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)