Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The Story of God's Love For You


"All the stars and mountains and the oceans and galaxies and everything were nothing compared to how much God loved his children. He would move heaven and earth to be near them. Always. Whatever happened, whatever it cost him, he would always love them. And so it was that the wonderful love story began …" 

Jesus Storybook Bible has blessed not only children, but also adults. Now there is an adult edition. Here's the official trailer. The Story of God's Love For You by Sally Lloyd-Jones- YouTube Buy it on Amazon.com: Books 

We've used the children's edition often here in Japan for adults. Hopefully we'll get the adult version in Japanese soon.

Rooted in the redemptive accomplishment of Jesus Christ



"So when we preach steps and tips but only assume grace, we are withholding from people the actual power they need to experience God’s love and obey him." Jared Wilson, from How to Uncheapen Grace in Your Church | TGC
"One of the most remarkable things about the New Testament is the way that its writers deal with thorny ethical issues. Every ethical requirement, every matter of conduct, is rooted in the redemptive accomplishment of Jesus Christ." Thomas Smith
1 Corinthians 2:2, " For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

Bono


U'2 Bono's Testimony, Song and Compassion - YouTube

"But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the Cross." Bono BrainyQuote


Psalms 40:1-3, "I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD."


What does he say about the refugee crisis? Exclusive: Bono Speaks Out on Solving the Refugee Crisis - ABC News Do not alienate the Muslims and the refugees. Christ would serve them. 
Bono Awarded Nobel 'Man Of Peace' Prize | Contactmusic.comBono & Eugene Peterson | THE PSALMS - YouTube


Here's more: U2 - A Rock Crusade (Full Documentary) - YouTube

Monday, March 21, 2016

Japan's retirees


Japan's retirees: industrial waste or a silver lining? - BBC News Since Japan has the longest life expectancy in the world, the population as a whole is aging. To some this is a problem. Not enough people to pay the taxes. However, there is a 'sliver lining' to this problem. There is a wealth of wisdom and skill among them…. Now, how can the church serve them?

Deuteronomy 32:7, “Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will teach you.”

Another side of the picture: Japan’s elderly turn to life of crime to ease cost of living

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Rise!


Let Redeemer Presbyterian Church's gospel movement in Manhattan, N.Y. stretch you. Rise! Campaign Video May the Lord do something among us here in Matsumoto and then through out Japan.


Watch and listen to these videos:

The Centrality of the Gospel – Timothy Keller [Sermon] - YouTube
Changed Lives – Timothy Keller [Sermon] - YouTube
Public Faith – Timothy Keller [Sermon] - YouTube
Doing Justice and Mercy – Timothy Keller [Sermon] - YouTube
Encountering the Risen King (Easter) – Timothy Keller [Sermon] - YouTube
Counter-Culture for the Common Good – Timothy Keller [Sermon] - YouTube

More "Rise" sermons: Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Timothy Keller on iTunes

Luke 13:18-21, Jesus said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?  It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."

Every story casts His shadow


"Every story casts His shadow. 66 books. Dozens of authors. A holy canon thousands of years in the making. Every word, every verse, bears His testimony. Of the Holy Messiah. Jesus Christ. Eternal King." Gospel Project
The Bible presents the gospel mostly in a story form. Thus, we need to communicate the gospel through a Christ-centered presentation of story of the Bible. Here are some excellent helps: Stories

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Luke 24:27

Friday, March 11, 2016

Jerry Bridges with the Lord


Jerry Bridges recently went to be with the Lord. Jerry Bridges' Pursuit of Holiness Has Come to an End | Gleanings | ChristianityToday.com…. I liked his focus on the grace of Christ. You Never Outgrow the Gospel | Desiring God…. 

And most recently on humility. The Blessings of Humility by Jerry Bridges | Reformed Theology Articles at Ligonier.org…. Here are more sermons. Jerry Bridges Sermons | SermonAudio.com, including sermons on humility: The Beatitudes: Humility in Action, Part 1 | Part 2 |  Part 3 |Part 4.

Here is his favorite gospel-focus verse. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6


Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Rich Mullins


Rich Mullins was an excellent Christian singer. Amy Grant used some of his music. Be inspired as you look at his life story. Ragamuffin English Movie - YouTube 

Listen to some of his music. Rich Mullins - Wheaton Chapel Service, April 11, 1997 (Full Concert) - YouTube 

Brennan Manning influenced Mullins greatly, as Mullins struggled with the love of God. Brennan Manning - God Loves You As You Are, Not As You Should Be - YouTube

1 John 3:1a "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 

You might like this too. The Keith Green Story (FULL) - YouTube This is my favorite song by Keith Green, Grace By Which I Stand - YouTube

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The Japanese Schindler


New Film About Chiune Sugihara, the 'Japanese Schindler,' Makes U.S. Premiere - NBC News My family and I went to see this thoughtful movie about Chiune Sugihara this January. Trailer Of Persona Non Grata, The Movie About The Japanese Schindler : Teaser Trailer「杉原千畝 スギハラチウネ」予告 - YouTube He is called the Japanese Schindler. He was a diplomat in Lithuania and prepared some say 6000 visas for mostly Jews, in direct opposition to the Japanese government. I feel it was worth the 5000円 for our family to see it.

What interests me also is that he and his wife were baptized by the Russian Orthodox Church. I trust it was their faith that made a difference. He said that he might be disobeying his government, but if he didn't (give visas), he would be disobeying God.

Right now I am reading A Special Fate: Chiune Sugihara: Hero of the Holocaust. Here's some documentaries. Sugihara: Conspiracy of Kindness - YouTubeHolocaust rescue Story by Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara - YouTubeChiune Sugihara Rememberd by Jewish Survivors - YouTube

Acts 5:29,"But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men."

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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