A citizen who attended the first day of the fifth instalment of 'Happiness Lecture: Making My Life More Radiant' held on the 8th and 9th September expressed their thoughts as above.

Since its debut in May of this year, over 2000 Gwangju citizens have monthly attended the lecture series held every month, which has become an established cultural experience in the Gwangju region hosted by Shincheonji Gwangju Church (Peter tribe, tribe leader Jeong-woo Lee) of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. The 'Happiness Lecture: Making My Life More Radiant’ was renovated for the autumn and held its fifth instalment in September.

About 2000 citizens attended the most recent Happiness Lecture, which was held for a total of four hours over two days at Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and had time to break down misunderstandings and prejudices about Shincheonji Church of Jesus, think about what is needed for true happiness, and engage in open conversation.

After passing through the entrance, on the first floor, there was the 'Transience of Life' (Hall 1), which depicts everyone's common journey of life from birth to death and gives insight on the soul, which is not commonly thought about, and heaven as the destination of one's soul. Hall 2 explained the two paths of heaven and hell, hall 3 offers insight into the story and relationship between God and humanity, and the Hall 4 educates on the Bible, a divine gift given by God.

In addition, various photos containing the history and development of Shincheonji Church and related social contribution activities were exhibited.

On the 2nd floor, a kids zone was prepared where parents could leave their children, and on the 3rd floor, which has been newly renovated with an autumn atmosphere, various experience booths were prepared where one can take care of one's health, have fun, and make lasting memories, as well as a canteen to enjoy refreshments.

In addition, visitors who were curious about Shincheonji Church of Jesus' Bible curriculum were seen listening to explanations and filling out applications at the centre's education booth.

After the announcement of the beginning of the opening performance, the 4th floor quickly filled with attendees. Visitors with expressions full of anticipation and excitement were visibly moved by songs across various genres prepared by the members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus that reflected on life. Participants turned on their mobile phone torches, waved the lights, and clapped their hands.

In the lecture that started immediately after the performance, tribe leader Jeong-woo Lee spoke. He explained the process of birth, ageing, sickness and death that humanity endures and explained what kind of experiences our 80 years of life are filled with. He said, “It is said that out of 80 years of life, we only spend 88 days laughing” and, “Today, I will tell you the secret to extending this time so you can smile infinitely.”

First, tribe leader Lee said, “Everyone dies, but death is not the end,” and through a diagram of the biblical content of judgment (Revelation 20:12) that says, 'The dead are judged according to their actions while alive,' he showed that there will be two outcomes: heaven and hell.

He then posed the question: “At this time, in order to go to heaven, we must do what is good and right and live a happy life on the earth. Then, what is the most important thing to achieve that?” In answer to this question, he explained the structure of the human body, which consists of spirit, soul, and body, by comparing it to an egg. In his second point, he emphasised that “what is precious is not the external, but the ‘heart and spirit.’”

Tribe leader Lee introduced the ‘Bible’ as a tool for navigating one's soul to help the mind and heart grow, and said, “When we fill our minds and hearts with the words of the Bible, we can escape from a mind of corruption, pain and depression, and experience joy, healing, and transformation.” He added, “It really can happen.”

Lastly, he said, “People go to church to find salvation for their spirit (heart and mind). Yet, although God, Jesus, and the Bible are one and the same, the Protestant church is in rapid decline, while Shincheonji Church of Jesus is in rapid growth.” Regarding the secret to such growth, he said, “there is only one difference: the Book of Revelation.”

At the same time, he said, “Out of the 66 books of the Bible, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is the only place that makes known the prophecies and fulfilled realities of the Book of Revelation, which contains all the answers to the final salvation and judgment.” He emphasised, “I believe this because it is clear that there are people validating the testimony of the one who has seen and heard the actual fulfilment of the prophecies,” and concluded by saying that it would be good to learn and research the Bible more and fill one's life with hope and joy.

Meanwhile, according to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, about 119,000 ordinary believers, including 2800 domestic and foreign pastors, are currently studying the revealed word of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. It is expected that more than 100,000 students will graduate this year.