Ryakhovsky sergey vasilievich sermons the other day. Sergey vasilievich ryakhovsky. Faith grows stronger in trials

The press service of the Kuzbass Metropolitanate, the Missionary Department of the Kemerovo Diocese received an appeal from the residents of Belov with a request to clarify the confessional affiliation of the "New Way" "church".

People were alarmed by the pressure and entrepreneurial spirit of the members of this organization, which they have been showing recently in their city. In response, the information and apologetic center of the Kemerovo ep

The archi, dealing with issues of this kind, provided a corresponding certificate.

Citing open sources in socialthe network "VKontakte", employees of the centerreported that the Protestant organization "New Way" has been carrying out religious activities in the city of Belovo since 1998 and is part of the religious movement "Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith" (ROSKHVE), whose leader is S.V. Ryakhovsky.

According to the head of the information and apologetic center of the Kemerovo epa

rkhii Evgeny Udartsev, the majority of citizens have little idea who Sergei Vasilyevich Ryakhovsky is and what life path he went through. In this regard, the expert, for a start, suggests turning to the history of his father - "Bishop" Vasily Vasilyevich Ryakhovsky, since Sergei Vasilyevich constantly flaunts the figure of his parent. So, inworkEvgeny Mukhtarov, a member of the Council for Religious Associations at the Yaroslavl City Hall, there are several references to criminal cases initiated by Soviet law enforcement agencies against Vasily Ryakhovsky. It is also noted that the Pentecostal was not sentenced for belonging to the Protestant religion, but for real illegal deeds.

At the same time, it is known about Sergei Ryakhovsky that he, according to Evgeny Udartsev, has nothing to do with Russian Pentecostalism.

The well-known Russian religious scholar Roman Lunkin in his work "Contemporary Religious Life in Russia" notes that "brothers in faith accused Ryakhovsky of succumbing to Western" charismatic "influence, following the instructions of American missionaries."

“In the summer of 1995, the Council of Bishops freed S. Ryakhovsky from serving in the OTSKhVE (“ United Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith ”). Another Sergey Ryakhovsky began, representing the charismatic International Church of God movement, which has nothing to do with classical Pentecostalism. Therefore, all statements that Sergei Vasilyevich is still a Pentecostal, are groundless, "- writes in hislaborRussian expert in religion Evgeny Mukhtarov.

“The simplest criteria for the truthfulness of a cult that calls itself Christian is the place and time of origin, as well as the presence of continuous legal (that is, true) apostolic succession of the priesthood, the authenticity of the Sacraments. All pseudo-Christian associations do not meet these criteria and therefore reject them. Do not belong to true Christianity, all the so-calledmy charismatic associations (Pentecostals, neo-Pentecostals, etc.) ...

Pseudo-Christian cults, as a rule, hide their negative features from representatives of state structures, hiding behind external goodness. ... A significant part of these religious associations is closely connected with foreign special services, which set as their goal the fragmentation of Russia as a state and the split of the single and uniting spiritual and moral space of our peoples. Such sects directly or covertly initiate active false hostile propaganda against our traditions, culture and continuity of generations, against the government structures ... Their penetration into educational institutions and places of execution of punishment under the guise of charitable activities is dangerous, ”writes in his book“ Spiritual Security and spiritual health of a person, family, society ”candidate of legal sciences, retired colonel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, priest Andrey Khvylya-Olinter.

This also happens in the Kemerovo region. According to the newspaper "Kuzbass", from 4 to 6 July 2014 in the church HWEN ("Christians of the Evangelical Faith - neo-Pentecostals") "New Way" in Belovo, an all-Russian jubilee conference "Wind of Change" was held, which was chaired by a citizen of Zambia, pastor Astrakhan religious group "Truth" church Oberta Chilenga.

At the same time, it is known that in Novokuznetsk "The Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith - Neo-Pentecostals" is supported by the Charitable Foundation "Freedom". On the official website of the organization, the “Novoilinskaya Church” is listed among the partners. This fund represents centers for social rehabilitation of persons released from prison, as well as drug addicts. It is led by the repeatedly convicted Evgeny Tarasov. According to information from open sources (official website of the fund “freedom»), The organization is supported by officials of the Novokuznetsk city administration, in particular, the deputy mayor of the city Vladimir Berezovsky.

