TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 26, 2025

As We Forgive

Today February 23, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

When God forgives us of our sins, he does so for the purpose of reconciling us to him through Jesus Christ. So, for some forgiveness, that is the direction.

However, not all forgiveness leads to reconciliation, nor should it.

When Jesus asked God to forgive the Roman soldiers who had crucified him, he was not asking God to save them. When Stephen asked the Lord to not hold the sin of his attacks against them, he was not asking God to save them.

Reconciliation takes both parties to work on it. Trust requires time.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a you and God thing. It is a heart issue. It is something that should be given freely.

That doesn’t mean it is easy. It can feel impossible to forgive when the wound is deep, when the offense is repeated, or when there is no apology.

But true forgiveness does not mean ignoring the pain or pretending it didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean excusing the wrong or allowing someone to continue harming you. Instead, forgiveness is a choice to release the burden of bitterness and trust God in justice.

Jesus Himself acknowledged the difficulty of forgiveness. When Peter asked how many times we must forgive—seven times?—Jesus responded, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21-22) In other words, forgiveness is a lifestyle, not a one-time event.

If you struggle to forgive, you are not alone. But here’s the good news: forgiveness is not something we do in our own strength—it’s something God empowers us to do. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That includes forgiving the unforgivable.

And so, let us come to the Lord in prayer and find that strength – to choose to surrender our right to hold on to hurt – to choose to release and dismiss – to choose to do what God did for us.

God’s blessing upon you as you mediate on forgiveness, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

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Announcements

NEW ‘Stepping Stones’ Ministry

Starting Sunday, March 2 and continuing every Sunday from 12:30pm-1pm. New registered members are encouraged to have lunch with Pastor Frank and Elder John in the Fellowship Hall. Get to know the church, our denomination, and our ministry!

Summer Mission Opportunities

Philippines – May 22-31

Guadalajara – June 28-July 5

More information at the Church Lobby

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• Feb 28 (Fri) – YMF Cell Group – 6:30pm @ Fellowship Hall

• Mar 1 (Sat) – YP Small Group

• Mar 2 (Sun) – Ministry Council, 8pm via Zoom

• Mar 8 (Sat) – EM Small Group Leaders Meeting @ Sarah’s

• Mar 15 (Sat) – Men’s Bible Study

• July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat

Finance Office Announcement

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.  

2025 Offering Statement Request

If you need a donation receipt for tax purposes, please request it via phone or email.

• Phone: 310-618-2222

• Email: financetfpcusa@gmail.com

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