Yayagom Church

추석 가정예배 순서지 Chuseok Family Worship Service

추석 가정예배문

마음 모으기

만물이 하나님의 풍성한 은혜를 찬양하는 좋은 날, 받은 은혜를 기억하며

주님께 감사의 예배를 드립니다.

조용한 기도 (다함께)

여호와를 자기 하나님으로 삼은 나라 곧 하나님의 기업으로 선택된 백성은

복이 있도다 여호와께서 하늘에서 굽어보사 모든 인생을 살피심이여 곧 그가

거하시는 곳에서 세상의 모든 거민들을 굽어살피시는도다 (시편 33:12-14)

찬송 563장 / 예수 사랑하심을 (다함께)

1. 예수 사랑하심을 성경에서 배웠네 우리들은 약하나 예수 권세 많도다

날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 성경에 쓰였네

2. 나를 사랑하시고 나의 죄를 다 씻어 하늘문을 여시고 들어가게 하시네

날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 성경에 쓰였네

3. 내가 연약할수록 더욱 귀히 여기사 높은 보좌 위에서 낮은 나를 보시네

날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 성경에 쓰였네

4. 세상 사는 동안에 나와 함께 하시고 세상 떠나가는 날 천국 가게 하소서

날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 날 사랑하심 성경에 쓰였네

기도 (가족 중)

은혜의 하나님, 씨를 뿌린 것은 사람이지만 거두게 하시는 이는 오직 주님이심을

믿음으로 고백합니다. 풍성한 소출로 우리를 먹이시고, 모든 순간 넉넉함 품에서

보살펴 주시니 감사합니다. 인생의 추위와 더위, 비바람 속에서도 주님의 돌보신

은혜를 잊지 않게 하소서. 그래서 주 안에 더욱 든든히 뿌리내려 다른 이들에게도

그늘을 내어주는 사람이 되게 하소서. 그렇게 하나님 나라를 누리는 복된 삶으로

주님의 기쁨이 되게 하소서. 예수님의 이름으로 기도합니다. 아멘

성경봉독 / 스바냐 3장 14-20절 (돌아가면서)

17 너의 하나님 여호와가 너의 가운데에 계시니 그는 구원을 베푸실 전능자이시라

그가 너로 말미암아 기쁨을 이기지 못하시며 너를 잠잠히 사랑하시며

너로 말미암아 즐거이 부르며 기뻐하시리라 하리라

말씀 나누기/하나님은 우리를 기대하십니다

스바냐는 주전 7세기 후반, 남유다의 요시야 왕 때 활동한 예언자입니다. 당시 남유

다는 선대 왕들의 우상숭배와 그에 따른 종교적 혼합주의뿐 아니라 정치, 사회적 문제

들로 매우 혼란한 시기를 보내고 있었습니다. 예언자 스바냐는 하나님을 떠나 온갖 불

의를 저지르며 죄악의 길로 치닫는 유다 백성에게 '여호와의 날'이 임할 것을 선포했습

니다. 또한 유다를 둘러싸고 있는 블레셋, 모압, 암몬, 구스와 앗수르 등 주변 나라들에

도 하나님의 심판이 있을 것이라고 예고했습니다. 이는 공의의 하나님께서 통치하시

는 질서를 따르지 않고 진정으로 회개하고 돌이키지 않으면, 심판에 이를 수밖에 없음

을 분명하게 가르쳐 줍니다.

한편 하나님은 예언자 스바냐를 통해 주님이 이루실 희망의 메시지를 선포하셨습니다.

그런 의미에서 여호와의 날이란, 두렵고 떨리는 심판의 날인 동시에 하나님의 구원과 회

복을 기대하는 소망의 날이었습니다. 그 희망의 시작은 심판의 날로부터, 시련과 절망을

극복하고 살아남아 여호와를 섬길 '남은 자들'입니다.

'남은 자'(remnants)란 나무를 베어내고 남은 아랫동아리를 비유한 말입니다. 그들은

악을 행치 아니하며 거짓을 말하지 아니하며 입에 거짓된 혀가 없는 자들이요(습 3:13),

깨끗하게 변화를 받아 여호와의 이름을 부르며 한마음으로 그를 섬길 사람들입니다. 하

나님의 구원 앞에서 그들은 노래를 부르며 진심으로 기뻐하지 않을 수 없었습니다.

"도성 시온아, 노래하여라. 이스라엘아 즐거이 외쳐라. 도성 예루살렘아, 마음껏 기뻐

하며 즐거워하여라(3:14, 새번역)." 그들 가운데서 구원을 베푸실 전능자이신 하나님 역

시 그들로 인해 기쁨을 이기지 못할 것이며, 그들을 잠잠히 사랑하시고, 그들로 인하여

즐거이 부르며 기뻐하실 것입니다(3:17).

오늘은 한가위입니다. 한 해 동안 수고하고 땀 흘린 열매를 거두어 들이는 때, 우리에

게도 회복과 은혜의 풍성함이 있기를 원합니다. 한여름 장마와 태풍을 견뎌내고 살아남

은 곡식처럼, 우리도 시련과 고통의 문제들을 이겨내는 신실한 믿음의 사람, 남은 자들로

서 하나님의 기쁨이 되기를 소망합니다. 기억하십시오. 하나님은 우리를 기대하십니다.

삶 나누기 (다함께)

1. 가족과 함께 나눌 기도 제목을 이야기합니다.

2. 하나님께 감사한 일을 서로 나누며, 감사의 마음을 구체적으로 표현해 봅니다.

주기도문 (다함께)

Chuseok Family Worship Service

Gathering Our Hearts This is a good day to praise God for His abundant grace on all things. We gather to give thanks and worship the Lord, remembering the grace we have received.

