Sunday Worship Service February 1, 2026
Prelude
Call to Worship Genesis 2:7
Hymn JBC # 3 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #514 I need Thee ev’ry hour
The Prayer Time
Offering
Scripture Acts 10:23b~33
Prayer
Sermon “I am only a man myself”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 278 There’s within my heart a melody
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
In today’s scripture passage, it is written that Peter left the town of Joppa, where he had been staying, and headed for the town of Caesarea.
Both Joppa and Caesarea were towns located along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. From Joppa in the south to Caesarea in the north, the distance was approximately 60 kilometers.
It is written that Peter was not alone; some of his brothers went with him. These "brothers" do not refer to blood relatives but to brothers in faith who believe in the same Jesus Christ.
While staying in Joppa, Peter saw a vision while he prayed.
This is described in the section preceding today’s passage, which we studied during last week’s service.
Peter saw this vision while he was praying during the noon hour and feeling hungry.
In the vision, heaven opened and something like a large sheet descended to the earth. Inside the sheet were all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds of the air (v. 12).
Then Peter heard a voice. The voice said, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
Although Peter was hungry at the time, what the voice said was shocking to him.
This was because those creatures were exactly what Jews were strictly forbidden to eat according to Biblical law. Peter had never eaten any of those animals before.
Therefore, Peter rejected what the voice said in the vision, replying, "These are unclean foods that I have never once eaten."
He may have felt that by eating them, he would lose something he had long cherished—perhaps his pride as a Jew, or his own sense of self-worth and confidence.
However, God told Peter that something new was about to happen. The voice said, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (v. 15).
This happened three times.
Prior to this event, Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army stationed in Caesarea, had received a message from an angel of God.
Though Cornelius was a gentile (foreigner), not a Jew, he was a believer in the true God of Israel, lived a life of sincere faith, and gave generously to those in need. Furthermore, such his way of life influenced his family, and his entire household feared God.
The message to Cornelius was, "Send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Peter."
Being a man of faith, Cornelius believed the word of God (delivered by the angel) and sent two of his trusted servants and one of his soldiers to Joppa, where Peter was.
What happened to both Cornelius and Peter was that God had arranged it so that they might meet.
God orchestrated an encounter between Cornelius and Peter by speaking to them through an angel and a vision.
I believe that the encounters we experience are never accidental; God brings us together in various ways according to His plan.
God works and advances His plan by bringing us together and bringing us into fellowship.
God brings about these encounters in mysterious ways, but we can trust He has a plan and something to tell us through these encounters.
Cornelius had gathered his relatives and friends and was waiting for Peter.
The fact that Cornelius was not alone but gathered his relatives and friends to wait for Peter suggests he felt that what was about to happen was not something meant for him alone.
It is written that when Peter met Cornelius, Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet in reverence (v. 25).
For Cornelius, the man whom God had told him to summon had finally arrived.
To Cornelius, Peter must have looked like a messenger of God, or perhaps even like God Himself.
Then Peter made Cornelius get up and said to him:
"Stand up. I am only a man myself" (v. 26).
Peter’s own experience in the faith was a big reason he said this.
Why was Peter able to say these words?
It was because he had met Jesus Christ and had experienced being shown just how small, weak, and sinful he was in the presence of God’s greatness.
In Matthew 18, it is described how the disciples, while Jesus was living on earth with them, were arguing among themselves about "who is the greatest."
Peter was one of those disciples. Peter and the disciples were arguing, "Who is the greatest among us?" and "It must surely be me."
Peter once asked Jesus, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Peter must have had considerable confidence as a disciple in himself.
Peter likely held the confidence that, "I have left everything to follow the Lord. Someone like me must certainly be the greatest."
Before Jesus was arrested and crucified, He told His disciples, "You will all fall away because of me" (meaning they would falter and flee, abandoning Him).
At that time, Peter said to Jesus, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
When Jesus further told Peter, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times," Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you."
However, Peter (and all the other disciples), who had spoken so boldly, fled just as Jesus had said when He was arrested.
And when others accused him, saying "You also were with that man Jesus," Peter vehemently denied knowing Jesus three times, saying, "I don't know the man." It was exactly as Jesus had foretold.
All of this must have left a painful mark on Peter’s heart for a long time after that.
Through these events, Peter must have been made painfully aware of his own weakness and sinfulness.
Yet, the resurrected Jesus appeared to such a man as Peter, encouraged him and the other disciples, and told them that God remembered them and that their sins were forgiven.
Peter, who had been shown his own weakness and ugliness to the point of disgust, received a great, immense hope from Jesus: "The Lord has forgiven someone like me. By His mercy, He has given me life again and now lets me live anew as one who shares the Gospel."
That is why, looking at Cornelius kneeling before him, Peter was able to say, "Stand up; I am only a (weak, sinful) man myself." He had no choice but to say so from his heart.
This is because, through Jesus, Peter had been shown the truth that he was truly a weak and sinful person, and the truth that we all humans are the same.
"Man is man, and God is God." This is a vital message that runs throughout the Bible.
However, we commit the sin of making things that are not God into God. Treating what is not God as God is called idolatry.
We also create hierarchies and artificial differences between people, acting as if there is a difference even in our inherent value as human beings.
However, God told Peter through the vision, "Do not call anyone impure or unclean." It means that all people are precious.
Humans have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Yet, God has redeemed and forgiven us through the death of Jesus on the cross.
Our sins are forgiven through the precious sacrifice of Jesus. God has forgiven us to be born again and God made us clean through Jesus.
Through Jesus, we have been given the blessing of being considered precious in the sight of God.
Is that not a truly great and amazing blessing and grace? In the face of God's grace, we can do nothing but feel gratitude and humility.
Let’s read what Cornelius said in today’s passage in the last verse (33).
"It was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
The fact that we are here together in the church means that we are in the presence of God.
And that means we have been permitted to be in God's presence and permitted to hear His Word.
The opportunity to hear the Word of God has been given to us. So, let us not miss this opportunity, but rather let us hear everything that God is trying to tell us now without exception and with great expectation.
God speaks to us in various ways. He speaks to us especially through the words of the Bible, and through this worship service where the words of the Bible are spoken aloud and explained.
The Word of God spoken and shared through worship never stops giving us new strength and sustenance in our lives.
God grants us wonderful grace—beyond what we ask or expect—especially through His Word, right here in this place of worship.
Therefore, let us gather for worship with great gratitude and expectation. And let us together receive the blessing of hearing and sharing the Word through worship with heartfelt thanks.
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Sunday Worship Service January 25, 2026
Prelude
Call to Worship Jeremiah 33:3
Hymn JBC # 320 Shine and Live
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
The Lord’s Supper
Offering
Scripture Acts 10:9~23a
Prayer
Sermon “Peter’s Vision”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 544 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
At the beginning of today’s bible passage is written that three men were travelling on their journey.
These three men were sent by a man named Cornelius who was a centurion captain of the Roman army, two were his servants and one who was his immediate aide attendant and a devout soldier.
Cornelius, while praying received what was spoken by the angel of God, is written in the earlier passage of today (passage of last week’s message)
The angel appeared to Cornelius who was praying and said [Send men to Joppa and bring to your place Simon called Peter]
Cornelius was not a Jew, but a Gentile (foreigner) from the Jews' perspective. And he was a centurion commander who was stationed in the town of Caesarea.
Even though he was a gentile, Cornelius believed the God of Israel, did many charities to people, etc., and even in that way of life he was a man who practiced faith to the Lord God.
Cornelius obeyed what the angel had commanded him. In obedience to God’s message that was given to him through prayer, he sent the three, his two servants and an attendant soldier to Joppa (to the house where Peter was).
The encounter of Cornelius and Peter was one of the most significant events in the process where the gospel of God spreads out surpassing the Jews.
At that time, even the three attendants that were used by Cornelius carried out a very important role in realizing that precious encounter of Cornelius and Peter.
We can say that the Lord did not let Cornelius and Peter meet directly from the beginning but has made the three as the so called “mediator” between them for them to meet.
Even when we meet new people, I believe that there are many instances where one introduces that person or someone carries out as the intermediary between our encounters.
