2 Corinthians 1:18-20
Sermon by Huisun Abraham Park (January 29, 2006 Orlando Sunday Service)
See peace with all men
When we read Genesis 2:3, we learn that creation was finished on the 7th day and God rested on that day. However, on this day of rest, God first blessed it and secondly made it holy. Therefore, no matter what kind of heart you came to church with, God blessed this day and made it holy. This is in Hebrews 12:14. We should pursue peace with all men. Don’t say, "Such and such person... Don’t get close to that person..." This is what Satan, the devil, says. This is not what elders, members of the men’s ministry, the women’s ministry or the young adults’ ministry should say. There is no discrimination in Christ. If you do not seek peace with all men, there is no holiness, thus do not even think to see God. You will not be able to go to heaven; you have to know this first.
There is no untruthfulness in the heart of Jesus
Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that the heart has been emptied like an empty can. Jesus’ heart is always empty. That’s why He is able to accept everything. In Jesus’ heart, hometown friends, siblings, and colleagues are all the same. He doesn’t put anyone before the other. Jesus gave the same love to hometown friends, colleagues, parents, murderers, thieves, and enemies. He gave the same love. That’s why He is the Savior. That’s why He is God. Do you run your business with the heart of Jesus? Do you serve the church with the heart of Jesus? Do we say "hello" to certain people in church and not to others? This is the problem in the church, this is the problem!
Truthful with no deceit, a heart that’s pure
A person who has no deceit in their heart has a heart of "Amen." This kind of life is blessed. When we lose our temper one time, nothing goes right. In James 1:20, it says, "For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." When we live a life of peace, God will bless and guard our going out and coming in (Psa 121:8). When we live this kind of life, our hands and feet will be blessed. This is why when you shake hands with a person who has been blessed, you are also blessed. We have to live a life like this in order to receive blessings without worries and wealth without worries. When wealth comes to us, we should rejoice and give thanks for God has given us wealth to use for His will, Amen? When we are blessed like this, it’s like hitting the jackpot. A truthful person hits the jackpot in all aspects of their lives.
God blessed Abraham
In Genesis 12:4, Abraham was all alone at the age of 75. He was an old man; however, he obeyed the Word of God and departed and didn’t have a penny. Wherever Abraham went, he built an altar and prayed in tears. And each time, God gave him a revelation. And each time, God was with him. God appeared to Abraham and said, "Take your son whom you love and go and offer him as a burnt offering" (Gen 22:2). Can you do this to your only son? Abraham was able to because he had the faith of a martyr’s. Abraham tied up his son and was about to strike him and God said, "Abraham, Abraham! Do not lay a hand on the boy for now I know that you believe in me" (Gen 22:12). Before this, it was all halfhearted. We too have to believe in God well when we make offerings. I have three sons. I make offerings in the name of my three sons on Christmas, thanksgiving, or the Feast of Harvest. Not only that, I make offerings on behalf of the whole church. I make offerings on behalf of my children and the whole church. Think about it. Ten thousand dollars is not a small amount of money. Neither is $5,000. I save that money to make offerings on the Feast of Harvest.
Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord
The Apostle Paul suffered greatly and was beaten (2 Cor 11:25). He did not sleep or eat and was naked, cold and hungry. Because he had nothing to eat, he prayed for the souls that he witnessed to. He labored greatly, but what was his conclusion? Paul said, "I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me" (1 Cor 15:9-10). Likewise, Jesus threw away His throne of glory and died on the cross for mankind. Jesus came as the offering of forgiveness; He came with "Amen." (Matt 20:28).
Conclusion: We are racing towards our home in heaven. That’s why our lives have to be truthful. It has to be Amen. Jesus Himself is Amen. Cherish Jesus in your heart and through the blessing of Amen, believe that you will receive the blessing of both the heaven and the earth.
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