The age of church lay leader missions
3 John 1:1~2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (2)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #314 I Could Not Do Without Thee (#511 in previous version)
Our walk of faith is about enjoying three things. First, prayer is God being with me. When problems and persecutions come, it is not that I seek God, but I must always hear the voice of God. Second, the Bible is the recorded Word of God. We hear the voice of God during every time of worship through the pulpit message, and we must also be able to hear the voice of God through people’s words. Third, evangelism is enjoying God being with me in my lifestyle. How did the Early Church receive and enjoy this answer?
1. The people gathered at Mark’s upper room
The believers of the Early Church gathering and praying meant they were resolved to face persecution and die. The church lay leaders and disciples gathered here were the ones who knew the fact that problems were channels of answers. Grabbing hold of the fact that Jesus is the Christ as the covenant, they enjoyed the kingdom of God. On the day of Pentecost, when these people gathered together and prayed, the works of the filling of the Holy Spirit arose. The ones who receive this answer all staked their lives.
2. The door of evangelism opened when they were persecuted
God called the church lay leader, Ananias, who was at Damascus, and attached to him Paul who was on his way to capture those who believed in Jesus. Just like God called Ananias and used him, no matter where we who have the covenant are, God calls us and uses us. When we are persecuted and problems come, God permits true answers. Especially, when we are persecuted, the door of evangelism opens. Starting now, all we have to do is enjoy the grace of blessings God has given us and wait.
3. The door of missions opens when we experience great tribulations
God opens the door of missions during the time of tribulations. Through the tribulation of Stephen, the Antioch Church was raised up, and through the Antioch Church, the door to world missions opened. The Early Church commissioned missionaries and took on this central role so the Gospel could spread to the region of Macedonia and all the way to Rome. Because important answers arise during the time of tribulations, even if hardships, problems and trials come, we must not be discouraged or disbelieve. God has a good plan for the sake of evangelism and missions.
- If I am raised up as a church lay leader, what covenant must I grab hold of? Pray so that God’s Word would be fulfilled through me, countless evangelism disciples would be raised up, and for the answer of evangelism and missions to begin.
World Businesspersons Convention Lecture 1 / 2011.4.13