Braving the New World

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Anyone who has been at Lighthouse long enough understands that many of the doctrinal positions we teach are not necessarily the most popular. I suppose this is expected because we don’t formulate our beliefs based on how we might best be accepted by others. The Bible is our authority and we seek to be faithful in teaching it – in season and out of season. Through our years in ministry, some have ridiculed us for our teachings. Others have objected vehemently. Sadly, there have been fellow believers who have criticized us for taking biblical stances on issues like the sanctity of life, the authority of the church, and the biblical roles of men and women. As time goes by, I am sure it isn’t going to get easier to stand for God’s truth. In fact, it seems it will get significantly more difficult. Even still, since we are believers, it is essential that we hold true to the Word of God because of its inerrancy, sufficiency, and authority.

There are many contemporary issues that completely stand against the principles of God’s Word, but perhaps none has been more prevalent recently than the widespread societal acceptance of homosexuality. Last month, the Supreme Court ruled to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which was initially instituted by President Clinton in 1996. The act was initially created to protect states from having to recognize same sex marriages of other states. In effect, this Act essentially barred the federal government from legally recognizing same sex marriages and giving gay couples the federal benefits of marriage. The Supreme Court also refused to review a lower court’s invalidation of California’s Prop 8 law, which prohibited same-sex marriage. By refusing to review the case, the Supreme Court let the lower court’s ruling stand that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. Needless to say, this was a monumental day for the LGBT community.

As a Christian looking at contemporary cultural trends, in some ways, it seems this day was inevitable. It was only a matter of time before a ruling was going to be made in favor of same sex marriage. As society continues to veer the issue more and more towards civil rights and not moral choice, I am sure more rulings will be made in the future in support of the LGBT community. Homosexuality is becoming more and more ordinary in the United States and this is reflected in our media. You can hardly find a sit-com on television today that doesn’t feature at least one homosexual couple.

So how should the church respond? Should we hit the streets and picket in protest? Should we go door to door encouraging our neighbors to fight in the next election to reverse the trends we are seeing? While it is helpful to exercise our freedom to vote, as Christians, we understand that our greatest hope is not found in governing bodies and political authorities. The hope for this nation is not found in propositions and laws. As always, we need to view all of this biblically since God is our ultimate authority. Cultural and national trends change from age to age, but the Word of God will always stand (cf. Matt. 24:35).

The Bible has always been clear about the sinfulness of homosexuality. Some have tried to write off the passages dealing with homosexuality by cleverly citing cultural and historical context, but it is undeniable that regardless of the culture or age, God’s Word is consistent in deeming homosexuality as a perversion of His order for creation. Marriage God’s way was instituted and designed to be between one man and one woman (cf. Gen. 2:24). The simple fact is that since God’s Word will not change on the issue, the church also should not change on the issue. The convictions of the church do not ebb and flow with cultural trends. Society doesn’t ultimately dictate what men should believe. Our authority has always been Scripture.

This of course means that the church and popular society will be increasingly at odds. Individual churches may compromise these convictions and bend to societal trends, but God’s Word will remain an immovable foundation. This doesn’t mean that Christians should treat homosexuals in a disrespectful or hateful way. Believers should always seek to speak with grace and tact (cf. Eph. 4:29). Love is still the rule for all true believers. But it isn’t loving to look the other way when someone is living in violation of God’s law. It isn’t loving to tell people everything is ok when you know they’ll need to stand before the Lord one day and give an account for their lives against His perfect standard.

The gospel is truly at stake. What needs to come first is our love to God, and it certainly isn’t loving not to call sin “sin” when God came in flesh to die on the cross for the sins that men commit. Before all else, God’s glory needs to be in mind and our desire needs to be to put Him first above all things.

True love demands that we help people understand the truth of the gospel – that there is a loving God who is eager to forgive and save if men will turn from their sins and turn to Him in faith. True love dictates that the gospel should be preached respectfully and graciously since everyone who preaches it is a fellow sinner in need of grace. What this nation needs is for Christians to express and demonstrate the love of God more and more by telling others about the hope of the gospel. But as our society moves farther away from a biblical worldview, we should not be surprised if the opposition to the gospel becomes more and more severe. The point is that Christians need to remain committed to the truth of God, but this is only going to get harder and harder.

