2025.11.16 Sunday 2nd Service
237 Missions Dept. Devotional Worship
Scripture Reading: Acts 17:1-9
The power of the covenant – (Romans 16:25-27)
Thank you. The question is: how great is the power of the covenant? Because the covenant is God’s Word, it carries the power of creation. From the moment you hold onto this covenant, answers begin. And He is saying that He will now reveal what was hidden before eternity. Because this is the covenant of the gospel, He is saying He will give what will remain forever and ever.
[ Moses – age 80, 40 years ]
There is something you must think about here today. Moses held onto the covenant, but the works arose when he was 80 years old. And it took 40 years to travel the wilderness. That is how it was.
[ David – 15 to 20 years ]
Also, David held onto the covenant, and it was fulfilled after about 15 to 20 years.
[ Paul – 250 (313) ]
Paul even spoke about world evangelization, and it was fulfilled after 250 years. It was fulfilled when Paul was no longer there.
So how should we understand this? We held onto the covenant, and then do answers come only after such a long time? That is a misunderstanding. From the moment you hold onto the covenant, continuous answers come, and they continue all the way to 250 years. This was in AD 313. It is not that Moses received no answer and only finally received one at 80. Answers continued to be fulfilled, and at the age of 80, the D-day came.
[ Bartizan, journey, guidepost ]
In the end, when we look back, we see that the bartizan, journey, and guidepost of the throne were all fulfilled. So this began from the moment you held onto the covenant. But most people receive this without knowing. Most people think there are no answers and then suddenly receive them.
[ Covenant – lifelong ]
Today, among us, there are those who know this covenant and hold onto it. When they held onto a lifelong covenant, works began from that moment. Many people receive without even knowing. As you are holding onto the covenant, most people have no idea what is taking place. Many people only realize it much later, after time has passed, and say, “Ah?” Some even realize it when their future generations see it and say, “Oh? Our mother and father prayed, and how is it that the answer has come this precisely?”
[ Grace ]
Even so, whether they realize it or not, the exact covenant is fulfilled at that time. The fact that we received it without knowing—that is grace.
[ Mission ]
But you now begin with understanding. This becomes a mission. We received salvation by grace. In one sense, without fully knowing. But now that we know, it is no longer just that. From this point on, it becomes a mission. So from the moment you hold onto this covenant, it begins to be fulfilled.
Among these, what is most important?
「What to teach the next generation first」 (Acts 17:1-9)
In 237 missions, what does God love most? The future generation. In one sense, the older people are footholds. The works will take place in the future generation. Because God hid them and then sent them, it is completely set for the Word to be fulfilled. If so, you must carry this for the future generation in your heart. What must you teach them most? What is the very first thing to teach the next generation? You must absolutely confirm this. This is the covenant we will hold today. Acts 17:1-9. What must we teach?
▣ Introduction
The covenant you hold onto in childhood lasts for life and continues. Especially the children among the 5,000 tribes have virtually no cultural benefits. So in one sense, the gospel can go in to them directly.
I asked myself, “What is evangelism in childhood?” For me, evangelism was so difficult. Pastors on the pulpit kept telling us to evangelize, but I did not know what to do. So they printed tracts and said, “Take a bundle as you go and give them out.” They told us to hand the tracts to people so they could read them at home. Even that was hard for me. Roaming around delivering tracts, without even knowing the gospel—this was so difficult. I was immature and did not understand evangelism. So I would put three tracts into some homes—just to finish faster. That is how hard evangelism was for me. “Why is evangelism so difficult that it does not work in this church? Is it really this hard?”
And why are our good, precious adults so tormented by poverty? You might say it was the times, but why are they so tormented by sickness? These three questions became my covenant in childhood, and they have continued to this day. It is amazing. The covenant that remnants hold in childhood determines their entire lives.
- Developed countries – 40%
The situation is quite serious now. Not all, but among the future generation in developed countries, in some schools about 40% of students are on medication. These are their own statistics. That is how it is in America. There are even schools where up to 40% of the students are told, “Let the teachers administer medication and make them study.” This is no small problem. - Developing countries – a state of abandonment
In developing countries, children are in a completely abandoned state. Not just neglected, but completely abandoned. It is beyond imagination. Among African countries, Kenya is a relatively developed nation. Nairobi in Kenya is a famous city. When I went there, thousands of children were roaming around. That is the capital city. So I asked, “Do these children not go to school?” They said no. I asked the children, “Why are you not in school?” and they would not even answer. So I asked again, and though not all, they said, “There are schools.” But in the current situation, even though there are school buildings, there are no teachers to teach. So thousands of children wander the streets. I thought, “This is not a normal situation.” The international community says they are doing something, but I wonder what, because people are literally starving to death. Many are sick from drinking contaminated water. For those of us in a developed country like Korea, it is hard to understand. When you open your refrigerator, it is filled with clean water—how can you understand? But those children drink dirty, stagnant water. - Children who are in Korea
More importantly, we must think about the children who are here in Korea. The teams working with multiethnic ministry and 237 work must think fast and correctly about this. These children here in Korea have parents, of course. The multiethnic families who have come here are often unable to clearly talk about how difficult their situation is. Whatever their hardships may be, we do not know. So those who are doing 237 ministry must be most aware of these things.
