time to evaluate your decisions and actions. Ask yourself if you are acting out of fear or impulsiveness, or if you are thoughtfully considering the consequences.

2. Seek Guidance: Engage with mentors or trusted friends who can provide valuable insights. Their perspectives can help you navigate complex situations more effectively and encourage you to consider different viewpoints.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment enhances your ability to make thoughtful decisions. Mindfulness practices—such as meditation or journaling—can help you recognize when to act and when to hold back.

4. Embrace Vulnerability: Understand that courage does not mean lacking fear; it means acting despite it. Acknowledging your fears can be a source of strength, allowing you to confront challenges more effectively.

5. Learn from Experience: Reflect on past decisions where you demonstrated either courage or discretion. What were the outcomes? What could you have done differently? Learning from experience is a powerful tool for growth

Conclusion; 

The journey toward wisdom requires the harmonious integration of discretion and courage. Both qualities are essential for making informed, thoughtful decisions that lead to meaningful outcomes. By striving to embrace this balance, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and insight. As we reflect on the wisdom imparted by The Urantia Book, let us commit to nurturing these qualities in our daily lives. By doing so, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute positively to the lives of those around us. In a world that often demands quick reactions and bold assertions, let us remember the importance of discretion and the power of courage as we seek to live wisely and authentically.

Ayo 11.03.2025 

AYO'S  MONTHLY REFLECTION ON THE TWO MORAL CREATURES

The Power of Partnership: Unlocking Exponential Potential

In a world that often celebrates the individual, the Urantia Book offers a profound reminder of the strength found in collaboration. One particularly striking passage states:

“Intellectually, socially, and spiritually two moral creatures do not merely double their personal potentials of universe achievement by partnership technique; they more nearly quadruple their attainment and accomplishment possibilities.” (43:8.11)

The Essence of Collaboration At its core: This quote encapsulates the essence of partnership. It suggests that when two moral beings come together, their combined efforts can lead to extraordinary outcomes that far exceed what they could achieve alone. This synergy can be understood on several levels:

Intellectual Growth: When two minds collaborate, they bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table. This exchange fosters innovation and creativity, allowing them to tackle challenges with greater insight and depth. Think of the breakthroughs in science, art, and philosophy that have arisen from collaborative efforts. The melding of different viewpoints can spark ideas that neither could have conceived individually.

Social Connection: Humans are inherently social creatures. Partnerships can enhance emotional support, resilience, and fulfillment. By working together, individuals can create networks of trust and shared goals, leading to stronger communities. The social dimension of collaboration fosters empathy and understanding, enriching both participants' lives.

Spiritual Elevation: On a spiritual level, partnerships can deepen our understanding of purpose and meaning. When individuals unite in pursuit of higher ideals, they can inspire each other to reach new heights of moral and ethical development. This shared journey can lead to profound transformations, nurturing a sense of belonging and collective mission.

The Quadrupling Effect: The notion of "quadrupling" potential is particularly striking. It suggests that the benefits of collaboration are not linear but exponential. This principle can be observed in various aspects of life:

Teamwork in the Workplace: When colleagues collaborate effectively, they can achieve goals that far surpass individual efforts, driving innovation and productivity.

Community Initiatives: Grassroots movements often see a surge in impact when people come together to address social issues, drawing on diverse skills and resources.

Creative Endeavors: Collaborations in art and music frequently produce masterpieces that resonate deeply with audiences, showcasing the magic of combined talents.

Conclusion: The wisdom in the Urantia Book's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of partnership in our lives. As we navigate personal and collective challenges, let us embrace the opportunities that collaboration presents. By joining forces intellectually, socially, and spiritually, we can unlock potentials that elevate not only ourselves but also the world around us.

Ayo 08.03.2025 

The Profound Devotion of Jesus: A Reflection on Love and Service

In a world often distracted by the noise of everyday life, it's essential to pause and reflect on the profound teachings that resonate through time. One such teaching comes from "The Urantia Book," which beautifully encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ life and mission:

“Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will and the service of man was even more than mortal decision and human determination; it was a wholehearted consecration of himself to such an unreserved bestowal of love.” (196:1.1)

This quote invites us to explore the depths of Jesus’ commitment—not just as a historical figure, but as a model for our own lives.

The Nature of Devotion

At the heart of this quote lies the concept of devotion, a word that often conjures images of loyalty and dedication. However, the devotion Jesus exhibited transcended mere human determination. It was a profound, selfless love that guided his actions and interactions with others. In a society that often encourages self-interest, Jesus stands as a beacon of altruism. His life was a testament to the idea that true fulfillment comes not from what we acquire for ourselves, but from what we give to others.

