The gathering of the evangelists who save the region
Romans 1:1~17 For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (17)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #500 Throw Out the Life-line (#258 in previous version)
Today’s Scripture reading is the Word of God, which Martin Luther grabbed on to as his lifelong covenant and through which he experienced the power of God. It is also the Word with which Paul changed Rome. Likewise, we must grab hold of God’s Word and think about our lifelong master plan. We must make plans as to what kind of person we are going to be, how we can manage the work entrusted in our field, how we can take care of our health, and how we are going to do evangelism and give offering. What kind of works will arise if the people who have a mental picture regarding this are gathered together to save the region in the Gospel? It is the most important blessing that we must restore in our region today as we live the life of the evangelist.
1. Those who have what God gave them
The regional church is the gathering of those who have what God gave them. They experienced the works of God as they were holding on to the covenant and praying, and those who confirmed the answers of Christ followed after God’s Word and gathered (Acts 1:14). They were connected from churches to homes and people who were praying for the fulfillment of God’s Word in the field were raised (Acts 2:46~47). Those who had the answers that God gave them scattered all over the place even in the midst of persecution and tribulation and it spread into the Gospel movement, and in the midst of it all, Antioch Church was raised through which missions ministry began full-scale. Because they were the ones who had the answers that God gave them, they, without wavering, experienced the answers of the true church of saving the region, like Macedonia and Rome. Paul who experienced this answer, professed that he considered all his knowledge and background as rubbish because of the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. For that reason he was used as an apostle who received the greatest blessing of raising up disciples such as Lydia, Jason, and Priscilla.
2. Those who are in the place that God desires the most
The place that God desires the most is the field of the region where many people are dying without having heard the Gospel. God’s eyes are toward the 99% abandoned field. Many churches and Christians, however, are only looking at their church field and their own selves and are living a very narrow-minded Christian life. Paul who had the heart of God prayed for the Gospel to spread all over the world and prayed with tears for the disciples within the power of the Gospel and faith. We must place in our hearts the consuming passion of Paul and begin with the evidence that God gives. For the sake of this commission, God has called us as a royal priesthood and people who will declare the light. Starting now, we must open our eyes and see the 99% field that breaks God’s heart.
- Do you have your lifelong plans inside the Word, prayer and evangelism? God promised that He would give God’s children who enjoy the background of heaven whatever they ask for. Grab hold of this Word, never give up, and make a lifelong master plan and evangelism plan for the region that you are in.
Core Training Message / 2011.3.12