Love and Tolerance Romans 14:1-9 (NIV)

1.The real world and different ways of thinking

Our Church was founded on the 6th November, 1969. From then, many members have come and gone, including three Pastors. I am already the fourth. Even though the core of our belief is basically the same, there are a lot of ways of thinking about faith. Simply, from the Japanese custom of showing respect to our ancestors, to consideration of how much money we should tithe to the church, for example. conflicts were very often generated from things of a secondary nature, which became obstacles along the path of our heavenly walk. Today we will look at the scriptures and focus our attention on these matters regarding divergence of attitudes and behavior.
When we read Romans chapter 14, we learn that there were conflicts between ‘the Weak and the Strong’ in the early Church. We can presume that the weak were the newly converted Jews, who were offended by the eating of meat prohibited by the Torah (Jewish Bible), as unclean, or for disregarding the Jewish sacred days. The eating issue was compounded further because the Lord’s communion was observed in the form of common meal.
However, the converted gentiles were to learn that they were actually free from these Jewish traditions. Paul did not consider the Jewish observations as significant, but, he did not want to offend the Jewish believers, nor did he think the issue was worth dividing the church over. His desire was to promote unity, not division.
So, Paul says: “One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him¡É¡ÊRomans 14:2 - 3).His thinking is very clear: ¡ÈAs one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean” (Romans 14-14).
As for Jesus, His point of view was: “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him unclean?¡É (Mark 7:18 ).
But those who gave great importance to the nutritional interdictions raised objections. Even though Paul shared the same opinion as Jesus, he indicated that those who are weak are not False.
“He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God¡É¡ÊRomans 14: 6).
Neither person is unfaithful. Both are acting according to their conscience, but their honest scruples do not need to be made into rules for the church. If we are to follow the teaching of Jesus, both ways of eating is an expression of the same gratefulness to God. “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.¡ÊRomans 14:8).
And Paul continues: “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat¡É (Romans 14:10).

2. We must have the intellect to distinguish between the essential and the petty.

Paul says; “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Paul makes it quite clear. He insists that our accusing of other people because of petty or frivolous things is a matter of grave concern. We chose the following verse to read for our invocation today:
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” ( Matthew 25:40). That is what Jesus said about the Final Judgement, and further, He taught them this:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left” (Matthew 25:31-33).
And He continues:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?¡Ç¡É (Matthew 25:34-49)¡£
But people could not understand the real meaning of this because they never offered Jesus real food, nor places to stay. Jesus’ teaching clearly defines our conduct and behavior toward our neighbor. Be kind, love one another, be helpful. If we accuse our friends and neighbors for minor insignificant reasons, we will cause disharmony within our community.
Paul teaches us more about this in Romans 13. “The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:9-10).
Paul explains what he means by self love. Loving others as ourselves means to be actively working to see that the needs of others are met. We cannot love our neighbors without loving ourselves first. Christians must obey the law of love, which supersedes both religious and civil laws. Whenever love demands it, we go beyond human legal requirements and imitate the God of love.
By loving our neighbors as we should love ourselves, we will please God who loves us all. And when we focus our attention on God¡Çs love for each other, we will refrain from accusing others over silly matters, or asking simple nutritive questions

3. To those who make wars over minor matters.

In this real world people continue to take-up weapons for insignificant reasons, like the Yugoslav wars in 1990, for example. After the collapse of the USSR, conflict occurred between Catholics, Muslims and believers in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The result of these senseless tragedies can be seen today, from our side of history, as total disasters.
Similar conflicts occurred when Protestantism was born out of Catholicism. And, hostility and division continued within the newly-found protestant movement. But, even then, the disputes were the subject of only minor liturgical differences.
Paul says: “If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died¡É (Romans 14:15).
Paul wants us to be both strong in the faith and sensitive to others¡Ç needs. Because we are all strong in some areas, and weak in others, we need constantly to monitor our behavior.
As saved people we will one day stand before God in judgement. So we must not differentiate, classify, nor accuse people unfairly. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God¡É (Romans 15:7).
Today, let me tell you, my dear church members, don’t look for disagreements in anecdotal matters, but be tolerant toward others, your sisters and brothers, and love each other, as God loves you.

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James 1:19-27

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:19-27).

1. A Letter to those who can’t change their lives

Last Sunday, we learned the importance of acting as christians. Our faith in God’s salvation should push us to conduct ourselves according to Jesus’ teaching. Even if our efforts are recompensed in this world, we won’t loose our faith, because it will be appreciated by God.
James exalts this attitude in other ways and words in his letter which we will study today: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1: 22 ). The author of the letter, James, was a brother (or a cousin) of the Lord Jesus. He previously did not believe that Jesus was the Christ at first, but after he witnessed the Resurrection he became a believer and a leader in the Church of Jerusalem.
Under the leadership of James, Jesus’ teaching was widespread, giving birth to new churches in Judea, Syria and Samaria. But as time passed, and after Jesus’ death, his messages were passed-on incorrectly, and some were taken out of context. So much so, that even the Churches were involved in conflict, largely generated by desire, envy, arrogance, etc. James wrote this letter to expose the tendency toward hypocritical practices, and to teach about christian behaviour.
James was seriously concerned about the real life split between faith and conduct, and with people who could not change their life, just by saying they have faith. These verses from james further enhance our thoughts on this matter: My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4).
James, attacks any form of partiality shown toward the rich. Arrogance and self-confidence can separate the rich from God, and lead to callous injustice. He emphasizes the need for a faith which results in charity toward the poor.

