Why are the churches in the world diminishing?
Matthew 16:13~20 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (16)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #499 Far, Far Away in Heathen Darkness Dwelling (#277 in previous version)
Why are the churches in Korea and the world diminishing? On the contrary, the New Age movement, meditation movement and other religions are gaining momentum and are greatly influencing the world. This phenomenon is becoming more prominent among young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Without getting the real taste of the Gospel, churches and believers have all been seized by strife and powerlessness. What is frustrating is that the field is overflowing with people who need to receive salvation but churches are continually diminishing in the midst of conflicts and difficulties. In this time and age, what must evangelists restore?
1. New beginning
Starting now, we must begin real evangelism. We must testify to the truth that Jesus is the Christ both in Korea and the world. Nowadays, people say that salvation can be found outside the church as well. Other religions are uniting together, having fellowship, and exchanging ideas together, saying that this is the proper model that we must pursue. Doing evangelism and missions with the uniqueness of Christ alone is our true commission. Today we must have a new start.
2. One and only way
We are not saying that other religions are wrong and Christianity is right. It means that the one who broke the authority of Satan is no one but Jesus Christ alone and the one who resolved the problem of original sin is no one but Jesus Christ. There is no other way for us to receive salvation. There is no way for man to receive salvation on his own. The one who bound the forces of darkness and resolved all our sins and curses is the Savior, the Christ. That is why God sent us Jesus Christ, and by the faith in the name of Jesus Christ all our problems of sins and curses are resolved.
3. Life of the evangelist
The number of people suffering from mental problems such as depression and suicidal thoughts is gradually increasing. People are becoming addicted to alcohol, gambling and drugs and countless people are suffering from spiritual problems without knowing the cause. Evangelists must deliver the light of happiness to the world where true happiness has disappeared. We must take courage and begin living the life of the evangelist. Because the light to save the world, namely the light of God, is in us, we must live the life of shining the light. Shining the light of Christ in our work, business, studies, church and meetings is living the life of the evangelist.
- Let us pray with our heart that the world and the churches may be revived through us who are living the life of evangelists.
Core Training Message / 2011.1.8