Listing the blessings

Psalm 103:1-22
December 27th 2015, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The verse tells us not to forget the grace given from the LORD and to praise the LORD while remembering His grace. In what kind of points should we remember His grace?

The first is that the LORD has forgiven all our sins. Although David sinned against God and a man, the LORD forgave his sins. He thanked it more than anything else. Although we also used to be ruled by our sins and destined to be judged, our sins have been forgiven. We should remember this grace and thank most about it.

The second is that the LORD has secured our lives. David went through a lot of difficulties, even then he was secured by the LORD. We have also experienced various things for this year, even then we have been secured by the LORD. We should remember this grace and thank about it.

The third is that the LORD has filled our lives with good things. In the life of David, all became good for him and his life was filled with good things. Similarly, there might be some sufferings in our lives, still the LORD makes all things good for us and fills our lives with good things.

We should not end a year hurriedly. Let us list the blessings from the LORD this year and begin another new year while praising the LORD!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits

Psalm 103:2 (NIV)

The news of joy

Luke 2:8-20
December 20th 2015, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Many people are spending Christmas as just an event, but I want them to know the true meaning of Christmas and receive grace. Let us begin with seeing the relationship between God and humans.

Firstly, God loves us humans. God has created us and regarded us as precious beings.

Secondly, we humans are all sinners. No one is without sin.

Thirdly, God will judge sinners. God cannot overlook their sins.

Fourthly, God came in order to save us. The Lord came to this earth, in order to die as the substitute of humans.

Next, let us see how humans responded to God when the Lord was born.

Firstly, there were some people who were apathetic and did reject him. This was revealed by the fact that there was no place for Jesus to be born.

Secondly, there were some people who believed the word and responded to it. They were the shepherds and the Wise Men from the East. As the result, they were filled with joy.

Let us also be the ones who believe the word, accept the Lord and respond to him. To such ones, blessings of the Lord are poured richly.

Sometimes, we might be put into distress. However, for then, let us be still before the LORD. Let us be such ones who believe and trust in the LORD, who is with us and protects us.

<The Verse of the Bible>

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10 (NIV)

What the LORD said in the time of distress

Zechariah 2:1-13
December 13th 2015, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

After returning from Babylon to Jerusalem, the people of Judah were hindered by the enemy, so that they had to stop building the temple for a long time. Then, the LORD gave them the word through Zechariah. Let us learn about what was told.

The first is to believe the protection of the LORD and trust in Him. He said that whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye. We should believe and trust in the LORD because He protects us like He does to the apple of His eye.

The second is to stand on the side of the LORD. He says to flee from Babylon and escape to Jerusalem. We should not be noncommittal but clearly stand on the side of the LORD where we originally ought to be.

The third is to be still our heart before the LORD. It is said that weak mankind should be still before the LORD. It was because the LORD had roused himself from his holy throne and would come to the earth. Also, we should know our weakness and need to be still before the LORD.

Sometimes, we might be put into distress. However, for then, let us be still before the LORD. Let us be such ones who believe and trust in the LORD, who is with us and protects us.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Zechariah 2:13 (NIV)

Judas, who betrayed Jesus

Mark 14:9-10
December 6th 2015, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

While the chief priests had decided to kill Jesus, Judas Iscariot, his disciple, betrayed and sold the Lord to them. Then, let us see the failure of Judas.

Firstly, he had a wrong expectation. Probably, he also had an idea that the Lord would found an earthly kingdom very soon. He was expecting that he would become great.

Secondly, he was serving a wrong god. Although he was a disciple of the Lord, his mind had been ruled by wealth before he knew it, and he had come to serve wealth as his god.

The chief priests gave thirty silver coins to Judas. What does this mean? One is that this was the price of a slave. The chief priests dared to offer the price of a slave for Jesus, the price that had been decided in the law. The other is that this had been prophesied. The prophecy is written in the book of Zechariah. The Lord, upon knowing everything, sold himself as a sacrifice.

