Let Us Become the Body of Christ Through the Holy Spirit

❖ Video ❖ Audio Let Us Become the Body of Christ Through the Holy Spirit  Pentecost Sunday (Acts 2:1-6, 43-47; John 6:53-57, 63; John 14:15-26, 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27) Mari Ikeda A. The church came into existence through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-6, 43-47) 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the…

Do We Trust God With All Our Strength?

❖ Video ❖ Audio Do We Trust God With All Our Strength?  (Mark 12:38-44) Mari Ikeda A.  Respected by other people, but rebuked by God (38-40) 38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” B.  Scorned by other people, but pleasing God (41-44) 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting…

Restore Us!

❖ Video ❖ Audio Restore Us!  (Psalm 80) Andy Nagahara 0 For the director of music. To {the tune of} “The Lilies of the Covenant.” Of Asaph. A psalm. 1 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. 3 Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. 4 O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by…

The Trouble With Putting Our Hope In Powerful Politicians 

❖ Video ❖ Audio The Trouble With Putting Our HopeIn Powerful Politicians  (Mark 12:35-37) Mari Ikeda 35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ 37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight. A.  We have a tendency to long for powerful politicians who will protect our interests B.  A leader who became a servant to all 1. The…

The Greatest Thing(s)

❖ Video ❖ Audio The Greatest Thing(s) (Mark 12:28-34) Mari Ikeda A.  The limitation of knowledge (32-34) 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. B.  What only Jesus could teach 1. Love for…