“Peace Be With You.” (John 20:19-23)
Sungjae Kim, NCCJ General Secretary We learn how we recognize the grace of resurrection from the scripture. First, the blessings of resurrection would not be revealed to anyone. The disciples fled from the crucified Lord and, as written in the scripture, they were hiding in a room. What was floating in the room? It was sorrow, fear, remorse that they had abandoned the Lord and ran away, and it might have been an emptiness that they could not find a reason to live from now on. The revealing of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, as an amazing grace ...
A Way of Mission of Hospitality and Peace
Rev. Dr. Sungjae Kim, General Secretary of NCCJ, gave a keynote address titled "A Way of Mission of Hospitality and Peace" at the 4th International Theological Colloquium on Theological Ecumenism that was held in Tokyo on March 20th. See the PDF. A Way of Mission of Hospitality and Peace ...
My Soul Magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46-48)
Junko Kikuchi, head of the German-speaking Church Relations Committee My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed. (Luke 1:46-48) Not a few of those who read the Bible might feel something odd when they see this verse in March. It is a part of the famous praise that was put in Mary’s mouth and is seen not now in Lent, but in the season of Christmas as one of the beautiful scenes. However, ...
Statement Regarding the 2.8 Independence Declaration
This year marks the 100th anniversary since Korea, which had been under the rule of the Empire of Japan, carried out the Independence Declaration on February 8th and Independence Movement on March 1st. On this occasion, NCCJ (National Christian Council in Japan) announces the statement considering how we grasp the historical facts and how Japan and the North and South Korea will advance toward the future. Please see the PDF. ２.8Declaration ...
God’s Thoughts Higher Than Our Thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-11)
Sunjae Kim, NCC General Secretary For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, ...
