by Josh Liu

It has been my personal joy and privilege to share my first year of College Life ministry and seminary graduation year with the class of 2016! I have been able to personally witness God’s grace and faithfulness in many of the graduates’ lives, which brings me to praise God for His glory. I want to simply highlight the LBCSD members that are graduating. This is an insufficient testimony to God’s work in their lives; there is so much to be said about each student’s experience and encouragement to the church family. Yet I hope it will spur your own interactions with these graduates. Please take a moment to pray for them and personally bless and encourage them.

Ashley Hur, B.A. Literature/Writing

• Note to the Church: It wasn’t until coming to LBC that I heard & understood the gospel for the first time. Even though I’m still learning, I can confidently say that I’m a sinner saved by grace. While the teaching here undoubtedly helped me to grow in my faith, the community has encouraged me as well. Since becoming a member, I’ve been so thankful for the encouragement, patience, and love I’ve received from my brothers and sisters. LBC is my home and Lord willing, it will continue to be!
• Future Plans: I will be staying in San Diego and attending LBCSD for another year as I work at the Cambridge School!

Amy Lee, B.A. Economics, Accounting & Business Minors

• Note to the Church: I’ve been so encouraged by the tremendous amount of love behind member care. I also love the unity we have as a body of Christ. I am so amazed by God’s sovereignty and His work on the cross in bringing us together despite our differences, pasts, and sinful struggles.
• Future Plans: Moving to Manhattan Beach to start an audit / tax job in August. Currently looking for a local church.

Celeste Hahm, B.S. Human Biology

• Note to the Church: One of my favorite memories throughout college is being surrounded by people who love Jesus. It was the first time I had people my age and having the older collegians adopt me as their younger sibling. It was the first time someone lovingly challenged my faith and asked more about my testimony and why I want to live for Christ. I have been shown so much love and have had so much truth poured into my life. College has always been fun and there has always been a reason to be joyful. Even if I was struggling with school or relationships with others, I always had someone to remind me of truth, spur me on, encourage and challenge me. Even when I was super stressed out, I had people who graciously served me and supported me. I was always remind of Christ. Another favorite memory is trying new types of foods. First time having boba and pho and other authentic Asian foods. My food experience has been expanded beyond the horizon.
• Future Plans: For the summer, I’m going to Texas to work at Nature Nate’s honey company. I will be testing the quality of the honey in the lab and gaining other useful experience. After that, I hope that I’ll be able to return to San Diego, find work and serve in the church.

Derek Dang, B.S. Computer Science

• Note to the Church: I am thankful for the culture of discipleship and intentional relationships that are built here. This is truly a church family that loves God and loves people. Reflecting on my time here I appreciate how the church seeks to live in obedience to God and to live out the MVP. I have come to call LBCSD my home church and will always be excited for what God has in store for Lighthouse!
• Future Plans: I am planning on staying in San Diego to continue to serve in the church and looking forward to be a part of Single Life ministry.

Elizabeth Kang, B.S. Cognitive Science (Human Computer Interaction)

• Note to the Church: I’m incredibly thankful for the love that this church family has shown me throughout the past four years. I’ve been encouraged to see how God has been growing and using each member here as an instrument in the furthering of His kingdom. Thank you for being an example to me of what it means to desire to glorify God in various aspects of your life and what it means to truly love others. I’ll miss you all so much but I’m also excited to see how God will continue to challenge you to loving and knowing Him more.
• Future Plans: Going back home to Cerritos.

Faith Garcia, B.A. Communication

• Note to the Church: I am so thankful to have had lighthouse as my church family these past two years. The love and care I have received here has encouraged me to grow in my love for Christ and others. I have seen wonderful examples of Christ-likeness that have pointed me back to the faithfulness and grace of God. I will miss everyone so much, but I will keep you all in my prayers! It may have been short but I praise God for His grace in placing me at Lighthouse San Diego.
• Future Plans: Will be moving to Oxford, Mississippi for work.

George Fang, B.S. Structural Engineering

• Note to the Church: I initially came out to this church because I was learning God’s truth from the teaching and sermons. I stayed at this church mainly because of the love that was shown not just to me, but to each other in the church family. I learned what it means to be intentional in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12), and to be exemplifying that in the way I live my life as a young adult who follows after Christ.
• Future Plans: I plan to go back to my hometown in LA at the end of June after serving in VBS here at LBCSD this summer! Currently still applying/interviewing for jobs and hearing back so it is TBD. I will be attending LBCLA when I am back home in LA.

Humphrey Lin, B.S. Biochemistry and Cell Biology

• Note to the Church: Thanks Lighthouse for helping me grow and mature in my faith, and I look forward to serving alongside you in the following years!
• Future Plans: Master’s in Biology at UCSD

Jessica Yu, B.S Human Biology

• Note to the Church: To the church family, thank you so much for the spiritual support provided through informal meet-ups, prayer, and intentional conversations. Your words of wisdom and even the fun chats were instrumental in my college years. During my transition to college, this made the greatest impact in my life to see the Gospel and teaching of God’s Word lived out in the body. I pray that Lighthouse Bible Church will continue to grow in greater intimacy with Christ and that you may continue to show more grace and love towards all people as you interact with those in and out of the church!
• Future Plans: I will moving back north to the bay area. I plan on applying to PA school in a year as I finish prerequisites and find clinical work. Please keep me in prayer as I look for a church to attend and to urgently seek fellowship and accountability in this transition back home.

Liannu Khai, B.S. Human Biology

• Note to the Church: As I reflect on my 4 years of college, I can safely say Lighthouse has played the biggest role in making my college experience such a sweet time. It was here that God revealed to me my deep depravity and need for a Savior through the teaching of God’s Word. It was here that I experienced for the first time what fellowship was and how wonderful it is to be part of one body, sharing the same testimony, striving towards the same goal. Every single person at this church has had a role in growing me and encouraging me, whether through conversation or observation. I am so thankful for all of you!
• Future Plans: I will be staying in SD for full time work 🙂

Lorraine Yeung, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, B.S.

• Note to the Church: Dear LBC family, thank you for being such a huge blessing during my college years. I am so grateful for the ministry at Lighthouse. Thank you for upholding Scripture and preaching Truth to the congregation. Moreover, thank you for your dedication in living out the MVP. I have been so encouraged to see many of you exemplify your love for the Lord through your service- using your God-given gifts and investment of time to build one another up. Praying that as you continue on this race, you will stand firm in the faith, grow in the knowledge of our God, and your love for Him never ceases. Continue to hold fast to the hope in Christ Jesus our Lord, for He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)!
• Future Plans: I have still yet to decide on that… as of now I will be either staying in San Diego or moving back home to the Bay Area.

Michelle Wang, B.A. Human Development

• Note to the Church: One of the biggest impacts the body at Lighthouse has been on me is the way that Christianity is modeled. I’ve learned that a hunger for the Word, a cherishing of Christ, and an outworking of the Spirit’s work is not a “super Christian” way of life, but in fact, normal Christianity. I’ve seen that living for Christ is an everyday, minute by minute dependence on Him no matter the circumstances we face, whether as collegians, working adults, single, married etc. Thank you, church body, for being faithful to God’s Word, for being passionate about His kingdom, and for spurring me on to do the same!
• Future Plans: I will continue to work at my current job as a rehabilitation aide at a physical therapy/occupational therapy clinic and continue to serve at LBCSD for the next year.

