Monday, June 12, 2017
Other website is currently down
As of this writing (13 June 2017), our Assembly Kyoto Church English website remains inaccessible. Our site administrator, Bro. Joel Enriquez, is still working on it, trying to resolve the issues pertaining to the host server. Let me clarify though that our site is safe and has never been hacked. We just have to renew the contract with the current host or find another that offers a more equitable service. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
In the Crucible
Among the stories recorded in the last hours leading to the arrest and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ is His disclosure of Satan's attempt to defeat Peter and the other disciples. Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV) says,
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for [all of] you, that he may sift you as wheat.32 But I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Despite Peter's self-confidence (v.33), Jesus told him candidly, "The rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (v.34). Just like what the Master said, Peter failed the test miserably (Luke 22;54-62).
The LORD restored Peter eventually, after the resurrection. Among other things, he has learned many lessons through this experience. The tone of his letters to the believers in diaspora reflect a solemn understanding of the tests and trials that followers of Jesus might go through. Peter brings encouragement as one who has gone through them as a fellow pilgrim. Take for example what he said in 1 Peter:
1:6-9 - 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
4:1-2, 12-13, 19 - 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Tests and trials have a way of exposing our true character. These also make us realize our humanity that is in constant need of God's mercy and protection. Going through them enables us to empathize with those who suffer. Thankfully, even for Peter, his failure wasn't final because Jesus looked forward to a time when Peter would "have returned to Me" in order to "strengthen your brethren.”
Hallelujah! Redemption is what Jesus brings -- for our souls, from ourselves and our failures.
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for [all of] you, that he may sift you as wheat.32 But I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Despite Peter's self-confidence (v.33), Jesus told him candidly, "The rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (v.34). Just like what the Master said, Peter failed the test miserably (Luke 22;54-62).
The LORD restored Peter eventually, after the resurrection. Among other things, he has learned many lessons through this experience. The tone of his letters to the believers in diaspora reflect a solemn understanding of the tests and trials that followers of Jesus might go through. Peter brings encouragement as one who has gone through them as a fellow pilgrim. Take for example what he said in 1 Peter:
1:6-9 - 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
4:1-2, 12-13, 19 - 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
"Tests and trials make us realize our humanity that is in constant need of God's mercy and protection."
Tests and trials have a way of exposing our true character. These also make us realize our humanity that is in constant need of God's mercy and protection. Going through them enables us to empathize with those who suffer. Thankfully, even for Peter, his failure wasn't final because Jesus looked forward to a time when Peter would "have returned to Me" in order to "strengthen your brethren.”
Hallelujah! Redemption is what Jesus brings -- for our souls, from ourselves and our failures.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
When I Met Grace
NOTE: The following article is a testimony of Camille Faith R. Enriquez, a PhD student at Doshisha University in Kyotanabe City, Japan. - Pastor Joseph
It was winter’s night. I was trudging back home when the trees surrounding me started to sway and rustle as the wind blew hardly on them. I lifted my eyes upon the skies while bending beneath the strong wind, and at that moment... I heard a whisper. It was when I first encountered grace – God’s grace.
I grew up attending Sunday schools. I had my elementary studies in a Christian institute. Both of my parents are Christians. At young age, I was exposed to the do’s and don’ts of being a Christian.
It was a good discipline for me. Little did I know, my discipline caused me to drift away from the true gospel I once heard and believed. I continued walking in my own strength, trying to be right in the eyes of God. It was in college that the Lord had shown me my real frailties. Wicked thoughts I dared to conceive out of assurance that I could cast them out of my mind anytime because I knew they were wrong – became uncontrollable. My mind turned into a battleground. Every second, I would wrestle with my self, trying to block the recurring thoughts in my mind. There are times that I would be successful, but in the end of the day, my strength had been wasted away. I was so exhausted both mentally and emotionally.
I was too ashamed to share anyone what was happening to me. I learned that once the enemy tells you you have problem, the next thing he makes you believe is that you’re the only one with that problem. So, I kept it between me and the Lord. I would cry out to Him and ask why He had let these things happen to me. I was no longer living a normal life. It became difficult for me to think straightly, to concentrate, and to remembering things. I started to stammer and develop short attention span. Night and day, I would plead for a peaceful mind, for control, for sanity... it was when I learned to depend on God completely and unceasingly.
After several years, when I thought I had fully overcome my struggle, an event that deeply changed the way I see God came to pass. From fighting the thoughts, my heart chose to succumb to them. I let down my guard and committed wicked things in the eyes of God. I felt unworthy of forgiveness, of second chance... of life.
