Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Sunday


Dec. 23rd, the Lord blessed us with a very special Christmas worship and lunch. Many of our family, friends and acquaintances who do not usually come to our worship blessed us with their presence. For all the hard work Naho and the ladies of our church put into the music and the meal, we thank the Lord and them!

My father, Calvin Junker (a retired missionary),  loved these verses. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:3-6  We have this confidence also for our Abundant Life Church.

Pict: ’Me' preaching from Luke 2 on Christmas Sunday.

Monday, December 24, 2012

An empty hand...



“God gives where He finds an empty hand.” Saint Augustine

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

Friday, December 21, 2012

Greetings!



Seasons Greetings! 

from the David Junker family

"There is born to you this day
 in the city of David
 a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." 
Luke 2:11

Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Lord who receives sinners



"You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you." 
Martin Luther

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Words...



"Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." 

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." 
Ephesians 5:4-8


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Actually In the arena



“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done him better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly. Who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions. Who spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place will never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” 
Theodore Roosevelt

It is preeminently important to know Who was "actually in the area" for us. Jesus Christ our Lord. It is because he won the battle through His 'defeat' that we can can win the battle even in our defeats. And then in both defeat and victory continue by His grace.

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor 15:57 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Naho's touch...


Our dining room and living room. Second floor apartment of the church.
Notice Naho's touch, and the Christmas tree. I like the colors- dark brown and white.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Word of the sermon is Christ...


"The Word of the sermon is Christ accepting and bearing human nature. It is not a new incarnation, but the Incarnation. One who bears the sins of the world. The Word of the sermon seeks to accept men, no more." 
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Think of the other world



"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this." 

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2


Monday, December 10, 2012

Christmas


Please pray for the Abundant Life Church as we will have our Christmas Sunday- worship and lunch- on the 23rd. I will be speaking from Luke 2. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11


Friday, December 7, 2012

Jeremy Lin and Pride


"I struggle with pride everyday, but the one thing I try to remind myself everyday is that I'm a sinner no matter how many point/assists/win I get on the court. God's grace and the death/resurrection of his son Jesus Christ has given me salvation even though I'm not worthy of it.' 
Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lin Talks Jesus, Faith and Prayer in Q&A Session After Surgery

"Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:25-26


Movie: Jeremy Lin 'Linsanity' Movie? Film Documenting Jeremy Lin's Rise to Stardom To Debut At Sundance Film Festival 2013 : Sports : Latinos Post


Jeremy's website: Jeremy Lin's Official Website

Thursday, December 6, 2012

To love at all is to be vulnerable...



"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
C.S. Lewis

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 
I John 4:4:10-11



Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Naho


Naho, my wife, preparing for Sunday School.... We'll go on our weekly date this morning. Today to Gusto. Can't wait!
She's also on Facebook and does our Matsumoto Abundant Life Church | Facebook. Check-it-out!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Without affection



"He that has doctrinal knowledge and speculation only, without affection, never is engaged in the business of religion." 

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 

Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." 

And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher."  "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.

And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." 

Luke 7:36-50


Friday, November 30, 2012

NYPD officer's kindness...



The Associated Press: NYPD officer's kindness sparks online sensation

“Don’t your marvel at the accomplishments of some men? How do they ever get so much out of their time? The apostle Paul was such a man… But Paul didn’t do great things. He did small, obedient things which, when totaled, the sum of them was found to be great. But even then, he wasn’t considered great in his own generation- no, he was even despised! His many small contributions were only seen as great in retrospect… His life is a study in doing the little things right. His was no glamorous life. He had no international organization, just a few friends who stood beside him. He understood that God always includes enough time to accomplish God’s plans.” 

'And one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."' 
James 2:15-18


Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Hole in Our Holiness


"Union with Christ is like wedlock, we are joined to Christ in a covenant of love." Kevin DeYoung  Because of Christ's covenant of love realized at the cross, I love Him and by faith separate myself from sin. He quotes John Piper: "When it comes to killing my sin, I don't wait passively for the miracle of sin-killing to be worked on me, I act the miracle."

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." Titus 2:11-14

Read more about the book. The Sweaty Work of Sanctification | Christianity Today

The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness: Kevin DeYoung: Amazon.com: Books

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Kids


Kids playing soccer at a park nearby, last Saturday.
Hosahana in the front with the boys further away on the leftish.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

"I am the bread of life."


"Evangelism is one poor beggar telling another poor beggar where to find bread." D.T. Niles

OR


"Evangelism is also one hungry beggar eagerly eating the bread and being changed by it, and then telling the other poor beggars to eat of the same bread." 'Jack' Miller, A Faith Worth Sharing 

'Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."'  John 6:35

Friday, November 23, 2012

Idols


“Those who make them [idols] will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” Psalm 115: 8 

“Note the shattering conclusion: we become like what we worship.” Vinoth Ramachandra, Gods That Fail

“Under every behavioral sin is the sin of idolatry, and under every act of idolatry is a disbelief in the gospel.” Timothy Keller


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Reflect on God’s grace until you show warmth and affection.



“Have you spoken or thought unkindly of anyone? Have you been impatient or irritable? Have you been self-absorbed, indifferent, or inattentive to people? Repent by considering the free grace of Jesus until there is… no coldness or unkindness, as you think of the sacrificial love of Christ for you,… no impatience, as you think of his patience with you, and… no indifference, as you think of how God is infinitely attentive to you. Reflect on God’s grace until you show warmth and affection.” 

'And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."' Luke 22:19-20


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Christmas season...even in Japan


Christmas tree downtown Matsumoto. For those who know in front of Parco (a fancy department store). See Naho and kids.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Piety



 “I call piety that reverence joined with love of God which the knowledge of His benefits induces. For until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by His Fatherly care, that He is the author of their every good, that they should seek nothing beyond Him, they will never yield Him willing service.” 
John Calvin

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called..." Ephesians 4:1 

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Friday, November 16, 2012

Parenting is hard....



