Even after the mission month

Thessalonians 3:1
February 26th 2023, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Two things are taught from Paul's request.

Firstly, the prayers of the church are needed. Paul was the best educated man of the time, with much experience and accomplishments, but he requested the prayers of the church so that he would be given the power to speak. This was because he fully understood that missions work is a spiritual battle, so that there are always obstacles from the devil, and therefore, this work cannot move forward without the prayers of the church.

Secondly, the work must not be stopped in the middle of the process. Continued prayers are requested. We had a mission conference today, and we have been challenged to make this month a month of missions. However, it is meaningless if we stop at this point. We need to continue.

It is wrong to think that missions work is done solely by local missionaries. Missionaries can work and bear fruit only when there are prayers and support for the missions. Therefore, let us not be satisfied with the mission month alone. Let us continue to do what the Lord has shown us even after the mission month, and let us be used as fellow workers by the Lord!

<The Verse of the Bible>

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NIV)

Distributing the bread of life

John 6:1-14
February 19th 2023, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus satisfied the stomachs of 5000 people in men only with just five loaves and two fish.

The first is that the Lord tests and strengthens our faith. Knowing what he was about to do, he dared to ask Philip where they would buy bread for the people to eat. The reason why he did this is that the faith of Philip and the disciples would grow more. The Lord tests us as well even now.

The second is to look at the Lord first, then look at the situation. Both Philip and Andrew looked at the situation in front of them and spoke negatively. They did not see the Lord, who is the most important. In times of difficulty, it is important to look at the Lord and his promises.

The third is that the Lord blesses those who offer and uses them abundantly. The Lord showed his glory through using the small lunch a boy had and the imperfect disciples. Even now, the Lord uses us human, to show his glory.

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life.” Let us offer ourselves to the Lord for letting him to use us, and let us be the ones who distribute the bread of life!

<The Verse of the Bible>

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."

John 6:12 (NIV)

The salvation of the demon-possessed man

Mark 5:1-20
February 12th 2023, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Jesus and his disciples went across the lake and arrived at the region of the Gerasenes. There, they found a man who was possessed by the legion of demons.

Firstly, the Lord frees us from bondage by His word. The man was bound under the control of demons, but the Lord set him free by His Word. The Lord also releases us from the things that bind us.

Secondly, the Lord changes us by His Word. The man was sitting at the Lord after he had been in his right mind. It was an amazing change. Even now, the Lord changes people largely by His Word.

Thirdly, we are given the mission to tell the love and mercy of the Lord. He said the man to go home and tell his own people how much the Lord has done for him, and how he has had mercy on him. This is our mission too.

From the spiritual viewpoint, there are many people around us who are also bound. The Lord has given a mission for us to let the poeple who are close to us know His love and mercy.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

Mark 5:19 (NIV)

The position and mission of ourselves

1 Peter 2:7-10
February 5th 2023, 1st 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)