What we just exposed is how antichrists treat the church and the flesh in which God is incarnate according to the church’s circumstances and the expansion of God’s work. This is one aspect of how antichrists treat Christ depending on their mood. Are these things I’ve discussed happening in the church? Are they serious matters? Are they worth mentioning? (Yes.) What is the value in fellowshipping these matters? Does it mean that after hearing this, some people will no longer dare to inquire about these matters, no longer daring to be curious about the church’s situation and circumstances? Is that the only value? (No.) Then, what is the value in exposing these things? What truth should people understand from this? If you haven’t thought of it yet, you can refrain from speaking. I will fellowship it with you at the end. These matters are too distant from you, so you might find it difficult to articulate them immediately. You need to collect your thoughts and organize your language; you might not know where to start, or you might not be able to express it clearly. The amount of things people understand is too little, it’s very pitiful. Not being able to clearly explain the essence and cause of a matter is a sign of not seeing through things.

When people believe in the God in heaven and expend themselves and do their duties for God, one could say that the church, God’s house, and God are basically the same concept for people. Doing one’s duty in the church is considered expending oneself for God; doing things for God’s house is the same as doing things for the church, and it is also being loyal to God and accepting God’s commission. These can be discussed interchangeably and are seen as one concept. However, when God becomes flesh and appears as an ordinary person, for most people, the church, God’s house, and God (that is, Christ) become easily separable. People think, “Doing things for the church is the same as doing things for God’s house, for God; doing things for God’s house is doing one’s duty. But when it comes to doing things for Christ, I’m not so sure. Doesn’t that imply serving a person? It somehow seems like working for a person.” Deep in the hearts of many, it’s hard to clearly distinguish and to connect these three. For most people, when they do their duties in God’s house, this is their basic concept regarding whom they do their duties for: When they do their duties within the church, they are doing their duties for the sake of the entity that is the church, this designation. Then who is the so-called superior of the church? Of course, it’s the God in heaven, which is unquestionable in everyone’s mind. Doing things for God’s house is understood by most people as serving the title and group of the brothers and sisters, and it can certainly be categorized as doing one’s duty; it is doing one’s duty, which is of course also directed toward God. Therefore, in people’s minds, the church, the brothers and sisters, and God’s house can be equated, all targeting the vague God in heaven. What does this imply? For most people, in God’s house, whether doing their duties or managing affairs, they are doing it for the church as an intangible institution, the tangible group of brothers and sisters, and especially the vague, invisible God in heaven—it is these three that they do their duties for. As for God incarnate, people might consider Him as a member of the church, or as the highest leader among the brothers and sisters, and of course some also understand Christ as a spokesperson or representative of God’s house. Therefore, for many people, the concept of whom they are doing their duties for in the church is very vague. For instance, if one is asked to do something for the brothers and sisters, or provide a service, they feel completely justified in doing so. Or if they are asked to do something for the church or God’s house, they are happy to do it, feeling it is their undeniable duty. However, if the incarnate Christ charges or entrusts them with a similar task, they feel disheartened: “Doing work for a person? I didn’t come to believe in god to serve people; I came to do my duty. I’m not here to wait on someone, I’m not here to serve or render service for someone!” There are many people doing their duty in the church. If you ask them to do something for the church, to do something for God’s house or the brothers and sisters, they accept these tasks with joy, feeling they have a solid basis for doing so. What basis? “I accept this from god; it is my duty, my responsibility.” But when the incarnate God asks them to do something, their theoretical basis of “accepting it from god” disappears, and they become reluctant and unhappy, unwilling to do it. They think, “If it’s for the church, it’s okay, because I’m someone who does work for the church; if it’s for the brothers and sisters, then that’s also fine, since they all belong to god’s house, to god; if