Lifehouse Messages

Japan has a long-standing culture of honor. In the Bible, God also talks about honor. We are called to honor God, and in return He honors us as well. But what can we do to honor God? Discover the answer in this week’s message from Pastor Masashi.

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HONORING GOD 

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE HEART OF A SAMURAI?

1. 義 (Gi) - Rectitude or Justice: This is the most important virtue. It's about doing what is right and just, and having the moral courage to act on that knowledge without hesitation. It's the ability to make a rational, ethical decision and follow through, even if it means dying.
2. 勇 (Yū) - Courage: This is not just a lack of fear, but the bravery to do what is right. True courage, according to Bushido, is only virtuous when it is exercised in the cause of righteousness and justice.
3. 仁 (Jin) - Benevolence or Compassion: A warrior with the power to command and kill was expected to demonstrate a high degree of benevolence and mercy. This value emphasizes the importance of love, sympathy, and magnanimity toward others, especially the less fortunate.
4. 礼 (Rei) - Respect or Politeness: Samurai were expected to be polite and courteous to everyone, including their enemies. This virtue is rooted in a benevolent regard for the feelings of others and is a sign of inner strength and self-control.
5. 誠 (Makoto) - Honesty and Sincerity: A samurai's word was their bond. To make a promise was considered a serious and absolute truth. Dishonesty, deception, and lying were considered shameful and unworthy of a true warrior.
6. 名誉 (Meiyo) - Honor: This is the vivid consciousness of one's personal dignity and worth. For a samurai, honor was the most important thing, and a life without it was not worth living. The fear of disgrace was a powerful motivator, and in the face of dishonor, a samurai might choose ritual suicide (seppuku) to restore their name.
7. 忠義 (Chūgi) - Loyalty: This was a supreme virtue, especially in the feudal era. A samurai's loyalty to their master (daimyō) was paramount, and they were expected to serve them with unwavering devotion, even to the point of death.

“Every foreign visitor notices the politeness and refinement of the Japanese people. If courtesy were practiced merely out of a fear of losing one’s good name, it would be a poor kind of virtue. True courtesy is the visible expression of consideration for the feelings of others. In its highest form, courtesy approaches almost to love.” ~ Inazo Nitobe

(Matthew 22:37-40 ERV)

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ (38) This is the first and most important command. (39) And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ (40) All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.”

(Matthew 8:5-10 NLT) 

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer[b] came and pleaded with him, (6) “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” (7) Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” (8) But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. (9) I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” (10) When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

(Matthew 8:13 NLT) 

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

TO HONOR MEANS TO PUT WEIGHT, VALUE, RESPECT, PRIORITIZE 

(Matthew 8:8-9 NLT) 

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. (9) I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” 

(John 14:15 ERV) 

If you love me, you will do what I command.

GOD HONORS THOSE WHO HONOR HIM

(Matthew 8:10 NLT) 

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

(Matthew 8:13 NLT) 

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

(1 Samuel 2:30b NLT)

I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me. 

(Luke 14:11 NLT) 

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

(Proverbs 22:4 ERV) 

Respect the Lord and be humble. Then you will have wealth, honor, and true life.

(John 10:10 NLT) 

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

HOW CAN WE LIVE A LIFE OF HONORING GOD? 

1. PUT GOD FIRST 
2. VALUE THE TIME WITH GOD (JOURNALING & PRAYER) 
3. BLESS OTHERS

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CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:

• How would you describe honor God in your own words?
• Why did the woman pour expensive perfume on Jesus?
• How can we bring honor to God in our daily lives?
• What can we learn about honor from the Roman officer’s faith (Matthew 8)?
• This week, what is one way you can put God first and bless others?

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Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

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Part of our mission at Lifehouse is to honor God. But what does it really mean to honor Him? Find out in this week’s message from Senior Pastor Rod Plummer.

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STRONG IN LOVE & STRONG IN HONOR

OUR FIRST MISSION: "TO HONOR GOD" 

(Matthew 22:36-40 NIV)

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (37) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

(Romans 12:9-10 NIV)

" Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (10) Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

To love someone is often expressed by showing honor.

“Honor your father and mother” 

(Matthew 15:4 NIV)

“love your neighbor as yourself”

 (Matthew 22:39)

LOVE MOTIVATES HONOR, AND HONOR EXPRESSES LOVE

LOVE IS THE ATTITUDE, HONOR IS THE RESPONSE

JESUS' PARABLE OF HONOR AND DISHONOR 

(Matthew 22:1-3 NIV)

"Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: (2) “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. (3) He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come."