All Things Argentina

by Richard Shin

Coming on the heels of the Argentina short-term missions trip, there are a number of exciting items to highlight here around the Beacon.

  1. First off, I would like to remind you that there is an Argentina missions report night coming this Sunday, August 11 at church 5:30-8pm. Be there to get a full report of how God worked through our team to minister to the members of IBM and how the team was encourages themselves through the experience as well. Food will be served!
  2. Some of the members on the team are going to be giving us a personal take on something they’ve learned and experienced while in Argentina. So stay tuned the weeks to come for those articles. Here are the links to their articles:
  3. I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the four journal entries Pastor Patrick posted of the team’s time in Argentina. You can find them in order here, here, here, and here.
  4. And while we’re at it, let me also remind you of the past Argentina teams’ trips we’ve been able to capture here on the Beacon. You can find the articles in reverse chronological order here.

As you can see, while the trip itself is over, there is plenty to do and read in regards to the missions trip. Let us continue to be fervent in prayer for the brethren in Tucuman. Stay tuned for those reflection articles. See you on Sunday!

LBC Weekly SPARK – August 5, 2013

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Dear LBC family and friends!

I hope you are doing well and walking in the Lord! I love the summer months at Lighthouse because things are a bit more at ease and we can really focus on developing relationships and growing in the love of Christ. As we take a bit more of a relaxed schedule this summer, I want to encourage you all to take advantage of the numerous opportunities to be a blessing to one another. Take a look at some of what’s going on in the announcements below. I hope you will come out to these ministry opportunities so that we can mutually work to build up the body in love.

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are the announcements for this week:

  1. College/Singles/Youth Bible Study. There is a midweek Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM at the church. We will continue this week on Wednesday, August 7. Bring a Bible, notebook, pen, and a friend!
  2. College Life Hangout. The collegians will be meeting again for their summer fellowship this Friday, August 9, at 7:00 PM. Contact the College Life staff if you have any questions!
  3. All-Church Luau. Our annual luau will be this Saturday, August 10, from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Don your best island duds and come out for some tropical fun! Don’t forget your sunscreen! Bring $5 for food (kids 0-12 eat free)!
  4. Argentina Missions Report Night. On Sunday, August 11, the summer missions team will be having a report night at the church at 5:30 PM. Come out and hear about how the Lord used this year’s team to encourage and bless the church in Tucuman. Food will be served!
  5. Members Meeting. We will be having a members meeting on Sunday, August 18, at 4:45 PM. All members are strongly encouraged to attend. As always, dinner will be served.
  6. Men’s Breakfast. Our next men’s breakfast will be on Saturday, August 24, at 7:30 AM. Come out as we examine what it means to be a leader at home. Bring a breakfast item to share!
  7. FITS. We will be having another “Fun in the Sun” Day on Sunday, August 25, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Come out and enjoy some great fellowship at Torrey Hills Neighborhood Park. Lunch will be served for $5/person (kids 0-12 eat free!).
  8. Don’t forget about Monday night volleyball at La Jolla Shores! We meet towards the north end of La Jolla Shores at the volleyball courts at 5:00 PM every Monday during the summer!

As The Father Hath Loved Me, So Have I Loved You

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From John 15:9

As the Father loves the Son, in the same manner Jesus loves His people. What is that divine method?

