Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Discipleship

Title: Feasts, Seating, and Invitations: How to Advance God’s Way?

Jesus eats with sinners and publicans by Alexandre Bida. Two virtues that characterized the ministry of Jesus Christ were humility and unconditional love. The Lord also taught His followers to display these virtues in their own lives through the parables of taking the lower seat and inviting the least, lost, and lowly of the world in Luke … Continue reading Title: Feasts, Seating, and Invitations: How to Advance God’s Way?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Ethics

Is the Sabbath for Rest or Rescuing? Jesus’ Healing of the Man with Dropsy in Luke 14:1-6

There are numerous accounts of Jesus engaging in conflict with the Pharisees over the observance of the Sabbath. Whereas the Pharisees were willing to allow a man to bear the burden of suffering from sickness for the duration of the Sabbath to keep the healer from healing upon the day of rest, Jesus Christ sought … Continue reading Is the Sabbath for Rest or Rescuing? Jesus’ Healing of the Man with Dropsy in Luke 14:1-6

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Easter

What Did Mary Magdalene and the Other Women Witness at the Tomb of Jesus?

It is Resurrection Sunday! The discovery of the empty tomb holds profound significance in Christianity. It is evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a moment that changed the course of history and transformed the lives of millions. Luke 24:1-12 captures this pivotal event, shedding light on the symbolism embedded within the emptiness of the … Continue reading What Did Mary Magdalene and the Other Women Witness at the Tomb of Jesus?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Easter, Resurrection

What so significant about Jesus Christ riding into Jerusalem upon a donkey?

It is Palm Sunday 2024. On this day we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But what is the victory being remembered? Prior to entering Jerusalem for the final Pascha celebration during His earthly assignment, Jesus calls His disciples to commandeer a colt: “And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the … Continue reading What so significant about Jesus Christ riding into Jerusalem upon a donkey?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Easter, Heaven, Hell, Prophecy, Resurrection, Theology

Are Only a Few People Saved? A Look at the Narrow Gate in Luke 13:22-30.

Jerusalem. That is where Jesus Christ was going. Luke mentioned Jesus going “on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem” (Lk. 13:22) [1]  The Lord had an assignment in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be the place where the central event of God’s unfolding plan of redemption takes place, and Jesus goes there … Continue reading Are Only a Few People Saved? A Look at the Narrow Gate in Luke 13:22-30.

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Theology, Trinity

Who raised Jesus up from the dead?

A skeptic wrongly objected to a Christian who stated Jesus raised Himself from the dead. She asserted that the Bible said otherwise, and then listed the verses below as proof text. “God raised him up” (Acts 2:24). [1] “You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 3:15). “Jesus Christ of … Continue reading Who raised Jesus up from the dead?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Theology

What can Mustard and Yeast tell us about the Kingdom of God?

Matters that are neither important nor impressive are brushed off and dubbed small potatoes. Small potatoes can appear small and insignificant. But one ought never to judge things according to their appearance. Small things possess great potential. Dripping water over time can cut channels into granite.   The mustard seed is something small with great … Continue reading What can Mustard and Yeast tell us about the Kingdom of God?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Salvation, Theology

What Does it Mean to Repent?

Back in Jesus’ day there were conversations about the tragic falling of the Siloam tower in Jerusalem which ended eighteen lives. Another happening discussed concerned the Galileans who were pilgrimaging to Jerusalem but were apprehended and executed by Pilate.[1] The question inevitably came up: Did these people perish because of some sin each one of … Continue reading What Does it Mean to Repent?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Eschatology, Prophecy, Resurrection, Theology

Three Stories About the Return of the Lord from Luke 12:35-48

Reflecting upon past events could be used to examine past mistakes to avoid repeating them in the future. However, I also believe there is benefit in looking prospectively at life to organize present activities in anticipation for things to come. What is to come? The blessed hope of Jesus Christ’s return. This blog will explore … Continue reading Three Stories About the Return of the Lord from Luke 12:35-48

Warren Nozaki Christ, God, Theology

Learning About the Kingdom of God from a Rich Fool and the Carefree Life of Flowers and Birds in Luke 12

