God Who Gives Good Things

Sunday 1st Service / Title/Scripture: God Who Gives Good Things (Matthew 7:7-12) / Speaker: Pastor Ryu Gwang-su / Date/Location: January 16, 2022, Immanuel Seoul Church

Matthew 7:7-12
07 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
08 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
09 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Summary
“I am a child of God — so why am I living like this? God is almighty — so why do I have no power like this?” He truly prayed this prayer, and God answered it. Right now, a time of prayer is needed — one of grasping the exact covenant and making a decision. A prayer that grasps the exact covenant will always be answered.

▣ Introduction_ Two things to take note of
1. Matthew 7:6
He said not to give what is holy to dogs, nor to cast pearls before swine. This word means not to give holy things to dogs who do not know “value,” and to swine who know nothing but “eating.”

2. Matthew 7:9-11 (Luke 11:11-13)
“If your son asks for bread, will you give him a stone? If he asks for a fish, will you give him a serpent? If he asks for an egg, will you give him a scorpion? If even evil men know how to give good things to their children, will God not give good things?” He said this.

▣ Main_ The important things to pray for as shown in the text
1. The first prayer to understand is the prayer of a child of God
If you do not know this, it is like giving pearls to swine and holy things to dogs, He said. The first prayer to understand is the prayer of a child of God (John 1:11-12). When you become a child of God, what changes?
1) 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple” — this means you are God’s throne. “and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Because God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit — the Triune God — dwell within us in spirit, completely invisibly, we absolutely cannot be ruined. We must hold onto this covenant.
2) Galatians 2:20 All our curses, the me who deserved condemnation from the past, is completely crucified and dead on the cross, and Christ lives within me.
3) 2 Corinthians 5:17 The old has passed away; the new has come.
4) Genesis 1:27 God created us in His own image.
5) Genesis 2:7 God breathed the breath of life into Adam’s nostrils. We must pray this prayer.
▷ Because the Holy Spirit of God dwells within you who are saved children of God, God’s throne has come upon me. This is the prayer that seeks this. You must pray this prayer. Other prayers are not important. “Lord, let the blessing of the throne come upon me. Let the power of the Triune God come upon me.” The prayer of having become a child of God is immense. If you truly understand this prayer correctly, there will surely be a work of God.

2. The prayer through which the 9 powers of the throne are delivered to me
▷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” This means that not only the power of the Triune God is within me, but the 9 powers of the throne are to be delivered to me. Seeing this — God who gives even better things. God who gives answers that the world absolutely cannot give. And so, we must hold onto three certainties.
1) A child of God with whom the Triune God is present
2) The 9 powers of the throne, prepared for us, that save the world
3) Seeing this prayer being prayed — “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

3. The prayer that delivers this power to the world
1) Matthew 7:12 “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” The Law and the Prophets — this means this is the Scripture.
2) This is saying to begin the prayer that saves the dying, because there are so many who are dying.
3) This is saying to serve others.
▷ Recover prayer anew. Recover the prayer of a child of God. The prayer of enjoying and conveying the power of the throne — that better thing which the world cannot give, that God has given — must begin. Many people are waiting; begin the prayer that will save them.

▣ Conclusion_ All things are contained within these three prayers.
1. In Jesus’ first sermon, He continually spoke of prayer (Matthew chapters 5, 6, 7)
2. Answers received after beginning this prayer
The thirsty souls waiting for the gospel begin to be seen, and the answer of delivering the gospel comes. Within this, the upper room movement in the Scripture begins to be seen.
3. The path to healing the rapidly increasing mental illness in the world
1) Not a simple gospel, but the gospel must enter completely
2) The part that the Triune God fundamentally heals must enter into me
3) Now the 9 powers of the throne that truly receive answers must work within me
4) And so the truth of “Ask, seek, knock” must be conveyed
4. Begin this prayer during worship and throughout the week.
“God, work upon me with the power of the throne. Let the Triune God heal my soul. For there are so very many sick people throughout the whole world. Let me be a person of mission who saves them.” Only this prayer is needed. No other prayer is necessary. When you pray this prayer, all answers are set to be recovered.

Transcript
This happened forty years ago. I was troubled for a moment, but the answer came greatly. It was not some other prayer — I asked the question: “I am a child of God, so why am I living like this?” Anyone could ask that question, but I truly prayed it. “God is almighty, so why do I have no power like this?” That is how I asked. This was about forty years ago. And God answered that prayer.

Right now, you need a time of prayer — grasping the exact covenant and making a decision. You must not grab hold of a wrong covenant. A prayer that grasps the exact covenant will always be answered. This text is one you know well. And yet, beyond expectation, it is easy to miss.

▣ Introduction_ Two things to take note of.
First, in the introduction, there are two things to take note of.

“Ask, and it will be given to you.” That is what it says. “Seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Is this not something everyone knows?

1. Matthew 7:6
But here an important word appears. It is a part we have not read just now — there is only one verse set apart, and that is verse 6. In verse 6, this is written. Before saying these words, He said: “Will you give what is holy to dogs?” And also: “Will you throw your precious pearls to pigs?” That is how He began, you see? To put it simply: “Will you give what is holy to a dog that does not know value? Will you give pearls to a pig that knows nothing but eating? If you give it, won’t they just trample it with their feet, damage it, and destroy it?” And then right after that: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” — saying it like that. Within this, there is now a tremendous answer.

Today, even without great fasting prayer, He has given a very important answer right here for receiving answered prayer in a short time. No matter how much you may love your dog, you would not hang a very expensive necklace on it. A person who raises pigs would just give them slop — no matter how beloved those pigs may be, you would not go and bring them a big jewel or give them something special like that.

2. Matthew 7:9-11 (Luke 11:11-13)
And then He said this: “Who would give a stone to a son who asks for bread? Who would give a serpent to a child who wants to eat fish? Who would give a scorpion to one’s own child who wants to eat an egg?” In Luke chapter 11, one more appears. “Who would give a scorpion to one who asks for an egg? Does not even an evil person want to give good things to his own child? Will God not give good things?” Today, within this text, are the important things you need to pray.

▣ Main_ The important things to pray for as shown in the text

1. The first prayer to understand is the prayer of a child of God
First. You need to know what the prayer of a child of God is.

The prayer of a child of God is something tremendous. Can you afford not to know this? That is what I am saying. If you do not know it: “Is it not like giving pearls to swine?” That is what He says. Jesus was not comparing people to swine or dogs. He is saying, “Is it not just like that?” The first prayer you need to understand is the prayer of a child of God.

In John chapter 1, verse 11, it says, “Jesus came as the light.” And then the word that follows is: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” That is something tremendous. When you believe in Jesus and become a child of God — what happens? There is no other visible sign. You need to know that. When you become a child of God, what changes? The Scripture gives many important explanations.

1) 1 Corinthians 3:16
In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, verse 16: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” That is what it says.

2) Galatians 2:20
And in Galatians chapter 2, verse 20: “All our curses and our past died on the cross, and it is Christ who lives within me.”

3) 2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17: “A new creation.” Today you must simply remember this. What is the first thing? The throne of God’s kingdom — that blessing — comes to me first and foremost. This is that prayer.

If you do not know this — “Is it not like giving holy things to a dog?” That is what this says. “Does a pig not know nothing but eating? Then if you give pearls to a pig, will it understand?” That is the heartbreaking message. Most people do not know. A saved child of God — because the Holy Spirit of God dwells within you — the throne of God has come upon me. This is the prayer that seeks this. Pray that prayer today.

4) Genesis 1:27
Genesis chapter 1, verse 27: “God created us in his own image.”

5) Genesis 2:7
Today, what prayer must you pray? “God breathed the breath of life into Adam’s nostrils.” That is what it says. This is receiving that power. Your other prayers are not important. This prayer of having become a child of God — it is immense.

Something happened before. Those people know it — they saw it. Our team went to Taiwan to evangelize. The car unknowingly drove into a large Buddhist temple in Taiwan. And the head monk was no ordinary person. The moment he saw our team, he knew right away. And so our team shared the gospel with the head monk. This head monk had so much spiritual difficulty and could not find resolution — and he received Christ. Ah, a monk.

Something amazing happened. To this person, the moment he received Christ — the evil spirit that had been oppressing him and pressing him down his whole life — it fled. And so this caused a great commotion. What do you think happened? This monk immediately could not let it go, and went into a back room — doing the upper room here. Our team kept going. Later it became known, and there was an uproar in the temple. “Why is our monk studying the Bible in the back room?” That caused the commotion. That person will not be shaken. What it means to be saved — that person experienced it.

I mentioned this before. When you have this amazing experience, the experience of being saved, you change — your prayer changes.

The person herself was a shaman. Her mother-in-law was a shaman. Her own mother was a shaman. She contacted me. And her own mother and her mother-in-law had arranged the marriage and they were wed. But a child of about ten or so years old had fallen ill with a strange disease. The hospital could do nothing, so they said: “It would be better to go home.” And so they brought the child home. The hospital had said something like: “It might be today or tomorrow.” This person was so desperate that she looked at the bulletin and called — she called my house. I was a deacon at the time. I had truly done nothing. I felt somewhat awkward. Looking at the child’s face, it seemed strange. I thought to myself, “I need to get out of this house quickly.” I did only one thing. I told the exact gospel. This child — a child who had been dying — prayed together with me to receive Jesus. Even I did not believe it. I just went and did that. I myself had done nothing. That night, this child got up. Remarkable, isn’t it? So I thought, “Ah, this spiritual problem — it is this serious.”

Everyone, you are nearly all missing this blessing of being saved. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple” — this means “you are God’s throne.” “and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Because God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit — the Triune God — dwell within us in spirit, completely invisibly, we absolutely cannot be ruined. You must hold onto this covenant. And so Paul confessed it this way: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” “The me who deserved condemnation has been completely crucified and is gone. It is Christ who lives within me.”

Right now, Jesus is moving through Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, continually explaining. Today, begin your prayer. “Lord, let the blessing of the throne come upon me. Let the power of the Triune God come upon me.” If you truly understand your prayer correctly, there will surely be a work of God.

2. The prayer through which the 9 powers of the throne are delivered to me
Today, here: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” What does this mean? For the one who is saved, it is not only the power of the Triune God that is within me. As you keep seeing, the 9 powers of the throne are to be delivered to me. Seeing this, what was said? God who gives even better things. Not just the kind of answers we have been talking about until now, but God who gives good things. God who gives answers that the world absolutely cannot give.

There was once a pastor in America who was criticized a bit as “a mystic.” He could not speak well from birth. So his family gave him a name. Since he could not speak well from birth, they named him Oral Roberts. “Oral” — as in, speak well. Like how we Koreans, when a child has a mole, might nickname them “Jeom-soon-i” to wish the mole away. That is how they gave him the name.

And yet, strangely, while he could not speak well, he could pray. So he went to seminary. He went to seminary and became a pastor. But his ministry was not working. In the testimony he wrote, he said he was in some rural place and nothing could come of it. That is when he first came to understand. He truly began to pray before God. “God, give me the truly prepared answer — the blessing of the throne — the true answer that God has prepared. Give me that power.” He prayed this. This was a real person, and certainty came to him.

And then he thought, “Ah, I must heal many sick people and deliver this power of God.” He rented a theater even larger than this place (Immanuel Seoul Church) — enough to make others worried. “Can someone who couldn’t even revive a church really do this in such a large theater?” they said. But he gathered people into that large theater-like place and held a meeting. In the middle of the meeting, the fire of prayer broke out intensely. It was so overwhelming that the pastor collapsed in prayer.

He was lying in the hospital when newspapers reported on it. The newspaper covered the meeting of Pastor Oral Roberts. An unbelievable story. Three trucks of wheelchairs were taken out. Wheelchairs alone. In America, people were astonished. The people who had come in wheelchairs had left them behind and walked away. And three trucks full of wheelchairs alone. One or two trucks full of walking sticks only. The newspaper wrote: “This pastor’s sermon has not yet finished — because he collapsed in the middle of it. On the day the sermon finishes, America will be saved.” That was the article. And because so many of those things happened, the American church community apparently has records of people saying, “That person is strange.”

What I am saying right now is not that particular point. The answers to prayer that we should receive are not just at that level. As you begin this year, you must hold onto certainty. You must hold onto three certainties.