2. Faith without action is in vain

James challenges the attitude of believers who can’t take action according to Jesus’ teaching: “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does¡É (James 1:8). And further,he says: ¡ÈMy dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry¡É (1:19).
Perhaps troubles occurred in the Church because of people who could not control themselves, or because of those who spoke out of turn. I presume there were cases where Pastors’ or church members’ became insensitive to others, making it difficult for them to attend the Sunday Service.
It happens sometimes, or rather it happens quite often in today’s Church. This kind of conflict comes from people who possess an immature faith, and who are unable to change their conduct. In order to avoid this insensitivity, we must try and listen to others’ words, and put ourselves in the place of others. Have empathy with others, and do not interrupt their conversation, and their thinking. Be a good listener. Even though we seek to care for the feelings of others, they might easily become angry and leave the Church. We must always be slow to become angry.
James said that human anger doesn’t realize God’s righteousness, and Jesus went on to say: “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).
When we act like this with our enemies, it must be more natural to do so with Church members, our brothers and sisters. God’s words are planted in our heart. But, when we begin to act wrong, or our thinking becomes corrupted , then, we need to banish these thoughts from our mind. When God’s words reign we must act loyally to them. We might attend the Sunday Services, but, without acts, our devotion is worthless, and salvation will not follow. We are assembled in the Church to calm our soul, in order to act-out our faith in other places as a witness to God’s saving grace.

3. The Challenge of Faith

We chose Matthew, 10 - 39, as today’s verse of invocation, and here, Jesus says: ¡ÈWhoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it¡É.Strange verse. Everybody looks to one’s life and happiness. Happiness is to eat enough, to live easily, to be secure from illness or disaster. So why did Jesus say that? Because we don’t live by ourselves, but we are made living by God who showed His Will through the Cross of Jesus. God saved us through His own death - through God the Son.
Jesus tells us: “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38).
The letter from James continues to develop the same theme:
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do (James 2:14-18).
And note here, how he insisted on this: ¡ÈShow me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do¡É (James 2:18)
This verse made me think about the Swiss Parliament’s decision in 1942. They voted to return Jewish refugees back to the Nazi concentration camps, even knowing the Jews would be killed there. At that time a famous Swiss minister, Walter Lüthi accused the government of committing triple sins: lack of love, hypocrisy and violation of Jesus’ teachings.
Now in 2007, in Japan, we are taking a similar course of action and attitude with the African and Asian refugees, by refusing to accept them. I looked for information about this issue on web and found only two japanese christian organizations which are making an effort to contradict this policy: the Catholic and the Episcopal Churches.
Regarding this matter, James might say to us: If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (James 2-16). God tells us to take care of those who are suffering in poverty and pain, because it is our responsibility as christians. A living faith cannot exist without works, such as hospitality and love.
The concise summary of the letter from James is very revealing: If our life doesn’t change when we say, we have been made right with God, or that we have been saved - our faith is dead, and we are unable to save anyone!

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1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 [Prayer of Hope]

1. Paul’s Concerns about the Church of the Isolated Thessalonians

Paul, Silas and Timothy went to Philippi in Macedonia to begin their mission in Europe. But they encountered vigorous opposition. So much so, they set off again to Thessalonica, which was the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia. Thessalonica, with its spacious harbour, was of great commercial importance.
The scriptures tell us that it was there that they preached in a Jewish Synagogue, which was generally their custom: ¡ÈAs his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ” (Acts 17:2-3).
The book of Acts continues to develop this scene : ¡ÈSome of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women¡É (Acts 17:4).
Even though Thessalonica was an idol-worshiping city, there were people there who were looking to faithfully embrace a Real Unique God. They went to the Jewish Synagogue, and read the Jewish Bible. But converted gentiles and women were not respected at all among the Jewish men.
Paul appealed to those who were neglected in this way: ¡ÈFor all of you who were baptized in Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus¡É Galations 3:27-28).
All Jews, gentiles and women were profoundly impressed by Paul’s appeal. This call for unification gave birth to the christian community, which generated serious jealousy among Jews, because a lot of believers in traditional judaism began to attend Paul’s assemblies. So much so, that those who were not persuaded by Paul¡Çs message, accused him and his companions of causing trouble, and defying Caesar’s decrees.
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus¡É (Acts 17:6-7).
Because of this riot, Paul, and his companions left the city. But after that, Paul was always concerned about the new believers in Thessalonica because of the infancy of the early church. He only spent a few weeks with them before leaving for Corinth. In his concern, he sent his delegate, Timothy, to visit the Thessalonians, and to return with a report. The news brought back by Timothy was very encouraging:
¡ÈBut Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith¡É 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7).
The Thessalonian believers remained solid in their faith after Paul¡Çs departure. Paul, being delighted and encouraged by this news, decided to write this letter to the Thessalonians.