Jesus Christ invites us on a quest to the kingdom of God. The trick is that we have all wandered off in the opposite direction. This wandering off winds up being the search to for self-satisfaction. A full stomach, a comfortable and safe place to stay, nice attire, and internal bliss. No worries. No mental … Continue reading Learning About the Kingdom of God from a Rich Fool and the Carefree Life of Flowers and Birds in Luke 12

Warren Nozaki Bible, Christ, Martin Luther, Reformation, Salvation

Nothing to Offer but to Be Pardoned by Christ

Nothing to Offer but to Be Pardoned by Christ For this Reformation Day, I thought it befitting to joffer this simple but significant insight from Martin Luther: When I was a monk, I endeavoured as much as was possible to live after the strait rule of mine Order: I was wont to shrive myself with … Continue reading Nothing to Offer but to Be Pardoned by Christ

Warren Nozaki Bible, Christ, Eschatology, Heaven, Hell

Two Kinds of Fear and Hell: A Study on Luke 12:4-7

Fear. All experience fear in one way of another. Fear can manifest as cowardice. Cowardice drives us to run and hide in that moment when we know well that the right thing to do is to stand firm. There are many other negative aspects to fear but this post will partly focus upon the cowardice … Continue reading Two Kinds of Fear and Hell: A Study on Luke 12:4-7

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Atheism, Bible, Christ, Philosophy, Theology

The Eye, the Light, and God’s Death

Even on a pitch-dark evening, we can still perceive with our eyes glimmering light particles. Look up in the sky, oh there is the North Star (Polaris)! From there, we can outline the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor) and the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) constellations. Under the right night conditions, we can perceive the oodles of … Continue reading The Eye, the Light, and God’s Death

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Christ, Spiritual Disciplines, Theology

Asking, Seeking, and Knocking in Luke 11:5-13

Prayer is essential to Christian spirituality. Jesus deeply emphasized the importance of persistent prayer. He said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it … Continue reading Asking, Seeking, and Knocking in Luke 11:5-13

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Ethics, Love, Theology

The Good Samaritan: A Timeless Lesson in Compassion and Kindness

One of the most renown and profound parables of Jesus Christ is the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. This tale captures the essence of compassion, challenging us to extend a helping hand to those in need, and critiques social barriers corrupt humanity erects that leaves neighbors abandoned. It is about the heavenly virtues of mercy, … Continue reading The Good Samaritan: A Timeless Lesson in Compassion and Kindness

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Eschatology, Hell

Is the Punishment of Hell Worst for Some than for Others?

Intuitively we understand that some offenses are more heinous than others. To cheat on a test is less heinous than to murder a child, and the punishment is more severe for the latter than the former. Jesus Christ similarly warned about the consequences of rejecting His message, and highlighted the severity of judgment for those … Continue reading Is the Punishment of Hell Worst for Some than for Others?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Discipleship, Theology

Costly Christianity: Were Jesus’ Followers Homeless and Estranged?

Context determines the meaning is one of the important principles of biblical interpretation that is to be put into practice. Without proper consideration of the context, we might read Luke 9:57-62 and suppose Jesus followers were homeless and estranged. But context unveils the wrongheadedness of such an interpretation. Luke tells us that Jesus experienced rejection … Continue reading Costly Christianity: Were Jesus’ Followers Homeless and Estranged?

Warren Nozaki Bible, Christ, Theology

What is the Significance of Jesus’ Transfiguration?

Peter, James, and John were with Jesus on a mountain praying when something extraordinarily took place. The three disciples noticed Jesus praying when “the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white” (Lk. 9:29). [1] Mark and Matthew describe the appearance of the Lord as being “transfigured” (Mk. 9:3; Matt. 17.2).[2] … Continue reading What is the Significance of Jesus’ Transfiguration?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ

Will We Beat Disease and Death? Jesus, Jairus’ Daughter, and the Bleeding Woman.

Imagine disease and death personified. Unobjectionably, the pair would be of the most contemptable, misanthropic sadistic individuals we would ever come across. Released long ago, they have been lurking about since the time of Adam and Eve. These monsters roam about unfettered relentlessly striking anyone who comes in their path whether day or night. They … Continue reading Will We Beat Disease and Death? Jesus, Jairus’ Daughter, and the Bleeding Woman.

