Resolution that leads to answers
Acts 8:26~40 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (38~39)
Hymn for scheduled worship : Korean/English Hymnal #521 Straight is the Gate to Salvation (#253 in previous version)
As he was fleeing from persecution, Philip came across the field of blessing when he met an Ethiopian eunuch and baptized him. This is a significant meeting that later influenced the nation of Ethiopia. Likewise, if we resolve to live the life of the evangelist under any circumstances, then every adverse condition can all be turned into God’s blessing. Then what kind of resolution must we make in order to live the life of the evangelist?
1. Personal resolution
We need time to enjoy the works of God when we are by ourselves. Since the power to resolve problems is in the hand of God, there is no need for us to continue to be bound by problems. If we rise above our problems, enjoy today’s Word, prayer and evangelism that God has allowed us, and pray truthful prayers, then our worries and fears will disappear. This is the truthful prayer that we must begin before God.
2. Resolution in our walk of faith
The very first answer that begins when we gain the power through our personal resolution is worship. Whenever we give worship, we can enjoy the works of the Holy Spirit like wind and fire that took place in the Book of Acts. The Word given through the message will become the accurate answer and heal our thoughts and life, and the opportunity to testify the Gospel will come as the door of evangelism opens. When we testify the Gospel, we will confess the Word through which we received grace, which will be planted as faith in other people’s minds. Just like the meeting of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, we will meet the disciples that God has prepared.
3. Resolution to save the world
When we go out to the world, we will come to see that great answers to overcome our problems are prepared. Though unseen to our eyes, God sends His messengers ahead of us, walks with us by the Holy Spirit, and guides our every step. Regardless of our hardships, we will experience the power to change the world. Likewise, because the evidence that God is with us is displayed, people around us will see and understand and the people of the world will feel that God is alive.
- Why are you praying? Lay yourself down before God and begin the worship with sincere prayers in order to restore what God has given to you.
Core Training Message / 2011.5.7