God commanded Abraham to live a righteous life, to lead a fair life. This is the way of the Lord, a life that walks with God. Why did He give such a command? The world is filled with unjust paths, and the way of life that people love has lost its fairness, as they live in unjust and corrupt ways. Therefore, God called Abraham and commanded him to follow His way. He instructed him not only to walk in His path but also to teach and uphold this with his children and household. This is the essence of being God's people; all of God's people are called to do so. 

Lot separated from Abraham. Following God's path may be burdensome, and when they parted ways, Lot looked up and chose what seemed good to him. He saw that it was well-watered...

A spacious and livable place, perhaps the best place to live at that time, was chosen. Yes, that's how I ended up living in Sodom. But what was life like in Sodom? We see the results of life there. The first choice is an important decision in life; at critical moments, we must make choices. However, what are the choices we should never make at the crossroads of decisions? How do we see that we must choose with faith? 

Let’s read Genesis 19:1-2 again: In the evening, the two angels came to Sodom, and Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom. When he saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the ground. He said, 'My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.' They said, 'No, we will spend the night in the street.' But he insisted strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house. He made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

When the angels arrived in Sodom, Lot was sitting at the city gate. The expression of sitting at the city gate indicates that he had become a prominent figure in that town, a person of some influence. It suggests that he was given a position akin to that of a judge, perhaps a status that did not come easily. One can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Lot to reach the point of sitting at the city gate in this unfamiliar place. He must have endured a great deal of hardship; after all, where is there an easy life? Living with faith is challenging enough, and to live among those who lack faith must have been quite tough. Thus, his heart was likely filled with loneliness and sorrow. Initially, it must have felt wonderful to leave behind the burdensome life in the tent.

I chose a life in a vibrant city with rich culture and all the shops I wanted, but I didn't consider what that life might take away from me. Perhaps I hated the small town so much that I sought a stable life at the end of my exhausting struggles, yet I can see that there was loneliness and hurt in my heart. What can I do? Here I am, a weary person, yet I am warmly welcomed. When I see the way they bow down to the ground, it reminds me of how Abraham welcomed them, and there seems to be little difference in attitude. Then, he earnestly invites them to his home. These angels have come with a mission for Sodom; they are here to confirm whether the destruction of Sodom can no longer be postponed or not. These people are called in and then they are offered a place at the table.

Let's take a look at the menu on the table. I only see unleavened bread. I had such thoughts about this sin. How about Abraham? Although Abraham lived in a tent, when the two angels and their companions came, he joyfully did not just kill a lamb but instead prepared the fattest calf. He said, Bring me three measures of fine flour. It's evident that he was offering an abundant feast. His hospitality paints a vivid picture. However, what differences can we observe between Abraham's attitude in welcoming guests and Lot's? If we simply compare them, one represents a rural way of life while the other represents an urban one. Although it seems like they both welcomed their guests warmly, there is a noticeable contrast. Lot invited the guests in a friendly manner, but he was also thinking about how far he should go in hosting them.

We see that there is a line being drawn, and it feels good to have a certain attitude, even if it’s just about something simple like a plain rice cake. Why is there such a difference? Right now, in the lottery of life, some people are living relatively stable lives, while in the Middle East, there are people who are struggling. No one can say they don't know someone who is not raising animals. This is the way of life chosen by those who have opted for a rush. We live in cities that are somewhat like this. We often don’t know who lives next door, and we don’t invite guests to our homes easily. When we make choices, we often overlook the benefits they might bring, focusing instead on the costs we might incur and the things we might lose. As long as we choose urban life, we naturally lose the leisure and intimacy found in rural or countryside living, as well as the richness of character that comes with it.

We do not realize what we are losing. Yes, we live hard, but in order to adapt to the city, we do our best in a fierce competition within a brutal world. However, we become exhausted day by day and do not really know what we are losing. Who would want to be a victim? Thus, we come to understand that life in the city is incredibly temporary, and sometimes we learn that people can be the most dangerous beings. The trusted axe can cut into your foot. Yes, we are gradually losing our peace of mind in this living space. 

When Abram welcomes guests, we see that his heart is wide open. He shows an overwhelming joy. When you receive such hospitality, it does not only benefit the guest; it also brings healing to the host. For those who are welcomed, amazing abilities for a new life emerge.

