The true foundation of our congregation here in Atlanta is the word of God for "God is Love." Jesus used a parable to teach us how important it is to be not only a hearer of God's word but also to be a "Doer" of his word.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Matthew 7:24-27

When I think about the "Solid Rock of Love," there are many scriptures that teach us that the Almighty God is that rock and that God and his word are one. As we look at our house that we have openly declared as "Love Corner" in this city, we need to think about our name being more than a slogan. In order to make it a reality, we must have members of our congregation who are both hungry for the word of God and upon hearing his word, become "Doers" of God's work.

In order for our congregation to grow solid and to be able to serve those in need, it must be founded upon the "Rock of Love." It all begins with how we love the Lord and then how we love each other. Jesus said:

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

During "Precious Daddy" Madison's "Ten Years of Excellence in Leadership" as our Bishop, he has epitomized that spirit of love and it is constantly manifest in his teachings. Our congregation's goal is to be obedient to our leader and adhere to his exhortations, admonitions, and instructions that we truly love each other as Jesus Christ has first loved us. By doing so all people will know that we are Disciples of Christ.  Daddy Madison created a unique and powerful architectural design for Atlanta's United House of Prayer by modeling it as an open bible. The symbolic message is clear. Through our obedience to the word of God, this city will know that this house is built on the true foundation of Love!

Our leader has articulated the essence of love in a very simple saying. "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving." So we must give as the bible teaches us to give by devoting our lives to the service of others so that they too may be strengthened, made whole and free. The "Ultimate Giving" is to give our lives because Jesus said:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

We must learn to see each other as friends. My sincere hope and desire is that everything we do in Atlanta be done by the word of God and with a spirit of Love because this will lead to growth and the spiritual household of God will stand forever.