The result of such "close" cooperation between the authorities and similar structures is known firsthand to the employees of the Central District Hospital of Novokuznetsk. During the period when Svetlana Chernousova (an active member of the "Novoilinskaya church") worked in the administration of the Novokuznetsk district as the head of the health department, 40 highly qualified specialists were dismissed from the central regional hospital and the health department, and followers of this religious teaching were taken in their places, who, instead of receiving treatment, were actively involved the sick in their religious organization.

Recently, employees of the Novokuznetsk Freedom Foundation have stepped up their work in secondary schools. Parents of pupils are concerned that, right within the walls of schools, their children are involved in religious activities, have a negative impact on the psyche of teenagers. So, in 2014, the Freedom Foundation held various kinds of events in schools in Novokuznetsk: Lyceum No. 34 (director Sergei Maltsev), secondary school No. 37 (director Larisa Apanaeva), boarding school No. 68 (director Natalya Bortnikova), children's house number 74 (director Natalia Lobykina) and orphanage number 95 (director Galina Eponeshnikova).

At the same time, as the head of the information and apologetic center of the Kemerovo diocese Yevgeny Udartsev notes, the main direction of work of Pentecostals and neo-Pentecostals in the region is to establish contacts with government officials under the auspices of various social initiatives (for example, under the guise of rehabilitation of drug addicts, former prisoners and helping the poor). Their main goal, as a rule, is to expand their influence in the Kuzbass, to promote the ideology of their religious movement.

In this regard, reportsnewspaperKuzbass, the Department of Education and Science of the Kemerovo Region demanded that the heads of cities and districts, the heads of the territorial departments of education take measures to prevent representatives of these organizations from entering the educational institutions of the region and using methods of hidden influence on the psyche, including hypnotic suggestion.

Considering the above, the information and apologetic center of the Kemerovo diocese recommended that the residents of Kuzbass avoid communicating with representatives of the New Way Church and, in general, with people who consider themselves to be the Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith.

Sergey Vasilievich Ryakhovsky is the chairman of the ROSHVE, Doctor of Theology, a faithful minister of the church and just a wonderful person. He is the senior pastor of the XVE church in Tsaritsyno. His sermons, kind and sincere, will be remembered for a long time by all present.

Faith grows stronger in trials

Sergey Ryakhovsky was born on March 18, 1956 in the village. Zagoryanka of the Moscow Region in a family of believers. In those years, such people were persecuted by the state, many were condemned. This also affected the family of Sergei. His father, Vasily Vasilyevich, in 1955, after returning from prison, became one of the founders of the KhVE communities in the Moscow region. Meetings of believers were often held in the Ryakhovskys' house. In those conditions, this was tantamount to a sentence. He was not long in coming - in 1961 Vasily Vasilyevich was sentenced to a new term.

By that time, the family had 5 children. But Antonina Ivanovna, the mother of Sergei Vasilyevich, was a faithful Christian and a reliable support for her husband. Bishop Ryakhovsky Sergei Vasilyevich recalls with special warmth and admiration the strong faith of his parents. It was a hard time, the "sectarians" were not hired to work, and at school and on the street they were treated with open hatred. The persecution continued, and meetings of believers were held underground. But in spite of everything, Sergei Ryakhovsky knew that he would definitely preach the Word of God. As Sergei Vasilyevich himself says, he could not imagine another life at that time. The example of father and mother always stood before the eyes of the young man.

Education and work

Despite the fact that Sergei Vasilievich is a zealous Christian and is actively involved in missionary activities, in 1975 he graduated from the Electromechanical College in Moscow. A memorable meeting took place during these years. Once on the train, he took a Bible out of his portfolio and read it. A man of about forty, who was sitting opposite, asked Sergei Vasilyevich if he understood what he was reading about. To which Ryakhovsky, then still quite young, fervently replied that he not only understands, but also can teach. The fellow traveler introduced himself: “Let's get acquainted. Father Alexander Men. " As Sergei Vasilyevich recalls, he was simply dumbfounded, because this name was then a legend.

After college, Sergei Ryakhovsky went to serve in the ranks of the Soviet Army - from 1975 to 1977. In 1982 he graduated from the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, where he studied at the evening department. According to Sergei Vasilyevich, he completed the course in several higher educational institutions - engineering, technical and medical. In addition to serving the church, he also worked in secular work. Over the years, he had to change many places of work.

