Weekly Links 4/19/2013

The happiness promised us in Christ does not consist in outward advantages—such as leading a joyous and peaceful life, having rich possessions, being safe from all harm, and abounding with delights such as the flesh commonly longs after. No, our happiness belongs to the heavenly life.

Christ enriches his people with all things necessary for the eternal salvation of souls and fortifies them with courage to stand unconquerable against all the assaults of spiritual enemies. From this we infer that he rules—inwardly and outwardly—more for our own sake than his.

Thus it is that we may patiently pass through this life with its misery, hunger, cold, contempt, reproaches, and other troubles—content with this one thing: that our King will never leave us destitute, but will provide for our needs until, our warfare ended, we are called to triumph. (John Calvin)

by Richard Shin

  • April 15 is past, which means there’s less than six months before the filing deadline for those who requested an extension (haha). You may want to meditate upon what Clint Archer (and Jesus) says about taxes.
  • Paul Tautges continues to share helpful resources on the topic of suicide. I’d like to refer you to them, in chronological order of posting: 11 myths and misconceptions on suicide, helping a suicidal friend, conducting a funeral for someone who died of suicide, and having hope for the suicidal mind.
  • Jason Helopoulos posts on Kevin DeYoung’s blog in his absence on the topic of why pastors quit. I appreciate that he not only gives reasons, but encouragement to overcome those difficulties. These can be applied to all of us, not just the pastors.
  • Gavin Ortlund shares a short piece on the difference between responding in repentance and responding with defensiveness. You can find it here.
  • There are a handful of sensitive, personal topics to which many of us are, quite frankly, idiotically oblivious. Ben Reed shares 18 things you should never say to a woman (or couples, for that matter) in regards to the topic of pregnancy.
  • Grace to You is hosting the Strange Fire conference as a continuation of the Truth Matters Bible conferences. John MacArthur gives an introduction here.

Good weekend, y’all.

Coram Deo

Single Life Retreat

by Randy Tsuchiyama

Having been at Lighthouse for almost 9 years, I have been to many great retreats and have heard many fantastic messages. This singles retreat continued the trend. Pastor Jim Kang from Lighthouse Bible Church – East Bay titled the retreat theme, “How We’re Made.” Each message that Pastor Jim preached was from the first two chapters of Genesis.

The first message was titled “What God Reveals About Himself Through Creation.” In this sermon, Pastor Jim was able to expound on the some of the attributes of God that He reveals to us and how that ought to affect the way that we live. Having a background in science, I have always seen creation point back to the greatness of God. So this sermon resonated with me. Seeing God’s perfection through His creation and because of that perfection, I am able to trust more everyday regardless of how I may think various situations appear to be. God is worthy of all praise and this sermon helped me to render Him the praise that He is due.

The second sermon was titled “The Origin and Purpose of Man” and dealt with how God originally created us and what we were intended for as His creation. Pastor Jim was able to show us that we (mankind) have a special place in creation and have the unique privilege to rule over creation and glorify God and worship Him. The application of this sermon that Pastor Jim provided was extremely challenging and helpful. The fact that we have this special position in creation requires there to be a need for valuing the sanctity of human life, regardless of any other factors that may make us think otherwise, to be good stewards over God’s creation, and to trust God in salvation alone. I was incredibly challenged by being good stewards over His creation. By thinking I can treat creation in a way where I would selfishly obtain pleasure, I was not acknowledging or appreciating God through His creation. I am not the creator of everything around me and cannot treat it that way. I have been appointed by God to maintain it in a way that would bring glory to God.

The third sermon was about what God reveals to us about work in Genesis 1-2 in a sermon called “The Theology of Work”. Pastor Jim showed us from Scripture that work is not something that God provides in our life as a thorn in our side but something that we are predestined to do as Christians. This challenged the way that I think about work and my attitude at work. I need to think deeply about how I ought to be working knowing I am representing Christ in my workplace. Am I known to complain about everything? Am I known as a slacker? A clown? I am not working just for a check, and the way that I carry myself ought to reflect that as well.

The last sermon was titled “The Theology of Rest” and Pastor Jim laid out the biblical foundations for godly rest. When I looked at the title of the retreat, I thought Pastor Jim would talk about how we ought to rest in Christ while still doing the things in our daily lives. This was not what he preached on. Not even close. Pastor Jim explained to us that we need to understand that the ability to rest is an outpouring of God’s kindness and mercy in our lives. Pastor Jim also preached that we should understand that as Christians, our rest is different than the world. We are called to rest in Christ on Sundays by being expository listeners during the sermon and praying for the people in our church. The rest that we are called to do as Christians is different but still restful because God is kind and merciful to provide us with exactly what we need.

