What is the most extravagant gift you have ever received? Take a few moments to think about it. Who gave it to you, and what did you do with it? Today’s Bible reading is about extravagant gifts: one that Jesus received and one that Jesus gave. We’ll read the first half of Mark chapter 14. It’s about what happens just before Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and crucified. First, let’s pray. [Read Mark 14:1-25] An extravagant gift to Jesus Our story starts with an unnamed woman pouring out expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. It was so expensive that some people grumbled in verse 5, “Why this waste of perfume? It could
“What God Looks at” (1 Samuel 16:1-13 )
↓Audio link to the sermon:(Sunday worship recording) (If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS) Today’s passage talks about how God rejected Saul and chose David as the new king. It was God who had chosen and established Saul as king. It was also God who rejected him. In other words, the authority to appoint or remove a king belongs to God. It was not Saul’s choice, but God’s choice. This means that God takes the initiative. This is what we call the sovereignty of God. Brothers and sisters, as we grow older—especially after we turn fifty—we begin to realize something. That is… There aren’t that many
“Good news to you.” Luke 1:1-4
↓Audio link to the sermon:(Sunday worship recording) (If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS) [Luke 1] 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Sorry, this post is no translate, only
“Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.” (Daniel 8:25,)
↓Audio link to the sermon:(Sunday worship recording) (If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS) This is the fifth week that we are reading the book of Daniel. So far, I wonder which words or stories from this book spoke to your heart. For me, it was Daniel’s attitude in prayer. In chapter 6 verse 10, it says, “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” I was challenged to pray three times a day, just briefly, to tell God my desires and give thanks to him. I was also greatly encouraged
Waiting for Jesus’ return (Mark 13)
↓Audio link to the sermon: (If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS) Today, we will read Mark chapter 13, and my message is about waiting for Jesus’ return. Speaking of waiting, I recently had an unpleasant experience waiting for my visa to be renewed. It used to take 4 to 8 weeks. This time, it took 5 months. I finally received my new visa 2 months after the old one expired. It was a long, difficult wait that ended with huge relief. Praise God that, with this visa, I can stay in Japan for another 3 years. The Bible tells us that waiting for Jesus’ return
“This man speaks the truth” (Acts 27:22-26)
↓Audio link to the sermon:(Sunday worship recording) (If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS) Sorry, this post is no translate, only available in Japanese. [Acts 27] 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for
“Holy people of the Most High” (Daniel 7:27)
↓Audio link to the sermon:(Sunday worship recording) (If you can’t listen on your iPhone, please update your iOS) Today we will read from Daniel chapter 7. This chapter is about a vision Daniel saw and what it means. The book of Daniel is considered apocalyptic literature. Let’s find out what Daniel’s vision reveals and how it relates to God’s great plan of salvation. Last week we read about Daniel’s experience of being protected in the lions’ den by God, the one who rescues and saves. Seeing this, King Darius learned about the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom will never fall. Its reign will last forever. We will see a clearer