August 22 2023
Over the past three weeks, which also included a week-long vacation in Calgary, I had the opportunity to contemplate the purpose of the existence of the church on this Earth. The question that occupied my thoughts was why we are dedicated to upholding the church and striving to improve it within this earthly realm.
During the previous week, I had the privilege of visiting the Key First Nation alongside members of the Calgary Korean Church and our own congregation. Additionally, we organized a Vacation Bible School (VBS) within our church premises before embarking on our outreach activities. Each of these endeavors would demand substantial effort from us, and we would need to secure volunteers and financial support for these tasks.
As I shared these initiatives, our fellow churchgoers exhibited enthusiasm and a strong willingness to participate. It became evident that our church community was energized by these pursuits, and this spurred me on to further engage in these meaningful activities.
The conclusion I arrived at is rooted in the boundless love of God. It is this profound love, which we have experienced through the grace of God and the teachings of Jesus, that enables us to open our hearts and make the deliberate choice to invest our efforts, time, and financial resources.
On Wednesday our team visited the residential school in the Muskowekwan First Nation. During our visit the guide inquired about the purpose of our presence in the area. In response, we explained that our journey was motivated by the overwhelming love of God. Having been recipients of God's forgiveness and His embrace as His children, we found ourselves unable to disregard His calling. Our decision to journey to this place was thus a direct manifestation of His love guiding us.
I express my heartfelt gratitude with God, our Father, and extend this gratitude to the church community. It is through God's bestowal of His vision for the Vacation Bible School (VBS) and the outreach efforts that I found the inspiration to initiate these endeavors, all in service of His divine kingdom. In equal measure, I am indebted to our church, which not only embraced my vision but also offered unwavering support, allowing me to translate this vision into reality fueled by both God's boundless love and the church's solidarity.
Let us remain resolute in our commitment to advancing His kingdom, unwavering in the face of challenges. Let our determination remain unshakeable as we continue to walk this path together in the light of Jesus Christ. For God epitomizes love, serving as both our ultimate Lord and Saviour.
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh,
from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up."
(Galatians 6:7-9, NIV)
In Christ, Frankie Kim
July 20 2023
People often seek to define their identity through external achievements and experiences, such as participating in significant events, attending prestigious universities, or working for well-known companies. Throughout our lives we cannot escape the need to do certain things to sustain ourselves, like eating for nourishment and reading to acquire knowledge. However, these actions alone do not determine our true identity; rather, it originates from within.
Similarly, changing our circumstances or situations cannot fully establish our genuine identity. Even living in luxury, such as a high-end hotel or a billion dollar house, does not guarantee fulfillment in life. True identity and contentment come from a deeper place within ourselves, beyond material possessions or external accomplishments.
Let's ponder the true essence of attending a church. When we visit a church, our main objective is to engage in worship and honour the Lord, typically on a weekly basis. During this worship we express our devotion through singing songs, reading passages from the Bible, and listening to the pastor's message. Additionally, we communicate with God through prayer, following a structured practice known as "liturgy."
However, if coming to church merely becomes another item on our checklist of things to do in life it loses its deeper significance. Worship should not be reduced to a mere event where we engage in activities; rather, its purpose lies in something far more profound. The true aim of worship is to lead us to introspect and examine our identity in relation to Jesus.
In other words, the primary goal of worship is not just to keep us occupied with tasks, but to help us understand and reinforce our connection with Jesus, our true identity in Him. It goes beyond the physical actions and rituals to the spiritual aspect of finding ourselves in Him.
Through worship, we have the opportunity to make a powerful declaration of our identity as God's chosen people and royal priests in this world. We can use this platform to spread awareness about who Jesus is and the profound impact He has had on our lives. Despite being unable to alter the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can still articulate the reasons for our unwavering devotion to the Lord. We do so because He is not only our Lord but also our Savior. Through His sacrificial act of shedding His blood and rising from the dead, He cleansed us of our sins.
By living out our identity in Jesus through worship and devotion, we become vessels through which the world can come to know Jesus. Our actions and commitment to Him can serve as a testimony, allowing others to see His transformative power. So, let us praise and celebrate this truth with a resounding "Hallelujah!"