As such, God gives us new encounters among each other through various people.
I believe that God desires that His gospel spreads out through such an encounter.
To my idea, even the first time we come to church, often we are led through connection with people like being invited by someone, having an acquaintance or because we have a friend at church, etc.
In that way, let us cherish and be grateful for the blessing of opportunity of new encounter that is given us and the gospel to spread out through such an encounter.
It is written that when the three men were on their journey, Peter who was in the town called Joppa went up the roof to pray. It was 12:00 in the daytime (noon). That period was one of the prayer times that was made 3 times a day.
Praying on the roof top is to pray in a place where one could be alone as possible. By being alone in a place and praying at a definite time, we can meditate on our prayer to God.
For a prayer to be fruitful (intimate time with God), praying at a definite time and in a place where we could be alone as possible is effective.
By deciding our prayer time in a place where we can meditate alone even for a short period, by spending even a short moment of prayer through God’s word of the bible, we can set prayer in the center of our living.
Moreover, even the worship service where we gather every Sunday as this, we come together at a definite time.
By setting the time and gathering at the same place, also even abiding by the pre-determined program, we become aware and prepare beforehand if we set worship service the center of our life of faith.
And because there is determined time and place, we meet up with each other this way and can personally worship together.
Let us cherish gathering regularly to worship God and praying together even from now on.
At that moment, Peter felt hungry. It is written, [then Peter fell into a trance and saw a vision]
Let me read verses 11～12.
11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.
Then a voice told him [Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.]
That was astonishing to Peter. It’s because the living things that were in the sheet were those kinds that should never be eaten by the Jews as taught according to the laws of the Bible up to that point.
In chapter 11 of [the book of Leviticus] of the Old Testament is written rules concerning various living things that were specified as clean and good to eat, and as unclean things that must not eat.
Even at present, there are also those who strictly practice Judaism who keep that rule.
The living things that Peter saw in his vision were all those that were taught [must not eat] until then.
Therefore, Peter said [Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.]
That Peter’s remark [I have never eaten anything impure or unclean] seems to have the feeling of being proud himself.
It’s a self-awareness of [I have firmly upheld what I should observe]
In my opinion, at that time Peter must have sensed within him the thought, I adhere properly by my own will and strength God’s ordained decree.
However, the Law given from God is primarily to protect and guide man. It’s a grace given to us freely to make man come closer to God.
The Law is not given to take pride in oneself by adhering to it.
God always try to shatter such feelings of ours, the pride in us.
To us, the important thing is not to take pride in our self by depending on our own strength but plainly receive with gratefulness God’s grace that is given us and depend on that blessing.
Our true encounter with God changes our way of life from the thought of taking pride in our self, trying to depend on our own, to the way of life to live depending on God, plainly believing His grace and strength.
The living things that Peter saw in the sheet were certainly those that were ordained “must not eat” from God until then.
However, at that time God was intending to do a new thing.
When Jesus Christ was on earth with His disciples, Jesus said as follows.
[Anything that goes into your mouth goes into your stomach and then on out of your body. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make you ritually unclean.] (Matthew 15:17-18)
those words of Jesus, God had already mentioned “what truly makes a person unclean?”, it’s the evil thoughts that come out from man’s evil heart.
At that time, God had planned to do a new great occurrence. Therefore, God told Peter.
Verse 15 “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
It is written in today’s passage that that happened three times. We can see how firm his belief until then on the matter [Absolutely, you must not eat these things.]
And we are taught of God’s grace in how patiently and repeatedly (even three times) He spoke to Peter to change such thoughts.
Peter was lost in thoughts by himself about what that vision could mean. Then the people who were sent from Cornelius arrived at Peter’s place.
The “Spirit” told Peter.
“three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” (vs. 19-20)
“Do not hesitate to go with them”. Having received encouragement of the Spirit (God’s Spirit), it is written [Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.]
Peter invited those people and made them his guests into his house. In here, Peter had already made a great step.
It is clearly written in the later passage that back then, as prohibited in the law, the Jews never associated with foreigners, even visiting them.
However, God intended to demonstrate His new plan to Peter through vision and the guidance of the Spirit. God tried to make Peter take step to a new way by the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
The food rule until then is abolished, the event in which the grace of the true God is proclaimed to all people surpassing the Jews, people all over the world believe the true God is about to happen right now.
What could be a new transition the Lord prepares for us, for our church presently? God’s plan, the Lord’s will is truly unfathomable, it’s vast and far surpassing our imagination.
We can believe that the Lord has a wonderful plan that is more than what we envision and hope even for our church.
Let us together listen to and receive the Lord’s revelation giving importance to prayer, God’s word of the Bible and the worship service where we gather.
And should it be necessary, if God’s Spirit leads us in such way, let us not fear even the things about us (ourselves) that can be changed until then.
It is my desire that we face new encounters, various events, new challenges, not fearing even changes in ourselves from now on, being obedient to the Lord’s will that is revealed to us.
Prelude
Call to Worship Jeremiah 33:3
Hymn JBC # 320 Shine and Live
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
The Lord’s Supper
Offering
Scripture Acts 10:9~23a
Prayer
Sermon “Peter’s Vision”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 544 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
At the beginning of today’s bible passage is written that three men were travelling on their journey.
These three men were sent by a man named Cornelius who was a centurion captain of the Roman army, two were his servants and one who was his immediate aide attendant and a devout soldier.
Cornelius, while praying received what was spoken by the angel of God, is written in the earlier passage of today (passage of last week’s message)
The angel appeared to Cornelius who was praying and said [Send men to Joppa and bring to your place Simon called Peter]
Cornelius was not a Jew, but a Gentile (foreigner) from the Jews' perspective. And he was a centurion commander who was stationed in the town of Caesarea.
Even though he was a gentile, Cornelius believed the God of Israel, did many charities to people, etc., and even in that way of life he was a man who practiced faith to the Lord God.
Cornelius obeyed what the angel had commanded him. In obedience to God’s message that was given to him through prayer, he sent the three, his two servants and an attendant soldier to Joppa (to the house where Peter was).
The encounter of Cornelius and Peter was one of the most significant events in the process where the gospel of God spreads out surpassing the Jews.
At that time, even the three attendants that were used by Cornelius carried out a very important role in realizing that precious encounter of Cornelius and Peter.
We can say that the Lord did not let Cornelius and Peter meet directly from the beginning but has made the three as the so called “mediator” between them for them to meet.
Even when we meet new people, I believe that there are many instances where one introduces that person or someone carries out as the intermediary between our encounters.
As such, God gives us new encounters among each other through various people.
I believe that God desires that His gospel spreads out through such an encounter.
To my idea, even the first time we come to church, often we are led through connection with people like being invited by someone, having an acquaintance or because we have a friend at church, etc.
In that way, let us cherish and be grateful for the blessing of opportunity of new encounter that is given us and the gospel to spread out through such an encounter.
It is written that when the three men were on their journey, Peter who was in the town called Joppa went up the roof to pray. It was 12:00 in the daytime (noon). That period was one of the prayer times that was made 3 times a day.
Praying on the roof top is to pray in a place where one could be alone as possible. By being alone in a place and praying at a definite time, we can meditate on our prayer to God.
For a prayer to be fruitful (intimate time with God), praying at a definite time and in a place where we could be alone as possible is effective.
By deciding our prayer time in a place where we can meditate alone even for a short period, by spending even a short moment of prayer through God’s word of the bible, we can set prayer in the center of our living.
Moreover, even the worship service where we gather every Sunday as this, we come together at a definite time.
By setting the time and gathering at the same place, also even abiding by the pre-determined program, we become aware and prepare beforehand if we set worship service the center of our life of faith.
And because there is determined time and place, we meet up with each other this way and can personally worship together.
Let us cherish gathering regularly to worship God and praying together even from now on.
At that moment, Peter felt hungry. It is written, [then Peter fell into a trance and saw a vision]
Let me read verses 11～12.
11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.
Then a voice told him [Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.]
That was astonishing to Peter. It’s because the living things that were in the sheet were those kinds that should never be eaten by the Jews as taught according to the laws of the Bible up to that point.
