In Sermons: showing 16-30 of 31

First Class Treatment Series

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Nov 15, 2008

Showing partiality to the rich not only violates the 2nd commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself," it is breaking the whole law

Here’s a typical scenario for you at Narita Airport. Let’s say John and Chihoko are flying to JFK. I’m the purser or the head steward. I’m at the door to greet the passengers when they come on the 777. I see Chihoko dressed in very fine clothes. She is like the person we just read about. She ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Right Way Vs The Wrong Way Series

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Oct 28, 2008

We need to doers of the word and not hearers to be blessed and used by God

BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE James 1:19-27 First I want to thank you all for being here. I thought you would find these messages too convicting and quit coming. Even Simone finds them convicting because she was meowing at me yesterday when I was writing this out. Then she went back to licking herself. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Temptation Avenue Series

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Oct 28, 2008

Temptation is not from God, who gives us good and perfect gifts and the resources to resist temptation

TEMPTATION AVENUE John 1:13-18 I think it is very clear that when we face trials, they are for are own good? Anybody question that? Because if you do, you will not face them the way God wants you to face them and the result is that you will never be the kind of mature Christian He wants you to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Blessings For The Rich And Humble Series

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Oct 4, 2008

Trials affect all of us, rich and poor. By persevering through a trial we become all God wants us to be and receive His blessing

BLESSINGS FOR THE RICH AND HUMBLE James 1:9-12 Trials and difficulties. They affect us all. No one is immune for them. It doesn’t matter how rich you are or how poor you are, they will remove all barriers and boundaries between us. You’ve been through them. I’ve been through them. Every week ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-12

Denomination: Evangelical Free

What To Do When You Don't Get It Series

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Sep 27, 2008

When we see our trials as God sees them we can rejoice and grow because that is what God wants for us

WHAT DO DO WHEN YOU DON’T GET IT James 1:1-8 I know you will find this hard to believe, but we are finished with John’s gospel. Today we will start Jim’s epistle. And Jim isn’t even here today. Let’s remember to pray for him as he often has to travel. Do you ever wonder why some Christians seem ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Seeing Is Believing

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Aug 29, 2008

When we are doubting, Jesus meets us at our point of need to dispel our doubts, so we can believe.

SEEING IS BELIEVING John 20:24-31 A few weeks ago I went to Macau, which is near Hong Kong. It was my first trip there, and it is not an easy place to get to. I flew to Hong Kong and took a ferry to Macau. The ferry took one hour and I waited an hour to clear customs and immigration in Macau. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Heart Check

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Jul 12, 2008

The symptoms of a heart attack reminded me of the brevity life and why God has placed me here.

HEART CHECK Various Scriptures Most of my weeks here at SEFC are pretty predictable. That is I know what I have to do each day. 4 days of the week I teach English classes, and Sunday I’m here most of the day teaching an English Bible class and leading this English Worship Service. I can pretty ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Jesus, The One You Must Not Ignore

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Mar 23, 2008

Because God raised and exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above all names, we must all bow before Him and confess Him as our Lord.

I have introduced this phrase to some of my English classes this past week. I would like for us to say it. I’ll say “He is risen,” and you say “He is risen indeed.” Let’s try it. He is risen He is risen indeed. Because that is what we are celebrating today, Jesus is risen from the dead. I don’t ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Real Lord's Prayer

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Feb 24, 2008

We see Jesus intimacy and how He prayed for Himself, the disciples and for us before He went to the cross.

A couple of weeks ago Jim called and asked if I would give the message tonight so he could go on the men’s retreat. I said I would and I need to begin by telling you about a dream I had shortly after. I dreamed I was supposed to be giving the message tonight and I had not done anything at all ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Where's Rabbi Klein

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Feb 24, 2008

We need to be sure that we understand the gospel message..salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ. And as we understand the gospel message we can appreciate the salvation God provided for us that cost us nothing, but cost the life of His Son

I first met Rabbi Klein in September 1973 when he officiated at the wedding of my father and stepmother. He performed the wedding in his study and it was a simple Jewish wedding with family present. My sisters and I had not wanted to go but my mother told us we should go. I really did not have ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free

For To Us A Child Is Born Series

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Feb 4, 2008

We are preparing for and celebrating the birth of the One whom Isaiah promises will one day rule in perfect holiness and righteousness for eternity.

FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN Isaiah 9:6,7 Last Friday our Friday morning English class went to Chiba Prefecture to visit Pastor and Mrs. Wada. They have a nice home and they attend a home church. Pastor Wada said he is asked to preach at other churches, such as Nagarayama, Yashio, Koshigawa and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Jesus Love For His Own

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Feb 4, 2008

Jesus demonstrates His love for the disciples by washing their feet and ultimately laying down His life for them

JESUS’ LOVE FOR HIS OWN John 13:1-18 Although I have been in Japan for a little over 2 years, I have only recently learned the story of Hachiko. A couple of weeks ago I went to Shibuya station to see the statue of Hachiko. I found the Hachiko exit and even asked the station attendant, “Hachiko ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

God's Christmas Gift

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Dec 12, 2005

We celebrate Christmas because of God’s gift..His only begotten Son

This year I have experienced many firsts. Last week was my first Karaoke. It was fun! Some of my English students took me and we had a great time. We sang Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Carpenters, Elvis Presley songs of many years ago. My students also sang a couple of Enca songs. I liked ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Mountaintop Experience

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Oct 2, 2005

Because nothing will ever separate us from God’s love, life can be a mountaintop experience regardless of circumstances.

I found out last Sunday that for the first time I slept through an earthquake. What I did not sleep through was KC waking me up in the middle of the night to feed her. Many of you know I am taking Japanese lessons. It is coming along slowly and I need lots of practice. So I hope I will be able ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Evangelical Free

When You Don't Get It, God Does Get It

Contributed by Michael Karpf on Aug 31, 2005

God is faithful even when we don’t understand what He is doing, and His way is best for us.

I want to thank you for this opportunity to share from God’s word with you today. KC and Simone send their greetings as well but they could not be here today. They’re probably sleeping right now. I have come to appreciate my being here with you all at SEFC more and more. The adjustment to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 77:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free