Jason Wong, B.S. Computer Science

• Note to the Church: I’m very thankful for the support and teaching that this church has provided me. Your constant encouragements and fellowship has allowed me to grow toward Christ for the past four years. I look forward to continuing doing so as one body in the future.
• Future Plans: I am working full-time here in San Diego so I will be staying at LBCSD!

Samantha Lung, Bachelor’s in Child Development

• Note to the Church: I feel like I have been able to grow so much through the LBC ministry and cannot fully express it through text. However, I will briefly share some of the things that have stood out and contributed to my spiritual growth. The love that people in the church have for one another has constantly and continues to encourage me. Seeing members serve in the church through all different ministries such as the children’s, music, cooking, rides, cleaning, etc. has been such a blessing. I cannot express enough how encouraged I am by members’ joyful hearts to serve others and how much I absolutely love the church. Through many trials, challenges, and the loving support of those in the church, I strive to place my utmost trust in the Lord.
• Future Plans: Teaching Credential Program at SDSU

by Humphrey Lin

The church was unrecognizable, as black and white streamers drooped from the ceiling, string lights snaked up the sanctuary poles, and hand-painted portraits of flowers, fruits, and sceneries covered the walls of the foyer. A hundred collegians crowded the foyer, the men dressed sharply in black and white, and the ladies looking stunning in colorful dresses and elegant heels. A hush came over the crowd as a voice announced: “please enter the sanctuary, Sister’s Appreciation night is about to begin.”

The Preparation

Hours before the event, the church was bustling with commotion, as the College Life men busied themselves decorating the sanctuary and foyer, setting up chairs and tables, and creating centerpieces for the night. Twenty to thirty collegian men of all classes worked tirelessly as the church was slowly transformed into an elegant banquet hall, while more labored in the kitchens of the Costa Verde apartments, creating over a hundred portions of stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, pork loin, and panna cotta. This night would be the culmination of weeks of planning, deliberation, and practice, not to mention hundreds of dollars in donations. But it was all worth it—to appreciate our sisters to the glory of God.

The Night

The freshman guys darted between tables of excited diners, delivering food, clearing trash, and refilling empty cups of water. Dinner was in full swing, as collegians laughed and conversed over plates of handmade Italian cuisine and an eclectic band of College Life men played Italian folk songs in the background. A short intermission followed dinnertime, and as the guests sat back down, stage lights dimmed, and an unexpected video started playing. A moustache-twirling villain had stolen the freshman guys’ meal cards, and the girls must solve a riddle to get them back. It appeared that each class of the collegian men was in some sort of danger, and the girls must rescue them in turn. As the villain’s plans (and accent) evolved, so did the challenges, and interweaved between hilarious videos, chaotic games, and over-the-top theatrics, each class of College Life men shared special performances to express their appreciation for their sisters in Christ. More than a few tears were shed.

The Reason

The Bible instructs us as a church to encourage one another with words and acts of service (Ephesians 4:29; Romans 12:10-11). Nights like these are for the purpose of building up, that through our displays of gratitude and service, members of the body would be pushed more towards love and strive more towards Christlikeness (Ephesians 4:15-16). But why specifically the sisters?

Throughout much of history and in many places around the world today, it is incredibly difficult to be a woman. The curse of sin resulted in cruel and oppressive cultures in which the women are regarded as second class citizens and objects of men’s selfish desires. Even though it is much easier to be a woman socially and economically in modern day America, Bible-believing Christian women face pressures from all sides to conform to the twisted beliefs of the world; on one side, media and pop culture seek to objectify women and glorify the physical image and on another, feminism seeks to destroy the Biblical foundations of marriage, submission, and the sanctity of life.

The women of Lighthouse Bible Church College Life live in a world that says physical perfection is beauty, submission is humiliation, and gentleness is weakness. But as a shining light in a time of darkness, they live in a way that demonstrates that the Bible is their foundation and Christ is their Lord, and to be wise is to be beautiful and to submit is to be exalted. Their worth is not found in physical beauty or social status, but rather in “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:4). The women of College Life are rare and beautiful, and they often don’t realize it. But we (the brothers) do, and so does the Lord our God. So with a collective voice and a small token of our appreciation, the men say “thanks, hope you enjoyed the night.”

by Josh Liu

Introduction

What is “doctrine” and why is it important? There are many misunderstandings about doctrine and its relationship to believers and the church. Someone who says that doctrine isn’t practical may not understand what doctrine actually is. Many think of doctrine as dry, artificially organized information that is divisive, and something that removes worship and intimate relationship with God. Far from the truth, doctrine simply means “teaching,” and is inherently practical. It is a false dichotomy to separate doctrine from application.

Doctrine in the NT Church

Doctrine itself is a biblical term and concept. In Scripture, “doctrine” (also “teaching,” “instruction”) is given particular emphasis in the role of the pastor or elder. Concerning qualifications and responsibilities of pastoral ministry, Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13, “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.” The word “teaching” is from the same Greek word for “doctrine” (didaskalias). Paul also tells Titus, another young pastor, to appoint elders characterized as “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). The example of teaching God’s truth, or doctrine, is also seen in the Old Testament. The Lord gave Moses instruction to teach the nation of Israel (cf. Ex. 24:12); the prophet Ezra read from God’s Word, which was then translated and explained to the people (cf. Neh. 8:1, 8). So, pastors and teachers are commanded to teach doctrine (see also 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; 5:17; 6:1, 3; 2 Tim. 3:16; Titus 2:1, 7, 10).

Doctrine and Life

To remove doctrine from Christianity is impossible. Everyone has doctrine; everyone holds a belief about Christ and what His Word says. It is a matter of whether or not one has biblical (or true) doctrine. Christ and other NT writers often condemned unbiblical, false, and demonic doctrine (cf. Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7; Eph. 4:14; Col. 2:22; 1 Tim. 4:1). Without a proper understanding of doctrine, or a biblical, faithful commitment to doctrine, one may be believing or teaching heresy, and may be committing sin. The opposite of pure, unadulterated doctrine is immorality (cf. 1 Tim. 1:10).

Since doctrine is the teaching of Scripture, it impacts all areas of life and is inherently practical and immediately applicable. The Book of Proverbs is full of maxims, truth principles, for how to live life in a manner that honors God. It is full of doctrine that can be readily applied in various areas of life. It is impossible to apply biblical wisdom or truth principles without doctrine. Again, to not commit oneself to the study of biblical doctrine is to be vulnerable to sin.

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (1 Tim. 1:8-11)

Egregious sins and the like are what oppose sound, biblical doctrine.

The Breadth of Doctrine

Doctrine impacts our understanding of the person and work of God, of Christ; it impacts our understanding of man, work, life, death, salvation, relationships, church, worship, discipleship, and so on. I’ll provide some examples of doctrines and demonstrate how they are immediately put into practice.