This is just a preview and one man’s reflections upon the sermons. I would strongly encourage you to (re)listen to the sermons if you have an opportunity. Pastor Jim does an excellent job of bringing the truth of God to the forefront of the sermon and how those truths ought to affect the way that we should live. Looking at who God intended us to be and comparing it to who we are now is an incredibly humbling, yet necessary, exercise. Praise God that we aren’t left to ourselves to change our hearts. The Holy Spirit will continue to grow us as we strive for spiritual maturity. I’m excited to see all of us as a church grow in our understanding of God’s truth and how that will be carried out in all our lives. As one slave of Christ to the other slaves of Christ, may Philippians 3:12 be our goal:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

The Work of a Shepherd (Part 2)

by Pastor Patrick Cho

In my previous entry, I was prompted to look at 1 Peter 5:1-4 and the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God, thanks to my attendance at the recent Shepherds’ Conference. Just being in that setting with all those men was truly humbling, even though it was my thirteenth time going. It served as a helpful reminder of the daunting but joyful task of preaching God’s truth as well as the great and awesome responsibility of caring for His people.

The work of being a faithful pastor requires discipline, patience, and especially perseverance. Too often have I heard of pastors contemplating quitting to pursue other vocations. One fellow pastor once quipped, “I haven’t met a single pastor who hasn’t at one point in their ministry thought about quitting.” It was with these sorts of thoughts in my mind that the Lord led me to 1 Peter 5:1-4, which details who God has chosen to provide leadership for His church and how that leadership is to be carried out. Last time, we looked at the person for the work, and I thought it would be helpful to consider further the work itself.

The Apostle Peter begins by saying that the work of shepherding should be done “not under compulsion, but willingly.” In one sense, all believers are driven by an inner compulsion. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that the knowledge of the true gospel and the love of Christ compel us as believers to persuade others about Christ (2 Cor. 5:11-15). But at the heart of what pastors and elders are called to do, nothing other than a sincere devotion to Christ should ultimately motivate their ministry. Leaders in the church should not be driven by the fear of men, the desire for personal glory, or a sense of dutiful obligation as if God needed us. It is willing service because of a sincere devotion to Christ.

The text continues, “not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” The Apostle Paul always made it clear that he wasn’t simply peddling the gospel for money (cf. 1 Thess. 2:8-9). He took great care to ensure that others could not reasonably accuse him of preaching the gospel for financial gain. Instead, he worked with his own hands even though he was entitled as an Apostle and preacher of the gospel to receive compensation. God’s leaders are not to be driven by a love of money (cf. 1 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:7). They are to minister for the Lord with eagerness. This word is used in other contexts in the New Testament to denote desire in generosity (cf. 2 Cor. 8:11-12). Paul said that he was eager to preach the gospel (Rom. 1:15). The one who is called to pastoral ministry is eager to perform the work because of God who calls him.

Finally, Peter writes that the leader is not to be domineering, but an example to the flock. Jesus pointed out that the Gentile authorities lorded over their people and that His disciples were not to lead in this way. A godly leader should be the servant of all (Matt. 20:25-28). It is such a sad thing to hear of ministries that are falling apart because of a pastor’s heavy-handed and domineering style of leadership. Too often, leaders do not accept criticism well and refuse to be crossed and exact vengeance on those who would oppose them. Too often we hear of ministries seeking to micromanage people’s lives and determine life decisions for their members. Paul sought to be parental in his care for the church. He treated them gently like a nursing mother while exhorting them as a loving father. Because of his style of ministry, he could instruct the church to “Be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16 and 1 Cor. 11:2; cf. 1 Thess. 1:6). Needless to say, the qualifications of elders listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are all about leading an exemplary life.

How will elders be rewarded for their faithful service? Peter encourages shepherds to remember that the Chief Shepherd will give the reward (v. 4). One of my dreams as a child was that perhaps some rich relative would die and leave for me some large inheritance through his will. Peter promises that the Creator of the universe and the God of all would be the one to richly bless those who faithfully serve as his “under-shepherds.” Jesus is going to come again and judge the shepherds for their faithfulness. Faithful leaders will receive the unfading crown of glory that will never wilt, rust, or break. For all of eternity these shepherds will be known for their faithful, excellent, and self-sacrificing service. They will be known for following in the example of the Chief Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.

