Wednesday
Aug022023
TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2, 2023
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 9:52AM Our Evil Acts
Today is August 2, 2023
Welcome to August and your mid-week!
When it comes to what an act of evil is, there are many opinions on what that actually is. People like to take into account context and situation and intention along with the actual act and who it effects. And, depending on one's own experience and philosophy, the definition of what an evil act is may vary dramatically.
However, biblically, one of the greatest acts of evil is very clearly defined.
In the story of King Ahab - the King of Israel who the bible tells us did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any other king before him - the evil act that is mentioned over and over again is
idolatry.
In fact, not only did King Ahab worship physical idols and made idolatry an institution, King Ahab eventually made himself into an idol, prioritizing his will over the commands of God.
It was in this act where we see God finally bring judgment on him and his dynasty.
And, since everything that he did - from jealousy and coveting, to murder and apathy - stemmed from the evil act of idolatry; everything he did was considered an evil act. Whatever act that came from idolatry was considered an evil act.
And that is our definition of what an evil act is.
And, as difficult as it is to accept this definition (admitting and confessing to all the evil acts we do and all the ways we idolize everything over God). Experiencing the weight of that guilt (even if it is ever so briefly) is incredibly important because then we can appreciate more profoundly the love of God.
How despite the evil we do, we are forgiven in Christ Jesus.
The more we know of our guilt – of our evil acts toward God that we do every day - the greater that forgiveness is. And from there our thanksgiving becomes sincere, our worship becomes pure, and our acts of goodness become more aligned to He who is truly good.
And doing good works is ultimately what God wants us to do. But, we cannot get there unless we see all of our evil acts...
- Rev. Frank Kim
Youtube link from last Sunday's Worship: HERE
Cell Group Discussion: HERE
However, biblically, one of the greatest acts of evil is very clearly defined.
In the story of King Ahab - the King of Israel who the bible tells us did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any other king before him - the evil act that is mentioned over and over again is
idolatry.
In fact, not only did King Ahab worship physical idols and made idolatry an institution, King Ahab eventually made himself into an idol, prioritizing his will over the commands of God.
It was in this act where we see God finally bring judgment on him and his dynasty.
And, since everything that he did - from jealousy and coveting, to murder and apathy - stemmed from the evil act of idolatry; everything he did was considered an evil act. Whatever act that came from idolatry was considered an evil act.
And that is our definition of what an evil act is.
And, as difficult as it is to accept this definition (admitting and confessing to all the evil acts we do and all the ways we idolize everything over God). Experiencing the weight of that guilt (even if it is ever so briefly) is incredibly important because then we can appreciate more profoundly the love of God.
How despite the evil we do, we are forgiven in Christ Jesus.
The more we know of our guilt – of our evil acts toward God that we do every day - the greater that forgiveness is. And from there our thanksgiving becomes sincere, our worship becomes pure, and our acts of goodness become more aligned to He who is truly good.
And doing good works is ultimately what God wants us to do. But, we cannot get there unless we see all of our evil acts...
God's blessing as you mediate on good and evil and the biblical definition of it, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
- Rev. Frank Kim
Youtube link from last Sunday's Worship: HERE
Cell Group Discussion: HERE
Announcements
SBT Shoe Drive 2023
We are partnering again with SBMC to contribute to a shoe drive for the Lawndale Elementary school district. Our goal is to reach 120 students with shoes for the upcoming school year. We are approximating the cost at $25 per child. Last day to donate is Aug 5 2023 (Saturday). Information can be found here:
Ministry Calendar
We are partnering again with SBMC to contribute to a shoe drive for the Lawndale Elementary school district. Our goal is to reach 120 students with shoes for the upcoming school year. We are approximating the cost at $25 per child. Last day to donate is Aug 5 2023 (Saturday). Information can be found here:
Ministry Calendar
- August 4-7 (Fri-Mon) – Youth Retreat
- Aug 13 (Sun) - Ministry Council
- Aug 15 (Tues) - YP Cell Group, 6:30pm at Mitsuwa
- Aug 15-20 (Tue-Sun) - Pastor Frank's Vacation
- Aug 19 (Sat) - YMF Cell Group @ the Roh's, 11am
- For Online Offering (found HERE) please make sure to select 'English Ministry' and to scroll down and type in where you would want your offering to go in the 'Note / memo' area.
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