Silent Prayer (All together) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on the earth. (Psalm 33:12-14)

Hymn 563 / Jesus Loves Me (All together)

Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so; little ones to him belong, they are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! he who died, heaven’s gate to open wide; he will wash away my sin, let his little child come in. Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! when I’m weak, he will hold me on his high throne; he will watch me from above, and his kindness will be mine. Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! he will stay close beside me all the way; when I die, he’ll take me home, into heaven, I will come. Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.

Prayer (by a family member) Gracious God, we confess with faith that it is You alone who brings forth the harvest, though it is we who sow the seeds. Thank You for feeding us with abundant produce and for watching over us every moment. Help us not to forget Your grace, which has protected us through the cold, heat, and storms of life. May we take deeper root in You and become people who provide shade for others. May our lives be blessed, bringing joy to You and living in Your Kingdom. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Reading / Zephaniah 3:14-20 (Taking turns) 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Sharing the Word / God Has Expectations of Us Zephaniah was a prophet who was active in the latter part of the 7th century BC, during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. At that time, Judah was experiencing a very chaotic period due to the idol worship of previous kings and the resulting religious syncretism, as well as political and social problems. The prophet Zephaniah proclaimed that the "Day of the Lord" would come upon the people of Judah, who were abandoning God and running down a path of wickedness. He also foretold that judgment would come upon the surrounding nations, including Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. This clearly teaches that if they did not truly repent and follow the order established by the righteous God, they would inevitably face judgment.

However, through the prophet Zephaniah, God also proclaimed a message of hope that He would bring about. In that sense, the Day of the Lord was not only a day of fear and trembling judgment but also a day of hope, anticipating God's salvation and restoration. The beginning of that hope was in the "remnant," those who survived judgment and hardship to serve the Lord.

A "remnant" is a metaphor for the stump left after a tree is cut down. They are people who do not do wrong, tell lies, or have deceit on their tongues (Zephaniah 3:13). They are the people who will undergo a pure transformation, call upon the name of the Lord, and serve Him with one heart. In the presence of God's salvation, they cannot help but sing and rejoice with all their hearts.

"Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem (3:14, ESV)." The Lord their God, a mighty one who will save, will also be unable to contain His joy over them. He will quiet them by His love, and He will exult over them with singing (3:17).

Today is Chuseok. It is a time when we gather the fruits of our hard work throughout the year. We hope that we, too, will be filled with restoration and grace. Like the crops that survived the summer rains and typhoons, we also desire to be people of sincere faith, a remnant who overcomes the problems of trials and suffering and becomes the joy of God. Remember this: God has expectations of us.

Sharing Life (All together)

Share prayer requests with each other as a family.
Share things you are thankful to God for, expressing gratitude concretely.

The Lord's Prayer (All together)

Children who have left the church, perhaps it's because of 'this'

The reason a child distances themselves from the church is something that parents find frustrating and regrettable.

Why does a child who used to attend church with their parents stop going after they become an adult? The reason is complex, and it's not simply because they've 'grown up.' While the parents' heart for their child is understandable, sometimes the way parents practice their faith can become a stumbling block for their children.

In this article, we will examine the fundamental reasons why children leave the church and discuss the desirable attitude parents should adopt to respect and assist their children's faith. If we realize that 'attending church well' is not the entirety of faith, we can restore our relationship with our children and reflect on the true meaning of belief.

The Reason Parents' Faith Cannot Become an Inheritance for Their Children

Parents want to pass their faith on to their children. However, faith, unfortunately, is not something that can be inherited like property. No matter how diligently parents attend church, serve, and give offerings, children often develop a dislike for faith by observing these actions. Why is that?

In many cases, it's because 'keeping the Sabbath' is perceived as the whole of religious life. Attending church and worshiping on Sunday is seen as fulfilling the duty of faith. In the eyes of a child, their parents may seem dedicated and serving inside the church, but outside of church life—in their everyday character and attitude—the image of a believer is often absent. Children grow up watching their parents get irritated with their family after returning from a holy Sunday service or showing greed over worldly matters. While others may not know, children see their parents' lives up close and grasp the true reality.

This double-sided behavior confuses children and eventually makes them question the religious life their parents display. A faith that only emphasizes 'keeping the Sabbath' and 'offerings' can seem like merely following a set of laws, leading them to question what true faith is. This is also why many children of pastors leave the church; they have seen the other side of religious life more closely than anyone else.

When It's Time to Abandon Church-Centric Faith

A parent's dedication to the church can be perceived by a child as God having taken their parent away. In the child's eyes, the parent seems focused only on the church, neglecting their family and children. This can lead the child to resent God and the church, thinking, "If it weren't for God, if it weren't for the church, I could have a good relationship with my parents."

In fact, many religious leaders are now advocating for 'de-churchism.' The idea that simply gathering in a church building to worship is not the entirety of faith is spreading. Jesus and God also stated that a church-centric life is not right. Evidence for this can be found in the Bible.

True Worship is in the 'Heart' and 'Life'

The Bible clearly states where true worship begins. It's not in a physical space called a church but in the heart and life of the person who is worshiping.

Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth John 4:24 states, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." Through this, Jesus teaches that how one worships is far more important than where one worships.
'Spirit' refers to worship that is led by the Holy Spirit. It is not a ritual performed by human effort or will but a focus on God with one's whole heart and soul under the illumination of the Spirit. It means worship that comes from within, not bound by external forms or rituals.
'Truth' signifies a sincere and pure heart without pretense. It means that worship centered on Jesus Christ, who is the truth, is genuine worship.
Therefore, the command to 'worship in Spirit and in truth' emphasizes the importance of an internal worship that is genuine and from the heart and soul, led by the Holy Spirit and based on truth, rather than a formal worship that simply adheres to a set place or time.
First Be Reconciled to Your Brother, Then Offer Your Gift Matthew 5:23-24 states, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
Here, Jesus sends the message that human relationships are a priority over worship. He states that while the religious act of giving an offering to God is important, it must be preceded by mending our relationships with our neighbors in our daily lives. This shows that formal acts of worship are difficult for God to accept.
The vertical relationship with God and the horizontal relationship with our neighbor cannot be separated. It is a contradiction to love God while holding hatred or resentment toward our neighbor. True worship is not simply following religious rituals but is offered with a pure heart and restored relationships. In essence, it emphasizes that the life and attitude of the worshiper are more important than the worship itself.

