nl-Chapter 8 - The new Communities of Christ, Disciples, Apostles and Messengers of God
Light and Shadow in the Churches of the Revelation
1. If I had given My Word to all nations, the majority would have rejected it, for the vanity, materialism, and false grandeur of men would not have accepted a teaching that speaks of spiritualization, humility, and brotherhood. The world is not yet prepared to comprehend love, which is why not all would have been receptive to My presence in this form.
2. Just as Christ chose a cave in the rock to be born as a human being, so today I have discovered this corner of the earth that was ready to hear Me, and which bears a resemblance to the grotto and the manger that received the Son of God on that blessed night. (124, 13-14)
3. The example of these simple people here, who walk their path without clergy to guide them and who offer Me worship without ceremonies or symbols, is meant to be a call that awakens those who still sleep in their centuries-long night, and is meant to be an incentive for the renewal and purification of many of My children. (94, 39)
4. Under the shadow of My teaching, no thrones will be erected from which glorified men can rule over the souls of their fellow human beings. No one will be crowned nor clothed in a purple robe in an attempt to take the place of the Lord, nor will confessors appear who judge, forgive, condemn, or pass judgment on the deeds of men. I alone am able to judge a soul from a just and perfect judgment seat.
5. I can send people to correct, teach, and guide, but I will send no one to judge and punish. I have sent people who have been shepherds of humanity, but not lords or fathers. I alone am the Father in spirit. (243, 13–14)
6. In this time, I will raise up a people who truly follow My law, who love the truth and active charity. This people will be like a mirror in which others can see reflected the errors they have committed. It shall be no one's judge, but its virtues, works, and fulfillment of spiritual duty shall touch the souls of all those who cross its path, and they shall point out to all their errors that violate My law.
7. Once this people is strong and numerous, it will draw the attention of its neighbors, for the purity of its works and the sincerity of its worship of God will amaze people. Then people will ask themselves: "Who are these who, without having a temple, know how to pray in such a way? Who has taught these multitudes to worship their God in prayer without feeling the need to erect altars for their worship? Where have these itinerant preachers and missionaries come from, who, like the birds, neither sow nor reap, nor spin, and yet continue to exist?"
8. Then I will say to them: This poor and humble people, who nevertheless live with zeal according to My law and are strong against the passions of the world, have not been trained by any human being. These multitudes, who take joy in doing good, who are enlightened by inspiration, and who bring the message of peace and a drop of healing balm to the hearts, have not been instructed by teachers or clergy of any religious community on earth. For truly, I tell you, in this time there is not a single person on your world who is capable of teaching the worship of God in true spirituality. It is not in the splendor of rites or ceremonies, nor in wealth or earthly power, that the truth has its roots; for, being humble, it seeks the pure, noble, sincere, truth-loving hearts as its temple. Where are those hearts? (154, 12–14)
9. I have called many of My children to give them various assignments and tasks within this work, and I have given them to you according to your progress and your gifts. From all of them together I have formed My people, My new band of apostles.
10. To some I have entrusted the office of leaders, and so that their task might not be heavy and laborious, I have divided the people into congregations.
11. To others I have entrusted the gift of being a voice, so that they may convey My inspiration, made into human words, to these multitudes who gather to receive this miracle.
12. To some I have given the privilege of clairvoyance, to make them prophets and, through their mediation, to announce what is to come.
13. The task of "pillars" has been given to those who are to support the people on their pilgrimage and be a help to the congregation leaders, assisting them in bearing the burden of the cross with the multitudes of listeners.
14. Others have been endowed with the gift of mediation, and these have been trained as instruments of the Spiritual World to convey its messages—the explanation of My work—and also as bearers of the healing balm, the comfort for the sick, so that through their healing spiritual radiance they may bestow mercy upon those in need.
15. I have called "Goldfeder" the one who writes My revelations, teachings, and prophecies of this time into the book that I will leave behind for you.
16. I have bestowed the office of "Cornerstone" upon those who are to be examples of firmness, stability, and strength among the people. Their word, counsel, and example among the people shall be unchanging, as the rock is.
