The words of an evangelist
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #93 Who, You Ask me, is My Jesus (#94 in previous version)
As we live our walk of faith, many people are interested in how profound the Word is, how grace-filled it is, whether works arise from it or now, or how good or bad it is. Many church members wander in search of a church with a good message. However, what God desires is not whether a message is ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ God simply desires to give today’s Word to his children.
1. Today
Today is an opportunity to change my past and future. Numerous individuals do not change their motives, thoughts, and nature. However, if the accurate Word of God for today comes upon us, and if we hold accurately to this Word, we can change. If we remain inside today’s Word, prayer, and evangelism, then we can hold on to the correct Word. Hold on to the Word that will become your answer today (Hebrew 4:12). When you hold on to today’s Word, deeply meditate and contemplate on it, and enter inside prayer; then, amazing works will inevitably arise.
2. People
Speaking important words at the important time to someone you are currently meeting is also the words of the evangelist. Mark’s upper room was remarkable in professing the Word; hence, 15 different nations gathered together (Acts 2:9~11). At that time, Peter quoted the words of Joel 2 and accurately relayed the Gospel. From then, the correct message was continued throughout the pulpit and field (Acts 2:21~42). In the Scriptures, 3,000 disciples heard the Word and arose.
3. Works
Relaying the correct Word according to the accurate time schedule is the words of the evangelist. The lay people of the Early Church held on to Jesus’ promise and gathered in Mark’s upper room (Acts 1:14). As great persecutions began, the scattered lay people gathered at Antioch and formed a new church (Acts 11:19). For the first time in church history, missionaries were commissioned (Acts 13:1). As a result of witnessing the works in Ephesus, Paul was determined to enter Rome as well (Acts 19:21). While important works were arising, the correct Word was relayed through the evangelists. We must absolutely hold on to the accurate Word in today’s time schedule, the people we meet, and the work we do.
- What Word must I hold on to today and live? Pray to stand as the evangelist that delivers the correct Word according to the accurate time schedule among different people.
Study of Evangelism / 2011.1.22