The path of service

Until 1986, secret meetings had to be held. The church was then literally underground. Many ministers were in dungeons. But Sergei Vasilyevich never for a moment doubted that the chosen path was correct, therefore he never hid his views from anyone. In 1987, Sergei Ryakhovsky was ordained a deacon, after 7 years he was already a presbyter, and in 1991 he was a senior presbyter of the Moscow Church of the KhVE.

In 1994 he was ordained a bishop and since 1995 he has been the national bishop of the Association of the KhVE "Church of God". Then he studied at the Bible Institute - from 1985 to 1990, completed his postgraduate studies at the seminary. In 1993 he became a master, and in 2005 - a doctor of theology. Sergei Vasilievich is engaged in teaching and pastoral ministry in the Church of the XVE in Tsaritsyno. His sermons are edifying and provide encouragement and support to believers.

Words of edification

Ryakhovsky Sergey Vasilyevich preaches sermons not only in the “Church of God”, of which he is the senior pastor. He takes part in many Christian conferences and events. He teaches at many spiritual education centers and Bible schools. His sermons are broadcast on Christian TV channels, you can watch and listen to them via the Internet. The penetration of his words can be judged by the steady growth of the religious community.

As the Bible says, a word is a seed. And how effective it is can be inferred from the fruits that it brings. More than 400 thousand people received in secondary and higher institutions operating within the framework of ROSHVE. At present, there are over 200 confessional organizations and about 400 rehabilitation centers, where 40 thousand people have undergone a course, many of whom have returned to a full and healthy life in society. During the time that Sergei Ryakhovsky is in charge, the church constantly accepts new members of the flock into its fold.

Sergei Vasilievich chooses topics that are relevant to the church for his sermons. Strengthens believers by counseling them to follow Bible doctrine and principles. Particular attention is paid to the issues of raising children and family values.

A family

Sergei Vasilievich himself is a wonderful family man. Nina Anatolyevna - the wife of Sergei Vasilyevich, speaks very warmly of him. He says that being the wife of such a person is not easy, but honorable. When they got married (in 1977), he promised to support his wife. And, according to Nina Anatolyevna, her husband helps her in everything to this day. The family has six children - five sons and one daughter. All the offspring serve in the church.

Ryakhovsky Sergey Vasilievich - religious figure

He is a member of the board established in 1991. The organization provides everyone with the Holy Scriptures, promotes the translation of the Bible into the languages ​​of the peoples of Russia, and is engaged in charitable activities.

Sergei Vasilievich - Co-chairman of the Council of Protestant Churches. This organization has existed since 2005. The main task is coordinated solutions to the problems facing the unions and associations of Protestant churches.

Chairman of the ROSHVE (Pentecostals) Sergei Ryakhovsky is a bishop of a centralized organization founded in 1995. It unites religious groups and institutions of various branches of the EEC that operate in Russia.

Social activity

Sergey Ryakhovsky is a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. He invariably participates in all forms of work (meetings, hearings, etc.).

Sergey Vasilievich Ryakhovsky was born in the village. Zagoryanka of the Shchelkovo District of the Moscow Region March 18, 1956, the eldest of 10 children of the Bishop of the Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Vasily Vasilyevich Ryakhovsky.

Evangelical Christian and clergyman in the fourth generation. In 1978 he was ordained a deacon. In 1985 he became a presbyter, in 1991 - senior presbyter of the Moscow Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith, since 1994 - bishop of the United Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith and since 1995 - national bishop of the Association of Christians of Evangelical Faith "Church of God", from 1997 to the present - Head Bishop of the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals).

In 1975 he graduated from the Moscow Electromechanical College (MEMT). 1975 to 1977 - Service in the ranks of the Soviet Army. In 1982 he graduated from the evening department of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI). Graduated from Church of God Theological Seminary in 1993, Cleveland, USA. In 2005 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Theology.

The structure headed by Bishop S.V. Ryakhovsky of the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals) includes more than 3,000 religious associations of Christians of the Evangelical faith, which makes it the largest centralized religious organization of the Protestant trend in Russia and the second largest parish after the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church. At the churches of the Union there are over 200 confessional institutions of secondary specialized and higher spiritual education, in which more than 300,000 people have been educated. Under the spiritual nourishment of the churches of the Union, about 700 non-profit public and charitable organizations have been opened, including over 400 non-profit centers of social rehabilitation and adaptation for alcoholics, drug addicts, persons without a fixed abode and those released from prison and for people from other risk groups. About 30,000 people undergo a course of social rehabilitation and adaptation annually, most of whom return to a healthy life in society. The clergy of the ROSKhVE spiritually nourish orphanages, boarding schools, nursing homes, hospices, a number of military units, and about 400 institutions for the execution of punishments.

