Genesis 2:17. Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
It is always important, but this week’s lesson is extremely important. The answer given to each one of you includes not only yourself but also your church, your family, and your field. Even if you are not thinking that seriously about it, God is preparing everything — your past, present, and future — through each one of you.
The Power to Save the Three Ages and the Answer of 25 (Genesis 2:1–18)
This is what we call the “Three Ages.” The terminology may sound grand, but it is important. Your past cannot be erased. Today and the future — all of it — is included in this preparation to save them. In fact, if you cannot revive your past, it becomes a scar. Your past problems, your background — for some of you, there are many spiritual matters. If these are not properly revived, they become stumbling blocks. That is why God is giving the message that He has prepared the answer to revive these things for you.
However, we don’t have the power to save the three ages. You must certainly receive the answer that will revive yourself, the church, and the field, but in reality, we don’t possess that power. Isn’t that true? If you look carefully at the Bible, you’ll see that the people who received God’s answers always revived their family’s past background, their present, and their future. No matter how hard we work, we can only live 24 hours a day. That’s why it is impossible with our own strength. Thus, this year’s theme, the 25 Answer, came forth. It is essentially about restoring this (Genesis 2:1–18).
[ (Throne) Prayer (Kingdom) ]
Now, the important point you must think carefully about is: how do we enjoy this 25 Answer? In trying to enjoy the 25 Answer, prayer is the only way. Now, some people say “only prayer” with a tone of disdain, but it shouldn’t be said that way. Prayer is everything. So, how should we understand prayer in one simple word?
Because even Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand prayer well, they came and asked Him: “John taught his disciples to pray; Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus responded with an important teaching because it was an important question: “Our Father who art in heaven…” — this is how it begins.
The word “heaven” can be understood not simply as the opposite of earth but as meaning all of creation. In the original language, the word is “ouranos,” which not only refers to the sky above but to the entirety of the universe. In theology, it is expressed as “omnipresent,” meaning He is everywhere.
Then, “hallowed be Thy name” — meaning His name is not like the names of idols or man-made gods. It is distinct. Next, Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come.” This is prayer. Why “kingdom”? Because when we pray, the blessing of the throne comes upon us. That’s what we call the Kingdom. When that blessing is fulfilled, it is called the work of God’s Kingdom, which Jesus explained at the end.
[ Beginning and End ]
Simply put, Jesus spoke about prayer at the beginning and again at the end of His ministry. You must catch this quickly. It is not simply about “let’s just pray”; prayer is everything. We must understand this.
[ Worldly Kingdom (necessities of life), Satan’s Kingdom (unbelief), God’s Kingdom (worship) ]
Even now, prayer is being answered in three ways: the worldly kingdom, Satan’s kingdom, and God’s Kingdom. Knowing this makes your moments of prayer and worship incredibly important because it is when the throne and the kingdom are being established.
The worldly kingdom refers to food, clothing, and shelter — necessities that are not unnecessary. A great president ensures these things are well-provided. When people say life is hard, they are talking about these three (food, clothing, shelter). When a nation is said to be prosperous, this is the standard.
But does it end with food, clothing, and shelter? No. When you worry about worldly things, unbelief arises — that too is being realized.
However, if you understand this background and pray and worship, tremendous things will happen. All of life is worship, not just Sunday. Every day is the Lord’s Day.
Why then do we still gather for worship? Because when we gather, God’s Word is imprinted on our souls. Just like when students attend class and something clicks — that gets imprinted in their souls. Listening to tapes or sermons takes root, but imprinting happens during worship. Private prayer helps take root and form spiritual nature, but imprinting happens during worship.
That’s why worship is crucial. In fact, in Israel, those who neglected worship on the Sabbath were commanded to be put to death. That’s how serious it was.
So even now, the throne and kingdom are being established. What are you thinking right now? It is being fulfilled. People with spiritual problems tend to think negatively more than positively, and even that is being fulfilled. Even if you are saved, if you continue to think in unbelief, it becomes reality.
This is very serious. A wife, for example, continually thinks in unbelief because of her strange husband; instead of praying with faith, she continues in unbelief, and that ultimately leads to death. It’s the same as the Israelites in the wilderness — because they persisted in unbelief, they died there. But those who held onto the covenant lived and entered Canaan.
Jesus’ first and last words about prayer are so important. Therefore, every time you pray, even for a moment, God’s Kingdom is being established. You don’t need to ask why answers aren’t coming quickly. It’s like asking for fully cooked soup at a well — it has to be fulfilled first.