1) A child of God with whom the Triune God is present
A child of God with whom the Triune God is present.

2) The 9 powers of the throne, prepared for us, that save the world
What is the second? God has surely prepared for us — the 9 powers of the throne that save the world. You are to pray for those.

3) Seeing this prayer being prayed — “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Seeing that — “Ask, and you will receive. You are God’s child, so seek. Knock, and it will be opened to you.” You must begin this prayer.

3. The prayer that delivers this power to the world
Do you know what the last third thing is? It is delivering this power to the world.

1) Matthew 7:12
Today, verse 12 has this word. Although it may seem out of nowhere: “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Now — what does the Law and the Prophets mean? It means this is the Scripture. The ancient law and prophets — this is the Scripture. That is what it says. Some theologians say of this part that “He explained the highest ethics.” But it is not merely that.

2) This is saying to begin the prayer that saves the dying, because there are so many who are dying.
“Because there are so many who are dying — begin the prayer that saves the dying.” That is what it says.

3) This is saying to serve others.
Right now, even if people do not say so, there are so many people who are full of wounds. And so — truly, you must do this, there is no other option. There are so many wounded people. And so, it gets to the point where almost everything seems mentally off. Everything and everyone looks bad to them. Everything appears to be going wrong. That is mental illness — that is what it becomes. And people are filled with it. So go quickly to save them — save them.

Today, verse 12 may seem unrelated, but it says: “Serve others.” That is what it says. “For this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Today, you must recover prayer anew. You must recover the prayer of a child of God. What is the better thing that God has given, that the world cannot give? The prayer of enjoying and conveying the power of the throne must begin. Many people are waiting. Begin the prayer that will save them. That is it.

▣ Conclusion_ All things are contained within these three prayers.

1. In Jesus’ first sermon, He continually spoke of prayer (Matthew chapters 5, 6, 7)
Jesus is now in His first sermon, and He is continually speaking of prayer. In Matthew chapter 5 as well: “Be reconciled with your enemy and come and worship.” In Matthew chapter 6: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

2. Answers received after beginning this prayer
Then one day — I had just started praying this prayer fervently — two young women came walking into the church. They came in and said: “We came looking for the Unification Church meeting here.” So I asked, “Why are you looking for the Unification Church?” I truly could not understand. They said they had come all the way from Gimhae. In Busan, Gimhae is quite far even for us. “Why did you come?” I asked. They showed me a piece of paper and said: “It says there is a meeting here, so we came.” And there I shared the gospel with these two young women.

I shared the gospel, and of course they received it — but that was the first time I felt it. “Ah, there are souls this thirsty.” Their eyes — to some degree, they were moving around searching for something. At that moment I thought: “Ah, I am a fake believer — practically a fake believer.” There are people like this out there.

At the early days of the meetings, I shared that testimony. I went to Busan Jungang Church — I still remember it. A person named Lee Gyeong-suk came up and gave a testimony at the Friday all-night prayer meeting. I received it and was greatly shocked. Right in front of it was the Busan Bank headquarters. She had worked there for 14 years. This was her testimony. She was a new believer. She had received grace and when someone asked her to share at the Friday all-night meeting, I heard her testify.

She said she had wanted to go to church since she was young. But her parents said, “You absolutely cannot go to church.” She said that as a child, she loved even just the sight of a church building. And so she always thought in her heart: “Ah… I need to go to church. I need to believe in God.” She always had that thought. While working at Busan Bank for 14 years, an elder who worked at the same bank never once said to her, “Let’s go to church.” She said she simply could not understand it. She was too embarrassed to say anything herself. But that elder and the other church members — throughout her 14 years of working there — not one of them ever said, “Come to church.” Let alone sharing the gospel — they never even said, “Come to church.”

And so one Sunday, she simply went out and found a church on her own. At that time I was a deacon — there was a revival meeting, and a banner had been hung in front of the church. I didn’t even know I had written it, but I had written: “Anyone is welcome.” She saw it and came in. As the church members were going in, she asked: “Can I also come — to church?” And they just said, “Come in.” So she went in. In one sermon, this person was completely transformed.

At that time — I cannot speak for others — but I thought to myself: “Wow… I am truly a fake deacon.” There are so many people out there searching so desperately, and I have never gone to them even once. That is when I started going out. Ah… there are so many people waiting for this gospel. Actually, my life changed from that moment. Ah, those who are waiting — this gospel and nothing else will do. This must be delivered. And then the upper room movement in the Scripture became clear to me — I suddenly saw what it was. Well, from that point to this day, not missing a single day, the answers kept pouring in, to the point where I have no time to worry. I have no time to worry. God just keeps giving answers. Since I have no ability, I have no time to talk about others. Because the answers God keeps giving are so great, I am busy just keeping my eyes on them. And forty years passed like that.

3. The path to healing the rapidly increasing mental illness in the world
Right now, in America and all across the world, mental illness is suddenly rising. These days it is occurring at an extraordinary rate.

1) Not a simple gospel, but the gospel must enter completely
What can heal them is not a simple gospel — the gospel must enter completely.

2) The part that the Triune God fundamentally heals must enter into me
The part that the Triune God fundamentally heals must enter into me.

3) Now the 9 powers of the throne that truly receive answers must work within me
Now you must truly receive answers. The 9 powers of the throne must work within me. That is it — the second reason.

4) And so the truth of “Ask, seek, knock” must be conveyed
And so: “Ask, and you will receive. You are God’s child, so seek. Knock, and it will be opened to you” — this truth must be conveyed. All things are contained within these three.

4. Begin this prayer during worship and throughout the week.
As I came to understand why Jesus, at the very beginning of His ministry, explained prayer with these words — the answers began.

Today, I pray this will be the best week. Throughout the week, I hope you will begin this prayer. During worship today: “God, work upon me with the power of the throne. Let the Triune God heal my soul. For there are so very many sick people throughout the whole world. Let me be a person of mission who saves them.” Only this prayer is needed. No other prayer is necessary. Everyone, when you pray this prayer, all answers are set to be recovered. I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ that this blessing will begin for you. Let us pray.

Prayer. We thank you, God. Ask, and it will be given; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened. Before you, God who gives good things, let the answers that save the world and save me begin from this moment. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Gospel Nature

Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.


When the covenant of God is deeply imprinted in your heart, you will begin to see the ultimate answer to every problem in life—Jesus Christ. You will realize that everything necessary for your salvation, healing, victory, and eternal life was completely accomplished at the cross. Because Christ has finished the work, you will no longer be bound by circumstances, fears, failures, or human limitations. Problems may still come, but you will no longer view them as problems. Instead, you will see them as opportunities to witness God’s power and fulfillment of His covenant.

When the Word of God takes deep root in your spirit, soul, mind, and body, God’s healing and restoration will begin to unfold in every area of your life. The scars of the past, the wounds of the heart, distorted thoughts, and unhealthy spiritual habits will gradually be replaced by the things pertaining the kingdom of God. As a tree planted by streams of water naturally bears fruit, your life will begin to produce visible evidence of God’s work. Others will see the peace, wisdom, strength, and joy that come from being rooted in Christ.

As you continue to hold on to God’s covenant and meditate on His Word, your nature itself will gradually change. Your thoughts will become gospel-centered. Your words will become faith-filled. Your choices will be guided by God’s will rather than your own desires. What pleases God will begin to please you. What grieves God will begin to grieve you. This is what it means to develop a gospel nature.

As a result, prayer will no longer feel burdensome, and evangelism will no longer feel forced. Both will become natural expressions of your life as you enjoy the gospel. You will experience the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit, who continually leads you, strengthens you, and empowers you to live as a witness of Christ.

As the True Priest, Jesus Christ completely broke the curse of sin and death on the cross. He paid the price for all our sins and reconciled us to God. Therefore, you have been completely set free from the power of your past. The mistakes, failures, wounds, and sins that once defined you no longer determine your identity. You do not need to remain trapped in old frames, old habits, or old ways of thinking.

In Christ, God has given you a completely new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through faith, you have been clothed with Christ Himself (Galatians 3:26-27). The moment you believed in Jesus Christ, God gave you the right to become His child (John 1:12). Your citizenship changed (Philippians 3:20). Your spiritual address changed. Your future changed. Therefore, you no longer need to follow the ways of this world or be controlled by its values and standards (Ephesians 2:2).

When Christ reigns as King in your heart, Satan loses his authority over your life. The ruler of this world can no longer dominate you because you belong to the Kingdom of God. The fears that once controlled you no longer have the final word. The pressures of the present circumstances no longer define your future.

Therefore, nail your old nature to the cross. Nail your worries, selfish ambitions, pride, bitterness, and personal agendas to the cross. As long as these things continue to occupy the throne of your heart, spiritual struggles will persist. They are not worth preserving. They cannot give life. They cannot bring peace.

By faith, surrender them to Christ. Jesus said:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

When you deny yourself and follow Christ, the power of God begins to work in ways that human effort never can.

In everything you do, seek first to honor God:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

One of the greatest ways to honor God is through thanksgiving. Thanksgiving acknowledges God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness even when circumstances seem difficult. Gratitude is an expression of faith that says, “God is still in control,” and “God is always right.” Anything done with a thankful heart pleases God because it recognizes His presence and His purpose.

Your life is secure in Christ, who loved you and gave Himself for you. Therefore, reclaim the spiritual blessings that belong to you as a child of God. Do not allow fear, anxiety, or unbelief to rob you of what Christ has already secured through His death and resurrection.

Thus, seek God’s purpose in your present circumstances. Every challenge contains God’s hidden plan. Every difficulty can become a platform for God’s glory. Restore the heavenly blessings you have neglected because of earthly worries.

The Holy Spirit began His work in you the moment you believed in Christ. He did not wait for you to become mature or perfect. He entered your life in the midst of your weaknesses and shortcomings. Even now, He is teaching you God’s Word, guiding your steps, and empowering you to live by faith.

“But what about my sinful nature?” The answer is not self-effort but dependence upon the Holy Spirit: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

The flesh and the Spirit are in constant conflict. Yet God has not left you to fight alone. The Holy Spirit is actively working within you, transforming you day by day. Spiritual growth is not merely your effort to become like Christ; it is the Spirit of God conforming you to the image of Christ.

Therefore, be patient with yourself. God is not finished with you yet: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). The God who saved you is the God who will sanctify you. The God who called you is the God who will complete His work in you.

Therefore, abandon your own thoughts and ways whenever they conflict with God’s Word. Let go of selfish motives. Throw off legalism and self-righteousness. These things produce confusion, pride, discouragement, and spiritual exhaustion. They do not glorify God.

Like Paul, learn to confess that your life is no longer your own: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The victorious Christian life begins and ends at the cross. It begins by dying with Christ and continues by living through Christ. Why? Because Christ Himself now lives within us.

Our old frames must be broken. Wrong imprints must be replaced by the gospel. Worldly ways of thinking must be renewed by God’s Word. Our sinful nature must continually be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

To die with Christ means surrendering ownership of our lives to Him. It means laying down our plans, our ambitions, our pride, and our self-centered desires before His lordship. As long as we insist on ruling our own lives, we will struggle to experience the power and freedom Christ intends for us.

This is why Paul could boldly confess: “I die every day” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Each day, he chose to trust Christ rather than himself. Let us do the same.

Turn your life into a 24-hour prayer. Enjoy the blessings of the heavenly throne. Listen carefully to God’s voice through His Word. Converse with Him throughout the day. Align your thoughts, plans, and decisions with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

As you continue to follow Him, you will discover that God is leading you into places you never imagined—”the ends of the earth.”


Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank You for living in me through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for freeing me from my past, giving me a new identity, and making me Your child. Help me to die to myself daily and live by faith in You alone. Let Your Word take deep root in my heart and transform every area of my life. Lead me by Your Spirit and make me into the person You created me to be. May Christ alone be seen in my thoughts, words, and actions. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Three Things to Do First

Sunday 2nd Service Worship / Temple Construction Dedication Service
Title / Scripture: Three Things to Do First (Matthew 7:1-6)
Speaker: Pastor Ryu Kwang-soo
Date / Location: January 9, 2022 / Immanuel Church


Three Things to Do First
(Matt 7:1-6)
3/9/3 
filling

Introduction – temple construction

1. Temple – Globalization
[Idol temple]
1) David-Solomon Temple
2) Rebuilding – Zerubbabel Temple
3) Herod Temple 

2. Future Generation = Future
1) Children’s courtyard (Summit)
2) Gentiles’ courtyard (237)
3) Prayer courtyard (healing)

3. Culture
1) Tabernacle
2) Temple
3) Church

Main – Church restoration; Matt 24, Matt 25
1. First things – church that breaks the darkness
1) Matthew 5:24 
2) Matthew 6:32-33
3) Matthew 7:1-6

2. Church that saves
1) Bartizan within me
2) Bartizan in the church
3) Bartizan in the field

3. Church that blocks the disasters
1) 237, healing, summit
2) 3 camps 
3) 3 systems 
Conclusion – globalization


Matthew 7:1-6

01 Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
02 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
03 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
04 How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
05 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
06 Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.


Summary

▷ There are many people who find it difficult to pray. During the time of holding on to the right covenant and praying, tremendous healing and power take place. Those who know this will pray. Always remember that when you worship, you should think about connecting to your field. And when you are in the field, you must hold on to the covenant of the Word from worship. At that time, God sends His angels and God’s work is accomplished.

▣ Introduction_ Temple Construction (It is greater than martyrdom. Therefore it must be done with the spirit of martyrdom.)

1. Temple Construction – There is a most important reason it becomes globalized.
– Those who spread the forces of darkness make idol temples to bring people down.

1) David (Solomon’s Temple) – When temple construction is done, the level of that church and everything about its future is revealed. As David prepared to build the temple, everything about David was revealed. When Solomon completed the temple, God gave him wisdom greater than the combined wisdom of all kings. This shows how important God regards it.

2) Temple Reconstruction (Zerubbabel’s Temple) – Babylon invaded and destroyed the temple and took all the sacred objects. The Babylonian captives returned and built the second temple. After this was restored, God globalized the work of church leaders and the studies of the Remnant.

3) Herod’s Temple (3rd Temple) – Herod, who enjoyed royal power by flattering Rome, built the temple that Israel loved most in order to win popularity. God destroyed this temple that took 46 years to build.

2. The temple is a facility for saving future generations and the future – it is important.

1) Children’s courtyard (Summit)
2) Gentiles’ courtyard (237)
3) Prayer courtyard (healing)

▷ This is something that absolutely cannot be done without building a temple. Therefore temple construction is greater than martyrdom.

3. Culture – Is it a culture of darkness? Or a life-giving culture? One of the two will emerge.

1) Tabernacle – Was it the god of Egypt and Babylon? Or the culture of God’s blessing? What was made out of that question is the “tabernacle.”
2) Temple – Is it an idol temple? Or the house of the Lord that saves people? What emerged from that question is the “temple.”
3) Church – The church is what causes this blessing to be delivered to the whole world.

▷ Now we must build the temple with the spirit of martyrdom. When David held on to this covenant, God first gave him response. Because he was the one who would build the temple and fight against the world’s culture of darkness, God blessed David from his youth.

▣ Main

▷ There are two important things for temple construction and world evangelization. One is that church restoration must come first. The other is that Matthew 24 says that in the last days there will be persecution that destroys the temple, and Matthew 25 says that imposters will sneak into the church (goats coming in to kill the sheep, virgins with lamps but no oil, the story of burying a talent in the ground).

1. Things to Do First – The church that breaks darkness

1) Matthew 5:24 First be reconciled, make peace, then worship.
2) Matthew 6:32-33 Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.
3) Matthew 7:1-6 First remove the plank from your own eye.

2. The life-giving church – The church that sets up the 9 blessings of the throne

1) So that the blessing of God’s throne may come upon me
2) So that the blessing of the throne may come upon the church
3) So that the blessing of the throne may come upon the field

3. The church that prevents disaster – When a church does this, it has fulfilled its mission.

1) Prepare 237, healing, and Summit thoroughly.
2) 3 Camps – Hold a Future Camp, Prayer Camp, and Talent Camp.
3) The church’s 3 systems
(1) Ministers – Find the 70 disciples.
(2) Church leaders – Take hold of 70 regions.
(3) Associate ministers and Remnant – Take hold of 70 nations.

▣ Conclusion_ Temple construction is the “globalization” of the blessings of the true church.

▷ The temple is the globalization of God’s covenant. If we do not build a non-contact multi-ethnic system going forward, world evangelization cannot happen. The 3 organizations have already prepared for non-contact ten years ago.

▷ Let us now pray that the triune God, the 9 blessings of the throne, and the 3 systems that change the age may be filled to the full within us.

3 Triune God
9 9 Blessings of the Throne
3 3 Systems that Change the Age
Fullness


Transcript

Three Things to Do First

Three things to do first. Today we read Matthew 7, verses 1 through 6. As many of you heard in the first service, there are many people who think and say that they cannot pray. During the time that you pray, holding on to the right covenant, tremendous healing and power take place. Whether you know it or not, it happens. Those who know this well will pray.

And then I see some people who say, “I don’t exercise well. I try to exercise but it doesn’t work out.” There are many people like this. “Oh, I can’t breathe well.” During that time, your body comes alive, cancer cells are reduced, and a tremendous time is created. When you keep that in mind while doing it, you become very comfortable and happy.

Also, always remember that when you worship, you must think about connecting to the field. And when you are in the field, you hold on to the covenant of the Word you received during worship. At that time, things you had no idea about begin to happen. It is written that God sends His angels at that time and God’s work is accomplished. This is very important.

▣ Introduction_ Temple Construction – [Response]

Temple construction is in some ways greater than martyrdom. So we must do it with the spirit of martyrdom. That is the first covenant we need to hold on to going forward. There are many who are martyred. However, in truth there have only been two people who moved the world through temple construction. We will talk about that in a moment, but what is the reason that temple construction is in some ways greater than martyrdom?

1. Temple – Globalization [Idol Temple]

There is a most important reason that temple construction becomes globalized. Think about idol temples. Those who spread the forces of darkness now build large idol temples and bring people down.

1) David – Solomon’s Temple

So who prepared this temple? The first person to prepare it was David. Therefore, you must know that temple construction is greater than martyrdom. So when you do temple construction, the level of that church and everything about its future is completely revealed. That is why churches without the gospel will inevitably fight when they do temple construction. That is a church without the gospel. About half of them go through trials like that. Temple construction is tremendously important. Everything is revealed. So as David prepared to build the temple, everything about David was completely revealed.

And since Solomon completed this temple, it is also called Solomon’s Temple. This should really be called “David’s Temple,” but it is called “Solomon’s Temple” because Solomon completed it. After this was done, word spread throughout the whole world. To what extent? It is said that he had wisdom greater than the combined wisdom of all kings – that God gave him this. This shows how important God regards it.

Now, regardless of the reasons, when this blessing was not discerned, Babylon invaded. Babylon came in and destroyed the temple. There was a purpose. The purpose was to take the cultural artifacts and sacred objects inside the temple. That is what powerful nations do. Even now if you go to the Louvre Museum in France, it is packed with things taken from other countries. They destroyed it and took away all the sacred objects. Of course, this happened when they failed to receive the proper response.

2) Reconstruction – Zerubbabel’s Temple

This temple was rebuilt when they returned from Babylonian captivity. Of course they would rebuild it. Since Zerubbabel guided this reconstruction of the second temple, it is called “Zerubbabel’s Temple.” After this was restored, an enormous globalization began to take place again. God globalized everything beginning with the work of church leaders and the studies of the Remnant.

3) Herod’s Temple

And then, leaving the perfectly intact temple alone, the third temple was built. Who built this temple? Herod built it. So we call it “Herod’s Temple.” This is the very temple that Jesus cursed during His time.

Herod tore down Zerubbabel’s second temple and rebuilt it from scratch. The reason is that this man enjoyed royal power by greatly flattering Rome. The Israelites would strongly oppose him, right? Because they opposed him, Herod used his head. “What is the thing that will give me the most popularity and that Israel loves most? Building the temple.” So he demolished a perfectly good temple and built an enormously large one. Historical records say it took about 46 years. Of course, construction these days takes about one to two years. Forty-six years. Well, the longer it takes to build, the longer the popularity will last. That is why God destroyed this temple. The whole story is about the temple. Temple construction is everything.

When you do this, everything is revealed about everyone. Strange people, this kind of person, that kind of person, skilled workers – everyone is revealed. Everything is revealed in various ways.

2. Future Generations = Future

This temple construction is actually tremendously important as a facility for saving future generations and the future, so it is tremendously important.

1) Children’s Courtyard (Summit)

Because inside the temple, there was a children’s courtyard. It is for saving future generations.

2) Gentiles’ Courtyard (237)

There was a Gentiles’ courtyard.

3) Prayer Courtyard (Healing)

Now especially for people passing by, there was a prayer courtyard. This (Gentiles’ courtyard) is 237, this (prayer courtyard) is healing, and this (children’s courtyard) is Summit. This cannot be done at all without the facilities. You see, if we do not build the temple here, no matter how much we want to do it, we cannot. That is why temple construction is greater than martyrdom.

3. Culture

Now, it goes beyond that. When you build this temple, either a “culture of darkness” or a “life-giving culture” will emerge – one of the two.

1) Tabernacle

So look – “Is it the god of Egypt and Babylon? Or the culture of God’s blessing?” – what was made out of that is the tabernacle.

2) Temple

“Is it an idol temple, or the house of the Lord that saves people?” – what emerged from that is the temple.

3) Church

And so the church is what causes this blessing to be delivered to the whole world.

Now, you must remember this. So from now on, you must start praying in earnest, saying, “I will do this with the spirit of martyrdom.” A living martyrdom is far better than a dead martyrdom. David, you see, staked his entire life on it. God gave David every blessing.

[Response]

Now, what came to David first? What you must remember is – when David took hold of this covenant, what did God give him first? He gave him response first. When you truly take hold of the covenant, you receive response first. God blessed David from his youth. Why? Because he was the one who would restore all this, build all this, and fight against the world’s culture of darkness.

▣ Main_ Church Restoration, Matthew 24, Matthew 25

Now, Jesus is giving the answer for the eternal world right now, isn’t He? For the sake of building this temple, for the sake of world evangelization, there are two most important things.

Church Restoration

In Jesus’ view, in order to build the church building, church restoration must come first.

Matthew 24

And there is one more thing. It is very serious. Jesus knows this. In Matthew 24, we see that in the last days, because great trials and great signs will come forth centered on this temple – ultimately this temple will be destroyed, persecution will break out, and it will happen.

[Matthew 25]

And when the last days come, in Matthew 25, imposters will start sneaking into the church. Goats coming in to kill the sheep – that is in Matthew 25. And then people who have lamps but no oil come carrying just the lamps. There are virgins who have lamps, all of them carried them, but some had oil and some didn’t – it says this. That is a deeply hidden message. The story of burying talents in the ground comes up too, right? At first glance it seems like a story about laziness, but actually that is not what it means – it means doing absolutely nothing for God, nothing for the gospel. These kinds of things come in during the last days.

Especially, what you need to pray about is that herds of goats are coming in. That is, packs of wolves are entering the church. Sometimes wearing the mask of a pastor, sometimes wearing the mask of an elder, and then they plunder the church, steal money, and do things like that.

1. Things to Do First – The church that breaks darkness

So Jesus spoke of the three things to do first. What were they? Completely breaking darkness in the church. You must remember this.

In some ways you are worried about temple construction in your hearts, right? There is no need to worry about that. God’s concern is something else. He is saying to do this (the church that breaks darkness) first. This (temple construction) becomes simple when God blesses your work and moves on your behalf. However, this (the church that breaks darkness) is a tremendously important part. In the last days, people who destroy the church will arise.

1) Matthew 5:24

So the first thing to do: “You first be reconciled, make peace, and worship.”

2) Matthew 6:32-33

People are greedy over fleshly things. So, “You, seek first his kingdom and righteousness – first.”

3) Matthew 7:1-6

People criticize others and fight. “First remove the plank from your own eye.” In this way He spoke of three things to do first. So in some ways this (temple construction) is a great blessing, but you do not need to worry about it. When God gives you the heart like David’s, you have nothing to fear. When God blesses you as He blessed David, there is no one who can stop it. But the most important thing is the content. So Jesus looked ahead at the distant church and explained the three things to do first.