In 2002 he was introduced into the Council for Interaction with Religious Associations under the President of the Russian Federation, which carries out preliminary consideration of issues and preparation of proposals for the President of the Russian Federation, concerning interaction with religious associations and raising the spiritual culture of society. Through its work, it contributes to the strengthening of social harmony, the achievement of mutual understanding, tolerance and mutual respect in matters of freedom of conscience and freedom of religion. Since 2011 - Member of the Commission for Harmonizationinterethnic and interreligious relations under the Council for Interaction with Religious Associations under the President of the Russian Federation. Since February 2015 - Member of the Commission for Improving Legislation and Law Enforcement Practice of the Council for Interaction with Religious Associations under the President of the Russian Federation.

Since December 2015 - Member of the Council for Interethnic Relations and Interaction with Religious Associations under the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

On the initiative of S.V. Ryakhovsky under the auspices of the Advisory Council of the Heads of the Protestant Churches of Russia, of which he is the co-chairman, a charitable foundation for promoting the revival of spirituality and spiritual culture "National Morning Prayer" was created. The main goal of the foundation is the implementation of spiritual, educational, spiritual, charitable and social programs. Since 2002, Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Morning Prayer Foundation.

With his direct participation, such important social projects were established as the federal targeted anti-drug program "Train to the Future",which was an integral part of the federal target program "Comprehensive measures to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in 2005-2009"; and also with his support, in 2006, a film forum and social cinema festival "Time to Live" was established with the aim of having a positive impact on the mentality of young people and the younger generation.

2006 to 2017 (for five convocations) - member Public Chamber of the Russian Federation... In 2006-2007. - Member of the Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation on the development of civil society and public participation in the implementation of national projects. In 2008-2009. - Member of the Public Health Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. In 2010 - 2014 - Member of the Commission on Problems of Citizens' Security and Interaction with the System of Judicial and Law Enforcement Agencies. Since 2014 - Member of the Commission on security and interaction with PMC, as part of his work in this commission, since January 2017, he has headed the working group on the re-socialization of persons who are in or released from places of detention.

Also, on the proposal of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, as part of the delegation formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, S.V. Ryakhovsky spoke at a UN Security Council event in December 2016, where they discussed ways to counter the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes.

As a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, he took an active part in almost all forms of its work: in plenary sessions, in public hearings, round tables, offsite sessions, etc., the main purpose of which is to facilitate interaction of citizens with government and local authorities in order to taking into account the needs and interests of citizens, protecting their rights and freedoms in the formation and implementation of state policy, as well as in order to exercise public control over the activities of government bodies. S.V. Ryakhovsky actively participated in the development of the basic law "On public control" and the annual Report of the Public Chamber on the state of civil society in the Russian Federation. As part of the delegations of the chamber, S.V. Ryakhovsky constantly took part in establishing contacts with representatives of public organizations of foreign countries.

2007 to 2011 - Member of the Public Council under the Federal Drug Control Service. The Council's activities were aimed at organizing the interaction of the Federal Service for the Control of Drug Trafficking with all forces of society, including public and religious organizations, for the successful implementation of anti-drug policy in the country.

From 2007 to the present, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Union of non-profit organizations for social activities and civil initiatives.

From 2009 to 2011 - a member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, participated in the work to ensure the interests of citizens in the interaction of public, human rights, religious and other organizations, state authorities and local government bodies. The Public Council examines concepts, programs, civil and public initiatives in the field of combating crime, protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, ensuring the security of society and the state. From 2013 to 2016 - member of the Public Council at the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow.

Since 2015, he has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Bulletin of the Russian Nation.

He was directly involved in the development of the following federal laws: "On freedom of conscience and on religious associations" dated 09/26/1997 No. 125-FZ; “On the transfer of state or municipal property to religious organizations for religious purposes” 30.11.2010 No. 327-FZ; "On Non-Commercial Organizations" dated 12.01.1996 No. 7-FZ; "On the alternative civil service" dated 25.07.2002 No. 113-FZ; "On Counteracting Extremist Activity" dated 25.07.2002 No. 114-FZ. And a number of others.

