Even in the problem out of envy

Philippians 1:15-18
January 22nd 2017, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

A problem was arising, which annoyed Paul who was in chains. There were some people who preached out of envy and rivalry to Paul. Though this attitude was not proper and it could have grieved him, Paul was pleased. Why?

Firstly, because he was hoping that Christ be glorified. Envy is horrible and it destroys human relations. But he was pleased that Christ was preached and glorified anyway.

Secondly, because he was conscious of his own weakness. He said he was the worst of sinners. He was probably conscious that there was a similar sin in himself.

Thirdly, because he was looking at the grace of God. Such people were probably not suited for preaching, but that was the same for Paul. He was being used just by the grace of God. He must have looked at this grace.

We are sometimes thrown into the problem of human relations. However, if we see the one whom we should see, we can walk in victory like Paul!

<The Verse of the Bible>

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Philippians 1:18 (NIV)

But actually

Philippians 1:12-14
January 15th 2017, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Paul was in chains, in the condition being tied and having difficulty. It must have been an unbearable situation for him, being a missionary. But that was actually helpful for the gospel to be spread. How did the gospel advance?

Firstly, Christ was preached and made clear. There were guards who kept watching Paul, so he was preaching the gospel to them. He was able to preach it to the people whom he originally couldn't have met.

Secondly, it served to strengthen the other brothers in the Lord. When they heard the news that Paul became in chains, they contrarily got encouraged. Their faith was strengthened.

When we see only what we can see, we tend to get discouraged. However, the plan of the LORD is beyond our ideas and it does something wonderful. What we think difficult would actually serve to be helpful and lead us to the best. Therefore, let us trust in the LORD, expect from Him and walk with Him!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

Philippians 1:12 (NIV)

The praising music in worship services

Psalm 146:2
January 8th 2017, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Praise is very important in worship services. It’s not good to think that anything is acceptable.

Firstly, praise should be devoted to the LORD. It is not something we sing for ourselves or to enjoy ourselves. The object is the LORD and we devote our heartfelt thanks and praising songs to our savior. It is something to give glory to the LORD and please the LORD.

Secondly, it should be something we feel the holiness of the LORD. We may feel different from person to person, but it’s not something to conform to worldly music rhythm and pattern. It should not make wide variety of generation feel uneasy.

Thirdly, the contents of praise should follow the word the LORD. There are something ambiguous which are not different to worldly love songs. Its contents should be based on the word of God.

Praise and clothe tend to be easily compromised. It is all right that ideas differ from church to church but let us go with this concept.

<The Verse of the Bible>

I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

What we should trust in

Psalm 20:7
January 1st 2017, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

There is something for each one of us to trust in. The Bible tells us what we must not and should trust in.

First of all, what are the things that we must not trust in?

Firstly, it is our strength. Some trust in their abilities or their possessions. God rejects the proud ones.
Secondly, it is about tomorrow. What we are given is only today. We will be given another new day if it is God’s will. We should thank day by day and walk faithfully before the LORD.

Next, what are the things we should trust in?

Firstly, it is our weakness. The glory of the LORD does appear in our weakness.
Secondly, it is the Lord himself. We should trust in the Lord, who loves us, died on the cross as our substitute, gives us salvation and walk with us.

What we trust in will make a big difference in the steps in our lives. Let us not mistake what we should trust in!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 20:7 (NIV)