The grace of Christmas

John 1:14
December 25th 2022, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The Word that is God (Jesus) was born as flesh on this earth. What is the grace that this wonderful fact tells us about?

The first is that God loves us. He created us and gave us life, and sees us as precious and valuable beings. That is why he (Jesus) gave up his equality with God, and was born as a human in order to save us.

The second is that God gives us the best. In order to save us, who are sinners, from perishing, He even gave His one and only, precious begotten Son (Jesus) to us. He gave us the supreme one. He will give us the best continously in the future too.

The third is that God is with us. The God of glory (Jesus) came to this sinful world and walked together with us. Even now, he still walks with us who are saved, in every moment of our lives.

God has given us wonderful grace at Christmas, and He is still giving it to us today. Though we are apt to be in a hurry, let us be still before the Lord, welcome Him into the center of our hearts, and receive His grace!

<The Verse of the Bible>

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 (NIV)

In unexpected and fearful situations

Luke 1:26-38, 46-50
December 18th 2022, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Mary was suddenly told by the angel that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. It was a fearful situation that could have resulted in a divorce or even the death penalty. But she surrendered to God and praised Him in the midst of it. How are we able to walk in such a way?

The first is to believe that God will surely fulfill what He has said. If we do not have this belief, we will feel anxious. However, if we are certain that what God has said will surely be fulfilled, we can have peace and praise God.

The second is to be aware that we are the servants of God and to walk with that determination. Mary was not only humble and aware that she was a servant of God, but also she was determined to walk lastingly in obedience as His servant.

The third is to remember God's plan and to see the vision that lies ahead. She saw not only herself, but also the blessings which are given to her would extend further. Therefore, she was able to rejoice and praise God.

In this season of Christmas, let us walk in faith like Mary, praising the Lord even in the midst of unexpected and fearful circumstances!

<The Verse of the Bible>

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)

To be free from anxieties

Philippians 4:6-7
December 11th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

When we face various problems, we tend to be anxious about them. How can we walk free from our anxieties?

The first is to recognize our anxieties as sins and trust in God with one heart. Anxieties lead us to deny the Word of God. It is a state of mind divided into several parts. Instead, it is important to unite our hearts and trust in God and His promises.

The second is to pray to God and make our requests known to Him. What we should have in mind then is to pray in all cases, and to pray with thanksgiving to the Lord. Lack of gratitude to God causes grumbling and disbelief. But thanksgiving to God develops faith in God.

When we walk in this way, trusting in the Lord, the peace of God will guard our hearts. We can walk in peace, being free from any worries or fears. With Christmas just around the corner, let us walk in the peace of the Lord!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

The church of hope

1 Timothy 3:15
December 4th 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

A baptismal ceremony will be held today and two sisters will be added to our church. A church is a gathering of those whom the Lord has called and is a most blessed place of hope.

Firstly, God's Word of truth is preached at church. The wisdom and knowledge of this world is important, but it is the Word of God that secures us, guides us correctly, and strengthens us. It is in the church that the Word of God is preached, observed, and shared.

Secondly, there is encouragement among the family of God at church. The church is the body of Christ, and we are the parts of it. There is not a single part that is unnecessary, and all of them are precious. We need to respect, greet, and encourage one another.

Thirdly, we are allowed to grow spiritually by God at church. The church is a place to practice love and practice giving. When we give, the Lord makes us grow spiritually. We become more like Jesus.

Let us be firmly connected to this place of hope, the church. And especially at this time of Christmas, let us invite unsaved souls to the church!

<The Verse of the Bible>

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV)

Cast your burdens on the LORD

Psalm 55:1-23
November 27th 2022, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Although David was in trouble and suffering, he spoke of the greatness of casting our burdens on the Lord. Why should we cast our burdens on Him?

Firstly, because the Lord hears our prayers and delivers us in times of hardship. David was able to confess this because of his previous experiences that he had been delivered by the Lord and the promises given by Him. The Lord hears our prayers as well.

Secondly, because the Lord cares for us. We are fearful and worried when we think about the future. But the Lord actively cares for us, is involved, and supports us.

Thirdly, because in all things the Lord works for the good of us. We get confused when we just look at the problems, but the Lord gives us the problems, knowing the whole picture in the end.

The Lord is reaching out his hand of salvation to all who are weary. We should not carry our burdens by ourselves for a long time, but cast them to the Lord, who carries all the burdens for us. Let us walk in peace and joy!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

With a heart like a little child

Mark 10:13-16
November 13th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The child blessing ceremony is held during today's worship service. Let us learn from today's passage at two points.

The first is to bring children to the Lord. The disciples rebuked those who tried to bring children to Jesus. Then the Lord was indignant with the disciples and told them to let the children come to Him. We all have that same responsibility to bring our children to Jesus.

The next is to walk with a heart like a child. It's a humble heart, a heart that is moved and grateful. It's an obedient heart, a trusting heart. These are all characteristics of little children. If we are also humble like them before God, if we are moved and grateful for His Word, and if we respond humbly and trust Him, the Lord will help us grow abundantly.

Are we bringing our children to the Lord? How are we walking before the Lord? Let us check everyday whether we are walking with a flexible heart like a child, and if there is anything pointed out by the Lord, then, repent!

<The Verse of the Bible>

"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Mark 10:15 (NIV)

Love one another deeply and earnestly!

1 Peter 1:22-25
November 6th 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

It is described that how those who have received the grace of salvation should walk. It is for brothers and sisters to love one another. What should we bear in mind in order to do this?

The first is that it is a command from God who loves us. This is not a recommendation or a free choice, but a command. Because it is a command from the One who loved us enough to lay down His life for us, we need to obey it.

The second is to love the family of God that God has given us. We are saved, we are children of God, and our brothers and sisters in church are God's family. The Lord has mysteriously led us to this Yokohama Church. We are to love the family.

The third is that God has changed us into ones who love our brothers and sisters. We used to have no interest in them, but now we are changed to love them. That is God's work. And we will be changed to love the Lord and our brothers and sisters even more.

How solemnly do we accept the Savior's command as our own? We are weak in loving, so let us pray to the Lord and let Him change us into the ones who love the Lord and our brothers and sisters more passionately!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

To live out our time in reverent fear of God

1 Peter 1:17-21
October 30th 2022, 5th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

As the ones who have received the wonderful grace of salvation, we are continually taught how we should walk as Christians.

The first is to fear God the Father who judges impartially. God sees everything and judges righteously and impartially. He judges both the good deeds and the bad. He gives rewards for what is good, and deals with what is bad. He is our Father and always guides us. We must fear Him.

The second is to fear God, remembering how great the ransom of redemption was. In order to free us who were slaves to sin, God paid the ransom, the life of His Son. When we remember the greatness of this ransom, we fear the Lord.

The third is to fear God, recognizing that our faith and hope depend on Him. There are many sufferings in our lives, but there is hope in the Lord. We must trust in Him and walk in fear of Him.

Let us walk in fear of the One whom we should truly fear of!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 (NIV)

Be holy.

1 Peter 1:14-16
October 16h 2022, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

We are taught to be holy as the ones who have received wonderful salvation. What should we remember to be holy?

The first is that there is a danger of following the desires we had when we lived in ignorance. We cannot always win the victory over sin just because we are saved or have been believers for a long time. No matter how long we have been believers, we need to recognize and be alert to the danger of following our old desires and sinning.

The second is, when listening to the Word of God, we need to listen and obey like obedient children. The way we listen is important. We are to listen and obey the Word of God with the mind of obedient children, not like stubborn adults.

The third is to conform ourselves to the will of the holy God. We need to be conformed to the Word of the holy God, not to the values of this world or our own thoughts.

Satan is always trying to tempt us and drag us down. Let us be alert and be made holy by the Word of the Lord.

<The Verse of the Bible>

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

1 Peter 1:14-15 (NIV)

Set your hope completely on the grace of God!

1 Peter 1:13
October 9th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The believers of Jesus Christ were scattered due to the persecution for their faith, but they had the glorious joy which came from salvation. And they were taught here how to walk as Christians.

The first is to have spiritual promptness. It means to keep our hearts alert. The Lord loves us so much that He tells us His will and guides us through His Word. Our steps will be completely different whether we just listen and procrastinate, or we are prompt in obeying.

The second is to be spiritually awakened. Satan is trying to corrupt us and separate us from God and the church. We need to be spiritually awake and alert.

The third is to wait patiently for the blessings of the Second Coming. It is not just to wait in our thoughts, but to put our axis of hope on it. The Lord is coming again. Let us look forward to the time when we will meet Him.

We, even though Christians, tend to set our hope on the things in the world and walk in them, If we are not careful. We must not set our hope on the wrong things. Let us walk our lives setting our hope on the grace given by the Lord of the Second Coming!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

As the ones who have been preached the gospel

1 Peter 1:10-12
October 2nd, 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Although they were dispersed and suffered from persecution, they had a wonderful joy of salvation. Let us learn how we should walk as the ones who have been preached the gospel.

The first is to eagerly seek the Word of God. Concerning the salvation, the prophets of the Old Testament search intently. It is important for us also to follow their example and intently search the Word of God. The Word leads us to the truth.

The second is to be thankful for the grace that the gospel has been preached. The prophets of the Old Testament could not see the Savior. But the Savior came and fulfilled the work of redemption. Then the gospel was proclaimed to us. We should be thankful for this grace.

The third is to share the gospel with the help of the Holy Spirit. The gospel has been preached not by human power but by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Now it is up to us to share the gospel to the unsaved by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As those who have been preached the gospel, let us remember that we have a responsibility and a mission!

<The Verse of the Bible>

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

1 Peter 1:12 (NIV)

Give thanks to the LORD!

Psalm 136:1-3
September 25th 2022, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

We are told to give thanks to the Lord. Let us learn about giving thanks to Him.

Firstly, we are prone to grumble and complain. We tend to focus only on what is lacking, which leads to grumbling and complaining. What kind of words come out from our mouths in our daily lives

Secondly, gratitude comes from realizing the grace of the Lord. His grace is abundant and everlasting. We are not thankful since we are unaware of His blessings. We need to pay attention to His daily blessings and protection. It is not those who have much who thank God, but those who are aware of His blessings.

Thirdly, the poor in spirit before God can walk a path full of gratitude to the Lord. The high-minded are unaware of God's grace even though it is given to them. Being poor in spirit and humble before God leads one to notice the grace of God and be fully thankful to Him.

We have been given the salvation that is greater than anything else. And we have been given so many blessings. The more we realize that grace, the more we can walk overflowing with gratitude to the Lord. And that will bring us true happiness in our lives.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:3 (NIV)

Remember!

Isaiah 46:1-13
September 18th 2022, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The people of Israel continued to commit the sin of idolatry, and it was prophesied that they would be taken away to Babylon later on. The Lord said to such people, "Remember!" What should we remember?

The first is that the Lord sustains and carries us even when we are weak. Idol gods cannot do it when we ask for help. But the true God does sustain and carry us when we are weak and need help. We must remember that the Lord has done it so far, and will also continue to do so.

The second is that even when we cannot see hope, the Lord is carrying out His plan. Ever since ancient times, He had guided the people of Israel truthfully under any circumstances and had carried out His plan. The same is true also for the time to come. We must remember this, and walk as we entrust all things to the Lord.

Young or old, there comes a time when we have to face hardships and our own weaknesses. Therefore, let us remember what we learned today, and always remember it as we walk. Let us walk as we trust in the truthful Lord!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)

For bearing fruit

John 15:1-11
September 11th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples about bearing fruit. Let us learn what is necessary for bearing spiritual fruit.

Firstly, it is to believe and accept God's pruning. God, the Father and the farmer, knows everything about us and prunes. By that, He purifies us and makes us bear fruit. We should believe and accept this.

Secondly, it is to remain in Christ. Under this, there are three points. The first is to listen to and obey the word. Because the word of God makes us grow and bear fruit. The second is to remain firmly in the church of the Lord. We cannot grow spiritually and bear fruit without church. The last is to walk in constant prayer to the Lord. It is necessary to face the Lord and pray to Him not only on holy days, but also on weekdays. We always need to walk as we pray in the fellowship with the Lord and rely on Him.

Without remaining in Christ, we can do nothing. We must remember that we are just the branches. But at the same time, we are the branches connected to the wonderful Lord. Let us remain in the Lord and make us bear fruit!

<The Verse of the Bible>

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NIV)

Cast your bread upon the waters

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
September 4th 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

September is our “Church School Coming Month”. Let us learn three things from today's passage.

The first is that we are the stewards of our gifts and we should use them faithfully for the LORD. The LORD has given gifts to each of us. We are entrusted to manage them. We should use them not only for ourselves but also for the Lord.

The second is that we should do good with all our hearts for the souls from the Lord. We have been given love from the Lord. With that love, we do good with all our hearts. We testify and pray to intercede for unsaved souls. Also, we encourage the souls who are saved but being away from the church.

The third is to remember that the Lord does wonders beyond human understanding. Even if we don't understand it at the time, the LORD often does wonders after many days. Let us walk in trust and expectation in the Lord!

The circumstances we are currently placed may discourage us. Nevertheless, let us trust and hope in the Lord, testify and intercede for the souls!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Cast your bread upon the waters;
after many days you will find it again.
Give portions to seven, yes to eight;
for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NIV)