Bishop S.V. Ryakhovsky is engaged in teaching activities in state and confessional educational institutions, including at the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, at the Russian State Social University, at the Professional Training Center of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow, at the Eurasian Theological Seminary of Christians of the Evangelical faith (Moscow), the Presbyterian Theological Academy (Moscow), other spiritual and secular educational institutions.

The author of the book "The Focus of Life - Christ", which became a pastoral message to people. According to the bishop, he wrote the book "in order to make readers fall in love with the Lord and turn their eyes to His Word, which is alive and well ..." The book was published in 2016.

In addition to a large volume of social activities, Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky carries out pastoral ministry in the Moscow Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals) "Church of God in Tsaritsyno" (Moscow).

In 1997, he was awarded the 850th anniversary medal of Moscow for his contribution to the dialogue between the state and the Church. In 2000, by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was awarded the medal of the Order of Merit to the Fatherland, 2nd degree. In 2002, he was awarded a medal on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. In 2006, he was awarded the highest civilian award - the golden sign "Public Recognition" for activities that contribute to the formation of civil society, the strengthening of Russian statehood, the assertion of high moral values ​​of service to the Motherland. For great services for the benefit of fraternal cooperation and interreligious dialogue of the religious traditions of our country, for the principled general civil position on the ethno-confessional and cultural revival of the spiritual foundations of the multinational and multi-religious Russian Federation on March 18, 2011, the Council of Muftis of Russia awarded Sergei Vasilyevich the medal "For Spiritual Unity" ... On December 25, 2012, the President of the Russian Federation was awarded a commendation "... for many years of conscientious work, active social activity." In December 2013, ROSHVE, under the leadership of S.V. Ryakhovsky was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the State Duma of the Russian Federation "for active social activities." In November 2015 S.V. Ryakhovsky was awarded Medal of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation "For Services to Society". In March 2016 S.V. Ryakhovsky was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the State Duma of the Russian Federation "For a significant contribution to the development of the legislation of the Russian Federation and in connection with 60 birthday anniversary ". In May 2017, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was awarded the Order of Friendship " for a great contribution to strengthening interethnic and interfaith peace and harmony in society " ... In May 2017, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was awarded the Order of Friendship " for a great contribution to the strengthening of interethnic and interfaith peace and harmony in society. " In May 2018, he was awarded a letter of gratitude from the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for his active participation in the preparation and conduct of the presidential elections in the Russian Federation.

He is married with six children and nine grandchildren.

CONSPECT OF THE SERMON

There is the main thing in our life, and it is very important that this main thing remains the main thing. And what is the main thing?

Gospel of t Matthew 9: 35-37
35. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every sickness and every weakness in the people.
36. Seeing the crowds of people, He took pity on them, that they were exhausted and scattered like sheep that do not have a shepherd.
37. Then he saith to his disciples: The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;
38. therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

As then, so now the Lord needs workers, those who do the work of God. Today God is raising up those who are the doers of God's harvest. God knows the need of every person, but the Scriptures are clear: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." There is a certain secret of prayer, petition. Prayer is a very important part of a Christian's life. The Scripture says, "You do not receive, because you do not ask." So, God knows our need, but to get an answer to our need, we need to pray. God knows the needs of each of us, but He says, "Tell me what you want." The Lord has a "response mechanism" called prayer. When we begin to pray, an action takes place. It is not at all necessary that God should give us what we ask of Him. Even the answer "no" is also the answer. And here the main thing is not to confuse the main thing - what is the main thing in your life? What is the main goal in your life?

We are saved today only because someone made the gospel, preaching, mission, testimony the main thing in his life. Someone removed the secondary and put the mission, or evangelism, as the main one. But what is the main thing in our life? There is something that unites us all, why we became Christians. To do this, let us remember what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, namely, this is the motivation of our whole life, the inner strength of our life, what motivates us to all our actions, including evangelism and missionary activity.

1 Corinthians 15: 9
9. For I am the least of the Apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Paul emphasizes his imperfection in the past and his perfection now. And then he talks about the main thing, about what completely changed his life, about what really made him an apostle, this is that. without which we would not be Christians ...

1 Corinthians 15:10 (a)
10. But by the grace of God I am what I am ...

What is the dynamic of our whole life that makes us Christians is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace has shaped us as we are. We are all saved by grace.

What is grace?
According to the definition of one of the dictionaries, grace is the power sent down to a person from above to fulfill the will of God. There are rare moments when God allows you to be at rest, when a few days of life will fit the description of the proverb "Peace and quiet, but God's grace."