They might not say it out loud, but the issues that come up most often are visas—perhaps the biggest issue. You must be somewhat specialized to handle this. Next is employment. Then, following that, come issues with the children’s education. These are the kinds of problems that arise. And if the visas do not work out, the family cannot stay together and must go back. They are all struggling with the same concerns. Recently, I listened to an interview President Lee Jae-myung had with some scientists. In that interview, a foreigner stood up and asked a question. He said he was studying here for his PhD, but his current visa did not allow his children to stay with him. So he was in a situation where he would have to go back. I do not know the exact visa conditions, but he said this in front of the president.
We must care for such people like family within the church. It is not that they are thinking, “We must get help from everyone,” but they have real difficulties, and we must not be ignorant of them. We must pray together and walk with them.
I mentioned this once before: some people came to Korea to get married. Among them were those who had been deceived. Some had already been married before and had children in their home countries. Then they married again and came to Korea. After living with their Korean husbands and seeing how good they were, they eventually shared their situation. Their husbands said, “All right,” and brought the children over. But those children could not legally enroll in school. And there are tens of thousands of such children. I was shocked. “So this is how it is.” If I had known, I would have started a school right away. Those children’s school would not even need elaborate facilities. Just gather them and teach them.
This is how we must raise the future generation. God has hidden treasures there. So at least in our church, what must we teach the next generation?
▣ Main
- Acts 17:3 [ Christ ]
First, in verse 3 of chapter 17, he gives an explanation about Christ. He explained about Christ, and we must clearly make Christ known to the children. We must clearly explain the term “Christ.” This term is the way, the truth, and the life that leads to the Triune God. This word “Christ” is extremely important.
1)Perfection
So we must teach the perfection of Christ.
(1) John 8:56
To solve our eternal past, what is first? The Christ who existed before eternity. In John 8:56, what does He say? “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” This is an astounding statement. The Jews lost their minds when they heard it. “How old are you?” they asked. They did not know that Christ had been prophesied before eternity and that knowing this name alone would bring salvation. It is an astounding name.
Someone once wrote to me, saying, “Pastor, when you said in your message that Christ solved my past, I was so thankful.” That is right.
(2) John 1:14
In John 1:14, He became flesh, taking on a human body, and came to save people.
(3) Acts 3:6
Even now, as in Acts 3:6, when we command in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, works arise. What is this? The resurrected Christ. Even now, we can use that authority in His name.
(4) Revelation 20:1-15
It does not end there. He has also solved the problems of the future. Christ will come again as the Lord of the Second Coming. In Revelation 20:1-15 we find the record of Christ who will come again as the Lord of the Second Coming.
(5) Revelation 21:1-17
In Revelation 21:1-17, we see the eternal Christ who will stand as the Judge forever. In other words, if that person is a child whom God has chosen, then the moment this one word enters them, works arise completely.
The ones in whom the least works occur are often those who have attended church a long time—because they do not know. They have been in church too long and are spiritually tormented. But someone who has been spiritually tormented for a long time receives Christ and is finished. That person stakes their life. Some are constantly tormented by suicidal thoughts and hear voices. When they believe and receive Jesus Christ, works arise. That is why shamans often sincerely believe—because they have experiences. After great suffering, they receive Christ and answers come. Of course, Christ is also the complete answer for you.
2)Fullness of the Holy Spirit
So He guides you completely from beginning to end. He also guides your future. He promised this. Right? “He will teach you all things and will tell you what is yet to come.” This is what we call the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, He gives this kind of strength.
3)7·7·7 300%
Not only that—what else? He gives you the bartizan, journey, and guidepost so that you can succeed 300%. The remnants among the multiethnic peoples whom God has prepared will have all darkness crumble before this one word, Christ. We have heard the word “Christ” so often that we say, “What, Christ?” But in darkness, it is the perfect light.
- Acts 17:2 [ The perfection of worship and prayer ]
Second, what must we teach? Verse 2 of chapter 17. What does it say there? In verse 2 it says, “On three Sabbath days…” What is this “new Sabbath”? We must make these remnants know perfectly what worship and prayer are. “But will children understand?” That is your thought. If the Holy Spirit works, they will understand. Right? People also say, “Will new believers understand?” That is truly an ignorant statement. When the Holy Spirit works, people understand even when they hear it for the first time. “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3. Jesus Himself said, “If you ask in my name, the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, will be with you forever. He will let you know the future and remind you of everything I have said to you.” That is how it is. We must teach what worship and prayer are.
