Trust in the LORD Almighty!

Genesis 17:1-2
October 6th, 2019, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Here God reconfirmed the covenant with Abram. Let us learn from here three things that we should remember.

Firstly, the Lord is God Almighty, who turns the impossible into possible. It means all things are possible with Him, and also means He fills the necessity by compensating for what is lacking.

Secondly, the Lord wants us to be conscious of His eyes and to walk while trusting in Him. What we should be conscious of is not the eyes of people but the eyes of the Lord.

Thirdly, the Lord is gracious forever. Abram became ninety-nine years old, and his physical strength must have been declining. He may have been losing his expectation to the promise of God. That was why the Lord confirmed the covenant again. Notwithstanding their lack of faith, the Lord came upon them with grace.

When they became weak, the strength of the Lord was revealed. Let us walk our lives while entirely trusting in the Lord when we feel weak.

<The Verse of the Bible>

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.

Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV)

Even on a Sparrow

Matthew 10:26-31
September 29th, 2019, 5th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn from what Jesus told the disciples.

Firstly, let us remember that it is only God whom we should truly be afraid of. We tend to be afraid of other people. However, let us not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but let us be afraid of God who is ruling everything.

Secondly, let us be conscious that the Lord thinks of us. God cares even for a sparrow which is considered unworthy, and He cares for us and is interested in us so much that He even knows the number of our hairs.

Thirdly, let us be conscious that the Lord loves us. His love is expressed on the cross. Let us be conscious that the Lord loves us so much that He laid down his life.

While we live in this world, we may tend to think that we are unworthy and useless ones. However, how the Lord sees us is the most important. By the word of the Lord, let us walk our lives while being aware of God's glances of love!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.

Matthew 10:29 (NIV)

God, who Sees

Genesis 16:1-16
September 22nd, 2019, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Here it is described the actions that humans tend to take. One is that we tend to act humanly without waiting for the time of God. Abram and Sarai tried to build a family through a slave. The other is that we tend to act foolishly. Hagar conceived a child and began to despise, Sarai became jealous, and Abram didn't face the problem and took an irresponsible action. Isn't it a kind of action that we tend to take?

Next, it is described the God's intervention.

Firstly, God leads us to the place where we should be. The Lord looked for Hagar, found her and led her that she would go back to Sarai. He also leads us as well.

Secondly, the Lord lives, sees, and hears. From the names appeared here, we can know who God is. God treats us in the same way.

We are also imperfect, and sometimes, tend to walk against the will of the Lord. That is why let us hear the voice from the LORD and obey Him!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, "Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?"
"I'm running away from my mistress Sarai," she answered.

Genesis 16:7-8 (NIV)

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:2-4
September 15th 2019, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The Hebrew people wanted to return to Judaism under the persecutions. The author of this Epistle wrote to them that they should fix their eyes on Jesus. Let us learn the meaning of it.

Firstly, it is to fix our eyes on the promises given by the Lord. He is the pioneer of faith and leads us to the completion of it. He carries our burden, gives us peace, strengthens us, and leads us.

Secondly, it is to fix our eyes on the reward given by the Lord. the Lord was able to endure the suffering because He was fixing His eyes on the reward. It is important for us also to remember the reward given by the Lord.

Thirdly, it is to fix our eyes on the suffering that the Lord received. We are being told to take his suffering seriously. We consider that our sufferings are not so much comparing with the one of the Lord.

We tend to fix our eyes only on the hard situations just in front of us. However, that is why we should fix our eyes on the Lord while walking our lives!

<The Verse of the Bible>

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

In the Dreadful Darkness

Genesis 15:11-21
September 8th, 2019, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

God made a covenant with Abram. Let us learn three things from here.

Firstly, God gives some experiences to humans to show how powerless we are and leads us so that we will rely on God. God gave Abram a deep sleep. Still, he remained conscious. Then He put him into a greatly dreadful darkness. He must have felt how powerless he was. God sometimes made us experience the same kind and leads us so that we will rely on the Lord.

Secondly, God leads us with his perfect plan. God told what would take place to the people of Israel. That must have been an unimaginable story for Abram. We need to remember that God leads us with His perfect plan like that.

Thirdly, God gradually shows us His will. He showed the matters related to the land step by step. God also shows us His own will in some steps.

There might be a case in which darkness covers ahead of us, and we get afraid. However, then, let us walk our lives while trusting the Lord, who has the perfect plans for us!

<The Verse of the Bible>

As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

Genesis 15:12 (NIV)

The Steps to Grow

1 Samuel 17:26-37
September 1st 2019, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn the steps to grow mainly from the part of the battle in which David fought with Goliath.