This is the result of changing our way of life. The difference is that most of us, especially among the younger generations, have not experienced such a leisurely lifestyle. We have not thought about how much we have lost. When I visit mission fields, I see that there are times when I draw a line and treat people. In the mission fields, there are indigenous people with whom I share meals, but they truly have nothing. However, they prepare with great enthusiasm, just like Abraham did. They work hard to prepare, even though they may only have a few items to offer. There isn't much food that suits our taste, but their attitude in preparing food, the love they show, and the heart behind it all shine through. It is not about the abundance of food; it is about the spirit of hospitality and the heart that is expressed through the act of serving food.

We are experiencing abundance, feeling incredible love, and seeing ourselves immersed in that love. Today, at the crossroads of choice between Lot and Abraham, we observe the differences in ways of life that we have never considered before, as well as the ease and stinginess that are reflected in our attitudes toward life. 

Let's read verse 4: Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house and called to Lot, saying, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we may know them.' The guests had entered the house, and now a commotion was occurring outside. They were demanding that the guests be brought out. Why? Because they wanted to have relations with them. The homosexuals had gathered, reflecting on whether the way of life in Sodom would be judged or not.

Last night, the person who went to investigate found that there was nothing more to learn from the third chapter. There is no more investigation to be done. The realities of life are now being revealed. The term sodomite was created because of the people of Sodom. So, the people of Sodom are often referred to by this term, which denotes those who engage in same-sex relationships. It is a title for homosexuals from Sodom. The glamorous life of the city is the result of this. There is culture, civilization, technology, and all kinds of advancements, and they thought they had everything. How blind must one be to realize that in such a place, there are hidden corners? Who could have imagined that they would experience such things? Therefore, when we welcomed a precious guest into our home, they ended up experiencing this. This is the kind of suffering we encounter in our lives today.

A unique trial has come upon us. So, I went out to the crowd outside the door and closed the door behind me. I said, Please, my brothers, do not commit such evil. I have two daughters who have not known a man. Please, let me bring them out to you, and you can do to them as you please. But do not harm these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof. They replied, Get out of the way! You came here as an outsider, and now you want to be our judge? We will treat you worse than them. They pushed Lot and moved close to break down the door. You can see what is happening right now; it's all being described. But surprisingly, I am out here trying to persuade them. These are my two daughters who have not been married, and I would rather have them do something to them than let my guests, who have come into my house, be harmed.

If there is a father raised here, let's listen to him. He faced a crisis and had to take his daughter out. Do you understand? I can't comprehend it even without a daughter. While I was in the Middle East for three months on a short-term mission trip, I asked many Middle Eastern people about this. The Bible says certain things, but are those things actually happening on this land? The truth is, they are. Even now, they make decisions at such crossroads. Why is that? They said, A family that cannot protect those who enter its home is a family that is unnecessary. Protecting the guests who come into my home is the same as guarding the door. It must be upheld by any means necessary. That is their pride, their way of life. What immense pride that is! Is it easy to build relationships and live with them? In any case, as I lived like that, I realized their standards, thoughts, and ways of life.

What this means is that I have given up my daughter, but I must protect the guests. In a way, it sounds like a respectful statement towards the guests, but everyone, this is a choice of lifestyle. This is the result of the life that Lot has chosen in Sodom. What about Abraham? There are three lives: the life in Shechem, the life in Bethel, and the life in Sodom and Gomorrah. Anyone given the opportunity to live in today's world would naturally choose the life of Sodom and Gomorrah. We would call those who choose the lives of Shechem and Bethel foolish. Perhaps we would ignore them or even despise them. However, that life shows an enormous difference. Even if one lives in a tent, there can be a life of abundance, while living in the heart of the city can lead to a closed-off, stingy life filled with frustration. Why? Because in the places I have been involved with, things are getting increasingly...