Let’s take the doctrine of creation for example. The Bible states that God has created all things (Gen. 1:1). Thus, you can immediately reject anything contrary to that truth (i.e., evolutionary theory; existential existence). God as creator gives purpose to everyday life. Though life is short, fleeting, and ultimately unfulfilling, God has given you life and this creation to enjoy for His glory (cf. Ecc. 12:1). God as creator encourages believers to persevere through trials knowing that He is sovereign over their lives (cf. 1 Pet. 4:19). God as creator defines men’s and women’s intended roles (cf. 1 Tim. 2:12-13). God as creator directly impacts ethical issues such as eugenics, abortion, and racism.

For another example, a biblical doctrine of work may be informed by Genesis 1:28 where God commands man to subdue and rule over the earth. Ruling (or work) is further understood in the context of God’s curses (Gen. 3:17-19). Still, we see that work is a pre-Fall commandment, not as a result of sin. Thus, work is a good thing. Thus, the NT can exhort believers to work well (cf. Col. 3:23; Eph. 6:5-9).

The Practice of Doctrine

For an example of immediate application of doctrine, let us use the doctrine of God’s sovereignty and suffering as a case study. When one sees that God is in absolute control over all creation, history, circumstances, trials, nature, and so on (cf. Gen. 50:20; Ex. 4:11; Acts 17:24-25; Job 38:1ff), then one can trust God in all circumstances (cf. Phil. 4:6), give thanks to Him (cf. James 1:2), seek to be faithful to His commands, and persevere through all things (cf. Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9).

Doctrine, the teachings of Scripture, demands a response. One cannot simply hear the truth and do nothing. James 1:23-25 says,

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

Conclusion

In this brief examination of doctrine, we see that it is synonymous with the teachings of God’s revelation given to His people. Doctrine was a central responsibility of church leaders. Doctrine was a priority and practice in worship and life for all believers. Doctrine necessarily leads to devotion and action.

Doctrine is not some sterile study of the Bible (or man-made theological categories) by a disconnected philosopher-theologian in an ivory tower. It is not something reserved for a “super” Christian. It is merely the sum of biblical teachings on any given subject in Scripture that exalts the person and work of God, and informs us how to worship and live faithfully in response. I encourage you to devote yourself to studying doctrine so that you would deepen your knowledge of and intimacy with Christ.

by Josh Liu

Lighthouse Bible Church’s college ministry, College Life, had its annual retreat in February 12-14. The theme was “Knowing Our Position and Putting It into Practice.” Pastor Scott Ardavanis of Grace Church of the Valley in Kingsburg, California, delivered five theologically rich and practical sessions: (1) The Great Exchange, (2) The Relationship between Justification and Sanctification, (3) The Nature of Progressive Sanctification, (4) Ministering to Each Other in the Body of Christ, and (5) What Will Heaven Be Like.

Pastor Scott expounded upon the doctrines of Justification, Sanctification (positional and progressive), Ecclesiology (i.e. responsibility of the members of the body of Christ – 1 Thess. 5:14), and Glorification (i.e. the permanence of love in heaven – 1 Cor. 13). You can find recordings of the sermons here.

It was a great time of studying God’s Word, fellowship, games, and laughter. As the reputation goes, the college retreat games were intense and dirty, yet entertaining! I was also personally really encouraged by everyone present–their enthusiastic participation, great attitudes, profound discussions, and intentional investment. However, rather than hearing from me about retreat, I think it would be great to hear from the students themselves!

Each student was asked to introduce themselves and answer the following questions:

1. What was one significant thing you learned?
2. What was your most memorable/joyful/thankful moment/experience?
3. What was one thing you were really encouraged by from someone else?
4. What’s one thing you want to change as a result of what you experienced or learned at retreat?

Abraham Cheung

My name is Abraham Cheung. I’m a 1st year at UCSD studying Sociology. This is my first college life retreat ever. Looking forward to many more to come!

1. One important thing I learned was that we have a responsibility to pursue holiness because we have already been made holy when Jesus gave us his righteousness, trading the punishment for our sins.
2. My favorite moment was the games, especially steal the bacon (which was a squid inside a nasty kiddy pool).
3. I was really encouraged by the upper classmen reaching out to me. We had good conversations about what we learned and how to apply it into our lives.
4. My mentality of progressive sanctification has changed the most. Before I did not really know why I should pursue holiness, but now I know that I should because my new position in Christ ought to lead to a holy lifestyle.

Alyssa Chin

My name Alyssa Chin and I’m a sophomore at San Diego State University and studying Child and Family Development. This was my second College Life retreat (but third retreat with the church).

1. One thing that really stuck out to me was when Pastor Scott taught on the 3 responses we should give to those with different spiritual conditions (the idle, the fainthearted, and the weak). We learned we are to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak. I think for me, it’s easy to be blunt (which can come off as harsh) and not recognize that my brothers and sisters have different needs and are going through situations that require different responses rather than just rebuking. I guess I would only stick to just admonishing the idle but it was helpful to learn what it means to be idle, fainthearted, and weak and how we should rightly respond to each person in a given situation.
2. The games were without a doubt some of most memorable moments of retreat… or well the smell of the pool of death will not be forgotten..
3. It was encouraging to see that the captains really encouraged the encouragement buddies by supplying their teams with paper and goody bags. Also, in my cabin, there was a door that connected the two rooms and so it was encouraging to see that the door was left open (for the most part) and people would go in and talk to others, even if they weren’t in the same cabin numbers. It was super encouraging to see the freshmen go out and know the upper classmen. I know that I was really scared of meeting the upper classmen when I was a freshmen and so I would (for the most part) stick with people who I was comfortable with like those in my grade.
4. As a result of retreat, I hope to be more intentional in my conversations and continue to grow the friendships that were started at retreat by setting aside some time to meet up with new and old friends. Hopefully I can put to practice what I’ve learned, especially the part about being more empathetic for my brothers and sisters in Christ and learning how to be fast to listen but slow to speak.

Jaron Seid

Hi everyone! My name is Jaron Seid, I’m a second year at UCSD, studying Political Science and Accounting. This was my second College-Life Retreat and it was definitely a great one!

1. Something that I’ve been struggling with recently as far as my own walk with God goes is simply the motivation to endure and run the race. Pastor Scott said something at the end of his third message that really hit me, “There is no greater motivation for holiness than the love of God.” Though that’s a broad statement, it made a lot of sense to me; understanding God’s sacrificial love to undeserving me should motivate me to live a life in constant thanksgiving.
2. I really appreciated and enjoyed the time of morning worship that Humphrey led, being able to sing hymns of old with nothing but our gross-morning voices really set the tone for the rest of the retreat and was such a sweet time of fellowship!
3. I was very encouraged by seeing so many collegians meeting new people especially during meal times and building on relationships through those times!
4. For me, I felt the most applicable and practical thing I could work on is being discerning of what people’s needs are and doing my best through God’s grace to build up brothers and sisters in the specific areas where God could use me.