2. The Life-giving Church

Why did He do that? Today, you must quickly become a life-giving church from being a darkness-breaking church. Why? The characteristic here is not “come and just be at peace.” It says “make peace, come to church, and worship.” The word used at that time was “first” – when you come to church and pray, do not pray for this and that but first, even though it is necessary, “first seek his kingdom and his righteousness.” In the church, those who have not received salvation come in and criticize you and start fights with you. You, first open your eyes and do not look at the speck in your brother’s eye but look at the plank (in your own eye) first. Not being able to see this (Main point 1) is why this (Introduction point 2) did not work. The key is this (Introduction point 2).

What kind of temple must we prepare? “A church where 237 nations can come. A church where they can come and receive healing and become Summit. A church that therefore changes culture.” But the reason it has not worked until now is because of this (Main point 1). Once you do this (Main point 1), the second thing will inevitably follow. You must now make the life-giving church. What is that?

1) The throne within me

God’s throne within me.

2) The throne within the church

When you worship, the blessing of the throne within the church.

3) The throne in the field

Finally, the blessing of the throne in your field. This is the church. Within me – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” This means the blessing of the throne comes upon me within – that is the church. Therefore, we who are building the church building must first restore the church blessing above all else.

3. The church that prevents disaster

What is the third? So not just anything, but the church that prevents disaster. When a church does this, it has fulfilled its mission. A church that does this cannot fail. A church that does not do this – God will close it down. Because there is no need for it to exist anymore. Around you, in Yeongdo, there are many churches. Churches that do not do this have no reason to exist. Right? So God causes them to close down. You have no reason to fail, no reason for failure. Think carefully about this. Satan will surely try to destroy the church. He will try to bring it down. So you need to know what to do first. From here, you break free, make the life-giving church, the church that enjoys the blessings of the throne, and finally the church that prevents disaster.

1) 237, Healing, Summit

Do this. Prepare 237, healing, and Summit thoroughly for our church. Seoul is doing it. Prepare for it.

2) 3 Camps

Try to do it as a model in Busan. Do the 3 Camps. Future Camp, Prayer Camp, Talent Camp – do them. Try to start properly in Busan. When you go to Seoul, because there are many advanced things there, people look at the Busan people as a bit rural. But spiritually speaking, in my view, that is not the case. You are certainly country folks, but God will do important work. Wait and see. After about 10 years you will say, “Ah, that is what he meant!” Do the 3 Camps. Understood? Become a model.

What is this above (Main point 2)? It is the setting of the 9 blessings of the throne. It is unconditionally praying to give life. Giving life to myself, giving life to the church, giving life to the field. What is the first thing to do? The church that completely breaks Satan – this is that church. Enjoying this blessing, now we prevent disaster throughout the whole world.

3) 3 Systems

What is the last thing? The church’s 3 systems. Try to do this as a model. What does it mean? All ministers, find the 70 disciples. All church leaders, take hold of 70 regions. Disciples, regions. All our associate ministers and Remnant, take hold of 70 nations. That level of response is prepared and therefore it comes.

So for you, these systems, things like broadcasting – you must do these well because what we are doing right now is going out to the whole world, and it comes in from about 200,000 places. If there is even a small problem with your broadcast, it becomes a commotion throughout the nation and the world right now. That is why we constantly upgrade things like good equipment – because it is going out to the whole world right now. This blessing is not a small blessing.

Hana Church in Daegu – I was truly surprised. The pastor and elders there know that when I go to hold a meeting, it becomes globalized, and this time they contributed about 2.7 billion won themselves and are now completely under construction and being renewed right now. They are making systems inside. Among all the churches in Daegu, regardless of denomination, the only church that will be able to send out the 237-nation system is probably that church alone. None others. That church has built a communication network for sending out languages to the whole world – an interpretation (booth). So we are not just talking – those who actually have it set up will receive God’s blessing. Right?

Do it. All ministers, try to find 70 disciples. All church leaders, 70 regions. All Remnant and associate ministers, 70 nations. Although we say 237, when you count tribes it exceeds 5,000. The ability to transcend time and space will be manifested, so do not be afraid and try it. In simple terms, this is temple construction and the church building and the church. You must know this well.

▣ Conclusion_ [Globalization]

Temple construction is the globalization of the blessings of the true church. In a word, what is the temple? It is the globalization of God’s covenant. That is why the temple is built. Once your eyes are opened to this, it is enormous.

So what you are doing worshiping in our church right now – even at this present moment, more than 5,000 places are coming in live. Regardless of the records, they are streaming in from overseas right now, and we are now sending out interpretation in 8 languages. 8 languages. You need to know what a great blessing you have received. No denomination, no church can do this. We are interpreting in 8 languages right now. Not dubbing but live real-time interpretation. So we have 30 interpretation booths prepared at 237. You need to prepare. God will give blessings, so you need to have the vessel for it.

No matter how kind you are and no matter how much you struggle, you cannot fill a soda bottle cap very much. Right? No matter how poor a person is, they should carry a large can. Right? Even if you cannot get anything at all, you should carry a big can – if you carry a small one, even when you receive something there is no place to put it. And besides, big fish are in clear water, in deep and large places – not in ditches. In ditches there are only things like frogs. Nothing big. I mean, think about it – how could a big fish, a large fish, be in that narrow muddy water? It is in deep, large places. There might be a spiritually troubled fish that has come up to the surface, but you should not eat that kind of fish.

You need to pray. For you, regarding mission – what you need to think about now is that the age has changed. In some ways there is no need to go out. Help the missionaries who are already out there. That is the fastest way. There are multi-ethnic people here in Korea, right? Hold on to them properly. And the fastest way is to raise up disciples among the 5,000 tribes in the local areas. Rather than just helping missionaries already out there and then also wanting to go yourself – you need to think a lot about that, as it is very outdated. Think about it. If we do not build a non-contact multi-ethnic system going forward, we cannot achieve world evangelization. Our older deaconesses may wonder what any of this means, but just pray unconditionally, all of you. You are not the people who have answered prayers by unconditionally praying until now? Keep going – there is nothing to figure out. Young people may have good technology but they do not know prayer. The deaconesses are praying from behind. Why is that?

These 3 demon-possessed organizations already completely prepared for non-contact ten years ago. It is astonishing. The New Age team, Bill Gates (William Henry “Bill” Gates III). Already – already! They prepared this thing of moving the world without going anywhere. And especially on the mobile side, Steve Jobs (Steven Paul Jobs) came along – Steve Jobs is a Freemason. And again, he created something that moves the world without going anywhere.

Now we are here saying “non-contact, non-contact.” And on top of that, there are those saying ridiculously backward things. “Why won’t they let us hold worship services in churches?” Well, this is not that kind of age anymore. We do not know what kind of age is coming ahead. What will these Remnant do when they go out to the whole world in the future? No matter where you go, you cannot miss the message. So throughout the whole world, even though there is “non-contact,” you must now thoroughly hold on to the in-person message.

We need to build this kind of system in the church. Right now, do not misunderstand. This is not saying “do not go.” I am telling you to see this age quickly. Right now we are going overseas, taking medicine, getting injections, and traveling around – while these people, without going anywhere, sitting down with the internet, are grabbing everything. Right now, in some ways, there is no need to go except for medical workers. Medical workers going there to give medicine since people are sick first – that is what it is.

A few years ago, did you know? They brought in experts in the meditation movement and these people distributed it all through video. Oh, it was astonishing. Tens of billions were poured into that and people watched it – that many. It is truly astonishing. We need to open our eyes. This is prayer. This is the gospel. If you truly know the gospel and know prayer, that is everything.

[3, 9, 3]

I talked about it in the first service, right? Begin. May the triune God, the blessings of the throne, and the three things that change the age come in and fill within me. Pray just for this.

[Fullness]

Continuing to go deep in just this is not repetition. This is called fullness. When this becomes full, it begins to be manifested. When this power becomes full within you, it begins to be manifested in every field. Jesus said, “When you receive only the fullness of the Holy Spirit” – that is what He meant. “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you” – this is how it should be. Looking before it, what did He say? “Just as John baptized with water.” John’s baptism is like being completely immersed in water. “When you become thus filled with the Holy Spirit, power will be manifested.” Try it just for this one week. Something will come – a change that you know of. A change you know. Wherever I know – whether in my work, in my body, wherever – a change I know of, whether in my studies, will come. Keep on finding it from there. So now you must truly receive response. Not just coming and going and only talking – you must truly receive response and save the world.

You must be enjoying this blessing for your health to be sustained. Health is not something that is there one day and gone the next. You need to have it in advance. So if you just leave things carelessly and then go to the hospital, doctors have a hard time – if you manage yourself well and get sick, the doctors can check you. That is more accurate and better, right? We are people who grow old and during life we cannot avoid getting sick. That is why hospitals exist. But the truly fundamental and spiritually full, Holy Spirit-filled blessing that we have cannot be received from the world. ([3, 9, 3, Fullness]) This (3, 9, 3) is the promise of the Scripture and this (Fullness) is the conclusion of the Scripture. Let us build the church building that does this. The triune God, the 9 blessings of the throne, the three things that change the age – these are the systems, right? These within me. Being filled with these and going out – this is it. This has nothing to do with age, nothing to do with academic background, nothing to do with anything. Let us pray.

Prayer. We give thanks to God. May this be a week in which God’s children receive new strength. Let us enter into the age-defining battle of temple construction. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Evening Altar: June 9, 2026

Praise — Fill My Cup, Lord

Confession of Faith
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
And is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy universal Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body
And life everlasting. Amen.

Message — “Three Things to Do First” (Matthew 7:1-6)
TranscriptVideo

Prayer — 7 Bartizans · 7 Journeys · 7 Guideposts

Rooted in the Gospel

Psalm 1:1-6.

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.


What is the true blessing? Is it money, health, success, or a long life? Many people spend their entire lives pursuing these things, believing that they are the source of happiness and fulfillment. Yet Scripture reveals something deeper: before a person can truly enjoy wealth, success, health, or longevity, they must first receive God’s blessing. Without the blessing that comes from above, even good things can become a source of sorrow, anxiety, or destruction.

Who, then, are the truly blessed?

The Bible teaches that true blessing is not found in what we possess but in where we belong. It is found in our spiritual address:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

To be in Christ is the greatest blessing a person can receive. To be found in Christ is the highest privilege. To know Christ, enjoy Christ, and walk with Christ is the greatest joy in life.

The gospel we have received is complete. It is the power of God for salvation and life. Yet if this gospel does not take root in our spirit, soul, mind, and heart, we will continue to live according to whatever has already been planted within us. The harvest of our lives will always reflect the seeds that have been sown in our hearts.

The gospel is the Word of God concerning Christ. Therefore, believers must be rooted in the Word, delighting in it and meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). As the Word takes root within us, God’s standards become our standards. His thoughts become our thoughts. His desires become our desires. His ways become our ways. Then our lives begin to resemble the person like “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:3).

Such a life is not produced by human effort but by remaining connected to Christ. Jesus said:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

How, then, do we remain in Christ? Jesus immediately answered:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).

Remaining in Christ means allowing His Word to remain in us. It means embracing, believing, obeying, and praying with His Word until it becomes the foundation of our thoughts and actions.

Jesus compared the human heart to different types of soil. Only the good soil receives the seed of the Word and produces a harvest:

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:8).

When the Word of God is planted deeply in the heart, it grows. Though it may begin like a tiny mustard seed, it eventually becomes something far greater (Matthew 13:32).

The Word is life. It is power. It carries the authority and presence of God Himself. Throughout history, God has worked through His Word, and He continues to work through His Word today. This is why what takes root in us determines what will eventually come out of us: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

For this reason, we must intentionally fill our minds and hearts with the gospel. Our thoughts, words, attitudes, and conversations should be shaped by God’s grace as Scripture says: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

We must be careful not to allow unbelief, bitterness, fear, resentment, negative thinking, or worldly values to take root in the subconscious and unconscious depths of our hearts. Instead, we should train our minds to dwell on God’s truth:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Allow the Word of God to penetrate and heal every area of your being:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

In addition, we must guard ourselves from false foundations. Jesus warned His disciples about the leaven of false teaching. We must not allow religion, legalism, human philosophy, idolatry, mysticism, or distorted teachings to become rooted in our souls.