"If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God."
(1 Peter 3:13-18, The Message Bible)
In Christ,
Frankie Kim
July 13 2023
In our daily lives we often encounter our past, and one notable medium
through which this occurs is the news media. Newspapers provide coverage of events that transpired in the previous day. When engaging with the news media's representation of the past, it becomes necessary for us to
interpret the information presented. However, due to the fact that we live in the present, our interpretations may sometimes be flawed. To ensure a more accurate understanding of the past it is crucial for us to delve into the historical context, encompassing aspects such as culture and humanity. This process plays a pivotal role in comprehending and interpreting the past effectively.
In the same way, if we want to understand the Bible, which is the Word of God, we should explore its historical background. The Bible was written in different historical contexts over a period of about 1,500 years by many different authors. If we try to understand it with our current situation, we may fail to find an appropriate meaning from the Bible and follow God’s way. Our expectation and wish when we read the Bible is not the same as what the biblical writers wrote. For example, Peter wrote his letters (1 and 2 Peter) to those who could not live in Palestine which was their land since Exodus. It means they were under persecution and hardship because of their faith. Without this background, if we read 1 Peter 3:8-12, it looks like Peter wanted to instruct good moral ethics for the church, however, Peter's intention was to encourage the pilgrims, God's chosen people, to defend their faith and identity in Jesus Christ in the face of persecution while living in Asia Minor.
The church is not established to be a better religious organization.
Rather, the purpose of the church is to show its identity in Jesus to
the world. The reason we should live a good life is that we can show
God’s love to the world, not because we want to be better people in the world. This is because Jesus has given us his full love. He redeemed us from our sin and gave us a new life and a new identity in him. Let us live our lives not as morally good people, but as people in Jesus. Let us live our lives with the new identity in Jesus Christ so that the world may know Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour.
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil
for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
For
“He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”" (1 Peter 3:8-12, NKJV)
In Christ,
Frankie Kim
July 6 2023
The question "What gives purpose to a person's life?" can have multiple
interpretations. For individuals driven by their emotions and feelings,
their life's essence lies within their emotional state. Their motivation
stems from their emotions, shaping their actions and decisions. On the other hand, those who seek knowledge and information may be fueled by a desire for intellectual growth and logical reasoning. Knowledge becomes their driving force. In a similar vein, every individual possesses their own unique motivations, which act as the catalysts for their existence.
However, it's important to note that human motivation isn't always
virtuous and may not necessarily lead to a fulfilling life.
When we examine the accounts of Genesis 3 and Acts 5, we witness how people became disconnected from God when they succumbed to false motivations. Adam and Eve were enticed by the serpent, and their eyes were opened to its alluring influence. Ananias and his wife sought the admiration of their fellow believers, desiring to receive praise similar to Barnabas. Consequently, they made a deceitful offering, which was ultimately rejected due to its tainted motivations.
When we engage with the Bible, it is crucial to approach it with the
right motivations, as they greatly influence our understanding of its
teachings. For instance, if someone's motivation for studying the Bible
is to exert control over their spouse, they may interpret 1 Peter 3:1-6
as a set of instructions for wives to unquestioningly obey. However, it
is important to note that 1 Peter 3:1-6 is not solely focused on
instructing wives. Instead, it emphasizes the dynamic between Christian husbands and wives (verse 7) who, as followers of Jesus, find their motivation in Him. Through their submission to one another, they can share the gospel and reflect Jesus' name within their marriage. The passage emphasizes motivation and the Christian way of life, rather than providing instructions.
Why do we serve the Lord? What motivates us in the presence of God? Let us examine our motivations before worship throughout this week and seek to align ourselves with the ways that please God. Our ultimate motivation and the guiding force in our lives is Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
Psalm 24:3-4 (NLT)
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Psalm 51:16-17 (NLT)
In Christ,
Frankie Kim
June 22 2023
Since I, Frankie, embraced Christianity and became a pastor, one question that has consistently occupied my thoughts is the true meaning of the church and how we come to form a church. From my perspective, Christianity and the concept of the church have often been reduced to cultural themes and traditions within the world. It is perplexing to witness Buddhist temples in Korea, for example, commemorating the birth of Jesus on Christmas, despite not believing in Him. This occurrence strikes me as strange because it illustrates how Christianity has been assimilated into a cultural phenomenon.