This is all a humbling reminder of how I need to do things better and how my ministry could be marked by greater care, discipline, and diligence. Praise God for the faithful men at the Shepherds’ Conference who serve as a huge example for me, men who have been faithful for many years and have endured tremendous trials and suffering. And praise God for sending Jesus our Chief Shepherd who cared for His flock enough to lay down His life.

Man…Is Of Few Days, And Full Of Trouble

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Job 14:1

It may be of great service to us, before we fall asleep, to remember this mournful fact, for it may lead us to set loose by earthly things. There is nothing very pleasant in the recollection that we are not above the shafts of adversity, but it may humble us and prevent our boasting like the Psalmist in our morning’s portion. ‘My mountain standeth firm: I shall never be moved.’ It may stay us from taking too deep root in this soil from which we are so soon to be transplanted into the heavenly garden.

  • Let us recollect the frail tenure upon which we hold our temporal mercies. If we would remember that all the trees of earth are marked for the woodman’s axe, we should not be so ready to build our nests in them. We should love, but we should love with the love which expects death, and which reckons upon separations. Our dear relations are but loaned to us, and the hour when we must return them to the lender’s hand may be even at the door.
  • The like is certainly true of our worldly goods. Do not riches take to themselves wings and fly away?
  • Our health is equally precarious. Frail flowers of the field, we must not reckon upon blooming for ever. There is a time appointed for weakness and sickness, when we shall have to glorify God by suffering, and not by earnest activity. There is no single point in which we can hope to escape from the sharp arrows of affliction; out of our few days there is not one secure from sorrow. Man’s life is a cask full of bitter wine; he who looks for joy in it had better seek for honey in an ocean of brine.

Beloved reader, set not your affections upon things of earth: but seek those things which are above, for here the moth devoureth, and the thief breaketh through, but there all joys are perpetual and eternal. The path of trouble is the way home. Lord, make this thought a pillow for many a weary head!

3.10p

Weekly Links (4/12/2013)

 The gospel is the good news of our final and full enjoyment of the glory of God in the face of Christ. That this enjoyment had to be purchased for sinners at the cost of Christ’s life makes his glory shine all the more brightly. And that this enjoyment is a free and unmerited gift makes it shine more brightly still. But the price Jesus paid for the gift and the unmerited freedom of the gift are not the gift. The gift is Christ himself as the glorious image of God—seen and savored with everlasting joy. (John Piper, God is the Gospel)

by Richard Shin

  • Warning: there are some graphic details in the following posts. The Kermit Gosnell case has (kind of) taken center stage on the ongoing debate about abortion. You can find more information here. There is a short commentary here. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t heard of it for these reasons here.
  • If you haven’t heard, Pastor Rick Warren’s son committed suicide. In light of this, there have been a number posts revolving around the topic of mental illness and suicide. You can find a couple of them here and here. You can also find a collection of resources here.
  • I know it’s not Easter anymore, but it’s never a bad time to remind ourselves of Christ’s resurrection. Taking it a step further, Challies expands upon 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and shares what happens if dead men don’t rise.
  • I’m beginning to enjoy Jesse Johnson’s articles at the Cripplegate more and more. Here, he begins a 2-parter on the distinction between the Law and the Gospel. He then follows with three reasons the Law/Gospel’s absolute distinction is incorrect here. And it’s a bit of a prelude to his review of Tullian Tchividjian’s book Jesus + Nothing = Everything here.
  • Married men, do you find yourself getting lost mentally when your wife starts talking with (to… at) you? Here‘s some practice advice for both the husband and wife.

Fewer bullets, but I think that’s plenty. Enjoy!

Coram Deo

Presume Not Upon the Lord

by Hansol An

Growing up, my understanding of God’s grace was somewhat skewed. I understood that God loved me and that he sent Jesus to die for me. I understood that as a result of what he did, I was supposed to stop doing bad things and only do good things. But if I did bad things it would be okay because God would forgive me. I presumed that God would always forgive me no matter how sinfully I lived. I could live as I wanted, ask God for forgiveness later, and be assured of my salvation. In essence, what I thought I had was a license to get away with all the ‘fun stuff’ and still get into heaven! In my arrogance I presumed that God needed to forgive me since I was following the system; sin, pray for forgiveness, be forgiven, repeat. Later, I realized that this understanding of God’s grace was incongruent with the gospel message as it cheapened God’s grace and took God for granted.