  • He loved Him without beginning, and thus Jesus loves His members. ‘I have loved thee with an everlasting love.’ You can trace the beginning of human affection; you can easily find the beginning of your love to Christ, but His love to us is a stream whose source is hidden in eternity.
  • God the Father loves Jesus without any change. Christian, take this for your comfort, that there is no change in Jesus Christ’s love to those who rest in Him. Yesterday you were on Tabor’s top, and you said, ‘He loves me:’ to-day you are in the valley of humiliation, but He loves you still the same. On the hill Mizar, and among the Hermons, you heard His voice, which spake so sweetly with the turtle-notes of love; and now on the sea, or even in the sea, when all His waves and billows go over you, His heart is faithful to His ancient choice.
  • The Father loves the Son without any end, and thus does the Son love His people. Saint, thou needest not fear the loosing of the silver cord, for His love for thee will never cease. Rest confident that even down to the grave Christ will go with you, and that up again from it He will be your guide to the celestial hills.
  • Moreover, the Father loves the Son without any measure, and the same immeasurable love the Son bestows upon His chosen ones. The whole heart of Christ is dedicated to His people. He ‘loved us and gave Himself for us.’ His is a love which passeth knowledge.

Ah! we have indeed an immutable Saviour, a precious Saviour, one who loves without measure, without change, without beginning, and without end, even as the Father loves Him! There is much food here for those who know how to digest it. May the Holy Ghost lead us into its marrow and fatness!

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Weekly Links (8/2/2013)

Have I a man here who declares that he is pardoned, and yet indulges in the sins which he pretends are forgiven? Sir, you have either deceived yourself, or else you are uttering what you know is untrue. He who is forgiven hates sin. We cannot be washed clean if we still persist in living up to our neck in filth. It cannot be possible that a man is pardoned while he still continues to wallow in abominable sin.

‘O yes,’ but he says, ‘I am no legalist; I believe the grace of God has made me clean, though I do go on in sin.’ Sir, it is clear you are no legalist, but I will tell you what else you are: you are no child of God, you are no Christian; for the Christian is a man who uniformly hates sin. There never was a believer who loved iniquity, such a strange thing as a pardoned sinner who still loved to be in rebellion against his God. (Charles Spurgeon)

by Richard Shin

  • Does God act only so that He can glorify Himself? Christopher Morgan from The Gospel Coalition shares that this is not so. Yet, John Piper reminds us that that God loves us in a way that glorifies Himself.
  • Rick Warren delivered his first sermon since he lost his son to a mental illness. Denny Burk posted a clip of the coverage on CNN. You can also watch and listen to the full 90-minute message here.
  • Recently, the Presbyterian Church of USA decided to reject the song “In Christ Alone” due to this line: “Till on that cross as Jesus died/the wrath of God was satisfied.” Russell Moore comments on this move in The Washington Post here.
  • Dr. Al Mohler shares a few thoughts on the comment the Pope made about homosexuality. Indeed, we must be careful.
  • Justin Taylor shares snippets of John Frame’s book on The Doctrine of the Word of God on the doctrine of inerrancy.
  • Speaking of Scripture, Dane Ortlund shares some clarifying truth on the trouble verse 1 Corinthians 7:12 where Paul says, “To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord).”

That’s it for now. Hope you have a great weekend, everyone!

Coram Deo

Single Life Update – Grace Life Date Night

by Janet Shih

In June, the Singles ministry had the privilege of planning a Saturday date night for the Grace Life families ministry. Our church families were given the opportunity to sign up for a date night with food and entertainment fully provided by the Singles. Children’s programs were also available so parents were able to enjoy the night without distraction. Those in the Singles ministry were found throughout the church: playing with babies, talking and interacting with the older children, preparing food in the kitchen, serving food and drinks to the tables, and enjoying fellowship with the families in the sanctuary. Some of the highlights of the night included a video encouragement and musical performances from some very talented men and women in the Singles Ministry, who were able to portray marriage as the grace of life in song and lyrical rap.

I was particularly encouraged to see those in the Singles Ministry so willing to serve the families at Lighthouse. I distinctly remember many people asking what they could help with throughout the course of the night. As I reflect on how everything turned out, I am encouraged by the all of the efforts put into planning and all of the many hands that worked together to make the night a success. The night was not simply a time to showcase talent or run a program, but it was a creative and practical way to serve, love and encourage those in our church family with the resources, gifts, and talents that Christ has given to us Singles in this stage of life.