In chapter 11 of [the book of Leviticus] of the Old Testament is written rules concerning various living things that were specified as clean and good to eat, and as unclean things that must not eat.
Even at present, there are also those who strictly practice Judaism who keep that rule.
The living things that Peter saw in his vision were all those that were taught [must not eat] until then.
Therefore, Peter said [Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.]
That Peter’s remark [I have never eaten anything impure or unclean] seems to have the feeling of being proud himself.
It’s a self-awareness of [I have firmly upheld what I should observe]
In my opinion, at that time Peter must have sensed within him the thought, I adhere properly by my own will and strength God’s ordained decree.
However, the Law given from God is primarily to protect and guide man. It’s a grace given to us freely to make man come closer to God.
The Law is not given to take pride in oneself by adhering to it.
God always try to shatter such feelings of ours, the pride in us.
To us, the important thing is not to take pride in our self by depending on our own strength but plainly receive with gratefulness God’s grace that is given us and depend on that blessing.
Our true encounter with God changes our way of life from the thought of taking pride in our self, trying to depend on our own, to the way of life to live depending on God, plainly believing His grace and strength.
The living things that Peter saw in the sheet were certainly those that were ordained “must not eat” from God until then.
However, at that time God was intending to do a new thing.
When Jesus Christ was on earth with His disciples, Jesus said as follows.
[Anything that goes into your mouth goes into your stomach and then on out of your body. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make you ritually unclean.] (Matthew 15:17-18)
those words of Jesus, God had already mentioned “what truly makes a person unclean?”, it’s the evil thoughts that come out from man’s evil heart.
At that time, God had planned to do a new great occurrence. Therefore, God told Peter.
Verse 15 “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
It is written in today’s passage that that happened three times. We can see how firm his belief until then on the matter [Absolutely, you must not eat these things.]
And we are taught of God’s grace in how patiently and repeatedly (even three times) He spoke to Peter to change such thoughts.
Peter was lost in thoughts by himself about what that vision could mean. Then the people who were sent from Cornelius arrived at Peter’s place.
The “Spirit” told Peter.
“three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” (vs. 19-20)
“Do not hesitate to go with them”. Having received encouragement of the Spirit (God’s Spirit), it is written [Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.]
Peter invited those people and made them his guests into his house. In here, Peter had already made a great step.
It is clearly written in the later passage that back then, as prohibited in the law, the Jews never associated with foreigners, even visiting them.
However, God intended to demonstrate His new plan to Peter through vision and the guidance of the Spirit. God tried to make Peter take step to a new way by the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
The food rule until then is abolished, the event in which the grace of the true God is proclaimed to all people surpassing the Jews, people all over the world believe the true God is about to happen right now.
What could be a new transition the Lord prepares for us, for our church presently? God’s plan, the Lord’s will is truly unfathomable, it’s vast and far surpassing our imagination.
We can believe that the Lord has a wonderful plan that is more than what we envision and hope even for our church.
Let us together listen to and receive the Lord’s revelation giving importance to prayer, God’s word of the Bible and the worship service where we gather.
And should it be necessary, if God’s Spirit leads us in such way, let us not fear even the things about us (ourselves) that can be changed until then.
It is my desire that we face new encounters, various events, new challenges, not fearing even changes in ourselves from now on, being obedient to the Lord’s will that is revealed to us.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Sunday Worship Service January 18, 2026
Prelude
Call to Worship Deuteronomy 31:6
Hymn JBC # 120 Praise to the Lord, Almighty
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
Offering
Scripture Acts 10:1~8
Prayer
Sermon “Praying to God regularly”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 510 When we walk with the Lord
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
Today's Bible passage takes place in a city called Caesarea. Caesarea was a city located on the Mediterranean coast in the northwestern part of Israel.
At that time (about 2,000 years ago), Caesarea served as one of the bases for the Roman Empire's rule over Judea.
Caesarea was a port city that flourished under King Herod the Great of Judea. The name “Caesarea” literally means “Caesar's City.”
It was named after the Roman Emperor Caesar. It was also King Herod the Great who developed Caesarea and named the city “Caesarea” in honor of the Roman Emperor.
Herod the Great had been appointed King of Judea by the Roman Empire. For Herod, backing from the Roman Empire was indispensable for maintaining his position and power as king.
That he named this prosperous port city after the emperor and undertook various improvements to the city was likely because he wished to curry favor with the Roman emperor as much as possible, hoping to make his position as King of Judea secure and strong.
King Herod, upon hearing from the wise men who came from the east to Jerusalem that “a king of the Jews has been born,” became greatly troubled (Matthew 2).
Anyone would feel uneasy like Herod if their secure position or status were threatened.
Not knowing who this new king was, Herod ordered the killing of all the newborn boys at that time.
We Christians today know that the newly born King of the Jews at that time was the true King and Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to save the people of the world from sin.
However, I believe we cannot simply condemn King Herod as foolish.
For we must constantly examine whether we truly welcome Jesus Christ as the true King into the center of our lives.
Unlike Herod the Great, who committed the cruel act of killing all newborn male infants because he could not precisely identify the one who would replace him as king, we do not do such things.
But what if we claim to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, yet fail to truly welcome Him into our hearts and live in obedience to Him?
If so, I am compelled to think we are no different from King Herod in that we are rejecting the true King.
The weakness Herod displayed—naming his city after the emperor of the empire, currying favor with that human emperor, and relying on the backing of a human ruler to protect himself—is a weakness we also carry within us.
We desire to reaffirm once more that the only One whose name should be revered and praised is the Lord God, Jesus Christ, and that the only true strength and support for us comes from God's power alone.
In today's passage, a man named Cornelius appears in Caesarea. He was a centurion in a Roman military unit known as the “Italian Regiment”
A centurion was the commander of a military unit consisting of several dozen to a hundred soldiers.
In fact, several men referred to as centurions appear in the Gospels, and they are portrayed as figures demonstrating significant faith.
In Matthew 27, when Jesus breathed His last on the cross, the centurion who witnessed this, along with others, declared, “Surely he was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
I believe it is fair to say that upon seeing Jesus breathe His last on the cross, he made this confession of faith: “Surely he was the Son of God.”
At the beginning of Luke chapter 7, we see a centurion whose servant was gravely ill. He asked Jesus to come to him.
So the centurion sent word to Jesus, saying:
"Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof... Just say the word, ..." Thus, he demonstrated unwavering trust in God's word.
It was the non-Jews who displayed this astonishing faith, declaring, “If you only say the word, it will surely happen.”
According to the Jewish thinking of that time, non-Jews were Gentiles, and Gentiles were outside the scope of God's grace. Therefore, Jews were even considered forbidden to associate with Gentiles.
But God also chose the Gentiles, and had already given them the faith to recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Jesus Christ, God became man, Himself tore down the walls of division erected between people, between races, and between countries, and accomplished the work of establishing peace.
We desire to realize the peace established by Jesus among us who believe in Christ as Lord, so that the various differences between us do not lead to conflict or mutual exclusion.
What does today's passage say about this centurion?
As verse 2 states, it says of this centurion: “He was a devout man, revered by his whole household, a generous man who gave generously to the people, and prayed to God continually.”
Though he was a centurion in the Roman army, he recognized that the true General, the true King, was the Lord God.
It is astonishing that in Caesarea, a city named after the Roman emperor, a commander of the Roman army lived a life of genuine reverence for God, together with his entire household.
And most importantly, he “prayed regularly.”
I have made “Praying regularly (or constantly)” the title of today's message. What a blessed posture of faith it is to pray to God constantly, always. The ability to pray is one of the greatest blessings of our faith.
Through prayer, we can entrust ourselves to God, we are permitted to speak to Him, and through prayer, God speaks to us.
I believe Cornelius' prayer was that of believing in God and seeking to entrust himself to God. Moreover, to pray without ceasing is a way of life—persevering in prayer without giving up.
Within that centurion's prayers, I believe there were prayers that were heard (answered) and prayers that were not heard (unanswered).
Yet even so, I believe that continuing to pray without ceasing was the driving force of that centurion's life.