However, it is essential to recognize that Jesus did not come to Earth
to establish a mere cultural trend or movement. His purpose in descending to Earth was to save us. To me, Salvation represents the
presence of God with us through Jesus Christ. Due to our sinful nature, God had distanced Himself from humanity. But when the time was right, Jesus arrived on Earth to be with us and bridge that separation. Therefore, for me, being a Christian entails following Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly serving Him. It transcends cultural trappings and encompasses the core essence of Christianity.
Being a disciple of Jesus entails embracing His teachings and following His example. It means being prepared to resemble Jesus and being willing to face persecution, just as He did. As a Christian, my purpose is to utilize my time and life for the advancement of God's kingdom in the world. Some Christians may hold the belief that we can only serve God within the confines of the church, viewing the world as inherently sinful. While worshipping the Lord and serving in church events are important aspects, being a Christian encompasses much more. It involves living out our faith in our everyday lives, even in the secular realm. We have the opportunity to emanate the essence of Jesus in our workplaces. We can display His love to our superiors, sharing the grace of Jesus with our co-workers. Our Christian life extends far beyond the walls of the church. By exemplifying Christ's teachings, we become instruments for spreading His fragrance throughout the world. Let us astound people with our selfless dedication, investing our time and lives in their well-being, even when there is no personal gain. Through our practical actions, we can introduce others to the love of Jesus, leaving a lasting impact. As we commit ourselves to being faithful servants of God, He will accompany us and utilize us for the glory of His name.
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering,
just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example,
and you must follow in his steps.
He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.
By his wounds you are healed.
Once you were like sheep who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.
(1 Peter 2:21-25, NLT)
In Christ,
Frankie Kim
June 15 2023
During my childhood, our family would visit my grandparents for vacations. As I was the youngest in the family, my cousins would tease me and playfully claim, "Your mom didn't give birth to you; she found you on the bridge near the entrance to the village. If you go there now, you might meet your birth mom." From a Canadian standpoint, this might not be seen as a joke, but in Korea, it was a typical way to tease a young child at that time. One day I made a mistake, and my mother scolded me in front of my cousins. It made me wonder, "Will my mother truly be waiting for me on the bridge?" So, I left the house and made my way to the bridge, where I waited for hours, hoping to see the woman who gave birth to me. However, she never appeared, and it dawned on me that the mother who raised me and the mother who brought me into this world were one and the same. This experience greatly contributed to my understanding of my Christian identity.
Several factors contribute to the formation of our identity, and one
significant aspect is our external experiences. It is natural for our
identity to be shaped by the circumstances we encounter and the
environment we inhabit. For instance, if we reside in Canada, we are
identified as Canadian, we follow Canadian news, engage in political
matters, and possess a yearning for the revival of the Canadian church.
Conversely, if we are in Korea and exhibit a keen interest in the
Canadian church, exclusively seeking its revival only, not many Koreans would comprehend that perspective. Our identity in life is undeniably influenced by our external surroundings and our behavior. However, the Bible teaches us that our behavior is fundamentally rooted in the establishment of our identity. It elucidates the reasons behind our pursuit of righteous living and our renunciation of all forms of evil. It encourages us to strive for spiritual growth and to seek God's favour in our lives.
The Bible teaches us that our true identity does not lie in our behavior
or external circumstances, but rather in Jesus Christ. He sacrificially
died for us, conquered death through resurrection, and provided
salvation. Our identity is found in Him. As believers, we have received
this new identity, and we are called to live in a manner that reflects
it. Rather than striving to establish our identity, our lives should serve as a testimony that we have already been transformed. We are
already made new in Christ. Our holiness does not stem from our actions alone but from the presence of the Holy One who is with us. Therefore, let us live a life that fully embraces the identity bestowed upon us by God and boldly display it to the world. This is the essence and purpose of the Christian life.
