2025.08.24 Sunday First Service
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:1-9
▣ Introduction – People who received great answers in situations where no one could help
Thank you. A long time ago, in my hometown, there was a boy I knew — not a very close friend, but someone I was acquainted with. One day, after coming back from school, I learned that his mother had taken her own life. He was deeply traumatized. You can imagine how devastating that was. Afterward, a stepmother came into the picture, but she was abusive and treated him terribly. I don’t know where he is now or how he’s doing, but for most of his life, he was tormented by deep wounds from those experiences.
Back then, if I had understood the gospel, I could have confidently shared it with him. But at that time, I didn’t know the gospel well.
Many of you who are new to the faith have also experienced difficult times like these. But when we read Scripture, we find that almost all the people who received great answers were placed in suffering, especially situations where no one could help them.
1. Joseph
One day, Joseph was sold into slavery and later thrown into prison. There was no one to help him. Yet God used Joseph and raised him up as a key figure in His plan. That’s why, when you face suffering, you must hold firmly to God’s covenant.
2. Moses
Moses one day saw the Israelites being brutally mistreated and beaten as slaves. Seeing their suffering, he tried to intervene — and in the process, he killed an Egyptian who was abusing one of his people. Because of this, Moses had to flee and ended up living as a fugitive.
But here’s what’s important: that crisis became the place where Moses received the greatest answers. Many scholars believe Moses wrote Genesis during this period. It contained incredible spiritual revelations.
Your wounds, hardships, and suffering cannot just be ignored. If they remain unresolved, they lead to spiritual problems — as I saw with that childhood friend who struggled with strange behaviors for years because he never found healing. Back then, I didn’t know how to help him, but now I understand: only the gospel brings true restoration.
3. Elijah
King Ahab wanted Elijah dead. Elijah had no way to fight back or escape the danger. Out of desperation, Elijah prayed, “Lord, take my life. I can’t go on any longer.”
But that moment became one of the most important times of his life — the turning point when God spoke to him clearly. We must not miss moments like these.
4. Jeremiah
Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would soon be taken captive by Babylon, according to God’s Word. But people became furious, saying, “Who are you to speak for God? Do you think you’re the only prophet?” They falsely accused Jeremiah of being pro-Babylonian and threw him into prison.
Yet in that prison, God gave him His promise:
“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time:
‘I am the Lord who made the earth, who formed it and established it — the Lord is His name. Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” (Jeremiah 33:2–3)
This is the covenant you must hold on to today when you face difficulties.
▣ Main Message – The first answers you must hold on to
There are three types of answers you must firmly hold.
1. What to Do First – “Cry Out” (Only Prayer)
God said, “Call to Me” — not just “pray” but “cry out”. There’s a difference between ordinary prayer and crying out to God with desperation and focus.
1) Pray without distractions or seeking people’s approval
Crying out in prayer means focusing only on God. It’s not about impressing others or being conscious of people. It’s prayer that comes from the heart.
*Prayer is stored in your brain, your spirit, and before the throne of God.
2) Pray earnestly
(1) Abraham – He yielded everything and built an altar before God, and that’s when God began His works.
(2) Moses – On Mount Horeb, during a desperate time, God started His work through Moses.
(3) Elijah – When Elijah fled to Mount Horeb, God gave him the true message:
“I will replace King Ahab. I have reserved 7,000 disciples who have not bowed to Baal. Anoint Elisha as your successor.”
Elijah thought it was the end, but for God, it was the beginning.
3) How much should you cry out?
(1) Hezekiah – Facing death, he turned to the wall and prayed earnestly. That very night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.
(2) Early Church Leaders – The early church leaders stayed up all night, crying out to God, and He Himself removed King Herod.
Start today — whenever you have time, cry out to God. Pray until His Word begins to work in your life.
2. What to Know First – God’s Promises
Crying out is important, but you must also know God’s promises and hold them firmly. These are five key promises:
1) “I will show you great and hidden things you do not know.”
2) “I will heal this city.”
3) “I will restore Judah and Israel from captivity.”
4) “I will forgive all your sins.”
5) “This city will become a name of joy, praise, and glory before all nations. When people see its glory, they will tremble and be in awe.”
When you stand in this promise, Satan trembles before you. That’s the power God has given you.
3. What to Be Assured of First
People may curse you, and Satan will do everything to bring disaster upon you, but God desires to bless you.
1) The Seven Disasters of Israel
Even in Israel’s seven disasters, God raised remnants who turned them into seven blessings because they knew God’s ultimate plan.
2) God’s Promise of Salvation
Long before, God promised that Christ would come to save us. Nothing else — no rituals, no religion, no personal effort — can bring salvation. Only Christ.
3) Christ’s Explanation of God’s Heart
(1) The Lost Sheep – A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that was lost. Likewise, God desires to bless you and restore you fully.
(2) “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus invites you to bring your burdens and receive His rest.
▣ Conclusion – Be a Witness
1. Be a witness who changes destiny through God’s blessing.
1) From Weakness to Saving Your Family Line – Pray, “Lord, make me a witness who brings salvation to my entire household.”
2) In the Church – Pray to become a witness of evangelism.
3) In a World Obsessed with Profit – Ask God to make you a witness who brings life, not one who follows greed.
4) In a World Full of Spiritual Problems – Pray to be a witness for this generation.
2. Hold on to God’s promises.
1) “I will give you power to reach the ends of the earth, and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8)
2) “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go and make disciples of all nations. I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:18–20)
3) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel. The Lord, seated on the throne, worked with them.” (Mark 16:15, 20)
3. Open your eyes and see.
People all around you are groaning, struggling, and crying out in pain. They are not your enemies — they are captives who need the gospel.
Stand as a witness. Live as one who carries God’s covenant, God’s promise, and God’s answer into the world.
Prayer. Father, we thank You. You said, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Today, let this be the day we receive strength, see Your Word fulfilled, and experience Your healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.