Saturday, January 5, 2019

Forgiven and Set Free

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

John 8:9–11

In an attempt to trap Jesus, the religious leaders brought an adulterous woman before Him and asked what should be done. They thought they had placed Jesus in a no-win situation. If He said she should be stoned, they would accuse Him of breaking Roman law. If He said she should not be stoned, they would accuse Him of breaking Jewish law. Instead of falling into their trap, Jesus pointed out that they were not following the law of Moses which required those who testified against someone in a capital case to carry out the sentence themselves. “The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you”(Deuteronomy 17:7).

After the ashamed accusers (who were not really interested in following the law) had left, Jesus gave the woman two things that she desperately needed: forgiveness for past sins and the ability not to be bound by her past life. When we trust Christ as Saviour, we are not just forgiven but also set free. Paul wrote, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Romans 6:6–7). No believer is compelled to sin, but instead can walk in freedom.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Walk victoriously in the power you have been given to reject the bondage of sin.

A way through your trials

Friday, January 4, 2019

The Wounded Hands of Jesus

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

John 20:26–28

In 1867, Rose Hartwick Thorpe wrote a poem called “Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight.” Thorpe set her poetic account of an old English folktale in the days of Oliver Cromwell and the English civil war that took place in the 1600s. A young woman named Bessie learns that the love of her life has been sentenced to be executed when the church bells ring at sunset to announce the curfew. Determined that the bell not ring, she begs the church sexton to abandon his duty, but he refuses. Undaunted, she climbed to the bell tower and wrapped her hands around the clapper. Though the sexton pulled on the rope, the bell did not ring. The poem ends with these lines:

O’er the distant hills came Cromwell; Bessie saw him; and her brow,
Lately white with care and anguish, glows with sudden beauty now,
At his feet she told her story, showed her hands, all bruised and torn;
And her sweet young face, still wearing traces of the anguish borne,
Touched his heart with sudden pity, lit his eyes with misty light.
“Go! your lover lives,” cried Cromwell. “Curfew shall not ring to-night.”

Jesus Christ owed no debt for sin, because He lived a perfect life. But He paid the debt that we owed, and the marks are still visible on His body. His great love for us provides the offer of salvation, but we must accept it. Salvation is a free gift, but must be received.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

The price has already been paid for our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Giving God Your Best   CURRENT TV SERIES Generosity

“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?...” --Hebrews 2:3 Can you imagine life without the confidence and assurance of your salvation in Jesus Christ? Life can be hard, and it comes with heartbreak, sorrow, struggles, and grief. So to live it without the hope of salvation is hard to imagine! And yet, some people do live this way. You know these folks. They put a big smile on their faces and say things like, “We’re going to hope for the best,” or “We’re crossing our fingers that our luck with change soon.” Perhaps someone told you that if you would only follow Christ, all your problems would be solved. Well, that’s not true. Jesus never promised it… and we should never make that promise. Our faith does not give us immunity from trials, but it does provide a way through them. I know life can be painful. Some sorrows threaten to suck the air out of us, and during those times you may think, “I’m not going to get through this.” But you will, with the help and the hope of Jesus Christ. Jesus is with you now. He will be with you through the trials and sorrows. And he will be there when they pass. Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart: I have overcome the world.” You see, we are not alone. The one who overcomes all trials is with us. So no matter what comes your way, hold fast to the hope of your salvation in Jesus Christ. Our Lord is an unshakable foundation! And you can trust that he is working in you, proving you, pruning you, and preparing you for eternity.   OUR FAITH DOES NOT GIVE US IMMUNITY FROM TRIALS, BUT IT DOES PROVIDE A WAY THROUGH THEM.

Can God count on you?

Thursday, January 3, 2019

When Liberty Leads to Destruction

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

Galatians 5:13–15

One of the men chosen to represent Maryland at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, to set up a new government for the United States was James McHenry. McHenry was a doctor who immigrated from Ireland and served in the Revolutionary War with George Washington. The fort in Maryland where Francis Scott Key saw the Stars and Stripes still waving after a night of British bombardment is named for him.

