Following the example made by Christ

Philippians 2:5-8
May 28th 2017, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Paul picked up the example of walk of Christ, when he urged the church at Philippi to be like-minded. Let us see how the Lord walked his life.

Firstly, he made himself nothing. He didn’t try to adhere to the equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather, he came to this world and made himself in human likeness in order to save us. He threw away the equality with God. When we adhere to our own nature, there arise confrontations.

Secondly, he took the nature of a servant. In spite that he was a man to be served, he walked all his life as a servant, to serve others. We should walk our lives as servants to serve others, following the example of the Lord.

Thirdly, he was obedient to God the Father. He was obedient to the will of his Father rather than his own, and became obedient even to the death on the cross! If we follow the will of God and his teachings, we will be able to walk our lives while we love one another.

We were saved because the Lord lived such a humble life. Let us also walk our lives in the church, imitating the humble example of the Lord. As the result, the problem of disagreement will be solved, and we will be able to walk in unity.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death -- even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)

Things needed for being like-minded

Philippians 2:3-4
May 21st 2017, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The church at Philippi, which had been supporting Paul, was wonderful, but there was a problem of disagreement within the church.

Things that disturb to be like-minded are selfish ambition and vain conceit. When one will become conceited, e.g., self comes in center and the idea of self is considered the best, he/she will eliminate others.

Then, what is needed for being like-minded?

Firstly, it is to see our own sins. If we see our own sins, we will know how foolish we are, how much we should rely on God, and we will be protected from becoming conceited.

Secondly, it is to look to the interests of others. It means to acknowledge others. Then we will know that the Lord loves and leads them. To extend our hand of love to them is also needed. Because we ourselves have been saved by the hand of love extended from the Lord.

The Lord is not pleased when children of God are confronting each other. He is pleased when they love and forgive each other. Let us confirm if we are in the proper position of mind before God.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

The third word on the cross

John 19:25-27
May 14th 2017, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus spoke seven words on the cross. Let us learn from his third word today, on Mother's Day.

Firstly, the Lord comforted his mother Mary and took action. How much hard it would have been for the mother Mary to see Jesus crucified. He comforted Mary, anticipated what would be happened on her after that, and left her to the disciple.

Secondly, the Lord advanced the relationship with his mother Mary. He didn't call her as his mother but said to her, "Dear woman." The reason why was Jesus was the Savior for Mary.

Thirdly, the Lord cared about the weak in mind. Here, we take it widely and can say that He bore burdens of the weak in mind. We can say that if He did so even on the cross, how much more, does He care about us now!

On Mother's Day, let us thank and comfort our mother, and at the same time, walk our steps while making our relationships with the Lord much more firmly!

<The Verse of the Bible>

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son,"

John 19:26 (NIV)