Judas, who despised the Lord and betrayed him, died a miserable death. We absolutely must NOT follow him. Let us walk while making him as a good example of what NOT to do.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.

Mark 14:10 (NIV)

The Offering of Mary from Bethany

Mark 14:1-9
November 29th 2015, 5th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

It happened at the home of a man named Simon in Bethany. Mary poured perfume made of pure nard on the head of Jesus. Let us learn from her faith.

Firstly, Mary listened to the word carefully. When Martha was busy and distracted, her sister Mary was listening to the word quietly. Jesus must have told her about his death on the cross. She didn't miss it. That was why she was able to prepare for his burial.

Secondly, Mary offered the very best she could for the Lord. This perfume was very expensive one valued 300 denarii (the amount of wages for 300 days). The disciples rebuked her that it was the waste of perfume, but she did it because she thought he deserved it.

Thirdly, Mary didn't miss this opportunity. The time of the death of the Lord was approaching. She didn't miss the opportunity to be able to prepare for his burial.

We are in the grace to hear the word, but how seriously are we listening to it and how thankfully are we trying to respond to it? Let us follow this shining faith of Mary from Bethany!

<The Verse of the Bible>

She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

Mark 14:8 (NIV)

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Mark 13:24-37
November 22nd 2015, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus told the disciples the prophecy of the end of the age on the Mount of Olives. Today's part is about his Second Coming.

In the latter half of the Tribulation Period, the abomination that causes desolation will proclaim himself to be God, and will persecute those who don't obey him. Also, natural disasters will happen and many people will lose their lives. In addition, nations in the world will gather in Israel and the final wars will occur continuously. While distresses are going on, Christ will return. He will come in the air at the first time, but at this time, he will come on the earth and establish the Millennium Kingdom. With these things in mind, the Lord said the followings:

The first is to learn. The Lord told us ahead of time. We must learn what kind of time now is.

The second is to look at the word. All things will fade and perish, but only the word of the LORD will never perish.

The third is to keep watch. Just like it is unknown when the owner of the house will come back, it is also unknown when the Lord will return.

The Lord is going to come. Let us walk wisely while preparing for that time.

<The Verse of the Bible>

At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Mark 13:26 (NIV)

In the Tribulation Period

Mark 13:14-23
November 15th 2015, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus talked about the Tribulation Period on the Mount of Olives.

"The abomination that causes desolation" is mentioned here. According to the book of Daniel chapter 9, it says that "he" or the antichrist, will confirm a covenant of peace with Israel. At this point, the Tribulation Period will begin. However, three and half years later, he will one-sidedly cancel the covenant, set himself a throne in the temple and proclaiming himself to be God. Then he will terrifyingly persecute those who don't obey him. That is why people are asked to flee immediately. But that day will not last long. The end of the Tribulation Period will come and the Lord will come again. With these things in mind, let us remember the followings:

The first is to watch out so that we are not to be deceived. It is to make sure what comes out of God, or what comes out of devil.

The second is to see the whole plan of God and walk. We Christians will have been taken to heaven by the Rapture, still before that, it is important to testify the Lord to the people around us. Also, it is necessary to imagine the time when we stand in front of the Lord while living our lives.

The Lord told us ahead of time. Let us be such ones who walk wisely.

<The Verse of the Bible>

When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong - let the reader understand - then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 13:14 (NIV)

The significance of child ministry

Mark 10:13-16
November 8th 2015, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The children blessing ceremony is held at the worship today. Let us learn the significance of preaching the gospel to children. Why should we preach the gospel to them?

Firstly because Jesus loved children very much. The Lord so loved children that he was indignant with the disciples who rebuked the children coming to him.

Secondly because children’s mind is so flexible. They are very humble and they don’t know doubting. They hear something and accept it into their mind quickly.

Thirdly because children easily become the victims of evils. There are many wrong teachings and temptations now so that children are becoming their victims.

Fourthly because children will form the church in the future. They will grow up soon and be wonderful workers.

