Author Archives: Stephen Rodgers

The Little Foxes That Spoil The Vines

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Song of Solomon 2:15

A little thorn may cause much suffering. A little cloud may hide the sun. Little foxes spoil the vines; and little sins do mischief to the tender heart. These little sins burrow in the soul, and make it so full of that which is hateful to Christ, that He will hold no comfortable fellowship and communion with us. A great sin cannot destroy a Christian, but a little sin can make him miserable. Jesus will not walk with His people unless they drive out every known sin. He says, ‘If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.’

Some Christians very seldom enjoy their Saviour’s presence. How is this? Surely it must be an affliction for a tender child to be separated from his father. Art thou a child of God, and yet satisfied to go on without seeing thy Father’s face? What! thou the spouse of Christ, and yet content without His company! Surely, thou hast fallen into a sad state, for the chaste spouse of Christ mourns like a dove without her mate, when he has left her. Ask, then, the question, what has driven Christ from thee? He hides His face behind the wall of thy sins. That wall may be built up of little pebbles, as easily as of great stones. The sea is made of drops; the rocks are made of grains: and the sea which divides thee from Christ may be filled with the drops of thy little sins; and the rock which has well nigh wrecked thy barque, may have been made by the daily working of the coral insects of thy little sins. If thou wouldst live with Christ, and walk with Christ, and see Christ, and have fellowship with Christ, take heed of ‘the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.’ Jesus invites you to go with Him and take them. He will surely, like Samson, take the foxes at once and easily. Go with Him to the hunting.

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Weekly Links (10/7/2016)

by Stephen Rodgers

Hey everyone! As per our custom, the first Friday of the month is dedicated to free resources, and we’ve got some great ones today. Italicized text is the marketing blurbs for these items, not my writing.

So let’s get to it…

The Poverty of Nations (audio book)

The whole world has a stake in the war against poverty and leaders across the globe are looking for a permanent solution. That’s why economist Barry Asmus and theologian Wayne Grudem have teamed up to outline a robust proposal for fighting poverty on a national level. Speaking to the importance of personal freedom, the rule of law, private property, moral virtue, and education, this book offers a clear path for promoting economic prosperity and safeguarding a country’s long-term stability—a sustainable solution for a world looking for the way forward.

New Covenant Commentary: Romans (Logos book)

Craig S. Keener’s Romans is a helpfully concise commentary on Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Rome, which the Apostle wrote just a few years before the outbreak of Nero’s persecution. Keener examines each paragraph for its function in the letter as a whole, helping the reader follow Paul’s argument.

The 16th Century (October Tabletalk)

The October issue of Tabletalk looks at the sixteenth century. In particular, the goal of this issue is to introduce readers to the key events, people, publications, and ideas that shaped the Protestant Reformation. After explaining the necessity of the Reformation and the history of the sixteenth century, it will consider how the Reformation addressed a variety of topics such as theology (Scripture and justification), the church (worship and sacraments), the home (family and piety), and society (vocation and education). The issue will consider the vast scope of the Reformation in order to give a greater appreciation not only of its history but also of the need to continue the work of the Reformation today.

Doctrine Matters (Credo Magazine)

In this issue of Credo Magazine, several pastors and theologians help us understand just how much doctrine matters for the Christian life and for the church. We will discover that doctrine infiltrates the songs we sing, the sermons we preach, and the way we counsel each other as disciples of Christ. We will learn that nothing could be more critical to a right relationship with God and others than sound doctrine. Whether we realize it or not, doctrine is a way of life. The Christian life depends entirely upon sound doctrine. In short, doctrine matters.

Cursed Be The Man Before The Lord, That Riseth Up And Buildeth This City Jericho

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Joshua 6:26

Since he was cursed who rebuilt Jericho, I much more the man who labours to restore Popery among us. In our fathers’ days the gigantic walls of Popery fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets; and now there are some who would rebuild that accursed system upon its old foundation. O Lord, be pleased to thwart their unrighteous endeavours, and pull down every stone which they build. It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error which may have a tendency to foster the spirit of Popery, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decided testimony. We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome; we must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in the olden times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for priests, like owls, hate daylight.

Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the priestcraft. What are we doing to spread the Bible, which is the Pope’s bane and poison? Are we casting abroad good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, ‘The devil hates goose quills’ and, doubtless, he has good reason, for ready writers, by the Holy Spirit’s blessing, have done his kingdom much damage. If the thousands who will read this short word this night will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord’s glory shall speed among the sons of men. Reader, what can you do? What will you do?

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What’s New for Grace Life?

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Despite the fact that LBC San Diego is in its 17th year, Grace Life remains the most difficult affinity group to schedule. It may sound like a familiar excuse, but because of the life stage of so many of our families (i.e., families with young children), it is challenging to come up with a structure that can effectively minister in the best way to the most people. Last year, our attempt was to maintain our Thursday night Bible studies, but to split them up between the men and women. While it was a helpful study through the early chapters of the Bible, it became increasingly clear that it was not helpful enough. One phenomenon that we noticed was that although attendance at Thursday night Bible studies diminished, participation in the various accountability groups that met throughout the community increased. In fact, it seemed when given a choice between coming out on Thursdays or going to an accountability group, the majority preferred the latter.

This is understandable.

  • First, the accountability groups offered flexibility. Some of the groups only met once a month, while others met more frequently. Some provided in-depth study of God’s Word, and others were more focused on sharing and prayer.
  • Second, accountability groups were convenient. Since most of the groups met regionally, travel was not a great burden. Also, many enjoyed the comfort of meeting in homes rather than at the church building.
  • Third, the community accountability groups provided an atmosphere that greatly encouraged… well, community. Many found the context of meeting in small groups conducive to building and improving relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Given all of these factors, Grace Life is looking to make a significant change in its structure this year. Instead of focusing mostly on midweek large group meetings, the intention is to work with the community accountability groups (both existing and new) to provide spiritual support and help to the members of Grace Life. Large group would only meet once a month, and then the rest of the month would be devoted to small group accountability and fellowship.

Those who are already meeting in groups are not required to disband. In fact, they are encouraged to continue. Those who are in need of joining a group can either join an existing group, if there is room, or become part of a new group. We are sure that many will have all sorts of questions about the changing structure, so all are invited to a general orientation meeting on Thursday, October 6, to talk through the changes. The Grace Life staff is hoping to work with the community group facilitators to better serve the members of Grace Life by being a resource for support and help.

Let us all pray that the 2016-2017 year would be a great one for Grace Life. Since we represent the older generation of the church, many of the younger college students and singles are looking to us for instruction and to be an example in faith and conduct. May the Lord use Grace Life ministry to further strengthen His saints for His glory and thus strengthen the church for His service.

LBCSD SPARK – September 26, 2016

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Dear LBCSD family and friends!

I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful week full of the Lord’s grace and mercy. September is winding down, which means fall is upon us! That also means that all of the ministries that took a break for the summer will be back in full force. There is a lot going on in the coming months, so please take some time to read through the ministry opportunities below. How exciting to grow together in the grace of God and the knowledge of the truth!

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are the ministry opportunities for you to consider:

