Monthly Archives: May 2013

Weekly Links (5/31/2013)

LIE: This is such a minor, insignificant sin! It’s not really a big deal in God’s eyes.
TRUTH: Every sin is a horribly offensive to God. Sin is the sum of all evils, the opposite of all that is good, holy, and beautiful. Even the smallest of my sins required the death of the Son of God. There is no such thing as a minor sin. Every sin is cosmic treason.

LIE: I’ll give into sin this one time, then I’ll be done with it. I just need to get it out of my system.
TRUTH: Every time I give into a sin it becomes more difficult to break the power of that sin. Sin has a way of sinking it’s barbed hooks deep into my heart. I can’t simply sin and then walk away from it unscathed. The more I give in to sin, the more entangled I become. Sin always leaves scars.

LIE: This sin is part of who I am. I’ve always struggled this way and I always will sin this way.
TRUTH: Sin does not define my identity! I am a new creation in Christ. Christ has set me free from the enslaving power of sin. I absolutely do not have to obey the sinful passions that surge through me. I may have always struggled this way, but my past does not define my future.

LIE: I need to give in to this sin in order to be happy.
TRUTH: Sin never provides true happiness. It promises sweetness, yet ultimately delivers a payload of destruction, dissastisfaction, ruined relationships, and hardness of heart.

LIE: God wants me to be happy, therefore it’s okay for me to give in to sin.
TRUTH: God does want me to be happy. However, my happiness will only rise as high as my holiness. Sin ultimately erodes and destroys true holiness and true happiness.
(Stephen Altrogge)

by Richard Shin

  • It is no secret that we live in strange times. The cultural shifts in North America are tantamount, and we Christians must understand the tides more than ever. Mark Dever shares seven ways on how to survive a cultural crisis.
  • Summer is right around the corner. Trevin Wax links some articles on how not to waste your summer.
  • Tim Keller shares a few insightful words on exposing and correcting our character flaws to which we may be blind. You can find his article here.
  • Michael Horton at the White Horse Inn reflects on the Pope’s message that by doing good, even atheists can meet in Heaven. Yea. Clint Archer shares a similar sentiment.
  • At first reading of Acts 2-5, there is a tendency to treat the sharing of goods as an act of socialism. However, Art Lindsley shares why it does not promote this idea.
  • Here are some reflections from a new dad at age 47.
  • And speaking of fatherhood, Russell Moore shares a few thoughts on missing his sons’ birthdays.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Coram Deo

The War of the Wills

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Lately at Lighthouse, we have been engaging in some conversation about God-appointed roles in the church and home. Generally speaking, these discussions tend to revolve around gender. Is there a fundamental difference between men and women, or does God desire the complete equality of the genders even at an economic/functional level? While these discussions are important, we must not forget that the reversal of biblical roles is something that is going to be rebelled against at any level – not just between genders.

One arena where the assignment of biblical roles is constantly being threatened is in the home. But this threat is not merely between husband and wife. The battle for authority also rages between parents and children. I’m assuming that most people would agree that parents have authority over their children and are called to bring them up to maturity. However, practically it seems the roles are often reversed. Parents are constantly giving in to their children’s demands. Children are manipulative towards their parents and assume the place of authority in the home. Kids assert their wills to eat when they want, sleep when they want, play when they want. They fight to get their way at all costs. Strangely, we still call this parenting because the kids are generally taken care of – they eat, sleep, and have shelter. “Besides,” we reason to ourselves, “kids will be kids, right?” The sad reality is that even though kids are being watched after, “parenting” is not happening.

Colossians 3:20 states, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” The Bible teaches that children are to obey their parents, and not vice versa. From infancy, children are going to test these limits and cross the boundaries. I’ll never forget the various ways our baby girl attempted to bend rules and flirt with boundaries. We would tell her not to cross a certain line onto the tile floor. So what would she do? She would come as close as possible to the line without crossing over. Sometimes she would put her hand on the tile wondering if she could get away with it if the rest of her body remained behind the line. Once, she even put a book on the tile and sat on the book as if to say, “Hey, at least I’m not technically on the tile.”

