Start of a new era
Acts 13:1~3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (2~3)
♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #499 Far, Far Away in Heathen Darkness Dwelling (#277 in previous version)
Joseph was sold as a slave and had no background, but the Bible records that the Lord was with Joseph. We must not worry about anything; instead, we must enjoy the mystery of Immanuel 24 hours a day. To have received salvation means we are in God, and that in itself is something to be grateful for. In that case, our thoughts are important. We must change all conflicts, problems, people and incidents into blessings. In the passage, a missionary is commissioned out for the very first time. The situation was exceedingly difficult, yet it was the start of a new age. What is it that we must not lose hold of?
1. Those who knew evangelism were commissioned out
Those who knew evangelism knew the world could only be saved through Christ alone. There is no need to be afraid of or be troubled by anything. The Lord promised to be with us until the ends of the earth. Jesus is the Christ and the solution to all problems. The kingdom of God will be established everywhere we go. If we hold onto the covenant and wait, God will work by His power.
2. Those who knew missions were sent out
Paul considered the Gospel so important that he said all other things were rubbish. The Gospel transcends ethnicity, region and interpersonal relations. Hence, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene and Manaean who was brought up by Herod, were able to form a team at the Antioch Church. When they prayed, the Holy Spirit worked and sent out Paul and Barnabas separately, as missionaries. Unlike the Jews, who saw the whole world as split between Jews and Gentiles, these people knew the missions in which the whole world was to hear the Gospel.
3. Those who knew the methods of evangelism, missions and the field were commissioned
When the pastors, lay leaders and evangelists who know the field gather together, the works of the Holy Spirit will inevitably arise. Moreover, when those who properly know the field through the eyes of evangelism and missions are commissioned, God attaches disciples and establishes evangelism disciples in all regions. This is when the works of the Holy Spirit take place and the forces of darkness are bound. If we can correctly understand the Gospel, evangelism and missions, and concentrate on prayer, we can taste the start of a new era.
● Forum Topic - What am I enjoying 24 hours a day? What would happen if I were to enjoy prayer?
Core Worker Message / 2009.12.12