❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Happy? Lucky? Blessed? (Proverbs 8:32-36) Andy Nagahara Today’s reading of Proverbs in the series is chapter 8, verses 32-36. Today we would like to listen again to what God is telling us from here. This section is a summary of the first part that we have read so far. It may be difficult to understand just by reading this part, so let’s briefly review the content so far and the background. The Old Testament is the Jewish scriptures that existed before Jesus Christ came to this world. The 39 documents are arranged into four types: 1) the history of Judaism and the Israelites, 2) commandments…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) The Meaning of Believing in Jesus and Its Fruit (John14:8-14) Mari Yoshino Today we continue with the Gospel of John, reading from 14:8-14. This passage begins with one of the disciples, who could not quite grasp who Jesus was, asking Him a question. Jesus’ response teaches us what it means to know Him and thereby know God, and what faith truly is. Furthermore, Jesus also reveals what we gain through having faith. As usual, let’s read it bit by bit. First, verses 8-9. A. Knowing God through Jesus 1. We desire to see God’s face directly (8-9) 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) The origin of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:22-31) Andy Nagahara Today in our Proverbs series, we are going to read verses 8:22-31. Throughout chapter 7, Proverbs teaches the importance of listening to Wisdom. And up until the previous part of chapter 8, Wisdom has been introducing itself and teaching us about its nature. Today’s passage continues that introduction, but here he speaks specifically about the origin of Wisdom. 1. Wisdom created before the creation of the world (22-26) 22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.24…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) The Fruits of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:12-21) Andy Nagahara Today in our Proverbs series, we will read verses 8:12-21. Last week we talked about how Jesus is the manifestation of God’s wisdom. Today’s passage tells us that this wisdom gives us the power to reap a bountiful harvest, enough to fill our storehouses. It teaches us about the great power we have, the harvest we can expect, and how to use it. 1. The power to live in reality as followers of Jesus (12-16) 12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Are you hearing the call of wisdom? (Proverbs 8:1-11) Andy Nagahara 1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:4 “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.8 All…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) What To Remember Amid Anxieties About The Future (John 14:1-7) Mari Ikeda Today we continue with the Gospel of John, reading from 14:1-7. The passage we’ve been reading lately is where Jesus foretells that he will soon be arrested and executed, and that his disciples will abandon him and flee. Yet Jesus shows no anger toward his disciples; rather, he is deeply concerned for them. He knew that for these disciples, who had loved him and given up nearly everything to follow him, both his execution and their own betrayal would be a tremendous trial. That’s why, throughout chapters 13 through 17, which we’ve been…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Seeing the world through a lattice window (Proverbs 7:1-9) Andy Nagahara We are in chapter 7 today in our series on Proverbs. We are going to read the first nine verses. 1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.6 At the window of…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Experiencing Setbacks and Rebirths With Jesus (John 13:36-38) Mari Ikeda Today we continue with the Gospel of John, reading from 13:36-38. Though a very short passage, its content is recorded in all four Gospels, suggesting it was likely widely known from the earliest days of the church. It is the story of Jesus foretelling Peter’s setback. Peter can be considered Jesus’ closest disciple and the one who laid the foundation for the Christian church. Yet the New Testament records many stories of Peter’s failures. Today’s passage is among the most striking of these. Through Peter, we learn that following Jesus means repeatedly experiencing setbacks alongside…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Our Love Made Possible By Jesus’ Love (John 13:31-35) Mari Ikeda Today we continue our series on the Gospel of John, reading from 13:31-35. This passage contains one of Jesus’ most crucial teachings: “Love one another.” While all humanity surely agrees that loving one another is better than hating or fighting, the reality of the world in every age remains far from this ideal of mutual love. The reason for this may become clear if we consider what it actually means to love those close to us. Loving one another seems simple yet is difficult; it is not a one-time act but requires continuous effort.…

❖ Video https://youtu.be/2ZE_kqc7RXs ❖ Audio (Message) To You Who Have Been Encouraging Others (Job 4:3-6) Jalee Bae 3 Think how you have instructed many,how you have strengthened feeble hands.4 Your words have supported those who stumbled;you have strengthened faltering knees.5 But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;it strikes you, and you are dismayed.6 Should not your piety be your confidenceand your blameless ways your hope? Have you ever encouraged or supported someone before? When a friend is feeling down, you may have listened quietly and said, “You’ll be okay.” We are capable of supporting others. However, when we ourselves are going through a difficult time, it can…