In the home, children are constantly going to fight to gain as much authority as possible. They will do this through flattery, manipulation, tantrums, and blatant rebellion. Every parent knows this frustration, but many do not seek consistently to correct it. Parents give in to their children’s will in order to keep them quiet, not cause a scene, or spare embarrassment, and time and again children win the battle for authority.

What is much needed in the home is a movement back to biblical priorities. Children need to be instructed in the ways of God to understand the authority of their parents. And that instruction needs to be promoted and supported by helpful reinforcement and healthy discipline. Children simply don’t have the knowledge, wisdom, or experience to assume the authority in the home (though they often think of themselves as more mature than they really are). This order, however, is not only necessary for the health of the child, but for the glory of God. Parents need to remember what is really at stake. When children are taught and trained to obey their parents and submit to their authority, it is pleasing to the Lord.

What is encouraging for all parents is that it is never too late to start. Perhaps there is a pattern in the home of succumbing to the demands of your children. It isn’t too late to help your kids understand that greater structure, rules, and order are going to be implemented. Those rules will probably be tested, but with consistent application children can learn to submit to their parents and even do this with joy.

More than anything, we need to pray for the hearts of our children. Really what this comes down to is the manifestation of their sin nature. Children are little sinners doing what they are innately programmed to do. What they need is God’s saving grace to transform their hearts so that they can desire the things the Lord desires for them. Thankfully, the Lord often uses the spiritual example of godly parents. When things are difficult or frustrating with your children, persevere to show them patient, gracious, and loving authority. Lord-willing, they will see the example of their parents and will come to desire the same relationship with the Savior that their parents have.

Editor’s Note: Patrick was inspired by some previous articles by Al Mohler, and asked that the links be included:

Signs of Spiritual Maturity #11: Servant Mentality

by Elder Peter Lim

One of the things that people look for when they first attend a church is genuine care and community. They might even count the number of times that others initiate discussions with them and attempt to befriend them. Repeat visitors often judge a church based on how many people actually remember their names and maybe invite them to activities that will further integrate the newcomers into the community. These are not bad things of course and we all want them. However for the mature believer, their goal is not to be served, but to serve. Having this servant mentality was the point of Jesus’ instruction in John 13 as He exemplified this by washing His disciples’ feet. Both Galatians 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:10 mention how we are to serve one another. That was the purpose of spiritual gifts. Surely these thoughts are not new to any Christian. A mature believer who is visiting or looking for a new church to fellowship with will look beyond the surface and evaluate the hearts of the servants who are serving there. Here are some situations where immature and mature people behave differently (click to enlarge):

peter_table

Unfortunately, many have an entitlement mentality rather than a servant mentality. They would prefer to be served rather than to serve. Do you have an entitlement mentality? Take this quick test:

  • When groups of people are excused to stand in line at a banquet or wedding reception, do you get offended if your group is called to go last?
  • When the praise team is leading the church in worship, do you criticize the style of music because it’s not the style that you like?
  • When the sermon runs longer than usual, do you complain about the length rather than trying harder to pay attention (despite the difficulty) knowing that the pastor has worked hard at preparing the sermon and is passionate about this particular topic?

Few would admit that they have this entitlement mentality but these attitudes can be seen by their lack of service when opportunities are present. Spiritually mature believers consider it an honor to serve, rather than a chore. Of course it’s not a complete denial that service can be difficult, inconvenient, nor unpleasant. If serving was always fun, we wouldn’t need to be encouraged nor taught to do this by Jesus Himself. But this is exactly why this servant mentality is a sign of spiritual maturity; serving people is a desire of the heart despise one’s own selfish inhibitions because it reflects a heart which sees reality through God’s values rather than natural, fleshly values. His values call for us to humbly serve one another with no air of superiority over another because we are all fellow slaves. This makes us more like Jesus Himself since He came to serve rather than to be served.

When was the last time you actually served someone else at church? Is it hard to think of it? If so, it could be a sign that you are not taking seriously enough our calling as servants. In fact, the original Greek word for servant is actually better translated slave. Although it’s not popular in modern American society to call each other slaves, the Biblical understanding is that we are willing slaves of Jesus Christ. We serve Christ by serving one another and by serving His bride, the church. There are many opportunities to serve. To serve others, you can start by getting to know people more deeply so that you can find out how to help. To serve the church, you can look at our Sunday bulletins to see where the service opportunities are. One word of caution though, many opportunities to help are not glamorous. It may require much sacrifice on your part and faithful execution. Be careful what you ask for because you may end up getting it. Also, you may be challenged to stretch yourself in ways that you previously didn’t think you could. That is a blessing. Let’s make our church a living example of Christians who love to serve one another and labor hard for the Lord.

…And Pulled Her In Unto Him Into The Ark

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Genesis 8:9

Wearied out with her wanderings, the dove returns at length to the ark as her only resting place. How heavily she flies-she will drop-she will never reach the ark! But she struggles on. Noah has been looking out for his dove all day long, and is ready to receive her. She has just strength to reach the edge of the ark, she can hardly alight upon it, and is ready to drop, when Noah puts forth his hand and pulls her in unto him. Mark that: ‘pulled her in unto him.’ She did not fly right in herself, but was too fearful, or too weary to do so. She flew as far as she could, and then he put forth his hand and pulled her in unto him. This act of mercy was shown to the wandering dove, and she was not chidden for her wanderings. Just as she was she was pulled into the ark. So you, seeking sinner, with all your sin, will be received.

‘Only return’-those are God’s two gracious words-‘only return.’ What! nothing else? No, ‘only return.’ She had no olive branch in her mouth this time, nothing at all but just herself and her wanderings; but it is ‘only return,’ and she does return, and Noah pulls her in. Fly, thou wanderer; fly thou fainting one, dove as thou art, though thou thinkest thyself to be black as the raven with the mire of sin, back, back to the Saviour. Every moment thou waitest does but increase thy misery; thine attempts to plume thyself and make thyself fit for Jesus are all vanity. Come thou to Him just as thou art. ‘Return, thou backsliding Israel.’ He does not say, ‘Return, thou repenting Israel’ (there is such an invitation doubtless), but ‘thou backsliding one,’ as a backslider with all thy backslidings about thee, Return, return, return! Jesus is waiting for thee! He will stretch forth His hand and ‘pull thee in’-in to Himself, thy heart’s true home.

3.13p

Weekly Links (5/24/2013)

We should test ourselves with some questions. It is right to pursue likeness to Christ. But the question is, why? What is the root of our motivation? Consider some attributes of Christ that we might pursue, and ask these questions:

  • Do I want to be strong like Christ, so I will be admired as strong, or so that I can defeat every adversary that would entice me to settle for any pleasure less than admiring the strongest person in the universe, Christ?
  • Do I want to be wise like Christ, so I will be admired as wise and intelligent, or so that I can discern and admire the One who is most truly wise?
  • Do I want to be holy like Christ, so that I can be admired as holy, or so that I can be free from all unholy inhibitions that keep me from seeing and savoring the holiness of Christ?
  • Do I want to be loving like Christ, so that I will be admired as a loving person, or so that I will enjoy extending to others, even in sufferings, the all-satisfying love of Christ?
    (John Piper)

by Richard Shin

  • You’ve probably heard of the natural disaster that struck Oklahoma this past week. Michael Patton shares that there is a wrong way to carry this burden. Sam Storms is a pastor of Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, and he has a few words to share on the tragedy and God’s sovereignty. Jesse Johnson speaks on giving money to those struck by the tragedy (and here‘s his follow-up). Michael Horton writes on the difference between placing our trust in God and saying “stuff happens.”
  • On that note, Al Mohler shares on the goodness of God and the reality of evil. You can find his article here.
  • R.C. Sproul has a set of free eBooks on Christian living you can download from his website here.
  • Josh Blount shares an encouraging word on why God gave us the church and not Superman.
  • With the explosion of social media, it’s very easy for even computer illiterate people to post pretty much whatever they please. However, Jen Wilkin warns parents to be careful about what they post.
  • John Piper here affirms the Christian adoption through a list of disavowals and affirmations.
  • Tony Payne shares what Christ meant that He did not “come to abolish the law but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).

