2014.12.21 クリスマス礼拝

2014.12.21 Life Church Christmas Service – Receiving the Grace of God
Question of how many people have attended a Christmas program. A few folks are here for the first time. Story of how the Catholic Church near Shindo’s house was always open. Reminds us that this is a time of year to welcome people.
Story of Shindo having a little car accident. Others in the church have had even more serious accidents. We need to be very careful.
Is there someone who drives without a seatbelt or using a child car seat? Now these have become standard but just a few years back this was not the law. In 2008 even the backseat passengers have to put on the seatbelt. Now we have airbags everywhere. Things have really changed in this area.
What would you do or how would you feel if all the laws were changed and you didn’t have to wear seat belts or have airbags? Most say they would not like it a lot. The thought process concerning this matter has changed so much. In the same way our perspective or thought process changes as we get older. When young we don’t think as much about our health or funerals as we do as we get older. There is even a trend to plan your own funerals long before you die. Some people even lie inside caskets to test them out but few people think what happens beyond.
We invest a lot in insurance and protection from harm or disaster. BUT, we are 100% certain to die. This is in spite of our preparation. The message in the Bible is a bit pessimistic. It says we will all die.
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How do we respond to this message?
John 3:16　- For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
God is sending His love to all. This is what happened at Christmas.
Romans 3:24 – They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Jesus’ salvation is free. This is the joy of Christmas. Adam had a life changing experience through Christ. Others have different degrees of change.
Christmas is the message of Love.