Open the age of Gaius
Romans 16:23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city''s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
♬Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #325 Living for Jesus (#359 in previous version)
In the face of great problems, people do not know one thing and lose hold of themselves. “What must I do with this problem? What can I do? How can I overcome this hardship?” At that moment, the forces of darkness that is invisible to our eyes deceive us through our environment, people, and circumstances. Our thoughts are seized by Satan and we are led to a pit of utter disaster. That is why huge problems such as murder occur and people simply give up. Due to our strength being insufficient, we must ask one question: “Is God alive and able to give me answers?” When we ask this question, we can surely receive answers.
1. Blessing that Gaius received
Usually, successful elites cannot obtain true happiness because of hidden spiritual problems. Even Gaius who was well-educated and wealthy could have lost strength from these problems. One day, Gaius met Paul in Corinth and was anointed, later becoming the host for Paul as well as the church. While Paul stayed in Gaius’ house where the church of Corinth was, he recorded the Book of Romans. The blessings of salvation we have received must be relayed to others and it must serve as the light of hope for those who are in the midst of problems. This is the blessing Gaius received.
2 The blessing of meeting
If we enjoy the blessing of God being with us then we can enjoy the blessing of meeting. Wherever two or three people of faith gather, God will bless that location. Gaius who enjoyed these blessings encountered the evangelist Paul and Apostle John ( 3John 1:2, Romans 16:23). Through Apostle John, he received the Gospel and through Paul he became anointed ( 1Corinthians 1:14). He then became a valuable worker for Rome evangelization.
3. The blessing of the field
With the blessing of meeting, important blessings inside the field will arise. What kind of blessing is it? Gaius received the blessing of serving as the host for the evangelist and the church. He received the blessing of finances for world missions. The workers in Romans chapter 16 received the blessing of saving the field of Rome. These individuals received the blessing of protectors who protected the individuals who shared the Gospel, co-workers who staked their lives for the Gospel, hosts like Gaius who supported the evangelist, dedicated workers who worked hard for the Gospel, individuals who were loved, relatives, and those who were commended. These are the blessings we must enjoy today.
- God who used Gaius to open the age of Gaius desires to use us to open the age of the Remnants* for world evangelization. Pray to enjoy the blessing of Gaius and open the age of the Remnants.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2010.7.4