by Pastor Patrick Cho

With the arrival of the New Year comes the occasion for New Year’s resolutions. I think my own cynicism leads me to define New Year’s resolutions as: “Those goals made in January which most people sincerely set out to accomplish only to end up in failure.” I can’t recall how many times I’ve determined to lose those extra pounds gained during the holidays only to store them for the following year! How many times have we resolved to read through the Bible or keep a consistent journal only to give up sometime in March or April?

Of course, not all resolutions need to end up in failure. There really is no need for cynicism. In fact, some goals should be made each year. You should have it as a goal to read through the Bible in a year. (For you faster readers, maybe read through it twice!) You should be resolved to keep a consistent journal or prayer time. Personally, I’ve resolved in 2008 to work on becoming a better listener and to be better about keeping up the church and personal blogs.

Whatever your resolutions are, though, have you considered the reason for making them? Are you setting out simply to accomplish personal goals and achieve personal victories? Or do you set goals for the particular purpose of glorifying God and growing in personal sanctification? I learned this lesson the hard way after resolving one year to read through the Bible twice. I didn’t think I could do it, but with enough determination, I made it through twice from Genesis to Revelation! After I had done it, I realized that it was merely a personal victory achieved without the clear intent of doing it for my own sanctification for the glory of God. I didn’t have the same motivation to do it again the following year because I had already achieved it. This realization made the entire feat turn sour in my heart. Though it was quite an accomplishment to me, I do not pride myself on it because my heart was not in the right place. It is especially in this time of year that we ought to consider 1 Corinthians 10:31, to do all things to the glory of God. We need to constantly be watching after our hearts to ensure that the pursuit of sanctification does not become a series of personal victories leading to pride. Be resolved, but do so with a clear, definitive purpose.

by Pastor John Kim

As the year winds down, there is much to look back and consider. For me it is easy to focus on the negative things and I am often reminded that I need to see what I am thankful for. So here it goes:

1. God’s faithful mercies. Romans 11:30-32 and 12:1 has come to mind often when I consider that my calling to be a follower of Christ is not just some duty but it is a gift of God’s mercy. When I consider the miserable sinner that I am, it truly is God’s grace that gives me hope because there would be none without it.

2. God’s gracious gift of my wife. Proverbs 18:22 says “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” In my case, I have found more than just a good thing, I have found a wonderful and beautiful thing in my wife that fears God and seeks to live to His glory and who supports me in all my craziness. She truly is a gift of grace and she makes marriage, which is the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7), one that I treasure and enjoy. This year I was able to enjoy date nights probably more consistently than I ever have and it really was something that I have come to cherish all the more as I grow closer to my precious wife.

3. God’s gracious gifts of my four daughters. To have four daughters indeed is a super-abounding gift of grace as I am constantly reminded daily of how blessed and loved I am by my four very unique but equally precious daughters. It is something that I have come to appreciate all the more this year as I realize that I am getting closer to the point where I will have to start releasing them. Each one is precious in their own way and I enjoy having each one of them as they bring a spark and flavor to life that is distinct and yet complementing of each other so as to contribute to oneness in the family.

4. The elders of LBC. To have worked together this long and have gone this far was not without its challenges. Indeed, the past two years have probably brought the biggest tests yet and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with men who have become very dear to my heart as we have had to wrestle through various issues, even to the point where things got very difficult. But God has been faithful to help us help one another and their support and encouragement to persevere have been very helpful, especially in the past several months.

5. The Single Life Ministry. I have truly enjoyed working alongside a growing staff of 20+ who are growing into a team that has been very exciting to work with as the Single Life ministry has been growing significantly over the past year. The staff have particularly been an encouragement through their faithfulness and enthusiasm to serve and minister to the single adults at Lighthouse and their commitment has been contagious. There are many new singles that have become a part of the church family and it has been a blessing to see their hunger to grow in God’s Word and take their faith seriously.

