"Oh, the power, the melting, conquering, transforming power of that dear cross of Christ!…"

"Oh, the power, the melting, conquering, transforming power of that dear cross of Christ! My brethren, we have but to abide by the preaching of it, we have but constantly to tell abroad the matchless story, and we may expect to see the most remarkable spiritual results. We need despair of no man now that Jesus has died for sinners. With such a hammer as the doctrine of the cross, the most flinty heart will be broken; and with such a fire as the sweet love of Christ, the most mighty iceberg will be melted. We need never despair for the heathenish or superstitious races of men; if we can but find occasion to bring the doctrine of Christ crucified into contact with their natures, it will yet change them, and Christ will be their king." C. H. Spurgeon

'So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."' Romans 1:15-17

Thanksgiving!

Here at Abundant Life Church we had Thanksgiving on Nov. 23rd, last Sat.  We had about 40. Many foreigners. As you see, the men cut up the turkey.

"Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians １：１２−１４

John and Anne

It was nice seeing Dr. John Smith and his wife, Anne, the other day here in Matsumoto. They're from Australia and he was in Nagoya lecturing. They worshipped here at Abundant Life Church a few years ago, while he was teaching geology at Shinshu University.

I was made for another world.

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” C.S. Lewis

"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

Azumino Family Chapel

 Japan Alps

Azumino Family Chapel

Praising!

Me preaching, yesterday.

"We are doing quite well, thank you."

That was the reputation of the church in Laodicea. It was a church of relentless activity and apparent success. A remarkable confidence characterized the people, evidenced by their self-assessment: "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (Rev. 3:17). Laodicea was a congregation with a 5-star rating. Visitors who came would say, "What more could you want? They've got everything here." If the pastor at Laodicea had called the congregation to a season of reflection regarding their spiritual life, the members would have said, "We are doing quite well, thank you."

Read more: 3 Ways Christ Can Be Outside Your Church – The Gospel Coalition Blog

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

'Loneliness'

Sunday, Joey Stoll spoke on 'Loneliness' at Abundant Life Church.

Thanks, Joey.

Only a small crack….,

“Only a small crack…., but small cracks make caves collapse.” Alexander Solzhenitsyn

"For who hath despised the day of small things?…" Zechariah 4:10

Picnic

On the way to Hakuba, 

where they had the Nagano Olympics,

we had a picnic.

Naho made 'rice balls.'

It's fall.

Family w/ Joey Stoll.

Kaichi Elementary School

Near the Matsumoto Castle.

Visited with our guest Joey.

One of the oldest elementary schools in Japan- around 1876.

Note the angels.