The purpose for which I was called
Ephesians 4:11~16 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (11~12).
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #35 Great King of Glory (#50 in previous version)
Why would a person who is an alcoholic drink alcohol? It is because this person does not have happiness. The reason why people fall into dug use and gambling is because for a short amount of time, they feel as though they are happy. The reason why God has called the believer is to give true happiness.
1. True happiness
God has called us in order to give us true happiness. We call this salvation. What must the saved children of God do now? We just need to receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we pray to receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can see the blessings of our identity and authority in Christ. All we need to do is enjoy this. Therefore, God desires for all those who have been saved to enjoy the blessing of salvation, the blessing of evangelism, the blessing of missions, the blessing of the church, the blessing of victory in the family and societal life, and the blessing of victory in the battle against Satan, just like the believers in Ephesus. There is true happiness within this.
2. True hope
God has called the believer to give true hope. If we have true hope, we can endure. Problems also get resolved. Those who have true hope pray even when incidents or problems arise. The people of God who possess true hope can wait while enjoying this blessing in their day to day lives. When a small problem comes, they wait while doing concentrated prayer and enjoying their blessings. Abraham waited 25 years; Isaac, 20 years; Jacob, 21 years; and Joseph, 13 years.
3. True devotion
No matter what our circumstances may be like right now, all of us who are saved have been chosen and called by God. God has called us amidst true happiness and true hope, and wants an important devotion from us. No matter how renowned an individual may be, everyone has their inadequacies. God wants us to devote ourselves to filling the needs of others, doing works of service, and building the body of Christ. While living your walk of faith, do not fall into trials because of people. In addition, we must work together to discover the plan of God and be filled with Christ.
- Among all the nations of the world, God placed me in this nation; contemplate God’s plan in which God saved me among the 6.8 billion people of the world.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2010.11.21