Separation occurs because of the division between neighbors and within families. Everyone is torn apart, becoming truly lonely crowds. What joy is there in that? There is no true joy, so we pursue pleasure instead. This leads to a life immersed in superficial pleasures, and in its extreme form, we see the emergence of homosexuality today. This is not a phenomenon unique to our time; it has been a long-standing issue. I hope you all take a serious moment to reflect on the consequences of such life choices. I encourage you to look at what we have lost without even realizing it. When I met Jesus, I changed my criteria for making choices. I went to seminary at the age of 53. I moved into a small two-room apartment in the seminary dormitory, which was truly inadequate. In 2003, I was given the responsibility of leading the Thanksgiving service on that land. One morning, as I opened the door, I found a box in the hallway.

I saw that when I brought it in, there was something in front of our house that wasn't found in other houses. I went around, and there were two turkeys. They had put in a lot of snacks and a letter came out. I saw that in the dormitory, there is a tradition where the strongest among them selects one box to give to each other. After discussing among themselves, they realized that the child attending high school seemed to have nothing to eat. They decided that the strongest should show up, so everyone contributed a little bit, pooling together to make a box for him. Inside, I was so grateful that I couldn't help but smile. The reason is that they are doing well at the bank, and when I went to that bank branch to withdraw cash, I saw that the amounts were around $30, $70, and many people had $200 or $300. Korean students usually have about $1,000 each.

However, they are students with nothing, yet they live with the thought that they must help someone. They live a life that cannot be covered by the countless things they possess. I had the opportunity to hold a Compassion gathering at the Jamsil Olympic Hall for two days, yesterday and the day before. Anyway, I have been continuously sharing this message. I encourage you to bring more children to this church, even if you cannot tithe. Even if this church cannot collect offerings and has to close its doors, please spend some money. I have heard such things. Furthermore, the Korean church should no longer ask for blessings; we have already been abundantly blessed. We are currently overflowing with blessings that we cannot manage. What more blessings do we need? We should be the ones spreading blessings, not asking for more. Choosing to live like Abraham means we can no longer be dry.

삶이란 내 자리를 넘치는 고백을 하는 것입니다. 마이크와 어플, 마우스, 무엇이 더 필요하다고 생각하나요? 매일 구하는 삶이 될 것입니다. 그러나 우리가 삶의 방식을 선택할 때, 믿음을 가졌다고 하지만 아슬아슬한 삶이 결정적인 선택의 과정에서는 양다리를 걸치게 됩니다. 여기에서는 우리가 면역이 되었고, 어느 한쪽에도 마음을 정하지 못하는 삶을 살게 되는 것입니다. 안타까운 일입니다. 저는 여러분들이 믿음을 결정할 때 확실히 믿음을 결정할 수 있기를 바랍니다. 그때 진정한 감사가 생기는 것입니다. 감정은 우리에게 감사를 가져다 줍니다. 대담한 결정, 대담한 선택이지만 그 선택은 결코 후회하지 않을 것입니다. 여러분들이 그런 선택을 할 때 망설이지 않기를 바랍니다. 선택하고 나서 돌아보지 않기를 바랍니다. 오늘의 이야기는 롯의 선택이 어떤 믿음에서 비롯된 선택인지에 대한 것입니다.

It teaches us that, unfortunately, Lot's choices always become unsatisfactory choices. Abraham's choices eventually led to his downfall, but at some point, his faith became firmly established, and we see him starting to live a life that is no longer thirsty. He makes such a bold decision. How does he rise up and follow? How does he think of saving Lot? And how can he give away all the slave monsters he had without leaving any behind? It is because he is not lacking that he makes such a decision. 

If we look at 2 Corinthians, we find this message. Let's find 2 Corinthians, chapter 6, verses 8 and onward. In verse 8, the second half says, We are treated as deceivers, yet are true; as unknown, yet well-known; as dying, yet behold, we live.

However, behold, we are alive and are treated as those who are being disciplined, yet we are not killed. We are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; we are poor, yet we make many rich; we have nothing, yet we possess everything. Are you living such a life? Do you consider yourself as someone who has everything even when you have nothing? This is what it means to live a life of faith. That is why even poorer seminary students want to come to me. They have never seen me with a frowning face. They smile when they pass by and always greet me. Even from a distance, they raise their hands. Indeed, faith shines through a bright face. It is not in your hands or in your wallet. Even if one is poor, there are those who can open their hands and share love, while there are many who have much yet cannot open their hands. Choosing to live a life of faith means that your life is one filled with joy.

