Tokyo International Church

08/09/2014

The TIC Children's Ministry will be conducting a Homeless Run along Tamagawa River on October 19, Sunday. Please come and join us distribute the goody bags and join us for the fun and games with the kids afterwards. We are also accepting cash donations or donations in kind (soap, toothbrush, tuna cans, socks, towels, mikan, rice, etc). Please contact Evelyn or Efaniel for your donations.

25/03/2014

The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you. – {SC 64.2}
No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ. – {SC 65.1}
The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image. – {SC 65.2}

16/03/2014

Borrowed from Ayvee Taguiam's wall...

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. – {YRP 84.1}
There is much needless worrying, much trouble of mind, over things that cannot be helped. The Lord would have His children put their trust fully in Him. Our Lord is a just and righteous God. His children should acknowledge His goodness and His justice in the large and the small things of life. Those who cherish the spirit of worry and complaint are refusing to recognize His guiding hand. Needless anxiety is a foolish thing; and it hinders us from standing in a true position before God. – {YRP 84.2}
When the Holy Spirit comes into the soul, there will be no desire to complain and murmur because we do not have everything we want; rather, we will thank God from a full heart for the blessings that we have. There is great need of more thankfulness among our workers today; and until they have this spirit they will be unprepared for a place in the kingdom of heaven. There is a mighty work to be done for every one of us. We comprehend but little of what God desires to work out through us. We should seek to realize the breadth of His plans, and profit by every lesson that He [has] tried to teach us. – {YRP 84.3}
A great deal of mischief is wrought in the imagination of our own hearts and minds when we seek to carry our own way contrary to the law of kindness. Here is where many fail. We do not cultivate a disposition to kindness; we want everything to come in an easy way to ourselves. But the question of greatest importance to each one of us should be not how we can carry our own plans against the plans of others, but how we can have the power to live for Christ every day. Christ came to earth and gave His life that we might have eternal salvation. He wants to encircle each of us with the atmosphere of heaven, that we may give to the world an example that will honor the religion of Christ.—Loma Linda Messages, 602. – {YRP 84.4} – YRP 84.1-4

14/03/2014

"If the pontiff accepts, it would be unprecedented. No pope or religious leader that serves as a head of state has ever addressed Congress, according to the U.S. House Historian's office."

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has extended an invitation to Pope Francis to address a joint session of Congress.

02/03/2014

This a biblical, serious and caring analysis of something as important as the "call for unity" made by Pope Francis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsF2q-8ez08

Pope Francis, Bishop Tony Palmer say there are no more protestants and that every christian is a catholic. That we must put aside our differences and become ...

02/03/2014

On Revelation 13 and the Call for Unity Made By Pope Francis.

Yesterday I was asked for a reaction to the "call for unity" between Protestants and Catholics, made by Pope Francis. It was obvious to me that my reply was received with disappointment maybe even giving the impression that I have little concern for the importance of this matter; nothing farther from the truth. Eschatological prophecy (end of time) is extremely important to us as Seventh Day Adventists, as God in his word says,"Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets." (Amos 3: 7) Prophecy is one of the means through which God points us to the closeness of the end of times, so we must be in tune with what happens around us, and see if any prophecy - specific or general - is being fulfilled.
It is biblical that in the times close to Jesus's second coming (our times) there will be efforts and calls for all religions and denominations to pledge allegiance under "one faith." I wish to share what Revelation 13 speaks of this, so please follow me carefully here as I explain it, and how it will be fulfilled.

Revelation 13
Revelation 13 speaks of three beasts: the dragon (v. 4), "the beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns" (v. 1), and the "beast coming up out of the earth..." (v. 11). In synthesis (but I encourage you to read the chapter) the dragon (symbol and name for Satan in the Bible; Rev. 12: 9) gives his power to the beast that comes out of the sea. Afterwards, because of a miraculous healing, the world marveled, followed and worshipped both the dragon and the beast that came out of the sea (Rev. 13: 3,4) Then in verse 11 the third beast of this chapter is introduced with a description of its place of emergence and appearance - "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon" -, and its activities in verses 12-17; I summarize them for easiness of comprehension of this post:

The First Beast
1) rises up out of the sea
2) has seven heads and ten horns and on his horns ten crowns
3) has a blasphemous name his heads.
4) It was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion.
5) Received its power from the dragon his power, his throne, and great authority.
6) One of its heads was as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed.