Noah Seto

Hello! My name is Noah Seto and I am a second year at UCSD studying general biology. This is my second college life retreat and the 3rd retreat I have been to overall while at LBCSD.

1. I think one of the biggest things that I learned from the retreat was the two parts of sanctification. The first idea of positional sanctification and how we can find comfort knowing that “God has already looked at us in the perfectness of Christ.” Secondly the encouragement for progressive sanctification and being reaffirmed about the fact that “God works in us and we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to make us more holy.”
2. One of the best things about retreat was being able to sit down with any group of people during the day and have conversations about what they learned or about just how they were doing in general. It was also very nice to get away from the distractions of everyday life in San Diego and spend intentional time with other brothers getting to know one another even better. One of the most memorable moments was the dinosaur rap at the end of a skit and the craziness that ensured after it.
3. One of the greatest things to see at retreat was how close it seems our college group has gotten and how encouraging everyone has been. It was also awesome to see people introducing and talking to the new people who came out so they would not feel left out.
4. During my time at retreat I was really challenged to care for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I think being more sensitive about situations so that I can better encourage those who are faint hearted or weak with loving patience is something I want to grow in.

Andy Yeung

I’m Andy Yeung, I’m a 3rd year at UCSD studying Human Development. I’ve gone to two College Retreats, the one last year (2015) and this one!

1. One significant thing I learned this weekend was the biblical distinction in the ways we should seek to minister to others (admonish vs. encourage vs. help).
2. My most memorable experience of the weekend was when we turned to face the other half of the college body and sang “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”. Singing such a hope, prayer, and encouragement to the other half of the college body was such a blessing in itself to me, helping me to realize that such a goal was my truest wish for each and every one of them.
3. One thing I was really encouraged by someone else was seeing how many members of the college body reached out to the many of the newer individuals, and some of those who weren’t as well known in the fellowship (of course, there was more potential to be had here, but there was quite a bit of this internal encouragement and welcoming, and for that I rejoice).
4. One thing I want to change as a result of retreat is how I go about in my conversations and interactions with others. In light of recognizing that my foremost wish for any individual is to see them turn their eyes upon Jesus and hope in Him and Him alone, I want to frame each and every one of my interactions such that they could see Christ more fully and seek Him in all they do.

Erica Truong

My name is Erica Truong and I’m a 3rd year attending UCSD, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Law and Society. This was my 3rd college life retreat.

1. One significant thing I learned during retreat is that in heaven there will be perfect unity. There will be no disappointments, no tension, and no hindrance to love. We will be able to love perfectly in heaven because we will be filled with His perfect love–thus we would be able to love like Him too because we will be perfectly satisfied in our great God. What an anticipating day to look forward to!
2. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with my brothers and sisters at retreat (especially those that I don’t get to see quite often)! I am thankful for them and really got to get a taste of the future glory that is to come! It was a really sweet time getting to catch up with them and seeing God’s faithfulness being displayed in their lives.
3. I was really encouraged by the hard work that the staffers and student staff put together to make retreat happen. I know it probably took time out of busy schedules, and I really am grateful for their service!
4. One thing I want to work on is being more sensitive and patient towards others who are idle, fainthearted, and/or weak.

Humphrey Lin

My name is Humphrey Lin. I’m a 4th year at UCSD studying biochemistry and cell biology, and I will be graduating this upcoming June of 2016. This was my fourth (and possibly last) College Life retreat.

1. One significant lesson I learned is that our practice of holiness should be the result of our justified position before God. That we are called to live out our lives the way God sees us–perfect and pure because of the blood of Christ.
2. One of the highlights of my retreat was when I lost my nametag and had to participate in the punishment that I devised…and ended up eating a whole habanero. The experience was intense, but I was encouraged by how many people seemed to genuinely care for my physical well-being. It was also just an ironic turn of events.
3. I was really encouraged to see people whom I know to be more introverted step out of their comfort zones to greet newcomers, talk to the speaker, and participate in the events. It really showed me that they are being controlled by the love of Christ, and not by their personalities or fears.
4. I know you said one thing, but I can’t settle on just one…I want to strive harder to live more holy, to find discipleship, to have more intentional conversations and relationships with my brothers, and to set my mind on the things of heaven.

Lorraine Yeung

Hello, my name is Lorraine Yeung and I am currently a senior studying Biochemistry and Cell Biology at UCSD. This was my last college life retreat and indeed a memorable one.

1. Through the preaching of Pastor Scott, I learned that justification must be distinguished from sanctification, but never separated. Justification being the roots and sanctification being the fruits.
2. One highlight from retreat were the skits. The skit preparation allowed us to reflect on the sermons/discuss them and to execute these ideas. It was amazing and a joy to see all the creativity, humor, and participation from the skit performances.
3. Though we were divided among different teams (red and blue), members from each opposing team continued to find ways to serve one another. Even through the games, though quite competitive, we cheered and encouraged each other with God-glorifying attitudes.
4. One thing I learned is that “sanctification is not a one size fits all” and when serving brothers and sisters-in-Christ, I must discern the people in the body of Christ, their needs, and how to come alongside them (rebuke the idle, encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak). Most importantly, it must be done from a heart of patience.

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:12-13)

by Josh Liu

Are you living according to the flesh? Or, are you putting it to death? This is the difference between life and death.

The Apostle Paul uses the word “flesh” in a variety of ways. He has used it to mean the physical body (cf. 1 Cor. 15:39; Rom. 2:28); all of humanity (cf. 1 Cor. 1:29; Gal. 2:16); in reference to heritage (cf. Rom. 4:1); to contrast with the spiritual (Gal. 4:23; Rom. 9:8); and to encapsulate evil, corrupt, fallen nature of unregenerate man (cf. Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:3).

In the context of Romans 8:13, Paul is speaking of the sinful flesh as that which encompasses unregenerate man–all that opposes the Holy Spirit. He warns that those living according to the flesh must die. In other words, those who engage in habitual ongoing unrepented sin, characterized by a life consistent of an unregenerate person, a life without faith and submission to Christ as Lord and Savior, will die. Paul is not describing the loss of salvation or even threatening believers. He is simply stating that those who do not have (and, as a result, walk by) the Holy Spirit will die (the second death in hell; cf. Rev. 20:14)–the life of unconfessed and unrepented sin identifies an unregenerate person. This is not to say that salvation or eternal life can be earned by obedience; or, a genuinely saved person can never sin. Rather, disobedience–a life opposed to the Holy Spirit, a fleshly life–is characteristic of one who is spiritually dead, and one who will (certainly, in the future) experience eternal death. By contrast, a truly regenerate person will be characterized by obedience–a life opposed to the sinful flesh. So, Paul goes on and teaches that a life that puts to death all that is reminiscent of the life before regeneration is characteristic of one who is spiritually alive, and one who will experience eternal life (cf. John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:50-57; Rev. 2:7, 11). In preaching on Romans 8:13, John Piper offers a helpful summary:

If you are living according to the flesh – if you are not making war on the flesh, and not making a practice out of killing sin in your life, then there is no compelling reason for thinking that you are united to Christ by faith or that you are therefore justified. In other words, putting to death the deeds of the body is not the way we get justified, it’s one of the ways God shows that we are justified. And so Paul commands us to do it – be killing sin – because if we don’t – if we don’t make war on the flesh and put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit – if growth in grace and holiness mean nothing to us – then we show that we are probably false in our profession of faith, and that our church membership is a sham and our baptism is a fraud, and we are probably not Christians after all and never were. (“How to Kill Sin, Part 1”)

When the Apostle Paul says “putting to death the deeds of the body,” he is saying kill, destroy, slaughter, put an end to any sign of life, mortify, totally obliterate any deed, thought, attitude, speech that stems from the remaining sin principle in believers. Do not nurture, engage in, or practice sin. Kill it. John Owen says, “…the choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business, all their days, to mortify the indwelling power of sin….Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin, or it will be killing you” (The Mortification of Sin, 25-26).