Much of what we know about the discussions and agreements that led to the passage of the Constitution comes from a diary McHenry kept during the proceedings. On September 18, 1787, the day after the members of the body signed the Constitution and adjourned, McHenry recorded this exchange (with his original spelling and capitalization intact):

a lady asked Dr. Franklin
well Doctor what we got
a republic or a monarchy—
A republic replied the Doctor
if you can keep it.
The lady here aluded to was
Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia

Continuing freedom is not a guarantee, in either the political world or in the spiritual realm. It can easily be lost. Paul warned, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). There are many ways in which freedom can be lost, but one of the most common in both human government and individual spiritual lives is for people to become selfish and focused only on themselves. When liberty becomes license, it will not be long before it is lost.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

When we use our liberty to serve others rather than ourselves, we keep it from being lost.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Giving God Your Best   CURRENT TV SERIES Generosity

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” --1 Peter 2:9 Do you ever think about your significance to God? You and I are very important to him! Across the centuries, the followers of Jesus Christ have been his hands and face to the world. Like the generations of believers before ours, and those who will come after us, we, too, are “a chosen generation”! And God is counting on us. That’s why it is so important that you and I do our part in the work of the Lord. You and I, we are part of his temple, the body of Christ. Peter said we are “living stones” in this church. And there’s no such thing as a one brick building! And so, as believers, we are all in this together. We belong together. In fact, we are better together that we are alone. You see, you cannot build your life alone, and you can’t build the church that way, either. That is God’s design. Peter also tells us that “we are a holy nation.” As followers of Jesus Christ you and I are called to live unique and distinctive lives, separated from the world. And here’s why. He has called you out of the world so that you can go back into the world with the Gospel as his ambassadors. And an ambassador’s job is critical. An ambassador represents one nation in the land of another. I hope that speaks to your heart like it does mine. You and I are called to represent Jesus Christ to our world. Do you believe that you are significant to God? He has taken your life and placed you into his church, the family of God. He has made you an ambassador to the world. And he needs you to live a holy life so that the world can recognize him in you. You are chosen! Now you know a little better how important you are to God and how he desires to use you to bring others to him. So, let me ask you, are you doing your part in the body of Christ? Are you living a holy life? Can the world see him in your actions and reactions? I know you count on him for things in your life. Now it’s time to tell him that he can count on you. Ask him and he will show you how you can be all that he created you to be!   LIVE A HOLY LIFE SO THAT THE WORLD CAN RECOGNIZE CHRIST IN YOU

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Beyond our Understanding

by Dr. Paul Chappell

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:12–14

Senator Daniel Webster was known for his eloquence, his devotion to the United States, and his unshakable faith in God. The story goes that he was dining with some literary men in Boston. During the dinner, the conversation turned to Christianity, and Webster clearly stated his belief in the deity of Christ and his dependence upon the atonement. One of those present said to him, “Mr. Webster, can you comprehend how Christ could be both God and man?” Mr. Webster promptly replied, “No, sir, I cannot comprehend it. If I could comprehend Him, He would be no greater than myself. I feel that I need a super-human Saviour.”

Faith is a requirement for the Christian life because even having the Bible and the Holy Spirit within to help us understand and apply it to our lives, God's nature is beyond our understanding. The mind of man is not able to comprehend an unlimited, eternal deity. When we do not understand, we must accept that what He says is true and act accordingly.

This is what faith in action looks like. We not only give mental assent to what God says, but we allow it to control what we do. Paul reminds us, “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5:7). God has the right to demand our obedience without explanation. He is always right, and we are safe when we follow and obey Him in faith.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Even when what God says is beyond what we can understand, we must believe it and act on it.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Giving God Your Best   CURRENT TV SERIES Generosity

“… rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious….” --1 Peter 2:4 In this verse, Peter is giving us a powerful insight into the most critical issue that you or I will ever have to consider. And that insight comes when Peter uses the words rejected by men. You may think, “Well, of course Jesus was rejected.” And he was. But the word that Peter uses doesn’t mean rejection in the way that we usually use it. You see, as Peter uses it, the word rejection means “tested” and “examined.” Let me put this in context for you. It was Palm Sunday, and throngs of people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. They hailed him as the king of the Jews. But soon their cheers would turn to jeers. You remember that Jesus was arrested and brought before Pilate. And he was tested by judges and examined by religious men. Our Lord was beaten to within an inch of his life with a crown of thorns thrust down on his brow. And then it happened. Pilate yelled to the blood-thirsty mob, saying, “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22). And the crowd of people who had hailed him as king shrieked and screamed for his death. Jesus was tested, examined, and rejected to the utmost. Finally, our Savior, “rejected by men,” was crucified and died on the cross for the sins of the world. But you see, that was not the last time that Jesus would be tested, examined, or rejected. Because Pilate’s question hangs in the air for all time and each of us must answer. This is life’s big question! And no one can escape it. I answered it. And I have never looked back. And it is a question that you have to answer. What will you do with Jesus who is called Christ? I pray that you know the profound joy of having Christ as your Savior. But if you do not, Jesus wants to give you new life in him. But it has to be your choice. You can test Jesus and examine him, reject him, or accept him. There is no ignoring this inescapable, unavoidable Savior. Ask him into your heart and life right now. I promise you, you will never regret it.   WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

Unexpected Christmas Gift!

