God’s decree

Acts 13:45~48 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. (47~48)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #521 Straight is the Gate to Salvation (#253 in previous version)

There is a mystery by which we can have victory without a fight in the field. If the people of God hold on to the Word and focus themselves on prayer even for just five minutes, they can taste the power of overcoming themselves and transcending their present circumstances. On our way to receiving this answer, there may arise many incidents, problems or persecution, but this is simply God’s time schedule by which God’s decree is fulfilled.

1. God’s sovereign time schedule

God’s sovereign time schedule can never be altered no matter what happens. That is why there is no need for children of God to waver. God is in control of all of our lives.1 Chronicles 29:10~14 He has already planned out and prepared all things.Job 12:10 It may appear as though many events are happening, but it is to fulfill the plan and purpose of God.Ephesians 3:9 Even in the midst of persecution, those who are appointed for eternal life will believe.Acts 13:48 Even if problems or persecution comes, what God has decreed will be fulfilled as planned.

2. God’s plan

Problems or incidents themselves are God’s plan. Joseph was sold into slavery and this itself was the blessing. The fact that he was imprisoned was God’s plan. All hardships that happened to David were part of God’s plan to raise him as the greatest king of Israel. Many persecutions and crises that befell the Early Church were the time schedule during which God’s greatest plan was fulfilled in order to save the field and age. The children of God must not waver in the face of problems, crises or hardships but hold fast to God’s plan without losing hold of it.

3. Disasters of the persecutors

The Jewish leaders persecuted the Early Church; King Herod tried to blot out the church; Rome by force persecuted the evangelists who preached the Gospel. Great disasters, however, befell the persecutors. It may appear that we are persecuted for our lack of power and that the persecutors are the victors, but in the end those who have the Gospel will have victory. The time schedule that God has decreed and planned for today will be fulfilled in any situation or circumstance.

Forum Topic

What God has decreed will be fulfilled even though we face hardships. Let us find God’s plan as we hold on to and meditate on the fact that our present circumstances, problems and hardships are within the time schedule of God’s decree.

Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2013.8.18