Fellow children of God, you cannot afford to be passive about sin. You have an enemy who opposes you, like a roaring lion seeking to devour his prey; you are surrounded by the world, whose tide is always seeking to sweep you away; you have the flesh within you, which is always seeking to deceive you with its sinful passions and lusts.

Yet take hope. Victory is won through Christ’s death and resurrection! The Holy Spirit has been given, empowering believers to overcome sin.

Sin is more evil than we realize, for we forget how holy God is. Our consciences are prone to excuse actions, attitudes, words, and thoughts that are abominations before God. The purpose of this article has been to exhort you to actively confront sin. Jerry Bridges’ book, Respectable Sins, helpful exposes sins that many believers are guilty of nurturing, of neglecting to mortify. Below is a list of sins that Bridges addresses, with my personal annotations. Look through the list and prayerfully examine yourself.

Ungodliness

• Living one’s everyday life with little/no thought of God, God’s will, God’s glory, or dependence on God. God is essentially irrelevant to your life. Cf. Col. 2:33-34.
• Check: How are you actively developing a more intimate relationship with God?

Anxiety & Frustration

• Anxiety = distrust of God’s providence; usually involves fear and contributes to sinful actions, thoughts, attitudes. Frustration = attitude built upon sinful expectations that are not met; involves anger. Cf. Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:6-8; 1 Peter 5:7.
• Check: Do you tend to become anxious or frustrated when things don’t go as you planned? (My plans vs. God’s apparent plans).

Discontentment

• Sinful discontentment is a response to unwanted circumstances (e.g. unfulfilling job, singleness, health, friends, appearance). Cf. Job 1:21.
• Check: Can you genuinely say, “Lord, I am willing to: Receive what You give, Lack what You withhold, Relinquish what You take.” What is your attitude toward your circumstances? Do you submit, accept, and embrace it?

Thanklessness

• A heart of thanklessness does not treasure God (Who is the greatest possession) and does not recognized all that He has abundantly provided. (Cf. Luke 17:11-19; Deut. 8:11-14; Rom. 1:21; Eph. 1:3ff). It is against God’s will (Cf. Eph. 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:18).
• Check: What is the content or direction of your thanks in prayer? Is it centered on who God is and what He has done in salvation history?

Pride

• Subtle areas of pride: – Moral self-righteousness (cf. Luke 18:11), Correct doctrine (cf. 1 Cor. 8:1), Pride of achievement (i.e. desire for recognition), Independent spirit (resistance to authority & unteachability).
• Check: Are you easily offended? Are you quick to defend yourself? Do you humbly honor others’ interests before your own?

Selfishness

• Common areas of selfishness: Interests, Time, Money. One can selfishly guard time, and selfishly impose on others’ time. Cf. Phil. 2:4; 1 John 3:17; James 2:14.
• Check: Examine your conversations: how much time is spent talking about your interests vs. asking about the other person?

Anger

• Anger = intense discontentment; hatred/murder from the heart. It is never right to be angry with God. Cf. Matt. 5:22; James 4:1-2; Eph. 4:26.
• David Powlison: “I want my way and not God’s, and because I can’t have my way, I rage.”
• Check: How often do you choose to respond with anger, rather than overlook or presume the best about another?

Weeds of Anger (Long term results of nurtured anger)

• Resentment = anger held onto
• Bitterness = ongoing animosity
• Enmity/hostility = openly expressed bitterness
• Grudge = hatred; taking revenge
• Strife = open conflict/turmoil
• Anger is never static; it will grow and feed the above sins
• Check: Do you nurture anger, not allowing it to die out? Do you seek to love and honor others in your own thought life?

Worldliness

• Worldliness = being attached to, engrossed in, pursuing for refuge, satisfaction, or ultimate value, or preoccupied with things of this temporal life. Cf. 1 John 2:15-16; Col 3:2; 1 Cor. 7:31b.
• Check: Do you pursue looking like the surrounding culture?

Lack of Self-Control

• Lack of self-control = indulging in desires, cravings, impulses, emotions, passions such that they control us, instead of controlling those desires. Common areas: Eating and drinking, Temper (cf. Prov. 14:17; 26:32), Personal finances. Cf. Prov. 25:28.
• Check: Do you live as you please without any regard to God and others? Do you depend on the Holy Spirit for control?

Impatience & Irritability

• Impatience = strong annoyance at (usually) unintentional faults/failures of others. Cf. 1 Cor. 13:4a. Irritability = frequency of impatience. When you are the object of impatience, respond like Christ (1 Pet. 2:23), or consider confronting (Matt. 7:5; 8:15)
• Check: Does it seem like people are “walking on eggshells” around you?

Judgmentalism

• Includes presumption on a person’s heart motives. Occurs when preference/opinion is elevated to absolute truth. Cf. Rom. 14:1ff.
• Check: Are you known for a critical spirit? Do you respond with giving the benefit of the doubt? Do you seek to understand/ask questions first or jump to conclusions?

Envy, Jealousy, and Related Sins

• Envy = resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another. Envy often leads to covetousness. We often envy those we are closely identified with (peers) and in areas we value most.
• Jealousy = intolerance of rivalry. Results in unloving competitiveness and desires to control. Cf. Acts 5:17-18; 13:44-45.
• Check: Do you tend to focus on self when others succeed?

Sins of the Tongue

• Gossip, slander, critical speech, lie, critical speech. Cf. Eph. 4:29.
• Check: Do you actively encourage others?

Let us confront sin as an act of worship and love for our Lord and Savior, who paid the penalty for our sin and liberated us from its dominion to be slaves of righteousness. The war is won, but there is a war nonetheless, and God has sounded forth the rallying cry. Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.

by Samuel Chung

I’ve been a part of the music ministry since my second year of college and God has definitely matured me in many ways throughout these years. The deeper understanding of Scripture and theology has helped to bring greater meaning to the songs that we sing. The memorable melodies have helped to remind me of specific and necessary truths about our God. It is evidence for me to reflect on John 4:23-24, where it says “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” This account with Jesus and the woman at the well shows that worshiping God requires an intricate balance of both spirit and truth, where a greater emphasis on either will offset the scale. If we focus too much on truth without the spirit, we can easily become Pharisees or intellectual robots who merely give assent to the truths without a change of heart. If we focus too much on spirit without the truth, we may very well be worshiping something other than the one true God (although it may even feel like we are) because of the lack of a clear definition of who He is.