There is only one gospel: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

There is only one Savior: “Salvation is found in no one else” (Acts 4:12).

There is only one way to God: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

When the gospel becomes deeply rooted in your heart, you will no longer be shaken by the world around you. Ask God to root the gospel deeply within you, just as Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus:

“For this reason I kneel before the Father… I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:14-19).

Then carry that Word into your mission field. Connect every circumstance, every relationship, every challenge, and every opportunity to God’s Word through prayer. As the gospel becomes rooted in your heart, you will discover a freedom that the world cannot give. You will not be intimidated by anyone. You will not be jealous of anyone. You will not need to compromise on anything.

The person who is rooted in Christ already possesses the greatest blessing.


Prayer. Lord, I thank You for blessing me with Your Word. Your Word guides me, strengthens me, corrects me, and gives me life. Help me delight in Your Word and meditate on it day and night. Let the gospel take deep root in my spirit, soul, mind, and heart. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and restore in me the joy and power of prayer. Make me like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and becoming a blessing to others. May Christ alone be my confidence, my satisfaction, and my greatest treasure. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Correct Prayer Can Enjoy the Things of God

Sunday 1st Service Worship / Speaker: Pastor Ryu Gwang-su / Title/Scripture: Right Prayer Can Enjoy the Things of God (Matthew 6:32-34) / Date/Location: January 9, 2022, Immanuel Church


Matthew 6:32-34

32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Summary

– If you do not know prayer – You are a child of God, so answers do come, but you cannot enjoy any of them and you end up missing nearly all of them. You end up talking a lot and having to think a lot. Then you fall into Genesis chapter 3. Wherever you go, you think prayer only works if you starve yourself.

– Salvation and prayer – From the very beginning, God promised to send Christ. Without Christ, calamity, curse, Satan, and the background of hell cannot be resolved. Christ came and during three years of public ministry resolved everything, taught prayer, and then departed. If you who have received salvation can pray, you can move the world. When you know prayer, you need neither humanism nor your own claims. Because the answers of God and the will of God become clearly visible.

– What must come first (verses 30-33) – Even the grass of the field God clothes, yet you pray with worry like an unbeliever — is that right? “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

▣ Introduction_ Wrong Prayer
1. Praying while completely sunk in calamity and calling it right
2. Praying while still completely sunk in Genesis chapters 3, 6, and 11, which know nothing but self
3. Praying to gain a position
4. Fleshly prayer
5. Praying for what Satan loves — material things (Matthew 4:3), the desire for honor (Matthew 4:5-6), illusions (Matthew 4:8-9)

▣ Main_ The Right Prayer That Receives Answers
1. Prayer that comes out of darkness
1) Matthew 5:21-26, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:26-27 Do not be angry. Satan follows you around 24 hours a day trying to tempt you. Because Satan knows it cannot defeat you, it keeps trying to shake you.
2) Matthew 5:33-37 Do not swear. It is self-assertion.
3) Matthew 5:38-42 Do not take revenge.
4) Matthew 6:1-4 Do not give to the needy in order to be seen by people.
5) Matthew 6:5 Praying to be seen by people brings no answer.
6) Matthew 6:6 Go into your inner room. Pray before God.

2. Prayer that enjoys the power of the throne — prayer that overcomes the forces of darkness
▷ From the moment you come out of darkness, you begin to enjoy the power of the throne.
1) Enjoying the blessing of the throne
(1) Matthew 6:9 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name
(2) Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
(3) Matthew 6:13 Pray that the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to the Father.
2) Do not worry (Matthew 6:11) – daily bread
3) What we must do (Matthew 6:14) – We must forgive the wrongs of others in order for our own wrongs to be forgiven.
4) Do not lead us into temptation (Matthew 6:13).
5) Seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
(1) The nine blessings of the Triune God and the power of the throne – “His kingdom”
(2) This must come upon the church and the field – “His righteousness”

3. Prayer that makes darkness bow completely (verses 14-15) – Forgive the person who has done wrong.
1) In order to make darkness bow completely.
2) Because I also have wrongs.

▣ Conclusion_ The Model of Prayer
“God, work in me now with the power of the Triune God, the power of the throne, and the power to save this age. Let this blessing come upon me. Let this blessing come upon my work place right now.”

Try breathing in to receive it and breathing out to pass on the blessing (John 20:22, Acts 1:8).


Transcript

This is a question that many of our new family members and Remnants ask. “Prayer just doesn’t work for me.” Like this. There are many questions of “How should I pray?” There is nothing to worry about. If you look at Luke chapter 11 verse 1, even the disciples could not pray and said, “Teach us to pray.” That is what produced the Lord’s Prayer as the answer. It is not recorded in Matthew, but in Luke it says the disciples told him, “John the Baptist taught prayer to his disciples, so please teach us too.”

Most people are struggling with prayer. If I am going to be truly honest before God, after receiving salvation, I am enjoying the happiness and blessing of prayer. So if prayer is not working, everything fails. Since you are a child of God, answers do come, but you cannot enjoy any of them and end up missing nearly all of them.

First, your words change. If you do not know prayer, you have to talk a lot. Otherwise, life just does not go well. You keep having to do more and more. It is different. If prayer does not work, you have to think a lot. You cannot help it. That thinking is exactly Genesis chapter 3, and you fall right into it. Many things are different. People who know prayer can tell. “Ah, this person does not know how to pray.” You can tell. Things are different in many ways.

There are special times you need to go up a mountain. Right? But other than that, people who go up mountains go because prayer is not working for them. And there are times when we must specifically fast and pray. But thinking that you can only pray if you starve yourself — that is not knowing prayer. Isn’t that right? Things are different in many ways like this.

From the very beginning it was already prophesied in Scripture: “I will send Christ.” Because without that word, nothing can be resolved. Calamity, curse, Satan cannot be resolved. The background of hell cannot be resolved. It is not that monks or such people are wrong — you also need Christ. No matter how much you go up a mountain and cultivate the way, it is useless. Spiritual problems cannot be resolved. That is why God promised, “I will send Christ.” The Gospels are saying “That Christ has come.” From Acts through Revelation explains “What work did this Christ do?”

Now, Christ had to come in a human body in order to save humans, right? So He came in a human body and during three years of public ministry resolved everything and departed. Among those things, He taught prayer and then went. So it is enormously important. You do not need to worry about anything. If you who have received the gospel, who have received salvation, can pray, you can move the world. Why? Because He said you will be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

So then, right prayer can enjoy God’s things and move the world, but there is something that must come first. If you look carefully at the prayer Jesus taught today, at the end there is this word. In verse 30: “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire.” “Even the grass along the road — God raises it — so do you have anything to worry about?” He asked it that way. And then He says —”Isn’t all of that what the Gentiles and the unsaved do?” Jesus said that. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then all these things will be added to you.” The prayer Jesus taught and the reason for it are enormously important.

Honestly, you know it yourselves. Because it is your own life. In the past I genuinely did not know what prayer was. Honestly. I did not know what I was supposed to do. And prayer, well, I was doing it, but I did not know what I was supposed to do. They told me to shout “Lord!” three times, but I did not know what that meant. It felt meaningless. I went to an all-night prayer meeting and they told me to shout “Lord!” three times but I did not do it. I just sat quietly, because I did not know the reason. Now that I know prayer I understand the reason, but back then I did not.

For a while in the early days, when I was an associate pastor, I had to go to church for all-night prayer. So I would go, and spending the whole night in prayer was genuinely exhausting. And then I had to be active the next day — how hard is that? Mainly there were ajummas who would come and pray fervently through the night, so by watching them I joined along with them. If prayer has no answer, that is what happens. It is true.

Once I got answers in prayer, there is no reason to use humanism anymore. Why use humanism? It is a loss. In some ways I do not need my own claims either. I am the one who is wrong, so why assert my own claims? Because God’s answers are visible — why would I disregard them and insist on my own claims? That is impossible. Right? The will of God for our Darakbang and Immanuel Church is clearly visible, so for me to disregard it and insist on my own — that is practically insanity. Isn’t that so? So knowing or not knowing prayer makes an enormous difference.

So then, you need to resolve this today. That is why, even though many pastors preach, do not try to listen to my sermon or a pastor’s sermon — just look squarely at the Word of God and come up with an answer.

Jesus spoke about two big things today. Broadly. What is wrong prayer and what is right prayer — that is what He explained. Jesus did.

Simply put, “What is there even to pray? Is it not that the Father in heaven — His name be hallowed?” That is what Jesus said. “Since the will has already been set in heaven, is it not enough to pray that it be fulfilled on earth? Since our background is the kingdom of heaven, is it not enough to pray for God’s kingdom to come?” That is what He is saying.

If there is something specific to do — what is it? We do not eat ten days’ worth of food in a single day. Right? No matter how big your stomach is, you cannot eat a month’s worth. So “daily bread is enough.” That is what He is saying. “If there is something you must do, forgive others so that you may be forgiven.” And then He says, “Why are you so worried? Does not God feed even the grass of the field?” That is what Jesus says in today’s text. “Is it right for you to pray with all kinds of worries like a Gentile unbeliever? Seek His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This is such a grace-filled answer to me. “Yes, that is right.” From the moment I grasped prayer, things began to work out for me somewhat. Before that, not knowing what prayer was — that was my greatest lifelong struggle. So I would go and watch our mother and friends praying, and they would sit behind a chair with a cushion and pray, moving their bodies so much in prayer that by morning they had drifted all the way to the front. But those people are not even attending church now. “What is this?” Really, what is prayer? Also, I have seen many people who say they have received spiritual gifts. Almost all of them are just maintaining their current state, not even able to maintain themselves. Of course you cannot judge from one person.

Really, this — what is prayer? You must come up with the answer now. Why? Because you are the people of God. From the beginning to the end of His public ministry, the thing Jesus emphasized most was this. At the very last He said, “Pray so that the Holy Spirit comes in fullness.” “Wait.” That is what He said. “Pray.” That is what He said. “Then you will receive power, and from that time on you will be witnesses to the ends of the earth.” There is no time.

▣ Introduction_ Wrong Prayer

Today, briefly, before right prayer, we need to know a few examples of wrong prayer. That is what Jesus is pointing out right now.

1. Praying while completely sunk in calamity and calling it right

Israel keeps praying, completely sunk in calamity and calling it right. Setting aside all the complexity, let me say just one thing. Israel has become a vassal of Rome — it has fallen. And in that situation the Pharisees are occupying key positions. And they keep calling that prayer.

2. Praying while still completely sunk in Genesis chapters 3, 6, and 11, which know nothing but self

This is the second wrong prayer. This is being completely sunk in Genesis chapters 3, 6, and 11 — which know nothing but self — and praying from that place.

Forty years ago when I did not know prayer, church was so strange and hard. You know, people who truly receive answers in prayer and move the world do not act that way. The church was fighting so much. Especially the elders fought like that. Who wants to fight? Because they do not know the gospel well and have no strength of prayer, that is what happens. Who wants to get angry? When you are angry, what can you do? Right? So they fight.

Because of this, since I did not know how to pray, even while leading early morning prayer I did not know how to pray. I would go and kept telling God: “God, please send me somewhere real.” So even if it is wrong prayer, you must pray to receive answers. Because I prayed, God gave me a realization. It was not that that was the problem — “What are you doing right now?” That is what became clear to me. “Ah, yes.” I forcibly pushed myself to start. In the end, we keep talking about Genesis chapters 3, 6, and 11. Right? Self. In reality there is no need for that. If you truly receive an answer, there is no need for that.

3. Praying to gain a position

What is the third? The Jews’ prayer is all about positions, like — “I am such-and-such a high priest, you are a Pharisee, and I am such-and-such” — praying for that.

4. Fleshly prayer

What is the fourth? In the end what Jesus is speaking about today is all fleshly prayer. Fleshly prayer must also be done. But if fleshly prayer is all you do and it is your center, that is wrong — that is what He is saying.

5. Praying for what Satan loves — material things (Matthew 4:3), the desire for honor (Matthew 4:5-6), illusions (Matthew 4:8-9)

What is the fifth? Strangely, people keep praying for what Satan loves. How dare Satan say to Jesus: “Make these stones into bread.” He came out like that. We may be praying this without realizing it. And what else did he say? “Since you are truly the Son of God, jump down. Won’t your legs be supported?” The devil said that. What is that? It stimulates the desire for honor. Even now, when our desire for honor rises, we pray fervently. That is wrong prayer. Right? Why is it wrong prayer? Because Satan sees it as laughable. You become a being that Satan does not fear at all.

