The life of the evangelist and the Early Church
Acts 1:1~14 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (1~3)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English #320 How I Praise Thee, Precious Savior (#350 in previous version)
How was the Early Church victorious in the midst of the poverty, powerlessness, false accusations, legal binds, and execution brought upon them by the terrifying religious groups, the organizations only out for themselves, and the political organizations that move according to public opinion? The Early Church that confessed true faith overcame all trials with faith. If you possess true faith like the Early Church, the forces of darkness will crumble and you will see the work of God who is with you.
1. They enjoyed the gratefulness of their salvation
The members of the Early Church gathered knowing the schemes of Satan and the mystery of the Gospel of the ‘offspring of woman,’ which is the answer to all problems. When faced with curses and disasters, all people enjoyed the mystery of the ark and gave thanks. They knew of the false churches and prophets that would persecute those with the Gospel (Mark 25).
2. Beyond answers, they held on to the covenant
The Early Church members looked past the answers and only held to Christ as they overcame all things of the world. Laying down all benefits, people, culture and difference in thinking, they confessed that Jesus is the Christ. They experienced God’s kingdom in the field and enjoyed the filling of the Holy Spirit anew every day. When they gathered together, they came together in one heart and joyously prayed.
3. They enjoyed everything.
The greatest blessing the Early Church enjoyed was Immanuel. When God demanded them to go to all peoples, He promised to be with them always and they enjoyed His promises of the throne and of the filling of the Holy Spirit. They received the authority to bind the forces of darkness, and believing they were called as the royal priesthood and the people of light, they obeyed the Word to the end.
- Rise to the challenge to live the life of the evangelist who holds solely to Christ after transcending answers and who restores true faith and discards all things of the world. Have the new beginning of gratitude for salvation and thanksgiving in all things.
Core Training Message / 2011.2.12