It's already the 23rd of August. We have had such a hot summer, this year! I hope and pray that everyone will be able to keep their good health. However though, a couple of days ago, we did start to feel a breeze at night.

Since we have some students from mission schools with us, I am reminded of some great Christians who founded those schools with their christian belief. The sad thing is, though, that most of the students there today know nothing about this belief. The spirit of christianity has not come down to this present generation. We need to expand on our efforts to bring the message to the world!

This fall, there will be a big gathering held in a concert hall in Tokyo. This gathering will be called "Tokyo Revival Mission '98." The first of these gatherings started six years ago, in a certain pastor's mind. This man was already well-used as an evangelist in Japan. But still he had a burning passion for lost souls working in him! He prayed and shared this desire with other pastors. He and his friends, who were also pastors, had the same passion that Jesus had. They kept praying for this vision. And, then they received the word: Acts 4:12. They grasped this verse and started to do something for Revival for Japan. Their first gathering was held in a baseball stadium in Kobe. Lots of people filled this stadium, and praised the Lord together. Some heard the Gospel for the first time, and accepted Christ as their Saviour. This "Revival Mission" spread out all over Japan. During the past six years, in different Japanese cities, they have held "Revival Mission" events. And, the last event, this fall, is to be held in the Tokyo Event Hall. They have been praying for this, and we have too!

Being in a crisis, economically and spiritually, it's hard for us humans to find an exit. We are now in darkness! Just look around you, and you can find enough evil happening in other human beings to make you sick. "There is no other name, but Jesus, by which we are to be saved."

Let's look at Acts 19:1-20; St. Paul went through hardships in Ephesus. He was rejected and refused by the people. But, he didn't give up. Though he was persecuted, he didn't give in. He kept speaking and spreading out the Gospel. See verse 20: 'We also have problems and sufferings. But, do not give up, then, in that way, you will bear fruit.' In this way the words of God spread widely and grow in power.

In chapter 18, we again find Paul spreading out the Gospel. He was encouraged by God; verse 9 "Do not be afraid.. for I am with you." We have the same encouragement with us all of the time. You may have troubles, or may be under persecution. It may be from your families, friends, or boss, but do not give up, for God is with you.

We, Japanese, really are in need of salvation. "Tokyo Revival Mission" is working very hard for people's salvation; they have distributed tracts to all of the homes in Tokyo, and in and around Tokyo, there are special weekly gatherings. We are to have the same spirit.

Acts 9 gives us the story of how Paul was saved. Behind Paul's salvation there was the heart-felt prayer of Christians. It was so clear to every Christian that Paul would not or could not be saved or forgiven. Nobody thought he would become a Christian. But he did become a new person, a Christian. And more still, he became an Evangelist! There should be some people like Paul around You! You may not expect your parents to be believers of Christ, and some of your friends may be terrible - so that it sounds impossible for them to be saved - but God does the work! He does miracles. It's all up to our prayer and action. However, we, ourselves, must be changed first. Take on the passion of Christ for lost souls.

Translated by Junko Okamoto - Edited for the Net by Shido
For another sermon see: Oita Evangelical Christ Church
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