17. But now that this period of My revelation is drawing to a close, I am reviewing all offices, and to all those who are chosen to receive such great tasks, I am issuing a call so that they may examine themselves thoroughly and recognize the outcome of their works. In this hour of reflection, I stand by all. (335, 27-28)
18. As in all times, there have been many called and few chosen, for I choose only those who are ready in due time to fulfill their task; and to the rest I give a light so that they may know how to await the time when they, too, will be chosen.
19. How many who were merely called, before the time had come to choose them for a mission, have joined the ranks of My disciples and workers, without their souls having the absolutely necessary development to bear the burden of this cross, nor their minds possessing the necessary light to receive My inspiration! What have many of them done once they found themselves among the ranks of the chosen? Desecrate, poison the atmosphere, infect others with their evil inclinations, lie, sow discord, and exploit for personal gain My name and the spiritual gifts I have placed within My disciples.
20. Let no one attempt to discover who they are, for you could not. Only My penetrating, judging gaze does not lose sight of them, and I let My Word reach their consciences, telling them: Watch and pray, so that you may repent of your transgressions in time; for if you do this, I promise you that I will quickly seat you spiritually at My table and celebrate a feast of reconciliation and forgiveness. (306, 53-55)
21. This is the truth: Not all love one another in My work, even though they belong to it, nor have all understood it. Therefore, I can tell you that some belong to My work and others do their own.
22. Those who follow Me out of love love My Word, for they know that it corrects them without hurting them and shows them their faults without exposing them. This prompts them to persevere in perfecting their actions.
23. Those who, instead of striving for this perfection, seek only praise, a sense of superiority, flattery, or their livelihood—rather than striving for the perfection of the soul—cannot bear My Word when it brings their faults to light. Then they must create a work that is different from Mine, where they are free to do as they please. They have not yet understood that the only thing the listeners must do during the time of My revelations is to listen to Me with the greatest reverence, so that they may subsequently interpret My message. (140, 72–74)
24. I have said that the time of confusion and disobedience will come, in which that "worker" will rise up and claim that My revelation will not be completed through human intellect. Yet the time will come when My Word will be fulfilled, even if man wishes to oppose My will.
25. How many errors along the way have been committed by many of those to whom I have entrusted a mission and a grace. How much misunderstanding do I see spreading among my children since the year 1950.
26. Through lack of understanding and folly, man holds back My helping love, My authority, and My grace, and stands apart from the true path of the Law, harmony, and truth.
27. Once again, Israel will split from tribe to tribe; it will split again and seek to trample underfoot the pure and upright Law that I placed in its hands; once more, Israel will seek out the old ways and fall into idolatry and fanaticism. It will turn to sects and fall into confusion and darkness, delighting in the melodious yet false words that man will offer it.
28. When the people of the churches and sects see that Israel is splitting apart, that Israel is denying one another and is weak, they will seek reasons to seize the jewel of inestimable value for themselves, to take possession of the Ark of the New Covenant, and to declare tomorrow that they are the true messengers of God among humanity and the representatives of My Divinity. (363, 47–49, 51, 57)
Words of warning addressed to the listeners regarding the work of the Spirit
29. I want you, upon the completion of My revelation, to have a clearly defined understanding of what this teaching is, so that you may follow it correctly; for to this day, among the multitudes who have heard My Word, the true spiritualists have not yet appeared. Up to now, what you have practiced has not been Spiritualism, but only your own conception of what My work is, which, however, is far removed from genuine Spirituality.
30. You must be strong enough to admit to yourselves that you have gone astray; you must summon the strength to improve your habits, and strive with zeal so that the truth and purity of this teaching may shine forth among you.
31. Do not be afraid to change the outward aspects of your forms of worship and your rituals, as long as you do not distort the essence of my teachings. (252, 28–30)
32. Use the time you still have to hear My teaching, so that it may fill you with light and grace, so that you may take the firm step toward spirituality—a step you have not taken because you have continued in a cult full of materialism and errors.
33. To this day, you have lacked the faith to abolish your figures, rites, and symbols and to seek Me spiritually in the Infinite. You have lacked the courage to be spiritualists, and you have devised a kind of false spirituality behind which you hide your materialistic mindset and your errors.