  • All-Church Photo. We will be taking our annual all-church photo on Sunday, October 23, immediately following the morning worship service. Be sure to mark your calendars!
  • Membership Class. Our next membership class will be on Saturday, October 29, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Sunday, October 30, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. If you are interested in becoming a member of LBCSD, please contact Pastor Patrick for an application.
  • DTR Series. DTR stands for Defining the Relationship. For three Sunday evenings in October, we will be walking through the theme of dating and relationships (October 9, 23, 30). The evening services will run from 6:30-8:30 PM.
  • All-Church Retreat. Our annual all-church retreat is coming up on November 4-6. Our speaker is Dr. John Street of The Master’s University. Registration is being taken by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz in the foyer on Sundays. The cost is $150/adult and $75/child (ages 3-12). There is a $450/family max. There really is no substitute for the all-church retreat in terms of having a concentrated time to spend with the church family over several days.
  • Grace Life Ministry. Grace Life is restructuring its ministry this year, and we want to communicate with all the families about the changes. As such, we will have a special orientation night on Thursday, October 6, from 6:30-8:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served!
  • Lighthouse Kids Club. Registration is now open for LKC! This is our midweek children’s program for kids ages 5 through 5th grade. This year, our theme is “Rotten or Ripe” as we will examine the topic of spiritual fruit and walk through Galatians 5:22-23. LKC meets on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 PM beginning on October 6. This year, we’re happy to offer registration at no cost! Please see Ashley Hur in the foyer on Sunday to register.

Thou Hatest Wickedness

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Psalm 45:7

‘Be ye angry, and sin not.’ There can hardly be goodness in a man if he be not angry at sin; he who loves truth must hate every false way. How our Lord Jesus hated it when the temptation came! Thrice it assailed Him in different forms, but ever He met it with, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan.’ He hated it in others; none the less fervently because He showed His hate oftener in tears of pity than in words of rebuke; yet what language could be more stern, more Elijah-like, than the words, ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer.’ He hated wickedness, so much that He bled to wound it to the heart; He died that it might die; He was buried that He might bury it in His tomb; and He rose that He might for ever trample it beneath His feet.

Christ is in the Gospel, and that Gospel is opposed to wickedness in every shape. Wickedness arrays itself in fair garments, and imitates the language of holiness; but the precepts of Jesus, like His famous scourge of small cords, chase it out of the temple, and will not tolerate it in the Church. So, too, in the heart where Jesus reigns, what war there is between Christ and Belial! And when our Redeemer shall come to be our Judge, those thundering words, ‘Depart, ye cursed’ which are, indeed, but a prolongation of His life-teaching concerning sin, shall manifest His abhorrence of iniquity. As warm as is His love to sinners, so hot is His hatred of sin; as perfect as is His righteousness, so complete shall be the destruction of every form of wickedness.

O thou glorious champion of right, and destroyer of wrong, for this cause hath God, even Thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.

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In His Image

by Josh Liu

What is man? What are his origins? What is his purpose? These are important questions. Thankfully, the Bible provides answers. Scripture states that man was created in the image of God.

The “image of God” is an important aspect of biblical anthropology. Genesis 1:26-27 says:

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Only man, no other created thing, has been described to be made in the “image” and “likeness” of God. While no direct definition of these terms is given, their meanings can be understood. Even after the Fall, man is still described to be made in the image of God (cf. Gen. 5:1-2). Sin and human depravity do not abolish the image of God in man. In fact, the image of God is the basis for condemning murder (cf. Gen. 9:6). The New Testament also refers to the image of God, specifically in the contexts of men’s and women’s roles and the sanctity of life (cf. 1 Cor. 11:7; James 3:9).

Wayne Grudem observes that when God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26), God plans to make a creature similar to Himself. Both the Hebrew word for “image” (tselem) and the Hebrew word for “likeness” (demut) refer to something that is similar but not identical to the thing it represents or is an “image” of. The word “image” can also be used of something that represents something else. I think Grudem summarizes the biblical understanding of these words well:

When we realize that the Hebrew words for “image” and “likeness” simply informed the original readers that man was like God, and would in many ways represent God, much of the controversy over the meaning of “image of God” is seen to be a search for too narrow and too specific a meaning. When Scripture reports that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26), it simply would have meant to the original readers, “Let us make man to be like us and to represent us. Because “image” and “likeness” had these meanings, Scripture does not need to say something like, “The fact that man is in the image of God means that man is like God in the following ways: intellectual ability, moral purity, spiritual nature, dominion over the earth, creativity, ability to make ethical choices, and immortality [or some similar statement].” Such an explanation is unnecessary, not only because the terms had clear meanings, but also because no such list could do justice to the subject: the text only needs to affirm that man is like God, and the rest of Scripture fills in more details to explain this. In fact, as we read the rest of Scripture, we realize that a full understanding of man’s likeness to God would require a full understanding of who God is in his being and in his actions and a full understanding of who man is and what he does. The more we know about God and man the more similarities we will recognize, and the more fully we will understand what Scripture means when it says that man is in the image of God. The expression refers to every way in which man is like God. (Systematic Theology, 443)

What are some implications of this doctrine? There are specific aspects of our likeness to God that impacts how we live.