Firstly, God gives us opportunities to grow. The work of David at that time was to care for the sheep. He was given the responsibility and had learned to love and lead the sheep faithfully. That was where the training began.

Secondly, God prepares us through the trials of faith. David had experiences to fight lions and bears and defeat them while relying on the Lord. He had experienced that if he relied on the Lord, he would be strengthened by Him. Thus his faith was getting stronger.

Thirdly, God wants all Christians to grow and bear fruit. David was strengthened by the Lord. He went through various experiences and became the King of Israel who was used by the Lord. God also wants us to grow and bear fruit.

It is all right if we cannot make a big step. Let us trust the Lord and start from making a small step first!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."

1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV)

The LORD Who Brought You Out

Genesis 15:7-10
August 25th 2019, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn three things from the exchange between God and Abram.

Firstly, it is to remember how God has led our lives. God brought Abram out of Ur of the Chaldeans and led him to the land of Canaan. We should also remember how we have been led so far as well.

Secondly, it is to respond to the word of God, sincerely. Abram asked about the promise of God. That was not he doubted the promise, but he believed it, and sincerely responded to it. We should also sincerely respond to the word personally told from the Lord.

Thirdly, it is to remember the precious sacrifice paid by God. Upon making a covenant with Abram, although both God and Abram should have done it, just God passed through the cut animals. God paid the sacrifice. We were also paid the sacrifice as well. We must not forget the precious sacrifice paid by the Lord.

The Lord brought us out of darkness to light. He has been truly guiding us up to today. To the word told by the Lord, let us respond sincerely and keep following it!

<The Verse of the Bible>

He also said to him, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it."

Genesis 15:7(NIV)

Look Up at the Sky!

Genesis 15:1-6
August 18th, 2019, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The word of the Lord came to Abram who beat the joint force of the 4 kings. Let us confirm what we can learn from today's part.

Firstly, God commands us not to be afraid. Possibly Abram might have been afraid of the counterattack from the kings. But God said that He himself was the shield so that Abram must not be afraid.

Secondly, God tells us that humans are powerless and He is great. Humans have limits so that we cannot count the numbers of the stars correctly. However, God can do it and He is the great being that created the stars with His word.

Thirdly, God wants us to accept His word as it is. Abram believed God's word without doubting, and accepted it as it was. We also need such faith.

The Lord told him to go outside, look up at the sky and count the stars. Let us also get out of our own small shell and walk our lives while trusting the great Lord and his promise!

<The Verse of the Bible>

He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars — if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."

Genesis 15:5 (NIV)

The LORD is My Shepherd!

Psalm 23
August 11th, 2019, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn about the relationship between the Lord and us, from Psalm chapter 23 which was described by David.

Firstly, it is to be aware that we are like sheep. Just like sheep, we humans are also weak and easy to get ashtray, aren’t we? That’s why we need the shepherd.

Secondly, it is to remember that the Lord has been my shepherd. The Lord provides our needs, comforts, encourages and leads us. And He always walks together with us. He also secures us. It is just like He has secured us from the downfall of sins. Such One has been my shepherd!

Thirdly, it is to trust the Lord and commit ourselves to Him positively. If we are aware that we are weak sheep, we would commit ourselves to the shepherd and follow him.

Blessed Sheep carefully look at the shepherd and listen to him. What kind of sheep are we? Let us trust this One and commit ourselves to Him while walking our lives!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

Built an altar!

Genesis 12:4-9
April 28th 2019, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Abram and his family set out for the land that the LORD would show him. And they arrived at the land of Canaan. Let us learn 3 things from here:

Firstly, the LORD showed the land of His will after Abram followed Him. He showed it, not in advance but after he had followed Him. We are also asked to follow the word of the LORD in advance, even if we are not yet sure now.

Secondly, Abram believed the promise of the LORD which seemed impossible. The land was the home ground of idol worship where Canaanites were living. Besides, he didn't have a child yet. Even under the difficult situation to believe, he believed the promise of the LORD. We should also believe even if the situation is not yet ready.

Thirdly, Abram built an altar for the LORD and worshipped. We know that he built an altar and worshipped everywhere he went. He thanked to the LORD who had appeared to him and he worshipped Him first. We should also worship the Lord first who revealed himself and gave us salvation.

Let us make worships our first priority, believe the promise of the LORD and keep following Him!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

Genesis 12:7(NIV)

Easter, that shines in hope-The meaning of the resurrection of Christ-

John 19:19-20
April 21st 2019, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

We have Easter worship today. We have a confidence from various circumstantial evidence that Christ has been raised. Then, what is the resurrection of Christ to our lives?

Firstly, Christ whom we should believe is the true God. It is only God that can be raised from dead.

Secondly, Christ solves our problems after death. Just like Christ was raised, we are yet to be raised. We can meet the Lord in the kingdom of heaven and can see our beloved ones again.

Thirdly, Christ leads us from darkness to the light of hope. The disciples were just like that. He who has overcome death can solve any other problems and give us hope.

The disciples, who were discouraged and scared in darkness after Christ died, saw the Lord of resurrection and got dramatically changed. Let us also believe the Lord of resurrection and see him personally, and walk within the light of hope!

<The Verse of the Bible>

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthian 15:20(NIV)

The Lord who himself carried the cross

John 19:14-24
April 14th 2019, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Before the Easter, let us remember the passion of Christ.

Firstly, it was ourselves that denied Christ and forced him to the cross. Although Pilate tried to set Christ free, who was innocent, the Jewish leaders and the crowd accused that he had to be crucified. They were also ourselves.

Secondly, Christ himself carried the cross for us and went out to Golgothas. After getting hurt terribly, in order to die as the substitute of us, he himself carried the cross and went out to Golgothas.

Thirdly, Christ was crucified on the cross together with our sins. He didn't resist at all. He died, being crucified on the cursed cross. Because of this, we were saved through faith.

With what kind of mind are we facing the Savior? Do not believe him as something beneficial. For the Lord who devoted himself this much, let us also keep devoting ourselves!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

John 19:17(NIV)

From the prayer at Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-42
April 7th 2019, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Before the Easter worship, let us remember the passion of the Lord. We learn from the prayer at Gethsemane:

Firstly, the Lord was in anguish from fear and sorrow instead of us. That is supposed to be from disconnecting the relationship with God the Father. Jesus was definitely judged by God as a sinner.

Secondly, within that situation, the Lord poured out his soul to the prayer. Neither he was lonely in afflictions nor he consulted with others, but he did just pray. We know that the secret to overcome sufferings is in prayer.

Thirdly, the Lord told his thoughts while asking the will of God and followed Him. This process is important. When we are in troubles, tell our thoughts to the Lord who understands our sufferings and is sympathetic with us, let us also seek the will of God and follow Him.

The Lord was in anguish though he didn't need to be. And he was nailed to the cross. Let us remember the Lord as he was, and tell him our afflictions and walk our lives while seeking the will of God.

<The Verse of the Bible>

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Mark 14:36(NIV)

Abrahamic Covenant

Genesis 12:1-4
March 31st 2019, 5th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

From this chapter 12, the Bible begins to focus on one figure, Abraham. God gave him a covenant. It was a covenant of grace, like making him into a great nation, making his name great, and all peoples on earth being blessed through him. This covenant became the basic and it developed through the ages. It can be said that this covenant is an unconditional one, which is still going on even now. Let us learn two things from this part.

Firstly, God lead him without telling him about the detail. God dared to hide where Abram would go. When God leads us, He dares to hide the future, so that we would walk our lives by faith.

Secondly, Abram believed the covenant of God and followed it. He must have believed that God is the Omniscient, has a power to fulfill His promise, and loves him so that He would surely lead him to the best. Abram believed the promise of such Being.

Let us also be such ones who, even if we cannot see the future, trust Jesus our Savior wholeheartedly and follow him by faith!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The LORD had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.

Genesis 12:1(NIV)

The Foundation of Life

Matthew 7:24-27
March 24th 2019, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Here, Jesus told the parable of two men who build their houses.

One is a man who build his house on sand. When the storm came, the house fell with a great crash. It indicates a man who lives a life without believing in God or following Him.

The other is a man who build his house on the rock. The house was unaffected even when the storm came. It indicates a man who lives a life of believing in God and following the Word.

There come the blessings from God to those who believe in Christ and follow the Word. What type of blessings are given?

Firstly, the hope for heaven is given. Death is not the end of one's life. There is God's judgment, but sins of those who believed in God are forgiven, and they can live eternally in heaven.

Secondly, the special peace in Christ is given. The wonderful Lord walks together with us and gives us encouragement and guidance in need. Thus, there is peace in mind which is unaffected by the situations.

On what foundation do we build our lives? Let us build our lives on Christ, which is the solid foundation!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-25(NIV)

For the glory of the LORD

1 Kings 8:11
March 17th 2019, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The dedication of the temple was carried out. Then, the cloud filled there, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. Let us see the following 3 points.at Our Church's Dedication Anniversary Worship.