And because he continually believed in God and kept praying, his sincere faith even influenced his own family.
The many acts of charity Cornelius performed were likely also based on the grace and strength he received from God through his constant prayer.
Through such a life of prayer, he was given the faith that “what we should truly fear is not the human ruler, the Roman emperor, but the true God.”
We too desire to know that God alone is the One to be feared, to humble ourselves before Him, to lower ourselves, and to understand that man is not an object to be revered as God.
Around three o'clock one afternoon, an angel of God called out to Cornelius. Three o'clock in the afternoon was one of the times for Jewish prayer.
I believe we can understand that Cornelius consistently offered prayer as a regular, sincere practice of his faith.
The angel of God called out to him, “Cornelius.” It is written that he was terrified at that moment.
He was afraid because he was called directly by God (by the angel) through a voice. Yet Cornelius asked, “Lord, what is it?”
Faced with an event beyond ordinary experience and sensation, Cornelius, though afraid, sought God's will by asking, “Lord, what is it?”
We too desire to live a life where, in every circumstance, we say, “Lord, what is it?” always seeking the Lord's will and walking in obedience to it.
The angel of God told Cornelius, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. ”
Through his life of prayer, Cornelius had a rich relationship with God. By the grace he received from God, by the love he received from God, he was able to give generously to others.
Cornelius was able to give generously to others because he himself had received overflowing grace, love, and power from God. It was because Cornelius was conscious of God's grace, love, and power.
The source of our faith, the source of our practice of faith, is the grace, love, and power we receive from the Lord God. We desire to always keep the grace, love, and power we receive from God as the driving force of our faith.
God's angel told Cornelius, “Send men to Joppa now and bring back a man named Simon, who is called Peter.”
The meeting between Peter, a Jew and an apostle of Jesus Christ, and Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was unfolding at that time according to God's plan.
From today's passage onward, their encounter unfolds to reveal that God's salvation is open not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles, to all people.
We too are given encounters with various people. I believe we can trust that God guides these encounters between us within His great plan.
Moreover, when we consider that each encounter among us, each meeting brought about by God, forms part of His great plan, we feel profoundly encouraged.
We desire to cherish the encounters granted to us by God.
And through a life of prayer, we wish to live daily in obedience to His Word.
By continually praying and listening to God's word, we may receive new revelations and new encounters.
Let us walk forward, trusting in God, looking forward to the plans and guidance He has prepared for us.
Prelude
Call to Worship Deuteronomy 31:6
Hymn JBC # 120 Praise to the Lord, Almighty
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
Offering
Scripture Acts 10:1~8
Prayer
Sermon “Praying to God regularly”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 510 When we walk with the Lord
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
Today's Bible passage takes place in a city called Caesarea. Caesarea was a city located on the Mediterranean coast in the northwestern part of Israel.
At that time (about 2,000 years ago), Caesarea served as one of the bases for the Roman Empire's rule over Judea.
Caesarea was a port city that flourished under King Herod the Great of Judea. The name “Caesarea” literally means “Caesar's City.”
It was named after the Roman Emperor Caesar. It was also King Herod the Great who developed Caesarea and named the city “Caesarea” in honor of the Roman Emperor.
Herod the Great had been appointed King of Judea by the Roman Empire. For Herod, backing from the Roman Empire was indispensable for maintaining his position and power as king.
That he named this prosperous port city after the emperor and undertook various improvements to the city was likely because he wished to curry favor with the Roman emperor as much as possible, hoping to make his position as King of Judea secure and strong.
King Herod, upon hearing from the wise men who came from the east to Jerusalem that “a king of the Jews has been born,” became greatly troubled (Matthew 2).
Anyone would feel uneasy like Herod if their secure position or status were threatened.
Not knowing who this new king was, Herod ordered the killing of all the newborn boys at that time.
We Christians today know that the newly born King of the Jews at that time was the true King and Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to save the people of the world from sin.
However, I believe we cannot simply condemn King Herod as foolish.
For we must constantly examine whether we truly welcome Jesus Christ as the true King into the center of our lives.
Unlike Herod the Great, who committed the cruel act of killing all newborn male infants because he could not precisely identify the one who would replace him as king, we do not do such things.
But what if we claim to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, yet fail to truly welcome Him into our hearts and live in obedience to Him?
If so, I am compelled to think we are no different from King Herod in that we are rejecting the true King.
The weakness Herod displayed—naming his city after the emperor of the empire, currying favor with that human emperor, and relying on the backing of a human ruler to protect himself—is a weakness we also carry within us.
We desire to reaffirm once more that the only One whose name should be revered and praised is the Lord God, Jesus Christ, and that the only true strength and support for us comes from God's power alone.
In today's passage, a man named Cornelius appears in Caesarea. He was a centurion in a Roman military unit known as the “Italian Regiment”
A centurion was the commander of a military unit consisting of several dozen to a hundred soldiers.
In fact, several men referred to as centurions appear in the Gospels, and they are portrayed as figures demonstrating significant faith.
In Matthew 27, when Jesus breathed His last on the cross, the centurion who witnessed this, along with others, declared, “Surely he was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
I believe it is fair to say that upon seeing Jesus breathe His last on the cross, he made this confession of faith: “Surely he was the Son of God.”
At the beginning of Luke chapter 7, we see a centurion whose servant was gravely ill. He asked Jesus to come to him.
So the centurion sent word to Jesus, saying:
"Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof... Just say the word, ..." Thus, he demonstrated unwavering trust in God's word.
It was the non-Jews who displayed this astonishing faith, declaring, “If you only say the word, it will surely happen.”
According to the Jewish thinking of that time, non-Jews were Gentiles, and Gentiles were outside the scope of God's grace. Therefore, Jews were even considered forbidden to associate with Gentiles.
But God also chose the Gentiles, and had already given them the faith to recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Jesus Christ, God became man, Himself tore down the walls of division erected between people, between races, and between countries, and accomplished the work of establishing peace.
We desire to realize the peace established by Jesus among us who believe in Christ as Lord, so that the various differences between us do not lead to conflict or mutual exclusion.
What does today's passage say about this centurion?
As verse 2 states, it says of this centurion: “He was a devout man, revered by his whole household, a generous man who gave generously to the people, and prayed to God continually.”
Though he was a centurion in the Roman army, he recognized that the true General, the true King, was the Lord God.
It is astonishing that in Caesarea, a city named after the Roman emperor, a commander of the Roman army lived a life of genuine reverence for God, together with his entire household.
And most importantly, he “prayed regularly.”
I have made “Praying regularly (or constantly)” the title of today's message. What a blessed posture of faith it is to pray to God constantly, always. The ability to pray is one of the greatest blessings of our faith.
Through prayer, we can entrust ourselves to God, we are permitted to speak to Him, and through prayer, God speaks to us.
I believe Cornelius' prayer was that of believing in God and seeking to entrust himself to God. Moreover, to pray without ceasing is a way of life—persevering in prayer without giving up.
Within that centurion's prayers, I believe there were prayers that were heard (answered) and prayers that were not heard (unanswered).
Yet even so, I believe that continuing to pray without ceasing was the driving force of that centurion's life.
And because he continually believed in God and kept praying, his sincere faith even influenced his own family.
The many acts of charity Cornelius performed were likely also based on the grace and strength he received from God through his constant prayer.
Through such a life of prayer, he was given the faith that “what we should truly fear is not the human ruler, the Roman emperor, but the true God.”
We too desire to know that God alone is the One to be feared, to humble ourselves before Him, to lower ourselves, and to understand that man is not an object to be revered as God.
Around three o'clock one afternoon, an angel of God called out to Cornelius. Three o'clock in the afternoon was one of the times for Jewish prayer.
I believe we can understand that Cornelius consistently offered prayer as a regular, sincere practice of his faith.
The angel of God called out to him, “Cornelius.” It is written that he was terrified at that moment.
He was afraid because he was called directly by God (by the angel) through a voice. Yet Cornelius asked, “Lord, what is it?”
Faced with an event beyond ordinary experience and sensation, Cornelius, though afraid, sought God's will by asking, “Lord, what is it?”