"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and
all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word,
that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is
gracious. The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house,
a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ."
(1 Peter 2:1-5, NKJV)
In Christ, Frankie Kim
June 08 2023
The most unresolved aspect of our faith revolves around our sins,
particularly the feeling of guilt. While the Bible instructs us to live
in the freedom, joy, and excitement of Jesus' teachings, we often
encounter ongoing struggles with sin and guilt in our daily lives. Why
do we still carry the burden of guilt? Perhaps it is because we have not discovered a solution to alleviate our guilt. When we experience
feelings of guilt, it often stems from a misalignment between our inner
thoughts and outward actions, or an excessive emphasis on our external behaviors. In such cases, we are essentially living by the law,
disregarding our internal thoughts and perspectives. Living our lives in
accordance with the law is undeniably significant, as emphasized in the Bible. However, if our sole focus rests on our inner life, solely
centered around adhering to the law without faith and without
acknowledging God's will and His actions, we will persist in feeling
disconnected from the law and distant from God's intended path for us.
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do
good.
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But
I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:21-24, NKJV)
What does the Bible teach us in this regard? The Word of God enlightens us to the fact that in order for our external behavior to transform, there must first be a change within ourselves at the core of our being, accomplished solely by the will of God and not through our own striving or determination. It instructs us that this change is brought about solely through grace and God's unconditional love, rather than being dependent on our efforts to follow the law or conform to external behaviors.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2, NKJV)
When we become aware of our connection with God, we also come to
understand the new identity He has granted us. Instead of solely
fixating on our outward actions or the circumstances we find ourselves
in, we begin to grasp that God has initiated a transformation within us.
As we acknowledge the shift in our perspective, aligning it with God's
will, we comprehend that our journey of living in harmony with Him has already begun. This realization holds true regardless of our specific actions or the external circumstances that may surround us.
Worship is a time that allows us to affirm our new identity before God.
Through worship, we stand in the presence of God who is with us,
enabling us to encounter Him. And as we recognize the God who is before us, alongside us, we are able to live our lives in the new identity that God has given us. Let us come to the place of worship, attentively listening to His words and acknowledging the new identity that God has already bestowed upon us through Jesus. Let us exalt His name! We are His children, newly created beings in God!
In Christ, Frankie Kim
May 18 2023
Numerous scholars and pastors have written extensively about the nature and purpose of the church. While opinions may vary, one consistent belief is that the church should never neglect or cease its evangelism and missions. This responsibility was bestowed upon Jesus' disciples and the church as a whole when He ascended into heaven. Currently, this mission is under the umbrella of "mission work." However, the specific
methods of evangelism and mission work may differ slightly from one
church or organization to another.
For instance, churches often provide support to missionaries and their
respective organizations in the field while missionaries actively
engage in their own evangelistic and mission endeavors with the backing of these churches. As part of this collaboration, churches may invite sponsored missionaries annually to hear reports on their missions, offering support through prayer and financial contributions. Likewise, missionaries themselves may visit their sponsoring churches annually to encourage direct or indirect involvement in missionary work.
Our church is also planning various mission activities this summer.
The reality is that many individuals in our community are in need of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and numerous missionaries require support for their missions. It would be contradictory for the church to turn away from these needs and then attempt to share the gospel.
My prayer is that this summer we will be a church that actively supports missions through prayer, financial contributions, and our time. God has a purpose for us, one that extends beyond our personal salvation and encompasses the souls He has created and shaped, as well as the entire world. Let us strive to be a church that attentively listens and prays for missions, enabling us to zealously fulfill the responsibility of spreading the gospel that He has entrusted to us.
"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that
I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord
Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24,
NASB)
In Christ, Frankie Kim
Mother's Day Reflection
May 12 2023
The definition of love varies from person to person because it’s more emotional than logical and based on experience rather than knowledge.
For example, if someone has experienced the positive aspects of love, they’ll define it as something beautiful that makes people happy. On the other hand, if someone has experienced the negative aspects of love, they’ll define it as something hard and difficult. Our experiences shape our definitions of love for our mothers. My mother is a strong person who’s always assertive and doesn’t listen to others very well, but she always wants to help others and tries to meet their practical needs.