“Thy kingdom come” — that’s the prayer. Thus, worshiping properly on Sunday is a tremendous time. Also, when you pray moment by moment, it’s a tremendous moment.
Sometimes when you make a choice, you choose unbelief — but it doesn’t just end there. It will surely be fulfilled. The three kingdoms — the worldly kingdom, Satan’s kingdom, and God’s Kingdom — are being fulfilled.
Worldly people work hard and naturally fulfill the worldly kingdom (necessities). But they are unaware of the part that comes from the opposite side (Satan’s kingdom). That’s why God gave us the gospel to overcome it. All religions may seem similar, but there is an enormous difference.
Do you understand what I mean? Today, during worship, truly receive grace. Receive grace during the praise as well. Everything transforms into God’s Kingdom.
▣ Introduction
1. Not Working, Working
Not understanding these three kingdoms leads to problems in faith life and business — things aren’t working, and people don’t understand why. But if you understand these three kingdoms, you don’t need to despair. You may say, “I prayed hard, and answers came,” but more accurately, it means the throne and kingdom were established.
Just because you have unbelief doesn’t mean you die immediately. But Satan’s kingdom is being established. That’s why the Bible warns against it. Some families, no matter what they do, constantly quarrel and fight — it’s because that kingdom is being established.
The Bible says, “The Son of God appeared to destroy the devil’s work.” When you persist in unbelief, you cannot see God’s plan or open doors. You end up hurt and wounded.
2. Platform
Remember this: there’s no such thing as “it’s not working.” A platform is being built within you. Build the platform of God’s Kingdom. It’s not about whether it’s working or not — it’s about which of the three kingdoms is being established. Even if you just curse every day, a platform is being built. When you pray in faith for your family or others, a spiritual platform is being built.
Sometimes during important soccer matches, commentators comment anxiously, saying, “It shouldn’t go this way.” They may be correct, but they are unaware that a person’s words have spiritual influence.
Likewise, when you say something casually at home, understand that your words have spiritual influence.
3. God’s Plan
You must ask yourself from time to time, “What is God’s plan?” There is no better platform. Even if you don’t get an answer, the moment you ask, God’s Kingdom begins to be established.
Even a child who can’t do much, if they have a desire to do better, the work begins.
When you meet in your groups, this can be fulfilled there as well. Whenever you meet someone, bless them sincerely — it will surely be fulfilled. Knowing the spiritual world is powerful.
▣ Main Points
What kind of answers will come?
1. Past (Platform), Present (Witness), Future (Way)
When the kingdom comes, it revives the past, present, and future. The past becomes a platform. The problems of today become testimonies. The future begins to show the way with God’s answers.
Hardships in the past become stepping stones. Studies you thought were wasted become platforms. Physical weaknesses you endured become stepping stones.
2. Church — Shadow of the Throne, Signpost, Resting Place
Then comes the answer of reviving the church — the place where the blessing of the throne is most enjoyed. For pastors, it’s the pulpit; for lay leaders, the field; for remnants, the future.
The church is described as the shadow of the throne, a signpost, and a resting place for spiritual blessings.
3. Business (Occupation)
Eventually, even your work (business) will be formed. In some ways, it’s something worth waiting for.
1) Specialization — Only, Uniqueness, Re-Creation
Specialization will emerge in your work: not just any specialization, but that of Only, Uniqueness, and Re-Creation. If you enjoy the blessings of prayer throughout the week, it will naturally come.
2) Discipleship
Others who enjoy these blessings with you will arise — that is discipleship.
3) Globalization
Because the gospel must be preached, globalization follows.
If you don’t understand this, you cannot understand most other things. Without understanding this, there is no point in talking about the gospel, prayer, or worship.
But once you truly understand, these answers will begin to unfold. Today, during worship, receive great grace and experience it throughout the week. It is being fulfilled — do not despair.
▣ Conclusion — Fullness of the Holy Spirit
Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” “Comes” means to be filled. “Then you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.”
Today, even as you wait or prepare for worship, you must enjoy these answers moment by moment.
Through the first and second services, you will gradually enjoy these answers.
When you go out to the field, you will find many problems, but instead of struggling, you will find many answers.
Today, as I go to the RU conference this afternoon, we’ll talk more about RU. Though there are many problems, I found many answers there.
I bless you in Jesus’ name to confirm many answers throughout the week.
Prayer. God, we thank You. May Your Kingdom, unknown to the world, be established. Make us witnesses who will save them. In Jesus Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.