Isaiah 65:24-25; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24, 30
Lord’s Day Service Sermon by Huisun Rev. Abraham Park on March 8, 2000
Fools
“Fool” is a word that describes a person who is unable to make proper decisions due to a lack of intelligence. However, people who believe in Jesus are not fools but the wisest people in the world. This is because by faith, they believe not in a visible world, but in a world that cannot be seen with the naked eyes because God is spirit. Thus God seeks those who worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24; 6:63). Therefore, “faith” is the assurance of things hoped for and not seen (Heb 11:1).
God’s Word is where there is a reply before one calls
In today’s passage, Isaiah 65:24 says, “It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” In this world, there are answers after people hear the sound of the call, but in the spiritual world, there are answers even if we just decide to make a request to God. God comes to us even before we call to Him and it is accomplished instantaneously at the moment we finish speaking. This world where there are answers even before one calls is not one that will be actualized in heaven, but is one that we can experience here on this earth.
We must continuously pray in the Spirit
When we pray continuously in the Holy Spirit and give thanks, there will surely be an answer (Eph 6:18; Col 4:2). Secondly, we must be alert and pray in order to remain and stand before God during the end times (Luke 21:36). Thirdly, the answer to prayer is not a response from God by the request of man, but a movement of man’s faith by the request of God. Because “faith” is not ours, we should not say, “It happened because I prayed.” Finally, those who pray at all times in the Spirit, devoting themselves to prayer and keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving are the one who will live (Col 4:2).
We must pray regardless of time and space
Even if we do not designate a time and place to pray, the prayer that we say in the Spirit and in our hearts are returned to our bosoms (Psa 35:13). Thinking “Will my prayer be received?" while praying is an act of disbelief. However, when we say “I know and believe that You hear my prayers; please give a speedy response,” God has no choice but to answer (John 11:41). Also, we can hold onto the robe of God when we pray on our knees. Therefore, those who pray everywhere and anywhere will surely have great success. However, people who think all will be well even if they don’t pray are the fool of fools. The moment we say “Everything is fine even if I don’t pray,” we start failing and losing (Deut 4:29-33). I urge you to believe that the lives of those who do not pray are shameful and foolish, but people who pray are intelligent and wise and will receive the promises written in the Old and New Testament. When we pray with all our heart, our will and strength, God sees our faith and heart, and works through people even in problems difficult to solve. The reason Apostle Paul became a man used greatly by God is because he believed in God and entrusted everything to Him (John 15:7). Paul received immediate answers when he raised his hands and kneeled in front of God’s sovereignty, praying with all of his heart.
Those who love their lives must pray
Beautiful results are only accomplished when it is started with prayer. Just as Elijah’s prayer of faith brought a drought of three years and six months and also reopened the doors of heaven (1 Kgs 17:1; 18:41-45). Mankind can only request for things experienced, seen, and felt in their lives. However, when we make a request, God says, “Alright, I will give you something better.” Therefore, we must keep in mind that we cannot help but pray if we love our lives until the day we enter heaven.
Conclusion: If we are not fools, we must read the Bible, sing praises and do good deeds. Even if we’ve believed half-heartedly until today, I hope that the Holy Spirit’s powerful authority and ability will enable every single person in our Pyungkang Cheil Church to be fervent to learn, responding with “Amen, Hallelujah!” I bless you in the Lord’s name that you will bear the fruit of all the words recorded in the Old and New Testament and offer it up to God.
Comentarios