"Parenting is hard. But as I've learned, it is hard for a reason. God is in the process of making all things new, including our hearts. He is pruning, weeding, and tilling the soil in our hearts to make us increasingly like Christ. Once day, his work will be complete, and we'll see the breathtaking result of his refining work in us. The weeds will be gone, and our sin will be no more.

That day when I came face to face with my sins at the dinner table, I count it as grace. For it is God's gracious love that desires to rid me of the sins.... And after after my son prayed, I asked him for grace and forgiveness for my impatience that day. Reminding him that I am a sinner just as he is, I used the opportunity to point him to the grace of Christ who bore all our sins on the cross." (Italics mine)

Parenting Is Hard for a Reason – The Gospel Coalition Blog
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Colossians 3:21

Pict: Shane with Daddy at Lego Land near Matsumoto Station.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Bart


A couple of Sundays ago, Bart led our worship. He, Abi and Justin are some local English teachers who help out our ministry here. Many thanks!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

"Those of high estate are a delusion"



"Our hope is not in the man we put in the White House but in the Man we put on the Cross." Rick Warren

”Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” CS Lewis  Listen to Heaven

My hope is built on nothing less 
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Read: After Election 2012: Living in the 'New Moral Landscape' | Christianity Today


"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath." Psalm 62:8-9

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Chris


 Last Week, Chris Risden- TEAM missionary- and I had some fellowship time at Gusto. He is studying Japanese and worships at Azumino Family Chapel- with his Japanese wife and 3 precious children.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Bear more pain....


"Bear more pain than you inflict." Richard Mouw

'Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."' Matthew 16:24


Tim Keller referred to this in the last portion of his sermon Culture. He said that we,  because of original sin, wound people inevitably. But then though, we should bear more pain than we inflict to be true pacesetters and cause flourishing.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Jackie Hill


Listen to a painful, but powerful message/poem of the Cross by Jackie Hill. A Message to Itchy Ears – Justin Taylor

Interview with Gospel Coalition, Coming to You Raw and Uncut with Jackie Hill – The Gospel Coalition Blog

About Jackie Hill  Read her testimony. Then read the scripture below.

'When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:25–26

Friday, November 2, 2012

Muscial


Looks like the same pict, but....

 Shane (5th grade) is playing a recorder on the right.

And Hosahna (4th) is singing on the front left. 

Nov. 27th at Namiyanagi Elementary School.

He will rejoice over you with gladness...



"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." 
Zephaniah 3:17

The Japanese-Chinese character on the left is the word 'gladness.' It's as if a person is lifting up his hands in joy.

My wife shared this verse with me the other day.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Japan's decline...


"The country (Japan) is not just in a prolonged slump but also in an inescapable decline." Read A declining Japan loses its once-hopeful champions - The Washington Post

Other articles: Japan's Potentially Dangerous Decline - ForbesSharp, Panasonic's job cuts mark Japan's decline - The Times of IndiaThe scary global implications of Japan’s slowdown


Even America....Obama V Romney: Fighting Over An America In Decline? - YouTube

Do pray for Japan, and us, as we preach the gospel. That the nation would be transformed inside out- even society.


"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher..." 1 Timothy 2:1-7


Sunday, October 28, 2012

SBC


Can you read the lettering on the buidling in back? SBC My parents for many years faithfully broadcasted a short weekly gospel message from there on Sunday mornings. I few elderly men reminded me of that the other day... "Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."  Matthew 13:8 This is our prayer.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Under the mastery of one great and predominate affection



“It is seldom that any of our [bad habits or flaws] are made to disappear by a mere process of natural extinction. At least, it is very seldom that this is done through the instrumentality of reasoning… [or by] the mere force of mental determination. But what cannot be thus destroyed maybe dispossessed- and one taste may be made to give way to another, and to lose its power entirely as the reigning affection of the mind… The heart’s… desire for having some one object or other, this is unconquerable… The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the explosive power of a new one… It is … when admitted into the number of God’s children, through faith that is in Jesus Christ, that the spirit of adoption is poured upon us- it is then that the heart, brought under the mastery of one great and predominate affection, is delivered from the tyranny of its former desires, and is the only way in which deliverance is possible.” 
Thomas Chalmers

'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'  Mark 12:30 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Fishing...


On October 21st, my birthday by the way, after worship and fellowship at Azumino Family Chapel, we took the kids to go fishing. They loved it.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

"Mine!"



"There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry 'Mine!'"

"The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice." Psalm 97:1

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Azumino Family Chapel


Me preaching at Azumino Family Chapel last Sunday, the 21st. I preached from 1 Timothy 6 on our attitude toward money.

"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment." 1 Tm 6:6 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Arguing about Politics



In a period when politics is becoming a 'god' in America, it would be good hear a sermon on politics. Click here: Arguing About Politics by Tim Keller

"The Pharisees pose a controversial question to Jesus when they ask him if they should pay taxes. Jesus responds with a revolutionary answer: He refuses political complacency, political simplicity, and political primacy. Jesus then models a revolutionary idea, showing his followers that the way to gain power is to give it away." redeemer.com


 "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Abundant Life Church


The Abundant Life Church. Please pray for us.

"Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,... that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:18-20

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Potential idols



“All sorts of things are potential idols… If this is so, how do we determine when something is becoming or has become an idol?... As soon as our loyalty to anything leads us to disobey God, we are in danger of making it an idol… An idol can be a physical object, a property, a person, an activity, a role, an institution, a hope, an image, an idea, a pleasure, a hero…” 
Richard Keyes

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me..." Exodus 20:2-3