A question I want us to consider is: What is worship? I believe that it’s a term that we use so often that we don’t consider the context in which we use it as much as we do. For example, I hear people say, “That worship set was ____.” or “How is the worship team doing?” We also have songs that say “I will worship with all of my heart” and “Worship His holy name.” In each of those statements, what did it mean to worship? To clarify, I am not saying that the examples above are incorrect, but I am saying that we often use them without thinking very deeply about it, which is something we need to do more. Depending on the context of conversation, the definition ranges from a person’s overall heart attitude to something specific as the time of singing at church. More often than not, I’ve noticed that we utilize only the latter definition of worship. Once again, the statements above are not necessarily wrong, but I believe that the focus has become too narrow when it comes to our understanding of worship.

In the Bible, we see that the word worship often incorporates both ideas of an inward adoration and an outward expression of the adoration such as falling prostrate in humility (Genesis 24:26, Job 1:20, Psalm 95:6), singing (Psalm 29:2, Psalm 96:1), and paying homage (Matthew 2:11). Worship is not just about the music or a feeling. As stated before, it requires a combination of truth and spirit as well as a combination of inward and outward adoration to God.

Why am I being so nitpicky about one word? Isn’t it just semantics? It’s important for us to consider how we are using this term because proper usage of it displays a stronger understanding of the meaning of that word. Worshiping God is so much more than the singing. It should be our lifelong commitment to acknowledge and adore God in whatever we do. We worship with our whole life, and not just a part of it. It isn’t confined to a specific action such as singing, but should be a characteristic of who we are. As we gather as a church, we are engaging in corporate worship from the moment you step into the doors until you leave. We can worship through corporate reading of Scripture, singing songs of praise, hearing the Word of God preached, giving of offerings, praying in meditation, and even interacting with the people next to us. It all comes down to our hearts being prepared to acknowledge our need of God’s grace and give Him the adoration that He deserves for Christ’s death and resurrection!

In conclusion, let’s consider the common Christian term of worship and find ways to portray its full definition when we use it. Let us worship our God in spirit and in truth from our hearts, leading to our external displays of affection to Him!

“Jesus did not come to meet friends; He came to save enemies.” (Pierced for Our Transgressions)

by Josh Liu

In College Life, we have been studying the gospel of Jesus Christ. We followed Christ as He washed His disciples’ feet in the upper room (John 13:1-5), listened to His prayers in the garden in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-46), watched his trials before the councils and officials (Luke 22:54-23:33), mourned at His crucifixion (Luke 23:33-43), and rejoiced in His resurrection (Matt. 28:1-15). We are continuing to reflect on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection by considering biblical (theological) implications. Recently, we studied Christ’s penal substitutionary death that makes atonement for sinners.

First, it may be helpful to identify some misconceptions (the following beliefs contain errors at multiple points and are stated in the negative, indicating that they are to be rejected). Christ did not die as a ransom paid to Satan in exchange for souls held as his captives. Christ’s atoning sacrifice was not in the midst of a battle with Satan and the forces of evil. Christ’s death was not purely an example for others to follow or simply a demonstration of God’s love. Christ’s death did not reconcile all sinners in all time to God.

So then, what is the substitutionary death of Christ that makes atonement for sinners? To answer that, we must examine the Old Testament. The Hebrew term that is most commonly used in regard to atonement is kaphar. It literally means to cover. It is more specifically understood to atone by offering a substitute. Since death is the required punishment for sin, the life of a sacrificial animal, specifically symbolized by its blood, was required in exchange for the life of the worshipper. This is seen in the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:1-30), the Levitical sacrifices: burnt offering (Lev. 1:3-17), peace offering (Lev. 3:1-17), sin offering (Lev. 4:1-35), and guilt offering (Lev. 5:14-6:7), and the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:1-34; 23:27). These passages do not conclude that animal sacrifices ultimately cover a person’s sins, or saves them from wrath. It was abundantly clear that these sacrifices were limited. They do not fully atone for sins (cf. Ps. 40:6; 51:16; Hos. 6:6; Mic. 6:6-8). They do not completely remove guilt (cf. Heb. 9:9-10; 10:4). The New Testament provides the final, perfect atoning sacrifice: Christ (cf. Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:19, 37; John 1:29; 11:49-50; 15:13; 1 Cor. 5:7; 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 1:4; 3:13). Hebrews 9:11-14 says,

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (cf. Heb. 9:23-28)

Christ’s death on the cross paid the penalty of sin–death. Christ’s death was substitutionary: He died on behalf of sinners.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)

His substitutionary death that atones for sins is graphically described in Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:4-6; emphasis added)

Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution (by Steve Jeffery, Mike Ovey, and Andrew Sach) summarizes Scripture’s definition and description of Christ’s atoning sacrifice: “The doctrine of penal substitution states that God gave himself in the person of his Son to suffer instead of us the death, punishment and curse due to fallen humanity as the penalty for sin” (21).

Why is this important? You need atonement! Without Christ’s atoning death, you could not be made right with the holy, perfect, righteous, just God of the universe, since you are utterly sinful, depraved, rebellious, unrighteous, and spiritually dead. But take hope! If you will repent of your sins, depend on Christ to save you from God’s wrath, you will be saved!

Always remember the love of Christ who took the death that you deserved, suffered the wrath meant for you, and was forsaken so that you might be reconciled to God. May you be in awe of the suffering and passion of the Servant of God, the Lamb who takes away your sins, who dispels despair and fear of condemnation, who was pierced for our transgressions.

(For further study, I suggest Charles H. Spurgeon, “Our Suffering Servant” on 1 Peter 3:18).

by Josh Liu

By the title of this article, you most likely drew one of two initial conclusions: (1) Blasphemy! There is one God and no man can be God! Or, (2) yes, how can we be more like Christ?

In a way, both responses can be valid. Pastors preach against opposing the King of kings, as well as preach the need to pursue Christ-likeness. However, our actions and attitudes often betray what we preach. Allow me to offer several clarifying principles.

Principle one: Man’s desire, pursuit, and activity of being God (or “playing God”) is wicked and evil. To believe in humanity’s divine nature (deification) or potential is blasphemy. Man sought to be God (Gen. 3:1-6); Satan sought to be God (Is. 14:13-14; Ezek. 28:17); and others acted in a way befitting only for God (acting like God): the friends judging Job (Job 42:7) and King Nebuchadnezzar ascribing himself glory (Dan. 4:1-37) – all of whom were judged by God.

Principle two: The Creator-creature distinction is a permanent distinction. It should always remind us of the evil of attempting to be God, act like God, or make something as God. Angelic beings, though holy and incredibly powerful, are still creatures and should not be worshipped or deified (cf. Rev. 19:10; Ps. 103:20; Heb. 1:5-7). Also, inanimate objects are never to be worshiped as God (cf. Ex. 32:1ff; Is. 44:9-17; Rom. 1:21-23).

