The Salvation of Jesus (4), the Path to Progress: “Reckoning” [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 55]

The Salvation of Jesus (4), the Path to Progress: “Reckoning”

Unser Herr lebt, Issue 55, 2020

Gotthold Beck

David confessed in his psalm:

How blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. How blessed is the person against whom the Lord does not charge iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalms 32:1-2, International Standard Version)

John wrote in his letter, “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”

When we read these verses, we will realize deep in our hearts how precious the blood of the Lord Jesus is. We will always want to know and appreciate the preciousness of the blood of the Lord Jesus even more and more.

In this article, I want to discuss with you, based on the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verses 1 to 11, about the “reckoning” as the path to our progress.

The Salvation of Jesus (3), the Path to Progress: “Knowing” [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 54]

The Salvation of Jesus (3), the Path to Progress: “Knowing”
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 54, 2020
Gotthold Beck

In today's sermon, I would like to study the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 23, verses 33-43 and the Epistle to the Romans chapter 6, verse 1-11 and discuss the “knowing as the path to the progress.”

The purpose of the Lord God is for us to be transformed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus. When this is realized in us, we will be able to say just as Paul did, “I no longer live, but the Messiah lives in me (Galatians 2.20).”

The question, by the way, is how this can actually happen to us.

We have learned in the previous articles about two fundamental facts we absolutely need to know, which were, “sin of humans and the value of the Lord Jesus' blood” and “the value of the Cross of the Lord Jesus to our old man.” Without these facts, it is not possible for us to stand on a firm and unshakable foundation. These facts of grace are the foundation of our faith life.

The Salvation of Jesus (2), the Value of Jesus' 'Cross' to the 'Old Man' [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 53]

The Salvation of Jesus (2), the Value of Jesus' 'Cross' to the 'Old Man'
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 53, 2020
Gotthold Beck

In the previous article, we learned three things regarding the sin of humans and the value of the blood of the Lord Jesus. Firstly, by the blood of the Lord Jesus, the wall called sin, that used to separate humans from God was taken down, and this made it possible for humans to have fellowship with God. Secondly, when we deeply understand this fact, our guilty conscience disappears and thirdly, the accusation of the devil loses his influence.

In this article, I would like to continue the discussion and talk about the value of the 'Cross' of Jesus against our “old man.”

Once, we found ourselves perishing without knowing God, and with no hope, which made us cry out, “Lord, I am a sinful person who is destined to perish. Please forgive and save me.” At that moment, we have realized deep in our heart that the shed blood of the Lord Jesus has the power to cleanse all our sins. And this realization has made us repent and stand in faith, I believe that most of our brothers and sisters have shared the same experience.

In other words, we recognized that not only have we sinned, but we are “the sinners” who inherently have the nature of sin deep inside our beings, didn't we?

The Salvation of Jesus (1), Sins of Humans and the Value of Jesus' Blood [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 52]

The Salvation of Jesus (1), Sins of Humans and the Value of Jesus' Blood
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 52, 2019
Gotthold Beck

The Bible is not trying to convey some theories or teachings to us; rather, it is telling us the truth.

The most important truth written in the Bible is the salvation accomplished by the Lord Jesus. It is not enough for us to have this fact merely as knowledge stored in our heads, but our daily lives need to be filled with this knowledge and we need to understand this fact as our personal experience. This kind of knowledge is completely different from what we have in our heads; it is penetrated so deep within us that it cannot be separated from our personality.

Now, we are living in the dark age of the end time. We need a solid foundation that is as stable as a rock. I am convinced that this foundation is the knowledge embedded deep into our lives, as I just mentioned and the eternal fact about God that is conveyed in the Bible.

What Kind of Man is Jesus? [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 51]

What Kind of Man is Jesus?
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 51, 2019
Gotthold Beck

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, look, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying. This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him. for she is a sinner.
And Jesus answering said to him. Simon. I have somewhat to say to you. And he says, Master, say on.
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors. the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said. I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said to him. You has rightly judged.