Firstly, the churches are the hope of the world. As in the prophecy of Jesus, the wickedness is increasing and the love of most people is growing cold. Many people are in affliction and distress, and are going astray. Among them, the churches that preach the gospel, are the hope of the world.

Secondly, the LORD is not satisfied with the present situations of the churches. We always tend to get satisfied with the present state easily. However, the LORD is never satisfied with our present state, as He wants all souls to be saved.

Thirdly, let us offer for the glory of the LORD. One of the offering is to build a new church building. "Church" means an assembly of saved people, but through church building, people in the world can know the church and can touch the glory of God. The other offering is to devote ourselves. That is the blessed way of life.

Let us keep offering for the glory of God!.

<The Verse of the Bible>

When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.

1 Kings 8:10-11(NIV)

The setting out of Abram

Genesis 11:10-32
March 10th 2019, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The account of Shem, Noah's son is described here. Through Shem, Abram, later Abraham, was born. Let us learn 3 things from here.

Firstly, it is to set out, in response to the call from God. In order for Abram to set out, there needed various partings. Nevertheless, he looked on the promise of God and set out, by following the word. Let us also not look on the worldly things, but be such ones who look on His promise and follow the LORD.

Secondly, it is to remember that half-way steps before God don't bear fruit. Although Terah, Abram's father, got out of Ur, he ended up with staying in the town of Haran. There is nothing to bear fruit if we walk half-way.

Thirdly, it is important to have perseverance, to wait for the time of God. Though Abram was settled in the town of Haran with Terah his father and Lot his nephew, he left the town in the time of God.

Let us also be such ones who hear the voice of the LORD and set out spiritually!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there.

Genesis 11:31(NIV)

The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11:1-9
March 3rd 2018, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

People settled in the land of Shinar and tried building the tower of Babel, but God stopped it. Let me make sure the reasons of it.

Firstly, it was pride. They tried to make a name for themselves by building a tower that reaches to the heavens where God is. God abhorred such pride.

Secondly, it was disobedience. To be fruitful and increase in number was God’s will, but People didn't dare to obey it.

God treated the people like that with 2 ways:
Firstly, He confused them. Their language was so confused that they didn't understand each other.
Secondly, He cut off their plan. He cut off the arrogant and selfish plan of the people. That was also the treatment of His love.

The tower of Babel is not something special in the days of the past. That can be built even in the present days, and can be built also by us. Let us walk our lives in lowly spirit before God!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Genesis 11:4 (NIV)

The blessing given through a failure

2 Matthew 14:23-33
February 24th 2019, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Peter stepped out of the boat and was able to the walk on the water. However, he saw the wind, became frightened and started to sink. From the experience of this failure, he was able to have a blessed lesson.

First is that he was a powerless being. He must have had a confidence in his faith. However through this experience, he strongly realized how powerless he was.

Second is that the Lord was with him at all times. Although he lost faith and started to sink, the Lord didn't forsake him at that point and rescued him immediately. The Lord was with him.

Third was that he must never take his eyes off the Lord. He took his eyes off Jesus, and that was the factor of his failure.

In spite that we are encouraged from the Lord, don't we hesitate to step out because of the fear for failures? Through failures, we can have blessed lessons and are to grow up. Let us step out further without being afraid!

<The Verse of the Bible>

But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he cried out.

Matthew 14:30 (NIV)

To crave the word

1 Peter 2:2
February 17th 2019, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

In what kind of way, should we Christians face with the word?

Firstly, we should crave the word like newborn babies. Newborn babies insatiably crave their mother's milk. Likewise, we should also earnestly, insatiably crave the word. We must not be satisfied with the word given only on Holy days. We should crave the word also on Wednesdays, and personally every day.

Secondly, we should remember that there is growth and blessings by the word. In other words, there is no growth nor blessings without craving the word. Whether or not we can grow and have blessings depend on how earnestly we have the word.

Also today, and this week too, let us earnestly and insatiably crave the word while walking our lives. Let us grow up in the word!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

Remember to be responsible to the souls

2 Kings 7:3-10
February 10th 2019, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

There was a great famine in Samaria. The four leprosy patients went over to the camp of the Arameans, and they survived. Let us learn 3 points from here.

Firstly, we should not keep the grace only to ourselves. As the Aramean army had fled away because of the work of God, they were able to get food and wealth. They were keeping the grace to themselves. We were given salvation without doing any work. We should not keep the grace only to ourselves.