A Parent's Faith That Wins Their Child's Heart

In conclusion, the fundamental reason children distance themselves from the church may be that the faith life their parents showed them felt like a 'religious obligation' rather than 'true belief.' If parents only emphasize keeping the Sabbath and giving offerings and a Christian demeanor is not visible in their daily lives, children will think they don't want to be a person of faith like their parents.

If parents want to pass on their faith to their children, they must break free from a church-centric faith and demonstrate a life that practices the love of Jesus Christ. They must show through their actions that worship is life. Loving their neighbors, respecting their family, and acting as light and salt in the world becomes the most powerful legacy of faith for their children. Only when a parent's genuine life, not nagging, wins their child's heart, can the child, of their own will, meet God and have faith, not just because of their parents.

교회를 떠난 자녀, 혹시 '이것' 때문일 수도 있습니다

자녀가 교회와 거리를 두는 이유는 부모에게 좌절스럽고 안타까운 일이다. 왜 어릴 때 부모와 함께 교회를 다니던 아이가 성인이 된 후에는 발걸음을 끊게 되는 걸까? 그 이유는 복합적이며, 단순히 '어른이 되어서'라고만 할 수 없다. 자녀를 향한 부모의 마음은 이해할 수 있지만, 때로는 부모의 신앙 생활 방식이 자녀에게 걸림돌이 될 수도 있다.

이 글에서는 자녀가 교회를 떠나는 근본적인 이유를 살펴보고, 부모가 자녀의 신앙을 존중하고 돕기 위해 어떤 태도를 취하는 것이 바람직한지 논할 것이다. '교회에 잘 출석하는 것'만이 신앙의 전부가 아님을 깨닫는다면, 자녀와의 관계를 회복하고 믿음의 진정한 의미를 되새길 수 있을 것이다.

부모의 신앙이 자녀에게 유산이 될 수 없는 이유

부모는 자신의 신앙을 자녀에게 물려주고 싶어 한다. 그러나 안타깝게도 믿음은 재산처럼 상속되는 것이 아니다. 부모가 아무리 열심히 교회에 다니고 봉사하며 헌금해도, 자녀는 그 모습을 보며 오히려 신앙에 반감을 갖는 경우가 종종 있다. 왜 그럴까?

많은 경우, '주일 성수'가 신앙 생활의 전부처럼 인식되기 때문이다. 주일에 교회에 가서 예배를 드리는 것이 마치 믿음의 의무를 다한 것처럼 여겨지는 것이다. 자녀의 눈에는 부모가 교회에서는 헌신적이고 봉사하는 모습이지만, 교회 밖에서의 삶, 즉 일상에서의 인격과 태도에서는 믿는 자의 모습이 보이지 않는 경우가 많다. 자녀들은 거룩한 주일 예배를 드리고 와서 가족에게 짜증을 내거나, 세상적인 문제에 대해 욕심을 부리는 모습을 보며 자라게 된다. 남들은 모를지 몰라도 자녀들은 부모의 삶을 가장 가까이에서 보고 그 실체를 정확히 파악하고 있다.

이런 이중적인 모습은 자녀에게 혼란을 주고, 결국 부모가 보여주는 종교 생활에 회의를 느끼게 만든다. '주일 성수'와 '헌금'만 강조하는 신앙은 율법을 지키는 행위처럼 보이며, 진정한 믿음이 무엇인지에 대한 의문을 갖게 한다. 심지어 목회자의 자녀들이 교회를 떠나는 경우가 많은 것도 이런 이유에서 비롯된다고 볼 수 있다. 그들은 누구보다 종교적인 삶의 이면을 더 가까이에서 보았기 때문이다.

교회 중심적인 신앙을 버려야 할 때

부모가 교회에 헌신하는 모습이 자녀에게는 하나님이 부모를 빼앗아 간 존재로 인식될 수 있다. 자녀의 눈에는 부모가 오직 교회에만 몰두하고, 가정과 자녀에게는 소홀한 것처럼 보이기 때문이다. 이로 인해 자녀는 하나님과 교회에 대해 원망을 품게 될 수도 있다. '하나님만 아니면, 교회만 아니면 부모님과 사이좋게 지낼 수 있을 텐데'라고 생각하게 되는 것이다.

실제로 많은 종교 지도자들도 이제는 **'탈 교회주의'**를 주장하고 있다. 단순히 교회 건물에 모여 예배를 드리는 것만이 신앙의 전부가 아니라는 인식이 확산되고 있는 것이다. 예수님과 하나님 또한 교회 중심적인 생활이 옳지 않다고 말씀하고 있다. 이에 대한 근거는 성경 속에서도 찾을 수 있다.

진정한 예배는 '마음'과 '삶'에 있다

성경은 진정한 예배가 어디에서 시작되는지 명확하게 이야기하고 있다. 교회라는 물리적 공간이 아닌, 예배를 드리는 사람의 마음과 삶이 중요하다는 것이다.