According to another dictionary, grace is a gift for a person from God, given exclusively by the grace of the Lord, without any merit on the part of a person and intended for his salvation, sanctification and growth in grace.

Grace is translated from Hebrew and Greek as "undeserved mercy." Grace is for us to work our way of salvation, sanctification, and growth in grace.

The Greek word for charisma has two parts, where charis is grace, ma is action, and generally means grace in action.

Christian grace is always action, kindling a fire, light to the world, salt of the earth, a letter read by all people. This message arrives, i.e. has an end consumer.

1 Corinthians 15:10
10. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace in me was not in vain, but I labored more than all of them: not I, however, but the grace of God, which is with me ...

Grace has one more side or edge - it is not in vain, which means it is not in vain. This is my work in this grace, my ministry and dedication. Then Paul says the main thing, how not to be proud, how not to be exalted: “... but I have labored more than all of them: not I, however, but the grace of God, which is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Here Paul closes the circle: she came to him from God, and through him she returns to God. It is very important for us to understand from everything Paul said that the grace that God has given us is working.

In Scripture we find the expression "grace for grace." What is it? It is about the multiplication of grace, about the growing grace that lifts me to the heights of heaven. It does not allow me to calm down and stop there, it is increasing. And this grace is reflected on everyone around me: on my near and far, even on my enemies, because I begin to love them.

Let's see how the evangelist Matthew testifies to how Jesus multiplied grace in his disciples. Let's remember the definition of grace: it is the power of God, which is sent down to us so that we can do the will of God. The disciples had already received the first level of grace when their names were written in the book of life (they received eternal life - salvation). Then Jesus saw that they were already ready for the next step, and decided to multiply grace on them: send them in twos. This is how grace works in an interesting way: when it multiplies, you are no longer alone. You are saved alone, and with the multiplication of grace, you already need partners. And so…

Matthew 10: 1
1. And calling His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and heal every disease and every infirmity.

Grace has one law: it doesn't multiply if you don't start working for the Lord. Many, having received salvation themselves, sit and cherish their grace. In order for her to grow, she must begin to work for the Lord, go and preach the gospel. And then all the signs that accompanied the Lord will follow you. Another law of grace is that it is impossible for a person to be saved himself, but everything is possible for God.

When grace multiplies, even your desires change, because grace is increasing and you no longer want to do the things that you did before. But at the same time, we sometimes have one question: "What will I get for the fact that I live righteously and holy?" Peter plucked up the courage to ask this question.

Gospel of Matthew 19:27
27. Then Peter, answering, said to him: behold, we have left everything and followed you; what will happen to us?

By this time, the disciples had already cast out demons and healed the sick, etc. and now they are interested, but what will they get for all this!

Gospel of Matthew 19:28 (a)
28. Jesus said to them: Truly, I say to you, you who followed me are in the tradition of life ...

The "Life" is eternity, that is, the future. We all follow the Lord into eternity, therefore our heart and our soul are not attached to what God gives us here, so that it would be easier for us to follow. God is not against everything that you have surrounded yourself with here, but you just need to remember that we are going into eternity!

Gospel of Matthew 19: 28-30
28. Jesus said to them: Truly, I say to you, that you who followed Me, in observance, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you will also sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
29. And everyone who leaves homes, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for the sake of My name, will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life.
30. Many will be the first last, and the last first.

In relationships with each other, we stumble on the flesh. A new level of God's grace is to build relationships with people not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.

Jesus sacrificed Himself for us to become our Savior. Therefore, it is written that He became a sacrifice for our sins. Do you think Jesus was forced to go to the cross and become a victim? No, He voluntarily gave Himself for us! Because the power of grace, love, was at work in him.

We learn from the Bible that people sacrificed something worthless and bad to God. The book of Malachi tells how God reacts to this ...

Malachi 1: 8
8. And when you sacrifice the blind, is it not evil? or when you bring the lame and sick, is it not evil? Bring this to your prince; Will he be pleased with you and will he accept you favorably? says the Lord of hosts.

It is important that the main thing, always remains the main thing, so that grace always remains grace. Sacrifice is the best we can offer to God.

Romans 12: 1
1. So I implore you, brethren, by the mercy of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [for] your reasonable service ...