Fifthly because what is taught during childhood will affect all life long. Even if children don’t belong to the church soon, there are not a few cases that they will turn to the LORD in their future.

Are there anything we can do for child ministry? Let us be such ones who follow the will of the LORD and work to preach the gospel to children.

<The Verse of the Bible>

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

Mark 10:13 (NIV)

Even under persecutions

Mark 13:9-13
November 1st 2015, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

In his reply to the questions from the disciples, Jesus spoke about the persecutions that would take place in the future. Let us have teachings of three points from here.

Firstly, we should understand that there are persecutions. He said that great persecutions would come to those who believe in Christ. In fact, there were great persecutions in the year A.D. 70 and thereafter. Also, there will be a great persecution in the end of the age.

Secondly, we should remember that are hopes from persecutions. He said that there would be persecutions, but they would become the chances of testimony. Actually, also in the history so far, many souls were led to salvation by the testimonies under persecutions. Persecutions never ends just in sufferings, there are hopes thereafter.

Thirdly, we should be faithful even under persecutions. True believers keep walking faithfully even in difficulties.

This world is a place where Satan is controlling, and also it is the end of age now. So if we try to stand firm on the word of the LORD and walk, we will be persecuted. Still, let us trust the Lord who saved us, and walk faithfully to the end!

<The Verse of the Bible>

You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

Mark 13:9 (NIV)

The excuses of Moses

Exodus 4:10-17
October 25th 2015, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

When the LORD called Moses to let the people of Israel get out of Egypt, he tried to refuse by citing several reasons.

The first reason was the lack of authority. He knew very well how great the authority of Pharaoh was. That was why he insisted he didn't have authority. But, he had forgotten the authority of great God, who created the heavens and the earth, and all things.

The second one was the lack of ability. It seems he was not a good speaker. Still the LORD told him that He would give the needed help and the helper. When the LORD called us, He surely gives us the needed help.

The third one was the lack of aptitude. He insisted that he was not suitable for it, and lacked the aptitude. However, the aptitude needed as a worker of the LORD is humility and faith, rather than ability or personality. The LORD called the believer Moses who had been changed to humble in the land of Midian.

There is a time when the LORD calls us for His service or other works. Then, let us not refuse by citing these reasons. The great LORD is with us!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Moses said to the LORD,"O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

Exodus 4:10 (NIV)

The importance of one soul

Matthew 18:12-14
October 18th 2015, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

We invited our close ones to the Praise Concert today and we have been praying for it. That is to please the LORD. This parable tells us the love of God.

Firstly, God makes so much of one soul and loves the one. He doesn't think; "It's all right because the lost is just one." The LORD even goes to look for the one.

Secondly, God is patient and loves the one. He doesn't think; "The sheep itself should be blamed for because it wandered away." The LORD is patient and keeps loving the one with mercy, no matter how unreasonable and stubborn the one is.

Thirdly, God so loves all souls that he even seeks and asks for them. The love of God is not such one to just wait quietly. His love is such that God Himself goes out to look for them. The Lord lost his throne in heaven and came down to earth, and saved us.

We were also sought this way and were saved. Our faith is protected still now. The LORD still loves all souls now and also seeks for one soul. Let us also love and seek one soul.

<The Verse of the Bible>

And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

Matthew 18:13 (NIV)

The practices needed for spiritual growth

2 Peter 3:17-18
October 11th 2015, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The people who believed Jesus receive salvation all alike, but the spiritual growth differs form person to person. And it depends greatly on their own practices. What kind of practices are important?

The first is to read the word to be brought up. Whether being nourished by the word every day or not makes a big difference.

The second is to pray to the LORD and walk. If we don't pray, we lack the fellowship with the living LORD and that will result in missing many blessings.

The third is to join the church gatherings actively. Today is "CS Coming Day". We will surely be spiritually strengthened by joining the church school.

The fourth is to value the fellowships in the church. If we walk as loners, that will result in walking on spiritually critical paths. We all need fellowships.