They are living a disappearing life. I believe that after a year of hard work, you will see that person's face starting to shine. However, those who are caught up in worldly messages still have faces that do not reflect joy. Isn't there anyone outside these days? Yet, they have faces that do not express happiness. I bless you all that your faces overflow with joy, not just in dreams. This is the result of choosing bold faith. Faith is courage. Faith is a significant decision. Faith is a great gathering and challenge. It is not because someone has done great things, but because he chose to stay in the land that God guided him to. He decided to embrace God's way of living. This is a remarkable resolution and a great choice. What Lot chose might seem wise for a time, and it may create an illusion that he made the right choice, but he...

The chosen way of life ultimately leads to the destruction of Sodom. Now, let's read verses 10 and 11. The men reached out their hands, pulled Lot inside the house, and shut the door. They struck the men outside with blindness, both young and old, so that they could not find the door. The people outside were causing a commotion, always seeking someone to harass, someone to bully, and threatening others. This is how the crowds in the world live; they create chaos somewhere. They constantly intimidate others, making them fearful. We witness that God's judgment upon them is indeed true. What does this mean? It means their eyes are blinded. They lose their discernment and sense of direction.

You must understand that judgment has already come. The crowd has become blind. The Lord comes and says, You claim to see, yet you cannot see. It would be better for the blind to have the opportunity to open their eyes, but because you believe so firmly that you can see, you won't even have the chance to see. How tragic it is! There are people who are wide awake yet see nothing. The hymn writer Fanny Crosby, who lived her entire life as a blind person, was once asked if she wanted to see. She said, I have seen so many wonderful things in my spirit; why would I want to open my eyes? She expressed that she did not wish to see in the physical sense. There are those who live with their eyes closed yet still behold the glorious things of God.

There are people who can live with their eyes wide open but see nothing at all. This is how we lose our discernment and sense of direction, not knowing where we are going and unable to find even an exit. This generation is the second generation, and if you cannot see this, it is something we are also unaware of. The way of life in the era we live in reveals that God's judgment has already been made in this regard. Finally, Lot is able to leave Sodom. 

In verses 12 and 13, it says, The men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here? Sons-in-law, your sons, or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Bring them out of this place, for we are about to destroy this city, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.' Today's passage shows us how salvation is connected to these two words: to me.

The term salvation refers to leading those who are trapped outside the city. Salvation is about bringing people out of the city. Power comes from the belief that we can achieve and accomplish things in an environment that we think is safe. It’s not a life of fulfillment but rather a life that entangles us. We thought that if we went there, we would be safe; we believed that place would protect us. We thought that earning money would make us safer. We believe that if we have power and align ourselves with the powerful, they will protect us. Was that true? It’s a misconception. Now, they say it's been ten years since the economic crisis, but it has really only been five years. I firmly believe that the only one who can protect us is God. No one can protect us; not even my beloved family can I guarantee protection for.

There is only one way to ensure that God does not abandon them, and that is by binding them with the cord of prayer, the triple strand of prayer. How can we receive salvation? It is because we are hanging onto the prayer of Abraham. How far does that connection extend? It has the amazing power to lead to the salvation of entire families. We are well aware of the story of Rahab the harlot. In Jericho, Rahab the harlot helped the spies and, thanks to her, when Jericho fell, only she was saved. Rahab tied a red cord in her window, and all of her family who took refuge in her house were saved. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in the Philippian jail. When an earthquake occurred, the doors opened. When the jailer was about to kill himself because the prisoners had escaped, Paul stopped him.

We are all here. I am so grateful to the jailer that I will take him home and baptize him that night. The Apostle Paul says, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. Believe that our families will be saved because of us. We have prayed for our names to be written in the Book of Life, and surely they are already recorded. Even if it seems like those steps are not yet directed toward the Lord, if we hold on with the thread of prayer, I believe our families will also be saved. A long time ago, my friend's wife committed suicide. I was asked to conduct the funeral. During that time, I shared the message of salvation because my wife had prayed for that sister for a long time before this happened. I believe that while we pray, God holds onto the end. Of course, one might die in war or from cancer, but...