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Old Testament, Resurrection, Suffering, Theology

Suffering, Vindication, and Resurrection from the Book of Job

I am listening to a reading of the Book of Job. Job was a man from Uz who suffered greatly. Bandits robbed him of his property. A storm felled the house that crushed his sons and daughters to death during supper. His body became riddled with loathsome, unpleasant, and painful sores. His three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, … Continue reading Suffering, Vindication, and Resurrection from the Book of Job

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Theology

Have We Not All Been Forgiven of Much? The Woman Who Anointed the Feet of Jesus.

Amazing grace! how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see… These lyrics from John Newton (1725-1807) are a testimonial to the supernatural transformation effected of those who have received the mercy and forgiveness from Jesus Christ. Newton was a sailor involved in … Continue reading Have We Not All Been Forgiven of Much? The Woman Who Anointed the Feet of Jesus.

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Christ, Resurrection

Did Death Ever Touch Your Home? Jesus Raises a Widows Son in Luke 7:11-17

Death happens. The living grieves over the dead. Those who pass away leave an unfillable hole in the lives of the living and the world is never the same after the loss of a loved one. Our life story is full of encounters with death until death takes us. But could our story could be … Continue reading Did Death Ever Touch Your Home? Jesus Raises a Widows Son in Luke 7:11-17

Warren Nozaki Bible, Christ, Love, Salvation, Social Justice

What Happens When We Hear and Do What Jesus Teaches?

Skyscrapers are magnificent architectural marvels extending upwards high into the sky. A good foundation is needed to build skyscrapers right. Long piles made of sturdy material (wood, concrete or steel) driven deep into the ground form the foundation for these super tall structures. Some skyscrapers are set upon piles that extended over two-hundred feet below … Continue reading What Happens When We Hear and Do What Jesus Teaches?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Christmas, Incarnation, Philosophy, Theology

Do You Believe in Miracles? The Virgin Birth

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you” said the angel Gabriel to Mary (Lk. 1:29).[1] Just a young virgin living in Nazareth betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph, she was both startled and curious as to the meaning of the message. Gabriel then explained, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found … Continue reading Do You Believe in Miracles? The Virgin Birth

Warren Nozaki Bible, Christ, God, Philosophy, Salvation, Soul Food, Suffering, Theology

Who are the blessed? Beatitudes and Woes From Jesus

Who are the blessed? The word “blessed” generally refers to being a “privileged recipient of divine favor.” [1] Conversely, an experience of “woe” is “pain or displeasure,” so the exclamation in the midst of crisis, “alas!” [2] Well, some might suppose the blessed are those who got it made. They have money to pay the … Continue reading Who are the blessed? Beatitudes and Woes From Jesus

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Discipleship, Salvation, Theology

The Call of Levi: Why Did Jesus Eat with Sinners and Tax Collectors?

Caravaggo - The Calling of Saint Matthew Pain is our body’s way signaling injury or damage. Treatment of a severe injury calls for the attention of a good physician. Prudence pauses at the unpleasant sensation of pain to consider the problem. Imprudence ignores the symptom altogether. Luke tells of penitent tax collectors coming to grips … Continue reading The Call of Levi: Why Did Jesus Eat with Sinners and Tax Collectors?

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, Spiritual Warfare

The Son of God battles Satan in the Desert: Jesus Victorious

Christ in the Wilderness - Ivan Kramskoy, 1872 Deserts are places of solitude. Very few people traverse these arid, rocky, and barren places. But the desert wilderness of the lower Jordan valley is where the Son of God faces off against Satan. Jesus being “full of the Holy Spirit” was “led by the Spirit in … Continue reading The Son of God battles Satan in the Desert: Jesus Victorious

Warren Nozaki Apologetics, Bible, Christ, God, Holy Spirit, Theology

The Son of God battles Satan in the Desert: Jesus’ Temptation

Temptation of Christ-Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld, 1860 Luke tells us that “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil” (Lk. 4:1-2).[1] The very idea of Jesus experiencing temptation invokes the question: Did Jesus Christ really experience … Continue reading The Son of God battles Satan in the Desert: Jesus’ Temptation