Prayer Journal: September 17, 2025
22. Dec. 2024 Immanuel Church the First Service
Scripture Reading: Acts 11:1-18
▣ Introduction
Thank you.
1. What we must surely leave to and take with the next generation—only the gospel that blocks darkness and disaster and the prayer that enjoys the power of the throne for salvation
Many church leaders who are carrying out world evangelization are present here. What must we absolutely leave to the next generation? As a year passes, we should reflect. And we have many multiethnic brothers and sisters here. This is a golden opportunity—what should they take with them? It matters. Then what should our Remnants take with them? To conclude first, Israel suffered seven disasters—tragically so—and still has not realized why. There is only one answer. When our children step out into the world, they must truly take with them what the gospel is and what the prayer of the power of the throne is. If they do not carry this, they cannot overcome disaster at all. And in reality they will have no answers to prayer—because they do not know. Think about it: they do not know the gospel that blocks darkness and disaster unto salvation, and they do not know the 300% secret of prayer—the power of the throne. Therefore, as we close this year and enter the next, take this and study with it.
1) A theology that does not know the gospel and evangelism—churches closing, no seminary students, drugs, homosexuality, mental illness
Also, many pastors, missionaries, and evangelists listen to this message. Do not listen to my message—look at the Bible. Because of the mistakes of countless prophets, priests, and pastors, church doors have closed. The biggest problem is the theologians. It is not that they taught a heretical theology—they simply did not know the gospel, salvation, or evangelism. Thus churches in America are closing by the tens of thousands—this is a disaster. Europe closed long ago; the next generation does not go to church at all. For evangelists to arise, young students must go to seminary—but they do not. And are they doing well anyway? No. It is nearly all drugs and homosexuality; mental illness so severe they cannot live in their right mind. This must be stopped quickly. Even in America there are no countermeasures. How about Korea? It hardly needs to be said.
They came to church—look now. It is a miracle that these multiethnic peoples have come to our church to worship. For us to go, evangelize, bring them, train them, and commission them is hard. We must teach them only the gospel and the background, power, and prayer of the throne, so that they can survive when they go back.
2) Students who, having no answers and no strength, cannot overcome disaster
Students are suffering greatly. They have to study without strength. They may barely graduate from college, but the studies they are doing now will not match the future. They only do it because they must, but the age is changing rapidly. College life is hard—they just pretend otherwise. Lacking answers and strength, life in the world becomes even harder. One of my friends studied well but lost his mind—and he has never fully recovered. We have met such an age.
3) The disasters that befell Israel after they lost the gospel—slaves in Egypt, suffering under the Philistines, captives to Assyria and Babylon, a vassal state under Rome, and two thousand years as wanderers
When they lost the gospel, the next generation—more than once—became slaves in Egypt. Even if such a thing happened once, they should never forget, but they forgot again; and as soon as they returned, they were constantly harassed by the Philistines. Who causes this? Why are they made to forget? Another disaster came. Their children were taken captive—to Assyria, to Babylon. Not only that—upon returning they immediately became a vassal state under Rome. Nor did it end there. Israel lost their nation for two thousand years. Israel, which held many of God’s people who were to preach the gospel, lost their country for two millennia and barely recovered it in 1948, around our own Korean War. The kibbutz movement and Jewish efforts are of no use; they cannot overcome disaster. They took one-third of the Nobel Prizes—so what? More problems will come.
2. What the Jews and the churches that are closing their doors did not know
What did the Jews and the churches now closing worldwide not know? You must not be ignorant of this.
1) What the Jews did not know
(1) Original sin—leaving God and becoming slaves of Satan
In particular, the Jews did not understand original sin. Original sin is leaving God—having left Him, they became complete slaves of Satan. This was not Satan’s fault; they themselves missed it, so there was no way to resolve it. They did not know Satan’s strategies—tragic indeed. The Jews even questioned Jesus, “Why do You cast out Satan and speak of Satan?”—nonsense. Churches today ask the same: “Why talk about Satan?” They said to Jesus, recorded in Scripture, “Are You the prince of demons, that You cast out demons?” Jesus was aghast.
