How can we begin correctly?
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #510 Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy (#276 in previous version)
Even though we are children of God, it is hard to face the reality in which we make mistakes in life and need to physically compete with people who do not know God. Why is every day of my life so hard even if Jesus is the Christ and the solution to all problems? Could it be that I had the wrong beginning? What is the correct beginning?
1. Answer to life
Paul was busy persecuting the apostles and members of the Early Church who spread the Word about Jesus. But he met Jesus who he was persecuting on his way to Damascus. Paul who had mastered all fields of studies and the law realized that Jesus is the Christ and knelt down before Him. Paul found all answers to life through Jesus Christ. From then on, Paul began to enjoy the mystery of being with Jesus Christ every day.
2. When a problem comes
We also had an experience like Paul when we gained the answer to life through Jesus Christ. However, when a problem comes, our real intentions are revealed. Regardless of whether or not the problem is solved, you should be able to confess that Jesus is the Christ. This is the beginning of enjoying the Gospel in your life. It is not blind faith but correctly looking at both sides of the problem. The problem of man was that he left God in Genesis 3. If that Genesis 3 problem has been solved through Jesus Christ, then the problem you see now is a platform of blessings from God.
3. Core value
In Acts 2, disciples who realized the Gospel and staked their lives gathered and prayed for the filling of the Holy Spirit. Among them were people who had low social status, sinners who were neglected by others, and those who were poor and uneducated. What would it be like to judge the Gospel based on their weaknesses? The Early Church members realized the core value of the Gospel that transcends all of man’s weaknesses and overcame everything.
- Are you facing a problem? Do you see what is on the other side of the problem? Confess that Jesus is the solution to all problems and that he is Christ today, and find God’s plan that is hidden inside the problem. New Believer & Field Ministry Worker Retreat / 2012. 3. 13