it’s for god’s house, since the name ‘god’s house’ is so sacred, so grand and noble, then doing things for god’s house is perfectly justified, and it brings glory and recognition. But to do something for an insignificant person like you, what is that? Is that doing my duty? It doesn’t seem right or proper. This isn’t doing my duty, nor is it work. How should I treat this?” They face a dilemma, unsure how to handle it. They ponder, “This isn’t work, nor is it doing my duty, and it certainly isn’t benefiting the brothers and sisters. If you ask me to do it for you, fine, I’ll do it simply, but I won’t be happy or satisfied about it. It doesn’t seem right or proper! Who will remember or know what I do for you? Can it win anyone’s favor? Will it earn me any reward? Does this count as doing my duty? Should I do it according to the truth principles?” They are unwilling in their heart, feeling it to be an inconvenience, unnecessary, like accepting a task they shouldn’t accept. They feel troubled and reluctantly do it, all the while hoping for some benefit, and even vocally expressing, “I don’t want to do this,” showing great reluctance. I say if you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to. I don’t force anyone to do personal tasks for Me. If you want to do it, do it; if not, I’ll find someone else. Whoever is willing, I’ll ask them. Isn’t that simple? With so many people following in God’s house, it’s easy to find someone who is agreeable and willing to do the work. I can find such a person. It’s not essential to choose you; this is very easy! Is it difficult to find someone in God’s house who is reliable, guileless, and capable of handling tasks? (No.) Although I have not developed a particularly close or good relationship with any individual privately, nor have I had any personal friendships or deep emotional connections, over these thirty years, it is all My words that everyone in The Church of Almighty God has eaten and drunk, and listened to. These people, whether in essence or deep within their hearts, on the surface or verbally, believe in and follow Me. Although I have not directly given anyone special benefits or promises, nor have I directly praised or promoted anyone, everyone who has followed Me from the beginning until now has eaten and drunk plenty of God’s words. Through what I have spoken, whether these people have understood some truths or understood doctrines of self-conduct, haven’t they all gained quite a bit? (Yes.) From this perspective, I shouldn’t owe anything to you, right? I shouldn’t say this, but today here I need to mention it. Shouldn’t it be you who owes Me something? (Yes.) So, if I personally ask any of you to do something, you shouldn’t be unwilling, right? (We are willing.) No matter from which perspective, when I ask you to do something, should I have to coax or fawn on you, or offer you pleasing words and promises? (No.) But some people are unwilling, saying: “Why is it so uninspiring to do something for you? Not only is there no benefit, but it’s also tiring and troublesome!” How do you feel when you hear this? (Indignant.) If an ordinary person, unremarkable in the eyes of the world, were visited by a high-ranking official who entrusted them with a task, they might try to flatter him in every way, feeling overjoyed and honored, and would never forget that small matter for their entire life. If people can treat someone of status like this, why can’t they do the same for Christ? Why is it unachievable for them? How come? (Because humans are inherently hostile toward God.) That’s correct; this only proves that point. People can be compatible with a high-status Satan, but from their hearts they despise Christ, resisting, rejecting, denying, and abandoning Him. If asked to bow and worship a devil, they would happily crawl on their knees, but when it comes to Christ, this ordinary person, from whom they have received so much, they are unwilling even to stand and speak or interact with God as equals. What are such creatures? They are demonic, not human. Later, I asked someone else to handle the task, and this individual was all right. The person who relayed the message about this said: “The individual handling the task this time is really happy, they’re very willing to do something for God.” I said, “Fine, if they’re willing, that’s good. But what’s the big deal about doing such a small task? It’s expected, there’s no need to send a message to declare it.” What do you think about this message that was relayed? How do you feel when you hear it? Does it leave you feeling cold? (It does.) Why does it make you feel cold? (It’s something people should do, but they’re trying to ingratiate themselves before God, as if doing something for God is granting God a huge favor.) So, what kind of person is the one who said this? What about their character? (They have low character, they lack conscience.) This is a lack of humanity.