The Father's Will

Understanding Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will is crucial. It speaks to his alignment with a higher purpose, a divine calling that shaped every aspect of his existence. This relationship underscores a vital lesson: our lives can be enriched when we seek to align our intentions with a greater good. Jesus’ unwavering commitment to this divine purpose invites us to consider how we can cultivate a similar dedication in our own lives.

Service to Humanity

Jesus’ service to humanity is another significant component of his legacy. He didn’t merely preach love; he embodied it through his actions. From healing the sick to feeding the hungry, his life was a series of acts of kindness that demonstrated the power of compassion. In a world where individuals often feel isolated or marginalized, Jesus’ example encourages us to reach out, to connect, and to serve those around us.

A Wholehearted Consecration

The phrase “wholehearted consecration” is particularly striking. It suggests that Jesus did not engage in service half-heartedly or out of obligation; rather, he poured himself into his mission with an open heart. This level of commitment is inspiring. It challenges us to examine how we approach our own commitments—whether to our families, communities, or even our personal goals. Are we giving our all, or are we merely going through the motions?

Unreserved Bestowal of Love

Finally, the quote emphasizes an “unreserved bestowal of love.” This notion of love is not confined by conditions or expectations; it is an outpouring of kindness that seeks nothing in return. In a world that often emphasizes transactional relationships, Jesus’ model of love is revolutionary. It invites us to love others freely, to extend grace, and to act with kindness, regardless of the circumstances.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the life of Jesus through the lens of this quote from "The Urantia Book," we are reminded of the transformative power of devotion, service, and unconditional love. These principles are not just historical narratives; they are guiding lights for our own journeys. In a fast-paced world, let us take a moment to embody the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated. Let us strive to align our lives with higher purposes, serve our communities with compassion, and give our love unreservedly. In doing so, we not only honor his legacy but also pave the way for a more loving and connected world.

​Ayo 22.02.2025

A Clarion Call

Are we proclaiming the Kingdom of God or are we engaged in just another academic study of yet another spiritual text? Are we letting the light of truth shine through us in service and action? Are we a beacon on the hill to those around us? KEN HELSLEY has some soul-searching questions for the Urantia community.

"We have to do more. The harvest is ripe, it's time to bring it in."

I love The Urantia Book. I found the book about eight years ago and have developed the habit of reading through it at least once a year. 

I had spent several years searching for meaning within my faith. I was sixty years old and had come out of the traditional Christian church where I grew up and served on committees, as a deacon, and even as a full-time employee for a church at one point. But I felt lost and so I began searching for something more. 

It took several years and several faulty paths before I found what I had longed for in The Urantia Book. When I first saw it on a bookstore shelf, I felt like it just jumped off the shelf and into my hand. Throughout those years of searching, I never lost my faith in God; I just knew something was missing in my understanding of God.

After reading The Urantia Book for some time, I felt I needed to find other readers to study with, so I went online and found a local group that met not too far from my home. When Covid hit, we had to disband. I then found a remote group, and over the years I’ve met and studied with several live and virtual groups and forums. I’ve truly loved every moment of every group and study session I have been involved in. 

I’ve always been impressed with the level of intellectual scholarship I’ve found among Urantia Book readers. In these groups, I’ve met and conversed with college professors, corporate executives, football coaches, nurserymen, full-time homemakers, and just about everyone in between. Every conversation has been insightful, encouraging, and stimulating, and I knew I had found my community among Urantia Book readers.

Is Our Message about the Book or of the Book?

As has become my habit, in 2024 I re-started my journey through the Foreword and 196 papers of the book. Every time I’ve done this, I’ve been amazed at what has caught my attention that didn’t seem to stay with me from a previous reading or study session. This time was no exception. 

As I was going through Part IV, “The Life and Teachings of Jesus,” something new and very startling struck me, a nagging sense that we (the Urantia community) might be heading down the same road that the early Christians trod two millennia before: are we creating a community “about,” The Urantia Book rather than one based on the message “of,” the book?

The message that Michael of Nebadon came to deliver to the world was quite simple: the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. His message was about the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. For all our scholarly research, philosophical discussions, and love for the Fifth Epochal Revelation, are we missing the entire point of The Urantia Book? 