As the year continues on, I’m excited to continue to run alongside the Singles ministry. I am reminded of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As a Singles ministry, my hope is that we would continue to labor tirelessly not just for big events like this, but in every part of our day-to-day life. I hope that we would continue to serve in ways that considers the needs of others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4) and do so joyfully, knowing that our service is pleasing in the sight of our Lord.

Ye Are All The Children Of God By Faith In Christ Jesus

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Galatians 3:26

The fatherhood of God is common to all his children. Ah! Little-faith, you have often said, ‘Oh that I had the courage of Great-heart, that I could wield his sword and be as valiant as he! But, alas, I stumble at every straw, and a shadow makes me afraid.’ List thee, Little-faith. Great-heart is God’s child, and you are God’s child too; and Great-heart is not one whit more God’s child than you are. Peter and Paul, the highly- favoured apostles, were of the family of the Most High; and so are you also; the weak Christian is as much a child of God as the strong one.

‘This cov’nant stands secure,
Though earth’s old pillars bow;
The strong, the feeble, and the weak,
Are one in Jesus now.’

All the names are in the same family register. One may have more grace than another, but God our heavenly Father has the same tender heart towards all. One may do more mighty works, and may bring more glory to his Father, but he whose name is the least in the kingdom of heaven is as much the child of God as he who stands among the King’s mighty men. Let this cheer and comfort us, when we draw near to God and say, ‘Our Father.’

Yet, while we are comforted by knowing this, let us not rest contented with weak faith, but ask, like the Apostles, to have it increased. However feeble our faith may be, if it be real faith in Christ, we shall reach heaven at last, but we shall not honour our Master much on our pilgrimage, neither shall we abound in joy and peace. If then you would live to Christ’s glory, and be happy in His service, seek to be filled with the spirit of adoption more and more completely, till perfect love shall cast out fear.

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Weekly Links (7/26/2013)

Let us all seek to “abide in Christ” more thoroughly than we have hitherto. Christ is the true spring of life in every believer’s soul, the head on which every member depends, the corner stone of all real sanctification. Whenever I see a child of God becoming less holy than he was, I know the secret of it — he is clinging less firmly to Christ than he did. Our root must be right, if our fruit is to abound.

Brethren, let us strive after close union and communion with Christ. Let us go to Him oftener, speak with Him more frequently, trust Him more wholly, look to Him more constantly, lean upon Him more entirely. This is the way to go through the wilderness without fainting, and to run the race set before us with patience. Let us live the life of faith in the Son of God. He is the vine, and we are the branches; let all our strength be drawn from Him — separate from Him we can do nothing. He is the Sun of righteousness — let us seek our comfort in Him, and not in our own frames and feelings.  (J.C. Ryle)

by Richard Shin

  • Tyndale House Cambridge released a free, new tool called “Scripture Tools for Every Person” (STEP). You can find out about it here, and actually access it here.
  • I don’t know if you know, but Pastor Jim Kang of our sister church Lighthouse Bible Church of Eastbay has a blog here. He’s quite a prolific writer with lots of good content, so you should check it out.
  • Tim Brister has a few thoughts about being ordinary Christians. Erik Raymond also has a few words on disciple-making as ordinary Christianity
  • Thabiti Anyabwile has got to be one of the most brilliant minds when it comes to thinking about race as Christians. Here’s an article he wrote earlier this week on discussing the topic of “race” and “racism” within the church.
  • Jonathan Pennington has an article on the Gospels being the “archway into the canon.”
  • Paul Tautges has some tips on interpreting the book of Proverbs.
  • Michael J. Kruger completed his series on Ten Basic Facts About the NT Canon that Every Christian Should Memorize. You would do well to read through them if you haven’t. Kruger also has an interview on how one can rely on the canon.
  • And last but not least, Jesse Johnson has 10 principles for us to guide our giving.

Have a great weekend!