(2) Disaster
Worse yet, they did not know what disaster is. Things could go well, and yet disaster would strike. Our nation was under Japan and went through a single war—and how much do we still pray and consider that a disaster? Israel faced seven disasters in one year.
(3) The background of hell
Because they did not know the gospel, they did not know what the background of hell is. They knew they would go to hell—yes—but they understood it wrongly. Of course they go to hell—because they are not children of God. The real issue is that the background of their life while they live is hell. For the saved, the background while living is the throne. It is completely different.
They do not even know what a spiritual problem is. Even when the mind collapses, they have no answer.
2) The Jews’ wrong theology
The Jews’ theology and faith were wrong; theology itself became the problem.
(1) “Yahweh is the God of Israel”
Rather than obeying God’s Word, they crafted a theology and asserted, “Yahweh is the God of our Israel.” That was their theology—wrong.
(2) “The Messiah will save our nation”
Next they said, “The Messiah we await will not save all peoples but will smash the nations and save our nation.” Utterly absurd theology. They built their theology that way and taught it to their children.
(3) The doctrine of being the chosen people
They said, “We are the chosen; other nations are Gentiles.” Outrageous—it is completely contrary to Scripture, which says to save all peoples; yet they labeled all others as Gentiles—a term that originally was not positive, distinguishing chosen from non-chosen.
(4) The claim that one must keep the Law and traditions to be saved
They said, “You must keep the Law to be saved—even if you believe in Jesus, keep the traditions to be saved.” This is serious. There is no way to block the disasters coming upon them.
First, this is the fault of the theologians and many pastors, is it not? They bring disaster upon the people. Then the parents are at fault—they do not know what disaster is or how to live, and they have no strength. They barely maintain a walk of faith; then they age and marry—and meet someone similar to themselves. Similar in level. Marriage becomes harder. How long will this continue? It has nothing to do with world evangelization. When will they do world evangelization? They will not.
3) The apostles who attacked Paul, saying Gentiles must receive circumcision and keep Jewish laws to be saved
Not only that—today’s text shows another uproar. They said that Peter went into the house of Cornelius—who had been saved—and ate with him. In verse 3 it says, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” Over this, there was an uproar in the church. Peter explains at length—but they did not understand. The proof is that they kept on in the same way.
In Galatians 2, wherever Paul evangelized, the apostles were the problem—they continually attacked him. Is this reasonable? “You must be circumcised to be saved.” “You must keep Jewish laws”—they told this to Gentiles. Paul’s gospel field was the Galatian region. Even Peter came and said such things—persistently. It was strange.
3. Why Israel was ruined—the method by which Satan topples you at once
Do not be deceived. Why did this happen? Why was Israel ruined, though given the gospel? What is the biggest problem? Satan seeks to topple you—he knows exactly how to do it. He knows the method to bring you down at once.
1) Satan’s traps in Genesis 3, 6, 11—my benefit (the Garden of Eden incident), my things (the Nephilim age), “we” (the Tower of Babel)
He makes it appear he is giving you benefit—that is the Eden incident: “If you eat this, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God.” A lie. Next, Satan tells man, “You are what matters; your things matter more.” People know only “my things,” ushering in the Nephilim age. Not only that; for those slightly more “thoughtful,” it becomes “we”—we alone matter. That is the Tower of Babel—and they collapsed.
2) Satan’s molds in Acts 13, 16, 19—religion, idols, superstition, shrines
With no true way, strange issues keep arising; so people fabricated religion with their own hands—idols, superstitions, and shrines.
3) Being caught in Satan’s snare—“Satan has built a house in you” (Matthew 12); “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44)
They are completely ensnared by Satan. You must grasp this. In our New Year’s message (won-dan) this will appear—Jesus said in Matthew 12, “Satan has built a house in you.” Frightening words. Even more frightening: “You are of your father the devil”—said to those who thought they believed well. Truly believing people heard, “Your father is the devil.”
