TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - September 19, 2018

An Appeal To Love

Today is September 19, 2018

Welcome to your mid-week!

This past week we looked at one of the shortest books in the bible: Philemon.

Here was Apostle Paul writing on behalf of Onesimus to Philemon to reconcile their relationship. And what was their relationship like before Apostle Paul knew them? Before they both became Christian? It was one of slave and master.

So, how does Apostle Paul go about reconciling that relationship? He does it by appealing to Philemon's christian character. 

Apostle Paul has seen Philemon love. He has seen him be kind and generous and gracious and forgiving. He has seen him show it to Christians. So, Apostle Paul appeals to Philemon to do it again. To show that same love in this situation; in this new context; with Onesimus, a fellow brother in Christ.

Apostle Paul does not exert his authority or try to force Philemon to do anything. Apostle Paul trusts in the spirit of God to work. He trusts that Philemon will respond to the word of God in voluntary obedience. Apostle Paul appeals to his friend to love and he trusts that his friend will do what is right.

And that is our challenge. 

We all know what we ought to do. We all know the basic Christian principles of love and forgiveness; of compassion and generosity. And we have showed those principles before. The challenge is to show those same principles in the broken relationships that you have. To see that family member of God and do what you ought to do.

God's blessing upon you as you wrestle with this challenge and I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.

- Frank Kim

Recording of the Sermon: HERE
Powerpoint Show of the Sermon: HERE

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Upcoming Events

• Sept 23 (Sun) - Children Joint Worship with Parents, 11am & Children Chapel
• Sept 28 (Fri) - Skid Row Prep
• Sept 29 (Sat) - Skid Row Mission
• Sept 30 (Sun) - Youth Joint Worship with Parents, 11am @ Youth Chapel
• Oct 7 (Sun) - World Communion Sunday. Joint Worship with KM
• Nov 30-Dec 2 (Fri-Sun) - Joint Mexico Mission with KM
  • Registration begins Sept 23 (Sun)
  • Training begins Oct 28 (Sun)

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1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."