6. Meeting with men who desire strong accountability. There are a number of men that I meet with on a somewhat consistent basis because they desire to meet and I can honestly say that I truly look forward to times with them because of their teachability and humble attitude in wanting to learn. One of the greatest traits that I look for in a person is teachability because without there is nothing that I can really do to help them.

7. The faithfulness of godly pastors. I can say that the past couple of years have really tested my resolve in wanting to continue in the ministry but one thing that encourages me to endure and continue are the examples of pastors who are personally encouraging to me. John MacArthur, who was my senior pastor growing up from junior high through college years, has shown an amazing consistency and faithfulness that truly humbles me yet challenges me to continue striving. Ever since first hearing him preach in 1978, he has been a constant in my life and now almost 30 years later he continues to be a role model of what a preacher should be through his preaching ministry but also a shepherd through his personal care. I am amazed that he would even have time to communicate with me but through short conversations and notes and greetings, I am all the more thankful for his influence and impact in my life.

I would also say the same for my junior high and college pastor, Chris Mueller, who has been a mentor and counselor since my 9th grade year (1979). His fiery sermons in college addressing the roles of men and women as well as dating made an enduring impact in my life which has lasted to this day. Through his joys and trials in ministry, he has shared openly with me in such a humble way that I am constantly amazed at his investment in my life. The past couple of years has especially been a blessing as he has moved to Temecula and has become more available to meet with – this was truly God’s gift to me as I was sorely in need of counsel and encouragement.

8. Encouragement notes. It seems that when I feel pretty down, God is gracious enough to have someone send a timely note of encouragement, whether through e-mail or on one of the encouragement slips.

Proverbs 15:23 – A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!
Proverbs 16:24 – Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 25:11 – Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

The book of Proverbs really does charactize the one who walks in the wisdom of God as one whose tongue is particularly distinct in the character of its contents. An encouraging word goes a long way and I often am amazed at God’s grace in providing timely words of encouragement just when it gets to the point where I feel like I’m about to go under with discouragement.

9. Laughter. I know that laughter on its own is useless (Ecclesiastes 2) but when one gets to laugh with those that you love to be with, I think it is a healthy sign. I love it when Angela laughts – it is contagious and just causes me to be happy. I love hearing my girls laugh, even if they are laughing at me. Hearing Olivia laugh is such a joy – it really is so cute that I can’t bear it for her to grow older. Being able to laugh with family and friends and partners in ministry – I really value being able to enjoy relationships and I think the absence of laughter is a tell-tale sign that things are not that enjoyable.

10. Overwhelmingly gracious and generous people. The past couple of years has provided some experiences with those who have been just over-the-top generous and gracious to our family by providing things that I know we would never be able to afford on our own. Supporting us on our annual summer mission trips. A family trip to Italy last year. Passes to Sea World. Gift cards to nice restaurants. Being treated to lunch or dinner to anywhere from Sombreros to Soup Plantation to even home-cooked meals. Having our auto maintenance taken care of. Providing nice clothes for our children. Giving gifts in various forms. Others who were willing to make time every week to help my wife and children. People bringing food over to feed our large family. Padres and Charger games. Taking our kids out to places. While I have heard of people doing these kind of things for people like John MacArthur and others, I never thought our family would experience such gracious hospitality and care. It really makes me feel all the more unworthy and that such gifts are truly a reflection of the super-abounding grace of God in a way – I don’t deserve and I could never come close.

11. God’s Word. While this is mentioned last, it is by no means least. The power of God’s Word is truly amazing and I have learned that I need to spend more time to let it do its work in my heart before I preach it to affect others. Going through Romans has especially been challenging as it is really one of the most theological books to go through. I probably have only scratched the surface and will have to go through it again. Studying Titus through the summer was a blessing as well. Reading what others have written concerning the Word of God is helpful as well as I have enjoyed reading works by Jerry Bridges, John MacArthur, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and others. Reading about the lives of those who have been transformed by the Word of God, like George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones especially challenged me this year. I hope that I will humbly submit myself to the truth of God in my life all the more in the upcoming year and be teachable to it with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I probably could go on and on but despite the challenges that this year has brought, even most recently, I realize that being thankful really is helpful in giving balance to perspective in life.

