Title: Save the Time / Ephesians 5:15-17
Content Dear saints! Thank you for allowing us to rest our bodies, minds and souls on this holy day of the Lord in the grace of God today. I pray in the name of the Lord that your hearts will be enriched through the Word of God on Sunday morning, which is given to us for victory in a week's life, and that you will overcome Satan and become victorious.
In today's text, God said through [Paul], "Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, saving time." (above verses 15-16) I always say the same thing, but the world has changed so much and time goes by too quickly. In the past, there was a day when it took several days to reach a destination, but now the earth has become a village and it is said that it is a global village.
※ Do you remember that in the early 80s, a futurist named [Alvin Toffler] published a book called The Third Wave, which became a bestseller all over the world? The contents of the book are roughly as follows. Those who prepare for the coming human civilization will lead the history of the next generation, and those who do not will be left behind. Now, we are running into the Y2K problem (the various problems that will occur in the 2000s - the 'millennium bug'), saying "prepare for the coming 2,000 years" and "prepare for the new millenium". Specifically, it is often predicted that failure to solve this problem of overcoming the computer's year recognition error could lead to catastrophe beyond a catastrophic accident.
[Alvin Toffler] says in the book that mankind has gone through two waves of civilization so far, and now the third wave is coming.
First, the 'first wave' refers to the 'agricultural revolution'.
It is said that the agricultural revolution increased food production, freeing up time, and using this leisure time, progress was made in starting and developing science and art. (Boritgogae)
The 'second wave' is the 'industrial revolution'.
Previously, almost everything was done by man and beast, but when [James Watt] invented the steam engine, a great revolution took place, which is called the Industrial Revolution. A single machine could do the work of dozens of people in less time, and by making a steam train, people could travel more comfortably in a shorter time and more distant places, so that the living area has expanded beyond compare. Changes have taken place throughout my life.
The 'third wave' refers to the 'information revolution'.
A society or country that is lagging behind computers and information and communications networks will fall behind in every way, and individuals who cannot use it will also fall behind. Now, we are living in an era where people send their suggestions directly to the president's computer e-mail, and also directly send letters to the pastor. How convenient has the world become because no one can see it by password?
Daniel 12:4 says, “Many will come and go quickly, and knowledge will increase.” Just like these words, people travel to and fro quickly in jets, planning things that they could not have dreamed of before, and keep planning through the Internet, etc. We are adding knowledge. But even if the world is moving quickly, the times are getting worse. God looked ahead to the future today and simply said, "Save the time. The times are evil." But, everyone, what kind of request is contained in God's words, 'Regard the time because the times are evil'? It contains God's request to 'Prepare for missions while thinking of the future church'. To this end, the history of the church in our country can be divided into three phases by time period. First, the first stage was the 'Era of Gospel Preaching.
The gospel, which has gained a foothold in this way, moves on to the second stage.
This period is the 'Industrial Age' after the 6/25 War.
What do you think the revival churches have in common?
First, it is a 'praying church'.
If you look at the growing church, each district gathers every day to hold a prayer meeting, and the early morning prayer is saved. Prayer rises and shakes the heavenly throne. Even if the answer is slow, we do not stop praying. In the end, God will answer this prayer, the church will come to life, and there will be revival.
Everyone, who says that the work of the Holy Spirit is cooling down?
Even today, the Holy Spirit is looking for believers and praying churches just like in the past. Prayer grows a living church. Therefore, I hope that you will become believers who restore 'life in prayer, prayer in life'.
Second, it is an extremely 'biblical church'.
There is no reason for God to use a church that is biased toward one side, a church that does not work, a church that does not do missions, and an unbiblical church that is indifferent to society, history, and the future of the nation.
We live in busy and turbulent times. The word in the text that the times are evil is what we are told to listen to. You and I are living in truly evil times. In times like these, let's quietly return to the Bible and the Word. Our church should be a biblical church. Only then can we fulfill the mission of the times in this evil age, and then the church will grow healthy. The new year 2000 begins in a few months. The unification of our nation is holding up as a task in front of us. Who will come up with a new vision for the nation at this point? Our 'church' must present it. Since 'vision is a dream given by God,' the church must receive that vision and present it to the world and people. Can't we leave the new history and future of the nation to rotten and less-deserved politicians who ignore the suffering of the people who are suffering from the IMF and do so-called go-stops at the National Assembly building and practice only party tactics?
Dear saints! God is not a weak person who has been pushed out of the world and thrown into the church. God is the only creator of the universe, and He commands and governs the whole world according to His will. And we are children of God. So, what kind of place is this world for saints? This world is the "home ground" of the saints and is the object of salvation that we, God's children, must change with the power of God. All saints and churches have this mission. For this mission, we must save time. I want you to know that God is working on a church that is earnestly praying and faithfully faithful to the Lord's will. Therefore, we want to become a church that prepares the saints who prepare it. It is said that even in the world now, those who cannot prepare for the future will be culled.
As Daniel 12:3 says, “The wise shall shine like the light of the firmament”, we must have the wisdom to see the world. And today's text, Ephesians 5:15-17, says, "Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, saving time. The days are evil. Therefore do not be fools, but do not be fools. understand what it means." is urging.
Ladies and gentlemen, God gives a vision to those who cry out and to the church who cries, and He gives us wisdom and strength to carry out that vision. If we want, God will give us everything.
Everyone! Do you want culling? Do you want to grow? You choose. If you want to grow, you have to save time. It should be a church that prays and prepares. We must become a church that has a vision and works toward the world.
Dear saints! Let's prepare our hearts to evangelize this evil world. Let's accumulate enough prayers. In the name of the Lord, I pray that you and our church will grow into a Gumi Sangmo Church preparing for the 21st century without being slaughtered in this age. - Amen