The fifth is to have visions. Without visions, we cannot ensure secure growth. Let each of us examine our own practices.

<The Verse of the Bible>

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

The prophecies of the temple destruction and the end of the age

Mark 13:1-8
October 4, 2015, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus prophesied the temple destruction and the end of the age.

First, the prophecy of the temple destruction. The temple had been constructed by King Herod and nearly 50 years had passed by then. It is no wonder that the disciples were amazed because it was such a magnificent and great building. However, the Lord prophesied that the temple would be destructed. Indeed, it was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Roman Empire.

Next, about the prophecy of the end of the age. The Bible says about the program that will happen hereafter. The rapture of church will come first, then the great tribulation, and the second coming of Christ and millennium. As for the rapture, it could happen anytime because nothing is described what will happen as its sign. Here, the signs of the tribulation are written. They are wars world wide, earthquakes and famines. These are the beginning of the birth pains.

With these things in mind, what should we remember then? The first is not to rely on anything that can be seen. The second is to prepare for the end of the age. Let us walk wisely now, when the end of the age is approaching.

<The Verse of the Bible>

"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

Mark 13:2 (NIV)

The reasons to praise the LORD

Psalm 147:1-20
September 27, 2015, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The author of this psalm said, "How good it is to sing praises to our God." Why is it good to praise the LORD?

Firstly, because the LORD is worthy to be praised. The LORD is great and He can determine the number of the stars and call them each by name. Nothing is impossible with Him. The more we know about the nature of the LORD, we cannot help praising Him.

Secondly, because the LORD delights in our praise. He is pleased with those who praise and trust Him. In contrast, He would feel sorrow if we grumbled many times and didn't trust Him as the people of Israel in the past. I wonder which we are?

Thirdly, because the LORD makes us win a victory over spiritual battles. Satan makes us doubt God's love and power. However, we are doing the best defense when we are praising the LORD. That results in winning a victory over spiritual battles.

I wonder how much we are praising the LORD every day. How much time do we ensure to do so? With joy and thanks from the heart, let us be such ones who always praise the LORD!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Praise the LORD (HalleluJah). How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Psalm 147:1 (NIV)

The widow's offering

Mark 12:41-44
September 20, 2015, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

When Jesus was watching the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury, he admired the offering made by a poor widow. Let's learn from here.

Firstly, the LORD knows even our small works. As for the amount of her offering, it was very small. However, it was all her money she had to live on. The Lord knew the hidden sides, which could not be known from the amount of offering. So the LORD knows even all the small works we offer.

Secondly, the LORD protects us and sustains us. The widow must have believed that the LORD would feed her even she put all her money. It is important also for us to believe the protection of the LORD and to obey the word even though we are put into the situation where the future is uncertain.

Thirdly, the LORD wants our dedication. She gave all she had, not some out of what she had. The Lord gave his everything to us. Likewise, we are being hoped to live a giving life with dedication.

To what extent of dedication are we, as the saved ones, responding to the LORD? It doesn't matter if it's small. Let us be such ones who are pleased to give ourselves.

<The Verse of the Bible>

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty,put in everything-all she had to live on.

Mark 12:44 (NIV)

The secret of a blessed life

Psalm 1:1-6
September 13, 2015, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Anyone wishes to have a good life. Today's passage says the secret how to have a good step in life. How can man have a blessed life?

The first is to avoid evil ways. Man is not supposed to fall away rapidly but to be drawn to evil gradually. Thus, it is important to be on the watch and to get away from evil ways actively.

The second is to delight in the word, to long for the word first. Not to say anything about the worship service, but also devotion, a daily personal worship, is indispensable. And to meditate the word day and night. It is important not to keep the word of Christ somewhere, but to let it dwell in our heart.

When you have these things in mind and practice them, your heart is getting rich, and you can have a fruitful life. Man tries to find happiness in various things, but the key is in the word of God. Let us be such ones who delight in the word and practice it, and have a blessed life.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

Psalm 1:1 (NIV)

The hypocrisy of the teachers of the law

Mark 12:38-40
September 6, 2015, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus told the disciples to watch out for the teachers of the law. That was also a teaching not to be like them. What should we watch out for to walk?