Christ broke it in one blow. And what else? He showed all the kingdoms of the world — all an illusion — and said, “Bow to me.” If we are not careful, that is the prayer we are offering.

We are moving forward with the enormous age-defining blessing of building a sanctuary. You must understand this clearly. Many large churches in the metropolitan area — they ran Satan’s errands and all collapsed. They rushed in trying to profit, fought, and fell. Laughable. Some people even collected all the offerings and ran away. They are in Seoul. How much they run Satan’s errands — and they call that prayer.

▣ Main_ The Right Prayer That Receives Answers

Today you are going to start truly answered prayer, right now.

1. Prayer that comes out of darkness

What is the first? Prayer that comes out of darkness.

1) Matthew 5:21-26, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:26-27 Do not be angry.

What is it? You have to look from the beginning. Matthew chapter 5 verses 21 to 26: “Do not be angry.” Because Satan is following you around 24 hours a day right now trying to tempt you. You need to know that. Satan’s purpose is for you to be ruined, going around like that. Satan knows it cannot defeat you. So it keeps trying to shake you.

The Scripture says, “Like a roaring lion, going around seeking whom it may devour.” Ephesians chapter 4 verse 27 says that when you are angry, that is when Satan works. It is clearly written in Scripture. You have to come out of darkness — praying “Lord!” while still inside darkness is useless. When your spiritual eyes are opened, even if someone gets angry at church, you understand because that person is speaking out of how hard things are for them, and you end up praying for them instead.

2) Matthew 5:33-37 Do not swear.

Chapter 5 verses 33 to 37: “Do not swear.” And why not? Because it is self-assertion — do not do it.

3) Matthew 5:38-42 Do not take revenge.

Chapter 5 verses 38 to 42: “Do not take revenge.” “It is your own fault, so why take revenge? Do not take revenge.”

4) Matthew 6:1-4 Do not give to the needy in order to be seen by people.

Chapter 6 verses 1 to 4: “Do not give to the needy in order to be seen by people.”

5) Matthew 6:5 Praying to be seen by people brings no answer.

Today chapter 6 verse 5: “Praying to be seen by people brings no answer.” Right? When church leaders pray during Sunday worship, if you truly prepare and pray before God, enormous answers arise from that. Right? If pastors, when preaching, are too focused on performing before people — that is not a sermon. Right? No matter how insufficient I am, no matter how weak you are — that is your situation, but God is set to work upon you through the Holy Spirit. If you have given to the needy or prayed in order to be seen by people, you don’t need an answer anyway, because people saw — that is already the reward.

6) Matthew 6:6 Go into your inner room. Pray before God.

Chapter 6 verse 6: “Go into your inner room.” So do you have to go into an inner room to pray? Do you have to pray where no one can see? That is not what it means. What does it mean? “Pray before God.” Because it is the work of the Holy Spirit, a spiritual world — animals can never do this. Pray before God. In short prayers, works happen. Right? When you stand before God, in a short prayer tremendous works happen. No need to speak ill of others. Place yourself before God. There are so many right things to say about blaming the other person. But when you place yourself before God — right? If you do not place yourself before God, you think, “Is that person crazy? Why are they saying that?” But when you place yourself before God, so many things turn out to be right. Right? That is not the issue though — it is this. The more important thing. The first point. Come out of darkness — that is what it is.

2. Prayer that enjoys the power of the throne — prayer that overcomes the forces of darkness

This is the second. This is the prayer Jesus speaks of today. In one word: enjoy the power of the throne.

1) Enjoying the blessing of the throne

From that moment it begins to be enjoyed. From the moment you come out, because you have that standing, it begins to be enjoyed. The moment Abraham abandons unbelief, the door of the throne already begins to open. What does it say?

(1) Matthew 6:9

“Our Father in heaven.” If it said “Our Father in hell,” we would have to enjoy hell. “Your Father in heaven.” Enjoying the blessing of the throne in heaven. “Your name.” That is different. “Hallowed be Your name.” And it does not end there.

(2) Matthew 6:10

“Your kingdom come” — that is the blessing of the throne. And what else does it say? Same thing. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

(3) Matthew 6:13

At the very end: “Pray that the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to the Father.” Tremendous. This is the blessing to enjoy.

2) Do not worry (Matthew 6:11) – daily bread

“Since you can only eat daily bread and no more, do not worry.” That is what He is saying.

3) What we must do (Matthew 6:14) – We must forgive the wrongs of others in order for our own wrongs to be forgiven.

If there is something we must do: “Forgive the wrongs of others. That is how you receive forgiveness.” That is what Jesus said.

4) Do not lead us into temptation (Matthew 6:13).

And “Do not worry about temptation.” “Please remove the temptation.” We pray like that, right? That is wrong prayer. “Do not lead us into temptation.” While living on this earth, why would there be no temptation? If you want to go where there is no temptation, if you say you don’t need temptation, if you ask “Why is there so much temptation?” — then you should leave the earth. Other than that, it exists. Never mind. Pray “Do not lead us into temptation.” That is what Jesus said. How important those words are. It is the answer we must receive.

Let me give you an example. Say I have a sore here (pointing to the side/back). It hurts, right? My younger sibling rolls over while sleeping and bumps into it. It hurts, right? Whose fault is it? If you must assign fault — whose fault is it? It is my fault. Because I have a sore, when someone touches me it hurts. When I am in pain, even someone comforting me hurts. Even someone gently patting me hurts.

5) Seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

In this tremendous blessing, God is now giving an explanation about the throne — Jesus is speaking about several things in succession.

(1) The nine blessings of the Triune God and the power of the throne – “His kingdom”

And then “Seek His kingdom and His righteousness.” This refers to the nine blessings of the Triune God and the power of the throne that are being spoken of lately. Pray for this.

(2) This must come upon the church and the field – “His righteousness”

Must it not come upon the church and the field? Looking at that, “seek His righteousness” — it cannot help but be answered.

3. Prayer that makes darkness bow completely (verses 14-15) – Forgive the person who has done wrong.

He taught one more thing at the end. This one — He taught how to make darkness bow completely. Look at what that is. It is verses 14 and 15 of chapter 6. After teaching the Lord’s Prayer, He taught the prayer that makes darkness bow completely.

Let me read it. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This came out right in the middle of cleanly teaching prayer.

What does this mean? You need to understand the meaning. He’s telling us to forgive bad people? There are two reasons for that.

1) In order to make darkness bow completely.

“Make darkness bow completely.” That is what it means.

2) Because I also have wrongs.

And what else? Because I also have wrongs. You know, if we were properly punished for everything, not one of us would be standing here. Right? How many wrong things have you said? Right? Then all your tongues would have to be cut out — if we went strictly by the law. How many things have you seen that you should not have? All your eyes would have to be pulled out. Right? How many things have you eaten that you should not have? All your teeth would have to be pulled out. How many places have you gone that you should not have? Both your ankles would have to be cut off, then.

God says to us, “Forgive the person who has done wrong.” Do you know what that prayer does? It makes darkness bow completely.

Three prayers. Come out of darkness. Second, enjoy the heavenly throne and overcome the forces of darkness —

that is not the end. Make darkness bow completely. You must be able to enjoy this blessing.

▣ Conclusion_ The Model of Prayer

Our spiritual state throughout our lives — when we are born as children, our spiritual condition is shaped by our mothers and fathers. We cannot help it. And without knowing prayer we graduate from elementary, middle, and high school. Without enjoying this blessing of prayer, we even get married. So to be reconciled with someone who feels like an enemy — you have no idea how hard that is. And then you go out into the world. It is hard. So starting today, even just a little prayer will do.

You need to become a model of prayer. “Lord, truly come upon me with the power of the throne, with the Triune God and the power of the throne. Let this blessing be transmitted to my work.” That is this prayer. “God, truly work in me with the power of the Triune God, the power of the throne, and the power to save this age.” Try it. Even just doing this prayer, healing begins to come to me.

I do not just do it mechanically when it comes upon me — I breathe comfortably and healthily, breathe in to receive, and breathe out to pass on the blessing. Try it. Try it. Take someone who is truly difficult and say, “Lord, Holy Spirit, let this blessing of the throne truly come upon me. Let this blessing be transmitted to that person.” Try it and see what happens. Take a very wicked person and bless them. It does not matter if that person does not repent. It has no effect on them at all. If they come to understand, they receive the answer — no need to worry. As you do this prayer, Jesus said, “Breathe out and receive the Holy Spirit.” At the very last, at Mt. Olive, Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Try this as a model.

Teach the children too. These days there are so many things like that for children. Yesterday? The day before? I am not sure if it was yesterday or the day before, but I happened to turn on the TV, and what came on was a child who cannot control his anger. Not being able to control anger — you cannot help it, it does not go the way you want. Sometimes a child feels lonely and hard all on their own. And when angry — the child would not listen to the teacher at school, would hit the father and lunge at the mother and so on. The child confessed later. The anger was uncontrollable.

So there is Dr. Oh Eun-young — she is a pastor’s daughter. She teaches while holding the child: telling them to pray is too much right away, so “Stop a moment and take three long deep breaths.” Right? And then “Count — one, two, three, four.” And then “Take three long deep breaths again.” After doing this once the child started to change. In reality. They showed it on TV. It was not made into a movie — it was actually filmed. Even doing just that brings improvement — but what you doing prayer amounts to is something tremendous. Because you do not know this prayer.

On Sunday, say “Truly let the five powers of the Triune God, the power of the throne, and the power to save this age come upon me. Let this come upon my work place right now.” Because we must give glory to God, if you just say it it starts to feel repetitive. Right? But if you truly enjoy it through deep breathing, it is not repetitive. You come to enjoy a deep and real power. Try it.

If you prayed about something, if you prayed for someone and that person does not change — never mind. The answer is set to come to you. You must properly enjoy this prayer. Then that is the end. Jesus taught it from the very beginning. He taught it at the very last too. He taught it in the middle too. “Stay awake and pray so that you do not fall into temptation.” He taught it in the middle too. And at intervals He taught it again. “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, God will make you understand everything. When the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, comes upon you, He will keep and guide you. He will even remind you of things you do not know.” That is right. Today, on Sunday, keep this prayer going throughout the worship service. You will become witnesses of this age. Let us pray.

Prayer. We give thanks to God. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth” — since the day of Pentecost has already come, let this promise become our promise. Let us be witnesses who enjoy and transmit the secrets of God’s throne. Let us be witnesses who save the world through spiritual secrets and power, changing what is physical. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Evening Altar: June 8, 2026

Praise — What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Confession of Faith
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
And is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy universal Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body
And life everlasting. Amen.

Message — Correct Prayer Can Enjoy the Things of God” (Matthew 6:32-34)
TranscriptVideo

Prayer — 7 Bartizans · 7 Journeys · 7 Guideposts

Being Imprinted with the Covenant of Christ

Genesis 22:9-14. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”


Most people spend their entire lives searching for answers. They pursue success, relationships, possessions, experiences, and recognition, hoping that somewhere along the way they will discover lasting happiness and fulfillment. Tragically, many believers live no differently from unbelievers, seeking true satisfaction in the temporary things of this world.

As a result, we too often find ourselves following “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Instead of enjoying the peace of God, we become filled with worldly sorrow, anxiety, disappointment, and regret, which ultimately bring death (2 Corinthians 7:10). Why do we live like that?

It is because the absolute covenant of God has not yet become deeply imprinted in our spirit, soul, mind, and heart. Until God’s covenant becomes our conclusion, we will continue looking elsewhere for answers that can only be found in Christ.

The gospel is not merely one answer among many; it is the answer. Jesus Christ finished everything necessary for our salvation on the cross and rose again from the dead to give us eternal life (Acts 1:1). If we do not arrive at this conclusion, we will inevitably fall back into religion, legalism, self-effort, and guilt. Religion places the burden on us to accomplish what Christ has already completed. In doing so, it slowly robs us of the joy, assurance, and freedom of salvation.

