Sunday, November 17, 2019

“God is My Portion”

Psalm 119:57-64 (Heth)

1. The God called “You”

* Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (NIV)

* Psalm 33:6 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” (NIV)

* The mystery of “exploding beetles”

* Genesis 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (NIV)

2. A way of living that considers your path

* “Circular wandering”

* Psalm 119:59-60 “I thought about the wrong direction in which I was headed, and turned around and came running back to you.” (Living Bible)

* The result of “sin” (missing the mark)

(1) Sense of emptiness = Even if the “proximity factor” is understood, the “ultimate” factor” is not

(2) Depravity

(3) Fear of death

Hebrews 9:27 “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” (NIV)

3. Singing in the middle of the night

* Exodus 11:4-6 “So Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt - worse than there has ever been or ever will be again.’” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. How does the fact that you are a work of creator God impact how you live your life?

2. Think about three facts that humans face directly as a result of “sin.”

3. Have you had a “middle of the night” experience in your life? What type of situation was it?

english_MCC20191117.mp3

Sunday, November 10, 2019

“God’s Word Preserves My Life”

Psalm 119:49-56 (Zayin)

* The psalmist amidst a trial

(Psalm 119:50, 51, 53)

1. Remember God’s Word

* The founder of the Lion Corporation, Tomijiro Kobayashi

* Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (NIV)

2. Contemplate God’s Word

* The advice of Dr. Ball of Harvard University

3. Sing God’s Word

* “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” Lyrics by: Joseph Scriven

* Acts 16:25-26 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Which Bible verse is important to you? Why?

2. What do you think of the advice of Dr. Ball of Harvard University?

3. What do you think needs to be done to maintain faith in the next generation?

english_MCC 20191110.mp3

Sunday, November 3, 2019

“Victory From God’s Love”

Psalm 119:41-48 (Waw)

* Psalm 119:47 & 48 “love” = “Ahav”

1. God’s love brings about obedience

* The testimony of Stormie Omartian

(Christian writer, singer, songwriter)

2. God’s love gives freedom

* John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)

3. God’s love gives joy

* Movie: “The Tenor”

The faith of the producer, Totaro Wajima

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. When is it that you sense “God’s love”?

2. What “freedom” has Jesus Christ given you?

3. When does the “joy in Christ” come to mind?

english_MCC 20191103.mp3

Sunday, October 27, 2019

“Loyal God’s Word”

Psalm 119:33-40 (He)

1. Pursuit of the “way of truth”

* The present status of Christianity in China

2. Warning of the “way of falsehood”

3. Jesus Christ, the “way of truth”

* John 14:6 “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIV)

* Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (NIV)

* The conversion of Sam Tannehill, a prisoner on death row

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. When you need to make a decision about something important in life, what do you make your selection based on?

2. Why do you do so?

3. What do you think of the words Jesus Christ said, “I am the truth”?

english_MCC 20191027.mp3

Sunday, October 20, 2019

“Hardship Brings About Hope”

Psalm 119:25-32 (Daleth)

* Romans 5:3-4 “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (NIV)

1. The meaning of hardship

* Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (NIV)

* Psalm 119:29 “deceitful ways” = Concept that hardships are God’s judgment

“teach” = Concept that hardships are God’s training of love

2. The foundation of patience

* Patience = Proactively setting your eyes on God, obeying God’s commands until the end, and under no circumstances going away from there

* Psalm 119:27 “way of your precepts” = Concept that hardships are preparation for the future

* Psalm 119:30 “way of truth” = Concept of trusting God even in hardships

3. The fruit of character

4. The power of hope

* Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

* Psalm 119:32 “broadened” = be released

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Why are there “hardships” in our lives?