The book tells us that sooner or later another is due to arise proclaiming “the kingdom of God is at hand”—meaning a return to the high spiritual concept of Jesus, who proclaimed that the kingdom is the will of his heavenly Father dominant and transcendent in the heart of the believer. (170.5.19) Is it time for us to recapture that message and begin proclaiming it as Jesus instructed his apostles and disciples to do? We in the Urantia Book community talk a great deal about the book, but, unless we’re studying a particular paper where it is included, we talk very little about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

The Jewish people of Jesus’s day and the early Christians had many ideas about the Kingdom of Heaven, usually based on their understanding of a physical, material kingdom here on earth. Not much has changed in that view over these last two millennia. But The Urantia Book makes it unmistakably clear that what Jesus is proclaiming is a spiritual kingdom that arises within each individual and changes each of us in such a way that the world itself will change along with us:

“It therefore is evident that the true and inner religion of the kingdom unfailingly and increasingly tends to manifest itself in practical avenues of social service. Jesus taught a living religion that impelled its believers to engage in the doing of loving service. But Jesus did not put ethics in the place of religion. He taught religion as a cause and ethics as a result.” (170.3.8)

This begs the question: are we proclaiming the Kingdom of God or are we engaged in just another academic study of yet another spiritual text?

“The Kingdom,” to the Jews, was the Israelite community, to the Gentiles it became the Christian church. “To Jesus the kingdom was the sum of those individuals who had confessed their faith in the fatherhood of God, thereby declaring their wholehearted dedication to the doing of the will of God, thus becoming members of the spiritual brotherhood of man.” (170.5.11)

What Are We Doing to Proclaim the Kingdom?

The Urantia Book’s teachings are now about 100 years old, if you include the very first messages delivered to the “sleeping subject.” Today, we stand at a crossroads, one that can lead us down the path of true righteousness or down that old path of dogma, creeds, and separate castes and factions within the Urantia community. 

The Urantia community stands at a crossroads

In my search for deeper Urantia Book understanding and study materials I have come across several different factions of the Urantia community who seem to have gone off to do their own thing. There is of course the major discord that erupted between the Urantia Brotherhood and Urantia Foundation. We are all aware of that rift, which may, after a long time, finally be healing. Some factions base their practices and beliefs on The Urantia Book. Another group believes a Teaching/Magisterial mission has begun and purports to practice  communication with morontia and spiritual  entities, while others have taken this sort of practice to an even greater extreme. I will not discuss the merits of any of these movements, but only ask the question: what are we doing within each of these movements to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, the fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man, to the masses? 

We have been given the clearest, most unequivocal, and most astounding revelation that any generation has ever been given. We can know and understand things about the Kingdom that no generation before us could because we are the first generation capable of understanding these things on a technological and spiritual level.

So what are we doing with it, other than engaging in academic study?

I am not calling for the setting up of any kind of formal religion. The Urantia Book itself tells us that organizations lead to control and dogma. Rather, I am asking each one of us, individually, what we are doing with the message that our sovereign Creator incarnated in the flesh to teach us: the message about the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, and that our Father in Heaven lives within each of us.

A Book That's "Too Hard"

I’ve been engaged in several discussions stemming from the growing awareness among Urantia Book students that we are an aging population. In fact, the average age of the groups I have studied with was the late sixties to mid-seventies. Some are even in their nineties now. I know there are some younger people in the community—I’ve seen their pictures in group photos—but they are few in number. So what are we doing to attract more members into the Kingdom at a younger age? 

I was studying The Urantia Book in my office at home one day when my 11-year-old granddaughter happened to be over, and she asked, “Grandpa, what are you reading?” So I showed her and asked, “Would you like to read some with me?” “Sure, she replied.” So we read a couple of paragraphs in a paper I was studying and she looked very confused. “That’s too hard,” she said.

While she’s still young, it’s the reaction that most people have: The Urantia Book is a very complicated book. Its average reading comprehension score is college or graduate level. If our answer to an earnest inquiry about what we believe is to hand a young, impressionable mind a 2000-page tome and say, “Oh, you want to know what I believe? Here read this,” then the most common response is always going to be, “That’s too hard.” 

You don’t decide to “get in shape” after years of sedentary living by signing up to run a marathon. You start with the basics and work your way up to the bigger task; you make marathon running your ultimate goal. In school, we need to learn our ABCs before we can learn spelling and sentence structure.

The Revelation is Meant for This Generation

I’m old enough to remember the mid to late 1960s. I was still a kid, but I remember there was a huge revival in the Christian churches, at least here in America. It was called the Jesus movement. It was sparked by a bunch of radical, flower power-driven preachers who had just begun to preach the message of love and peace in the name of Jesus. They met in open-air spaces, public parks, beaches, and town squares. It was powerful. Tens of thousands of people were able to know Christ from this movement. Its message was simple: “Jesus loves you.”

Unfortunately, these preachers made the same fatal mistake as their predecessors when they sought to build congregations and organizations and obtain land and build buildings, which became just as mainstream as the churches their congregants were rejecting through the hippie and flower-power movement with their “turn on, tune in, and drop out” attitude.