It was during that cold winter night, when I finally saw Him far greater than my sins and failures. My heart cried aloud when the wind assured me of His presence... of His unconditional love. That moment He whispered to my soul: “Let’s go home My child.” Tears started to fall from my eyes and from that time I surrendered myself wholly into His grace.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
I learned that my greatest challenge was not my discipline or my devotion. It was BELIEVING the gospel – that I have been saved by grace through Jesus Christ – and Him alone.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Truly, Jesus is my righteousness, my holiness and my redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
By His grace and power, I am no longer who I used to be. His peace garrisons my heart and my mind. Yet, I am still far from perfect. Occasionally, I could experience anxieties, feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. I can't help but ask the Lord every time when will be the day He will take all these away from me. It is in those moments that God had to remind me that His grace is sufficient for me. He is teaching me to depend on Him and on His grace in all situations that I may not boast before Him.
Paul wrote in his letter:
"...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
So whether it's depression or disease, whether it's criticism or cancer, whether it's persecution or pain, it is working in us for our ultimate good. For when we are weak and empty, we are dependent on God - revealing His glory in our lives. Ravi Zacharias once said that we are called “not to overcome trials in spite of it, but to overcome THROUGH it.”
I know that I need to remind my self of these truths day by day, perhaps for the rest of my life. Yet, I will not lose heart. I am holding fast to the hope that someday God Himself will wipe every tear in my eyes, the day that His Spirit will completely take over my flesh - and there will be no more mourning nor crying nor pain (Revelations 21:4).
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Since that one winter’s night, every single day of my life began to be a fresh encounter of grace - God's unending grace.
**********
When I Met Grace
By Camille Faith R. Enriquez
It was winter’s night. I was trudging back home when the trees surrounding me started to sway and rustle as the wind blew hardly on them. I lifted my eyes upon the skies while bending beneath the strong wind, and at that moment... I heard a whisper. It was when I first encountered grace – God’s grace.
I grew up attending Sunday schools. I had my elementary studies in a Christian institute. Both of my parents are Christians. At young age, I was exposed to the do’s and don’ts of being a Christian.
It was a good discipline for me. Little did I know, my discipline caused me to drift away from the true gospel I once heard and believed. I continued walking in my own strength, trying to be right in the eyes of God. It was in college that the Lord had shown me my real frailties. Wicked thoughts I dared to conceive out of assurance that I could cast them out of my mind anytime because I knew they were wrong – became uncontrollable. My mind turned into a battleground. Every second, I would wrestle with my self, trying to block the recurring thoughts in my mind. There are times that I would be successful, but in the end of the day, my strength had been wasted away. I was so exhausted both mentally and emotionally.
I was too ashamed to share anyone what was happening to me. I learned that once the enemy tells you you have problem, the next thing he makes you believe is that you’re the only one with that problem. So, I kept it between me and the Lord. I would cry out to Him and ask why He had let these things happen to me. I was no longer living a normal life. It became difficult for me to think straightly, to concentrate, and to remembering things. I started to stammer and develop short attention span. Night and day, I would plead for a peaceful mind, for control, for sanity... it was when I learned to depend on God completely and unceasingly.
After several years, when I thought I had fully overcome my struggle, an event that deeply changed the way I see God came to pass. From fighting the thoughts, my heart chose to succumb to them. I let down my guard and committed wicked things in the eyes of God. I felt unworthy of forgiveness, of second chance... of life.
It was during that cold winter night, when I finally saw Him far greater than my sins and failures. My heart cried aloud when the wind assured me of His presence... of His unconditional love. That moment He whispered to my soul: “Let’s go home My child.” Tears started to fall from my eyes and from that time I surrendered myself wholly into His grace.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
I learned that my greatest challenge was not my discipline or my devotion. It was BELIEVING the gospel – that I have been saved by grace through Jesus Christ – and Him alone.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Truly, Jesus is my righteousness, my holiness and my redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
By His grace and power, I am no longer who I used to be. His peace garrisons my heart and my mind. Yet, I am still far from perfect. Occasionally, I could experience anxieties, feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. I can't help but ask the Lord every time when will be the day He will take all these away from me. It is in those moments that God had to remind me that His grace is sufficient for me. He is teaching me to depend on Him and on His grace in all situations that I may not boast before Him.
Paul wrote in his letter:
"...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
So whether it's depression or disease, whether it's criticism or cancer, whether it's persecution or pain, it is working in us for our ultimate good. For when we are weak and empty, we are dependent on God - revealing His glory in our lives. Ravi Zacharias once said that we are called “not to overcome trials in spite of it, but to overcome THROUGH it.”