That’s it for now. Have a great, long weekend, folks!

Coram Deo

Reflections from a Groom-to-Be

by Brian Song

I Do.

In a couple of months, I will be reciting those exact words in front of God and close family and friends. Those two words carry the promise of remaining forever faithful to my bride and loving her until “death do us part.” Unfortunately, this level of commitment is deemed too difficult by many in the world as many couples find it easier to co-habitate than get married. Yet as Christians, it shouldn’t be a novel concept, especially for those of us who attend LBC. Marriage should just be an extension of the commitment and love that we already show to God and His church. In the seven or so years that I’ve spent at LBC, especially my time in the Singles Ministry, God has taught me this important lesson and helped me apply the passion statement of LBC.

It all starts with God. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus commands us that, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” We are called to love God with our entire being. At LBC, we have a steady diet of preaching and teaching to help us learn about God and his character. In my small groups, I was constantly challenged to love God and make Him a priority in my work and grad school life. This experience is definitely not limited to those of us who are single. But being a single definitely freed me up to take advantage of all the opportunities to learn. I had more “free time” and was able attend as many church activities as I could and spend more time in prayer with Him.

Continuing on in Matthew 22, Jesus also commands us that, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Being committed to loving others was not always an easy task for me. Like many in my stage of life, I preferred to spend my free time doing things that pleased me. But over the years, I’ve learned that by serving others, my love for people, God, and His church grew. A couple of years ago, I was blessed with an opportunity to serve the Singles Ministry as a small group leader. Through this experience, God taught me that committing to love others often requires sacrifice. Again, being a single guy allowed me to fully commit to them and the needs of my other brothers and sisters in the ministry. Whether they needed me to counsel them through personal struggles or just wanted someone to hang out with, I was available for them.

As I get ready to transition out of Single Life, I know God will continue to deepen my understanding of these truths and help me apply them in marriage. As you live your life, have you said “I Do” to the Lord? Just like marriage, this is a life-long commitment. Let us all endeavor to passionately love God and people every day.

The Honor of Motherhood

by Pastor Patrick Cho

This past Sunday (on 5/12) we celebrated Mother’s Day at LBC and took some time away from the Book of James to study Paul’s remarkable statement in 1 Timothy 2:15, “Yet she will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” Paul’s point is to direct his readers’ attention to God’s amazing grace towards women by providing a means for them to have great dignity and honor. This “salvation” was granted because of the indignity that resulted through Eve’s deception when she became a transgressor. God’s highest calling for a woman is for her to serve her family – to be a helper for her husband and instrumentally to raise up the next generation in the Lord. This is given for her good and as a blessing.

I’m afraid that the more time passes, the more our culture will drift further from the loving counsel of God’s Word. Such a message about a woman’s high calling sounds antiquated and even barbaric to contemporary ears. Popular culture scoffs at the idea that a woman’s highest calling is to be in the home caring for her family. If God was a loving God who cared for men and women equally, wouldn’t He give to both genders complete equality, not only in value but also in function? The answer to that question is obviously no. The Word of God was written as God’s loving counsel to men. The instructions He has given to bring order to the home and church are driven from the fact that He is a God of love, and yet gender role distinctions are clear from what we read in the Bible.

Certainly it is challenging to go against the grain of contemporary thought and even to be mocked by the masses for holding to such a seemingly outdated concept. The rest of society believes it has promoted justice by rejecting God’s plan for men and women, but how is going against the God of justice promoting true justice? Perhaps the reason these principles are difficult is not so much because of God but because of our own hearts. Rather than trusting that God’s sovereign plan is best for us, we would rather challenge Him and hold to our own belief of what is best.

