Category Archives: Affinity Groups

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.

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.

Blessings from the Nursery

by Carol Lim

This month (August) marks my 10 years here at Lighthouse San Diego. Looking back at all those years of learning and serving at our church reminds me of the faithful One who saved me and sustains me. I’m humbled by the fact that when I first joined nursery soon after becoming a member in Oct 2006, I was looking forward to having fun playing with the babies and toddlers. Since then I have learned much about the importance of children’s ministry, particularly the nursery, and teaching the young ones about the truths of God that are grounded in His Word. God has also been teaching me over the years of how He chooses to use the believers in the local church to accomplish His work, with all the implications of serving and building up “one another” in the spirit of unity, as mentioned in Ephesians 4.

So I just wanted to share a few blessings of being in a part of this ministry:

I get to teach the children the truth about who God is

Whether the children are listening to the story of Namaan being healed from his owies (2 Kings 5:1-15), or of Zacchaeus being visited by his friend Jesus (Luke 19:1-9), the main character for every lesson is always God. He is the one always initiating the love, goodness, power, and friendship to the people. Last month in July we taught that God is everywhere through the story of Jonah. The children learned that although Jonah tried to run away from God in the hopes of hiding from Him, God is everywhere and no one can escape from His presence. Not only did they learn about His omnipresence, but the children also discovered that God is compassionate towards people who do not know Him and wants His people to tell them about Him!

God uses lessons like these not only to build biblical foundation for our children, but also to remind the grownups like me of His awesome character and how that should affect my thinking, attitude, and daily actions. The ultimate goal for our ministry is to draw children to the Savior through the filling of their minds with the truth of God’s Word. What we teach are simple truth statements and simple Bible stories, yet are filled with substantial nuggets of life-changing power. What an awesome privilege!

I get to serve alongside fellow sisters in Christ

Our staff is comprised of ladies from CollegeLife, SingleLife, and GraceLife, with a wide range of ages as well as walks of life. Some of us are married, some are married with children, and some are single and working, studying, or both. We even have a grandma!

We are a diverse group, yet like-minded about teaching and reaching the children with God’s Word. I’m truly thankful for each and every one of them. It’s really neat to see God-given gifts being used in various ways each Sunday. Those gifted with artistic talents come up with really creative ideas for crafts, and some utilize their organizational skills to help create our rooms to be more efficient, beautiful, and safe for the children.

With the recent departure of some college graduates moving out of town, we were a bit short-staffed, especially during the summer, but God is always so faithful in providing our staff needs year after year!

I get to connect with the parents and families as well as minister to them

We’ve been seeing a significant growth in the number of families at our church within the last 3-4 years, and it can sometimes get difficult to keep in touch with all of them. On the days that I serve, however brief it may be, I’m able to re-connect with many parents during their check-in/check-out times. I also enjoy meeting parents who are visiting for the first time as well as frequent attenders.

The nursery ministry seeks to serve the parents by freeing them to worship God without distraction. As they grow in the knowledge of God, He will then be able to use the parents to minister/reach out to others. We also aim to help parents bring about discipleship at home (Deut 6:4-9; 11:8-19; Ps 78:1-7). As they learn the importance of biblical parenting, this will allow more opportunity of parents to teach their children to worship, elicit faith, and to obey God.

Parents of young children oftentimes are attracted by a nursery ministry that is inviting, safe, friendly, and that is filled with warmth. As they hand their children to me, I want to establish and maintain trust with the parents!

I must admit, I’m pretty beat by the time the last child is picked up. The ladies in the room are so tired that we often burst out in laughter in sheer excitement that we get to go home and take a 2-hour nap! But I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to serve in this way, knowing that the seeds of His Word are planted in their hearts, and that God is faithful to save them according to His Will. What a privilege it is for me to know that despite all my shortcomings and weaknesses, God continues to grow me and use me in this local church that I love so much.

