DECEMBER 15 Fri.

The Start of the Gospel - A New Life

Acts 11:19-30 / "...and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." (26)

Hymn #254 I Hear Thy Welcome Voice (Unified Hymn 186)

Many people are seized in the illusion that they can't do anything. It's because they haven't started with the Gospel. By starting with the Gospel, the world can be saved. That's why, through prayer, you must be able to enjoy the life given by God. Furthermore, you must hold onto the words that Jesus said during His public ministry which contained the beginning of the Gospel.

1. The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew explains that Jesus came as King and what needed to be changed. What needed to be changed were the wrong blessings, (Sermon on the Mount) wrong worship, (Matthew 5:24) wrong prayer, (Matthew 6:33) wrong faith, (Matthew 7:1-8) and wrong thoughts of unbelief, (Matthew 13:1-58) Starting today, you must confess Christ as Lord and give up other wrong habits. (Matthew 16:12~20 & 17:1-9) The resurrected Lord said that He would always be with you with all authority, (Matthew 28:16-20)

2. The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark explains that Jesus came as a servant and what needed to be forsaken. In addition, Jesus' baptism of the Holy Spirit; (Mark 1:26-34) the reason for calling believers; (Mark 3:13-15) the fact that Jesus came as a ransom; (Mark 10:45) the love for God and for neighbors; (Mark 12:30~31) going to all creation; and that the works that take place through "The Throne's Power" were explained as well. (Mark 16:15-20)

3. The Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of Luke was a letter that was sent to Theophilus. It explained that Jesus came in human form and what needed to be sought. It also depicted Jesus' physical, intellectual, social, spiritual growth, (Luke 2:52) His resurrection, and the moment when He, through the Word, opened the eyes of the disciples who were on their way to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35)

4. The Gospel of John
The Gospel of John explained that Jesus was God and what needed to be enjoyed. God who is the Word came in the flesh as none other than Jesus. (John 1:1-14) This Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, to be with you forever. (John 14:16, 14:26, & 16:13) He resurrected and gave instructions to feed His lambs, (John 21:15~18)

Jesus is the Creator (From Long Ages Past) who became incarnate, resurrected, and will come as the Lord of the Second Coming and the Lord of judgment.

[Covenantal Prayer] Dear God, today, may Your new time schedule come upon me, and may spiritual preparations arise. Through Your power, may I become a witness. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.