Please pray for me to continue practicing thanksgiving in my heart in the days and weeks to come as I trust the Lord to provide healing and recovery in light of recent events. I have hope in the Lord’s faithfulness to restore and revive my heart to trust and delight in Him no matter what the circumstances may bring.

by Pastor Patrick Cho

“How is your time in God’s Word?” This is a common question we ask one another in the church when we meet up for accountability or when we want to know how someone is doing spiritually. Typically, the answer to this question is, “I’m doing fine,” or maybe more often, “It’s been a struggle.” Perhaps for many of us, the problem is that even when we are not doing ok, we do not know enough to recognize it. What do I mean by this?

If you’ve known me long enough, you know that I never have liked the term “quiet time” when referring to your time spent in God’s Word. You’ll rarely, if ever, hear me ask, “Have you been doing your quiet times?” The reason is that when I think of “quiet time,” as Christians understand this term, I think of a check off box on a list of accountability questions. You read your Bible for ten minutes in the morning, check off your box, and then move on in the day. Now you can meet with your small group and tell them that your time in God’s Word has been going well or that it has been “consistent.” But this is not the approach to God’s Word that God wants us to have.

Listen to the words of Deuteronomy 6:6-9:

[6] “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. [7] You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. [8] “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. [9] “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Without going into the minute details of this passage, the general message is that God wants His law to be on His people’s hearts. This is to be all day – morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Whether you’re sitting in your house or walking along the way, you should be dwelling on His Word. It is the first thing on your mind when you get up in the morning and the last thing on your mind before you lay down to sleep. If I were to come to you at any point of the day and ask you what you read earlier from God’s Word, it should be readily available on the forefront of your mind. How sad that this is not the experience of most in today’s church.

We think reading God’s Word is all it takes – as if it was like a magic book that you just have to get some time in before the day is over. An apple a day keeps the doctor away? How about a verse a day keeps the devil away? The Bible doesn’t work that way. When we allow Scripture to dwell in our minds, we allow the Spirit to teach us specifically. What does God want me to learn from this passage today? How is it particularly applicable to me? The problem is that we don’t dwell on God’s Word. We just read it and wait for it to work its magic. It’s no wonder so many Christians find their times in the Word dry and unfulfilling.

This is what meditation on God’s Word is all about. It’s emptying your mind of all the distracting thoughts of the day and then filling it with thoughts of God – His character, His works, His ways, and His will. Spending time in God’s Word is more than a duty to be checked off a list. It is supposed to be an encounter with the God of the universe! It sounds so much like sixth grade Sunday school, but maybe it’s just that we’ve forgotten that we are in constant conversation with the Lord. We speak to Him in prayer and He answers us through His Word. He’s given us His Spirit who works in our hearts, but His Spirit works particularly through His Word. We need to get back to the discipline of meditation – to dwell on God and His principles from Scripture so that we can have a more confident trust in His presence and His work in our lives.

When was the last time you were able to say, “I met with God and He taught me through His Word today”? So often instead we say something like, “I read something interesting,” or “I made some wonderful observations today.” While reading God’s Word is invaluable and making good observations is essential, it is critical that we take time to dwell on what we read and observe to understand how it instructs, guides, and challenges us, and how it applies to us.

Are you feeling dry in your walk with God? Perhaps one reason is that although you have been spending time in God’s Word, you have not allowed Him to really teach you what He wants you to learn. One practical way you can cultivate this is by keeping a journal about what you read. Don’t just summarize the passage. Jot down more specifically how the passage applies to you and what you learned from it. This will force you to think about the passage you read because you’ll want to write something worth writing. I hope that you will remember that we seek not only the Word but the God of the Word. Pursue Christ by meditating on His Word day and night.

by Pastor John Kim

The Thanksgiving holiday will have passed by but a day shouldn’t pass when we don’t give thanks. I have often found that I am forgetful when it comes to being thankful, as I often tend to dwell on what is negative. The grumbling and complaining that comes when the focus is on me and what I feel entitled to doesn’t seem to diminish until I take my eyes off of myself and consider how I should be thankful to God. If we recognize that all we have been given is by the grace of God, we should then know that we are not entitled to anything but have been granted mercy.