Secondly, we should not hesitate to carry the wonderful news. They were hesitating. We should not be hesitating.

Thirdly, we should remember that we will be held responsible from the LORD. We shall be held responsible, how we will have treated the gospel.

Since we have been given the wonderful grace, we will be held responsible as much. Let us be such ones who are responsible to the souls!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Then they said to each other, "What we're doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace."

2 Kings 7:9 (NIV)

To the ends of the earth

Acts 1:8
February 3rd 2019, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn from the word Jesus said before he was taken up to heaven.

Firstly, God uses people to go on preaching, which is an important work. Though God could have used angels, He dares to use us who are imperfect humans.

Secondly, God goes on preaching with the power of Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit dwells in us, and gives us help, strength and guidance that we need. We cannot go on preaching without the help of Holy Spirit.

Thirdly, God goes on preaching to the ends of the earth. He tries to use us, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

God wants all people to be saved. Let us keep giving ourselves to the LORD for the work of preaching.

<The Verse of the Bible>

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

The sons of Noah's sons

Genesis 10:1-32
January 27th 2019, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

It is described about the sons of Noah's sons here. Let us learn three points from here.

Firstly, do not forget the power of the word of God. God told them to be fruitful, increase in number and be spread after the flood. Although the survivors were only 8 people, the LORD multiplied them from it. Nothing is impossible with the word of God.

Secondly, do not forget that all things have been given from God. Although Nimrod, the son of Ham, became a mighty worrier owing to the LORD, he became proud and built the tower of Babel. We must remember that all things have been given from the LORD and be humble.

Thirdly, do not forget that all are the people of God. The people were increased within the hand of God. Although we tend to be interested only in the matters of ourselves, we need to keep praying and preparing, without forgetting that all are the people of God and they are of the object of God's love.

Let us not remember these three and walk within the will of God!

<The Verse of the Bible>

This is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah’s sons, who themselves had sons after the flood.

Genesis 10:1 (NIV)

Attitude toward the worship

1 Samuel 3:10
January 20th 2019, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Today, I'm preaching at another church and I heartedly appreciate the brothers and sisters who always come to the worship faithfully. Let me confirm about the attitude toward the worship.

Firstly, let us be prepared with prayer. The worship starts from 11 am but it actually starts before that. Let us be seated before the prelude, calm our mind, and pray when the prelude starts.

Secondly, let us wait for what the LORD is going to tell. Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." If one is prepared with such a humble spirit and expect the LORD, then, He will specially bless that person.

Thirdly, let us worship with the mind to offer. The basics of worship are in offering. Let us heartedly give our praise and offering, and when we listen to the word, let us listen and respond with an offering mind.

The LORD richly blesses those who worship with such proper attitude. Let us join today's worship with proper attitude, too.

<The Verse of the Bible>

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)

Crossing the Jordan

Joshua 3:1-17
January 13th 2019, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

When the Israelite led by Joshua tried to enter the land of Canaan, it was the river of the Jordan that first stood up against them. What is the Jordan for us? That is what hinders our spiritual advances. I'm afraid, not a few Christians are remaining before the Jordan.

Next, how are we able to cross the Jordan?

Firstly, it is to be purified. When we are convinced that we have sins, we should confess them and repent.

Secondly, it is to approach the LORD to receive the word.

Thirdly, it is to remember that the LORD is with us.

Fourthly, it is to advance while trusting the LORD, even if we cannot see the future.

There should surely be some Jordan stands up against our lives. What should we do then? The LORD wants us to move onward. For then let us be such ones who move onward while letting our faith to work!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'"

Joshua 3:8 (NIV)

To return to the mind we had at first

Revelation 2:2-5
January 6th 2019, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

In any matter of the world, we shall fail if we forget the mind we had at first. It is the same also in the world of faith. How can we return to the mind of faith we had at first?

Firstly, it is to remember the grace we have received so far. The ones less than nothing were chosen by God and were saved. Our lives to go to church, our daily lives are secured. Like that, it is always to remember the grace we have received so far.

Secondly, it is to remember the lives of people in faith. The book of Hebrews describes about the people lived in faith. We need to have encouragement by seeing their lives.

Thirdly, it is to remember the love we had at first. We tend to be away from the love we had at first. If we notice that, we had better not go ahead but change the direction.

What we need to be blessed for this whole year is, not act to and fro, but to return to the mind we had at first. Let us return to the mind we had at first, and live our lives while thanking the LORD from the heart! And let us walk our blessed lives!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.

Revelation 2:4-5 first half (NIV)