The first is to be conscious not how people value us, but how God does. They liked to wear flowing robes. They liked to be highly valued by people. We sometimes find ourselves worrying how people value our service work which we began for the LORD. Not that, but we should be conscious how much we are pleased by the LORD and give.

The second is to be humble in God's sight. They liked the places of honor at banquets. Because they thought they deserved it. We must not forget that being humble is the secret to get the blessing from the LORD.

The third is to fear God. They devoured poor widows' houses. We can say it was an ungodly way. We should fear the LORD and walk any time.

It is not to please the LORD to walk in worries how people value us or see us. Let us always be conscious of the LORD and walk to be pleased by Him.

<The Verse of the Bible>

As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law."

Mark 12:38 (NIV)

The LORD's Servants

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
August 30, 2015, 5th Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Since we believed in Jesus and saved,we are children of God, and called to be God's servants. How come we should walk as the LORD's servants?

One is because the LORD bought us. We were bought with the ｌife of Christ. The other is because there is a model of Jesus who walked as a servant. The Lord walked as a servant all his life and left us a model.

Then, how should we walk as the LORD's servants?

The First is to obey the will of the LORD. It is to give the top priority to the will of the LORD rather than to your wishes. The second is to live for the glory of the LORD.

We would like to be used for God's glory, not for the glory of ourselves as we used to. We are surely children of God, but it's unbalanced if just being so. Let's recognize correctly what we really are. Also, let's walk to serve the LORD and the church from the heart as the LORD's servants.

<The Verse of the Bible>

You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV)

Who is the Christ?

Mark 12:35-37
August 23, 2015, 4th Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus asked "Why do the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?" Let's confirm who the Christ is.

Firstly, he was a man. He was born as a descendant of David as in the prophecies of the Old Testament. But he was not like a military or political king as the people expected. He loved people and showed the way to be saved.

Secondly, he was God. David prophesied so that he called him the Lord. He was God, thus he was able to redeem our sins.

Considering this then, what should we remember? The first is to hear the word of the Lord with joy. If you believe and understand that this man is the true God,you will be willing to hear the word with joy. The second is to put the Lord first in your life. The life in which putting him in front and walk is a truly blessed one. Let us be the ones who correctly recognize "Who is the Christ for me?" and walk in blessings.

<The Verse of the Bible>

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "Why do theteachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David?

Mark 12:35 (NIV)

The most important commandment

Mark 12:28-34
August 16, 2015, 3rd Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

One of the teachers of the law came to Jesus and asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" Jesus answered:

The first is to love God with our whole body and soul. To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength means to love God with our whole beings. That is because the LORD is the one who has created us and given us life, and He is the one who has redeemed and saved us.

The second is to love your neighbors as yourself. It is not good enough to just love God but also to love your neighbors as well is the will of the LORD.

We must remember these two most important commandments and respond to them. The first is to believe in Christ and accept him. It is not good enough for us to be close to salvation, but we need to be saved. The second is to walk with loving God and your neighbors. If one truly loves God from the heart, his/her love flows out as the love to his/her neighbors. Do our loves come out of the heart? Let us be such ones who follow the teaching of the LORD: to love the LORD from the heart, and to love our neighbors.

<The Verse of the Bible>

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

Mark 12:28 (NIV)

The Responsibilities of Christians

Mark 12:13-17
August 2, 2015, 1st Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

After Jesus entered Jerusalem, several groups came to entrap him. This time, they were Pharisees and Herodians. Although they couldn't accept each other, they came to Jesus as their common enemy. "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?" Let us learn two things;

Firstly, Christians should obey the nation, and pray for the ruler. The authorities have been established by God and we receive benefits from them. Thus, Christians have a responsibility to obey the nation and pray for the ruler.

Secondly, we should put God first and obey Him. That's because God is the absolute ruler and we are receiving countless grace from Him.