Principle three: Man, who was created to be in relationship with God, needs the righteousness of God in order to dwell with God. Man is utterly unrighteous and sinful, which will not be tolerated in the holy, righteous presence of God (cf. Ex. 3:4-6; Ps. 15:1-5; Is. 6:5-7). Thus, for man to be with God, he must be holy as God is holy (cf. Lev. 19:2). The command is not to be God.

Principle four: God grants His righteousness to man so that their relationship may be restored (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-27). The gift of God’s righteousness is part of God’s redemptive plans (cf. Eph. 1:4).

Principle five: As a result, Christians demonstrate that inner, spiritual reality through an outward life consistent with the holiness of God (cf. 1 Pet. 1:14-16). The righteous life that God expects was exemplified in the incarnate Son of God. So, we pursue to be like Christ (cf. John 13:12-16; Phil. 2:5ff; Rom. 15:2-3; Eph. 5:1-2, 22-32).

Principle six: God has declared that by the power and work of the Holy Spirit, believers are being renewed into the image of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 15:49; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29; Phil 3:21). God has declared that we will rule with Christ (cf. Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21; 20:4).

In response to the above principles, consider what you say, do, and think that may be communicating being, acting, or making something to be God. How might you be demonstrating an attitude of “if I were God…”?

Ask yourself the following God-checks:

• Are you more concerned about man’s opinions about you than God’s?
• Do you often lie or try to manipulate others?
• Are there attributes of God that you struggle to believe, depend on, or rejoice in?
• Are you more concerned with pleasing others than pleasing God?
• Do you always give thanks to God for who He is and what He’s done?
• Are there things you hate about yourself and would change if given the opportunity (e.g. physical appearance)?
• If you had a time machine, would you go back in time to change events?
• What do you value most in life? What do you spend most of your thought, resources, and time on?
• What would bring you greatest happiness and satisfaction?

by Josh Liu

“I didn’t know how difficult life would be after college,” a college graduate confessed to me. “It’s really lonely. I’m depressed and confused about what to do with my life.” A significant amount of post-college persons experience the hard-wall of reality of life after college, and struggle immensely. Understandably so, the transition to post-college life can be tumultuous, confusing, chaotic, wearisome, discouraging, and monotonous.

Christians and non-Christians alike are concerned. This particular season of life is in the middle of what some have labeled as “emerging adulthood” (I’ve also heard “twenty-somethings,” “youthhood,” “adultolescense,” “extended adolescence,” “black box”). Regardless of the label, most are familiar with this “stage of life.” Many collegians are warned about “life to come;” many don’t understand it until it’s too late. Some collegians aren’t even aware of it and slip into a lukewarm, routine lifestyle that is for the most part God-less. The vibrant, social, available, adventurous, care-free college life is rudely removed. Instead, it is replaced with expectations and responsibilities (i.e. get a job, set a career, get married, buy a home, pay off loans, etc.). In response, many graduates step into spiritual depression; they feel isolated and lonely; they fantasize about the good ol’ college days; they want to take a “gap year” to really experience life before succumbing to the ball and chain of “real life;” they throw aside the spiritual passion and discipline they once had during college to study the Bible and pray, to serve others and the church, and to evangelize and witness.

This is symptomatic of deeper, significant issues, related to identity in Christ, spiritual maturity and character, and idolatry of a distorted youth life stage. I am particularly concerned that so many appear shell-shocked after briefly experiencing post-college life. I am particularly concerned that many have confessed that they don’t know what to do or how to respond, or that they weren’t prepared during college. I am particularly concerned that many have allowed the circumstances of life to dictate how they think, feel, and act.

As I personally experience some challenging transitions (stepping out from children’s and youth ministries, and stepping into college ministry and my final year in seminary), I want to take this opportunity to encourage all those going through difficult transitions. A comprehensive analysis and response to delayed maturing, the above described experiences, and the related significant spiritual issues are outside the scope of this article. Instead, I want to remind you of six biblical principles to carry with you in every circumstance or transition:

1. Plan on the sovereignty of God.

God is intimately involved in your life. Consider David’s words in Psalm 139:1-16.
He knows your entire person, and each moment of your life. Behold His omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, immanence, and magnificence! Take your eyes off yourself, off the circumstances, off the unknowable future, and wholly entrust yourself to God your Creator and Sustainer.

Know that God is ultimately directing your life (Prov. 16:9; cf. 16:1; 19:21; 20:24; Jer. 10:23). God’s sovereignty (control, leading, authority, will) over individuals’ lives and actions is readily seen throughout Scripture. This is seen in Joseph’s life (Gen. 50:20), the nation of Israel (Jer. 29:11), Paul’s life (Acts 9:15-16; 16:6), and the believer’s life (Rom. 8:28).

As a result, plan and live your life out of dependence on the sovereignty of God.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

2. Pursue Christ first.

Wherever God leads you, whatever circumstance He places in your life, and however you’re feeling in the moment, pursue Christ vehemently. Seek to deepen your intimacy with Christ through intentional prayer, Bible study, Scripture memorization and meditation, serving others, and fellowship with Christ’s body.

Don’t let anything or anyone else displace the centrality of Christ in your life. Be able to say with Paul,

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ…Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:7-8, 12-14)

Friendships, interests, careers, and personal feelings of usefulness can become idols if you do not pursue Christ first. When Christ is central in your life, when He is your first priority, when He is your greatest treasure, the present trials and circumstances of life fade in light of the great glory of Christ and eternity with Him (cf. behold Christ in Col. 1:13-18 and Heb. 1:3-4).

3. Preoccupy yourself with faithfulness.

The Christian isn’t called to achieve the life milestones that the world expects (begin a career, get married, buy a home, etc.). Don’t be busy with the things of this world that will ultimately fade, but be busy with what God has commanded. Seek to steward your life, time, energy, and resources to fulfilling what God has directed believers to be busy with here on this earth (cf. Matt. 25:14-30). How will you seek to be faithful with the life that God has graced you?

• Are you being faithful to making disciples (Matt. 28:18-20; Titus 2:4, 6; 2 Tim. 2:2)?
• Are you being faithful to pursuing godliness (1 Thess. 4:3-4; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:5)?
• Are you being faithful to serving the body of Christ (Rom. 12:1-21; Eph. 4:1ff; Heb. 10:25)?
• Are you being faithful to witnessing (Acts 1:8)?
• Are you being faithful in your relationships (Eph. 5:22-6:9)?

4. Prioritize godliness.

As you seek to pursue Christ and live for Him, be concerned with personal godliness and character. Since God is holy, His people are called to be holy (cf. Ps. 15:1-5; 1 Pet. 1:14-15). In deepening intimacy with Christ, how are you growing in personal holiness and spiritual maturity?

Can you say with the psalmist in Psalm 119:9-11,

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.

Seek to walk by the Spirit to be filled with the Spirit, and so produce the fruit of the Spirit (Rom. 8:13-14; Eph. 5:18; gal. 5:16-25).

