Title: Reputable Church (1 Thessalonians 01:2-8)
Content There is a lot about rumors in our proverb. [The rumored hunting dog has lost a tooth] [The rumored feast is not good] [The rumor is half a lie] etc. But what these proverbs say is that rumors cannot be trusted. But nonetheless, there is some truth to the rumors. That's the meaning of [there is no smoke in the chimney]. No matter how false the rumors are, there are certain facts in the rumors.
Today, I am going to tell you that our Yeonggwang Church must be known. No matter how exaggerated rumors are, when people hear them, they accept them and try to confirm them. When a rumor spreads that a shaman is brave, you and I flock to that house. Even among those who claim to believe in Jesus, there are those who visit the shaman. When people hear rumors about it, they try to come even if they tell them not to come. So, it's something to see and hear first. However, if the rumors are true and not nonsense, people will flock to them even more. We, Youngwang Church, must spread the word. It should be a real rumor, not a rumor.
How should our Youngkwang Church be known? The Younggwang Church should be spread like this. Youngwang Church must be known as a church with a history of faith. Glory Church must be known as a church with labor of love. Youngwang Church must be known as a church with the patience of hope. Youngwang Church must be known as a church that has faith, love, and hope and is equipped with the three elements of faith. We need to become a church where we can hear these rumors wherever we go.
The Bible we read today is the story of the church that Yonggwang Church is trying to become such a famous church. Paul heard rumors about the Thessalonian church. I was grateful to hear that rumor. Paul heard that the Thessalonian church is a church with a history of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope.
How did the church become able to spread these rumors? It was thanks to the power of the gospel. So I worked hard with faith. I put my faith into practice. I lived a life of joy in victory through the Holy Spirit. He worked hard for his neighbors. Serving has become a greater joy. At the same time, he completely rejected idolatry. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we overcame idols and prevailed. He imitated the Lord with confidence in the Word and endured and persevered. He did not give up his hope for the kingdom of heaven.
Faith, hope, and love are the three dimensions of faith. Hope and love are other forms of faith. Faith hopes for the unseen, and love labors to make that hope come true.
Faith is not a word. Faith is action. Even the demons can have faith only with the mouth. James specifically points out faith. [James 2:1 8-19] Some say, You have faith, and I have deeds, and show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my works. In Acts 19, when Paul was exercising his powers in the Tyrannus vow in Ephesus for two years, the seven sons of Sceva, the priest of Judea, took the name of Jesus, and the demons came to see him in the name of Jesus. I know, and Paul said I know, but he ran to me asking who you are. Perhaps the demons are not ignoring our faith. Rather, I pray that you will have the working faith that can cast out demons.
Love is the concrete act of faith. Love must not lie. Love without lies means not seeking your own interests. True love belongs to good and hates evil. [Romans 12:9] Love does not lie. Hate the evil and be of the good. To love the enemy is to love the good in the enemy. We must fight and overcome evil. Love spares no effort to win. If you have used love as an excuse to ignore evil because you are afraid of the damage it will inflict on you while fighting against evil, now make up your own mind. Avoiding or ignoring evil is not love. I pray that you will overcome evil and enjoy the joy of victory with the love of the Holy Spirit.
Hope is to endure to the end through faith. The suffering and resurrection of Jesus are the basis for our hope. Faith is the foundation of strength to bury today's hardships in tomorrow's hopes and to stand firm and live an upright life. Faith hopes for things not seen.
Youngwang Church is a church with a history of faith. Yeonggwang Church is a church that has labor of love. Younggwang Church is a church with the patience of hope. Let's spread the word of Yeonggwang Church with the hope of creating a world full of life through faith in action and a kingdom of peace on this earth through triumphant love. Let me take the lead and spread the rumors of Glory Church far and wide. beautiful too O feet that go to the hills and preach the gospel!