The Church and Temple That Do Not Fall into Empty Deception

Prayer Journal: September 11, 2025
December 8, 2024 Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:6-15


Moses repeatedly said one thing to Joshua: “Do not fear. Be strong. Do not be dismayed.” He kept saying these words again and again. The early church and even Paul also said, “Do not worry.” Why was this emphasized so much? Today’s passage reveals the reason: it warns us against empty deception. In verse 8, the Scripture explains this in detail. Therefore, we must build a church and a temple that do not fall into empty deception. Is the church the same as the temple? They can be the same, but they are not always identical. You are the church, but the building where we gather to worship is the temple.

▣ Introduction

The reality is that 99.9% of people are being deceived and falling. In today’s passage, it speaks of “empty deception.” That’s 99.9%.

1. Evidence

There is undeniable evidence of this deception.

1) Genesis 3, 6, 11

Throughout history, among many powerful nations, this same pattern has always existed. This is what is destroying people even today. It is the trap Satan set from the beginning. People thought they could become like God, but instead, they became Nephilim. They said, “Let us build,” and they exerted their strength, but the result was the Tower of Babel. This is why in your walk of faith, what matters is not simply whether you receive answers or not. You must clearly understand these spiritual problems first.

2) Acts 13, 16, 19

When people fail to find true answers, they inevitably fall into idols, superstitions, and religion. These things become frameworks that completely enslave them.

3) John 8:44

That’s why, starting from John 8:44, it explains that people are trapped in six snares, beginning with “your father, the devil.”

2. Witnesses

For this reason, at every critical moment in history, God raised up witnesses.

1. Evidence (Empty Toil)

What is the evidence? It is all empty toil. We must avoid this at all costs. The church must not waste its energy on meaningless toil.

2. Witnesses

1) Disasters – Remnant Economy

If you study the Bible carefully, you will see that every time an age of disaster came, God always raised up the remnants. And what did the remnants do? They restored the remnant economy. Everywhere the remnants went, kings were revived, and through them, the 237 nations and 5000 tribes were revived as well.

2) Missions Economy – Covenant

Through many church leaders, God restored the missions economy. How was this restoration possible? The Bible shows one common factor, and this is the part you must hold onto today. Over and over, Scripture records: “The Word of the Lord came to Moses.” “The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.” This is the answer. For those who are not saved, this cannot be understood. But for those who are saved, when the Word of the Lord comes upon them, everything else comes together. Still, many people waste their efforts chasing empty things. Through you, and through the remnants, world evangelization must surely take place.

3) Economy of Light – Tabernacle, David, Temple Reconstruction

So then, what is the economy of light? In the wilderness, God revived everything through the tabernacle-centered ministry. That is the temple. When God prepared the temple through David, He poured out the economy of light abundantly. And even after it was lost, when God commanded the reconstruction of the temple, He declared, “I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the nations.” Hold tightly to this covenant today.

3. Disciples to Proclaim the Gospel

There is one more thing. This week, you must make a resolution. There is a difference between a disciple who proclaims the gospel and a church that proclaims the gospel. When persecution and trials come, disciples who proclaim the gospel will rise, but those who do not proclaim the gospel will fall.

1) Covenant

You must understand this clearly. Disciples who proclaim the gospel have no personal reasons, no calculations, and no conditions. They hold onto one thing only — the covenant.

2) Relationship

It is only about maintaining your relationship with God.

3) Identity

It is only about knowing your identity. Many lose hold of God’s answers because they fail to understand this. Paul warned passionately in Colossians 2, “Do not waste your effort.” In Colossians 2:3, it says, “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” And in verse 8, it warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which depend on human traditions and the elementary principles of the world, rather than on Christ.” Therefore, as we offer this temple dedication service, we must first understand what the temple truly means.

▣ Main Point

If you remember these three things, God’s answers will surely come upon you.

1. Individual (7)

You, the believers, are God’s temple. In verses 6 and 7, it says, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.” This means that you, as a saved child of God, are His temple. If you lose hold of this and focus only on building a physical structure, it would be meaningless.

2. Field (15)

Secondly, your workplace field, your meeting field, and all your relationships — these are also the temple. In verse 15, it says, “Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities and triumphed over them by the cross.” This means everything in the field must be centered on Christ.

3. Church Building

Third, the physical place where we gather for worship — the church building — is also the temple. Paul explains this further.

1. Individual (7)

1) John 1:11, 12

In John 1:11–12, it says, “Jesus Christ came as the Light. To those who received Him and believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” This Light has already come upon you. Do not be discouraged. Wait upon God, and He will surely carry out the gospel movement through you. Throughout history, two battles have continued: the Jews faced disasters for generations, but the early church fulfilled world evangelization. Do not be deceived; hold firmly to this.

2) 1 Corinthians 3:16

In 1 Corinthians 3:16, it says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Do not be deceived by empty things.

3) Philippians 2:13

In Philippians 2:13, it says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” God has made you His temple and placed His good will within you.

4) 1 Peter 2:9

In 1 Peter 2:9, it says, “God has called you as His holy people to proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” When you worship on Sunday, carefully confirm God’s Word and look at it prayerfully. Even just doing that will bring God’s answers because you are the temple.