신령과 진정으로 드리는 예배 요한복음 4장 24절에는 “하나님은 영이시니 예배하는 자가 신령과 진정으로 예배할지니라”라고 기록되어 있다. 예수님은 이 말씀을 통해 예배의 장소보다 어떻게 예배하는지가 훨씬 더 중요하다고 가르친다.
**'신령'**은 성령님의 인도하심 아래에서 드리는 예배를 의미한다. 인간의 힘이나 의지로 드리는 형식이 아니라, 성령의 조명 아래 마음과 영혼을 다해 하나님께 집중하는 것이다. 겉으로 보이는 형식이나 의식에 얽매이지 않고 내면으로부터 우러나오는 예배를 뜻한다.
**'진정'**은 꾸밈이나 가식 없이 진실하고 순수한 마음을 의미한다. 진리이신 예수 그리스도를 중심으로 드리는 예배가 진정한 예배라는 뜻이다.
따라서 '신령과 진정으로 예배하라'는 말씀은 단순히 정해진 장소나 시간에 참여하는 형식적인 예배가 아니라, 성령의 인도하심에 따라 마음과 영혼을 다하고 진리 안에서 진실하게 드리는 내면의 예배가 중요하다는 것을 강조한다.
먼저 형제와 화목한 후에 예물을 드려라 마태복음 5장 23~24절에는 "그러므로 예물을 제단에 드리려다가 거기서 네 형제에게 원망 들을 만한 일이 있는 것이 생각나거든, 예물을 제단 앞에 두고 먼저 가서 형제와 화목하고 그 후에 와서 예물을 드리라"고 기록되어 있다.
이는 예수님께서 예배보다 인간관계가 우선이라는 메시지를 던지신 것이다. 하나님께 예물을 바치는 종교적인 행위는 중요하지만, 그에 앞서 우리의 삶 속에서 이웃과의 관계를 바르게 해야 한다고 말씀하신다. 형식적인 예배 행위는 하나님께서 받으시기 어렵다는 것을 보여주는 것이다.
하나님과의 수직적인 관계와 이웃과의 수평적인 관계는 분리될 수 없다. 하나님을 사랑한다고 하면서 이웃을 미워하거나 원망하는 마음을 품는 것은 모순이다. 진정한 예배는 단순히 종교적인 의식을 따르는 것이 아니라, 깨끗한 마음과 회복된 관계 속에서 드리는 것이다. 즉, 예배자의 삶과 태도가 예배 자체보다 더 중요하다는 것을 강조한다.

자녀의 마음을 얻는 부모의 신앙 생활

결론적으로, 자녀가 교회를 멀리하는 근본적인 이유는 부모가 보여준 신앙 생활이 자녀에게 '진정한 믿음'이 아닌 '종교적인 의무'로 느껴졌기 때문일 수 있다. 부모가 주일 성수와 헌금만 강조하고, 삶 속에서는 그리스도인의 모습이 보이지 않는다면, 자녀는 부모와 같은 신앙인이 되고 싶지 않다고 생각하게 된다.

부모가 자녀에게 믿음을 물려주고 싶다면, 교회 중심적인 신앙에서 벗어나 삶 속에서 예수 그리스도의 사랑을 실천하는 모습을 보여주어야 한다. 예배는 삶이라는 것을 행동으로 보여주어야 한다. 이웃을 사랑하고, 가족을 존중하며, 세상 속에서 빛과 소금의 역할을 감당하는 모습이 자녀에게 가장 강력한 믿음의 유산이 된다. 잔소리가 아닌 진실된 삶의 모습을 통해 자녀의 마음을 얻을 때, 비로소 자녀는 부모가 아닌 스스로의 의지로 하나님을 만나고 신앙을 가질 수 있게 될 것이다.

Are we truly the light and salt of the world, or are we the ones destroying the church?

I want to talk in-depth about why the church fails to be the light and salt of the world. This is a problem that needs to be examined not only from an external perspective but also by those who protect and serve the church. I'll speak honestly and soberly about what we need to give up and what we need to hold on to in order to become the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" that Jesus spoke of.

The "Enemy" Hiding Within: The True Identity of Satan and the Devil

A common reality for high-ranking officials who serve the church deeply is fighting against an internal enemy. They are often called "those who have fallen to Satan's temptations," but in reality, they are fellow church members, elders, deacons, and even pastors or evangelists.

Do these people really have a mysterious "spiritual discernment" that allows them to demonize others? No. They simply operate on the premise that "I am good and on God's side," and they label anyone who holds a different opinion as "Satan." In a church dominated by this logic, everyone—pastors, elders, and congregants—makes the other person a Satan by insisting, "I am right and you are wrong." This claim is particularly common among some pastors due to a sense of spiritual superiority, but in reality, those who are lacking in spirituality and recognition from others are more likely to assert their claims more strongly.

The moment you declare, "I am right," a battle with those around you becomes an unavoidable reality. So, shouldn't we be thinking, "We" are right, not "I"? And for that "we" to be right, there needs to be a constant process of verification. This is why we need the humility to ask "all of us" if "my" claim is truly right.

The Illusion Disguised as Faith: The Greed for "Success"

While working within the church, I've seen far too many people who act as if they have faith but don't live by it. This is especially true for senior pastors, many of whom are lax with tithing. It is common for them to hide income beyond their salary or not tithe properly. They exhibit the contradiction of being almost the only ones in the world who emphasize the tithing culture of the Old Testament while failing to practice it themselves.

I also see them praying anxiously for a specific outcome before an important event, rather than simply praying to God. I have never seen a pastor ready to fail if God wills it. They often get lost in their self-centered thinking, shouting only for "victory." Whenever this happens, I wanted to tell them, "You should pray, you should be ready to fail if God says so," but it was not an easy thing to say to those trapped in a Christian culture that only values "winning and victory."

Misconceptions About "Fighting" and "Victory"

The church often preaches, "Let's win with faith!" This phrase dichotomizes the world as evil and the church as good, putting congregants in a combative state. They go out into the world wearing the "full armor of God" to do battle, but in reality, they experience repeated frustration and defeat, and they return to the church.

