Thanksgiving for Pentecost
Leviticus 23:15~22 From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord. (15~16)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #354 They that Wait upon the Lord (#394 in previous version)
Suicide rates are skyrocketing all over the world, and Korea in particular has the highest suicide rates among OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations. Suicide is prevalent among all cross-sections of socio-economic levels, and the biggest factor is considered to be depression. Many theorists have attempted to solve this problem of suicide using intellect and academic pursuits, but the accurate answer is found only in the Bible. The Bible tells us the fundamental reason why problems have no choice to befall mankind.
1. The promise of the Three Feasts
God explains the Three Feasts in the Bible. The first is Passover. Just as the Israelites were liberated from Egypt the day they applied the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, we too have been liberated from the shackles of fate, destiny and Satan’s authority through salvation the moment we accepted Jesus Christ and became children of God (John 19:30, 1 John 3:8, Mark 10:45, John 14:6). Pentecost is the second feast day. The Holy Spirit abides with those with salvation and works among them. Pentecost marks experiencing this first hand (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Corinthians 3:16). Third is the feat of Ingathering, which symbolizes the guaranteed blessing of heaven for the saved.
2. Experience this during worship!
We must think about the blessings of salvation we received through Christ every time we worship, and pray for the Holy Spirit to work in every one of our fields and meetings. When we pray each moment for the kingdom of God to be established in our fields, we will have victory no matter where we go. People who received these answers understand what offering is and why it is so important. Offering is not merely money changing hands; rather, it is our offering of thanksgiving to God and a very integral part of our lives.
3. Enjoy this in the field!
We must enjoy the Three Feasts in all of our fields. Biblical figures who enjoyed success uniformly enjoyed this blessing. The blessing of salvation has been given to us by God, and heaven is already guaranteed. If we enjoy the blessing of Pentecost 24 hours a day, not only will we be healed of our spiritual problems, we will also be healed of our physical ailments.
- Ponder the significance of the Pentecost, and meditate and pray on the methods to enjoy the answers and powers hidden within.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2011.6.5