New beginning
Acts 1:1~8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (8) Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #305 Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound! (#405 in previous version) There are many times when the children of God who have received salvation suffer from confusion regarding their sense of identity as they live in this world. Especially, they waver in the secular culture or get caught up in the problems with the realities of life as they talk with their friends. The way the children of God view the world may seem correct, but we must correctly see the truth that is more important and begin anew.
1. New beginning
All men have sinned and are separated from God; they are held captive by Satan and live as they do what Satan wants. Even though we have received salvation, it is not easy to think new thoughts in Jesus Christ because we have become accustomed to carnal thoughts. God, in order to save mankind from the original sin and the bondage of Satan, sent Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is everything in our lives, but we are so accustomed to the thoughts that Satan plants in us that it is difficult to enjoy Christ. Starting now we must hold onto the covenant of Christ and begin anew.
2. Only
Many people in the field believe in superstitions or serve idols or evil spirits. Furthermore, they live without knowing the source of true happiness in the midst of disasters and perish without reason. God has given us the blessing of “only.” When we see the field that is dying, we see that people need not just any other name but only the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved. If we hold onto the covenant of Jesus Christ alone, God will break down the forces of darkness that surround us.
3. Sense of uniqueness
If we grab onto the covenant of Jesus Christ, we will receive the answer of uniqueness that the world is unaware of. Wherever we go, the heavenly armies of angels will help us and the forces of darkness will crumble. Even though this is the only thing that the Early Church enjoyed, they received the answer of 3,000 disciples arising and missionaries being commissioned. The idolatrous culture of Rome, which had seemed unbreakable, crumbled and they were able to receive the blessing of the evangelization of Rome. Starting now, if we understand the mystery of uniqueness that the people of the world are unaware of, God will begin His work.
- With what must we begin? What are the reasons why the people of the Early Church never wavered? Core Training Message / 2012.7.14