I believe that the Lord will take the soul and receive it. Do not stop praying; create a life of prayer. At that time, the Lord will hear the prayers. He says, Bring out those who belong to you from this city. So, what does Lot do now? In verse 14, it begins: Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, saying, The Lord is about to destroy this city; get up and leave this place. But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. There are always people like that. Yes, everyone, do not associate with such people. When a disabled person speaks, how can you take it as a joke? The generation that laughs when they hear about destruction is the same. There is judgment. Do not joke about it. What judgment? The sun rises today as it did yesterday. What judgment? No, it is the cross that brings salvation. What kind of nonsense is that?

The Greeks and the Jews also mocked this. They said, Just live healthily to receive eternal life. Why worry about the video? If you live to be 104, that's enough. They laughed at it. I hope you don't take this truth lightly as a joke. This is serious; it concerns our souls. However, this generation still treats it lightly and makes a joke of it. Perhaps our attitude towards life reflects this. While we say it is important, how are you actually living? Are we truly living as if this is important? Do we really follow the way of the cross, the path of the Lord, the way of God, the way of salvation? Are we living like that? Because we are not serious, perhaps the message is also taken lightly. Isn't it true that we feel confused because our attitude towards life is contradictory?

The fourth ones ultimately enter a situation where they can be saved, but instead of choosing salvation, they make the final choice to pursue destruction. In verses 15 and 16, it begins: When the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Get up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' As he hesitated, the men seized his hand, and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. In the end, the angel firmly took hold of their hands and led them out. Despite having been warned, they hesitated. This indicates that Lot's faith was wavering. When it came to making a crucial decision, he chose what he should not have chosen. Ultimately, authority was given to him, yet he clung to it while hesitating in his faith. It’s not a clear-cut situation; it’s a narrow escape from destruction, always teetering on the edge of salvation.

이런 신앙이 얼마나 많습니까? 교회에 나와도 9시 예배가 시작된 지 15분쯤 들어왔다가 축도 직전에 나가고, 부인 때문에 잠시 왔다가 가정의 평화를 위해서 나오긴 하지만 아무 뜻도 없습니다. 제발 턱걸이 신앙의 몸매가 달지 않게 되길 바랍니다. 관심이 구원받았어요. 아브라함 덕분에, 누구 덕분인지 알겠습니까? 잘 모르죠. 그러나 하나님께서는 그 가지 잡일을 더 하셨다고 말씀하십니다. 그때까지 저는 로 세이지 체 머뭇거림 때문에 신앙을 떠나는 사람들도 있습니다. 1945년에 미국에서 가장 유명한 전도자 두 사람이 있습니다. 한 사람은 빌리 그래함, 탁월한 전도자입니다. 그의 배척할 만한 사람이 찰스 템플턴입니다. 이 두 사람이 함께 LA 근교에서 집회를 할 때 대단한 사람들이 몰려들었습니다.

One day, I encountered a chance meeting that deeply affected me. It was a photograph in Life magazine depicting the severe famine in North Africa. The image showed a woman holding her dead child, looking up at the sky with a gaze full of despair and anger. This single photograph caused me to lose my faith. What sin did she commit? She only wished for a little blood, yet how could a child be taken away and killed? Where is the God who cannot answer the tears of that woman? This led me down the path of indifference, away from evangelism, and I began to waver in my faith in Billy Graham. My faith was shaken by Billy Graham, and I found myself slipping into agnosticism. With a Bible in hand, I wandered around the suburbs of this area.

I go up to the dinner table and pray in a brown color. I receive such responses. I prayed honestly. I cannot believe it. I also think it cannot be true. Please pour faith into me. Help me accept this as the truth of the Bible. Finally, I received a response there and came down, never hesitating or delaying, showing a faith that runs towards the Lord. In the end, Charles Templeton suffered from dementia, and even while shedding tears longing for the Lord, he ultimately does not turn away from his faith. His reasoning strongly obstructs his faith, insisting that Jesus is a great human but not the Savior. We may easily find ourselves at such crossroads of faith. Satan subtly infiltrates through our reasoning. Does it make sense to walk on water? Does it make sense for wine to turn into water?