We too desire to live a life where, in every circumstance, we say, “Lord, what is it?” always seeking the Lord's will and walking in obedience to it.
The angel of God told Cornelius, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. ”
Through his life of prayer, Cornelius had a rich relationship with God. By the grace he received from God, by the love he received from God, he was able to give generously to others.
Cornelius was able to give generously to others because he himself had received overflowing grace, love, and power from God. It was because Cornelius was conscious of God's grace, love, and power.
The source of our faith, the source of our practice of faith, is the grace, love, and power we receive from the Lord God. We desire to always keep the grace, love, and power we receive from God as the driving force of our faith.
God's angel told Cornelius, “Send men to Joppa now and bring back a man named Simon, who is called Peter.”
The meeting between Peter, a Jew and an apostle of Jesus Christ, and Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was unfolding at that time according to God's plan.
From today's passage onward, their encounter unfolds to reveal that God's salvation is open not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles, to all people.
We too are given encounters with various people. I believe we can trust that God guides these encounters between us within His great plan.
Moreover, when we consider that each encounter among us, each meeting brought about by God, forms part of His great plan, we feel profoundly encouraged.
We desire to cherish the encounters granted to us by God.
And through a life of prayer, we wish to live daily in obedience to His Word.
By continually praying and listening to God's word, we may receive new revelations and new encounters.
Let us walk forward, trusting in God, looking forward to the plans and guidance He has prepared for us.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Sunday Worship Service January 11, 2026
Prelude
Call to Worship Ezekiel 2:1
Hymn JBC # 16 To God be the glory
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
Offering
Scripture Acts 9:32~43
Prayer
Sermon “Get up”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 134 Sing them over again to me
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
Today's Scripture passage is from Acts 9:32 through the end of this chapter (Chapter 9).
The first half of Chapter 9 depicts the dramatic transformation of Saul, who encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ and was fiercely persecuting Christians, into a passionate evangelist for Christ.
Saul (later called Paul) became a believer in Christ, and then, despite facing persecution and even the danger of losing his life, he was transformed into an evangelist who proclaimed Jesus Christ.
Through biblical figures like Saul, we are shown that people can be truly transformed by experiencing a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because by encountering the Lord Jesus Christ, believing in Christ as Lord, and welcoming Christ into the center of our lives, the power in Christ becomes ours as well.
Therefore, through the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ dwelling within us, we can receive the hope that people can be strengthened and transformed.
And through the examples of Christ's disciples and apostles, such as Saul and Peter, who appears in today's passage, we desire to grow in our conviction that the power of Christ, which worked through them, is also given to us today.
In today's passage, Peter, a disciple of Christ who was also called an apostle and held a leading position among the disciples, appears.
During Jesus' lifetime, Peter was one of His first disciples and could be considered His foremost disciple.
Today's Scripture passage recounts how Peter healed a man who had been ill for many years, and also tells of another occasion when he raised a dead person back to life.
Through this passage, let us listen together to God's message.
In today's first passage, verse 32, it is written, “Peter traveled about the country (traveled from place to place).” The city of Lydda, mentioned as “he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda” was located about 40 kilometers from Jerusalem.
After (Peter, as well) meeting the risen Lord and being guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter did not remain in one place (Jerusalem) but went here and there, journeying to the “holy ones” (in English, “the Lord's people”) from his side.
“The holy ones” (in English, “the Lord's people”) does not mean people who are sinless, unblemished, and pure.
“Holy ones,” or “the Lord's people,” refers to Christians who believe in Christ as Lord.
Then, in what sense can Christians be called “holy ones”? It is because they have been made pure by Christ, and their sins have been forgiven by Christ.
It is not that we have been recognized by God as excellent through our own efforts or achievements. It is not that we became pure by our own power.
A Christian is one who, by God's mercy alone, has been chosen to be Christ's own, made a child of God, one who believes in this great grace and has simply been allowed to receive it.
Christians believe that God works within our hearts, that God chose us, that God called us, and that God sanctified us through Christ.
I believe that those who hold this conviction are inevitably compelled to be just humble before God and before others.
Remembering the grace by which we have been made Christ's own and God's own, we desire to be those who boast not in ourselves but always in the Lord God.
Peter met a man named Aeneas in Lydda who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis, a condition where, for some reason, the body becomes paralyzed and unable to move freely.
Peter said to Aeneas, ““Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.”
Then Aeneas immediately got up. This is the first healing event performed by Peter that occurs in today's passage.
Peter told Aeneas, “Jesus Christ heals you.” The importance of these words cannot be overstated.
Peter did not say, “I heal you.” Peter said, “Jesus Christ heals you. So, Get up and roll up your mat.”
In another town called Joppa, Peter said to Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas (gazelle)) whom he met in the town “Tabitha, get up”, who had already died, and she was brought back to life.
“Tabitha, get up” as Peter said at that time carries the faith in Christ that “Jesus Christ will raise you to life.”
When we hear such stories, I think our interest and attention inevitably turn toward the miraculous healing of the sick or the reviving of those who had died.
The healing of Aenea's illness and the resurrection of Tabita, who was beloved by all, both are truly wonderful events.
It is only natural for those suffering from serious or painful illnesses to wish for healing. Likewise, when we ourselves, or our family or loved ones, are afflicted by illness and suffering, we pray to God for their recovery.
However, today's passage is not saying that if you believe in God, miracles like curing difficult illnesses or raising the dead will definitely happen.
If we say that visible, concrete miracles will always occur in response to our wishes and prayers, that would be placing ourselves in God's position.
So what message of faith can we hear in today's passage?
It is not I, a human being, who heals you (giving life and hope), but rather, “Jesus Christ heals you.” “Jesus Christ alone is the Healer and the source of life.”
And it is that faith is given to people, faith that trusts the Lord so completely, to the point where Peter could say to someone who had died, “Tabitha, get up,” and entrust everything to the Lord God.
Peter learned this attitude of faith entirely from the Lord Jesus. He learned many things directly from Jesus during His earthly ministry.
Peter's actions in today's passage reflect very well what he learned from Jesus and the image of Jesus that Peter actually saw.
In particular, Peter's behavior when Tabitha was raised from the dead closely mirrors Jesus' actions when He raised the daughter of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, from the dead as described in Mark 5:40.
Peter clearly remembered what Jesus had done at that time and can be said to have imitated His actions as faithfully as possible.
I believe there is meaning in starting with imitation. I think it is possible that imitation eventually grows into a faith that carries substance and meaning, one that is truly grounded.
For example, even something like praying, praying in public might be quite difficult at first. Even long-time Christians often hesitate when suddenly asked to pray in front of others.
At such times, it can be meaningful to start by imitating someone else's prayer, to simply recite prepared words, like a model prayer.
If you contemplate the meaning of that prayer, seek it earnestly, and pray sincerely, even if it begins as mere imitation, it is possible for it to be transformed into prayer accompanied by the substance of faith.
Let us actively emulate the attitudes of faith that we can learn from.
When Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead, Jesus heard the news before reaching the synagogue official's house: “the daughter has passed away. There is no need for you to come any further.”
But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. Just believe.” Saying this, Jesus did not stop heading toward Jairus's house, but entered the house.
Jesus sent everyone out of the house, then took the child by the hand and said, “Little girl, I tell you, get up!” And the child came back to life.
Peter recalled how Jesus had been at that time, thinking, “Even when the Lord heard the news that the girl had died, He never said, ‘It's over now; going there would be pointless.’”
That is why Peter too did not give up. Having personally witnessed the Lord's healing and even His power to raise the dead, he followed the Lord's example and never gave up.
Though Tabitha had died, this did not mean everything was over and all hope was shattered. The conviction that God's work would surely come to pass even from here was given to Peter even more strongly at that moment.
So Peter, as Jesus had done, sent everyone outside, and he knelt down and prayed.
“May God's work be done. May God's will be done,” Peter earnestly prayed, humbly offering his supplication to God.
Peter spoke the words, “Tabitha, get up,” almost identical to those Jesus Christ had spoken to Jairus's dead daughter. It was the faith to speak those words that had been given to Peter.
