Title Come Help Us
Contents
Hallelujah! Today is the day I decided to donate the 2007 missionary offering. Even now, the work of many missionaries who spread the gospel around the world continues. In the past, Korea was a country that received the Gospel, but now it is a country that is at the forefront of missions in the world. There are still many people who have never been exposed to the Gospel at least once.
Perhaps where I should be, the missionaries are currently working non-stop. However, if we live a comfortable life of faith here, we cannot help but be too indifferent to the work of missionaries. So, although we are small, we are giving this missionary offering with the intention of participating in missionary work.
1. The subject of mission is God
In today's text, Paul wanted to preach the gospel in Asia, but the Holy Spirit did not allow it. What do you mean by this? It means that the will of God does not come into being as man wants, but that God's will is entirely in place. Evangelism in Asia is also important, but there is a scene where the Gospel of Macedon is moved to Europe by showing Paul the vision of Macedonia.
What kind of region is Macedonia? He was trying to spread the gospel to Asia Minor, which is now on the west coast of Turkey, and Bithynia, which is the Black Sea region, but the Holy Spirit blocked the way. However, he sees a vision of Macedonia in Troas, and due to the progress of the Gospel, the Roman Empire is eventually transformed into the Gospel.
This is a very important part of Christian history. It can be seen that God had Rome in mind, which was said to be the largest nation at the time, rather than Asia. As it is commonly said that all roads lead to Rome, Rome at that time represented the world. God tried to attack this huge nation with the Gospel.
Therefore, missions must have the full work of God. It's never possible on my own. It is the same with us participating in this missionary work with small materials. Only when the Holy Spirit dominates our hearts can we cooperate and participate in missionary work with material and prayer.
2. God Opens Hearts
After reading today's words, we can see that when Paul was about to work in Philippi, God opened the heart of Lydia, a frequent merchant in the city of Thyatira, and energized Paul's missionary work. The fact that God opened Lydia's heart shows the image of God fulfilling his will. It also shows that God's guidance is more important than man's will.
That's right. The same is true for the offerings we make at this time. If I try to do it, it will be difficult, but please believe that if God opens our hearts, we will all participate in this missionary work.
3. A God Who Recognizes
“You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth”. This is Jesus' last great command. A witness of the gospel is not for everyone. Only those who have seen and experienced the power of the gospel can become a witness of the gospel. That way, you can convey what you have seen and heard.
Look at verse 10 of the text. Paul confesses that he acknowledges that God has called us to preach the gospel to those people when he is trying to go to Macedonia. In missionary work, those who participate in this way will enjoy the blessings recognized by God.
When we look at the childhood of Jesus, it tells us that as he grows in wisdom and stature, he becomes more loving to God and people. In particular, being recognized as a servant of God is a very important part of our faith.
I pray in the name of the Lord that we may become believers who are recognized as God's servants by working together in this missionary work through material and prayer.
Organize your words. “Come and help us!”. This is the voice of those who eagerly await the gospel. These voices must be heard today. Rather than the negative voices of people, we must hear these spiritual voices telling us to wait for the Gospel and work together in the Gospel.
Our spiritual ears must be sensitive to this. By making this mission donation today, we indirectly enter the mission field. You will also enter the mission field through prayer.
May the voice resound in our hearts once again to come and help us in making a meaningful commitment that our material will be used to expand the kingdom of God and save dying souls.