Living with Jesus: Insights on Spiritual Growth

A reflection on the life of Christians emphasizes the importance of living and working alongside Jesus. The text draws parallels between the experiences of the Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul, highlighting their transformations upon encountering Christ. Before their encounters, both figures were driven by their own thoughts and sense of justice. However, through their experiences with Jesus, they learned to die to themselves and collaborate with Him in their missions.

The narrative illustrates the story of Mary of Bethany, who was praised by Jesus not merely for inactivity, but for prioritizing His teachings over her own desires. In contrast, Martha, who focused on her tasks, was reprimanded for allowing her own thoughts to overshadow her opportunity to listen to Jesus.

The text stresses the necessity for Christians to first hear the voice of Jesus and to live in accordance with His guidance. Even actions deemed good can become misguided if they are pursued independently of Jesus, leading to a state of sin, which is defined as separation from God.

It encourages believers to engage in all activities with Jesus, spend every moment in His presence, and live a life of continuous prayer. The article also notes the growth of a Christian online media outlet, Christian Today, which has reached 300,000 to 400,000 page views monthly, making it one of the most widely read Christian platforms in Japan. To sustain its activities and enhance reporting, the outlet is seeking supporters with contributions starting from 1,000 yen per month, offering an original eco-bag with scripture to new supporters.

Additionally, various events and initiatives within the Christian community are highlighted, such as the launch of an online theological training center, the celebration of the World Evangelical Alliance's 180th anniversary, and an upcoming sign language film about the life of Jesus. These events reflect the ongoing engagement and growth of the Christian community in Japan.