The field we must see
Philemon 1:10~14 appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him.who is my very heart.back to you. (10~12)
♬Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #498 Rescue the Perishing (#275 in previous version)
Philemon was an elder in the region of Colosse. A servant in his house, Onesimus, was sent to prison for causing trouble. At this time, he met Paul in prison and received the Gospel, and later Onesimus becomes the supervisor of the church of Colosse. God sent Christ to this world, allowed those who have the mystery of Christ to find and raise disciples, and let us spread the Gospel to all cultures and ages. Seeing Onesimus, what would Paul, who knew this covenant, have thought? He thought that he was a disciple, and he staked his all upon the disciple. Just like Paul who saw Onesimus, what is the field that we must see as we hold on to the covenant of world evangelization?
1. People in the midst of desolation
Many people cannot listen to the Word because they have become desolate. They usually have scars due to family, poverty, and academics. These scars lead countless people to bad habits and corrupted ways. Also, their spiritual state has become stagnant, and the Word cannot enter into them. This is the reality of people today. There is something we must relay to these people.
2. People who need to be understood
While we were still sinners, God sent Christ to demonstrate His love for us, waited for us in love for a long time, and saved us. Therefore, as people who have experienced God’s great love, we must understand, take interest in, and help many people who are facing hardship to feel the love of Christ. When we sincerely understand and pray for them, their hearts will be opened. That is when we share the important Gospel with them, help them have a balanced lifestyle, and become a factual spiritual background for them. This is the important life of the evangelist.
3. People who need healing
We are evangelists. We must relay the Gospel to people who are facing difficulties like Onesimus and raise them up as people of God. For this sake, we must keep three things in perspective. First, we must heal their thoughts. We must change the incorrect thoughts that have been embedded in them without them even knowing. Second, we must heal their hearts. A time of concentration such as meditation will heal the heart. Third, healing will take place in the spirit. Spiritual healing is something that takes place in deep prayer when our thoughts and our hearts are healed. If you have a balanced lifestyle, then prayer will rightfully take place. Then, God will absolutely give you new strength.
- Look at the real state of your family, friends, and acquaintances. See how you must help them and pray for them.
World Remnant Conference Leader Retreat Lecture 4 / 2010.7.30