This is because they have misunderstood "winning with faith" as "beating others in a fight." By constantly trying to fight and win, they are more likely to make enemies and become inflexible. This is a problem that arises from focusing solely on right and wrong and refusing to admit when they are wrong.

Jesus did not teach us to defeat others. On the contrary, he said, "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also," and "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." This does not mean fighting to defeat others; it means winning the battle against your own inner self. Even if you fail and lose in a competition with others, learning humility and love in that process is true faith.

Despite this, many Christians will not hesitate to resort to extreme behavior, saying, "If I can't win with skill, I'll win with prayer." This type of behavior, which demonizes and tries to defeat others, has been called "pseudo-Christianity," with the far-right 'Taegeukgi' groups being a prime example. True faith is not about achieving visible success or social standing but about nurturing your inner self to mature before God. A heart that can be happy even when failing in competition with others—that is the very image of faith that Jesus spoke of.

What is the True Image of a Christian?

We must abandon the desire to be the best within the church. If someone shouts, "Let's fight and win," it might be because they are unable to fight their own inner evil and are trying to create a common enemy to fight. If there is a person who incites such behavior, they themselves might be the devil.

A Christian should not try to win in horizontal relationships. They should only strive for spiritual victory in a vertical relationship—the battle within their own self—by focusing on God alone. Greed can be a driving force or a motivator, but it ultimately causes problems. We must act with purpose, not with greed. Success achieved through greed may bring temporary happiness, but it cannot guarantee eternal happiness.

In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul confessed, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Here, "the good fight" does not mean a physical fight against others but a victory over persecution, hardship for the sake of the gospel, and internal temptations. The true fight in Christianity is not about competitive victory but about a fight with oneself against sin and evil.

To live as the light and salt of the world, we must now stop fighting others and win the battle only within ourselves.

Sunday morning, with a heart full of excitement, heading to church.

Once again, Sunday morning has arrived. The sunlight streaming through the window is no different from any other day, but the air feels somehow a layer more transparent and solemn. The busy routines and frantic thoughts of yesterday slowly subside, and a feeling of excitement and quiet preparation for meeting the Lord settles in my heart. Shaking off the temptation to sleep in, every action—from calmly choosing my clothes to packing my bag—is not just a simple preparation, but a ritual of listening to my own self and the voice of my soul that I had forgotten during the week. The Bible and hymnbook in my bag become steadfast companions that help me compose myself. These small rituals gather to guide my heart like the footsteps of a pilgrim heading toward worship.

Opening the front door, even the noise of the city seems to sound friendly. The faint morning mist has already disappeared, and the clear, fresh air enters deep into my lungs, feeling as if it is purifying me. The small flowers blooming by the roadside sparkle with morning dew, and the green leaves rustle softly in the breeze. Every single scene that I usually pass by without a thought feels new today. All this natural beauty seems to bear witness to the Creator's handiwork, and a feeling of gratitude wells up naturally. It's almost as if the entire world is inviting me to the place of worship.

On the way to church, I see various people. A young couple walking and chattering, holding their child's hand; an elderly couple moving slowly but with firm steps, leaning on a cane; and young people walking quietly in neat suits. Although their life's burdens and stories are different, their steps are headed in only one direction. Their expressions are filled not with the worries and anxieties of the world, but with an anticipation for the peace and comfort they will receive through today's service. On this path, as anonymous brothers and sisters, we send silent support to each other and subtly feel a sense of belonging to the community. This short journey on foot becomes a bridge connecting the busyness of the world with a spiritual sanctuary.

As I get closer to the church building, I hear the soft resonance of hymns. The familiar melody and lyrics welcome me like an old friend, making my steps even lighter. Finally, as I open the church door and step inside the sanctuary, my heart becomes even more still. The noise of the outside world fades away, and a sacred silence envelops me along with a solemn atmosphere. The neatly arranged chairs under the soft lighting and the stained glass that sparkles brilliantly with the light seem to symbolize the peace of the soul. Seeing the people who have already arrived and are praying, and exchanging warm greetings with fellow church members I haven't seen in a while, I feel that I have finally arrived at my true sanctuary.

The service consists of the Word, prayer, and hymns. All these parts are like living water that quenches the soul's thirst. The hymns we sing together are not just simple songs. They are a heartfelt prayer that is a mixture of the joys and sorrows, gratitude and confessions from each of our lives, resonating in the heavens. As I listen to the voice of the person next to me and sing along, verse by verse, I experience my heart's walls crumbling and my soul becoming free. In this moment, as a unified community, we share our hearts with each other and give glory to God.

Then, the pastor's sermon begins. The Word of the Bible is displayed on the screen, and the story comes across not like some ancient legend, but as a vivid message directly connected to my own life. At times, it shakes my heart with warm comfort, and at other times, with sharp enlightenment. Every time I think, 'Ah, this is the Word I needed,' each verse becomes a compass that offers wisdom and direction for my life. The enlightenment I gain through the Word organizes my complex thoughts and breathes new strength and courage into me, who has been exhausted throughout the week.

Even after the service ends, the lingering feeling doesn't easily fade. The time spent outside, sharing coffee and refreshments, and asking about each other's well-being and sharing our lives with fellow church members, is a form of worship in its own right. Through this time, we celebrate each other's joys, comfort each other's pain, and confirm the strong bond of our community. This time reminds me that faith is not a solitary journey but one we walk together.

My steps leaving the church are quite different from when I arrived. I feel as if a heavy burden has been lifted, and my heart is filled with an indescribable fullness. The world outside remains the same, but my perspective and mindset are completely new. I have gained the strength to live fiercely in the world for the coming week, and with the energy recharged through this spiritual rest, I return to the world again. Just as the walk toward the church is a precious journey to find spiritual rest and inner peace, I believe that the walk back to my daily life is the start of another pilgrimage to share the love and grace I have received with the world.

