Title "New Macedonia" (May 25)
Contents
Sermon : Missionary Seongho Eo
New Macedonian
(Acts 16:6-10)
Indonesia has a population of 245 million and 550 ethnic groups. Different cultures There are 550 different languages. Why Indonesia is important is because the number of Muslims in Indonesia is greater than the sum of all Muslims from 25 countries in the Middle East. Therefore, evangelizing them is more important than anything else. Today we will talk about the meaning of the new Macedonia.
First, it signifies a new mission for the apostle Paul.
God gave Paul a new mission. He continued to lead a missionary life, but God worked to evangelize Europe through Macedonia for the evangelism He wanted. Mission is the command and mission God has given us. Look at Hinduism. Is there still no caste system? Religion recognizes discrimination against human beings. Look at Islam. In Shala, they say it is the will of God. What I am not living, poor, and uneducated are all the will of Allah People in non-Christian areas still live in inequality. We live without knowing what the truth is. That is why we have to preach the gospel toward the new Macedonia.
Second, God gives us a new cultural challenge.
Paul toured Asia Minor during his first trip. Therefore, Asian culture was used to language, food and culture. However, in order for the gospel to enter Europe, we had to learn the European language, eat food, and learn the culture. In fact, it was not a simple matter to spread the gospel to Europe. Nevertheless, Paul accepted it as a command from God and spread the gospel across cultures. Jesus also came to this earth in a physical body. You have come into human culture. And he preached the gospel. Therefore, we too must preach the gospel to other cultures.
Third, it demands greater dedication and partnership.
Helping Asia in Antioch was comfortable because it was close to the area and had the same culture. But going to Europe required more time, more money, more manpower and collaborators, and more stamina. However, they were able to start boldly for Macedonia because they realized that it was God's work and that it was their mission. We believe that the new Macedonia is a new challenge and a new burden that God gives us. But when we do that, as the kingdom of God expands on this earth, more people are saved in the name of Jesus, and more countries and cultures change into the culture of the kingdom of God, their lives are the blessings we enjoy, just like the joy we enjoy. I believe it will change like that.
New Macedonia is a new missionary mission. New Macedonia is a call to a new culture. New Macedonia is the voice of God that calls for greater devotion and cooperation from us. We believe that when we obey this voice, God's amazing work will happen in our lives.
From Missionary Seong-Ho Eo’s May 25 sermon