The youth of this world are ready for change

I have often heard it said among the Urantia community that this revelation was meant for another generation before it could catch fire. I believe that generation has arrived. Young people all over the world are turning on, tuning in, and dropping out once again. China is undergoing a major “Lying Flat” movement where young people have just given up. Third-world countries are the only ones still producing young people in large enough numbers to replace older and dying elders, and are ripe for a major upwelling of youthful revival. Europe is floundering in decline and its youth are wondering what future they will have if things don’t change, and soon. America has a huge disparity between the wealthy elite and the deepest poverty. Its youth are aimlessly migrating looking for a better life anyplace they can find it, while surveys show that upward of 69% of young people 25 and under live in constant anxiety about the future.

But one thing above all else is clear: that the youth of this world are ready for a change. They are crying out for something new and different. 

We have the answer. We have the message: the Kingdom of Heaven (a spiritual kingdom) is within each of us, we all have one Father in Heaven and we are all brothers and sisters of that same spiritual Father. It’s time we are about our Father’s business, declare this truth to the world, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. 

I’m not advocating that we all take to the parks and beaches to hold rallies, although if you are inclined to do so and are a gifted speaker, I’m sure it would be welcomed by the youth of most nations. Rather, I am saying that we must each begin to let the light of truth shine through us through service and action, so that it will be unmistakable to the world around us that we are members of the Kingdom of God.

When the Jews rejected this message, the Father gave it to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles missed the point entirely, he gave the Fifth Epochal Revelation to the entire world through The Urantia Book. Are we going to be yet another generation who is stuck in academic debates and mired in dogma and sectarianism, or are we going to be about the Father’s business and start proclaiming the truth in a way that can be understood and spread? 

Jesus did not go about the countryside and into the towns and the villages with a Torah in hand proclaiming the law. He went about with nothing but the clothes on his back and taught the simple message of the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man, and that the Kingdom of Heaven is within. 

Are You a Beacon on the Hill?

Each one of us in the  Urantia community may want to ask themselves: what am I doing to let the light of truth of the Kingdom shine through me? Am I a beacon on the hill to those around me and in my local community? Am I living the Father’s WILL in my life? 

We have to do more. The harvest is ripe, it’s time to bring it in.

Let us be reminded of Jesus’s words: “The world is filled with hungry souls who famish in the very presence of the bread of life; men die searching for the very God who lives within them. Men seek for the treasures of the kingdom with yearning hearts and weary feet when they are all within the immediate grasp of living faith.” (159.3.8)

Ken Helsley is a retired Federal employee who lives in Bastrop, Texas. He has been a Urantia Book reader for eight years and since retiring, has dedicated himself to becoming a better disciple of our Father in Heaven.

SOURCE ARTICLE

Preparing the Groundwork
1. *Prayer and Reflection*: l prayed for guidance and reflected on my motivations for forming a study group. I wanted to share the Urantia Book's teachings with others and create a supportive community.
2. *Identifying Potential Members*: l thought about people in my community who might be interested in the Urantia Book. I considered friends, acquaintances, and fellow spiritual seekers.

Reaching Out and Building Interest
1. *Initial Outreach*: l sent emails and made phone calls to potential members, inviting them to an introductory meeting.
2. *Social Media Post*: l posted about the study group on my social media accounts, including Facebook and WhatsApp
3. *Local Spiritual Events*: l attended local spiritual events, conferences, and workshops, where l networked with like-minded individuals and promoted my study group.

Organizing the Group
1. *Initial Meeting*: l hosted an initial meeting at my home, where l introduced the Urantia Book and discussed the study group's purpose and format.
2. *Choosing Study Materials*: The group decided to start with Paper 1, "The Universal Father," and progress through the book at a pace comfortable for everyone.
3. *Meeting Schedule*: The group agreed to meet bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings.

Launching the Group
1. *First Study Session*: l facilitated the first study session, guiding the group through a discussion of Paper 1.
2. *Encouraging Participation*: l encouraged everyone to share their thoughts, insights, and questions, creating a safe and supportive environment.

Ongoing Growth and Development
1. *Consistent Meetings*: The group maintained a consistent meeting schedule, with me and other members taking turns facilitating discussions.
2. *Service Projects*: The group organized service projects, such as volunteering at a local food bank, to apply the Urantia Book's teachings in practical ways. though we don't have enough access to get money to provide food to needy but we share the word of god with them

By following these steps, l successfully formed a vibrant Urantia study group in my community, providing a supportive environment for spiritual growth, exploration, and service