The faith that if it be the Lord's will, so it shall be was given to Peter. We desire not to be captivated by the superficial aspects of this miraculous event, but rather to fix our hearts on the greatness of the Lord God who bestowed such faith upon Peter.
As we continue to grow in our faith experience, as we continue to experience the grace of Jesus Christ, our trust in the Lord deepens.
The Lord God is faithful and always true; He is the One who keeps His promises. As we come to trust Him more and more, we increasingly rely on Him.
And many weary, wounded, and broken people come to church. Even among us today, there are surely those who are utterly exhausted and wounded.
Many people seek God's healing. I too seek God's healing. I also seek the strength to stand on my own.
At such times, we long to share this message with those who are weary and seek God's grace, power, and healing: “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up. (For Christ gives you the strength to stand up).”
Even when we think we are dead, it is never the end. God's work will surely come to pass. We can always receive from Jesus the hope that God's grace continues to be given to us.
We also desire to be a church where we can encourage one another with such words of faith.
Christ lifts us up day by day. Christ gives us life day by day, moving us forward step by step. Let us walk in faith each day, relying on Christ.
Prelude
Call to Worship Ezekiel 2:1
Hymn JBC # 16 To God be the glory
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
Offering
Scripture Acts 9:32~43
Prayer
Sermon “Get up”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 134 Sing them over again to me
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
Today's Scripture passage is from Acts 9:32 through the end of this chapter (Chapter 9).
The first half of Chapter 9 depicts the dramatic transformation of Saul, who encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ and was fiercely persecuting Christians, into a passionate evangelist for Christ.
Saul (later called Paul) became a believer in Christ, and then, despite facing persecution and even the danger of losing his life, he was transformed into an evangelist who proclaimed Jesus Christ.
Through biblical figures like Saul, we are shown that people can be truly transformed by experiencing a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because by encountering the Lord Jesus Christ, believing in Christ as Lord, and welcoming Christ into the center of our lives, the power in Christ becomes ours as well.
Therefore, through the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ dwelling within us, we can receive the hope that people can be strengthened and transformed.
And through the examples of Christ's disciples and apostles, such as Saul and Peter, who appears in today's passage, we desire to grow in our conviction that the power of Christ, which worked through them, is also given to us today.
In today's passage, Peter, a disciple of Christ who was also called an apostle and held a leading position among the disciples, appears.
During Jesus' lifetime, Peter was one of His first disciples and could be considered His foremost disciple.
Today's Scripture passage recounts how Peter healed a man who had been ill for many years, and also tells of another occasion when he raised a dead person back to life.
Through this passage, let us listen together to God's message.
In today's first passage, verse 32, it is written, “Peter traveled about the country (traveled from place to place).” The city of Lydda, mentioned as “he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda” was located about 40 kilometers from Jerusalem.
After (Peter, as well) meeting the risen Lord and being guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter did not remain in one place (Jerusalem) but went here and there, journeying to the “holy ones” (in English, “the Lord's people”) from his side.
“The holy ones” (in English, “the Lord's people”) does not mean people who are sinless, unblemished, and pure.
“Holy ones,” or “the Lord's people,” refers to Christians who believe in Christ as Lord.
Then, in what sense can Christians be called “holy ones”? It is because they have been made pure by Christ, and their sins have been forgiven by Christ.
It is not that we have been recognized by God as excellent through our own efforts or achievements. It is not that we became pure by our own power.
A Christian is one who, by God's mercy alone, has been chosen to be Christ's own, made a child of God, one who believes in this great grace and has simply been allowed to receive it.
Christians believe that God works within our hearts, that God chose us, that God called us, and that God sanctified us through Christ.
I believe that those who hold this conviction are inevitably compelled to be just humble before God and before others.
Remembering the grace by which we have been made Christ's own and God's own, we desire to be those who boast not in ourselves but always in the Lord God.
Peter met a man named Aeneas in Lydda who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis, a condition where, for some reason, the body becomes paralyzed and unable to move freely.
Peter said to Aeneas, ““Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.”
Then Aeneas immediately got up. This is the first healing event performed by Peter that occurs in today's passage.
Peter told Aeneas, “Jesus Christ heals you.” The importance of these words cannot be overstated.
Peter did not say, “I heal you.” Peter said, “Jesus Christ heals you. So, Get up and roll up your mat.”
In another town called Joppa, Peter said to Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas (gazelle)) whom he met in the town “Tabitha, get up”, who had already died, and she was brought back to life.
“Tabitha, get up” as Peter said at that time carries the faith in Christ that “Jesus Christ will raise you to life.”
When we hear such stories, I think our interest and attention inevitably turn toward the miraculous healing of the sick or the reviving of those who had died.
The healing of Aenea's illness and the resurrection of Tabita, who was beloved by all, both are truly wonderful events.
It is only natural for those suffering from serious or painful illnesses to wish for healing. Likewise, when we ourselves, or our family or loved ones, are afflicted by illness and suffering, we pray to God for their recovery.
However, today's passage is not saying that if you believe in God, miracles like curing difficult illnesses or raising the dead will definitely happen.
If we say that visible, concrete miracles will always occur in response to our wishes and prayers, that would be placing ourselves in God's position.
So what message of faith can we hear in today's passage?
It is not I, a human being, who heals you (giving life and hope), but rather, “Jesus Christ heals you.” “Jesus Christ alone is the Healer and the source of life.”
And it is that faith is given to people, faith that trusts the Lord so completely, to the point where Peter could say to someone who had died, “Tabitha, get up,” and entrust everything to the Lord God.
Peter learned this attitude of faith entirely from the Lord Jesus. He learned many things directly from Jesus during His earthly ministry.
Peter's actions in today's passage reflect very well what he learned from Jesus and the image of Jesus that Peter actually saw.
In particular, Peter's behavior when Tabitha was raised from the dead closely mirrors Jesus' actions when He raised the daughter of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, from the dead as described in Mark 5:40.
Peter clearly remembered what Jesus had done at that time and can be said to have imitated His actions as faithfully as possible.
I believe there is meaning in starting with imitation. I think it is possible that imitation eventually grows into a faith that carries substance and meaning, one that is truly grounded.
For example, even something like praying, praying in public might be quite difficult at first. Even long-time Christians often hesitate when suddenly asked to pray in front of others.
At such times, it can be meaningful to start by imitating someone else's prayer, to simply recite prepared words, like a model prayer.
If you contemplate the meaning of that prayer, seek it earnestly, and pray sincerely, even if it begins as mere imitation, it is possible for it to be transformed into prayer accompanied by the substance of faith.
Let us actively emulate the attitudes of faith that we can learn from.
When Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead, Jesus heard the news before reaching the synagogue official's house: “the daughter has passed away. There is no need for you to come any further.”
But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. Just believe.” Saying this, Jesus did not stop heading toward Jairus's house, but entered the house.
Jesus sent everyone out of the house, then took the child by the hand and said, “Little girl, I tell you, get up!” And the child came back to life.
Peter recalled how Jesus had been at that time, thinking, “Even when the Lord heard the news that the girl had died, He never said, ‘It's over now; going there would be pointless.’”
That is why Peter too did not give up. Having personally witnessed the Lord's healing and even His power to raise the dead, he followed the Lord's example and never gave up.
Though Tabitha had died, this did not mean everything was over and all hope was shattered. The conviction that God's work would surely come to pass even from here was given to Peter even more strongly at that moment.
So Peter, as Jesus had done, sent everyone outside, and he knelt down and prayed.
“May God's work be done. May God's will be done,” Peter earnestly prayed, humbly offering his supplication to God.
Peter spoke the words, “Tabitha, get up,” almost identical to those Jesus Christ had spoken to Jairus's dead daughter. It was the faith to speak those words that had been given to Peter.
The faith that if it be the Lord's will, so it shall be was given to Peter. We desire not to be captivated by the superficial aspects of this miraculous event, but rather to fix our hearts on the greatness of the Lord God who bestowed such faith upon Peter.
As we continue to grow in our faith experience, as we continue to experience the grace of Jesus Christ, our trust in the Lord deepens.