I know that I need to remind my self of these truths day by day, perhaps for the rest of my life. Yet, I will not lose heart. I am holding fast to the hope that someday God Himself will wipe every tear in my eyes, the day that His Spirit will completely take over my flesh - and there will be no more mourning nor crying nor pain (Revelations 21:4).
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Since that one winter’s night, every single day of my life began to be a fresh encounter of grace - God's unending grace.
Friday, February 5, 2016
God Knows
139 1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3, NKJV)
I am on my bed as I write this blog post. My illness has given me an unplanned leave from missionary work and a needed respite to consider my ways. I refuse to lay idle and accomplish nothing. My mind stays active though parts of my body are in pain. [I expect to fully recover soon and shouldn't be a cause of concern to anyone. I just don't want to go into the "gory" details.]
The Scripture passage above tells of God's perfect knowledge of man. Most of the chapter, in fact, delves into the expressions of God's knowledge in terms that are too wonderful for man to comprehend. The result of this contemplation is an unabashed praise, prayer, worship and an affirmation of commitment to God and His cause.
It gives me comfort knowing that God knows everything about me. This moment in time gives me a greater appreciation of His love and care for me. No matter what I go through it's not a surprise to Him. Rather, it's an opportunity to completely put my trust in Him. The psalmist ends Psalm 139 with a prayer that aptly describes what's in my heart right now:
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
2 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3, NKJV)
I am on my bed as I write this blog post. My illness has given me an unplanned leave from missionary work and a needed respite to consider my ways. I refuse to lay idle and accomplish nothing. My mind stays active though parts of my body are in pain. [I expect to fully recover soon and shouldn't be a cause of concern to anyone. I just don't want to go into the "gory" details.]
The Scripture passage above tells of God's perfect knowledge of man. Most of the chapter, in fact, delves into the expressions of God's knowledge in terms that are too wonderful for man to comprehend. The result of this contemplation is an unabashed praise, prayer, worship and an affirmation of commitment to God and His cause.
It gives me comfort knowing that God knows everything about me. This moment in time gives me a greater appreciation of His love and care for me. No matter what I go through it's not a surprise to Him. Rather, it's an opportunity to completely put my trust in Him. The psalmist ends Psalm 139 with a prayer that aptly describes what's in my heart right now:
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Monday, January 11, 2016
New Year Reminiscences
A blessed New Year to all! It's 2016 and this year marks our 15th year in Japan as missionaries.
The God who called us is faithful (I Corinthians 1:9). He has sustained and blessed us in ways that can be described as amazing, even miraculous at times. My wife's health scare in June, is a good example. She was initially diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The lab tests done were intended to confirm the stage and severity of the said illness. Taking a step ahead, the Ob-Gyne even gave Jo Ann a few things to consider to help her come to terms with the seemingly insurmountable trial that is to come.
But, we believe in Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Family and friends, far and wide held us up in their prayers, petitioning the God of heaven for a miracle. As the Bible says, those who hope in the Lord "will not be disappointed" (Isaiah 49:23). My wife's doctor was joyfully puzzled to see that when all the results came in for her to look at, she declared that my wife is after all, cancer-free! Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve!
Before the close of last year we've taken stock of what God had done among us in 2015. The Assembly Kyoto Church, our host church, was humming with activity and producing modest accomplishments along the way. We thank God and give Him the glory for all these things as well. Here is a sampling of what we have achieved:
The Assembly Kyoto Church has a new Senior Pastor since April. Pastor Satoshi Nagasawa has taken the helm of leadership from Pastor Hisoka Murakami, who served at this church for twenty-seven (27) years. Pastor Nagasawa was converted through Pastor Murakami's ministry, after the former was saved from a cult group. Nagasawa-sensei later trained through correspondence and through direct tutelage of Pastor Murakami. He is now an ordained minister of the Japan Assemblies of God.
In June, Motomichi Harada joined the church's staff after he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Singapore Bible College in May.
The first sermon I delivered to the church this year is from Isaiah 43:18-19. God says,
18 “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
The God who called us is faithful (I Corinthians 1:9). He has sustained and blessed us in ways that can be described as amazing, even miraculous at times. My wife's health scare in June, is a good example. She was initially diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The lab tests done were intended to confirm the stage and severity of the said illness. Taking a step ahead, the Ob-Gyne even gave Jo Ann a few things to consider to help her come to terms with the seemingly insurmountable trial that is to come.
