Eager expectation and desire
Philippians 1:19~30 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (20~21)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #490 There’s a Dream that I Dream, of My Savior (#542 in previous version)
Jesus said, “It will be done just as you believed it would.” In every worship, have correct faith and restore the blessing of worship. Simply receive grace during worship. Then, doors of evangelism and answers will be opened, the Word will be fulfilled, and you will receive the blessing of disciples rising up to change the field (Acts 2:1~47). For a life of faith with answers, what must you do?
1. Turning point (Acts 9:1~15)
We must make a turning point for our life. Abraham, the father of faith, faced hardship every time he followed after his own thoughts and faith in himself. At that time, Abraham built an altar to God and made a resolution of faith. Paul faced his turning point in life while he was persecuting those who believed in Christ and was on his way to Damascus. We must find our turning point of faith in our life.
2. Eagerness (Philippians 1:19~30)
Paul confessed that he desires for Christ to be exalted in his body whether by life or death. This is a confession that destroys the forces of darkness. Also, Paul said that it would be better to go to heaven, but that he would retain his life for the sake of the Gospel. In other words, it was all right for him to die if it is not for evangelism. He even said that he is willing to receive not only blessings but also suffering for the Gospel. This is Paul’s desire.
3. Assurance (Romans 16:1~27)
There are three kinds of faith of believing in God. First, it is the faith of receiving salvation. Only those who can believe the fact that Jesus is the Christ believe. Second, it is the faith of believing in God’s power. It is the faith of believing in the power of the Word, work of the Holy Spirit, and the power of God. Lastly, we must pray for the faith that is rightful for a pastor, faith that is rightful for a lay leader, and faith that is rightful for a Remnant. Possess the faith of being able to listen to and take in many things and see things in depth, width, and height. Especially, the Remnants must know that now is the opportunity and have the faith of staking their lives. If so, God’s works will arise and you are bound to have victory.
- What is your eager expectation and desire? Thank about the desire a saved child of God should have.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2011.5.15