Until the full number has come in
Romans 11:25~27 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. (25)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #490 There’s a Dream that I Dream (#542 in previous version)
Why do we have such low self-esteem and why are we filled with such lethargy and powerlessness? How can we, who are so lacking in strength and weak, do world evangelization? This would not be a problem if we had strength. However, God gives us, who have the Gospel, the strength from above whenever we want it. If we pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit in the midst of worship, we will be able to gain tremendous strength that we are not even aware of. When we become filled with the Holy Spirit, our business problems are resolved and we gain answers regarding our studies. If we are not able to obtain this strength, we will end up wandering. If we are able to pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit without any other motives, we will be able to transform the world. The important key to world evangelization is related to the full number of the Gentiles. What does the full number of the Gentiles mean?
1. The eyes to correctly see the Word
The fulfillment of God’s Word is related to the full number of the Gentiles. Namely, the key to Word fulfillment lies in the full number of the Gentiles. If we want to see the fulfillment of the Word, we must first know about salvation and evangelism. Salvation is escaping from sin, destiny and the authority of Satan, and evangelism is relaying salvation to others. If so, starting from the moment you understand the mystery of salvation and evangelism, we will begin to see today’s Word, and when we begin to grab hold of the Word and pray, amazing works will arise.
2. The eyes to see the future
The words ‘until the full number of the Gentiles’ speaks about evangelism and missions. Starting from today, if we just think a little bit about evangelism and missions, the future becomes ours. Evangelism and missions are the signposts by which God guides us. God’s accurate time schedule lies here. Even if we are unable to do great works, if we just think, ‘I must pray for world evangelization,’ a little bit, God will work through us.
3. The correct mystery of success
If we correctly know and realize what the phrase ‘the full number of the Gentiles’ means, we will be able to know what correct success is. We have received salvation inside of God’s absolute sovereignty. True success is correctly understanding and grabbing hold of the salvation, evangelism and missions that are inside the absolute sovereignty of God. Correct success will begin from this moment.
● Forum Topic - As individuals inside the absolute sovereignty of God, we absolutely cannot fail. We just need to receive the guidance of the Word because our future and success are inside the Word. What is the Word you have grabbed onto today?
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2009.10.4