However, her way of loving is always dependent on how she wants to love. Sometimes that was a struggle for me when I was growing up. My mom loved me so much that she tried to give me the best things she thought I deserved, but most of them weren’t what I wanted. No matter how expensive or nice they were, they weren’t what I wanted, and I struggled with that a lot. If love were defined solely by our experiences, I would only remember negative things about my mother, but love is more than our experiences. My mother loved me in her own way, but that doesn’t change the fact that she loved me. She stayed with my father because of me and supported me, trying to help me stay on the right path. Even though she divorced my father when I was an adult, it was because she loved me that she decided to follow the God I worship and worship Him diligently.
It is clear that love is determined by full knowledge and right experience. The situation of the prophet Jeremiah was one of despair; he had lost his country, and he had suffered from other nations. But he did not lose sight of God’s attributes and love, and God’s mercy toward him. He separated his experiences and circumstances from his knowledge of God, and he understood his situation through God’s love.
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJV)
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day. What are our memories of a mother’s love? Are they positive or negative? A mother’s love most closely resembles God’s love. Just as God’s love is devoted and always the same, a mother’s love is directed toward us and is devoted, even if it seems negative in our eyes. A mother’s love is the kind of love that can give of herself for her children. May this be a week, a Sunday, in which we remember that kind of love and remember the love that God has shown us.
Plan to stay after the service for a piece of cake to honour the mothers in our congregation.
In Christ, Frankie Kim
April 13 2023
Why do we have hope?
I'm a big fan of hero movies, especially the Marvel series. As I watch these movies, I often see similarities between the characters in them and those from the Bible. For instance, when I watch a Hulk movie, I'm reminded of Samson. Although I believe the Hulk is more intelligent than Samson, they share similar traits in terms of their eccentricities and strengths. Recently, I've been reading the Message Bible and most recently the book of Samuel. As I read, I immediately thought of Dr. Strange. I saw similarities between the two characters in their ability to mentally see through a problem and come up with a solution. It's fascinating to see how different stories and characters can intersect and share similar qualities.
Movies can also help us think about biblical characters, as well we can look to the Bible to think about movie characters. When you think of the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind? When I was growing up, I pictured the Holy Spirit as Superman. Just as Superman comes from another planet with unique powers and helps people on Earth, the Holy Spirit comes from God with supernatural abilities to help us. While this image captures some of the Holy Spirit's qualities, it doesn't fully encompass who He is. The Holy Spirit reveals supernatural works and mysterious things to us, but He is God, who holds us in His arms and gives us strength. Superman works alone, but the Holy Spirit helps us to do God's work.
The church has traditionally dedicated the 50 days following Easter to commemorating the Holy Spirit and contemplating His role in our lives. During this time, we're encouraged to reflect on the fact that the Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding and assisting us in confessing Jesus as our Saviour. It's a valuable opportunity to meditate on the Holy Spirit's presence and influence in our lives, and to deepen our understanding of His role in our faith. May we all take the time to recognize and appreciate the Holy Spirit's continuous help and guidance as we navigate our spiritual journey.
“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls." (Joel 2:28-32, NKJV)
In Christ
Frankie Kim
April 6. 2023
Jesus is Risen!
From a human perspective, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is hard to understand. For our salvation, God sent His Son to earth to die on the cross. He then raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him to sit at His right hand. Through Jesus' resurrection, God completed His saving work.
As 1 Corinthians 2:14 states, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness." The resurrection can only be understood through faith in God, which is a gift from Him. By placing our trust in God and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, we can fully celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and its profound significance for our lives.
Through our Easter services, we have the opportunity to honor and worship Jesus for His ultimate sacrifice and love for us. However, it's important to remember that the significance of Easter goes beyond a single day of celebration. May we continue to reflect on the transformational power of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection in our lives, and let it inspire us to live more fully for Him.
Truly, only Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. Praise the Risen Lord!
In Christ, Pastor Frankie Kim
Mar. 16. 2023
Review of our Salvation
When I was a child, my parents used to fight constantly. After each argument, my mother would grab me and tell me that if it weren't for me, she wouldn't be living with my dad. This caused me a great deal of stress and anxiety, which persisted until my parents divorced when I was 23 years old.
During my younger years, I even thought that my mother would be better off without me. However, after I met Jesus and he transformed my life, my mother's words took on a different meaning for me. Even though she said those words in a negative way, to her, I was her reason for living. I learned that Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross because of me, and that he chose to sacrifice himself to save me from my sins. After I realized this, Jesus became my reason for living.
Because of Jesus, I wanted to know him more, and because of his love, I decided to become a pastor, and I started studying. In the same way that God was the reason for the prophets' ministry and their lives, God is also the reason for our lives. The power of God's Word drives us forward and motivates us. Without God's Word, just as the prophets couldn't do their work, we can't carry out our own work and live our lives to the fullest.
God loved the world and the people he created, and we are the reason for this love.
That's why he sent his Son to die for us, so that we wouldn't have to suffer the consequences of our sins and be separated from God forever. Jesus' sacrifice and love made it possible for us to be reconciled with God and have eternal life through him. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we can be with God forever.
"Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you."
(1 Peter 1:10, NKJV)
The salvation that the prophets studied and meditated on, which Peter talks about, is all about Jesus Christ, the Messiah that God has prepared for us. Through his Word, God made Jesus the reason for our salvation, and he has saved the world so that we can be with God forever through his love.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again." (John 3:16-17, The Message Bible)
In Christ,
Frankie Kim, Lead pastor
Mar. 09. 2023
I recently moved into a new home and I noticed that the water wasn't very good. I started investigating and realized that the water heater wasn't working properly. While replacing it, I also realized that I needed a water softener because the water in my new home had a really bad smell that just wouldn't go away, even after I took a shower. I ended up replacing the water heater and I am installing a new water softener today, but then I noticed that the drain water pipe wasn't working properly. So I decided to call a plumber to take care of it. Hopefully everything will be completed soon and I'll finally be able to enjoy good, clean water in my new home!
While I was replacing some water-related parts, I started to think about what it really means for us as Christians and where our water comes from. The Bible talks about the significance of water and even mentions odour.
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2:13, NIV)
"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2 Cor 2:15, NKJV)
So, have you ever thought about the smell of the water we have, or the water we come across? The Bible actually talks about this. It says that if we dig a well without relying on God, it's considered a sin, and the water we get from it has a rotten smell. But the good news is that we can make it smell good, and that's through Jesus Christ. When we abide in Jesus Christ, and live our lives around Him, we will smell good - the aroma of Jesus Christ. This fragrance will waft to those who don't yet believe, and it can lead them to remember and follow Jesus.
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38, NKJV)
In Christ,
Frankie Kim, Lead pastor
Mar. 02. 2023
As I reflect on my childhood memories of church I remember it as a sacred and holy place where I believed God resided. I thought it was not a place for sinners, only the righteous. However, an incident occurred when I was playing in the church chapel with a friend, and we were scolded harshly by a church elder for desecrating God's temple. This incident had a profound impact on my friend, who never returned to church again.
As I pursued my calling to become a pastor, I studied ecclesiology and learned that if the church were only for the righteous, it would disappear. Even those who follow Jesus Christ are not without sin, and it is because of our sinfulness that we come to church. Jesus came to earth to be with sinners, and he did not come to call the righteous but the sinners.
Unfortunately, the perception of the church as a religious organization focused on increasing numbers has led to declining attendance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the church is not about numbers; it is a place where we gather to worship and exalt Jesus because of who he is and what he has done for us. We come to church because we love Jesus, and we need him.
The church is the body of Jesus, and we must live our lives according to his name. Let us not forget Jesus and let us live our lives in a way that reflects his love and grace. When we do this, the name of Jesus will spread throughout the earth, and the church will continue to be a place where sinners can find hope and salvation.