For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

This passage should really challenge you because when you look at all that you have, do you really understand that it has all been given to you by a gracious God? There is nothing that we have that we deserve. This is sometimes hard to really grasp because we live as if we merit what we own. It is because we give ourselves way too much credit. We think that by our own efforts we prove that we are deserving of what we have, when in fact, we must consider that as sinners who have defied God, we are only deserving of condemnation, no matter how hard we try to be righteous on our own.

We often show how arrogant we are by boasting as if we had not received what we have been given. By doing this we remove God from His rightful place and we promote ourselves as if we were able to generate the merit apart from God’s grace. This is to reduce the greatness of God and be self-promoting.

So how do we combat this foolishness in our hearts? By dwelling on the eternal greatness of God.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 136:1-3) Notice in the first three verses of this psalm, it starts off with the imperative to give thanks to the Lord. To give thanks is not optional or negotiable. It is an issue of obedience. What we must also consider carefully is that we are to give thanks to the Lord, not to myself, not to anyone else. But why do we give thanks? Each verse focuses on the greatness of God’s character. We can give thanks to God because He is good. His goodness will never waver or change. We can trust that our God will always be good and will always work out all things for good.

Each verse mentions that God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. It is pretty noteworthy if it is mentioned three consecutive verses in conjunction with other descriptions of God. His lovingkindness especially stands out when we consider that it is both His love and kindness that are joined in an expression that really communicates the tenderness of God’s affections. Lastly, we see His greatness referenced by the terms “God of gods” and “Lord of lords” – our God is not to be seen as anything less that the ultimate sovereign authority over all things.

The Scriptures, especially the Psalms, give us abundant reminders to be thankful. Let us not reduce thanksgiving to one time of the year, but as the apostle Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” May each day find you responding with thanksgiving as you dwell on the goodness and greatness of God.

by Pastor John Kim

An odd title for a message, but one that I have been thinking about quite a bit. The last time I did the DTR series, I talked about “Defining the relationship with church” and I introduced the importance of being in a healthy local church ministry where there would be strong leaders who could model godliness and provide a discipling dynamic reflecting Titus 2, where the older men and women would teach the younger men and women to grow in godly character and in their roles.

The sad fact is that because of the dearth of strong healthy local churches, there are many young men and women who are robbed of the opportunity to grow and learn. Many who are older think it is not worth their time to invest in the younger generation and it particularly shows in the lack of seriousness when it comes to how people view the children’s and youth ministries. They are considered nothing more than glorified babysitting centers for many and the window of opportunity to lay a strong biblical foundation is too often lost.

What is sad to me that there are so many collegians who have not really seen what a healthy church can do. Many of their church experiences have simply discouraged them from even joining a church when they get to college and it is no surprise to see many go church-shopping for the first few years. But there is one thing they do seem to be quick at seeking – a dating relationship. But the lack of accountability and discipleship leads quickly to many problems and it is no surprise when I see many dating couples in college end up having a lot of troubles.

While I am not suggesting that becoming a member of a local church guarantees you a successful dating experience, it definitely can make a difference. When you have older men and women fulfilling their role to lead and disciple the younger men and women, you have an environment of accountability and care that provides the kind of place where young men and women can grow and be prepared to face all the realities of life by growing in godliness through the edification and fellowship that takes place within the church. To have elders who shepherd the flock by providing the nurturing of the Word of God in the lives of its members and to protect the flock by not only teaching doctrine but by pointing out both false teachers and the wolves who come to steal away people with the lies of this world – this is so vital if there is to be a healthy environment for people to not only grow but to develop relationships with one another in a God-honoring way.