(Matthew 22:4-5 NIV)

 "Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ (5) “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business."

(Matthew 22:8-10 NIV) 

"Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. (9) So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ (10) So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests."

(Mathew 22:11-14 NIV)  

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. (12) He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. (13) “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (14) “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

(Revelation 4:11 NIV) “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

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CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:

• What is the first and second greatest commandments according to the Bible? (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV)
• How is love described in: (Romans 12:9-10 NIV)?
• How are love and honor connected?
• In Jesus’ story of the wedding banquet, what do we learn about honoring God’s invitation?
• Why does God deserve our honor and love? (Revelation 4:11 NIV)
• This week, what is one practical way you can show love and honor to someone around you?

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Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

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Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

God is calling you on an exciting mission for your life. In this week’s message, Ps Richard shares God’s mission for the church and your unique part within it.

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A GREAT COMMUNITY WITH A GREAT COMMISSION

(Acts 1:4-5 NLT)

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. (5) John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

(Acts 1:6-7 NLT)

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" 

God has wired us all for mission (7) He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 

(Acts 1:8 NLT)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

OUR MISSION IS TO SHARE WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR US

(1 Peter 3:15 NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

LET'S BE READY TO QUICKLY SHARE OUR STORY

(Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. (19) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (20) Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

(Romans 12:4-6 NLT)

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, (5) so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (6) In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

FIND YOUR SPECIAL FUNCTION IN THE CHURCH! HOW CAN YOU HELP TODAY?

(Ephesians 1:22-23 NLT)

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. (23) And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

(Mark 5:19 NLT)

But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been."

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CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:

• In Acts 1:8, Jesus said we would be his witnesses everywhere. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus in daily life?
• How does working together make our mission stronger?
• What gifts or roles has God given you?
• How can we shine Jesus’s light in our community?
• What is one step you can take this week to share your story of Jesus with someone?

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

The Bible encourages us to “serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2). But why is serving so important? In this week’s message, Ps Rod shares how serving can bless your life and help you connect to a life-giving purpose.

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

A good community can encourage you and help you find your purpose. Through Paul’s story, find out how a church community can encourage you and how you can also be an encouragement for others.

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WHY EVERY WORLD CHANGER NEEDS A HELPER & COMMUNITY

(Psalm 84:10 ERV) 

One day in your Temple is better than a thousand days anywhere else. Serving as a guard at the gate of my God’s house is better than living in the homes of the wicked.

(Acts 9:3-8 NIV) 

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (5) “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. (6) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (7) The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. (8) Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

(Acts 9:9-19 NIV) 

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. (11) The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. (12) In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” (13) “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. (14) And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (15) But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (16) I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (17) Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (18) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

GOD IS SPEAKING AND DRAWING PEOPLE 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A SUPERSTAR TO IMPACT PEOPLE’S LIVES 

(Acts 9:9 NIV) 

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 

ONE WORD / PRAYER CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S ETERNITY

(Proverbs 18:21 MSG) 

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

(Proverbs 12:25 MSG) 

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.

(Proverbs 16:24 NLT) 

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

(1 Corinthians 14:3 NLT) 

But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.

OBEDIENCE LEADS TO MIRACLES AND LIFE-CHANGE

(Luke 11:28 NIV) 

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

EVERYONE NEEDS A COMMUNITY 

(Acts 9:26-27 NIV) 

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

(Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT)

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

QUESTIONS:

• Why do we need others to help us follow Jesus?
• What do we learn from Ananias about obeying God even when it feels scary or risky?
• How can our words or prayers impact someone’s life?
• Why is community important for believers?
• Who has encouraged you in faith, and how can you encourage others?

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

There are many different kinds of communities, but it’s truly special to be part of a church. Ps Monty shares why a faith-based community is so powerful and how we can help others experience God’s power, too.

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

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Do you have a vision for your life? Having a vision gives your life meaning and purpose. Find out how to get vision from God and how to be part of His amazing plan.

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

What problems are keeping you up at night? In this week’s message, discover the right way to respond to life’s biggest problems and what it means to truly believe in Jesus.

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

Living in God's purpose brings peace to our lives. But how can we stay focused on our calling when life gets hard? Find out in this week's message.

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

Did you know that it's okay to wrestle with God? In fact, wrestling with God can help us discover something that God wants us to have in our life. Learn what that is in this week's message.

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Web: mylifehouse.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/

Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal

Want to listen to our messages in other languages?

Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen

Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen