Our resolve for the second half of 2023

Dear COAH,

Just yesterday, we started 2023, but half a year has already passed. Tomorrow (July 1st), we begin the second half. Looking back at the past six months, we are grateful that our activities have entered full swing. Most of our meetings have been in person. Short-term missions began to go out, and events involving all church members resumed, such as the Easter meals and the Victoria Day picnic. Above all, what a joy to see praise and prayer return to the main sanctuary! We give thanks and glory to God.

Our mission phrase for 2023 is “Redeemed for Redemptive Living.” We have learned the meaning of redemptive living:

      1.   Practicing forgiveness and reconciliation.

      2.   Sharing our goods and serving one another.

      3.   Being hospitable to those who are in need.

Redemptive living is really about living out the gospel before God and others. As redeemed people of God, it is only right and proper that we live out what we have received and benefited. Now that we have learned the meaning of redemptive living, we must do our best to live it out. The words of James come to mind,

 “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

Yes, faith without works is dead. We must put what we know and believe into practice. We must be willing to go the extra mile to do what we believe is right. Follow the Spirit’s leading and be obedient whenever an opportunity presents itself. When we do that, the Lord will say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ Then God will entrust us with more important things. On the contrary, when we repeatedly miss or reject opportunities to live redemptive lives, we will become worthless like the cursed fig tree in the gospels. Whether in or out of season, we must preach the gospel and live a life worthy of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2). Let us commit the second half of 2023 to obey and practice what we know and become convinced of.

Blessings,

Pastor Minho Song