TKC 2024: Thinking Deeply 2
Message by Missionary Joseph Jeong, translated by Pastor James Lee
SUMMARY/TRANSCRIPT:
Dear missionaries and local workers attending the Kingdom of God Conference,
God’s story is a majestic and mysterious epic. God became the author of that story when He created the world, and through that “creation story” He revealed His perfection – His love, goodness, and abundant glory. The central story of that process is that He created human beings in His image, thereby embodying His perfect love, dignity, and value for human beings in His great creation story. In the end, God’s story would be completed by the human beings He created obeying all cultural commands (Genesis 1:27-28).
When God first created the world, everything was good, and the world was in perfect peace, security, harmony, and wholeness. But then the fall of man began, and it turned the world into a corrupt, disorderly, and cruel place. Because of sin, this Satanic world became filled with human pride, self-centeredness, independence, and a lack of love for God and others. Sin enslaved human beings and kept them living under the death sentence of death.
But God did not leave this world alone. He sent a savior, redeemer, liberator, and intercessor to free human beings from the bondage and condemnation of sin and to restore a fallen world to its original goodness. The events of Jesus’ incarnation, birth, growth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection became the great story of salvation, bringing blessing and life to human beings who deserved to die because of sin. And with Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He has gone beyond this world to rule this earth as the great King, the ruler of all things. The story of God’s kingdom is now being written by the Holy Spirit through believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is writing the final chapters.
The great story of salvation continues today. From the beginning of creation to the salvation of mankind, God has been calling each person in his plan at every moment, transforming their lives and inviting them to join the story of his kingdom. This call isn’t just for certain people; it’s an invitation that anyone can respond to. God is at work in each person’s life, fulfilling God’s larger plan through their story.
In the end, one person’s story of salvation becomes part of God’s larger story. Our little stories add up to the big picture of God’s kingdom. God is at work in our lives, revealing His glory through our experiences and growth. So, when we trust God and follow His guidance, our lives can be meaningful and enriching in the grand story of God’s kingdom. God uses our stories to reveal His love and grace, and He uses them as tools to change the world.
Your commitment and ministry are part of this great story. From where you stand, continue His story by revealing His love and grace. God is changing the world through you, and with His guidance, may we write His great story together.
Thank you.
Thinking Deeply 2: Group Discussion
James Lee says:
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!