Because they did not know this gospel, life became hard; evangelism, of course, did not happen; America’s evangelization, of course, will not happen. How can they live like that? Your work for world evangelization? Of course it will not be done. Jesus explained it: “Your father is the devil.” People were shocked.
Someone joked, “In heaven you will be surprised three times.” First, you will see someone there you thought would never come—shock. Second, someone you thought must be there is not—meaning they were not saved. Third, the greatest surprise: “How did I come to such a marvelous place?”—and you realize, “Ah, this is God’s grace.”
Know the gospel, and it is finished. We must make the Remnants know this. This is the church’s mission. Why should we pass on to the Korean church the curses Israel continually received? They make every excuse while blocking only the gospel.
▣ Main Message
I will be brief.
1. Do not give up even under persecution. The 0.1% who have the gospel blocked disaster.
First, even if there is persecution, never give up. The 0.1% who had the gospel blocked disaster.
1) Genesis 3:15—Abraham and Joseph who understood the woman’s offspring
Two people understood Genesis 3:15—“The offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head.” The first was Abraham: “Through your seed all nations will be blessed”—spoken when he offered the blood sacrifice of the lamb, which is hard to grasp. Joseph also understood it. With this they blocked the disasters of the age.
2) Exodus 3:18—Jochebed and Moses who understood the blood sacrifice; Jethro and Rahab
Jochebed and Moses understood; Jethro, who helped, understood. On the day the lamb’s blood was applied, they escaped—on that day they came out from disaster. You cannot solve disaster by your power; only by the blood of Christ.
Thus salvation is by faith. The Jews could not accept this: “How can that make sense? These people are heretics! You must act rightly—salvation by faith? These people are mad.” But original sin is not overcome by works; it is resolved only by Christ. This must be proclaimed. Even Rahab was saved by faith.
3) 1 Samuel 7—When they forgot again and were attacked by the Philistines, Samuel offered the blood sacrifice at Mizpah
They forgot again. Though there were fourteen judges through whom the Philistines were opposed, Israel kept being attacked; disaster did not stop. “While Samuel lived, there was no war”—this phrase is tied to that day in 1 Samuel 7 when the blood sacrifice was offered at Mizpah.
It is hard to accept—blood sacrifice sounds gruesome; “the blood of the cross” is difficult to comprehend. But if we do not know this, our children die, your household collapses, and disaster cannot be avoided.
4) Elijah, Elisha, and Obadiah who understood this
Elijah and Elisha understood, and Obadiah understood. Through even one person who understands, every disaster can be blocked. You must believe this. This is the testimony of church history.
5) Isaiah 7:14—When they were ruined again, Daniel, the three friends, and Esther held the Immanuel covenant
They were ruined again. Who would do such a thing? I am certain Satan does this; his destruction is your ruin—that is why he came. So Isaiah, grieved, explained again: “A virgin will conceive and bear a son; His name will be Immanuel.” Daniel understood; the three friends understood; Esther understood. You must hold this covenant.
6) Romans 1:16–17—Paul’s confession under persecution: “This gospel is the power of God for salvation… the righteous will live by faith.”
Paul suffered greatly for this. He came from a good family and was highly educated, yet people said he was mad—because they had no spiritual sight and did not know why the whole world is as it is. In the near future, two-thirds will suffer mental illness, but they do not know. The age has become one of darkness. Even presidents have nothing to say—they do not know what to do or why this is happening. Therefore you, the 0.1%, must shine the light.
So Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel. Even if you insult and persecute me, I am not ashamed. Even if I lose everything, I am not ashamed of this gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation… The righteous will live by faith.”
※ Depending on where the 0.1% are, God concentrates every blessing.