The Lord God is faithful and always true; He is the One who keeps His promises. As we come to trust Him more and more, we increasingly rely on Him.
And many weary, wounded, and broken people come to church. Even among us today, there are surely those who are utterly exhausted and wounded.
Many people seek God's healing. I too seek God's healing. I also seek the strength to stand on my own.
At such times, we long to share this message with those who are weary and seek God's grace, power, and healing: “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up. (For Christ gives you the strength to stand up).”
Even when we think we are dead, it is never the end. God's work will surely come to pass. We can always receive from Jesus the hope that God's grace continues to be given to us.
We also desire to be a church where we can encourage one another with such words of faith.
Christ lifts us up day by day. Christ gives us life day by day, moving us forward step by step. Let us walk in faith each day, relying on Christ.
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Sunday Worship Service January 4, 2026
Prelude
Call to Worship Micah 6:8
Hymn JBC # 19 Love divine, all loves excelling
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
The Prayer Time
Offering
Scripture Acts 9:19b ~ 31
Prayer
Sermon “As a fellow believer”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 262 Holy Spirit, breathe on me!
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
Since the beginning of last year (April 2025), we have been reading and listening to the Book of Acts from the New Testament as the Word of God in our worship messages.
During Advent and Christmas, we heard the Word in worship not from Acts, but from Bible passages related to Christmas.
Starting today, we will once again hear God's message in worship from the divine works in the Acts of the Apostles.
Saul (later called Paul) was a fierce persecutor of those who followed Christ.
In the passage preceding today's reading, as he was traveling from Jerusalem to the city of Damascus (to arrest and bring back anyone who believed in Christ), he encountered the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him, and he was struck blind. Led by others, he was brought to a house in Damascus where he stayed.
There, a man named Ananias, instructed by the Lord (God), prayed for him. Saul's sight was restored, and he was baptized.
Saul, having his sight restored, ate and regained his strength. Today's passage continues that story.
After spending several days with the disciples in Damascus, Saul, according to verse 20 of today's passage, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”
This means that the very person who, just a few days or a week earlier, had been fiercely persecuting those who believed in Jesus Christ, immediately after becoming a believer himself (almost without delay), began telling people, “This man (Jesus Christ) is the Son of God.”
What Saul's example shows us is that any Christian, once they believe in Jesus Christ and become a Christian, can (even immediately) share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Saul did not seem to think, “I've only just believed, so I should wait until I've strengthened my faith a bit more before starting to preach.”
We are shown that every Christian, having been baptized and made a child of God, can and should proclaim Christ like Saul from that very moment.
Some of you may have had a similar experience. After my baptism, I was asked to teach the elementary class at Sunday school the very next year.
I recall feeling hesitant, thinking, “I've only just been baptized. I don't really understand the Bible that well yet.” But I loved children, so I accepted the role of Sunday school teacher.
Looking back now, my faith and knowledge of the Bible at that time were very basic. Yet, the crucial thing is simply this: “Jesus is Lord,” “Jesus is Christ, the Savior.” That is all that matters.
If that essential core of faith is present, then whether one's faith is strong or weak, or whether one's knowledge of the Bible is abundant or lacking, I believe it makes little difference, at least in God's eyes.
Now, as a pastor, I have been entrusted with the duty of being the spiritual leader of the church. Compared to when I first came to faith, I have accumulated various spiritual experiences, and my knowledge of the Bible and what I learned in seminary may have increased.
Yet in the core truth—that the confession “Jesus is Lord” was given by the Holy Spirit, that I am guided and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and that I am permitted to walk by faith each day—I remain unchanged from those early days.
And this remains unchanged for every other Christian as well. The presence or absence of some experience or knowledge is not a major issue.
Moreover, each of us has been given different gifts. Each has their own way of serving.
Not everyone needs to preach from the pulpit like a pastor or engage in pastoral work.
Through the gifts given to us, let us share with others, whenever we have the opportunity, about the God of Jesus Christ whom we believe in and share in our church.
We desire to become such Christians and such a Christian church that evangelizes (proclaims the gospel) in this way.
Saul had previously been a fierce persecutor of Christians. Therefore, his sudden change seemed to bewilder many people, especially the Jews who had previously persecuted Christians alongside him.
Eventually, they even came to want to kill Saul. However, Saul had disciples who helped him.
Verses 23-25 describe how the Jews tried to kill Saul, but he was rescued by his disciples and escaped by being lowered over the city wall at night.
Verses 30 and following also record how he was saved by the brothers when his life was threatened by Jews in Jerusalem.
Seeing how Saul was repeatedly saved by others in this way makes us realize that we too are surely protected and our lives preserved by many people in various situations.
And behind the protection of our lives, we are reminded that there is the protection and guidance of the Lord God. We want to thank God for the blessing of being kept alive and protected day by day.
After arriving in Jerusalem, Paul sought to join the fellowship of the disciples of the Jerusalem church.
Receiving faith in Christ means not living as a solitary believer, but becoming part of a community of other Christians, joining the flock of faith.
When a person believes in Christ and is baptized, it is both a confession of their decision to believe in the Lord God and live as a Christian, and it also signifies that person becoming a member of the church.
Looking back on myself, my faith in Christ has truly grown through connecting with the church of Christ who shares the same faith, within the fellowship and connection of faith with my faith family (brothers and sisters).
I pray that within the fellowship of faith in the church, each of our faiths may be nourished, and that through each of our acts of faith and service, our faith may continue to be nurtured.
In today's passage, Saul experiences the difficulty that the believers in Jerusalem are reluctant to trust him.
It was a man named Barnabas who came to help Saul. Barnabas explained to the disciples in Jerusalem how Saul had been transformed from his former self.
Barnabas explained how boldly Saul had preached in Jesus' name. “This man is truly different now, transformed,” Barnabas must have passionately argued on Saul's behalf to persuade the apostles in Jerusalem.
Through Barnabas's help like this, Saul was able to begin building a relationship as a fellow worker with the apostles in Jerusalem.
It can be said that without Barnabas's help, Saul wouldn’t have lived as an evangelist later. Though Saul would later become a great evangelist for Christ, the Bible tells us he was truly helped by many people.
As mentioned earlier, we are reminded that behind the work of the many people who helped Saul was the protection and guidance of the Lord God, and that this same protection and guidance is given to us today.
Returning to the beginning of today's passage, Saul immediately declared, “This man is the Son of God.” And according to Barnabas' words, Saul preached “in the name of Jesus.”
Saul did not speak about what had happened to him (at least not as the central point).
He may have spoken of what happened to him personally—that Christ appeared to him, the fierce persecutor of Christians, and proclaimed the gospel to him; how he lost his sight, and then, through Ananias' prayer, regained his sight and strength.
But the central message Saul proclaimed, the most vital thing, was not about himself, but that “this man (Jesus Christ) is God.”
We, as Christians today, and the Christian church, desire to continually proclaim this message: that this man (Jesus) is the Son of God, that He is God, that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, and God Himself.
We do not speak about ourselves. Even when we speak of ourselves, it is to speak of God's grace—how the Lord God worked through us—and to speak of God's greatness.
Christians are permitted to speak of the grace of God received, the grace of Jesus Christ in whom we believe.
Therefore, our church also desires above all to be a church where only the grace of Christ is proclaimed: “God is alive. Jesus is the Christ. The Lord's word is wonderful.”
Let us read verse 31, the last verse of today's passage.
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
“The church enjoyed a time of peace” does not mean there were no problems among them at that time.
In fact, other passages in the Bible clearly state that various problems and conflicts arose among believers within the early church.
However, the believers in that church were united in their desire for “the peace of Christ” to be among them and in their reliance on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God.
They valued reverence for the Lord (which involves the humble faith of acknowledging “I know nothing”) and received the Holy Spirit's comfort (in English, “encouragement”).
“To be continually empowered by the Holy Spirit” means believing in the presence of God's Spirit—the Holy Spirit—who invisibly yet surely protects and guides us, and relying upon that Holy Spirit.
In the church—a gathering of believers in the Lord God, a family of faith—it is vital that each of us rely on the Spirit of God, who works beyond our own thoughts, rather than being led by the abilities or experiences of any one exceptional person.