The Secret to Build up the Church. [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 50]

The Secret to Build up the Church.
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 50, 2019
Gotthold Beck

I would like to begin this sermon with this passage from the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 16 verses 13 to 25:

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that you are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
He said to them, But whom say you that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona:
for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. From that time forth began Jesus to show to his disciples, how that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from you, Lord: this shall not be to you. But he turned, and said to Peter, Get you behind me, Satan: you are an offense to me: for you mind not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Then said Jesus to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it: and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 16:13-25)
[King James Version]

Be Filled with the Holy Spirit [Unser Herr lebt, Issue 50]

Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 50, 2019
Gotthold Beck

When all the people had been baptized, Jesus too was baptized. While he was praying, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him, appearing in the form of a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you!” (Luke 3:21-22)

You, however, are not under the control of human nature but under the control of the Spirit, since God’s Spirit lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of the Messiah, he does not belong to him. (Romans 8:9)

Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)
[International Standard Version]

1. Those who do not Have the Spirit of Christ.

Today, I would like to discuss some aspects of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Growth of the Life of Faith [主は生きておられる49号]

Growth of the Life of Faith
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 49, 2018
Gotthold Beck

He was also saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground. He sleeps and gets up night and day while the seeds sprout and grow, although he doesn’t know how. The ground produces grain by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, he immediately starts cutting with his sickle because the harvest time has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)
[International Standard Version]

In this article, I would like to discuss with you the “growth of the life of faith” for the Christians. In chapter 4, verse 26 of the Gospel according to Mark we cited at the beginning, it is written, “the kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground,” which implies the beginning of the life regenerated through the belief in the Lord. And this expression in verse 27, “he sleeps and gets up night and day while the seeds sprout and grow,” illustrates how the regenerated life continues to grow.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (2) [主は生きておられる48号]

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (2)
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 48, 2018
Gotthold Beck

からし種のたとえ（2）
主は生きておられる48号
ゴットホルド・ベック

He was also saying, “How can we show what the kingdom of God is like, or what parable can we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. Although it is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, when it is planted it comes up and becomes larger than all the garden plants. It grows such large branches that the birds in the sky can nest in its shade.” With many other parables like these, Jesus kept speaking his message to them according to their ability to understand. He did not tell them anything without using a parable, though he explained everything to his disciples in private. (Mark 4:30-31)[International Standard Version]

In our previous issue, we discussed two things through the parable of the mustard seed; firstly, what the kingdom of God is, and secondly, how the kingdom of God is revealed to us at this present time. In this article, I would like to discuss with you briefly the third point; how the kingdom of God will be realized in the ages to come.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (1) [主は生きておられる47号]

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (1)
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 47, 2018
Gotthold Beck

からし種のたとえ（1）
主は生きておられる47号
ゴットホルド・ベック

He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom from heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, when it is fully grown it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, and the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom from heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet when he said, “I will open my mouth to speak in parables. I will declare what has been hidden since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 13:31-35, International Standard Version).

So Jesus went on to say, “What is the kingdom of God like? What can I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches.” Again he said, “What can I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” (Luke 13:18-21sion).

In this article, I would like to discuss briefly the parable of the mustard seed. Let us divide the discussion into three parts.

The Walk in the Holy Spirit [主は生きておられる43号]

The Walk in the Holy Spirit 
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 43, 2016
Gotthold Beck

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. and these are contrary the one to the other. so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18, American King James Version).

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 24-25).

In this article, I would like to discuss the walk in the Holy Spirit, which we absolutely need to understand as Christians.

There are two different ways for believers to walk. One is to walk by the ”flesh,” and the other is to walk in the “Holy Spirit.” While many Christians believe that all they need is to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour, Jesus tells us that it is not enough. They have to walk being led by the Holy Spirit. The Bible is telling us:

Death is not the End [主は生きておられる43号]

Death is not the End
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 43, 2017
Gotthold Beck

死は終わりではない
主は生きておられる43号
ゴットホルド・ベック

I am so grateful that I could come back here after so many decades. I have completely forgotten when I came for the first time. I used to visit every week to teach the German language. The founder of this school gave me special permission to use the school's library any time I liked. He even encouraged me to talk about Jesus to his students. It was a very pleasant time. Although I have no idea when the seeds sown will be reaped, I am quite confident that no seed was wasted. Today, I am going to talk about this subject, “death is not the end.”

Thirteen years ago, a terrible incident occurred on September 11th in the United States. Huge numbers of people were killed instantly. These are the words written on the wall of a fire station of New York.

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why.

These words were made public. After all, no one can explain why and how it had to happen. The most dangerous answer to this question comes from religion. Whenever you go through an ordeal, religion always tells you that it occurred because of your arrogance, or perhaps that it was a divine punishment for the evil deeds of your grandfather. These are all lies.

Preparation for the Service

Preparation for the Service
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 42, 2016
Gotthold Beck

In this article, I would like to discuss the preparation required to serve the Lord.