God has not only saved us from sin; He has called us into His kingdom. Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God for forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3). Even now, we belong to that kingdom. We are ambassadors of Christ, sent into the world to represent the King and proclaim the good news of His grace to all nations. If this purpose does not become the reason we live, we will spend our lives chasing temporary things and ultimately be left with many regrets.

Furthermore, God has promised us the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). This is the greatest power in existence—the power of the Creator Himself dwelling within His people. Through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to overcome the world, defeat the works of Satan, and testify of Christ to the ends of the earth. Without experiencing this power from above, we will inevitably rely on our own strength, wisdom, knowledge, and resources. But human strength always reaches its limit.

Abraham received God’s covenant that through his offspring all peoples on earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1–3). Yet it was years later, on Mount Moriah, that this covenant became deeply imprinted in both Abraham and Isaac. There God revealed the mystery of the sacrifice He Himself would provide—Christ (Genesis 22:9–14). Abraham no longer knew the covenant only intellectually; he experienced it personally. From that moment forward, his life was never the same. The rest was history.

What is imprinted within you will eventually come out through your thoughts, words, decisions, and actions. Merely knowing about God’s covenant is not enough to overcome your weaknesses, the temptations of the world, and the attacks of Satan. The covenant must be rooted to the point it becomes your conviction and confession.

When the covenant of Christ is deeply imprinted in your spirit, soul, mind, and heart, you will not be easily shaken by circumstances. You will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the devil. You will stand firm in faith regardless of your situation. Most importantly, you will enjoy the authority of prayer and the blessings of the throne of heaven that Christ has entrusted to His people (Matthew 16:17–19).

Therefore, abandon every toxic imprint that competes with God’s covenant. Let go of worldly standards of success and blessing (Matthew 5:1–12). Reject religious performance and self-righteous living (Matthew 6:1–34). Remove unhealthy attitudes toward others and the world’s value system (Matthew 13:1–58). Refuse every false gospel and distorted view of Christ (Matthew 16:14). Turn away from legalism (Matthew 17:1–9), selfish ambitions (Acts 1:6), and prejudice toward people whom God desires to save (Acts 11:1–18).

Instead, continue to hear and read the Word concerning Christ, for “faith comes from hearing the message” (Romans 10:17). Meditate on His Word day and night (Psalm 1:2). Apply the Word to your daily life and proclaim it in the fields God has entrusted to you (Revelation 1:3).

This is where the answers to life begin.

Continue until Christ becomes the conclusion of your life: “Jesus said, ‘It is finished'” (John 19:30).

Continue until Christ is enough for you: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1).

Continue until you discover everything in Christ: “The mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2–3).

Continue until you can confess with confidence: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

When Christ becomes your conclusion, you will no longer wander in search of answers. You will live with certainty. You will pray with confidence. You will stand with victory. And you will become a witness who testifies to the saving grace of God wherever He sends you.


Prayer. Father, imprint my spirit, soul, mind, and heart with the covenant of Christ. Let the gospel become my conclusion, the kingdom of God become my purpose, and the power of the Holy Spirit become my strength. Help me to abandon every false imprint and fill me with Your Word until Christ is enough for me in every circumstance. May I live as Your witness to the ends of the earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer of the Week: June 7, 2026

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your unchanging covenant to me this morning. Help me understand that every crisis has a reason within Your sovereign plan. When difficulties come, give me spiritual strength to see opportunities for world evangelization rather than reasons to fear. Let my personal and family problems become platforms for Your greater purpose.

Like Esther, grant me faith to stand for Your will, saying, “If I perish, I perish.” May my prayers move the throne of heaven, bring Your kingdom upon the earth, and accomplish the work of Your kingdom. Help me enjoy the power of prayer, the blessing of the gospel, and the joy of evangelism every day. Use my life for the 237 nations, the 5,000 tribes, and the next generation.

I pray for the U.S. College Evangelism Conference. May this conference establish the actual bartizan in college fields across America. Grant Your Word, wisdom, and the five powers to Pastor Ryu as he delivers the message. Strengthen and bless all staff disciples serving this conference. May the power of the throne come upon the Chicago region where this conference is being held.


The Seven Bartizans
1 May the Triune God work powerfully within me; take full control of my thoughts, heart, soul, and body.
2 Let the power of the throne come on me.
May Your kingdom be established in my life.
May the power that transcends time and space—the power to reach 237 nations and 5,000 tribes—rest on me.
May this power come upon my life, my soul, and my daily life.
May unprecedented and never-repeated answers be revealed in my studies, work, church, and mission field.
3 May Your mighty power work in my past, present, and future.
4 Fill me with the Five Powers at this time.
5 Grant me the power that transcends time and space to overcome the ruler of the kingdom of the air.
6 Enable me to see the blessing of the CVDIP in advance
7 May the power to build the Three Courtyards, in the Age of the Three-Day Weekend and the Holy Meditation, come upon me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Why the Heavens, the Earth, the Seas and All Nations are Shaken

2026.06.07 Sunday 2nd Service
Church Construction Devotional Worship
「Why the Heavens, the Earth, the Seas and All Nations are Shaken」(Hag 2:1-9)


Introduction — Fulfillment of Prophecy
1. Isaiah
2. Ezekiel 37:1–11
3. Jeremiah 33:1–9

Main — Timetable
1. Incarnate Christ — Timetable
1) Genesis 3:15
2) Genesis 6:14
3) Exodus 3:18
4) Isaiah 7:14
5) Matthew 16:16

2. Church Recovery
1) Tabernacle
2) Temple
3) Church

3. Absolute Plan
1) Three courtyards
2) Three-day weekend age
3) Holy meditation age

Conclusion
Daily schedule / Weekly schedule / Sunday / Three-day weekend / Path
Bartizan / Journey / Guidepost


Haggai 2:1–9

01 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai, saying:
02 “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying:
03 ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?
04 But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the Lord of hosts.
05 ‘As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!
06 For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.
07 I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts.
08 ‘The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,’ declares the Lord of hosts.
09 ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ declares the Lord of hosts.”

Summary

Things became easier once I discovered 7 things. The reason people cannot receive answers is that when they gather they talk mostly about fleshly things, worldly things, wrong things, and gossip about others. Churches around the world are closing their doors. 70% of Korean churches and 90% of Japanese churches are not self-supporting. In Europe and America there are many churches that do not hold worship services. Many churches have no Sunday school. So pastors treat it as just a job. Since it’s difficult, they end up worrying a lot about money. Because I knew the reason, I knew what I needed to prepare. “People need to be saved, but there are no churches that can save them.” So I prepared for evangelism, prepared for the field, and prepared for the future. From the very beginning, God worked.

What did we do that caused heaven, earth, the sea, and the nations to tremble?

▣ Introduction_ Fulfillment of Prophecy

1. Isaiah — “Though it collapses, the Remnant, the stump, will rise. It will arise through the recovery of the gospel and Immanuel. It will be transformed by the power of the Word. If you hold onto this covenant and pray, a road will appear in the wilderness and a river will flow in the desert. If only you shine this light, the nations will return. That is why I have set you as a watchman.”

2. Ezekiel 37:1–11 Since I cannot give it, “Speak the Word. Speak life into being.” The dry bones turned into an army.

3. Jeremiah 33:1–9 “Thus says the Lord who does it, the Lord who forms it to establish it, the Lord is His name: Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” He wrote out the restoration (verses 4–9).

▣ Main_ Timetable

“The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.” (Isaiah 60:21–22)

1. The incarnate Christ came. The timetable must be aligned to this.
1) Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head.”
2) Genesis 6:14 You must enter the ark to live.
3) Exodus 3:18 Liberation comes through the blood covenant.
4) Isaiah 7:14 The way to become Immanuel — “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.”
5) Matthew 16:16 Christ came. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
▷ When a church that holds the true gospel appears, God shakes the nations. Satan must be made to bow.

2. Church Recovery — Before building the temple, the church must be built first.
1) In the tabernacle, everything was done in former times.
2) The temple was built, but greater problems came.
3) The church is needed. What is important is you (1 Corinthians 3:16).

3. Absolute Plan — The three things Paul restored
1) Three courtyards — Israel never went out in mission (to the courtyard of the Gentiles). It was because of this that they became slaves, captives, and a vassal state. There is no courtyard for children, no courtyard of prayer. They are doing other things. They must gain fundamental strength and receive fundamental healing. The Remnant must first be made into spiritual summits and sent out.
2) The three-day weekend age — One who knows the gospel has eyes to see blessing in the midst of every problem; one who knows prayer sees the answer when problems, conflicts, and crises come. If you do not know prayer, prayer and life are separate.
3) The holy meditation age — It must align with 237–5000. “You will become like God” (Genesis chapter 3, the age of meditation), the Nephilim caught by Satan (Genesis chapter 6), they look powerful but it ends up as the Tower of Babel (Genesis chapter 11). The holy meditation age is the covenant that corrects all this.
▷ The reason Herod’s temple was destroyed is that these three things were absent.

▣ Conclusion_ “Zerubbabel, Joshua, take courage. I, the Lord, declare it.”

Daily schedule — A quiet morning of prayer recovering all things, a daytime when the answers God is giving become visible, and an evening when 300% comes forth.
Weekly schedule — The flow of what God is doing becomes visible.
Sunday — This is holding Sunday worship with this covenant.
Three-day weekend — The core of Sunday worship is contained in the three-day weekend. When you come to the three-day weekend, you have something to testify about.
Path — The path of going forward while saving everything becomes visible. It is the bartizan, the journey, the guidepost.

Transcript

Thank you. Many people think, “How can things go well?” And there are also those who say, “Do your best.” But in my case, the conditions for doing well were not very favorable. I found about 7 things and things became easier after that. Why can’t people receive answers? And what is an answer? To understand easily why people can’t receive answers — “Ah, if they do that, they cannot receive answers.” I had been attending church from a young age, but when church members gather they don’t talk about the important things. They talk a lot about fleshly things and worldly things. And about other people at that. And about wrong things at that. So they cannot receive answers.

Right now churches around the world are closing their doors. I understood the reason. It’s a serious problem for churches worldwide. They are closing their doors. Looking carefully, about 70% of Korean churches are also not self-supporting. In Japan there are very few churches to begin with, and nearly 90% are not self-supporting. I understood that reason. In Europe and America there are many churches that don’t hold worship services. So, ah, no wonder they close their doors. There are also many churches with no Sunday school. So what happens? I understood the reason. American seminaries, famous schools, are completely empty. So I understood the reason. And as a result, pastors treat it as just a job. Since it’s difficult, they end up worrying a lot about money.

I understood the reason, you see. How clear it becomes when you know the reason — I now know what I need to prepare. People outside need to be saved, but there are no churches that can save them. So I prepared for evangelism. And I prepared for the field. And then I prepared for the future — for what needed to be done next. It’s not all that difficult. But from the very moment we started, God’s work began. The real start happened when we went into Yeongdo, and God caused an explosive work to erupt across the entire world. Even now, even greater works are happening.

War broke out and airplane fares tripled. So I thought no one would be able to come from overseas to this mission conference, but more people came than ever before. Those people grabbed hold of the Word and went, and the same evangelism movement began to break out. One Russian pastor was so excited that he testified everywhere he went, and like that the work happened.

“The Reason Heaven, Earth, the Sea, and the Nations Tremble” (Haggai 2:1–9)

What is the reason that heaven and earth and the sea and the nations will tremble?

You have probably heard that phrase many times, but you need to know the reason. I want to come around to the branch churches in the evenings a little, to give our ministry staff and elders some encouragement and to meet with them. Among them, Haeundae is an important area, so this is the first place I came. From the very beginning it has been different. In Yeongdo, police came and tried to stop a certain church’s fighting — it was that bad. The people who came out of there deciding not to fight but only to pray were the ones who started the church. That is Immanuel Church.

In Changwon, a certain church could not sustain its operations and wanted to sell the building. So we bought it. We bought it and set up a place for that pastor to live, and we started there. So it is a church with a reason.

Haeundae Church is the same. He is younger than me, but a classmate of mine was doing ministry here. Because I studied rather late, he is my university classmate. I didn’t know that friend was here. This church went bankrupt and was about to fall into the hands of an unbeliever — that’s when we won the bid on it. But when I came to check it out, I found it was my university classmate. “Big brother!” He was asking to be saved. “How do you want it to be saved?” I asked. We had kept lowering the price, waiting until it hit rock bottom before doing anything, but it was Immanuel Church that did that. “Oh really? Lowering the price like that is also illegal — well then take it back.” That’s what I said. “We did not try to take away someone else’s church. We bid on it because if it falls into the hands of an unbeliever, that would be a problem.” That’s what I said. “Take it back whenever you want.” He couldn’t take it back. So we gave the money in a way that was appropriate for the building where he could do church ministry, and for his living situation. So it is a church where people with a calling gathered and started together.

