❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Faith forces us to make decisions(John 7:11-24) Mari Ikeda Today we continue with the Gospel of John, reading 7:11-24 in three parts. Let’s read them quickly. First, verses 11-13. A. Not to fear conflict with the familiar community (11-13) 11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” 12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.     　 Today’s passage teaches us one thing clearly. That…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) My time is not yet here, but…(John 7:1-10) Mari Ikeda      Today we return to the series of John’s Gospel after two months. Today we read 7:1-10.       First of all, I would like to tell you that this passage is interpreted quite differently by different scholars, and what I am going to share with you today is the interpretation I think is best based on my limited knowledge. Perhaps Jesus might say, “Oh no, I didn’t mean that.” So I encourage you all to consider by yourself while listening.       I will read the first half and the second half separately.…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Blessings in the era of 100-year life(Psalm 127:4-128:6) Andy Nagahara I took a break from the Psalm series for a while because of the Christmas story and the topic of the yourchurch membership, but today I am resuming the series where we listen to the words of Jesus Christ speaking to us through the Psalms.　Today’s text, the second half of the Psalm127 and Psalm 128, have a common theme. That is a “blessing”. Let’s read the whole thing first. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Rediscovering true worship Andy Nagahara Last week and the week before, I talked about the Covenant of yourchurch members. What was it that we were told over and over again there that should be our top priority? It was to worship God. I also confirmed there that this does not mean just attending a church service on Sunday. Today I am going to talk about that worship. A. What is worship? 1. True Worship (Romans 12:1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. （Romans12:1）…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Love One Another and Serve The World yourchurch covenant 2,3 Mari Ikeda Today, continuing on from last week, I would like to talk about the Covenant of Your Church members. Today I’m going to talk about the second and third covenants together, but this is based on the first covenant, so if you missed last week’s talk about the first covenant, please visit the church website later on your own. Also, if you have any questions about membership in this church, you are always welcome to ask the pastors. Now, you may have been surprised to see the bulletin, but today we will be reading…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) I will love and serve God yourchurch covenant 1 Andy Nagahara 1. What is yourchurch Covenant? In many churches, those who have faith and are baptized become members of that church. Membership of yourchurch is different.At the beginning of the year, we renew our commitment to keep important promises and walk through the new year with Jesus and everyone at Your Church. Pastors and leaders are no exception. It’s a single-year contract, not a 10-year contract like MLB’s Mr. shohei Otani. However, if you wish to continue, you can sign another contract as many times as you like. No one will be notified by God…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) The Message That The Church Must Keep Conveying To The World (Mark 8:31-35) Mari Ikeda      As it is the first service of the new year, perhaps the message should be uplifting to help us walk the new year positively. But considering the disaster caused by the recent earthquake in Ishikawa, in addition to the world situation and the walk of this church over the past few years, I thought I should talk about what I made as the title of the message today. Namely, what message the church must keep conveying to the world. Whether in the crisis like war and disaster, or…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) The Light of Joy that Illuminates the World (Luke 2:8-20) Mari Ikeda      Today is the Christmas service. At the same time, it is also the last service of the year since this church is closed next week. What kind of year has it been for you all?      The Bible has these words.  16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.　(1Thessalonians 5:16-18)   It is a famous phrase from the Bible, but I don’t think anyone can say with certainty that they have practiced this perfectly this past…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) Immanuel (God with us) The Third Advent (Matthew 1:18-25) Andy Nagahara The third week of Advent begins today. This year, Christmas is next Monday, so this is essentially the last week of waiting for Christmas. Although the end of the year is approaching and the atmosphere is hectic, today I would like to introduce a text that will help you spend this week thinking deeply about the meaning of Christmas. That is Matthew 1:18-25. At first, let’s read up to verse 21. A. How was the infant named Jesus? (18-21) 18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was…

❖ Video ❖ Audio (Message) How To Achieve True Peace (Isaiah 11:1-9) Mari Ikeda It is the second Sunday of Christmas. Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus who was born to bring peace to this world, but with the recent world situation only increasing wars and conflicts, it may be getting harder and harder to believe that a King of Peace was born.Today, I would like to read Isaiah 11 and consider what the King of Peace prophesied in the Bible is like and what true peace is. I’d like to divide the passage into two parts. Firstly let’s read verses 1-5. A. The One who brings true peace…