“The one with two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ His master told him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Since you have been trustworthy with a small amount, I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master’s joy!’” (Matthew 25:22-23, International Standard Version).

“Tychicus, our dear brother and a faithful minister in service to the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21).

It is an unignorable fact that some believers of Jesus Christ, while claiming that they are serving God, actually work for their own purposes and serve God in a worldly manner.

His Blessing ― Life Everlasting

His Blessing ― Life Everlasting
Unser Herr lebt, Issue 41, 2016
Gotthold Beck

“Look how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil on the head, descending to the beard― even to Aaron’s beard― and flowing down to the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon falling on Zion’s mountains. For there the Lord commanded his blessing― life everlasting” (Psalms 133:1-3, International Standard Version).

“Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be given glory on account of your gracious love and faithfulness” (Psalms 115:1).

Life without the Lord Jesus is valueless and meaningless because the Lord Jesus is the only one who has the power to give us eternal life, true satisfaction and resolve all our problems.

Being Renewed by Knowing the Lord

Being Renewed by Knowing the Lord
June 12th, 2016, Oakayama Gospel Meeting
Gotthold Beck

Luke
19:1 As Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it,
19:2 a man named Zacchaeus appeared. He was a leading tax collector, and a rich one at that!
19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn’t do so due to the crowd, since he was a short man.
19:4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way.
19:5 When Jesus came to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today.”

The Parable of Mustard Seed (2)

The Parable of Mustard Seed (2)
June 7th, 2016, Kichijouji Bible Study
Gotthold Beck

Mark
4:30 He was also saying, “How can we show what the kingdom of God is like, or what parable can we use to describe it?
4:31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. Although it is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
4:32 when it is planted it comes up and becomes larger than all the garden plants. It grows such large branches that the birds in the sky can nest in its shade.”
4:33 With many other parables like these, Jesus kept speaking his message to them according to their ability to understand.
4:34 He did not tell them anything without using a parable, though he explained everything to his disciples in private.
[International Standard Version]

In our previous meeting, we discussed two things. Firstly, what is the kingdom of God? Secondly, how is the kingdom of God revealed to us at this present time?

Today, I would like to discuss with you briefly the third point, that is to say, how will the kingdom of God be revealed in the future?

The Perfume of Nard (2016)

The Perfume of Nard  (2016)

June 5th, 2016, Niigata Gospel Meeting
Gotthold Beck

Luke
18:31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “Pay attention! We’re going up to Jerusalem. Everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled,
18:32 because he will be handed over to the unbelievers, and will be mocked, insulted, and spit on.
18:33 After they have whipped him, they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.”
18:34 But they didn’t understand any of this. What he said was hidden from them, and they didn’t know what he meant.

Luke
19:1 As Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it,
19:2 a man named Zacchaeus appeared. He was a leading tax collector, and a rich one at that!
19:3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he couldn’t do so due to the crowd, since he was a short man.
19:4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way.

The Parable of Mustard Seed (1)

The Parable of Mustard Seed (1)
May 31st, 2016, Kichijouji Bible Study
Gotthold Beck

Matthew
13:31 He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom from heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field.
13:32 Although it is the smallest of all seeds, when it is fully grown it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, and the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.”
13:33 He told them another parable: “The kingdom from heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
13:34 Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.
13:35 This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet when he said, “I will open my mouth to speak in parables. I will declare what has been hidden since the creation of the world.”
[International Standard Version]

Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice in the Lord

May 29th, 2016, Okinawa Gospel Meeting

Gotthold Beck

1 Thessalonians

5:16 “Always be joyful.

5:17 Continually be prayerful.

5:18 In everything be thankful, because this is God’s will for you in the Messiah Jesus.”

[International Standard Version]

It was a blessing that I could come back here today. I desperately wanted to see my dear brother Shouji and sister Nobuko again. Our Lord is so great. He is wonderful. He is so great that He is beyond expression in words. We came to know this Lord, which is by itself a grace.

Growth of the Life of Faith

Growth of the Life of Faith

May 24th, 2016, Kichijouji Bible Study

Gotthold Beck

Mark

4:26 He was also saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground.

4:27 He sleeps and gets up night and day while the seeds sprout and grow, although he doesn’t know how.

4:28 The ground produces grain by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.

4:29 But when the grain is ripe, he immediately starts cutting with his sickle because the harvest time has come.”

[International Standard Version]

In the previous meeting, we learned about the “beginning of our life of faith.” Today, I would like to discuss with you the “growth of our life of faith.” Let us read the verse 26 again: