The life of the evangelist who saves the church
Acts 2:1~4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. (1)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #210 Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken (#245 in previous version)
‘When the day of Pentecost came’ means that the Early Church was finally born, and the prophecy in Joel was finally fulfilled, and that the world would begin to change from that point. The Early Church held on to the covenant of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the filling of the Holy Spirit, and concentrated on the time schedule of God who could save the world. What was the difference between the Early Church and the churches of today that they were able to so capably save their age?
1. What the Early Church possessed
First, the Early Church possessed the conclusion. No matter who they may be, if someone already knows the conclusion, they will never waver. The conclusion the Early Church had was Christ. Whenever there are problems, or answers, or when we meet important people, or even face incidents, we need only to hold on to Christ, who is the conclusion. Second, the Early Church possessed the most certain method of God. The most certain way to save both ourselves and the church is through the kingdom of God. Finally, the Early Church knew the end results. They knew that they would receive power and be witnesses when the Holy Spirit came. This is the result of the Early Church.
2. What the Early Church did
The Early Church established to save the church and the field. All disciples went into their own fields and raised regional churches to save individual regions. At this time, they received the answer of saving not only Jerusalem, but the whole world as well. 3,000 disciples arose, and as historic lay leaders were raised, individuals like Cornelius, Timothy, Lydia, Jason, and Priscilla and Aquila were established. This is God’s method of saving the church.
3. What the Early Church enjoyed
The pastor, lay leader, businesspeople and the Remnant became one in the Early Church. How did they save the church and the age? The disciple and the pastoral workers were able to connect in the field through the Word and prayer topics, as well as the direction of evangelism with which to save the people and the field. They also had an understanding of the personal contract with God, and thereby knew the reason why God placed them in their region, and allowed them to meet the people they did. The disciples of the Early Church shared a common standard of life, and gave all glory to God.
- Meditate deeply on what you must possess today, and put into action and enjoy to save the church.
Taiwan Conference Lecture 2 / 2011.2.1