  1. First, man, similar to God, rules. Man is said to rule, or dominate or have dominion, over creation twice in Gen. 1:26-28. Man is also commanded to subdue the earth, or to bring it into bondage. Eugene Merrill says, “man is created to reign in a manner that demonstrates his lordship, his domination (by force if necessary) over all creation” (“A Theology of the Pentateuch,” 15). God, who Himself rules over all creation (cf. Ps. 103:19), created His image-bearer to rule over the earth by Divine appointment (cf. Ps. 8:4-8). The concept of this appointed rulership is also reaffirmed for the servants of Christ who are His ambassadors (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20).
  2. Second, since all men, male and female, are created in the image of God, every person has been created equal. Each person carries a special dignity and uniqueness from the rest of creation. Animals are not equal to human beings. Also, no particular ethnicity or gender is inherently superior to another. Thus, to murder or curse another human is an offense against God whose image each person bears (cf. Gen. 9:6; James 3:9).
  3. Third, since man is like God and represents Him, man ultimately belongs to Him. Man is not ultimately independent and self-existing. He was created, and will always belong to the Creator. That which has been created cannot successfully rebel against its Creator (cf. Ps. 2; Rom. 9:20-21). So, every person is responsible and accountable to God (cf. Matt. 12:36). Also, each person is created for God’s purposes (cf. Is. 43:7). To disregard these implications will incur God’s wrath (cf. Rom. 1:18-23).

Why is this important? Being made in the image of God is truly foundational. It rejects the secular worldview.

  1. First, it rejects the evolutionary theory. Man is not essentially an evolved complex animal. Man is not an image of animals. So the quest for a common ancestor to trace back to the progenitor of life is completely baseless and a futile search.
  2. Second, man as an image-bearer rejects the arguments, beliefs, and lobbying of animal activists (i.e. that animals deserve the same inalienable rights as humans). While Scripture does not condone the abuse of animals, man is above the animal kingdom. Animals do not share the same dignity and value as humans. While there are physiological similarities between humans and animals, animals ultimately lack the image of God (along with human intellect, values, relationships, etc.). Some animals may demonstrate some extent of “intelligence,” but they cannot demonstrate true rationality, consciousness, imagination, and complex language (e.g. written), all reflective of God. Animals do not make plans in their hearts as man does. Animals do not express the full range of emotions as man (and God). Animals do not discern morality.
  3. Third, the image of God upholds the sanctity of life. Abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide ultimately conclude that life is negotiable. Life does not belong to the individual, but to God whose image he/she bears.

What are the applications of being made in the image of God?

  1. First, your individual worth begins with who God is (cf. Ps. 139:1-24). Instead of focusing on improving yourself or lifting up your self-esteem, pursue Christ-likeness who is the perfect image of God (cf. Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29).
  2. Second, our purpose in life must revolve around the worship and glory of God (cf. Is. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31).
  3. Third, our functions and roles in life are determined by God (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1ff; Eph. 4-6). Living out our roles faithfully glorifies God and reflects the differing roles between the Persons of the Godhead.
  4. Fourth, show compassion and kindness to all for each person bears the image of God.

This I Recall To My Mind, Therefore Have I Hope

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Lamentations 3:21

Memory is frequently the bondslave of despondency. Despairing minds call to remembrance every dark foreboding in the past, and dilate upon every gloomy feature in the present; thus memory, clothed in sackcloth, presents to the mind a cup of mingled gall and wormwood. There is, however, no necessity for this. Wisdom can readily transform memory into an angel of comfort. That same recollection which in its left hand brings so many gloomy omens, may be trained to bear in its right a wealth of hopeful signs. She need not wear a crown of iron, she may encircle her brow with a fillet of gold, all spangled with stars.