2. What does “hardships are preparation for the future” mean? Learn from the life of Joseph.

3. What is the source of true hope for you?

english_MCC 20191020.mp3

Sunday, October 13, 2019

“The Winner of Life”

Psalm 119:17-24 (Gimel)

* Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (NIV)

* John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

1. One’s spiritual eyes are opened

* The conversion of Kamal Saleem

(Conversion from being an Islamic fundamentalist terrorist to a Christian)

2. Hunger and thirst for God’s Word

* Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (NIV)

3. Believe in the victory of God’s justice

* The faith of Kenji Igarashi (founder of the “Hakuyosha Corporation”)

“Sunbeams of Grace”

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. When and how were your “spiritual eyes” opened?

2. What kind of person do you think is a “winner of life”?

3. How do you think the history of the human race will evolve from here out?

How does that impact your way of life?

english_MCC 20191013.mp3

Sunday, October 6, 2019

“God’s Word Sanctifies People”

Psalm 119:9-16 (Beth)

1. Obey God’s Word

* Japan Creative Ministry DVD

“The rules have now changed! The threat of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in teenagers”

2. Memorize God’s Word

* Matthew 4:3-4 “The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (NIV)

* Isaiah 43:4 “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” (NIV)

* Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV)

* Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

* 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (NIV)

3. Enjoy God’s Word

* 2 Kings 4:1-7 (Reference)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. How can young people stay on a path of purity?

2. What is a Bible verse you can memorize?

3. What do you think you should do to make obeying God’s Word enjoyable?

english_MCC 20191006.mp3

Sunday, September 29, 2019

“The Blessings of Obeying the Law”

Psalm 119:1-8 (Aleph)

1. The walk of the blessed

* The faith of William Coffin Coleman

2. The relationship of the blessed

* (1) The law is God’s word of love

(2) The power to execute God’s word comes from the Holy Spirit

(3) The Holy Spirit works with God’s word

* Isaiah 46:3-4 ““Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (NIV)

* Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (NIV)

* Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Verses 1 – 7 express “God’s law” in various ways. Why do you think so?

2. Where does the power to obey “God’s law” come from?

3. How do you think you can know if your relationship with God is correct?

english_MCC 20190929.mp3

Sunday, September 22, 2019

“The Lord’s Love Endures Forever”

Psalm 118 (Recitation: Psalm 118:1-14, 28-29)

1. Call to worship (Psalm 118:1-4)

2. Hardships and victories (Psalm 118:5-21)

* Psalm 118:10-12 “cut down” = crush, discard

* Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (NIV)

* Psalm 32:10 “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (NIV)

* Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (NIV)

* 2 Kings 6 (Reference)

3. Recovery of the rejected stone (Psalm 118:22-29)

* Psalm 118:22 “rejected stone”

* “Are Hands Are Stained with Blood” by Michael Brown

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Who is calling us to worship the “Lord God?”

2. “There are hardships in life, however…” What words would you use to continue that statement?

3. Who does the “rejected stone” represent?

english_MCC 20190922.mp3

Sunday, September 15, 2019

“In Order To Go Out Into All the World”

Mark 16:15, Matthew 24:14

1. The present status of global evangelism

* The spread of the gospel (Image: Gospel map)

* At present there are approximately 6,000 unreached people groups (Approx. 2 billion people)

(1) Unreached, unengaged people groups

(2) Unreached, engaged people groups

(a group defined as having a Christian population of less than 2%)

* Story evangelism

* Wycliffe “Vision 2025” (Begin translating all of the not yet translated approximate 1,600 languages)

* Matthew 24:14 (See above)

2. The sense of distance from popular culture

* Paul’s stance

* Romans 12:2 “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.” (NIV)

* 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (NIV)

3. Find the image of God in all people

* Genesis 5:1-2 “When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them ‘Mankind’ when they were created.” (NIV)

* The change of a New York artist after 9-11

* The image of those rescuing on 9-11

* Acts 17: Paul’s Athens mission

* Acts 17:22-23 “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” (NIV)

* Night de Light

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. When looking at the present state of the world mission, what kind of age can the present age be said to be?

2. In order to go out and tell the gospel, how do you need to address popular culture?

MCC English 20190915.mp3