NOVEMBER 25 Fri.

The Businessperson Who Enjoys the Gospel

Acts 2:9-11 / “Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome” (10)

Hymn #496 Sowing in the Morning (Unified Hymn 260)

Many people are trying to find answers. The Pharisees kept the Law and the Word and were ethically clean. However, their "24" was to protect their positions that blocked the Gospel. Making laws and conquering the world was the "24" of Rome. As a result, the posterity of Israel was in a situation where it had no choice but to go as wanderers. At that time, the businesspeople of Acts 2:9~11 who were able to see that arose. This was their "24." Then, what did the Early Church businesspeople, who had no choice but to receive answers, do?

1. Roots
They held onto the "roots" which God had spoken about. First, it was the covenant of Calvary. Christ already solved all darkness, curses, and authorities. (John 19:30) Second, they held onto God's Word from Acts 1:3. Third, they held onto the Word, “You will receive the Holy Spirit and become a witness to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

2. Crises
Those who correctly know both "24" and the mission of the church see crises differently. Although the field of Mark's upper room in Acts 1:14 was a field of crises, it was also the field where the greatest answer which God had promised was fulfilled. These were the businesspeople who were there.

3. Enjoyment
Although it seemed like a great loss, the businesspeople of the Early Church enjoyed tremendous works. Even though an order was given not to testify about Christ, (Acts 2:41) 3,000 disciples arose. Moreover, by giving proper offering, the church didn't face any shortages, (Acts 2:43-45) When the Pharisees cut them off by law, God sent Paul and made important businesspeople like Tabitha and Simon the tanner do the Gospel movement. At that time, the church that was established amidst the crisis of death was the Church at Antioch. Even there, church officers who were businesspeople enjoyed hardships and crises as answers through 24-hour prayer. (Acts 11:28-30 & 12:1~15)

Likewise, whenever crises arise, if you make small choices, the 100-year answer will come. Moreover, when you make important resolutions, you'll receive the 1,000-year answer.

[Covenantal Prayer] Dear God, help me firmly hold onto the covenants of Calvary, the Mt. of Olives, and Mark's upper room. Through these covenants, please help me to do "24" and lead me to become a person who enjoys the Gospel and turns all hardships and crises into answers. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.