I would challenge anyone to show me how being a member in a strong and healthy local church can be a detrimental thing for the dating scene. If anything, I believe it would provide the right kind of focus and context for dating couples to know that they are going to be cared for, prayed for, and held accountable by those who would share in the same common goal – the glory of God in all things.

For those of you who have experienced the benefits of being a member of a healthy local church ministry in your dating and/or marriage relationship, I would appreciate hearing some thoughts from you. Even if you are not dating or married, I would like to hear your thoughts on this topic. It would be interesting to see what you might think.

Thanks!!

by Pastor Patrick Cho

A few Fridays ago at College Life Searchlight, I took some time to share my testimony with the group. Seeing as it was the beginning of the school year, I thought perhaps the collegians would want to get to know their pastor a little better. It’s amazing to me that figuring out my personal testimony was at one point actually the most humbling and difficult things for me because it is now something I am most excited to share about with others. It was humbling because, having grown up in the church, I thought I had accomplished so much for Christ even before I became a true believer, and I didn’t want to admit that it was all for the wrong reasons. I didn’t want to accept the fact that I wasn’t a Christian for as long as I had thought because I was always proud of the fact that I became a Christian at a young age. When God leveled me with the truth that I had all this Bible knowledge and yet wasn’t saved, it was very difficult to accept.

My testimony has become really exciting to share with people because I’ve come to realize that there are many people who relate to my life experience. Peter Lim shared a message this past Sunday that described well much of my Christian experience. The message title says it all: “The Dangers of Growing Up in a Christianized Environment.” That was my life, a whole lot of Bible intake and no real relationship with Jesus Christ. I did so much that I thought was spiritual, and for the most part, I think I did a pretty good job of putting on a Christian façade. But in the end, I came to realize that all the understanding I had never really hit home. I think the biggest indicator of my counterfeit faith was my divided heart. Although there was a side of me that wanted to live for God, there was still a good part of me that only desired the things of the world and saw God as an unfortunate roadblock to my truest heart desires. My outward faithfulness was in large part an attempt to look holy before my Christian peers.

It wasn’t until college that I came face to face with the emptiness of this deception. By the grace of God, He convinced me that I could not serve two masters. I came to realize that I needed to recognize Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life. I could not continue living for myself even though I did so under the guise of spiritual maturity. All my church experience, though it would prove ultimately profitable in my spiritual growth, would not benefit me at all if I did not first entirely surrender my life to Christ. I could not hold anything back, not even a small hidden compartment of my life for my own selfish desires. It had to all be His.

Growing up in a Christian environment with godly parents and Bible teaching churches at least proved to be beneficial for me. Even though I was saved at a much later age than I originally had thought, I began my true Christian walk with a lot of knowledge about God and His will for my life. I used to want to have a Christian testimony that was exciting. I thought it would have been cool to be converted from a life as a gang banger or a drug dealer or something. I no longer have those thoughts because I realize the great benefit there is in having been raised in a Christian home. I don’t think I would trade that. John Piper once said in a sermon, “You do not choose where you are born. If there ever was an act of grace, it is to be born into a Christian home.” I wholeheartedly concur. I am thankful that my parents are believers and that they raised me with an understanding of the truthfulness of God’s Word. I understand that not everyone has the same privilege and so I praise God for it.

My wrestling with my testimony has affected my ministry significantly. I no longer assume anything upon the people I preach to and teach. Someone may have grown up in the church and heard the gospel for years, but like with me, it may not have sunken deep into their hearts. Although they might be able to point to many spiritual experiences, those experiences might have come from an unregenerate life and heart. I preach the gospel as if it is the first time people are hearing it because there is the very real possibility that for some it may be the first time they actually heed it. This is one of the reasons why each year in the college group I make it a point to preach at least a few messages just on the simple gospel message. Praise God for His amazing grace to me. Though I thought I could see, I was indeed blind. He opened my eyes to see in truth, and it wasn’t until then that I realized exactly how blind I truly was.