Receiving gift from our CEO means a lot. This reminded me of my previous Japanese Employer-Director in Obayashi including my General Manager in Design who were once gave me chocolates and a pair of keychain respectively dated in year 2009.

                        Meg, 2nd January 2019

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

The Eleventh Commandment

by Dr. Paul Chappell

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:33–35

As Jesus spent time with His disciples on the night before the crucifixion, He knew that they would soon be launched into a new beginning as they took up the work and ministry for which He had been preparing them. Yet even on that last night, the disciples were still focused on their own selfish interests. “And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest” (Luke 22:24). As Jesus ate the Passover with them, they still did not grasp what He had told them was coming.

After Jesus’ powerful example of service to others that night—when He washed the disciples' feet— Jesus gave them a new command to follow: to love each other in the same way that He loved them. Some people call this the “eleventh commandment.” Then Jesus said that love would be the defining characteristic by which His followers would be known. Our world speaks of love frequently, but only rarely are those who use the word talking about the kind of love God commands us to have. And sadly too often the world does not see that love on display in the church either.

Jesus said that the love Christians have for each other would be the evidence that would convince others we are following Him. We often focus on outward expressions or evidence of conduct, but though those are important, the most important test of whether or not we will be seen as genuine disciples is our love for each other.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

The love that we display toward each other is a vital part of our witness to the world around us.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Giving God Your Best   CURRENT TV SERIES Generosity   “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  --Philippians 1:21 What does it mean to be totally alive? How would you describe “living large”? Paul said in Philippians that the purpose and passion of life should be to live every moment as Christ would live it…to magnify Jesus Christ. This passion is a strong, unyielding commitment to live life in such a way that we glorify God in everything we do. The love of Christ should be our motivation and we should get excited about the same things that Christ gets excited about. What I find is that too many believers aren’t happy because they are waiting to live; they are waiting for something great to happen or for that next big step. The only problem with waiting is that it doesn’t fit with Christ’s call to serve Him every day right where we are. Many of us hope for that day when we “arrive,” but Christ wants us to experience fulfillment on the journey today…right now…in whatever place or circumstance that He has placed us.  His desire is that we live every moment walking with Him and for Him. What makes you excited? What motivates you to get up in the morning?  I hope it’s the things of Christ…living for and walking with Him. Don’t just endure life hoping you’ll arrive at some great place some day.  Live large starting today by living every moment as Christ would live it…seeking to bring glory to Him in every way!   LIVE EVERY MOMENT AS CHRIST WOULD LIVE IT.

Monday, December 31, 2018

Ready for the Reckoning

by Dr. Paul Chappell

And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Luke 19:15-17

One of the final parables Jesus taught before His crucifixion was the story of a nobleman who trusted his servants with money before taking a long journey. The primary purpose of this parable was to address God's plan for the future—that Jesus had come as a Saviour rather than to set up an earthly kingdom. But, one of the main applications of the parable is that each of us has been trusted with gifts and abilities and resources by God. One day we will stand before Him to give an account of how we have used our gifts.

When the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, 2018 will close forever. There will never be an opportunity to go back and recapture time wasted, money poorly spent, opportunities to witness lost, unkind words spoken in anger or deeds we regret doing or not doing. But, that realization should not fill us with despair, but hope. When the sun comes up, a new year will start. Each of those days can be used to good purpose.

The certainty of the time when we must give account to God for our service should encourage and motivate us to stop worrying about other people and instead focus on how we can best serve Him each day. Paul reminds us, “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10).

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Use each day to the fullest and you will not face God with regrets.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES A Life of Purpose   CURRENT TV SERIES Generosity

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” --James 4:7 There is a famous painting I’ve seen, done by an artist named Moritz Retzsch, of a chess match between the devil and a young man. In the painting of the chess game, the devil appears to have the young man in a checkmate. So, the young man is sweating profusely and trying to figure out if he can move. Years ago, a master in the game of chess was invited to look at the picture and see if there was any possible move that the young man could make to get out of checkmate with the devil. So that master chessman stared and searched the board for a possible way out for three hours. After three hours, he finally saw one move the man could make… one way out from defeat. When he saw it, they said he shouted out loud to the painting, “Young man, make that move! Make that move!” The truth is that victory over the devil really does take just one move: trusting in Christ. You can sit for hours and try to figure it out, but only one move will do. Yes, you can beat him, but you have to make the move to Jesus first! I urge you to do this before 2019 begins!   SO OFTEN IT CAN SEEM LIKE THE DEVIL HAS YOU CORNERED. BUT IF YOU WANT TO HAVE VICTORY OVER HIM, TRUSTING IN CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! =)