For some people, as soon as they hear about God’s grace and blessings, about God providing for man, their hearts are deeply moved, and they incessantly thank God: “God loves man so much!” They are overwhelmingly excited! Whenever these topics are mentioned, these people’s eyes fill with tears, their hearts stirred, and they resolve to expend themselves diligently for God. But when they are asked to do a little something for this visible and tangible God incarnate, they feel immensely humiliated, reluctant, and unwilling. What’s going on here? (They believe in a vague God, not in God incarnate. They regard the vague God in heaven as grand, but see God incarnate as insignificant.) I’ve heard that some people are more than willing to clean shoes, wash socks, and even do laundry for the brothers and sisters, but when asked to do a little something for Christ, they are unwilling. Others can’t stand to watch this and say, “What’s wrong with this person? They’d rather do things for the brothers and sisters than for Christ. What kind of person is this?” Some people, when I assign them a task, having them act according to the principles of God’s house and the church’s regulations, don’t take it seriously after hearing it. They say: “What are you talking about? I need to ask the brothers and sisters; I need to consider the brothers and sisters, to benefit the majority of them.” For instance, I assigned some people the responsibility of planting fruit trees and also instructed them to visit the market to see what kinds of fruit trees are suitable for cultivation in this area. In one regard, they must be suitable for the local climate and soil, and in another, we should look at which fruits the local people consider to be of high nutritional value and choose those for planting in appropriate quantities. After I finished speaking, how should those who heard Me act? (They should promptly implement what You asked.) How should they implement it? (They should look up relevant information, ask knowledgeable people, learn about some details, and then implement it.) Implementing in this way is following My instructions, which are to consider the local climate and also to check which fruits are nutritious. Now, do you think My considerations were comprehensive and practical? However, how did those who heard My words implement them? They asked for the opinions of all the brothers and sisters in the local church, asking everyone what fruits they liked to eat, and then tallied up everyone’s favorite fruits to plant according to quantity and proportion. This is how they implemented it. They sought the opinions of the brothers and sisters, considering this group, this title, as supreme in their hearts. Serving the brothers and sisters is the purpose and goal of their duty. They believe that serving the brothers and sisters is serving God’s house, and serving God’s house is serving the brothers and sisters. If the brothers and sisters are happy and satisfied, God is also happy and satisfied. The brothers and sisters are the full representatives of God, the symbols of the truth, and the spokespeople of God. The brothers and sisters have the final say; they are the mainstay in God’s house. Therefore, no matter what is done, it cannot be separated from the title and group of the brothers and sisters. For anyone doing things or doing their duty in God’s house, only the brothers and sisters are the proper objects of their service. This was how they implemented it; what I said did not matter. No matter how detailed My instructions were, to them they were just hollow doctrines, mere slogans. They believed that allowing the brothers and sisters to fully express their opinions, granting them ample speaking and decision-making rights, and practicing democracy in God’s house, was the highest truth. No matter what I said, this was how they viewed it: “You’re just firing blanks, going through formalities, and then it’s the brothers and sisters’ business, not yours anymore. You can stand aside! What we eat and drink has nothing to do with you; just pony up the cash and that’s it. We have food and drink, and that is the supreme truth. Serving god’s house, serving the brothers and sisters, making the brothers and sisters happy, allowing them to enjoy full human rights and freedom, this is the highest truth.” What kind of people are these? Isn’t this what antichrists would do? The first manifestation of antichrists being averse to the truth is that they condemn and deny the truth; then, they find an alternative set of theories and slogans that they believe are viable and hold water to implement, publicly flouting the truth, publicly condemning and rejecting Christ. It is in such a small matter that antichrists are revealed. Are they people who accept the truth? (No.)

I often hear some people say, “Oh, look how upset the brothers and sisters are”; or, “Oh, look how happy the brothers and sisters are”; or, “Oh, look how much the brothers and sisters are struck down; they are really suffering.” Why do the brothers and sisters hold such high status in their hearts? Why do they love the brothers and sisters so much? To love so many people, how bighearted must they be? Fine then; I’ll say something and you do as I say, okay? You can accommodate so many people, adding just one more person like Me shouldn’t be a problem, right? You should be able to accommodate Me too? On the contrary, they cannot accommodate what I say, nor can they accommodate Me. They can accommodate all the brothers and sisters, they can accommodate everyone in the church, but they just cannot accommodate Christ. What sort of creature is this? Is this a human being? Is such a person worthy of being a follower of Christ? (No.) Then how should we define them? (A devil, an antichrist.) Aren’t they misinterpreting the concept of democratic elections in God’s house? Involving the brothers and sisters in the affairs of God’s house, letting them express their opinions, letting them elect and replace leaders, and letting them make decisions—do they think that the brothers and sisters are supreme in God’s house? Isn’t this a misunderstanding of democratic elections in God’s house? What is the principle of democratic elections? Does allowing the brothers and sisters to vote democratically mean that they have the final say? Does it mean letting people’s corrupt dispositions have the final say? Does it mean letting devils and Satan hold power? No, it means letting the truth understood in the hearts of the brothers and sisters hold power, not the brothers and sisters themselves, these natural and corrupt humans. It is not letting impetuousness hold power, not letting human notions hold power, not letting human rebellion and resistance hold power, and not letting people’s wicked dispositions hold power—it is letting the truth hold power. Some people ask, “Why do some church elections end up electing antichrists, or why do church leaders and workers make wrong decisions?” That is because people’s stature is too small; they do not understand the truth and cannot discern people. However, the principle of church elections is based on the truth principles; it is founded on the truth. So, these antichrists—those who do not have spiritual understanding—what do they mistakenly believe? They think that in God’s house the brothers and sisters are honored as great, that the brothers and sisters are exalted, that the title and group of the brothers and sisters are seen as honorable in the eyes of God. But in fact, are the brothers and sisters honorable? Do they possess the truth? Most brothers and sisters do not possess the truth reality, lack principles in their actions, and can even cause chaos in the various work projects of God’s house. If it weren’t for the intervention and timely correction and resolution of problems from the Above, could these brothers and sisters do their duties well? Not only could they not do their duties well, but they could also cause many disturbances and disruptions. Do these people have the truth? Are they worthy of being honored as great? They are not. Then why do antichrists still act this way? This is their innate nature. They find an excuse to deny the truth and condemn Christ—isn’t this their innate nature? They have the nature of Satan; they are uncontrollably driven by it!