34. I do not want you to be hypocritical, but sincere and truth-loving. That is why I speak to you with the utmost clarity, so that you may thoroughly purify your lives and show the world the truth of this work. Do you call yourselves spiritualists? Then truly be so. Do not speak of My teaching as long as you are doing the exact opposite of it, for you will only confuse people with your deeds.
35. Above all, have the understanding of what My work is—of what My law means, what your task is, and how you must carry it out—so that, if you have no guide on your path who is worthy to direct your steps, you may be guided by your conscience and by the understanding you have gained from My teaching. In this way, you will not be able to blame anyone for any misstep or error. (271, 27–30)
36. From the very beginning of My revelation through human intellect, it was My will that you should apply your spiritual gifts in practice and begin your spiritual mission, so that when the day of My departure comes, you would have already covered part of the path and would not feel too weak to begin fulfilling such a difficult task.
37. Some have understood how to interpret the divine thought and have strived to bring it to fruition. But there are also those—and they are in the majority—who have misunderstood the meaning of this work.
38. These are the errors I reproach this people for, because I do not want humanity to mock those who have been taught for so long. (267, 65–67)
39. While some were interested only in the meaning of My Word and always sought the progress and development of their souls, others took more pleasure in the external rituals. Likewise—while the former rejoiced when they received teachings on spirituality—it bothered the others that their faults were mentioned.
40. I alone know which ones will have to answer to Me for all that should have been made known through My spokespeople but was withheld. (270, 8-9)
41. Reflect, and you will realize that the harmony you need is spiritual, and you will attain it when you rise above your passions and dogmatism.
42. How can you create peace when everyone proclaims their own views as the only truth and simultaneously fights against the others' as false?
43. Fanaticism is darkness, is blindness, is ignorance, and its fruits can never be luminous. (289, 8-10)
44. Truly, I tell you, if you do not unite as is My will, humanity will scatter you, and it will drive you out of its midst when it sees that your lives deviate from what you preach.
45. What will happen when people discover that in every congregation there is a different form of worship and a different way of practicing My teaching?
46. I entrust to you the last three years of My manifestation so that you may work for the unification of this people—a union that encompasses both the spiritual and the outward—so that your work, filled with harmony and unanimity, may be the greatest proof that all of you, in the various places of assembly and in different parts of the country, were taught by a single Master: GOD. (252, 69–71)
True Discipleship, New Apostles
47. Do not attempt to limit this work, which is universal and infinite, nor to set limits on your spiritual development, for the more you immerse yourselves in the path of good works and study, the greater the revelations you will receive. You will see the divine work emerging from the most inconspicuous things, you will see it manifested in all creation, you will feel it pulsing within your being.
48. This is the simplicity with which I teach the spiritualist disciple, so that he too may be simple like his Master. The disciple shall convince and convert through the truth of his words and the power of his deeds, without seeking to impress anyone through mysterious powers or extraordinary abilities.
49. The true disciple will be great through his simplicity. He will understand his Master and at the same time make himself understood by his fellow men. (297, 15-17)
50. A disciple of Jesus is one who conquers through the Word, who convinces and comforts, who uplifts and awakens, who transforms the conquered into a conqueror of himself and of adversity.
51. An apostle of Christ cannot harbor selfishness in his heart by thinking only of his own sufferings or worries. He does not concern himself with his own affairs, but thinks of others, with the absolute confidence that he has neglected nothing, for the Father immediately assists the one who has left his own affairs behind to devote himself to a child of the Lord in need of spiritual assistance. And he who has forgotten himself to bring a neighbor a smile of hope, a comfort for his sorrow, a drop of balm for his pain, finds his home illuminated upon his return by a light that is blessing, joy, and peace. (293, 32–33)
52. At My table in this time, both men and women will be apostles; at this table I will seat your spiritual soul.
53. It has been the women who have held high the spiritualist banner in this time; they have left the mark of the Apostle on the path, one who zealously observes the Law of the Lord.
54. In My new band of apostles, women will stand alongside men, and there will be no specific age required to serve Me: both adults and children or the elderly will do so, the young girl as well as the mother. For I tell you once again that it is your spiritual soul that I seek, and that it has long since left its childhood behind. (69, 16-17)
55. If I told you in the "Second Era" that My Kingdom is not of this world, I tell you today that yours is not here either, because this world, as you already know, is only a transition for humanity.
