A Message by Pastor Katsumasa Hirota,


5th Sunday, Oita Evangelical Christ Church on November 30th, 1997

"The Significance of Christmas." Lu.2:25-35.

It's the last Sunday of November, and the first day of Advent! We also have a "memorial day" today for those who have already left us for Heaven. For this memorial day service, we also have the relatives of these dear ones to share in worship together. We welcome you from our hearts!

Last week, I had a chance to attend the Keswick Convention Committee. The committee met together in Fukuoka, and there we met a well-used pastor named Arthur Holland, who is half American. He is always with the strength of the Holy Spirit, and has travelled all over Japan, even to the top of Mt. Fuji, with some other Brothers. Through his evangelical exploits a Buddhist priest was saved -- which is a miracle. And an interesting thing is happening recently with Buddhist priests; they have been showing up at some Christian meetings, asking for the true salvation. [God is moving!!]

Well, now we find Simeon, in today's reading, who was among the priesthood of Israel. Though he was a righteous and devout man, we find that he was still searching for the true salvation. Up to the birth of Christ, people had been leading a religious life that was based on the Old Testament scriptures and the Law, which bound the people to religious rites. They had to observe all of the laws of the Law. However, Simeon wisely knew that there was something completely free from those laws, and that this something could save people. Then, baby Jesus and His parents visited him. At that moment he knew that this baby Jesus was the Saviour. Simeon was so moved by this discovery that he could not help praising God for His faithfulness to Israel. This morning, we have a "memorial", and all of those people that you can see in photographs up at the front are also people who found the Saviour after hardship. Some of them were struggling against the pains of disease, and others were suffering from other hardships. And, in the midst of these hardships, they were able to find the Christ, even as Simeon found Christ in his struggle. {Pastor Hirota begins to share the lives of some of the dead people that are represented in the photographs...}

-- Mr. Koishi: He was a photographer, who owned a studio downtown in Oita City. His daughter is one of Junko Okamoto's good friends. In the early 60's, he was diagnosed with cancer, and in bed he received his baptism. Supported by his daughter's earnest prayers, he was able to accept Christ into his life.

-- Mr. Fujisaki: Though he had a good knowledge of the Bible, and though his wife and daughter are Christians, he was hardened in his heart. I almost gave up on him as I tried to direct his attention to the Lord. I prayed for his salvation SO hard, but I can say that it was nothing but God's mercy that allowed him to be saved before his death.

Most of these people were suffering from illnesses in bed when they received the Lord. An old Christian lady was often dreaming of that wonderful place up there, while she was suffering in bed. She often said that there were a lot of pretty white flowers there.

Turn with me please to John 3:16. If we were to shorten the Bible, this holy verse would be the only verse. No matter how happily we may lead our earthly lives, if we don't have an eternal life waiting for us, it is nothing at all!

In the Vietnam War, a soldier was hurt and seriously injured. He was afraid of his death, and in panic, began asking how he could receive an eternal life. Unfortunately, no one around him knew how he could get an eternal life. Finally, an enemy soldier gave him the answer; it was the Bible. The enemy read to him John 3:16. This is a true story. Reading him this verse while he was in that state brought to him the work of the Holy Spirit, and he was able to accept Jesus into his life before he died. Whosoever believes in Him will be saved -- that is God's will.


Translated by Junko Okamoto - Edited for the Net by Shido
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