Passing It On

by Pastor Patrick Cho

One of the great privileges of being a parent is the responsibility and joy of helping our children see what a wonderful and amazing God we worship and live for. We get to pass on the greatness of God to the next generation. They get to see through our lives and example, joys and disappointments, blessings and trials, how faith plays a role in every decision and situation. Through family worship, they can witness our devotion to God and participate in ascribing to Him the glory due His name. By recounting for them the amazing grace of God in the gospel, they can come to know the love of God, which was demonstrated in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

This example of faith and demonstration of the greatness of God is founded upon a healthy and vibrant spiritual walk with Christ. It is assumed and obvious that if you want your children to learn to love Jesus through your example, that He must be everything to you and the chief desire of your heart. This is why it is so vital that parents not allow excuses and distractions to justify time apart from the Word and prayer. Even with the busyness of life, it is even more imperative that parents cultivate a deep devotion to the Lord and maintain a healthy relationship with Christ. Of course, no parent is going to do this perfectly, but it involves confessing personal sin, asking forgiveness of God, preaching the gospel to ourselves, seeking the Lord in His Word, and demonstrating faith and dependence on God through prayer. There is little hope that our children will see the greatness of God in our lives if we do not treat Him as great through our worship and obedience. In other words, it is going to take more than verbal lessons; they need to see it in our lives. Consider the commitment of Ezra, who devoted himself to study the Law of God, to live it out, and then to teach it (Ezra 7:10). This is a pattern for teaching to which all parents should commit themselves.

As our children grow, it will not be enough to be carried by the faith of their parents. It must be a faith of their own, but it can be built upon a faith that has been demonstrated. I will never forget a conversation I had with a friend who I admired tremendously because of his seemingly tireless work for the Lord. When I asked him how he could have such faith, his response stuck with me. He said, “When you see your mom each morning at the breakfast table weeping over the pages of Scripture, it is easy to grow up loving the Lord and living for Him.”

This is not just a commitment that parents need to make for their own children, but the opening verses of Titus 2 remind us that the older men and women of the church are to model exemplary faith for the younger generation. Older folks are to be examples of faith for the younger people in the church to follow. The consequences in failing to do this are grave. It is no wonder we see in today’s youth a greater immaturity, irresponsibility, laziness, lack of dignity, and foolishness than we have in previous generations. With many of today’s youth lacking strong spiritual authority and leadership in the home, more responsibility falls on the older men and women of the church to help disciple younger men and women in the faith. This is to help them discern right from wrong, better from worse. But more importantly and ultimately, it is to help them to see past the expectations, rules, and requirements to the great and gracious God who wants His best for them. The goal of passing these things on is not only to develop a more moral and responsible generation, but a more worshipful and devoted generation.

Mini-Series on Suffering

by Josh Liu

The regularly scheduled midweek Bible studies have taken a break for the summer. Instead, there has been a combined Bible study for the Youth, College, and Singles on Fridays. For the month of July, College Life was responsible for hosting the combined Bible study (e.g. leading praise, preaching, etc.). With the opportunity to lead a mini series, I decided to revisit my messages on suffering.

My desire is to equip us with good sufferiology: a biblical understanding and response to suffering. The following is an overview of the three part series.

Part 1: The Suffering of the King (Is. 53:1-12)

The purpose of the Book of Isaiah is to foretell the future wrath to come upon Judah and the world because of their offense against God’s holiness, while also foretelling the future comfort to come through the Suffering Servant because of God’s grace. Is. 52:13-53:12 is a five stanza description of God’s anointed Servant, who is Christ. The central thought is the humiliation and suffering of the Servant.

Often times, we focus on external circumstances or personal suffering in a way that causes us to neglect God, doubt God, or accuse God. We may be tempted to think that God does not love us.

However, God indeed loves. Is. 53:1-12 describes four demonstrations of the King’s love through His suffering:

  1. He was rejected so that you would be accepted (vv. 1-3)
  2. He carried your sins so that you would be righteous (vv. 4-6)
  3. He was killed so that you would live (vv. 7-9)
  4. He was crushed so that you would be redeemed (vv. 10-12)

Part 2: Making Sense of Suffering (The Book of Job)

The Book of Job is an amazing account of God’s sovereignty, possible spiritual (invisible) activity, and the raw emotions of shock, confusion, and disorientation after tragedy.

It is helpful to understand the outline of the book. Many are aware of the first three chapters of Job (Job’s life, tragedies, and anguish) and the final four chapters (God responds to Job and restores his fortunes). However, many are unaware of the middle 35 chapters. After a week of silent despair, Job opens his mouth and pours out the anguish in his heart (3:1-26). What follows is a three-cycle debate between Job and his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar: Cycle 1 (4:1-14:22), Cycle 2 (15:1-21:34), Cycle 3 (22:1-27:34). Also, a young man named Elihu shares his two cents (more of a monologue) concerning his opinion about Job’s suffering (32:1-37:24).

We can observe five perspectives of suffering from the Book of Job:

  1. Narrator: Suffering is a part of God’s plan
  2. Job’s friends: Suffering is a consequence of sin
  3. Job: Suffering is under God’s sovereignty and is unexplainable
  4. Elihu: Suffering does not impugn God’s character
  5. God: Suffering is an opportunity for faith

Part 3: Wrestling with Despair (Pss. 42-43)

The Psalter is a praise book filled with raw pleas and cries to God. It is amazing that such emotional prayers are inspired by God. Psalms 42-43, which should be taken as one, is a lament psalm, wherein a soul wrought with despair is unable to worship God in the temple and is experiencing much suffering and persecution.

Understanding the psalmist’s experience with internal despair may help us better understand, process, and articulate internal strife.

We observe three experiences of the despairing soul:

  1. Longing for God yet afar (42:1-5)
  2. Remembering God yet forgotten (42:6-11)
  3. Pleading with God and hopeful return (43:1-5)

From this three-part series, we are reminded to never forget the suffering of God, understand the multifaceted perspectives of the reasons for suffering, and to always hope in God and respond with worship despite external and internal suffering.

Two Objectives of Children’s Ministry

by Jeffrey Yeh

For the past couple of years, our K-5 Sunday School ministry has been teaching through the Old Testament. We have more recently been walking through the accounts of Jesus’s life and ministry. Because we cover such a wide breadth of material in the Bible, I have been thinking about how to keep the lessons grounded. How do we tie these varying Bible accounts together? What relation does the account of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years have to do with the account of Judah’s exile in Babylon? What relationship does God’s promises to Abraham have to do with the ministry of Jesus Christ?

Beyond these questions, our ministry has several teachers and support staff that we cycle through on a rotation each week to help with scheduling. Each teacher has his own personal style of teaching, and each staff member has one’s own unique style of leading discussions during small group time. Because the children will often interact with varying staff members and teachers on any given Sunday, what common mindset can the ministry servants share to present a consistent message each Sunday?

In meditating through these questions, I arrived at two general objectives to follow for Children’s ministry. I believe these objectives are applicable for any church ministry that is focused on ministering to elementary-aged school children but they can certainly be applied beyond this focus. And while there are certainly more objectives that a children’s ministry can follow, these two objectives provide a good starting point from which to build upon.

1. Teach children about mankind’s (and their own) sinful state

The Bible makes it clear: the chief problem of mankind is our sinfulness. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This is evident even from Genesis through the texts of the Minor Prophets and up to the last book of Revelation. Our (mankind’s) enslavement to sin is even revealed in the Bible passages that are popularly used to teach Sunday school lessons to children. Listed are several examples:

  • In Genesis 6, the account of Noah, God decides to cast the Great Flood because of the sinfulness of mankind. (Genesis 6:5-8)
  • Pharaoh continually hardens his heart despite witnessing several plagues brought upon by his sinfulness. (Exodus 9:34)
  • In Exodus, even though the people of Israel witnessed several miracles to affirm the presence of God, they sinned and built an idol when they felt Moses was taking too long to come down from Mount Sinai. (Exodus 32:1-10)

Indisputably, the portrayal of mankind’s sin is evident throughout the pages of Scripture. Thus, glossing over it to only present the lighthearted themes of the Bible is a disservice to the children. That is not to say that we should focus only on the topic of sin and nothing else. Rather, in children’s ministry we need to present the Bible faithfully and accurately in an age appropriate way, and in doing so, there is absolutely room for accurately discussing the topic of sin in an age appropriate way. Should we fail to do so, the children entrusted to us may grow up failing to understand why they need a Savior. However, when teaching about sin we must be careful to avoid one common mistake.

It is a mistake of teaching children to avoid sin by action alone, without addressing the heart attitude. We need to avoid focusing only on the external behavior lest we make little Pharisees within our church walls. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the LORD says, “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” As a result of the Bible’s statement, we need to teach about the difference between a heart that seeks to worship God versus a heart that seeks to disobey. It is also important to keep in mind that our children are not always likely to sin in the same exact ways described in the Bible but the heart attitude behind each sin is universal. Instruction about selfish and idolatrous attitudes can easily be applied in the modern context. This past year, when our ministry taught about the idolatry of Israel and the surrounding nations, we would often question the children about how they might see idolatry manifested in today’s world. We have seen several of the children in our ministry begin to understand how idolatry manifests itself in through an obsessive desire for the attention of others at school, or through selfish possession of their toys.

2. Ultimately point children to their need for God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ

Many of the children in our ministry come from Christian households and have been attending church for most of their lives, and many will be able to do quite well in Bible trivia quiz, but that alone does not make them actually Christian. Let us not confuse Bible knowledge as the sole evidence of a changed heart filled with the Spirit of God. Our ministry understands that most of the children are probably not saved yet and thus we operate as an evangelism ministry.

Our children—who grow up around the church—hear so much about what is right and wrong but care must be given to remind them that they will never measure up to God’s standard of righteousness. Humanity’s insufficiency to save itself from its sin is evidenced by the repeated pattern of Israel and Judah to follow God faithfully for a short time only to turn away in a few generations. This insufficiency then requires us to point the children to the Gospel; focusing exclusively on morals is not a path we should take. Addressing the Gospel is possible even when focusing on an Old Testament curriculum as we did for the past few years. For example, when instructing about sacrifices under the Mosaic Law, there is an opportunity to refer to Hebrews 10:1-18 so that the children may see that Christ is the perfect sacrifice. Or similarly, teachers and parents can show the connection between the Abrahamic Covenant and Christ.

More recently, our ministry has been doing an in depth study of the Gospel by walking through the book of Matthew. It is our hope that this section of the curriculum will benefit the children who have mostly been learning about the Old Testament for the past few years. If it is our mission to make disciples of Christ, then logic follows that the children should know about Christ before they can know Christ.

“How they will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

In striving for this goal of a gospel-oriented ministry, it is important to remember that the ministry staff only has a short time to spend with the children each week. Those serving in children’s ministry should take heart and not get discouraged if fruit doesn’t always appear to manifest in the children’s lives. Parents who are saved will usually have far more time available to minister to their children. And ultimately, we must remember that God is the one who does the saving work, not us. This is according to Paul’s statement in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; and not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” So let us endeavor to pray and lift up the salvation of our children to God. Indeed, let us trust in God to save, for in Him we have a wonderful, merciful Savior.

College Life Class of 2016

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

Grace Life Update

by Pastor Patrick Cho

As Grace Life wrapped up another year last week, it was great to reflect back on the past year. The Thursday night Bible study tried something new this year having the men and women meet on separate weeks. This change stretched the staff a little as some of them got an opportunity to help teach the weekly lessons. It was an enriching in-depth study taking a closer look at the opening chapters of Genesis. By year’s end, we were able to study up through the Great Flood and Noah in Genesis 6-8. One of the highlights of the year was listening to the various staff members walk through their observations of the text. It was clear that each prepared diligently to deliver helpful lessons and it was refreshing to hear from different teachers each week.

The accountability groups also continued to meet each month throughout the community, which afforded families a more flexible means of receiving accountability and prayer while also enjoying some focused fellowship. There were about a dozen groups that met periodically. Some of the groups chose to work through a Christian book together while others spent time working through passages of Scripture. Mostly though, the men and women seemed to enjoy having that time to share with and pray for one another.

During Sunday School this past term, I have had the opportunity to walk through a parenting class. We have not had a parenting class in years, so it has been encouraging to see the interest and good attendance. Grace Community Church put out an excellent curriculum entitled “Parenting for Life,” and it has been a tremendous joy walking through it together. A number of singles and collegians have joined the class as well so hopefully the class will have a long-term effect.

The plan for the summer is to take a break from our regularly scheduled midweek meetings. The staff is evaluating how the past year has gone and will think through what would be best for the upcoming fall quarter. Grace Life can be a challenging group to plan for since so many are at various stages of life. We are constantly thinking through what would be the best way to shepherd this group. We are excited, though, about the opportunities that we have to continue to grow as a ministry. This past year, we saw a number of new families join the church, and we know Grace Life is a great way for them to get plugged in and find fellowship and care.

Praise God for a wonderful year! We hope all those who came out truly benefited from the study of God’s Word. As always, our endeavor has been to stimulate more spiritual conversations in the home and thereby strengthen marriages and parenting. May the Lord continue to cause us to mature in faith and may we find each year more joyful and edifying than the last.

A Little Known Man Worth Following

by Roger Alcaraz

Not a lot is known about Epaphroditus. Even as you read his name, you might have thought, “Who?” I’m talking about the man who was sent to Paul’s imprisonment and then later was sent back to the Philippians. We read a little bit about him in Philippians 3:25 where Paul writes, “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.”

While we don’t know many details about him, we do know some things. We know that while Paul was in prison, the Philippian church heard of his situation and sought to help by sending money to support his ministry. The man who delivered the money was Epaphroditus (c.f. Phil 4:18) But the Philippian church instructed him not only to deliver the money but to stay and serve Paul however he needed. So he was a messenger and minister representing the church. And you can be sure that the church would have chosen a man of good character and faith to represent them.

And over time, Paul saw him not just as a messenger, but as his “brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (Phil 2:25). He partook the the same work as Paul, labored by his side, and endured trials together. Thus, he carried a good reputation in the church for his godliness. He had a servant mindset, and he was brave, even risking his life.

But he was also desperate–desperate to go back and see his church family. Paul writes, “for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill” (Phil 2:26). Because of his illness, Paul actually decides for him to go back. If it were up to Epaphroditus, he probably would have stayed with Paul as long as he could, because that was the nature of his commitment and servitude.

But Paul could clearly see how his being separated from his church family was affecting him and so he decides to send him back, but look closely at the wording for the reason he wants to go back so badly. It reads, “for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death.”

It’s not because he was sick that he wants to go back, but because the church heard that he was sick. That is quite a selfless love–that in his pain, he would be focused on how his pain is affecting others rather than himself.

I think most of us are the opposite. The more natural thing to do when we’re suffering is to focus on how our suffering is affecting us and how others ought to be serving us. Now granted, our suffering will primarily affect ourselves, but that doesn’t mean it has to be our primary concern.

For Epaphroditus, he missed his church very much. But what he missed more than the blessings he would receive from them were the blessing he could offer to them.

That was why he wanted to go back. He couldn’t bear the fact that he had been the cause of pain and worry in the church, and he so desperately wanted to go back to comfort and encourage them with the news that he’s okay.

How about you? When you’re sick for a while, are you more upset by the fact that you’re unable to minister the way you would if you were healthy, or are you upset by the thought that people should be ministering to you?

Now you might be wondering, “Wait, shouldn’t others be caring for me when I get sick?” And yes, they should. But that’s their priority; it shouldn’t be yours. And we see a perfect picture of what it looks like from both sides.

Epaphroditus fell ill, almost to the point of death, even. And yet his desire was to not cause pain by the news to his church. That was his desire. But the church said “Too bad! We’re gonna hurt along with you, and so long as you’re suffering, we’re suffering.” Each side is more concerned about the other. And this is God’s design for how we ache and suffer for one another.

Epaphroditus sets for us, a true display of love in that no matter how much he suffered, he always thought of others. And the church also displays true love in that no matter how little the person wanted them to carry his burden, they carried it. You might talk to someone who tells you of a trial in their life and they tell you not to worry about it. That is no licence for you to say, “Okay, I won’t worry about it.” Fortunately for everyone involved, God had mercy on him and on Paul who would also have experienced great sorrow if he died.

My point in all this is simple. Epaphroditus as a great man of faith and love. So much so that the church decided to send him to Paul as part of their gift to him. But his love for the church was so great that it brought anguish upon him and eventually, he had to go back to see and comfort them. He didn’t write Scripture. He didn’t perform outstanding miracles. But he serves as an example of great faith and love found in an ordinary man. And while he has mostly been forgotten throughout history, he undoubtedly received great honor from the one who matters the most. Let us follow in his footsteps and receive the same honor from Christ.

Sister’s Appreciation Night

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.”

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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.

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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.”