So, in that case, we are not in a difficult situation. What did we do that caused heaven and earth and the sea and the nations to tremble?

▣ Introduction_ Fulfillment of Prophecy

First of all, what was prophesied has been fulfilled.

1. Isaiah

God prophesied beforehand to the prophet Isaiah. Though it collapses, the Remnant, the stump, will rise. It will arise through the recovery of the gospel and Immanuel. It will be transformed by the power of God’s Word. If you hold onto this covenant and pray, a road will appear in the wilderness and a river will flow in the desert. If only you shine this light, the nations will return. So I appoint you as a watchman. It was prophesied. The people who read that survived in Babylon.

2. Ezekiel 37:1–11

He prophesied to Ezekiel. “These are completely dry bones and they are dead — can they live?” He didn’t say they could live. He said, “The Lord God can.” Then two things were said: “Speak the Word. Speak life into being.” I received tremendous insight from the phrase “speak into being.” It is not something I can give. I can only speak on behalf. But the dry bones turned into an army, you see.

3. Jeremiah 33:1–9

He prophesied beforehand. While imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, God spoke. “The Lord who does it” — why has this kind of thing happened? It means the Lord has done it. “The Lord who forms it to establish it.” One condition was attached: “Thus says He whose name is the Lord: Call to Me.” He doesn’t just say pray — why does He say “call out”? It means: don’t do other things, just pray. “And I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” And then from verse 4 to verse 9 He wrote out what would be restored. It was promised.

▣ Main_ Timetable

This timetable is what is important, right? The timetable was also spoken in advance. It was said in Isaiah 60. “I the Lord will hasten it in its time.” Before those words: “The smallest will become a thousand and the least a mighty nation. I the Lord will do it.” So what kind of timetable is it? There are many churches in Haeundae. The one and only way to save Haeundae is to align with that timetable.

1. The Incarnate Christ

Do you know when this timetable is? Going back — not long from now — the most supremely promised, the timetable of the incarnate Christ coming.

1) Genesis 3:15
It is tremendous. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head.” The timetable for this being fulfilled.

2) Genesis 6:14
There are no conditions whatsoever. You must enter the ark to live.

3) Exodus 3:18
There is absolutely no other way. Liberation comes through the blood covenant. These things are being fulfilled — it is aligning with the true timetable. They were shut up in Babylon for about 70 years. That time is not a small time. A crucial timetable has come. And throughout all of this, many things had already been promised.

4) Isaiah 7:14
He promised through Isaiah. It can’t be done any other way — it has to be Immanuel. The way to become Immanuel: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” The path of return from Babylon is aligning with that timing. It is tremendous.

5) Matthew 16:16
Not long after, Christ came, and “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” When a church that truly delivers this appears, God shakes the nations. If it is the true gospel, He shakes them completely. I may not know other things, but Pastor Kim Yong-gi who has followed me for a long time will know. I might make the same kinds of mistakes, but outside of the gospel there is no other motive. He will know. Many of our secretaries will know. Only the gospel — nothing else will do. God knows this. Right? Satan knows this. So if you — the church leaders of this church — begin to pray because of the true gospel, Satan will be completely bound. Satan must not merely be driven out. He must be made to bow. In the name of Jesus you can drive him out and he will go. But he comes back. Some churches fight every single day. Because he knows that. As far as I know, churches around the world are Satan’s playground — as far as I know. So I have no ill will. I forgive even the most wrongful person. Why? Because that’s how they can be fixed. Which one is God’s will? It is God’s will for that person to come to understanding, be corrected, and gain strength. Christ the solver of all problems. This is the direction we are going.

2. Church Recovery

Second. What is the reason heaven and earth and the sea and the nations tremble? It is not the temple. It is church recovery. Before building the temple, the church must be built first.

1) Tabernacle
In former times, everything was done within the tabernacle.

2) Temple
We thought things would be even better once the temple was built, but even greater problems came.

3) Church
So we need the tabernacle and the temple, and we need the church building, but we need the church. You are the church, and this building that was made so that the church could worship is the church building. What is important is you. Right? “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” That’s what it says. We are on the way to recovering this right now. It is tremendous.

3. Absolute Plan

Something even more important. God has an absolute plan. He gave the Word here too, but it was not grasped.

1) Three Courtyards
Three courtyards. It was not grasped.

Israel has never once gone out in mission. Right? It was not grasped. They never went to the courtyard of the Gentiles. Because nothing worked, Jonah was forcibly sent out. But he ran off too. In a different direction. So he ended up in the belly of a whale, was vomited out, and did it reluctantly. Because of this they were sent out as slaves, as captives, as a vassal state. They could not grasp such an easy truth.

There is no courtyard for children. There is one, but I say there isn’t. The temple that Jesus prophesied would be destroyed is there — the courtyard is there. Why? Because He prophesied it and it exists, but they are doing other things there. They are doing commerce there, doing things for money — that’s why. You can easily end up in that situation.

The Remnant does not know the depth of prayer. Right? Even the elders don’t know it well — how would the Remnant know? The elders are holding on by faith right now. To put it nicely, they are holding on with conviction. To put it a bit negatively, they are holding on stubbornly. But they have not actually tasted it.

This must be done.

2) The three-day weekend age

The three-day weekend age. One who has eyes to see blessing in the midst of every problem is one who knows the gospel. Seeing the answer when every problem, conflict, difficulty, and crisis comes — that is prayer. Isn’t it?

Joseph, the representative among the 7 Remnant figures, went with the answer. So no matter how much suffering came, it was all right. Because he had the answer. You see, if we have suffering but also hope, the hope overcomes the suffering. Right? No matter what difficulty comes to me, if I have hope — I overcome it. If you just endure without hope, it becomes illness. Joseph already had a vision so clear that his brothers mocked him for it. Right? Clear enough to appear in dreams. Not because it appeared in a dream — but clear enough to appear in a dream. One day suddenly — he was seized by human traffickers — but Joseph knew. He knew he was going to a mission field. He made that confession later. When he met his brothers later: “It was not you who sold me, but God who sent me ahead.” The three-day weekend age. If the Remnant truly doesn’t know how to pray, worship and prayer are separate, and their personal life is separate. This is how our children are suffering difficulties. They are living by the grace of God truly, but in reality they are missing the path. They need to know.

And going forward, a fearsome age is coming. You will have to change all your careers. Even now the age of working from home has come. So much so that the term WFH has appeared. That means working from home. Many large buildings are no longer necessary. And now many workers are no longer necessary. A terrifying age has come. Serious spiritual problems will come, right? So anything that doesn’t align with the 237–5000 peoples cannot survive. Many multi-ethnic peoples come to our country for medical treatment. That’s natural. Our country is aligned with that. In places like England, America, Europe — if you want hospital treatment, it takes months. People die waiting. It’s true. They’re not aligned. They’re not aligned with 237, just like that. Japan also needs to wake up. It’s not aligned with 237 — if it’s not careful.

3) The holy meditation age

Looking at that I call it the holy meditation age. “Meditate. You are the greatest.” That is the meditation age of Genesis chapter 3. “Cultivate the way.” That is all a meditation movement. That is Genesis chapter 3. “You will become the Buddha.” That is Genesis chapter 3. That is what Satan said. “You will become like God.” And then they were seized by Satan. The Nephilim. That is Genesis chapter 6. So they look like they have power. Does a shaman appear to have power, or not? It looks that way, right? But looking at it later, it turns out to be the Tower of Babel. The covenant that corrects this — just hold the covenant and it is enough. That covenant is the holy meditation age.

Build this kind of church. For that, facilities also greatly influence things. So build the temple. It is urgent — quickly.

I said it ten-odd years ago. I said the age of personal YouTube broadcasting was coming, but we didn’t prepare quickly. So unbelievers are doing more of it. Going forward, churches that cannot understand these things — the three courtyards, the three-day weekend age, the holy meditation age — will no longer be necessary. Healing is contained within these courtyards. Right? People who come to church need to gain fundamental strength and receive fundamental healing. Visible medical treatment can be done by doctors. Right? That’s why there are hospitals and doctors. But fundamental things, spiritual things, gaining true strength — that cannot be done by the world. True healing. The Remnant must first be made into spiritual summits and sent out. The courtyard for children. If you simply hold onto this — just holding the covenant is enough. If it is truly so. Then God will work.

So now there is something to examine while holding this covenant. The temple that David prepared and Solomon built is called Solomon’s Temple. Babylon came and destroyed it. So they came back out and rebuilt it. The leader of that was Zerubbabel. So it is also called Zerubbabel’s Temple. One day a political operator named King Herod had ingratiated himself with Rome and became king by force. The people of Israel were not sitting still. So that king used humanism. What do the people of Israel love most? I’ll do that. What is it? Building the temple. So with the church already standing, he tore it down and rebuilt it. Enormously. That is Herod’s Temple. It is called the third temple. Now, the third temple was completely destroyed. Why? Because these three things — the three courtyards, the three-day weekend age, the holy meditation age — were absent. You must remember this. This message is being given in Haeundae, but people all over the country and the world are listening, and it is the same. Even just believing in the prophesied Christ caused work to happen — but now that Christ has actually come. It was aligned to that time. Through the apostles, a true church movement was launched. Especially as the figure of Paul emerged, all three of these things were done. It must be done. Then even if answers don’t come, they will come on their own.

▣ Conclusion

Several times today these words came out: “I, the Lord, declare it.” They appeared 6 times. When those words were said, these words came: “Zerubbabel, Joshua, take courage. I, the Lord, declare it.” These are tremendously important words.

[Daily Schedule]

Your daily schedule. You must do it this way without fail. In the morning, pray in a quiet, restorative time and recover everything through prayer. Then in the afternoon, amazingly surprising answers become visible. Every morning as you truly gain spiritual strength, by the time afternoon comes and you meet people and work, you see — truly — what God has done. Then though eating was hard before, now you see something — 300% comes out. That is the daily morning, afternoon, and evening prayer. You must find it. You must start doing it from now.

[Weekly Schedule]

Then a weekly schedule emerges. Within this prayer, week by week the flow of what God is doing becomes broadly visible. Our team that recently went abroad said: nothing else is needed anymore. Everywhere they go, the Word is already fulfilled. That’s right.

[Sunday]

This is holding Sunday worship with this covenant.

[Three-day weekend]

The core of Sunday worship is contained in the three-day weekend. When things are like this, you have content to share when you come to the three-day weekend. Testimonies come into being. And while spending all of Sunday in worship, you gain tremendous strength. Then that also enters into the daily prayer cycle, and it is confirmed every day. If this doesn’t happen, it is not because the person is bad. They cannot stay attached to a single church. They cannot stay. It is difficult. When I see answers — I feel like I’ve just been serving church for a few days when in fact it’s been a lifetime. And as answers keep pouring in, it feels like I’ve just done a few years even though I spent 40 years under persecution. Even now the answers are pouring out so much I’m busy just confirming them. Now, freshly, you truly need to grab hold of God’s covenant and think: I must save the field and the world.

[Path]

And so the path of going forward while saving everything becomes visible. That there is the bartizan, the journey, the guidepost. So every day you gain strength, and during the week you gain strength again. So the characteristic of Immanuel Church is — whether Sunday morning or afternoon, it doesn’t matter. People are packed in at all times. That means the church leaders and many people are praying all day long and holding onto the Word. Going forward, tremendous answers will come to you. They don’t have to, but they will. We have nothing more to receive, yet God has prepared it all perfectly.

I bless this blessing, that from Haeundae today it would spread to the entire nation and world, in the name of Jesus Christ. Let us pray.

Prayer. We thank God. In the midst of God’s work, please make us witnesses who save many who are dying. Please make this a church that gains strength. Please cause a work to happen in this church where people are healed through worship. Please open the eyes of the Remnant. Please cause a work to happen where many people of diverse nationalities are transformed. Please give special strength to all our church leaders and elders. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.