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Christine and I just celebrated our second anniversary this past Monday up in Seattle. It was a really low key event. We just went out for dessert and coffee and spent a little time talking and evaluating our marriage. It was a great weekend because we were also with family and had a lot of time with Mom and Dad and my brother David.

During our conversation on Monday, one of the topics that came up was about all the experiences we had with the people we previously had liked romantically and/or had been rejected by. We had some good laughs talking about junior high and high school crushes and shared some amusing stories. It dawned on me, though, that I always talk about the sovereignty of God in directing us in our relationships, and surely we could see now how God had been orchestrating our lives through these different experiences. But really it is the kindness of God that keeps us from the ones who were never intended to be our “significant other.” God was kind to not answer my prayers favorably all those years in elementary school, junior high, high school, and college. It is not to say that these girls were not good girls (some of them were and still are remarkable girls). It is that He knew what was best for me, that it would be better to save me for Christine. And it was His kindness demonstrated.

I think this mentality helps because it can sound cold to remind people that God is sovereign when they just get rejected by someone else in the pursuit of a relationship. (Certainly the sovereignty of God should be a comforting and wonderful doctrine, but it can be received wrongly.) What a great reminder that His sovereignty works together with His kindness for our good and His glory. So, Christine and I toasted our coffees on Monday night to the kindness of God in not granting us what we had prayed for in the past and causing us to wait until we had met each other.

Happy 2nd anniversary, Christine! I praise God for His kindness to me.

by Pastor John Kim

Marriage is a scary proposition for many to consider. But what is amazing to me is how many Christians do not really seek God’s truth regarding marriage but look to their own feelings and emotions to guide them in making decisions. Many will place intuition and things like compatibility and personality issues as the primary factors in making a decision and wait for lightning to strike. This is the so-called “magic” that people look for and while I will not deny that there is some element of subjectivity, it seems a bit odd that many will dismiss seeking God’s Word for guidance regarding marriage and instead look for the “magic.”

This is seen in the whole world of dating where both men and women use worldly wisdom, if you could even call it wisdom, to make their decisions on what makes for a good partner. There are those who would entertain having a dating relationship with a non-believer. Scripture is clear on this point and while I sort of addressed it in passing, I realized that for some, they might have though it was just my opinion. It is not.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be bound with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer with an unbeliever?

If you are thinking of entering into a relationship with an unbeliever just because you feel there is some “magic”, you are truly deceived by the illusion that there could be a genuine and intimate love relationship that would be to the glory of God. How could you engage in a relationship with thoughts of marriage when marriage is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church? If you do not agree on the most important issue of your standing with God, how will you have anything else in common that is of significance? You might enjoy the same music, have the same hobbies, and feel like you “click” but if the foundations are not built on the same Rock, I don’t care how compatible you feel, e-harmony tests notwithstanding.

For the Christian man or woman who is seriously contemplating a dating relationship, you cannot consider it without seeing it as a trajectory toward marriage. That’s why you can’t afford on some subjective “magic” to be your primary guide. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING!! (Proverbs 3:5). In ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5). I would take it that God intended this to be true even to this day and that it would include all things, including dating.

I find it a bit strange that those who would say they are Christians are less inclined to trust God and more inclined to trust human wisdom, when there has been more than enough evidence as to its failures. Just go to your local bookstore and check out the section on relationships and it is chock full of nonsense.

This is not to say that Christians automatically have everything work out perfectly, even though they might try their best to follow the right path. We live in a sinful world and even the most sincere Christians are not able to see everthing clearly. Yet we find hope in the sovereignty of God that He causes all things to work together for good. This is not an excuse to justify willful disobedience to God’s Word – that is simply unacceptable. You should never presume on the grace of God to get away with sin. But it is to say that as you do trust in the Lord with all your heart, He will never give you something that you can’t handle (1 Cor. 10:13) and He will provide all you need to make it through.

So instead of looking to illusions and deceptions, look to the God of truth who not only created the institution of marriage, but has the means by which to get there in a way that is consistent with His will.