1)The Lord of prayer (the Triune God)
So then, the Lord of prayer is not us. Right? When you pray, the Lord of prayer—the Triune God—works invisibly.
2)The background of prayer – throne, kingdom, and its work
We must teach what the background of prayer is. What is the background of prayer? Today, we have worshiped with the three feasts. That is the background: the throne, the kingdom, and the work of the kingdom. Just wait and see. You worship on Sunday, hold onto the Word, and pray—and in your field, the throne, the kingdom, and the work of the kingdom are surely fulfilled. This is the background of prayer.
3)The method of prayer
So then, what is the method of prayer? Why must I pray?
(1) Imprint (brain)
Our prayer not only connects to the throne, but it becomes imprinted in us. It becomes imprinted in our brains. That is why it is very important to pray out loud.
(2) Root (soul)
Our prayer becomes rooted in our souls.
(3) Nature (throne)
Our prayer makes our very nature one that communicates with the throne. This is prayer. So worship is no ordinary thing. Prayer is important. If our precious remnants can listen properly to the message of Christ and pray, it is essentially finished.
- Acts 17:1 [ The perfection of answers ]
So they went into the synagogue. Why did they go into the synagogue? Not only prayer, but the perfection of answers.
1)Talents 300%
God will cause the talents of our remnants to reach 300%.
2)Work 300%
For the remnants who have come from those dark countries, God will make their work 300%. Otherwise, world evangelization cannot be done.
3)Evangelism and missions 300%
We must teach them this. If I were teaching them, I would teach like this: “From now on, do not pray to be the ones helped, but pray to be the ones who help. From now on, though we must pray, ‘Lord, send workers,’ do not merely pray that way—pray, ‘Lord, allow us to send workers.’”
RLS has become such a wonderful school now. It is a place where gifted children gather. At first, runaway kids were the ones there. Runaway kids had come and were staying in the church. No matter how foolish we are, we still had to do something. We had to make a school. At that time, I preached in the first service here, then went up to Seoul for the second service and came back. I counseled them on the airplane while flying with them. I told them, “First of all, you are an extraordinary child. You have done three things I could not do. I wanted to run away from home but could not. I wanted to quit school but could not; I just kept attending. I did not want to go to church but went because I had to. You have done all three. You are an amazing person. From now on, start from here. Take this character you have and start from here.”
So should we name the school “The House of Runaway Kids”? Of course not. From the beginning I said, “You are future leaders.” And now they are truly doing that role. The RLS students are now playing a role in leading the world. Truly. “You must enjoy the 300% blessing of evangelism and missions that God gives you, and through that, carry out world evangelization.” Even if they do not fully do this, we must teach correctly. Among the many things God has given us, even if we cannot do everything, we must still speak about God’s things.
▣ Conclusion
What is the conclusion?
- The first opportunity
For these children, and for the 237 children you will meet in the future, as I said before, they have never heard this once. You must always remember that. Why must we clearly tell them this? Because they have never heard it. It is the first time. This might sound a bit proud, but if you do not tell them, there is no one else. Right? - The last opportunity
It is the last opportunity for those children. - The eternal opportunity
So how must we form them? We must imprint them so that they will never forget, for eternity. We do not know when we will see them again. It is an eternal opportunity.
So, as you did well last time also, when those children come, we must absolutely plant into them the sure gospel, testimonies backed by prayer, and the sense of their mission. If needed, we must also start something new.
When we first moved into a 35-pyeong basement, there was one thing we did that has never stopped. The entire church took turns fasting one day at a time. It says Paul fasted and prayed when he first went out to the mission field. So he completely received the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because you prayed like that, you are now playing the leading role in world evangelization.
So from now on, for the sake of temple construction—since we must have the three courtyards—how about we set up a relay of daily fasting prayer for the building? For those who do not know how to pray, just being hungry is prayer. Saying, “Oh, I’m hungry,” is prayer. In this way, we connect faith and the covenant. During the North Korea missions conference, I said, “Pray in relay every day.” Fasting one day is actually good for your body as well. So there is nothing bad about it. How about starting a relay of prayer, where the entire congregation continues to pray without ceasing until the temple construction is fully done? In that, multiethnic peoples, remnants, and TCK children will naturally be included.
What would have happened if Philip had said something else to the Ethiopian eunuch? It would have been a disaster. He explained Christ. Christ is the name before which all forces of darkness tremble. It is the name that broke the power of Satan. He is the true priest who took all the curses we were supposed to receive. We could never meet God, so He made known to us the true way—the true prophet, not just any prophet. And He is not just any king. He is the true King. Not merely someone who wears priestly garments and performs rituals, but the true priest.
I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ that this week the eyes of your life may be opened to see the blessing of the covenant being fulfilled. Let us pray.
Prayer. Let the covenant begin and be fulfilled throughout this week. For the people of the Lord who pray all day long inside the covenant, grant them the covenant You gave to the tabernacle, the temple, and the Mark’s upper room church. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.