This is the first thing to remember. If you understand this, it is not that the 0.1% save others—God concentrates His blessings through them. That is the true answer. What is true revival in our church? God draws people to the three courtyards—then we must train and send them. The truly great answer is when God brings them without our even praying—how? It depends on where the 0.1% Joseph is. You must truly hold this: where the 0.1% Joseph or Moses is. Where was Paul “broken”? On the road to Damascus. Why there, of all places? Because Ananias was there. And from then on, wherever Paul—who had grasped this commission—went, God concentrated all blessings. How much you will be blessed—you will confess after the temple construction is complete. You will confess what God’s work is. Therefore hold firmly to this first point.
2. Do absolutely nothing else. Do what Christ has given.
Second, do not do anything else—do what Christ gave.
1) Seven bartizans—imprint
For 40 days Jesus imprinted the seven bartizans. Do that.
2) Seven journeys—root
He rooted them in the seven journeys. Do that.
3) Seven guideposts—nature
He caused them to establish the seven guideposts. Do that—which Jesus taught. This is the second point.
You must catch that God did everything through the 0.1% with the gospel. We do not seek blessing for its own sake; but if we do this, God will give it. We are not merchants trying to run the church as a business. But if we carry these answers, God will concentrate blessings and bring them.
What is the second point? Hold what Christ gave. In your life, the bartizan, journey, and guidepost of the throne must be formed.
3. The person God specially prepared—Paul
Third and last, there is a person God specially prepared—Paul. You must receive this blessing.
1) Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus and settled everything (Paul was present at Stephen’s martyrdom as a spiritual witness)
On the way to Damascus, Paul met Christ and settled everything. I cannot explain it all—Paul completely resolved the answers. A note to consider: when Stephen died, Paul was there as a witness. When executing Stephen, all who agreed to his execution picked up stones and stoned him—that was the common method. Heinous criminals were crucified or decapitated, but for ordinary capital cases, they stoned. Only those who deemed the man worthy of death picked up stones. The first stone—the one aimed at the head to knock him unconscious—was crucial. The one who threw the first stone had to appoint a legal witness and hand over his outer garment; both the thrower and the garment holder were recorded. The man who took the garment was Paul. Thus he surely saw Stephen’s death. Scripture says Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit; “the heavens were opened, and he saw Christ standing at the right hand of the throne.” Paul was present at that immense spiritual scene. That Paul then met Christ on the road and was utterly broken.
2) From then on Paul became a missionary—God attached disciples wherever he went.
From that point he became a missionary, and wherever he went, God attached disciples—an amazing thing.
3) Romans 16:25–27—To the church and people of “only gospel, only prayer,” God gave to Paul what had been hidden since eternity.
More importantly, look at the end of Romans 16, where he lists people—this is an answer you must note: “What was hidden since eternity I give to you.” Hidden and then given. The true answer is this: God hides it and then gives it. Which church will He give the blessing to save this age? To the church that proclaims only the gospel. It is not calculation—only the gospel. It is not human scheming—only prayer.
▣ Conclusion
Let me conclude. Receive this answer today, and let me close with three points.
1. Even if answers have not come, this is what you must do.
Even if answers have not yet come, this is what you must do—that is the first.
2. Even if I must die for this, I must do it—God gives the answers of “of course, inevitably, absolutely.”
Conversely, even if I must die because of this, I must do it—Stephen did so. “Because of the event of Stephen,” it says. Yet God gives the “of course, inevitable, absolute” answers.
3. God gives the 300% answers—without this, world evangelization cannot be done.
More important still, God gives the 300% answers. Without this, world evangelization is impossible.
Within this year and as you come into next year, you must hold this covenant firmly. In the second service today we will see it—but you must make this an opportunity to fully restore the three economies. While you pray throughout today, I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ that the work of God’s kingdom will come even upon places you have not gone. Let us pray.
Prayer. We thank You, God. Open the spiritual eyes of all the saints. Many multiethnic peoples are here—let them take what is important with them. Families all over the world are hearing this message—let the true gospel be conveyed to them. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.