The main focus of today’s fellowship is on how antichrists treat Christ depending on their mood. Every aspect of what we’re fellowshipping is related to the mood of antichrists. On the surface, it appears this way, but in fact, how does this mood arise? It is determined by the corrupt disposition and essence of antichrists. Due to having the essence of an antichrist, they engender all sorts of thoughts, and under the governance of these various thoughts, they engender various notions, viewpoints, perspectives, and stances, thereby generating various moods. After these moods arise, antichrists treat the God in heaven and the God on earth—Christ—in various ways and with various methods and attitudes. From these ways, methods, and attitudes, it’s enough to prove the essence of antichrists as being averse to the truth, being hostile toward the truth, denying Christ, and condemning Christ. Whenever they are confronted with matters involving the truth, and the essence and identity of God incarnate, they consciously stand in opposition to God, playing the role of God’s enemies. When nothing is happening, they shout God’s name, even constantly referring to “god, my god” in their speech. Everything they say must start with a call: “God, look,” “God, do you know,” “God, listen to me,” “God, I have a matter to seek,” “God, this is the situation,” and so on. While calling out “god,” in their hearts, they are full of notions, hostility, and contempt toward Christ. When the church, God’s house, and Christ face various environments and circumstances, the attitude of antichrists toward Christ and God changes repeatedly, undergoing different transformations. When Christ makes demands of them and shows them kindness and amicability, their attitude seems quite gentle and meek; when Christ is severe with them, pruning them, their attitude toward Christ becomes one of repulsion, loathing, and contempt, even avoidance and rejection of Him. When Christ clearly promises them rewards and blessings, they secretly rejoice in their hearts, and even curry favor with, fawn on, and flatter Him, not hesitating to sacrifice their dignity and integrity to obtain these benefits. However, regardless of their attitude, they never have a true acceptance of and faith in Christ, much less do they genuinely submit to Him. Their attitude toward Christ is always one of avoidance, condemnation, and observant hesitancy, rejecting Him from the depths of their hearts. No matter where they are or what their mood is, their essence remains unchanged. Even if they occasionally show some unexpected changes or turns, these are temporary. The reason for this is that the nature essence of antichrists is hostile to Christ, so they will never sincerely accept this ordinary person as their Lord, their God.

