❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Inheritance of wisdom is the inheritance of faith (Proverbs 4) Andy Nagahara Today, we are in chapter 4 of our series on the book of Proverbs, which consists of three sections: verses 1-9, 10-19, and 20-27. So far, we have learned that the “wisdom” found in Proverbs is not merely insight for the purpose of making life comfortable. We also noted that “wisdom” is something God gives us in his good time, and not something that we strive for and accumulate on our own. So, I think you already know that to gain the kind of wisdom recommended in Proverbs and not to let it…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) The One Who Changed History and Changes Our Lives (John12:27-36a) MARI IKEDA Today we continue our series on the Gospel of John by reading 12:27-36. In this passage, Jesus speaks about the time of His death and that it is to signify the beginning of a new era and to change each individual’s life. First, let us read verses 27-33. A. The “time” when history changes （27-33) 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Creeds (NICENE Creed, Apostles’ Creed) Andy Nagahara Today I’m going to take a break from my usual Proverbs series and talk about creed. In Japanese, the word “creed” is pronounced “shinjou”. If you ask Japanese people, many of them will think of Shinjo-san of the Nippon Ham Fighters, but I’m not going to talk about him today. (Sorry, this is just a Japanese wordplay joke.) The word “shinjo” which means “creed” is generally used to mean something that one firmly believes in based on one’s own values. In Christian churches, it is a statement that summarizes the content of faith in the form of a…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) If you take your eyes off it, it’s gone (Proverbs 3:21-35) Andy Nagahara 21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Couldyou recall…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Healing of Mental Illness Series “Theology of Interdependence and Disability” Part 9 (Luke 8:26-39) Mari Ikeda Today is the ninth and final part of our series on Kathy Black’s book. So far, the book has covered physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, and paralysis, leprosy, and chronic illnesses, but the final topic covered in this book is mental disorders. I must confess that I was not sure whether to take up this chapter. Because the story of casting out demons is discussed in order to consider the healing of mental illness. I think that would lead to the misconception that people with mental illness are…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Taking refuge at the tree of life (Proverbs 3:13-20) Andy Nagahara Today is the week to read Proverbs. Today’s reading is from verse 3:13-20. Let’s start by reading up to verse 16. 1. It is not wealth but wisdom that brings happiness (13-16) 13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. A former president passed away last Tuesday. This…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) A Kernel of Wheat Dies and Produces Many Seeds (John 12:20-26) Mari Ikeda Today we return to our series on the Gospel of John, 12:20-26. This passage contains one of the most famous sayings of Jesus. That is what I have titled today’s message, “A kernel of wheat dies and produces many seeds.” It appears in the second half of the verse, but let’s read the first half first: verses 20-23. A. Jesus’ love spreading around the world (20-23) 20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Trust in the LORD with all your heart (Proverbs 3:1-12) Andy Nagahara Today we begin chapter 3 of our Proverbs series. Today I will cover up to verse 12.It contains six things in the context of a father’s instruction to his son. And each one also includes a description of the blessings from God that will come if we follow its instructions. Let’s look at each instruction one by one and see what blessing it brings. 1. Obey the teachings and commandments that are in accordance with God’s will (1,2) 1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Living with Chronic Illnesses Series “Theology of Interdependence and Disability” Part 8 (Mark 5:25-34) Mari Ikeda Today is the eighth in our series on Kathy Black’s book. Today we will focus on chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are the kinds of illnesses that are difficult to cure completely and must be lived with for the rest of one’s life, even if the manifestation of symptoms is gradual. They include arthritis, cancer, dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, respiratory disease, and a variety of other rare and incurable illnesses. Although the degree to which illnesses affect our daily lives varies, there are members of this church who suffer…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Living Everyday with Jesus (Matthew 28:8-10, John 21:20-23) Andy Nagahara It’s Easter morning. People say “Happy Easter” to each other, but what’s so auspicious/festive  about it? That is because the events of Easter are the evidence that Jesus, who was crucified, has been resurrected and is now your companion for life. Do you realize that Jesus is walking with you through your life? This morning I would like to share two things with you to help you realize that you are walking with Jesus. Let’s start by reading Matthew 28:8-10. 1. Jesus said, “I will see you in Galilee.” (Matthew 28:8-10) 8 So the women…