Spiritual Emphasis Week: Why do we serve?

Today marked the start of Spiritual Emphasis Week at HCA, with Pastor Phillip Kim from CrossPointe Church delivering chapel messages to both elementary and secondary students. The secondary chapel began with a time of worship, led by guest worship leader Mr. King—Mrs. King's (our library specialist) husband. We are grateful to Mr. King for leading us in worship and to Pastor Phillip for sharing God's Word. 

The theme for the week is “Servanthood,” but Pastor Phillip began by challenging us to consider the motivation behind serving others: Why do we do what the Bible tells us to do? He explained that serving isn’t about making ourselves feel better or earning favor with God, but about living out a new identity in Christ.

Referencing Galatians 2:20, Pastor Phillip highlighted that the old self—the person we were before knowing Jesus—is now dead, and we are called to live a new life through Him. He emphasized that, unlike many other religions that focus on what you must do to reach a spiritual goal or earn eternal life, Christianity teaches that eternal life for those who accept Jesus is already secure through His death on the cross and resurrection. We do not serve or obey in hopes of earning our way to heaven; instead, we serve out of gratitude and faith, knowing that heaven is a gift freely given, not a reward we achieve by our own efforts.

He emphasized that faith is more than conviction or knowledge; it is action prompted by what we truly believe. Living by faith means our beliefs shape and inform our choices and actions. Pastor Phillip also pointed out that sacrificing for others is difficult, often even with those we love, but Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us—a love and sacrifice so great it is truly incomprehensible—is the model for our lives. Returning to his opening question—"Why do we serve?"—Pastor Phillip gave the simplest and clearest answer for our elementary students: "Because of Jesus."

The message concluded with a call to live differently—not according to the standards of the world or others’ expectations, but in response to God’s calling and Christ’s transformative love. In Christ, we can overcome challenges and live a new life motivated by faith, not by what we see. 

Following the secondary chapel, Mr. Benzel encouraged students to take quiet time to reflect on why they serve and to consider practical ways they can serve others. 

We will continue the journey this week as Pastor Phillip delves deeper into servanthood, with chapels scheduled on Tuesday (5/5) and Wednesday (5/6) - elementary at 12:45, secondary at 1:30 - and a combined National Day of Prayer chapel on Thursday (5/7) at 12:45. Families are also welcome to join us!

Throughout the week, students will live out Christlike servanthood through service projects, putting the message of serving others into practice.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20