The Good Samaritan, Minnesotan & Pasadenan

In week five of our Journey to Jerusalem Lenten series, Pastor Tom Kang dives into one of the most famous stories ever told: The Parable of the Prodigal Son.While we often focus on the rebellion of the younger brother or the resentment of the older brother, this message centers on the "reckless love" of the Father. Pastor Tom explains the profound cultural significance of the Father running—an act of self-humiliation intended to protect his son from the shame of the community.Whether you feel like the wanderer who has lost their way or the "good" brother who has lost their heart, this story reminds us that God isn't waiting for us to get our act together before He moves. He is already running toward us, ready to trade our shame for a seat at His feast.

As we continue our Journey to Jerusalem series, Pastor Tom Kang takes an honest look at a struggle many of us know all too well: the urge to equate a successful life with an accumulated one.Digging into Luke 12, we explore the parable of the "Rich Fool"—a cautionary tale about a man who was so busy building bigger barns for his stuff that he completely missed out on the life God had for him. This message challenges us to rethink our definition of a "rich life" and asks a vital question: Is your ultimate trust placed in what you own, or in the One who owns it all?Join us as we learn what it means to live open-handedly and trade the pressure of accumulation for a deep, rich relationship with God.

Are you running on empty? In a culture that constantly demands more, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life. We often find ourselves doing so many good things for God that we completely forget to be with God.In this week's Journey to Jerusalem message, Pastor David Kim unpacks the story of Mary and Martha. He challenges our exhausting routines and asks a vital question: Are we running past our ultimate refueling station? Discover why slowing down to sit at Jesus' feet isn't a waste of time, but the exact thing that makes everything else possible. Join us as we learn how to serve, love, and live not from a place of survival, but from a place that is completely full.

In week two of our "Journey to Jerusalem" Lenten series, Pastor Tom Kang takes an honest look at one of Jesus' most famous—and most domesticated—teachings: the Parable of the Good Samaritan.Set against the backdrop of real-world headlines, global conflicts, and anxieties right here in Los Angeles, this message challenges us to look beyond our comfortable boundaries. Pastor Tom unpacks how Jesus flipped the legal expert's question from a static "who is my neighbor?" to an action-oriented "who has become a neighbor?" We are reminded that true compassion requires proximity, not just policy, and that love in action means stepping into the messiness of life rather than passing by on the other side.

As we enter the season of Lent, Pastor Tom Kang kicks off a new six-week series, Journey to Jerusalem. Examining Luke 9, we look at three brief encounters Jesus has as He resolutely sets His face toward the cross.Often, our spiritual lives stall not because we aim too high, but because we "fly too low"—weighed down by a desire for comfort, the illusion of control, or a constant glance backward. This message challenges us to examine the excuses we use to delay fully following Jesus.What has an unhealthy grip on you? Join us in observing Lent not as a punishment, but as a deliberate season of fasting and intentional formation to make room for the Holy Spirit.

In the powerful conclusion of our "Falling Hope" series, Pastor Tom Kang contrasts the paths of Peter and Judas—showing us the vital difference between worldly regret and godly repentance.Pastor Tom also addresses the tension between grace and justice, using recent headlines regarding the Epstein files to illustrate that true restoration requires accountability. He reminds us that grace without honesty is merely a cover-up, and that the Gospel demands both mercy for the repentant and justice for the vulnerable.Join us as we learn to stop hiding and step into the redeeming light of Jesus, who meets us in our failure, not to shame us, but to restore us.

In this message, Pastor Tom Kang unpacks the life of the Apostle Peter as part of our "Falling Short" series. Peter was known for his boldness, yet his desire for control often led to failure. Pastor Tom invites us to examine our own tendency to play the "I am" game with God—trying to force outcomes rather than trusting in His sovereignty.Join us as we explore how Jesus meets our failures not with condemnation, but with restoration, challenging us to put down our swords and rely on His grace.

In this thought-provoking message, Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs invites us to take an honest look at the metrics we use to measure our worth. In a culture obsessed with external achievements, it’s easy to feel like we are constantly falling short.Drawing from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, Dr. J.R. Briggs challenges us to shift our focus from societal definitions of success—like money and prestige—to a deeper understanding of stewardship and grace. He unpacks the truth that spiritual maturity isn’t about what we accomplish, but about the posture of our hearts.Join us as we explore how to release the pressure of performance and embrace our true identity: one that is received, not achieved.

In this message, Pastor Tom explores how we can find hope and a second chance even in our deepest failures. Whether it’s a sudden fall or gradual burnout, we all face the gap between our public image and inner truth. Drawing from biblical narratives and real-world examples, we learn that failure is not final and that healing begins when we bring our hidden struggles into the light. Join NewStory as we embrace God’s grace and begin a transformative journey toward redemption and true restoration.

SELAHIn a world that never stops moving, Selah is our invitation to pause.To slow down.To reflect.To pray.To worship without rushing the moment.This is a service where we create space for God to meet us right where we are. Not striving. Not performing. Just present.If your soul has been carrying more than words can express, this morning is for you.Come and rest in His presence.Come and linger.Come and be still.