You know that prayer should be done to get a response, right?

From the standpoint of having been attending church for many years and now having been able to say that I have been attending church for a lifetime, it seems that I have been taught to pray only to receive a response to prayer. So first, I try to find out what the Bible says about prayer and how the church teaches about prayer and argue that prayer should not go only to prayer for response.

Biblical teachings

Response according to God's will

The Bible says that God hears our prayers, but not always responds in the way we want. According to God's wisdom and plan, they give the best (John 1:5:14-15).

The Importance of Faith

Prayer must be given by faith and must be assured that it will be answered (Gospel of Matthew 21:22).

Perseverance and patience

Jesus taught us not to be discouraged but to pray patiently (Gospel of Luke 18:1-8).

Prayer for God's glory

We must pray to reveal God's glory, not our own greed or selfish purpose (John 14:13).

Help of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit helps us with our fragility and guides us to pray according to God's will (Roman 8:26-27).

Church teachings

The Church generally emphasizes prayer responses based on the teachings of the Bible:

God's sovereignty

The response of prayer depends entirely on God's sovereignty, and it is in accordance with his will and time.

Various forms of response

The response is not only to receive what we are asking for, but it can also be replaced by something better, or it can be done in other ways. Sometimes, responses may be delayed or rejected.

The benefit of prayer.

Prayer itself plays a crucial role in bringing spiritual growth and peace through communion with God, reinforcing our faith.

Community prayer

It teaches that not only individual prayers, but also united prayers of the church community can exert greater power (Acts of the Apostles 4:24).

Life Change

True prayer must change our hearts and lives, leading us to obey God's will.

In conclusion, the Bible and the Church emphasize that prayer is communication with God, and that the response is God's sovereign history. We must pray with faith and perseverance that are worthy of God's will, and trust God who will respond in any form.

But is it because the reason why this teaching is really biblical? There are many books to receive prayer responses, and if you say what you want and wish well like a magic lamp, you should believe that God will give you and pray. As a result, all the prayers of Korean churches are different, so only children beg.

I'll do this. He doesn't talk like the Lord's Sakgaeo, but he's arguing, "Why are you not responding? You have to respond."

Even if we reflect on and repent every week and try to turn back, life does not change because of the lack of forgiveness. We are easily enraged. To someone who is close to home at work. Before you get angry, I want you to forgive the other person.

Forgiveness is not about asking for forgiveness. It is enough to declare that if someone makes me angry, I will forgive you, whether I hear or not. If you do this a few times, you will know what the Lord will be to pray that we in the Lord's Prayer forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven us for our sins.

The Huge Difference Between Listening to a Sermon and Preaching One

The Huge Difference Between Listening to a Sermon and Preaching One

Anyone who attends church has likely heard the word "sermon." It refers to explaining doctrine and giving teachings during a church service. However, the story of a pastor who quit ministry because the sermon preparation process was too difficult might seem puzzling to many people. This is because many people think preaching is an easy task—simply speaking in front of people. Yet, preaching is far more than just talking; it's an incredibly difficult task burdened by deep contemplation and spiritual and intellectual pressure.

The Weight of Preaching: Why Is It So Hard?

There are several reasons why preaching is so challenging, but they can be broken down into four main points. The first is the spiritual burden. Preachers feel a heavy weight because they believe they aren't just delivering their own personal thoughts but are speaking on behalf of God. They fear misinterpreting God's word or blending their own personal beliefs into the message. This spiritual pressure is a unique kind of suffering not found in other professions.

The second is the intellectual burden. A good sermon comes from deep research. Preparing a sermon requires more than just reading the Bible; it demands extensive work like analyzing the original Hebrew and Greek texts, studying historical and cultural contexts, and consulting various theological books and commentaries. This intellectual labor is a major reason why pastors get exhausted, especially when they have to prepare a new sermon every week.

The third is the burden of communication. Even if a preacher gains deep insights, conveying them in a way that resonates with the congregation's lives is another challenge entirely. They must simplify complex theological concepts into language that everyone can understand and connect the sermon's content to the real-life problems people face (family issues, work stress, personal pain) to offer genuine comfort and challenge. Since the people listening have diverse backgrounds, ages, and levels of faith, the skill of communicating in a way that moves hearts and inspires change is something they must constantly work on.

Finally, there's the pressure of time. Most pastors have countless other duties besides preparing sermons, such as visiting congregants, counseling, handling church administration, and attending meetings. It is very difficult to dedicate enough time to preparing a single sermon while balancing all these other tasks. When they have to create one or two new sermons every week, the sense of failure they feel when they can't allocate enough time and end up with a sermon they're not proud of is a great source of pain for a pastor.

How Are Great Preachers Made?

Sometimes, you encounter an outstanding preacher and wonder how they manage to speak so clearly and passionately, persuading and enlightening people so effectively. This could be due to innate talent or the result of relentless effort. It’s possible that preaching, like singing, has a natural talent component, where a talented individual might make a hard worker feel inadequate.

It's common to see assistant pastors who grew up listening to the sermons of a lead pastor from a large church imitate their speaking style and gestures. This can be understood as a process of learning and practicing the craft of preaching. If you weren't born with the gift, it makes sense to practice to reach the desired level.

Sermon Frequency and Church Growth

Back in the 1980s, there was a saying that there were more churches than coffee shops, reflecting a period of significant church growth. Today, the situation has changed; the number of churches is declining and is often compared to the number of convenience stores or coffee shops. The sheer volume of sermons a single pastor must deliver—from early morning services to Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday sermons—is immense, and it’s a reality that places a huge burden on them.

In small churches, where all resources are scarce, pastors often have to handle every task themselves. It's said that a church of 500 members finds it hard to grow to 1,000, and a church of 1,000 finds it even harder to reach 5,000. Viewing church growth solely in terms of the number of congregants, like a business, is seen as a misguided approach. Some people express disappointment with Protestantism when they see congregants boast about their church's size, feeling that it shows a lack of thought. It's important to remember that Jesus left behind only 12 disciples, and accurately, just 11.

The Man Who Established Christianity: Paul

Jesus left 11 disciples, and Judas Iscariot's presence is a bitter note. However, God used a young man named Saul to rebuild Christianity. Saul (Paul) was a persecutor of Christians but, on his way to Damascus, he met Jesus, had a conversion experience, and became the Christian apostle Paul. This one man can be seen as a founder of the Jesus movement that led to today's Catholic and Protestant churches.

His theology forms the basis of Christian theology, and the New Testament was completed through his epistles. Since Paul's letters make up most of the New Testament (apart from the four Gospels and a few other epistles), his theological contributions are central. Unlike the original disciples who lived with Jesus, Paul met him through a spiritual experience. This is why some argue that Paul, rather than the disciples, was more instrumental in shaping the religion. Luke, Paul's companion, documented this in the book of Acts. In the end, we are all influenced by the actions of an exceptional individual. We call them geniuses.

On the Qualities and Efforts of a Preacher

As mentioned, preaching is more than just an act of conveying knowledge. To be a preacher, one must deeply study God's word, apply it to the times and lives of the audience, and possess spiritual authority and character. This isn't something that comes from innate talent alone but is gained through constant prayer, meditation, academic research, and self-reflection. If listening to a sermon is simply a story that enters your ears, then preaching a sermon is a spiritual struggle that pours out one's entire soul. Therefore, the burden and suffering that preachers experience are completely understandable.

At a church, it's dark beneath the lamp, and a staff member is having issues with attending worship services.

Sunday. During the sermon, the senior pastor suddenly told the entire congregation that some staff members were not attending the service, and instructed the associate pastors to go and tell all the staff to attend. After the service, I saw the senior pastor, who was extremely agitated.

Why wouldn't the church staff listen to the senior pastor's sermon?

Is it because they're really busy? Is it because they don't feel spiritually moved? In any case, it's an embarrassing situation for the pastor.

While it's wrong for staff not to attend the service, the way the pastor chose to address it was completely wrong. I'm left with a feeling of regret, wondering if it was necessary to show such a dismissive attitude towards the staff in front of the entire congregation during the sermon. With such a personality, the entire congregation must have understood why the staff weren't listening to his sermons. I actually saw some members who had called out the staff apologize to them.

Because the church should prioritize love over discipline, it's genuinely difficult to admonish and teach someone who is acting wrongly. That's why one must be wise and cautious in applying church discipline.

Regardless of the reason, a leader who talks about discipline rather than encouragement toward a vulnerable church member like a staff employee can never be respected. Sometimes, a personality of this sort is on the level of a factory manager or a ruthless businessman. So, before I offer a solution below, if you are someone who receives a stipend from a church and are reading this, I hope you will follow my method.

Don't separate worship and work; just think of worship as part of your job and participate. If you keep trying to separate them, you will only create a permanent distance from the senior pastor. It's also unlikely that you'll feel spiritually moved during a service you are forced to attend. It's much harder to do something when you're forced to.

Worship is just a task, and it's a very easy one where you just have to sit and listen.

And if the church also considers worship a task and recognizes the worship time as working hours, the conflict will disappear. Debating whether it's right or wrong for a church worker to miss a service will only lead to a contentious outcome.

Even if your church doesn't recognize worship time as working hours because it doesn't have established principles, let's just think of worship as part of the job. By doing so, let's not let our peace of mind be stolen. You know well who it's being stolen from.

There is no promise of becoming rich.

The term 'blessing' often heard in church can lead to many misunderstandings. Many believers think that if they believe in God, they will become financially prosperous and everything will go well. However, when we look closely at the Bible, we can see that God's concept of blessing is somewhat different from the worldly success or financial wealth we often think of. Why doesn't God just make us unconditionally rich? And what is the 'true blessing' the Bible talks about?

There is no promise of becoming rich.

Many people mistakenly believe that there is a direct promise in the Bible that "if you believe in God, you will become rich." However, nowhere in the Bible is there a promise that 'God will make you rich.'

On the contrary, Jesus emphasized how difficult it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. The saying, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God," clearly shows that having a lot of wealth can be an obstacle to faith.

So why do pastors emphasize 'blessings' and preach about financial prosperity? Some pastors selectively quote or over-interpret Bible verses, telling their congregants that material blessings are proof of their faith.

For example, they equate the blessings of land and prosperity of descendants in the Old Testament with material wealth in the New Testament. However, in the New Testament, after Jesus, the concept of blessing expanded beyond mere prosperity of the land to a spiritual meaning. The greatest gift God gives us is 'salvation' and 'eternal life,' and this is the most important blessing the Bible speaks of.

God's purpose is not wealth, but a relationship.

The fundamental reason why God does not make us financially rich is that God's interest is not in 'our possessions' but in 'our relationship with Him.' God does not want us to be captivated by worldly wealth and become distant from Him. Wealth can easily captivate a person's heart and make them arrogant, eventually weakening their reliance on God.

The Bible rather says that through material difficulties, we can rely more deeply on God, learn humility, and achieve spiritual growth.

The Apostle Paul, who experienced both abundance and poverty, confessed, "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." This means he learned to be content in God regardless of his material circumstances. Ultimately, God wants us to become 'people of complete faith' who rely only on God, not a life dependent on material prosperity.

On the view of financial prosperity as a blessing

Our misunderstanding of financial prosperity as a blessing is deeply related to the values of modern society. Since success and happiness are often measured by the amount of wealth, these worldly standards have influenced our faith.

However, the Bible often tells stories that are contrary to worldly values. It teaches that true satisfaction and joy are not found in possessions, but in a relationship with God.

Of course, God sometimes gives us material blessings. But this is not to satisfy our greed, but to give us a mission to use it for God's good work. In other words, the wealth we have has meaning only when it is used as a tool to help others and to spread God's love, not just for personal satisfaction.

In this context, it is important to rethink the meaning of 'blessing.' The blessings Jesus spoke of are spiritual comfort and peace given to those who are considered unfortunate by worldly standards, such as the 'poor in spirit,' the 'hungry and thirsty for righteousness,' and the 'persecuted.'

In this way, the blessing the Bible speaks of is not about material prosperity but about a spiritual state, and this leads to a true joy and peace that the world cannot give.

A Life of Joy, Satisfied in God Alone

Dear beloved congregation, today we will talk about the "joy of a life satisfied in God alone." Our lives are often like a journey where we constantly pursue something more. We strive to own more, climb higher, and gain greater recognition. However, this pursuit can sometimes leave us feeling empty and fail to provide true satisfaction. When we feel a thirst and hunger that nothing can fill, where can we find true contentment?

The Bible is clear. The only source where our souls can find true satisfaction is God alone. Psalm 73:25 confesses, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." This confession reveals David's deep spiritual insight, realizing that no worldly wealth, fame, or honor could compare to God. While we often try to find satisfaction in material possessions, success, or relationships, all these things are like a flickering candle in the wind, liable to disappear or change at any moment. True satisfaction doesn't come from external circumstances or possessions but must spring from the deepest part of our being, the center of our soul. And the only one who can fill that center is God, our Creator.

Satisfaction Like Living Water in a Parched Land

I once heard a story about a missionary who spent decades preaching the gospel in a remote part of Africa. It was a parched land where water was so scarce that even drinking water was hard to find. One day, during a severe drought, when the villagers were exhausted, the missionary began to dig a well. He toiled for days, but no water appeared. People told him to give up, and he himself often felt discouraged.

However, the missionary prayed and didn't stop digging. Finally, a miracle happened: a cool stream of water gushed from deep within the earth. The dry land was soaked with living water, and the villagers cheered with joy. At that moment, the missionary confessed, "This water not only quenched our physical thirst but made me realize that God is the one who satisfies the deep thirst of our souls in the same way."

This story gives us an important message. Nothing in this world can fully satisfy our spiritual thirst. No matter how much we own or enjoy, a life without God is like walking through a barren desert. But when we accept God as the sole spring of our lives, we experience true satisfaction and an abundant life. Our souls will become lush and green, like a tree planted by streams of water.

Being satisfied in God alone doesn't mean abandoning everything and living an ascetic life. Rather, it means having an attitude of gratitude for everything we have been given in God and valuing God, who is above all things, as the most precious. When we focus on God, we find true joy and meaning not in material possessions or social status but in our relationship with Him. This allows us to be free from worldly desires and discover true happiness.

Toward Eternal Joy and Peace

Beloved congregation, a life satisfied in God alone brings us true peace and joy. We no longer have to try to prove ourselves by worldly standards because we believe that our worth is already complete in God's love and that our needs are already met in Him.

I sincerely hope that today we can all find true satisfaction in God and confess that He alone is enough. The peace and joy that the world cannot give are found in this confession. When we place God at the center of our lives and live in a relationship with Him, our souls will experience genuine contentment and happiness.

Let us pray.

Can We Really Be Holy Like God?

Today, I want to talk about a crucial topic that we, as believers, should always keep in our hearts: holiness. In the Bible, we often encounter the command, "Be holy, because I am holy." It makes us wonder how we could possibly be holy like the almighty and perfect God. Can we really become holy like Him? And why should we?

What is the Meaning of God's Holiness?

First, God's holiness is His essential nature. God has no connection with sin and tolerates no evil. He is completely set apart from everything in the world, perfectly pure and whole. The Hebrew word for "holy" is kodesh, which means "to be set apart" or "to be separated."

Two Reasons Why We Should Be Holy

So, why should believers strive for holiness? There are two important reasons.
It is God's clear command. The Bible commands us to be holy in many places. Leviticus 19:2 says, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16 also emphasizes, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This is not an option; it is God's explicit will for His people.
As God's children, we should resemble Him. We become children of God by believing in Jesus. Just as children resemble their parents, we too should grow to be like God in character. Since holiness is God's very nature, it is natural for us, as His children, to pursue holiness in our lives. This means imitating God not just in our external actions but in our thoughts, hearts, and every area of our lives.

What Does a Believer's Holiness Mean?

While we cannot be as perfect as God, the holiness of a believer, as described in the Bible, means the following:
A life set apart from the world: It means living separate from the sinful culture and values of the world, as a person who belongs to God.
Progressive growth: The moment we believe in Jesus, we are declared righteous and made holy. But at the same time, our lives go through a process of 'becoming progressively more holy' as we fight against sin and become more like Jesus. This is called sanctification. Just as a child grows, our spiritual holiness must also continue to develop.
An intimate relationship with God: Holiness comes from walking closely with God. Our efforts to love His Word, hate sin, and live a righteous life are what build our holiness.
Becoming more like Jesus: Ultimately, the goal of our holiness is to become more like Jesus Christ. This means living a life of humility, love, gentleness, and patience, just as He did.

It's Difficult on Our Own, but...

Of course, we cannot become perfectly holy by our own strength. But we can live a holy life by relying on the help of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ. God's command for us to be holy also means that He has given us the ability to live that way.
So, how about we try to live a holy life that pleases God today? Our efforts—starting with small things like turning away from sin, obeying God's Word, and striving to be more like Jesus—will come together to bear the beautiful fruit of holiness.