The church should rise up in celebrating God’s roles for men and women. We ought to celebrate our differences and glory in the roles and work to which God has called us. This is not just the “Lighthouse way.” It is so frustrating to hear people reduce it to that. “So-and-so is only a stay at home mom because that’s the way Lighthouse is.” How unfair and belittling this opinion is when a mother is seeking to devote herself to the Lord and be a God-honoring mom, and others believe it is simply to conform to an institution. This isn’t Lighthouse’s way. It’s God’s.

Some have asked about single moms. How do these principles apply in their unique contexts? I agree that the context is unique and challenging. In the plans and purposes of God and because of the fallen nature of man, some God-fearing women are put in the position to raise their children on their own. In some ways, they are asked to serve as both mother and father. Of course this necessitates that these moms find work outside the home. But I also believe it places a greater responsibility and obligation upon the church to care for these ladies. God has graciously given us a church family where we can mutually encourage and serve one another, and in the absence of a father the rest of the church family can help to fill that void in a child’s life. Praise God that single moms are not abandoned by God and left to fend for themselves (cf. Mark 10:29-30). At the very least, the members of the church ought to pray for our single moms that the Lord would strengthen them to persevere through the difficulties of being a single parent.

I’ve already heard that this past Sunday’s sermon has sparked some helpful conversations and challenging meditation. I praise God for that. He is a good God who knows what is best for us. Let’s continue to lean on His wisdom to direct us and guide us and trust that His understanding, goodness, and justice far exceeds ours. And in light of Mother’s Day, thank you to the moms of Lighthouse Bible Church who strive for excellence in raising up the next generation to love and fear the Lord.

Why Sit We Here Until We Die?

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From 2 Kings 7:3

Dear reader, this little book was mainly intended for the edification of believers, but if you are yet unsaved, our heart yearns over you: and we would fain say a word which may be blessed to you. Open your Bible, and read the story of the lepers, and mark their position, which was much the same as yours. If you remain where you are you must perish; if you go to Jesus you can but die. ‘Nothing venture, nothing win,’ is the old proverb, and in your case the venture is no great one. If you sit still in sullen despair, no one can pity you when your ruin comes; but if you die with mercy sought, if such a thing were possible, you would be the object of universal sympathy. None escape who refuse to look to Jesus; but you know that, at any rate, some are saved who believe in Him, for certain of your own acquaintances have received mercy: then why not you? The Ninevites said, ‘Who can tell?’ Act upon the same hope, and try the Lord’s mercy. To perish is so awful, that if there were but a straw to catch at, the instinct of self-preservation should lead you to stretch out your hand.

We have thus been talking to you on your own unbelieving ground, we would now assure you, as from the Lord, that if you seek Him He will be found of you. Jesus casts out none who come unto Him. You shall not perish if you trust Him; on the contrary, you shall find treasure far richer than the poor lepers gathered in Syria’s deserted camp. May the Holy Spirit embolden you to go at once, and you shall not believe in vain. When you are saved yourself, publish the good news to others. Hold not your peace; tell the King’s household first, and unite with them in fellowship; let the porter of the city, the minister, be informed of your discovery, and then proclaim the good news in every place. The Lord save thee ere the sun goes down this day.

3.13a

Weekly Links (5/17/2013)

When someone sets his affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin. (John Owen)

by Richard Shin

It was tough, but I’ve compiled a few around the interweb for this week’s Weekly Links.

  • The Kermit Gosnell trial has ended with the defendant guilty of three charges of murder. Anna Williams with links upon links of the backdrop, Al Mohler shares a few words here, Jesse Johnson on why he cares (and you should too), Denny Burk on what happens if we don’t learn from the incident, and Pete Spiliakos on whether we’ll know about the next Gosnell.
  • Michael Patton shares twelve ways parents can prepare their children for times of doubt.
  • Nathan Busenitz compiled a list of quotes from early church fathers on the topic of sola scriptura. He also compiled a few quotes on why we must think about heaven.
  • Michael Kruger shares why we do not need the original manuscripts in order to believe what we have today contains God’s Word.
  • Winston Hottman from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood shares a few thoughts on marriage and (im)perfectionism.
  • Tim Challies reflects on what the lack of prayer says about us. This quote stands out for me as well: “The things you pray about are the things you trust God to handle. The things you neglect to pray about are the things you trust you can handle on your own.”