2. The church stays faithful, with hope and love - even without a Pastor

This letter expresses the joy of Paul, knowing the firm faith of the Thessalonians, even under difficult circumstances:
We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you¡É(1 Thess.1:3-4).
In these short verses he put 3 important key words we need to think about:
*work produced by faith
*labor prompted by love
*endurance inspired by hope
To work is to act, and Paul often repeated that we would be saved, not by our acts, but by the grace of God. So, what does Paul mean when he says, firstly, “work produced by faith”? Here he talks about “acts” because when we are saved by God’s Grace, our life must change, and we are spiritually moved to work by preaching and teaching God’s love, even in difficult and hostile environments.
Secondly, ¡Èlabor prompted by love.¡É Put simply, love, results in acts, equals labor. Paul reinforces this meaning when he says: ¡È We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us¡É (1 Thess. 2:8).
And then the last key word is, “endurance inspired by hope”. This hope is the hope in Jesus Christ. Seemingly, there would be no hope for the Thessalonians under their present circumstances. They were oppressed by the Romans, and the Judaizers, because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
But by believing in the second coming of Christ, they could maintain the Hope that on the day of the Last Judgment, their hard and difficult days would be recompensed.
Paul gives thanks to the Thessalonians for their solid standing in the faith. Their love and hope will remain obvious to all, and they will be a magnificent witness throughout the land. ¡ÈThe Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it¡É (1 Thess. 1:8).

3. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

We chose 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as today’s verses of invocation.
I recently attended a Pastors¡Ç study class where I learned about a similar case to that of the Thessalonian Church.
A Pastor was appointed to a minuscule church in the north of Japan where there was no previous Pastor or leader. This area of Japan is a very cold, snowy, and remote region. His previous appointment was at a big church in the center of Tokyo, with more than 300 people in attendance at the Sunday service. When he arrived at the new place, there was practically no church members.
He faithfully conducted Sunday worship with only his wife and children for many years, while praying, and sometimes even groaning. Now that small church has a faithful and devoted congregation. What supported them during those difficult times was their faith, love and hope. In any circumstances, real believers can pray, be joyful, and give thanks, all of which raises up the Church. This story is really an object lesson from which we can learn much, and its a message I want to leave with you, as we conclude our lesson here today.

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Don’t take revenge [Romans 12:9-21]

1. Love each other

August is a special month for the Japanese people. Because, on the 15th August 1945, some sixty two years ago, World War II came to an end when Japan accepted defeat by agreeing to surrender unconditionally. Since then, restoration of the Nation has progressed under a new Constitution which forbids any international military action. This month must be the time for the Japanese people to pause and consider, war and peace.
Paul wrote: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:18-19).
Today we study what the Bible tells us about war and peace by reading Paul’s letter.
Preaching in various regions of the Roman Empire, Paul, often told how he came to believe in Jesus Christ, and understand how God loved us so much so, that He sent His only Son to us.
So how should we respond to God’s love? Paul tells us, by suggesting other different natures of love, “Agape (God’s love), Eros (Human desire).” But, to practice “Philadelphia”, (Greek) meaning, “Brotherly love”, is to bring us to love each other, and even our enemies.
Even when we are hated and persecuted in this world because of our faith in Jesus Christ, what we should do is this:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse"¡ÊRomans12:14).
Peter said the same, (1 Peter 3:9) “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing”
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."And they divided up his clothes by casting lots (Luke 23:34).

£²¡¥Love your enemies and Pray for them

As today’s invocation verse, we chose Matthew 5:43-44, a part of Jesus’ sermon on the mountain. Jesus cited, Leviticus19:18, as a reference.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
Normally it’s risky to love enemies. They say that a pacifist attitude is idealistic, but not in reality. It’s true that, “An eye to an eye” is always human theory and that make nations wage wars. Despite that, Jesus tell us to abandon this “Law of retaliation,” and Paul insist on it. (Romans 12:20-21).

£³¡¥Under actual Japanese circumstances

There is a political movement trying to modify the Japanese Constitution in order to justify the rearmament of Japan. When the actual constitution was adopted a majority of the Japanese refused to accept it, because its a pacifist idea, founded on Christianity (Matthew 26:52), something which is not compatible with our non-christian culture.
However, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Japan declared in 2003, that thanks to this pacifist constitution, Japan has been a peaceful nation for 62 years. And I, as one of the nations Japanese people, want to be proud of this Constitution.
In biblical times, a lot of different ethnic groups coexisted in Palestine, and conflicts and battles were frequent between them. It was only natural that they constructed high walls around their cities, and heavily armed themselves. Nevertheless Jesus taught not to hate enemies, but to love them because, it is the only way to have a real peaceful world.

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