Sunday, June 30, 2019

“On the Road to Emmaus”

Luke 24:13-32

1. The disciples whose eyes were obstructed

* John 19:25 “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (NIV)

2. Things that obstruct the eyes of the heart

* (1) “Walking in reverse”

Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (NIV)

* (2) “Unproductive discussion”

* (3) “Dogma and prejudice”

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (NIV)

3. The disciples whose eyes were opened

* The testimony of a woman who battled cancer

1 Corinthians 15:55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Who were the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus?

2. Who was it who was walking with them?

3. When did the two realize that it was Jesus?

4. What kinds of things obstruct the eyes of the heart?

5. Do you have an experience of when the eyes of your heart were opened? What kind of time was it?

MCC English 20190630.mp3

Sunday, June 23, 2019

“The Morning of Rejoicing”

Luke 24:1-12

1. The women who came to Jesus’ tomb

* Mark 16:3 “and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’” (NIV)

* Romans 10:17 “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (NIV)

* Luke 24:6 “remember” = The state in which Jesus’ words and your experience become one

* The experience of Yuko Takahashi (Kyoto University Graduate School professor and doctor)

2. The reaction of the disciples who heard the news from the women

* Luke 24:10 “told” = repeatedly say, continue to say

* Luke 24:11 “nonsense” = useless talk

* Luke 24:12 “wondering” = doubt, contemplate

* The experience of Missionary Pladeep Sudler in southern Gujarat, India in 1983

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. What is the meaning of “remember” in Luke 24:6? If you have had such an experience, please share.

2. What was the response of the disciples when they heard the news from the women? Why did they react in that way?

3. Why do you think it is difficult to believe in Jesus Christ’s resurrection?

MCC English 20190623.mp3

Sunday, June 16, 2019

“The Burial of Jesus’ Body”

Luke 23:50-56

1. Jesus’ burial

* 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.” (NIV)

2. The people who were on site at Jesus’ burial

* (1) Joseph

Mark 15:43 “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.” (NIV)

John 19:38 “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.” (NIV)

* (2) The women who had come from Galilee

Luke 23:55 “saw” = watch carefully

3. Hope in what is beyond the grave

* “Beloved People Going to Heaven” (Japanese book)

The testimony of 14 people who saw off people close to them to Heaven

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Why is it so important that “Jesus was buried?”

2. Why was Joseph not concerned about endangering himself to ask to take down Jesus’ body?

3. What do you think about what happens “after death?” What does the Bible teach?

MCC English 20190616.mp3

Sunday, June 9, 2019

“What Precedes All Things”

Psalm 27:4, John 17:3

1. What precedes all things = “Personal and intimate relationship with God”

* True “peace,” “hope,” and “joy” is generated from correctly understanding God through Jesus Christ

* 1 Corinthians 2:9 “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ - the things God has prepared for those who love him.” (NIV)

2. Faith lifestyle separated from the truth

* Humanistic, worldly, legalistic

“God did so love the world that he really sent his beloved son, so make what effort you can to respond to that wonderful love!”

* Worrying about the gap with your own “idealistic Christian image”

3. “Walking in faith” by grace (Ephesians 2:8-10)

* Ephesians 2:8-10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)

* “Salvation” and “growth” both come from “faith that responds to grace”

* Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV)

* The “model of faith” is Jesus Christ

* Hebrews 12:2 “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV)

* Spend sufficient time daily in “fellowship with God through Jesus Christ!”

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. What “precedes all things?” What kinds of things does that bring about?

2. Why is it that often become “legalistic” and worry about our gap with our “idealistic Christian image?”

3. How have you drifted away from your “walk in faith through grace” in the past? Share and pray for each other.

MCC20190609.mp3

Sunday, June 2, 2019

“Father, Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit”

Luke 23:44-49

1. What occurred in conjunction with Jesus’ death (Luke 23:44-45)

* “the sun stopped shining”

* “the curtain of the temple was torn in two”

* Exodus 10:22 “So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days.” (NIV)

* Amos 8:9 “’In that day,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.’” (NIV)

* Hebrews 10:19-20 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.” (NIV)

* Acts 6:7 “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (NIV)

2. Jesus’ death (Luke 23:46)

* Psalm 31:5 “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” (NIV)

“commit” = “to put before”

* “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom

3. The reaction of those who saw Jesus’ death (Luke 23:47-49)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. What meaning was there in there in the events that occurred in conjunction with Jesus’ death?