And this is our grace.
May our church, in this new year, always rely on and desire the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God.
Let us pray that we may seek the Holy Spirit's guidance with humility, without relying on our own strength or that of others, nor boasting in it.
May we be those who, constantly encouraged and comforted by the invisible Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, walk the path of faith.
Prelude
Call to Worship Micah 6:8
Hymn JBC # 19 Love divine, all loves excelling
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #493 God sent His Son
The Prayer Time
Offering
Scripture Acts 9:19b ~ 31
Prayer
Sermon “As a fellow believer”
Prayer
Hymn JBC# 262 Holy Spirit, breathe on me!
Doxology JBC # 671
Benediction
Since the beginning of last year (April 2025), we have been reading and listening to the Book of Acts from the New Testament as the Word of God in our worship messages.
During Advent and Christmas, we heard the Word in worship not from Acts, but from Bible passages related to Christmas.
Starting today, we will once again hear God's message in worship from the divine works in the Acts of the Apostles.
Saul (later called Paul) was a fierce persecutor of those who followed Christ.
In the passage preceding today's reading, as he was traveling from Jerusalem to the city of Damascus (to arrest and bring back anyone who believed in Christ), he encountered the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him, and he was struck blind. Led by others, he was brought to a house in Damascus where he stayed.
There, a man named Ananias, instructed by the Lord (God), prayed for him. Saul's sight was restored, and he was baptized.
Saul, having his sight restored, ate and regained his strength. Today's passage continues that story.
After spending several days with the disciples in Damascus, Saul, according to verse 20 of today's passage, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”
This means that the very person who, just a few days or a week earlier, had been fiercely persecuting those who believed in Jesus Christ, immediately after becoming a believer himself (almost without delay), began telling people, “This man (Jesus Christ) is the Son of God.”
What Saul's example shows us is that any Christian, once they believe in Jesus Christ and become a Christian, can (even immediately) share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Saul did not seem to think, “I've only just believed, so I should wait until I've strengthened my faith a bit more before starting to preach.”
We are shown that every Christian, having been baptized and made a child of God, can and should proclaim Christ like Saul from that very moment.
Some of you may have had a similar experience. After my baptism, I was asked to teach the elementary class at Sunday school the very next year.
I recall feeling hesitant, thinking, “I've only just been baptized. I don't really understand the Bible that well yet.” But I loved children, so I accepted the role of Sunday school teacher.
Looking back now, my faith and knowledge of the Bible at that time were very basic. Yet, the crucial thing is simply this: “Jesus is Lord,” “Jesus is Christ, the Savior.” That is all that matters.
If that essential core of faith is present, then whether one's faith is strong or weak, or whether one's knowledge of the Bible is abundant or lacking, I believe it makes little difference, at least in God's eyes.
Now, as a pastor, I have been entrusted with the duty of being the spiritual leader of the church. Compared to when I first came to faith, I have accumulated various spiritual experiences, and my knowledge of the Bible and what I learned in seminary may have increased.
Yet in the core truth—that the confession “Jesus is Lord” was given by the Holy Spirit, that I am guided and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and that I am permitted to walk by faith each day—I remain unchanged from those early days.
And this remains unchanged for every other Christian as well. The presence or absence of some experience or knowledge is not a major issue.
Moreover, each of us has been given different gifts. Each has their own way of serving.
Not everyone needs to preach from the pulpit like a pastor or engage in pastoral work.
Through the gifts given to us, let us share with others, whenever we have the opportunity, about the God of Jesus Christ whom we believe in and share in our church.
We desire to become such Christians and such a Christian church that evangelizes (proclaims the gospel) in this way.
Saul had previously been a fierce persecutor of Christians. Therefore, his sudden change seemed to bewilder many people, especially the Jews who had previously persecuted Christians alongside him.
Eventually, they even came to want to kill Saul. However, Saul had disciples who helped him.
Verses 23-25 describe how the Jews tried to kill Saul, but he was rescued by his disciples and escaped by being lowered over the city wall at night.
Verses 30 and following also record how he was saved by the brothers when his life was threatened by Jews in Jerusalem.
Seeing how Saul was repeatedly saved by others in this way makes us realize that we too are surely protected and our lives preserved by many people in various situations.
And behind the protection of our lives, we are reminded that there is the protection and guidance of the Lord God. We want to thank God for the blessing of being kept alive and protected day by day.
After arriving in Jerusalem, Paul sought to join the fellowship of the disciples of the Jerusalem church.
Receiving faith in Christ means not living as a solitary believer, but becoming part of a community of other Christians, joining the flock of faith.
When a person believes in Christ and is baptized, it is both a confession of their decision to believe in the Lord God and live as a Christian, and it also signifies that person becoming a member of the church.
Looking back on myself, my faith in Christ has truly grown through connecting with the church of Christ who shares the same faith, within the fellowship and connection of faith with my faith family (brothers and sisters).
I pray that within the fellowship of faith in the church, each of our faiths may be nourished, and that through each of our acts of faith and service, our faith may continue to be nurtured.
In today's passage, Saul experiences the difficulty that the believers in Jerusalem are reluctant to trust him.
It was a man named Barnabas who came to help Saul. Barnabas explained to the disciples in Jerusalem how Saul had been transformed from his former self.
Barnabas explained how boldly Saul had preached in Jesus' name. “This man is truly different now, transformed,” Barnabas must have passionately argued on Saul's behalf to persuade the apostles in Jerusalem.
Through Barnabas's help like this, Saul was able to begin building a relationship as a fellow worker with the apostles in Jerusalem.
It can be said that without Barnabas's help, Saul wouldn’t have lived as an evangelist later. Though Saul would later become a great evangelist for Christ, the Bible tells us he was truly helped by many people.
As mentioned earlier, we are reminded that behind the work of the many people who helped Saul was the protection and guidance of the Lord God, and that this same protection and guidance is given to us today.
Returning to the beginning of today's passage, Saul immediately declared, “This man is the Son of God.” And according to Barnabas' words, Saul preached “in the name of Jesus.”
Saul did not speak about what had happened to him (at least not as the central point).
He may have spoken of what happened to him personally—that Christ appeared to him, the fierce persecutor of Christians, and proclaimed the gospel to him; how he lost his sight, and then, through Ananias' prayer, regained his sight and strength.
But the central message Saul proclaimed, the most vital thing, was not about himself, but that “this man (Jesus Christ) is God.”
We, as Christians today, and the Christian church, desire to continually proclaim this message: that this man (Jesus) is the Son of God, that He is God, that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, and God Himself.
We do not speak about ourselves. Even when we speak of ourselves, it is to speak of God's grace—how the Lord God worked through us—and to speak of God's greatness.
Christians are permitted to speak of the grace of God received, the grace of Jesus Christ in whom we believe.
Therefore, our church also desires above all to be a church where only the grace of Christ is proclaimed: “God is alive. Jesus is the Christ. The Lord's word is wonderful.”
Let us read verse 31, the last verse of today's passage.
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
“The church enjoyed a time of peace” does not mean there were no problems among them at that time.
In fact, other passages in the Bible clearly state that various problems and conflicts arose among believers within the early church.
However, the believers in that church were united in their desire for “the peace of Christ” to be among them and in their reliance on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God.
They valued reverence for the Lord (which involves the humble faith of acknowledging “I know nothing”) and received the Holy Spirit's comfort (in English, “encouragement”).
“To be continually empowered by the Holy Spirit” means believing in the presence of God's Spirit—the Holy Spirit—who invisibly yet surely protects and guides us, and relying upon that Holy Spirit.
In the church—a gathering of believers in the Lord God, a family of faith—it is vital that each of us rely on the Spirit of God, who works beyond our own thoughts, rather than being led by the abilities or experiences of any one exceptional person.
And this is our grace.
May our church, in this new year, always rely on and desire the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God.
Let us pray that we may seek the Holy Spirit's guidance with humility, without relying on our own strength or that of others, nor boasting in it.
May we be those who, constantly encouraged and comforted by the invisible Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, walk the path of faith.
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