Are you practicing (and growing in) Spirit-led love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or, are you prioritizing a stronger GPA, a more impressive résumé, accumulating academic or work experience, or attending life workshops? These are not evil or wrong, but are often exalted to highest priorities, which may contribute to the experience of spiritual trials in transitions.

5. Preach to yourself.

Do not allow your emotions, feelings, or fantasies dictate how you think or act. You may understandably experience depressive emotions or struggle with despondency/despair. Similar to circumstances, your emotions do not dictate the truths of Scripture. If you do not actively fill your mind with the truth of Scripture, you may spiral downward in your own false and condemning thoughts, and respond sinfully (e.g. laziness).

Seek to renew your mind (cf. Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:16). Capture every thought for Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 10:5). Remind yourself of the gospel of Christ that has secured for you eternal hope, in which you eagerly await for Christ’s return. Reading Ephesians 1-3 can be helpful!

6. Persevere with patience.

Life circumstances and transitions are merely earthly seasons of life. They will eventually pass. They do not compare with the glory and duration of eternity, of the life to come with Christ. Remember Paul’s encouragement in 2 Cor. 4:16-18,

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Remember that all that God leads you through is under His sovereignty. It all fits in His eternal purposes and plans. Persevere knowing that God is using you, your life, even tumultuous transitions, for His Kingdom and for your sanctification (cf. Gen. 50:20; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-9).

Indeed, transitions can be difficult. Thankfully, God has instructed us on how to live for Him in all circumstances.

I suggest the following supplemental resources:

• “Why Aren’t ‘Emerging Adults’ Emerging as Adults?” by Albert Mohler
• “Faithfulness in College Is ‘Life-Wide’” by Stephen Lutz
• “Church and the College Years” by Jon Nielson
• “Young Souls in Transition–Emerging Adults and the Church” By Albert Mohler

Editor’s Note: This article highlights the main points of Roger’s last sermon as the College Life coordinator. You can listen to the full message here. 

by Roger Alcaraz

The end of the school year presents us an opportunity to consider this past year as it relates to College Life and evaluate what we did well or not well and then to consider the years ahead of us. To do so, I’ll be using SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. And while I could see myself writing endlessly, I’ve chosen only to highlight one area from each category. This evaluation will be of the ministry as a whole, so don’t be upset if you feel like it doesn’t describe you as an individual.

Strength: A Deep Love for God and People

Now this is the part of the article where I just brag about you, so just sit back and get ready to have your ears tickled as I shower you with praise. In short, I am glad that if there is any strength in this ministry, it’s in the area of love because it follows the two greatest commands in scripture.

If you’re a member here you should be able to guess where I’m turning for this one, but in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches that every command in Scripture falls under the umbrellas of loving God or loving your neighbor as yourself. Furthermore, one verb connects the two commands: to love. If all of the commands we’ve been given came down to one word, that word would be “Love!”

We have a Facebook group that I get excited about because what was originally intended to be a place where people socialize, College Life has redeemed it into a place where people volunteer to serve others. There are people offering others rides. People cooking for others. When new people post that they want to get to know others, they get 10 responses immediately. I remember one time I posted that my wife and I would be on campus and asked if anyone would be willing to buy us dinner. I was so confident that someone was going to buy us dinner that we left our house before even getting a response. And not to our surprise, we were fed that night by a generous collegian.

But it’s more than caring for each other’s spiritual needs: you care for one another’s souls. I love hearing of all the events that the students organize on their own to have a time of prayer and accountability with one another, and how there’s a real intention to build each other up whenever possible. This is something I hope continues and maybe it’ll take on different forms but I hope the heart behind it stays the same.

Weakness: Integration with the Rest of the Church

Titus 2 talks about older men and older women of the church and how they are to lead by example and instruct those who are younger. I got to wondering, what was the age gap between these old men and women and the young ones?

We can’t say with absolute precision, but the word use for older men and women is presbetes which literally means “one who is advanced in years.” So these aren’t just men and women who are older, but these are people who are innately old, apart from any reference point. Thus, these are presumably men and women who are much older, especially since the “young women” in verse 4 are said to have a husband and children. I don’t think I (as a 27 year-old) would have been lumped into the older men category.

Yet the paradigm for ministry in the church is that older, and presumably more mature, teaches the younger. It’s not enough to learn from someone who is ahead in the race by a few steps. You need to learn from the one who’s laps ahead of you.

Collegians always have questions about dating and you get the opinion of other collegians, but why not talk to people who’ve been through it, and have already considered the necessary principles, and can also tell you of the trials and temptations that lie ahead of you? I know it’s your desire to be integrated with the rest of the church because every time we have an event where an opportunity arises to go to another member’s home, you jump at the chance. But what I don’t want to see is you needing an organized program in order to get you to do it.

What I want to see is you building relationships with those older in the church so that you could learn from them and also be able to serve them. Even if you don’t know them yet, get to know them. Some ways to do this may be taking them out for a meal, spending an afternoon with them, or conversing with them after church service.

Opportunity: Newcomers

In Romans 16:1-2, Paul writes about someone who was transferring to the church of Rome and gives instruction concerning this newcomer. The first is that they welcome her in a way worthy of the saints. This means as newcomers arrive, you ought to receive them as you would your own brother or sister so that they can instantly feel loved.

And not only that, Paul instructed the church to help this newcomer in whatever need they had. What we don’t see is a waiting period in the church for a fellow believer to be included and cared for. This is something I see you all doing well which is why it’s in the opportunity section. But it’s something that you’re going to have to keep doing because there will always be someone new to extend love to.

Even if they’re not a believer, love still has to be extended. If there is one primary reason why people stop coming to church, I would say it’s because they don’t feel loved when they come in. And some of the blame might be on them if they avoid people and don’t give others much of a chance to love them. But all the more, you need to be watchful over that because that is an opportunity to help someone be part of the flock of God.

Threat: People Falling through the Cracks

It used to be that if there were someone missing from College Life, it was easily noticeable. It’s gotten a lot harder since then because the group is bigger than ever. And I suspect the problem will only get worse.

I remember one time I came to Bible study late. This was while I was in college and I thought nobody would notice. After all, what’s one guy missing? I snuck in after Bible study, but then someone noticed I wasn’t there the whole time and asked me, “Where were you?”

The truth was that I didn’t want to be at church. Even as a believer, there were times when I was deeply grieved by my own sin and circumstances, and I didn’t feel like faking a smile.

There can be a sense that if you attend Lighthouse, you have to be doing well, otherwise you’re in the wrong place. And so people put up walls, and they put on a face to make it look like everything’s okay. For some people, they leave Lighthouse because they’re hurting, and when they come to church, the pain only worsens because they feel they have to hide their struggles. Instead of feeling like church is a like a hospital for the broken, they see church as wax museum of happy faces.

The danger for us is that College Life will be a place where the broken and hurting feel they don’t belong. As the ministry grows, it’s going to be harder to detect who’s hurting. My final encouragement to you is to be intentional in your relationships so that no one falls through the cracks.