2. What does “into your hands I commit my spirit” mean?

3. What meaning does Jesus’ death on the cross have to you?

MCC English 20190602.mp3

Sunday, May 26, 2019

“The Three Crosses”

Luke 23:39-43

1. The cross: The place of love and forgiveness

* 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV)

2. The cross: The place of choice and decision

* Luke 23:39 “hurled insults” = curse, blasphemy

* Luke 23:42 “Jesus, remember me when you come with the authority you have of the kingdom.” (colloquial translation)

* Matthew 16:28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (NIV)

* Luke 23:43 “paradise” = paradise

* John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (NIV)

* Stephan Grover Cleveland (1837 – 1908) (22nd and 24th president of the USA)

* Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. When Jesus prayed on the cross “Father, please forgive them,” who was the “them” he was referring to?

2. What is the meaning of Luke 23:42?

3. What is “paradise”?

4. What happens to humans after death?

MCC20190526.mp3

Sunday, May 19, 2019

“Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering)”

Luke 23:26-38

1. The cross. God’s power.

* 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (NIV)

* Luke 23:26 “Cyrene” = Town in northern Africa (around the area of present Siberia)

* Luke 23:27 “women who mourned and wailed” = “Weeping women” hired to cry at a funeral

* Luke 23:31 “tree is green” = Jesus Christ, “(tree) is dry” = Jewish people

* Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” (NIV)

2. The cross. God’s love.

* “How much?” “This much!”

3. The cross. God’s providence.

* Mark 15:21 “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.” (NIV)

* Acts 13:1 “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. What is the “message of the cross” in 1 Corinthians 1:18?

2. By what can we know that God loves us?

3. Looking back on your life are there any times when you thought something was “God’s providence?” What kind of situation was it?

MCC Enlgish 20190519.mp3

Sunday, May 12, 2019

“Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

Luke 23:13-25

* The Apostle’s Creed

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”

1. Pilot, who judged Jesus

* Mark 15:10 “…knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.” (NIV)

* 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV)

2. Pilot, who wavered before Jesus

* Luke 23:25 “surrendered Jesus to their will” = “Gave Jesus to their desire” (direct translation)

* Matthew 27:24-25 “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’” (NIV)

3. Pilot, who was judged by Jesus

* John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Does the Apostle’s Creed match up with your confession of faith?

2. Why do you think Pilot wavered?

3. What do you think is the meaning of “Pilot, who was judged by Jesus”?

MCC Enlgish 20190512.mp3

Sunday, May 5, 2019

“Jesus Who Confronted Pilot and Herod”

Luke 23:1-12

1. Pilot, who was puzzled by Jesus

* John 18:33-37 “Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘Is that your own idea,’ Jesus asked, ‘or did others talk to you about me?’ ‘Am I a Jew?’ Pilate replied. ‘Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?’ Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’” (NIV)

* The faith of a Chinese Communist Party Senior Executive

* 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him...” (NIV)

2. Herod, who insulted Jesus

3. The silence of Jesus

* Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (NIV)

* Psalm 62:1,2,7 “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken… My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (NIV)

* Jeremiah 29:11-14 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.’” (NIV)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. Pilot chose the voice of his desire, rather than the voice of his conscience. Have you ever had such an experience?

2. Jesus remained silent even though unjust judgment was proceeding. Why do you think he did so?

3. What can you learn from Jesus’ silence?

MCC English 20190505.mp3

Sunday, April 28, 2019

“Jesus Who Stood Before The Highest Court”

Luke 22:63-71

1. The insults Jesus received (Luke 22:63-65)

* Luke 22:63 “mocking,” Luke 22:64 “demanded,” Luke 22:65 “insulting things”

These are imperfect verbs, indicating that those actions were conducted repeatedly

* Luke 22:64 “blindfolded” = completely covered with a veil

* Luke 21:12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.” (NIV)

* John 15:20 “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (NIV)

* February 2018 “Religious Affairs Conditions” enforced in China

“My Faith Disobedience Declaration” by Pastor Wan Yi (arrested December 9, 2018)

2. The judgment Jesus received (Luke 22:66-71)

* Luke 22:66 “council of the elders of the people” = Sanhedrin

* The 3 possibilities of people who claim that “they are god”

1. They are lying

2. They are mentally ill

3. It is true

* The conversion of Lew Wallace (writer, scholar, politician)

“Ben Hur – A Tale of the Christ” (1880)

Thoughts to share at Mini Church:

1. What would you do if “Religious Affairs Conditions” like those in China were enforced?

2. Why was Jesus persecuted for declaring he was God?

3. Today there are people who do not recognize Jesus Christ as God, or don’t want to do so.

Why do you think that is?

MCC English 20190428.mp3