June 30, 2018 Shiloh Renovation Thanksgiving Service by Rev. Phillip Lee, Sr. Pastor
In My Absence
Our main text today was written when the Apostle Paul was in prison. Paul was very hot tempered and when he said something people listened. But now that he is in prison, and no one can see him, Paul says now much more in my absence, work out your salvation (Phil 2:12). Our man of God, Reverend Abraham Park was feared and when he spoke we dared not speak back to him but now that he is gone; in the absence of him, what type of faith should we live?
Just as we have always obeyed
The word "obeyed" in the original Greek language means to listen underneath somebody, or to heed with full attention, with the heart to obey. The heart that wants to obey will listen. Those who listened to Apostle Paul listened and heeded the voice of Paul; however now that he is in prison, the people no longer heeded to the Word just as they have always obeyed in his absence. Joshua and Caleb went into Canaan alive because they completely obeyed the Word and did not die. Joshua and Caleb represent saints who follow after the Word of God fully (Num 32:12). Neither Joshua nor Caleb had any cracks in their obedience. They obeyed the Word of God precisely. Our founding pastor Reverend Abraham Park would do everything meticulously and precisely as well. Just as we obeyed our founding pastor in the past, let us obey fully the Word of God.
We must work out our salvation
In the original Greek language, the word "salvation" is (sótéria) meaning transferred or deliverance from death to life. Eschatologically speaking, the salvation is not referring to the salvation we received in the past but the eternal salvation. Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without sin to those who eagerly await Him (Heb 9:28). Therefore, we must work out our salvation. We must continue to achieve and fulfill our salvation; we must work out our future salvation. This is what the Bible is pointing out to us. Our founding pastor, the Man of God Reverend Abraham Park, taught us about salvation. Thus, we must apply this transfiguration in our life, the future Eschatological salvation. Our thoughts, our ways must completely change and we must be more considerate to others and listen to others. We must be able to listen and share with others and have patience with each other. There must be a change in our life right now! We must work out our salvation. We must work in our various positions and take heed to the ministry which we have received in the Lord and fulfill it (Col 4:17). This is a lifelong working out and we must fulfill with great endurance no matter how difficult our circumstances (James 1:4). Finally, we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). When Apostle Paul was visible to the congregation of the Philippians, they were in fear while Paul was in their midst (1 Cor 2:3). Paul was hot tempered, thus we must have the same fear and trembling as when our founding pastor was in our midst. Let us recover our lost fear and trembling.
Conclusion: We must enlighten the world with the Word of Life and take the Word and shine brightly. It should never become dark and we should hold fast the Word of Life (Phil 2:16). Shiloh was able to have a beautiful renovation. The Man of God, Reverend Abraham Park who has received the Word of Redemptive History has taught us the Word of transfiguration. May Shiloh ministry shine from overseas so that the gates of heaven will be open. Through this precious sanctuary, may the Word of Life be proclaimed to all nations.