The Third Beast
1) "he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence"
2) "and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed
3) "He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men."
4) "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast"
5) "telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived"
6) "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast (this is the beast coming out of the sea), that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed."
7) "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads"
8) "and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Interpretations
In prophetic interpretation, "the beast that comes out of the sea" represents a religious/political system,
1) that has existed in different forms through mankind's history
2) whose beginnings of rise to universal power happens under the Roman Empire
3) its highest peak of power is reached after the fall of the Roman Empire (when it becomes a religious/political power on its own)
4) that appeared to be "dead" for a time, but sometime after rises to power again.
5) emerges from an already populated place (in prophecy waters represent peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues Rev. 17: 15; Is. 8: 7)

* The only religious system that fits the description of this beast to the tee, is the Catholic religious system.

In prophetic interpretation, the beast that comes out of the earth represents a political system,
1) that as opposed to the first beast (which comes out of the sea), comes out of the ground (an area without population)
2) that has the appearance of innocence and harmlessness, but is betrayed by the way it speaks (appears to promote one thing, but has in reality another end which may not be consciously realized by those in the system)
3) two horns (two founding principles civil and religious freedom)

* The only political system that fits the description of this beast to the tee, is the United States of America.

Conclusion
So, in Revelation 13, we are presented with a biblical warning very significant for our times:
1) the Catholic system will be moved and inspired by Satanic forces to claim worship and universal authority to itself.
2) USA will follow the Catholic system (merge of state and church)
3) the USA will do so in order to make all men to also follow the beast, so pena of death if they don't.
4) These events happen at the verge of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

What does this have to do with the "call for unity between Protestants and Catholics" made by Pope Francis? It is yet another -not so subtle anymore - step taken by the Catholic system towards fulfilling universal worship under its flag. This action will eventually spill over to the governmental aspect of the USA, triggering persecution of anyone who does not follow suit.

You may think, "too farfetched," but history has proven the Bible right time and time again. The Bible calls prophecy, "the prophetic word confirmed" (2 Peter 1: 19); Why? Because many other prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled in their due time. Therefore we can expect those still not fulfilled to be so, also in their duly appointed time, circumstances and descriptions. Jesus warns his people, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21: 28) We should not panic because of this news; we should not go around talking about it as if the end of the world is tomorrow; we should not do things in a way that creates an unnecessary state of distress among the church. However, we should talk about it, refer to it, and point at it under the light, spirit and purpose of the scriptures: to wake mankind up, open their eyes to what Satan is doing to pull them or keep them away from God's express commands, and prepare a people for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Maranatha! The Lord has come once, and he is returning again!

28/02/2014

"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper." {DA 490.5}

19/02/2014

http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2006/06/30/ron-wyatt-collosal-fraud/

And out come the wingnuts. Here’s the email I just received from someone named James Albright: Dear Ed, Noah’s ark was discovered by Ron Wyatt, whose ministry is named Wyatt Archeological Research. The news media is only taking attention away from the real ark through your ministry. Please stop this...

19/02/2014

Reposted from the wall of a friend...

"We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead of this the food should be more simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think to dishonor God.

While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not have every day."

Testimonies for the Church Volume 6, Page 357

19/02/2014

Hello to all! Tonight's Mid-Week connection is cancelled. Please inform as many people as you can. We will meet again next Wednesday. Thank you, Pr. Torres.

14/02/2014

Happy Sabbath to all of you! As you all know, weather conditions are not good, not safe. Use of wisdom in deciding what to do today. If leaving your place would put you or others at risk, stay home. If you come to church services today, PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. Streets are wet and slippery. Have a great Sabbath!

24/01/2014

“When selfish love of the world enters the heart, spirituality dies. The very best antidote for love of the world is the outpouring of the Spirit of God. When the love of Christ takes full possession of the heart, we shall strive to follow the example of Him who for our sakes became poor, that through his poverty we might be made rich. When it becomes apparent that the Spirit of truth weakens the affections of its disciples from the world, and renders them self-sacrificing and benevolent, in order to save their fellow men, the advocates of the truth will have a powerful influence upon their hearers.” {3SP 284.1}