The position and mission of ourselves

1 Peter 2:7-10
January 29th 2023, 5th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

It describes the position and mission of those who have believed in Christ and have been saved.

The first is that it is a great blessing to have been saved. There are many people who reject and disobey Christ. In such a situation, we have been saved by God's grace and mercy. It is important for us to remember this grace every day and to make our salvation sure.

The second is to be aware of our position. We are considered to be a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. Let us remember that we are in a completely different position from those who do not believe in God.

The third is that our mission is to bring light to those who are in darkness. We used to be in darkness, but the Lord led us into the light. We are now given the role of bringing light to those in darkness and leading them to the Lord.

Let us not forget our amazing position as the saved. And let us fulfill the mission entrusted to us with a new perspective of life!

<The Verse of the Bible>

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

As living stones

1 Peter 2:4-6
January 22nd 2023, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Our position as saved ones is told here.

The first is that the Lord has become the cornerstone, the One whom we should trust. People mocked Jesus and killed Him by crucifying Him on the cross. But God has given salvation to mankind through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is the One we should trust.

The second is that we are also being built into the church as living stones. The church is likened to a spiritual building. Jesus is the cornerstone, and God builds us up upon Him. This is a wonderful blessing.

The third is that we have the duty as priests to offer sacrifices pleasing to God. What pleases the Lord is not ceremonial worship, but praise, good deeds, and obedience. We must always be mindful to offer sacrifices pleasing to the Lord.

It is important that we go to the Lord. Let us then be strengthened by the Lord, built into the church, and offer sacrifices that are pleasing to God!

<The Verse of the Bible>

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)

Like newborn babies

1 Peter 2:1-3
January 15th 2023, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

We have been saved and born again. Therefore, it is natural and also required for us to grow spiritually. We learn what we need to do to achieve this.

The first is to get rid of the evil things that hinder our spiritual growth. Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking are in everyone's heart. When we are shown these sins, we need to confess them to the Lord and discard them.

The second is to crave the Word of God. Newborn babies eagerly crave milk. They may instinctively know that it is an important energy source. Likewise, it is important for us to eagerly attend worship services and weekday gatherings, and to read the Word of God on a personal basis.

The third is to aim for spiritual growth. God laid down His life for sinful ones like us and led us to salvation. It is important to remember and thank for that mercy and aim for growth.

How much do we want to grow spiritually? Let us not be satisfied with our present condition, but let us grow by craving the milk of the Word of God!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

To have a blessed Christian life

Matthew 6:25-34
January 8th 2023, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

What is necessary for those who have reached adulthood, and for all people, to have a blessed Christian life?

The first is not to spend time worrying. People are prone to worry. But even if we worry, nothing changes. We should walk in trust and surrender to God while believing that He is taking care of us.

The second is to put the First One first. Jesus told us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. When our priorities are out of order, everything can go wrong and we will have all kinds of problems.

The third is to walk by bringing faith into practice. If we do not do so, we will walk like people of this world. It is important to practice faith in God by reading the Word of God and receiving encouragement and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

A new year has begun. What kind of Christian life do we want to have? If we are not careful, our walk will not be different from that of this world. Let us practice faith given by the Lord and live a vibrant and blessed life!

<The Verse of the Bible>

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you — you of little faith?

Matthew 6:30 (NIV)

Three questions in order to walk righteously

Hebrews 11:23-27
January 1st 2023, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

I am sure that the days of this year also will pass by in a busy and hectic manner. In the midst of all this, three questions are necessary to be asked in order for us to walk righteously before the Lord.

The first is whom to fear. Moses' parents didn't fear the king of Egypt but God, and they followed God's will. We should not fear men either, but fear and obey God who rules all things and judges them righteously.

The second is what we value and choose. Moses chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to live a luxurious life in Egypt. We will be blessed if we also choose to suffer with the brothers and sisters of the church for the glory of the Lord rather than to cling to the attractive things of this world.

The third is what to look at and persevere. Moses trusted in God and persevered through his hardships by looking at God who is invisible. It is important also for us to keep our eyes on the invisible God and persevere through difficulties.

A new year has begun. If we walk through each day asking ourselves these questions and making sure of the answers, we will be able to walk righteously before the Lord.

<The Verse of the Bible>

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Hebrews 11:24-25 (NIV)