Thus it was in Jeremiah’s experience: in the previous verse memory had brought him to deep humiliation of soul: ‘My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me’; and now this same memory restored him to life and comfort. ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.’ Like a two-edged sword, his memory first killed his pride with one edge, and then slew his despair with the other.

As a general principle, if we would exercise our memories more wisely, we might, in our very darkest distress, strike a match which would instantaneously kindle the lamp of comfort. There is no need for God to create a new thing upon the earth in order to restore believers to joy; if they would prayerfully rake the ashes of the past, they would find light for the present; and if they would turn to the book of truth and the throne of grace, their candle would soon shine as aforetime. Be it ours to remember the lovingkindness of the Lord, and to rehearse His deeds of grace. Let us open the volume of recollection which is so richly illuminated with memorials of mercy, and we shall soon be happy. Thus memory may be, as Coleridge calls it, ‘the bosom-spring of joy,’ and when the Divine Comforter bends it to His service, it may be chief among earthly comforters.

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Movin’ On Up

by Elder Johnny Kim

Growing up, the end of the summer always meant one thing. It meant that the time of rest and relaxation and fun in the sun was drawing to a close and the new school year was just around the corner. Like other kids, the tail end of the summer was the time I would start anticipating moving up to the next grade in school. Wondering what new subjects I would be taking and what new things I would be learning. Year after year, the routine was always the same. You spent the school year at a particular grade level, had a summer break, then started the new school year at the next grade level and so on. It’s a routine that we’ve all been a part of and one that represents the progression of academic learning. All throughout school, we are always acquiring more and more knowledge year after year and learning things more complex than those learned the year before.

This principle is pretty elementary (pun intended) in the context of school, yet sometimes we as Christians neglect to consider that in some sense, our Christian walk ought to be the same way. Specifically, when it comes to the study of the Bible, our knowledge of God’s Word ought to reflect a similar constant progress towards a greater and deeper understanding of God, His character, and His commands. Like Ezra, our hearts ought to be set on “studying the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10). And by doing so, year after year, the faithful Christian should exhibit a growth and a maturity that is always increasing. As it is with school, it should be just as much a given that as Christians, we are to constantly be growing in the Word and ever moving up through the proverbial “grade levels” of learning all there is to know in God’s Word.

Unfortunately, for some of us the pattern of our growth and knowledge of God’s Word is more stagnant and static rather than swelling. Particularly for those further along in the faith, for some reason it seems easier to be caught in the position where we find we are no longer as excited and disciplined about reading and studying the Bible as we were when first saved. Sure, the more mature Christians may no longer be spiritual “preschoolers”, but they could still find that they’ve been “stuck in 8th grade for the last decade” in terms of what they know about God and His holy Word.

Christians are called to diligently study God’s Word and to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). The student who is held back a grade in school because of laziness and lack of motivation feels a sense of shame and rightly so. So there is shame for the believer who after years and years of being a Christian still only knows little more than the fundamentals of the faith. With each passing year, we should know that much more about God and the doctrines and truths in His Word than we did the year before and because of that, with each passing year, there should be a marked difference and a maturation in the way that we evangelize, teach, and serve. Growth in godliness is never separate from growth in the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2). Studying God’s faithfulness, His goodness, and His promises can’t help but cause us to better trust in Him, worship Him, and glorify Him with our lives.

Let us encourage one another to diligently read and study the Bible, God’s divine truth given for us. Grade school may be just a distant memory for some of us, but none of us should ever stop being an active student of God’s Word. If we, like the psalmist, can truly proclaim that we love the Word of God (Psalm 119:97), then we will quickly find that we will never need nor want a “summer break” from studying it for as long as we live.