That should be enough for now, and yes, I cheated a bit. Still, enjoy!

Coram Deo

LBC Weekly SPARK – May 16, 2013

Dear LBC friends and family,

I hope you’re doing well and walking with the Lord. Last night, the single adults ministry looked at the topic of pride from Scripture. It is always convicting to reflect on this issue because pride is at the root of all our sin. Its focus is self – self-exaltation and even self-pity. It is when we refuse to live according to a God-orientation to our lives and instead set up a self-orientation that pride is at its height. Our pride says, “I am (or should be) the source, the accomplisher, and the benefactor of all that is good, right, or worthy of praise.” In other words, everything is from me, through me, and to me.

We need to strive to put our sinful pride to death. Instead of having ourselves at the center of all that we do, say, and think, we need to learn what it is to have a God-orientation to our lives. As we put off pride and arrogance, let’s put on humility and love. Consider this week how you can serve God and others.

There are many opportunities to be involved in one another’s lives and to encourage each other in the faith. Please read below for more details!

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are this week’s announcements:

  1. Tonight’s Bible Studies. Tonight is the last meeting for LKC and Grace Life for this term. Both ministries will be meeting at 6:30pm at the church. LKC will be having a Parents Night. Those who are in Grace Life and not a part of LKC are encouraged to come together for a time of informal fellowship and food. Bring some yummy food item to share!
  2. Men’s Breakfast. There will be a men’s breakfast this Saturday, May 18, at 7:30am, at the church. The men’s ministry is currently walking through a series on the theme “Leadership: Being the Man God Called Me to Be.”
  3. Membership Class. Our next membership class meets Saturday, May 18, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and Sunday, May 19, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Attendance at both sessions is required. If you’re interested in becoming a member or learning more about membership, please contact Pastor Patrick (pastorpatrick@gmail.com).
  4. LBC Anniversary Banquet. Praise God for His grace to our church for 14 years of ministry! We will be having our annual banquet on Saturday, May 18, at 4:45pm, at the church. Come dressed as you would on Sunday for service.
  5. Mission Bowl Pep Rally. We will be having a Mission Bowl Pep Rally on Sunday, May 19, at 4:30pm, at the church to cheer on our men’s and women’s Mission Bowl flag football teams. Come out to show your support!
  6. Mission Bowl Tournaments. The Men’s Mission Bowl Tournament will be on May 25, and the Women’s Mission Bowl Tournament will be on June 1. The tournaments will be held at UCSD’s Muir Field.
  7. All Church Photo. We will be taking our 2013 all-church photo on Sunday, May 26 immediately after service. Parents, please be sure to get your kids from their classes as soon as service is over to be able to take the photo. The parking spaces near the church entrance will need to be cleared to take the photo.
  8. Vacation Bible School. VBS this year will be from June 24 to 28. The theme is “The Kingdom of God,” and registration is open to any elementary (1st to 5th grade) and preschool age children (beginning at age 4). The cost for elementary school age children begins at $150, with a $10 discount per (elementary school age) child of the same household. The elementary school age children will meet from 9:00am-5:00pm, and can participate in the field trips. The cost for preschool age children is $50 per child. The preschool age children will meet from 9:00am-12:30pm. Registration costs increase by $10 on June 2, and $20 by June 23. If you have any questions, or would like to receive a registration form, please contact Josh Liu (liu.joshuac@gmail.com).
  9. Summer Missions. Please be in prayer for our Argentina summer missions team as they get ready to minister in Tucuman. The trip will be from July 10-18. More information is forthcoming.