Coram Deo

We Are Family

by Elder Johnny Kim

In the Bible, there are several metaphors that are used to describe the church.  Such metaphors include the church being described as branches on a vine (John 15:5), a building (1 Corinthians 3:9), and as a harvest (Matthew 13:1-30), just to name a few.  And while in our current culture and context are relying on our own experiences, we may not be as readily familiar with some of these metaphors. There is one metaphor for the church that is no doubt familiar to a great majority of us: the church as a family.  Many of us have been brought up in families, have families of our own, and in the absence of either of those experiences, many of us at least have some understanding of what a family is and how it should function.  Scripture’s use of the family as a metaphor for the church can be seen as an appeal to what is familiar to us.  The metaphor of the family serves to richly describe the true nature and character of the church in a way that most of us can understand, and it warrants deeper consideration from those who desire for the church to be as God intended.

To the world outside the church, and perhaps to some even within, the church can seemingly resemble nothing more than a sort of corporate entity.  A company.  People can view the church as little more than a non-profit organization comprised of workers being led by leaders, all of whom are working together to provide certain benefits and services.  However, when the Bible describes the church as a family, we can’t help but be brought to an understanding that church is much more than just a gathering of dissimilar strangers coming together to accomplish tasks.  In other words, we don’t come to church just to stay put within our usual pews, never venturing out to meet and greet new people, much like office workers who just confine themselves to their cubicles.  We don’t just show up Sunday mornings for worship service and then leave promptly thereafter much like workers who show up to the office and clock in, put in their time, then clock out and just rush home at the end of the day.  Nor do we just limit our interactions only with those within the ministries we serve in much like office workers who only interact with fellow co-workers within their specific group or department.

If we are a true church, then we are far from being like cordial co-workers, only concerned with maintaining strictly professional relationships.  Within the church, we are all members of one family and we are to relate to one another in familial ways.  As a family, those within the church are to be joined together in intimate relationship.  Our interactions with one another should be deep and personal, mirroring the relationships we see within blood-related families (1 Timothy 5:1-3).  So then, we are to care for the older men and women of our church as if caring for our own parents.  We are to provide for the widows in our church as if providing for our own widowed mothers.  We are to encourage and exhort fellow brothers and sisters as if we’ve known them our entire lives.  And we are to teach and nurture the children in the church as if they were our very own.

Each of the various church metaphors used in the Bible impart unique facets and characteristics of what God desires His church to look like as a whole.  When we think of the church as a family in particular, we ought to be constantly convicted of the love and affection we are to show one another.  As a family sharing in the love we have from God our Father (2 Corinthians 6:18), we ought to strive for deeper relationships through the way we care for one another, bear each other’s burdens, and sacrifice for one another just as Christ sacrificed for us all.

So what is your view of the church body?  How would you characterize your relationships with fellow members in the church?  Do you see the church as being filled with family members or just being filled with co-workers?  Because in the end, the idea of the church as a family is much more than just a nice sentiment or a clever metaphor.  It’s a guide for us to know and understand an important aspect of God’s desire for His church.

Blessed Are The Peacemakers…

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Matthew 5:9

This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Saviour placed the peacemaker the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ Jesus. He who would have perfect blessedness, so far as it can be enjoyed on earth, must attain to this seventh benediction, and become a peacemaker.

There is a significance also in the position of the text. The verse which precedes it speaks of the blessedness of ‘the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’ It is well to understand that we are to be ‘first pure, then peaceable.’ Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or toleration of evil. We must set our faces like flints against everything which is contrary to God and His holiness: purity being in our souls a settled matter, we can go on to peaceableness. Not less does the verse that follows seem to have been put there on purpose. However peaceable we may be in this world, yet we shall be misrepresented and misunderstood: and no marvel, for even the Prince of Peace, by His very peacefulness, brought fire upon the earth. He Himself, though He loved mankind, and did no ill, was ‘despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.’ Lest, therefore, the peaceable in heart should be surprised when they meet with enemies, it is added in the following verse, ‘Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Thus, the peacemakers are not only pronounced to be blessed, but they are compassed about with blessings.

Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh beatitude! Purify our minds that we may be ‘first pure, then peaceable,’ and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and despair, when for Thy sake we are persecuted.

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