The fellowship on the various aspects of how antichrists treat Christ depending on their mood has essentially been covered. The last issue to address, as I previously asked you, is what is the value of exposing these matters, and what is the truth that people should understand. The value of exposing these matters can be simply stated from two aspects. One aspect is that it exposes what the essence of people’s true attitudes toward God really is, allowing people to recognize the various manifestations of humankind’s corruption. This is beneficial for knowing oneself and for knowing people’s corrupt dispositions. The other aspect is that it lets people know what the correct attitude toward God should actually be. You might think that the way you treat God is already treating Him as God, but in fact, there is much impurity in this, many elements belonging to Satan—these are manifestations of antichrists, which God does not acknowledge or accept. This is an impurity that needs to be cleansed. There is both positive and negative value here: At the very least, from a negative perspective, it lets you know that these things are adverse, they are manifestations of an antichrist. The positive aspect is that it lets you know that God does not like these things, He does not accept your treating Him in this way. The implication is that, no matter how correct, how good, how logical, or how in line with human sentiments people believe their treatment of God is, God does not buy it. If God does not buy it, then what should you do? If you say, “I will do it this way, I believe it’s good and I’ll stick to it; regardless of whether You buy it or not, I am just being upright,” is this okay? (No.) We won’t discuss whether this attitude is correct in regard to other matters; in treating God, acting this way is very dangerous, and you should reverse course. What should be the attitude of people toward things that God cannot accept? The only attitude people should have is to accept everything that comes from God; whether it seems good or bad to them, whether it sounds pleasing or harsh and disagreeable, they should unconditionally accept and submit, treating it as the truth to change and purify themselves. What is the value of exposing these matters? Hasn’t it been addressed from both negative and proactive aspects, from both positive and obverse perspectives? Then, what is the truth that people should understand? (God is the truth, God is the Creator. Whether incarnated in the flesh or appearing in any other way, the words He speaks are the truth, and we should unconditionally submit and accept.) Can everyone say amen to this statement? (Amen.) I also say amen to that; unconditionally accepting and submitting, this is the truth. No matter in what form or manner God appears and lives among people, regardless of what form God exists in, God is forever God. This is the truth, and it’s the truth that people should most understand. Secondly, the attitude a created being should have toward God is one of unconditional submission. Additionally, there is another point people don’t understand: Why do people follow God? Is it to alleviate boredom? To fill their minds and address their spiritual emptiness? Is it to resolve their future destiny? Is it to be made clean, or to attend a university of truth? What do people seek to resolve by following God? This is something people need to know. (They seek to resolve their corrupt disposition.) Correct. People follow God to resolve their corrupt disposition. Can people resolve their corrupt disposition themselves? Can people with fame, knowledge, and education resolve it? Is there anyone among humankind who can resolve this issue? (No one can resolve it.) God has come today to resolve this problem; only God incarnate, only God Himself can resolve it. Why can the incarnate Christ, who appears to be the same as a human, resolve this problem? Humans have language, thoughts, and ideas, so why can’t they resolve it? Where does the difference lie? (God is the truth, the way, and life; humans do not possess the truth.) God is the truth, the way, and the life. Only by accepting this fact and accepting all of the flesh in which God is incarnate can people’s corrupt dispositions be resolved. This implies that people come before God to resolve their corrupt dispositions, which means coming to God to obtain the truth. Only by obtaining the truth can people’s corrupt dispositions be resolved. How can you resolve them without obtaining the truth? Can doctrines resolve a corrupt disposition? Can knowledge? Can notions and imaginings? They cannot. Only the practical God incarnate can help you resolve it. Therefore, it’s futile to worship any famous figure, great person, or sage; they cannot resolve your real difficulties or save you. Moreover, learning any subject, profession, or body of knowledge cannot resolve your real difficulties or real issues. If you say, “I just look down on this ordinary person,” then your view needs to change. The fact is as it is; this is how God has acted. If you want to accept God as your life, you should accept every sentence God says and every action God takes. If you acknowledge God as the truth, then you should believe and admit the unequivocalness and absoluteness of the fact that no matter in what way or form God exists or appears, He is always the truth. After admitting this fact, with what attitude should you then treat the flesh in which God is incarnate, this ordinary person? There lies the truth to be sought.

Exposing the manifestations of how antichrists treat Christ depending on their mood, what is the underlying truth that people should understand? Summarize a few items so that they’re clarified and you understand and are clear about this truth. (We summarized four items: The first is that God is always God, and this is the truth. The second is that the attitude a created being should have toward God is one of unconditional submission. The third is that God is the truth, the way, and life, and only by accepting this fact and accepting all of the flesh in which God is incarnate can people’s corrupt dispositions be resolved. The fourth is that if people acknowledge God as the truth, they should believe and acknowledge the unequivocalness of the fact that no matter in what way or form God exists or appears, He is always the truth.) Are these four items crucial? (Yes.) Actually, everyone knows each of these items in terms of doctrine, but when it comes to which truth principles are involved in the matter of how to treat Christ, people become confused when faced with actual situations. They don’t know how to practice them, and the truths they previously understood become mere doctrines that cannot be applied. This sufficiently shows that no matter how many doctrines people understand, it’s useless; without understanding the truth, their problems still can’t be resolved.

June 20, 2020