Dear Church Family, an update for the week of June 27, 2010…
Thank you to Ken Yoshioka for giving the Children’s Message. Showing several recognizable animated characters from movies, Ken asked, “Who is Jesus?” To answer this question, we need to read the Bible as it tells who Jesus is.
Thank you to Dr. Vernon Kam, for the message from John 13:36 – 14:11, “Who Is Jesus? The answer comes in four points:
A. Father and Jesus. Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:8). Philip wanted Jesus to create a miracle to make God the Father visible to them. He said show me, and how does Jesus respond? “Believe me….” (John 14:11). Philip asked for sight, and Jesus told him he had to have faith. He said, Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…. Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? (John 14:9-10). What Jesus says is astounding! He is making Himself equal with God. He is saying, “Philip, you want me to show you God the Father? Then look at me. If you want to know God in terms that you can understand, look at Me!” Jesus reveals God the Father. He is the 2nd Person of the Trinity. Jesus is the way. Thomas did not understand what Jesus was saying. He said to Him, how can we know the way when we don’t even know where you are going? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). Jesus is telling Thomas, “You know Me; therefore you know the way, because I am the way.” The way isn’t about doing something; it’s about a relationship you have. Jesus says He is the way, not a way, but the way. Some people say this is very narrow-minded. But truth tends to be narrow. 2 + 2 = 4 and only 4. Many people believe multiple religions can lead a person to salvation. It would be great if it were true, but that is not what Jesus said.
B. Faith and evidence. Paul said, We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5: 7). That is correct, but that does not mean we don’t care about evidence. We live in a scientific age. Science does not have all the answers, but it has some great achievements. Dr. Kam wrote a book some years ago and in one section he dealt with the formulation and testing of scientific theory. One of the good influences of science is that it makes us appreciate the importance of evidence. History is not science. A science is a field of study that uses the scientific method. You need a large, unbiased sample that is testable. The scientific method cannot be used in history, because historical events are unique. There was only one civil war in America, only one Vietnam War. We believe in them because of the confidence we have in those who tell us about them. The kind of evidence that history demands is a different kind of evidence. It has to do with confidence in those who tell us about things. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a unique historical event. Unlike a secular field, in Christianity there is an added dimension that is fundamental – and that is the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that makes us understand and accept what we hear about Jesus Christ. However, from a human point of view, we believe in a historical event because we have confidence in those who tell us about it.
C. Jesus is God. The claim of Christianity is that Jesus is God. You have heard of cults. Throughout church history, any group that claims to be Christian but does not believe Jesus is God is a cult. Why is it important that we believe Jesus is God? What difference does it make? It is important because our salvation depends on it. (John 1:12) But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God. Believe what about Jesus? That He is Savior; He is Lord; He is God.
D. He understands us. Jesus told His disciples He was going away. They were deeply troubled to hear this. Perhaps some of you today are suffering from the same problem — troubled hearts. Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” (John 14:1). What is the cure for a troubled heart? To trust Him. He understands our weaknesses. Jesus told Peter: “… I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times!” (John 13:38). And it happened. Think how Peter must have felt. He failed Christ. We read in John 21, after His resurrection, Jesus sought Peter out to assure him of His forgiveness and to restore him. Jesus forgave Peter. He understood Peter’s weaknesses, and He understands our weaknesses. It is good to know that even when we fail Christ, He continues to love us and wants to restore us. He understands our anxiety about death. Many may have felt that strange somberness which comes when you face death. Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 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.” (John 14:2-3)
Jesus gives us three specific reasons to reassure us. (1) He is preparing a place for us in heaven. (2) He says “I will come back and take you.” This refers to two things. First, what we call His second coming. But it also means that He personally will come to take you and me to heaven when we die. (3) We will be with Jesus forever. The prospect of death can be frightening. Yet, for us who believe in Him, death is not the end, it is simply time to go home. Paul said he …would prefer to be… at home with the Lord. (2 Cornithians 5:8).
Welcome to JEMS Missionaries Kevin and Nozomi West for sharing their testimony and ministry call to Japan. They are on their way to the JEMS Mt. Hermon Conference and addressed their greetings to the church.
Have a blessed week knowing Jesus,
Stan, for SLZJCC