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)