56. I teach you the true life, which has never been based on materialism. That is why the powerful of the earth will once again rise up against my teaching. I come to you with my eternal teaching, with my instruction that is valid forever, which consists of love, wisdom, and justice. Yet it will not be understood immediately; humanity will condemn me once again, will nail me to the cross once more. Yet I know that my teaching must pass through all of this in order to be recognized and loved. I know that my fiercest persecutors will thereafter become my most faithful and self-sacrificing sowers, for I will give them very great proofs of my truth.
57. That Nicodemus of the "Second Era," a prince among the priests who sought out Jesus to speak with Him about wise and profound teachings, will appear again in this time to conscientiously investigate My work and convert to it.
58. That Saul, called Paul, who—after having persecuted Me with fury—became one of My greatest apostles, will appear once more on My path, and everywhere My new disciples will make themselves known—some fervent, others self-denying. The present hour is of great significance; the time of which I speak to you is drawing ever nearer. (173, 45–48)
59. People need those who are able to remain steadfast in trials, those who are familiar with the great struggles of the world and of the spirit. It is they who can show humanity the way and lead it, for in their hearts there will be no desire to oppress or dominate anyone. They cannot harbor selfishness, for in their moments of exaltation they have felt the mercy of the Lord, who showers them with love so that they may pass on this mercy to their brothers. (54, 53)
The Messengers of God throughout the world and in all ages
60. The peoples of the earth have never lacked the Light of the Spirit. Truly, I tell you, not only has this people here had prophets and messengers, but to all I have sent messengers to awaken them.
61. You can judge their words by the light and truth of their teachings, as well as by their similarity to what I have revealed to you.
62. Some lived before the coming of the Messiah, others worked after My existence as a human being, but all brought a spiritual message to humanity.
63. Those teachings—just like mine—have been distorted; for even if their meaning has not been altered, they have been mutilated, or they have been concealed from people hungry for truth.
64. It is a single truth and a single morality that has been revealed to humanity through messengers, prophets, and servants. Why, then, do peoples have different conceptions of truth, morality, and life?
65. This truth, which has been distorted by humanity throughout the ages, will be restored, and its light will shine with such power that it will seem to people as though it were something new, even though it is the same light that has always illuminated the path of development for the children of My Divinity.
66. Many are those who died because they spoke the truth; many also are those who were subjected to torture because they refused to silence the voice that spoke within them.
67. Do not think that Heaven has sent only those who spoke to you of the Spirit, of love, of morality—no, it has also sent those who, , have bestowed upon you the good fruits of science, that knowledge which brings light into people's lives, which lightens their burdens and alleviates their hardships. They have all been My messengers.
68. There are also others who, though they do not bring teachings of spiritual morality or scientific discoveries, nevertheless bring the message that teaches us to feel and admire the beauties of creation. They are My messengers whose task is to bring joy and solace to the hearts of the afflicted.
69. They have all drunk from a bitter cup as they became aware of the incomprehension of a world blind to the truth, of a humanity insensitive to beauty and goodness. And yet—since I have told you that in this age all will be restored—since I have announced to you that all will return to the right path and that all My teachings will be restored to their original meaning, then you may believe that a time of spiritual splendor is near for this world, though you must not forget that—before this occurs—everything will be judged and purified. (121, 9-16)
70. Whenever a revelation from God is about to enlighten humanity, I have sent them forerunners or prophets to prepare them, so that they may recognize that light. But do not believe that only those who bring messages for the spirit are My messengers. No, disciples, everyone who sows goodness among people in any of its forms is a messenger of Mine.
71. You may encounter these messengers on all paths of your life, both in religious communities and in the sciences—among those who govern, or among those who impart good teachings.
72. A good servant of Mine never strays from the path he must follow; he would rather die along the way than turn back. His example is a seed of light in the lives of his neighbors, and his works are examples for others. Oh, if only humanity could understand the messages I send to it through them! Yet it is not so, for there are many people who have delicate missions in the world, yet they allow their gaze to stray from those great examples in order to take a path that pleases them better. (105, 13-15)
73. But what have you done, humanity, with those people whom I sent to you so that they might remind you of My way, the way of faith, which is the way of wisdom, love, and peace?