But, we believe in Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Family and friends, far and wide held us up in their prayers, petitioning the God of heaven for a miracle. As the Bible says, those who hope in the Lord "will not be disappointed" (Isaiah 49:23). My wife's doctor was joyfully puzzled to see that when all the results came in for her to look at, she declared that my wife is after all, cancer-free! Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve!
Before the close of last year we've taken stock of what God had done among us in 2015. The Assembly Kyoto Church, our host church, was humming with activity and producing modest accomplishments along the way. We thank God and give Him the glory for all these things as well. Here is a sampling of what we have achieved:
- Both the Filipino Service and the Lighthouse English Cafe reached five (5) years of ministry
- New and currently in development website
- New professions of faith in Bible Studies and other evangelistic endeavors
- Additional members added to the roll
- 2 actual water baptisms
- 116 Operation Christmas Child's gifts-filled shoe boxes
- 110,000 yen (over US$1000) cash donations to various missionaries and causes
The Assembly Kyoto Church has a new Senior Pastor since April. Pastor Satoshi Nagasawa has taken the helm of leadership from Pastor Hisoka Murakami, who served at this church for twenty-seven (27) years. Pastor Nagasawa was converted through Pastor Murakami's ministry, after the former was saved from a cult group. Nagasawa-sensei later trained through correspondence and through direct tutelage of Pastor Murakami. He is now an ordained minister of the Japan Assemblies of God.
In June, Motomichi Harada joined the church's staff after he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Singapore Bible College in May.
The first sermon I delivered to the church this year is from Isaiah 43:18-19. God says,
18 “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
19 Behold, Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
God said these words in the context of His promise to the nation of Israel as they anticipate a time of exile and their eventual restoration. It is a good place to start the new year with a hopeful note to anticipate great things from God as He promises to do NEW things that seem unlikely if not impossible to the human mind, but certainly are not beyond His sovereign power and grace.
19 Behold, Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
God said these words in the context of His promise to the nation of Israel as they anticipate a time of exile and their eventual restoration. It is a good place to start the new year with a hopeful note to anticipate great things from God as He promises to do NEW things that seem unlikely if not impossible to the human mind, but certainly are not beyond His sovereign power and grace.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
FYI Regarding Sunday Bible Class
Hello! I am re-posting a message (May 8, 2014) from Bro. Trey Rowzie regarding the Sunday Bible Study at AKC.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As some of you know, we are starting a new series in the Sunday afternoon Bible Study.
Last Sunday, we looked at how we can have assurance of God's salvation for us. This Sunday, we plan to look at the importance of Lordship in the life of a believer (Page 14). If you like to look at the material we will be using, feel free to download the free PDF from the link below.
Looking forward to discovering, understanding, and learning way to apply God's Word with you next Sunday. Lord bless each of you.
Monday, February 24, 2014
We give thanks to God
Fabulous February
Psalm 105:1 says, “Oh, give
thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known
His deeds among the peoples!”
We give thanks to the Lord for what He has done among us in the
English Ministry. We rejoice with those who have successfully finished their
studies/research work here in Japan, namely: Chris Adenyo (Ghana), Joan Ketcha
(Cameroon); and elsewhere, Nao Sakata in Australia. We also give thanks for the
successful staging of a Charity Concert dubbed, “One Heart, One Mind, One Song”
despite the rain and other obstacles. The performers, Jason Enriquez, Atsuko
Waka, Gordon Hyppolite, Rumiko Fujino & Yoriko Inaba did very well to the
audience’s great satisfaction. Panelists on love and relationships also blessed
the Fellowship Night on February 16 with so much fun and thoughtful
discussions. Our Lighthouse English Café (LEC) had the most number of
attendance breaking our expectations with 36 people both guests and volunteers.
We call on the Name of the Lord for healing on several people who
had been sick, hospitalized and some are still recovering. The influenza virus
is still affecting many people in the church. We also ask for your prayers that
God would bless the planned trip of some Doshisha University students and I to
the Philippines from March 9~15. Pray for safety and a fruitful time in
reaching out to survivors of the super typhoon Haiyan in Matabas Island in
Western Visayas region.
We would like to testify of His deeds among the peoples
too. The new Thank Jesus It’s Friday (TJIF) at church had a good turnout last
February 21st. It’s been envisioned to bridge the distance between
the regular worship service and our outreach ministry to the campuses; not only
that several nations were represented, but that we got to enjoy international
dishes prepared by those who came. The Assembly Kyoto Church has positioned
herself not only as an international church, but also as a mission-minded
congregation that reaches out to peoples of different nations without
prejudice.
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