Strength of the evangelist
Acts 11:19~21 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. (19~20)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #93 Who, You Ask Me, is My Jesus (#93 in previous version)
In order to live the life of the evangelist, one must have the strength of the evangelist. In the midst of the evangelism movement, the Early Church gathered at the Antioch Church during one of the biggest turning points. The church that received the greatest blessings in the time of crisis was the Antioch Church. What is the strength of the evangelist? Joseph faced hardships as he was enslaved and imprisoned. Joseph lived his life as the evangelist in a disastrous environment and enjoyed the answer to save the age. This is the strength of the evangelist. The Antioch Church was established by those who were scattered and enjoyed the strength of the evangelist in the midst of great persecution. What is this strength of the evangelist?
1. The strength to enjoy the Gospel
After the martyrdom of Stephen, those who had scattered in the time of trouble gathered and founded the Antioch Church. The lay people of the Antioch Church had the power to enjoy the Gospel. Whenever you have the power to enjoy the Gospel, you will undoubtedly receive answers from God. With the power to enjoy the Gospel in the midst of troubles and difficulties, the answers of 100 years are received. When the Early Church faced their greatest hardships they did not lose hold of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the filling of the Holy Spirit, and the important fact is how and how much they enjoyed this content of the Gospel.
2. The strength to overcome troubles
The Antioch Church possessed the strength to overcome troubles. If you enjoy the Gospel in the midst of troubles, answers begin to come accordingly. Although only persecution may be seen, the doors of Samaria had opened and Paul, who had persecuted those who believed in Christ, knelt before Christ. Also, the church that was built during the great troubles that arose after the martyrdom of Stephen was the Antioch Church. When you overcome troubles with the Gospel, the absolute plan of God is fulfilled.
3. The strength to stand in the ranks of the evangelist
The Antioch Church enjoyed the strength to stand in the ranks of the evangelist and received absolute answers. People say they are too busy to evangelize; hence, what does it mean to stand in the ranks of the evangelist? We thought David was king, but he was an evangelist and we believed Joseph was a slave, but he was also an evangelist that saved all of Egypt. We are the Remnant missionaries that must stand as the evangelist in all fields.
- Do I possess the strength of the evangelist to overcome any troubles and environments? Deeply meditate upon the strength of the evangelist.
Washington Conference Lecture 2 / 2011.5.31