Our reason does not shake us as much. I hope that you will live with unwavering faith and make a decision for unshakeable belief. I firmly believe that this faith will save you. Do not turn back; soon there will be those who turn back. But when you have to flee, it is truly remarkable how those who lead them out then run away to preserve their lives. Do not look back or stop anywhere; flee to the mountains, lest you be consumed. Lot said to them, Oh no, my lords! Please do not do so. Your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown great kindness to me in saving my life. I cannot escape to the mountains, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. Look, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a small one. Let me escape there; is it not a small city? My life will be preserved there.

This person complains even when salvation changes, and there are many grievances. They are trying to go to the mountains, but isn't the distance to the top too far? While struggling with a business they got caught up in, they ask for help to get by. Even when a goal is set, they can't reach it. There are unexpectedly many believers with such faith. It's not faith that reports to a target; it's faith based on my feelings and my condition. When they feel a little sick, they make excuses. When the thoughts of the boss arise, they also become excuses. The most cowardly thing is to make excuses. They should confess, If it doesn't work, it doesn't work, and reflect on right and wrong, but instead, they keep making excuses. I think it will be cold as I get bigger; it's very difficult. It's been a while since I've been in the middle, so please give me a little room for business. Today, you must choose between Abraham's choice and Lot's choice. What path of faith will you take? Will you barely receive salvation, just scraping by?

As we go along, we whine, we complain, and we express dissatisfaction on this journey of faith. Truly, angels have a good nature. He said to him, I will grant your wish even in two days. My words do not change; therefore, flee to that place. Until I arrive there, I cannot do anything. So, he named the city Zoar. Zoar is a small city. However, the important thing is that I must leave quickly because judgment is about to take place. If you stay there, I cannot even release the flood of grace, and it becomes complicated, so please come out quickly. I believe that when we call upon the names of our family members and hold on here, the taste of judgment will not be felt. You see, God does not protect me. It is because the redeemed people are crying out on this earth that God is truly looking upon us with great mercy.

Now is the time to pray. Now is the time to cling strongly to the Lord. Do not be mistaken; what is better about this city than Sodom? Where is there a cleaner corner than money in this city? However, God is still looking upon this land with mercy. Finally, the time has come. When Lot entered the city, the Lord rained down sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven on Sodom and Gomorrah, and He overthrew those cities and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Abraham rose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord, and he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of a furnace. One person looked back.

Abraham woke up early in the morning and looked at Sodom and Gomorrah, still praying. Who do you think he was praying for? O God, please show Lot in that land where the smoke rises like a kiln. Save Lot's wife and the daughters. Why wouldn’t he pray like that? Lot's wife was always told not to look back, yet she turned around. She was told not to eat from it, yet she still tried it. Everyone, this shows that there are tragic choices. The last choice that should not be made is a choice that leads to death, yet humans often choose that death. We witness these unfortunate choices. So, if we read verse 29 together, we will understand how Lot was saved. Let's read verse 29. When God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.

시는 중에서는 데 보내셨다. 그렇습니다. 롯이 거주하는 성을 어플 때 하나님이 아브라함을 생각하셨던 거예요. 하나님께서 저와 여러분을 기억하실 수 있게 되기를 바랍니다. 심판 날에 우리의 기도를 기억하시고, 우리의 간절한 두 가지 점을 기억하셔서 단 몇 사람이라도 더 구원하실 것을 믿습니다. 왜 사십니까? 이 시대에 무엇을 알아서 하십니까? 뭐가 그렇게 좋아서 사십니까? 저는 우리가 이 땅에서 몇 사람이라도 더 구원할 사람이 있기 때문에 산다고 믿습니다. 뒤에 이 얘기는 다시 읽고 싶지 않은 얘기죠. 아버지가 두 딸과 함께 무슨 사건이 생각나는데, 왜 이런 일이 있을까요? 왜 무엇 때문에 두 딸은 아무 생각 없이 아버지와 이런 일을 벌이는 것일까요? 롯은 소돔에 거주하기를 원했지만, 두 딸과 함께 소돔에서 나와서 산에 올라가 거주합니다. 처음부터 산에 가라는데 산에 안 가고 소돔에 남아 있습니다.