74. You wanted nothing to do with their tasks and have fought against them with the hypocritical faith you hold based on your theories and denominations. (263,18-19)
75. I must tell you once again that this people, which gathers around My revelations, is not a people that the Father, in His love, places above the other peoples of the earth. The Lord has turned His gaze upon them only because He has formed them from souls that have always been in the world whenever a new divine revelation has come down. They are the spiritual children of that people of Israel, the people of prophets, messengers, seers, and patriarchs.
76. Who could receive Me better than they in this time, comprehend the new form of My revelation, and bear witness to the fulfillment of My promises? (159, 51-52)
77. I have descended into the bosom of the people of Israel, the majority of whom are at home in this nation. The rest are scattered among all nations, sent by Me, and to them I have revealed Myself spiritually. These are My chosen ones who have remained faithful to Me. Their hearts have not been corrupted, and their spirits are capable of receiving My inspirations. Through them, I am currently bestowing upon the world a great treasure of wisdom. (269, 2)
78. Beloved children, you who have come here in small numbers, truly I tell you: My penetrating gaze discovers My chosen ones everywhere, who feel in their spirit that now is the time of My presence. They have not heard My Word as you have; yet in their spirit they hear a voice telling them that I am once again among humanity, that I have come spiritually "on the cloud." To some I will grant the ability to see Me with the eyes of the spirit; to others through their intuitive faculty; to the rest I will make My love strongly felt so that they may sense the presence of My Spirit. (346, 13)
79. Soon the intuitive, the inspired, and the spiritually sensitive will rise up and bear witness among the nations to what they see with the spirit, what they feel, what they hear, and what they receive. I tell you once again that My people are not limited to those who have heard Me through these spokesmen, but that I have sent My servants to various parts of the earth to prepare the paths and clear the fields to which the sowers must later come.
80. I strengthen them and bless them, for their daily labor is painful, their path strewn with thorns. Mockery, scorn, slander, and malice follow them everywhere. But they—intuitive and inspired—know that they have been sent by Me, and they are willing to go to the end of the path in fulfillment of their mission. (284, 50-51)
81. I invite you to enter My Kingdom. I call upon all the peoples of the earth without any favoritism; yet I know that not all will heed Me.
82. Humanity has extinguished its lamp and walks in darkness. Yet where error makes itself felt, one enlightened by Me will appear— —who spreads light in his surroundings—a spiritual sentinel who watches and waits for My signal to sound the alarm that awakens and shakes.
83. Let the love of those messengers be fruitful seed in your hearts. Do not reject them when they appear before you in outward poverty. Listen to them, for they come in My name to impart to you a capacity you do not yet know. They will teach you the perfect prayer, will free you from the bonds of materialism with which you are bound, and will help you attain the spiritual freedom that lifts you up to Me. (281, 33)
84. If anyone should appear and claim to be Christ incarnate once more, do not believe him. For when I told you that I would return, I made it known to you that it would be in the Spirit. If anyone should say to you, "I am the Messenger of God"—distrust him, for true messengers do not boast or trumpet the mission entrusted to them. They prove themselves only through their works. It is up to people to determine whether that person is a messenger of the Lord. Do you remember that I told you that a tree is known by its fruit?
85. I do not forbid you to taste the "fruits of the trees," but you must be prepared so that you may be able to distinguish the good fruit from the bad.
86. Those who love the truth, I will set up as lamps to illuminate the path of their fellow men. (131, 5-7)
87. The times when you needed a spiritual guide in the world are over. From now on, everyone who follows this path will have no other way than that of My Law, nor any other guide than that of their own conscience.
88. Nevertheless, there will always be men and women of great light and great strength of soul who, through their example and inspiration, will assist the multitudes.
89. If it were otherwise, I would have already sent spirits like Moses or Elijah to Earth to mark out the path for you and constantly remind you of the Law. They also stand by you, protect you, and accompany you, but no longer in human form, but from the spiritual realm.
90. Who sees them? No one. But if you prepare yourselves, you will feel above you the presence of great spirits who have always been in contact with humanity and had great missions to fulfill within it. (255, 40-41)