5) Resurrection

That is why, when Jesus resurrected, He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go in My name. In My name, drive out demons and lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” He promised to be with you always.

2. Field

At that moment, God makes your meetings and your fields into the temple.

1) Remnant 7

For the 7 remnants, everywhere they went became the temple. Do not lose hold of this. Starting tomorrow, wherever you go — your workplace, your business, your school — that place is the temple. Why? Because God’s Spirit is with you there. A palace is called a palace because the king is there. Even if a house looks luxurious, if only beggars gather there, it becomes a den of beggars. But even if a house is shabby, if the king dwells there, it is still a palace. Wherever you go, confess boldly: “Because the Holy Spirit works here, this place is the temple.” The 7 remnants always displayed the evidence that God was with them.

2) Hebrews 11

If you look at all the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, you see this same reality in their lives.

3) The Remaining Ones, Pilgrims, and Conquerors

God called the disciples of the early church as the remaining ones. Everywhere they went, God’s kingdom came upon them. God called them pilgrims to carry His covenant wherever they went. Pastors must receive God’s answers while preparing the message. Church leaders must receive God’s answers while serving in worship. God has also called you as conquerors to stand as His witnesses.

3. Church Building

So then, why do we build a church building? This is important.

1) Most Holy Place and Holy Place

The church building where the gospel is proclaimed is where the Most Holy Place and Holy Place are united as one. That is the temple.

2) Priests 24

This is where the priests stand and carry out prayer 24 hours a day.

3) Three Courtyards 24

Most importantly, in verse 10 it says, “In Christ all fullness dwells, and He has given you that fullness.” This includes the three courtyards 24. This is why we build the temple. Yes, we can worship anywhere, but unless there is a place where the three courtyards can take place 24 hours a day, it cannot truly fulfill God’s design for the temple. The first blessing you must hold onto is that you, personally, are the temple. Then, wherever you go tomorrow — your workplace, your business, your school — that is the temple. Finally, the church building becomes the place where the 237 nations and 5000 tribes can gather to enjoy 24, 25, and eternity. Hold tightly to this covenant and pray.

▣ Conclusion

This week, hold onto this conclusion and pray.

1. 237

The standard of the answers you must hold onto is 237.

2. 5000

The blessings your future generations will receive are connected to the 5000 tribes.

3. Three Courtyards

Build the three courtyards that have disappeared from the earth.

4. The Three-Day Weekend Age

Next, open the three-day weekend age to save the next generation. Pray only for this and enter deeply into prayer. Elders prayed today, didn’t they? Do not simply sit and wait. If you just wait, that time becomes spiritually meaningless. When the elder prays, don’t sit wondering when it will end — enter into prayer together. When hymns are sung and the choir praises, even if you don’t understand their process, you must still enter into prayer. When the Word is proclaimed, don’t stare at the pastor — enter into prayer inside God’s Word. That is the key. Spiritual doors open during these times.

If you do not understand the blessings of the 237 nations and 5000 tribes, your future generations will struggle to survive. A new era is coming — an age where physical money will no longer be used. This shift is happening quickly. Blockchain technology is spreading rapidly, and ignoring it would be unwise. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have already skyrocketed. Even leaders like Trump have publicly stated this is the direction we must move toward. This shows how inevitable this new era has become. And where will the world’s focus be? Right here — on the movement of 237 nations and 5000 tribes. You must pray earnestly for this. Otherwise, we may lose the opportunity.

That is why remnants must pray. If we fail to understand the meaning of the three courtyards, many churches will have no choice but to close their doors. If we do not prepare for the three-day weekend age, we cannot save the next generation.

5. Holy Meditation Age

If we do not understand the holy meditation age, we cannot bring healing to ourselves or to the world. That is why we must hold onto this covenant and build the temple — within ourselves, within our fields, and within our gatherings.

This week, I bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that you may receive great answers in your prayers. Follow the flow of God’s Word and the flow of God’s answers. This does not mean just studying the Bible for knowledge; it means aligning yourself with God’s working and guidance.

There are many important guests here today who came from overseas. Please pay attention to them and pray for them, because they must return with this blessing. The many multiethnic people in our church and the remnants who are here must leave knowing what true prayer is. You must also come to understand what 300% means for your life and work.

That is why this week is not simply about constructing a physical temple. There are already many church buildings. Our calling is to establish a temple where 24-hour prayer, 237 nations, 5000 tribes, the three courtyards, the three-day weekend age, and the holy meditation age are all fulfilled together. Later, you will see why this was so important.

Therefore, I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ that your prayer of faith will continue without ceasing starting this week. Churches in places like Ulsan and Changwon are preparing, but this cannot be done casually. You must become people of prayer and restore God’s blessings. Do not settle for false blessings. Do not be deceived by empty things. Even now, in our Imse region, we are preparing extensively. Our church has the perfect conditions for restoring the three courtyards. I bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to receive this blessing this week.

Prayer. Father God, we thank You. May today’s covenant be fulfilled throughout these six days and be connected to answers for our entire lifetime. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.