Stubbornly, they couldn't manage to escape, and they ended up going out. The reason is that there is not much difference between the cows. They are caught in the fear that such cows will soon face judgment and perish. It's a kind of trauma that has formed. So, this stubbornness escapes and rises to a higher level. It's a cave now, and the daughter can no longer endure it. There are cosmetics there, but what else is there? What about the mart? They can't buy anything. If this continues, it will lead to a big problem; she will grow old and die as a virgin. The thought of having children is not a bad one. After all, preserving the species is not a bad thing. But what is the method? Why do they think of such methods? This is a result of the father choosing the way of life in Sodom. Because the father chose that lifestyle, the children naturally...

Why is it that the way of thinking and living in the Kingdom of Sodom is not different at all? Why is there a saying about the three thousand sicknesses? Did Mencius' mother move the house because she had a lot of money? Where should one live so that their way of life and thinking does not disturb human nature? That was the standard for choosing a place to live. Why do we have to contemplate the lives of Abraham's descendants, Shechem, Pethor, and Sodom and Gomorrah? Even while living in this land of Korea, what kind of lifestyle should we insist on? Our children, who do not follow this, end up making such choices. They inevitably cause their father to be drunk, and because of that wine, it leads to a curse. They really should drink less, but being intoxicated ultimately results in Ham creating a cursed situation. The descendants were indeed cursed because of their father's drunkenness.

The eldest daughter does not commit sins alone; she always drags someone else into it. She pulls her younger sister into it as well. As a result, both end up pregnant. The first daughter gives birth to Moab, and the second daughter gives birth to Ammon, who became the ancestors of their nations. Ultimately, they cannot enter the assembly of Israel because of the wrong choices they made. Why did the author record such shameful events? Why write about this, which is uncomfortable to read, especially during Sunday worship? Peter speaks about this in 2 Peter 2:5-6. It says, He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, along with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly. He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.

왜 기록했다고요? 대부분의 사람들이 소돔과 고모라의 삶의 방식을 따라갈 것이 분명하기 때문에 그들에게 경고로 본을 보이기 위해 기록해 두셨다는 것입니다. 이런 삶의 방식을 택하는 것은 선택해야 할 것이 아니며, 많은 어리석은 일들이 여전히 반복되는 시대에 살기 때문에 믿는 자들에게 본이 되도록 기록하였다고 알려주고 있습니다. 이 말씀을 읽으면서 저와 여러분은 어떤 기준으로 앞으로 삶을 선택하시겠습니까? 단지 한 번 듣는 것으로 끝나서는 무슨 소용이 있겠습니까? 저는 우리가 분명히 오늘 하나님께서 우리에게 말씀해 주셨다고 믿습니다. 각자가 이 마지막 시대를 살아가면서 이 타락한 시대를 살아가고, 소돔과 고모라보다 결코 더 성결하지 못한 시대와 도시에서 우리는 어떤 삶을 살아야 할지, 어떤 결정을 내려야 할지, 어떤 선택을 내려야 할지 고민해야 합니다.

I bless you to stay awake. Today, when I pray, God, please help me make the right choices. Even though the decision from Saul's court seems like a significant loss right now, let me choose the soul, let me choose God, and let me choose God's path. Let's pray together for point one, C. 

Heavenly Father, it seemed like a foolish choice. It looks like a loss, but through Abraham, it truly fulfilled the promise as stated. The oil has been abundantly revealed. I will not be quick to self-destruct again. And regarding Abraham's blessing, it may not be visible to the world, but it seems like we have passed through a trial. 

Although it may feel like a burden, let us remember Lot's wife. The Lord has shown us this to teach us. It is a lesson for us to understand and set a standard.

You have told us that it is difficult to move, but may we choose as God has chosen us. After being born by God, may each of us choose to believe and lift our eyes in faith. I want to choose Him as the outcome of this journey. Even though there are decisions to be made, may we focus on God's will, just as our parents decided to live in a way that would be popular and beneficial. I believe that today's people should also align with God's will, setting aside their own emotions and experiences to concentrate on the judgment and words of the Father. I pray that God grants us the courage to make bold choices and decisions in our lives. May we choose with a strong faith and take courageous steps forward.

Lord, please help us to follow Your way. Do not let us follow the ways of the world. Help us to live as Your redeemed people. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

택하지 말아야 할 선택 (창세기 19:1-38)_주일예배_베이직교회_조정민 목사_20181118

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