Jesus answered and said to them,
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32, NKJV)
Yours in Christ,
Frankie Kim
Feb. 23. 2023
Questions are important because they are a source of life. Another word for this is curiosity. When someone is curious, it means that he or she has a question about a thing or the world, and it becomes a resource to find a solution or an answer. A question can also become a motivation because people can be passionate when they want to find an answer to something. When I think of Christianity, it can begin with a question about God.
When I first met my wife, I couldn't stop asking questions because I wanted to know everything about her. We met every day after work for three months and eventually got married. Similarly, if we are interested in God, we can have questions and begin to study the Word of God. In the Bible, God says to Israel, "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18, NKJV).
When God says "let us reason together," it means we should have questions and answers. God has many questions for us. If we are interested in knowing God, we can eagerly find an answer. However, if we are indifferent to God, we don't want to find an answer. Repentance means that once we were indifferent to God, but now we are interested in knowing Him. Once we were focused on our work, life, and desires, but now our focus is on God's work, a God-given life, and a God-created plan and desire.
Where are our minds and hearts? Let's put our hope in God. Let's change our desires to God's desires. Let's answer what God is doing with God-given questions. It is the faith we should have before God. With faith, we can have the right questions, and we can give the right answers to God.
God does not respond to what we do;
we respond to what God does.
(Rom 3:27, The Message)
Pastor Frankie Kim
Feb. 16. 2023
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8)
Do you like to eat food? I love food, especially hamburgers and sausages. When I decided to move to Canada, one of my dreams was to visit local restaurants in Canada for a nice hamburger and sausage. Of course, I moved to Canada to study theology and become a pastor :). Anyway, the reason I love hamburgers and sausages is because I tried the best hamburgers when I was a high school student in South Korea. Because I couldn't forget its taste, I wanted to visit local hamburger bars in Canada. Likewise, when I decided to study theology, it was because I had tasted the love of God from the Bible. The Bible completely changed my life. I didn't know Jesus until I was 22 years old. I didn't know how to live my life. However, when I met the Lord through the prayer meeting, I became interested in reading the Bible and I knew who Jesus was. Then I wanted to know more about Jesus. It led me to a Bible school to study the Bible. And now I'm a pastor in our church.
The writer of Psalm 34 says taste and see that the Lord is good. It's important because we can't change our lives if we don't taste God's goodness. Without the love of God, we cannot find God. I believe God has begun his new chapter at Yorkton Alliance Church. And God has invited us into His place so that we may taste and see His goodness. Let us join in worship to taste His goodness and mercy. Let's praise his glorious name to see his great work. God is always good, and we are in Him. Let us trust him and follow his righteous path. We will see and taste His love and goodness! Hallelujah!
Pastor Frankie Kim
Feb.09.2023
What makes us live What is our identity in God?
These questions have been my motivation since I decided to follow Jesus. I believe in Jesus and he in me. And when I accepted Him as my Savior, Jesus led me on His way with the Holy Spirit. However, I have faced many trials and temptations every day. Also, I have a lot of guilt in my life, even though I'm His child because of Jesus. Looking at my life through my eyes it seemed like a failure, but God tells me I'm not a failure. Instead, he said that he lives in me since he saved me through his son Jesus Christ. It gave me the answer to the first question I have: What makes us live? It is Jesus Christ, our Lord. Besides, it's the grace of God. I won't be able to live without God's love and grace, but God's grace covers me, I could overcome my struggles and I could stand before God. It conveys my identity.
I am Korean and immigrant in Canada. Being Korean, I enjoy Korean culture and food in my daily life. That's because Korean is my identity. Now I have a new identity in Jesus. It's a Kingdom citizenship. If I get citizenship of the kingdom of God, I should enjoy its culture and food. Because my identity is in the kingdom of God, I enjoy the body of Jesus, which we call the church. Because I am a citizen of the kingdom of God, I enjoy the food of the kingdom, which is the word of God. We are God's family. We are Kingdom citizens. So we can enjoy its culture, its style and its food. Let's remember we belong to God. Let's live our lives with Kingdom culture. Let's enjoy the spiritual food that is the Word of God. We are the Church!
Pastor Frankie Kim