The question is, which we should obey when there is a difference between the teaching of God and the nation. The Bible tells us to obey God. We must not be ambiguous at this point. When we definitely obey God, we will definitely be able to be good witnesses.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.

Mark 12:17 (NIV)

The Capstone (Cornerstone)

Mark 12:1-12
July 26, 2015, 4th Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Disputes with the chief priests and the teachers of the law went on. The parable told by the Lord reveals what kind of man he is.

Firstly, the Lord is the one who leads us. The owner made a lot of preparations so that the vine trees would bear fruit. We wonder how much of preparations had been made in order that we were saved!

Secondly, the Lord is the one who bears. The farmers became enemies against the owner and even killed his servant. Nevertheless, the owner had compassion on them and kept bearing. The Lord did bear for us, the foolish ones.

Thirdly, the Lord is the one who is greatly filled with love. Finally, the owner sent his son. That was because he had such compassion on them and loved them. God sent Christ, his one and only son, for us. Since the Lord died as the substitute, we are able to be saved just by believing.

He, who was such rejected by people, has become the capstone. When we trust on this man, we never get disappointed. Let us put this wonderful Lord in the center of our mind and walk.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Haven't you read this scripture "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;

Mark 12:10 (NIV)

By What Authority?

Mark 11:27-33
July 19, 2015, 3rd Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to Jesus and asked him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" What do we learn from today's passage?

The first is the importance to open our hearts to the truth. They were thinking evil to attack Jesus. Their hearts were not opened to the truth. We cannot get anything if we don't open our hearts and listen to the truth when we hear it.

The second is the importance to fear of God rather than man. They couldn't answer the question given from Jesus because they were fearing of man. If we fear of man, we shall be bounded by many things. On the contrary, when we fear of God, we shall get free and be freed.

The third is the importance to repent. They did not repent when they heard. That was why they didn't get changed. It is important for us to repent immediately when we hear from the Lord.

By what authority are we walking? It is the authority of God that we can trust in. Let us be such ones who always obey the authority of God and walk.

<The Verse of the Bible>

"By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?"

Mark 11:28

The Prayer Lesson

Mark 11:19-26
July 12, 2015, 2nd Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Here, Jesus taught the disciples about prayer. What are important when praying?

Firstly, to have faith in the Lord and pray. The Lord said that if one has faith and prays, even a mountain would move. He also said that one should not doubt but pray. What the Lord hopes is that our faith is strengthened.

Secondly, to pray as the Lord pleases. It's all right to pray our wish, still we should ask what the Lord pleases because we Christians know what the Lord pleases is the best.

Thirdly, to walk so as to please the Lord. Here especially, the Lord told about human relationships. The Lord said that we had our sins forgiven by Him so that we should forgive others that is when our prayers would be blessed. Do we have anything revealed to our mind?

The reason the Lord gave this prayer lesson was that He wanted to bless the disciples. It's the same even now. Let us repent and give blessed prayers.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 (NIV)

To walk like Barnabas

Acts 9:26-31
June 21, 2015, 3rd Holy day
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Today, let's learn through a man named Barnabas. This is what all of the believers, of course fathers, should learn. What kind of steps did he make?

Firstly, he was so generous in offering. He sold his field and offered the money for the work of the Lord. Rather, he offered all of his life to preach the gospel. The more boldly one offers to the Lord, the bigger influence he can give to the surroundings.

Secondly, he accepted a man in the Lord and understood him. He accepted Paul, who was once a persecutor, and became his supporter. There would have been no later Paul without Barnabas.

Thirdly, he encouraged a man in the Lord and built him up. Though Mark once threw away his work during his journey, Barnabas encouraged him and trained him. Later, Mark was changed to a useful man.

Though Barnabas was an inconspicuous worker, certainly he was richly used. A Barnabas is needed in the family, and in the church. Let us be changed like Barnabas, and be such ones who are richly used by the Lord.

<The Verse of the Bible>

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:27 (NIV)