❖ Video ❖ Audio Lord of “All Nations” Psalm 117 Andy Nagahara The Psalm 117 is the shortest verse in the Book of Psalms. However, as the Apostle Paul quotes it as an important matter, it offers important suggestions for us as we walk through this world with faith. Today, while introducing some related texts, I would like to consider how we can take on the problems that the psalmist and Paul faced, which are actually our challenges as well. Let’s read it once first. 1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. 2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures…

❖ Video ❖ Audio The Practice of Love (Part1): In Church Romans 12:9-16 Mari Ikeda Today I was planning to read the Romans 12:9-21, but I decided to divide the passage into two parts, as its content is quite broad. So we’re going to read the first half today, which is verse 9-16.The very first sentence of the first verse today, 12:9, says this: “Love must be sincere.” It means, love must be true and genuine. What does it mean specifically? We’ll learn it from the passage we’ll read today and in the next time.The passage up to v.16, which we’ll read today, talks about the practice of love in…

❖ Video ❖ Audio How can I repay the LORD？ Psalm 116 Andy Nagahara Like many of the songs in the Psalms, it seems that at the core of this song is the experience of the psalmist’s own near death, such as a serious illness, for example. But at the same time, when it came to be sung publicly in temple services, it was sung to recall the tribulations in Egypt, which were the common affliction of the people, and the tribulations under occupation by neighboring nations in later times. In some denominations of the modern church, it is even sung to thank God for the safe delivery of the…

❖ Video ❖ Audio A New Heart and A New Way of Life Romans 12:1-8 Mari Ikeda Today we begin Romans chapter 12. Let’s read it right away. First, verses 1-2. A. A new way of life (1-2) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. 1. Every…

❖ Video ❖ Audio The Lord is Our Help and Shield Psalm 115 Andy Nagahara In this week of Easter Sunday, typically I bring a message from a chapter of the gospel, putting aside the general topics. Interestingly however the series from Psalm suits the context of Easter very well. Thus we continue reading Psalm, and today’s chapter is 115.  A. To whom does the glory belong? (1-3) 1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. 2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.  “…