Often, grace cannot multiply in our lives because we misunderstand sacrifice. We think that the victim is something hunted down. But we are not a victim (in the worldly sense), we are people of grace. In the understanding of the Holy Scriptures, we present ourselves as a sacrifice to God for our rational ministry.

If we give everything to God, then, although we are offended, then we are not offended ... And if we are offended, we feel constantly driven out as a victim, then we cannot bring it to God - this is an unfit sacrifice.

2 Corinthians 4: 8
8. We are oppressed from everywhere, but not oppressed; we are in desperate circumstances, but do not despair ...

You are oppressed, but you are not constrained - this is the syndrome of a real sacrifice that we offer to the Lord, which is pleasing to Him.

2 Corinthians 4: 9-11
9. we are persecuted, but not abandoned; deposed, but not perished.
10. We always carry the deadness of the Lord Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
11. For we who are alive are incessantly given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh ...

We are not discouraged, and although our outer man is smoldering, the inner is renewed. We have the right to choose: live by grace or turn into a strange victim. Do not behave like a driven victim, this is the wrong semantic load on the word “victim”. You are a pleasing, holy, pure, pleasing to the Lord soul, spirit and body. All this serves Him to be with Him in eternity!

Hebrews 13: 14-16
14. for we do not have a permanent city here, but we are looking for the future.
15. Let us therefore through Him continually offer God the sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of the lips that glorify His name.
16. Do not forget also goodness and sociability, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

You are a man of grace and at the same time a sacrifice that will satisfy God. Not a sacrifice with the worst meaning of the word, but with the Divine meaning of the word. A sacrifice to which one day the Lord will say: "How delightful is the fragrance of what you bring to me in your sacrificial service."

We are not a victim in the worldly sense, in the understanding that everyone does not love us, this is not the main thing. It is important that you are the person whose faith, grace in whom and absolute obedience to the will of God made you a sacrifice that will satisfy God.

The Great Council of the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals) was held in Moscow. Considering the huge role of Protestants in the social and religious life of our country, we can say with confidence that the Council became a significant event for our country. This is confirmed by the arrival of about 500 clergymen from different regions and the participation of high-ranking official guests and representatives of all traditional confessions.

Sergei Vasilievich, the practice of holding Councils is well known in Christianity, but has not yet become traditional for other evangelical unions. What, in your opinion, was the most important thing at this Council?

We are talking about a mission for the world and a mission for the church, realizing that today the church needs a lot of renewal. We have heard very interesting, juicy and vivid speeches, sermons and remarks from the participants in the Council, from which it is clear to all of us that we have touched the quick and touched upon the most important challenges facing the church today.

At the same time, we not only touched upon these challenges and were frightened ourselves, but we are ready to move to solve them and we have enormous potential for this.

Any Council must be substantive. It seems to me that this Council was very relevant and specific. We did not say any philosophical things, but spoke based on the practice that we already have.

- What is the main message of the Council?

Today, a representative of the authorities from the Tyumen region said very clearly: "Dear ones, do you really think that all Tatars are Muslims, and Russians are Orthodox?" Of course not. This is a huge field for evangelism. We are very focused on the external mission, but it needs to be done. China is waiting for us, India is waiting for us, something else or someone else is waiting for us, but first of all Russia is waiting for us. For me, this is a principled position. And so, the main message is to deploy this power of the evangelical movement to its own people. So that our churches are without walls, so that we are not limited only to internal church life, but go beyond these walls to the people.

In our church, where I am the senior pastor, the main things are relevant - the priesthood and Christians in the world. Get professions, become specialists in your field and, most importantly, go to where you work, be with these people. Make friends with them, they need you. We preach it, we declare it, we teach it.

Many official guests from the authorities, representatives of civil society and traditional confessions were invited to the solemn part of the Cathedral, many of whom spoke before the Cathedral members. What were they talking about?

It is noteworthy that the speeches of our distinguished VIP guests, representatives of all major Russian confessions: the Russian Orthodox Church, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Abrahamic religions, government officials, journalism, medicine, etc. coincided with the development vector of the evangelical movement.

For example, my friend Pavel Gusev, the head of the journalists of the city of Moscow and the owner of the large newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets, saw in us the strength for the spiritual, moral, economic, social and civil awakening of our country. It sounded very strong in his speech.

We are public and known and we must use this publicity as an opportunity to influence the most important social, economic, civil, spiritual and religious processes in our society.

Sergei Kireev, Live Vera Media