But there is nothing new under the sun. The Bible gives plenty of examples of people presuming upon God. In Numbers 14, Israel, being distraught over a bad report from the 10 spies, decides to disobey God and not enter into the Promised Land as God had commanded. When Moses tells them of God’s judgment because of their disobedience, they “repent”. Presuming that God would honor their admittance of sin, they decide to enter the land as originally instructed. But by then, God was not with them and they were defeated by their enemies.

In Jeremiah 7, the prophet Jeremiah is warning Judah that their idolatry will be judged by God and that they need to repent in order to be saved. But they made the Temple into “a den of robbers,” a safe haven from God’s judgment no matter how sinfully they lived. Judah presumed that God’s judgment would never extend to His own Temple and so they would be safe in Jerusalem.

This type of presumption upon the Lord can also be seen in the New Testament. In Matthew 3, John the Baptist calls out the Pharisees and Sadducees for their superficial religiosity and misplaced hope in their ancestry. John explains to them that their sinful hearts were not going to be overlooked simply because they were sons of Abraham. True decedents of Abraham need to share his extraordinary faith.

Paul warns the Romans not to presume upon God’s grace in Romans 2. He tells them that judging another person’s sins, while committing the same sins, invites God’s judgment upon the one who is judging. He goes on to explain that for them to “presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience” is the opposite of what God desires: repentance.

In all four examples we see people’s presuming upon God’s grace, using it as an excuse to sin rather than a motivation for true repentance. They were living in a form of cheap grace and continual sin which Paul addresses in Romans 6. In that chapter, Paul, anticipating the arguments from the religious establishment against salvation by grace alone, unequivocally denounces the idea that one can be saved and keep on living a sinful life. In verses 1 and 2 he states, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” And again in verse 15 he says, “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!”

The Bible is clear that we serve a loving, gracious and merciful God, but that doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want without consequence. In order to avoid the trap of presuming upon God’s grace, Christians must live a life that shows Christ to be Lord as well as Savior. Through Scripture we can know God and his will for us. Failing to show evidence of a changed heart through an obedient life will result in unwelcome consequences. Christ himself said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

The people in the above examples were not going to be saved by their admission of guilt, proximity to God’s house, birthright or misguided understanding of God’s kindness. True salvation comes from an accurate understanding of the cost required to save and the cost required to be saved. Those who are saved will exhibit a changed heart that loves God, which in turn results in a holy life (John 14:15).

The Great Call of the Christian Life

by Elder Mike Chon

As children, we may have had dreams of what we wanted to do when we grow up. For many of us, we went through college wondering which career choice was the best. For some of us, even after college, we are wondering what we should do with our lives. These are choices that we make based on our desires, giftedness, talents, etc. But for all believers there is one call that is common for all of us which God has given to all believers. This call is the one purpose we are here in this world to fulfill. This call is not an option, but rather a command. This call is not just for those that are mature, but is a call for all believers. This call is the means by which God saves sinners. This call is evangelism.

This call of evangelism starts with the love of Christ. It is the love of Christ that motivates us to live for Him and not for ourselves (2 Cor. 5:14-15). He has called us to be his ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20), to represent Him to this world and to spread the message of reconciliation through Christ. The “Great Commission” is Christ’s command to us to go into the world and to make disciples of Christ. If there is anything that is clear in Scripture, it is that our call as believers is and will always be to evangelize the lost in this world. This again begins with the love of Christ. Our love for one another will be motivated by the way that Christ loved us. (1 John 4:7-11) Jesus wept during the account of Lazarus’ death (John 11:33-35), not because Lazarus died, but rather because He saw the unbelief of the Jews. He showed compassion and it caused great sorrow in our Lord when people did not believe in Him. This is the type of love that motivates believers to share the gospel to the world.

Not only do we need to cultivate compassion for the lost, but we also need to realize that evangelism is a command from God. This is not an option. God clearly calls believers to go and share the gospel to the ends of the world (Matt. 28:18-20). Whether you are a student, a professional, a laborer, a housewife, retired or a pastor we are all called to evangelize. Our calling is not dependent on our talents, giftedness, occupation, physical abilities, mental capabilities or our circumstances, but instead our calling is dependent on the one who calls. If Christ is the one who holds all things and controls all things (Col. 1:15-18), we would be wise to heed His command to go and make disciples of Christ.

Consider all the different occupations and positions a person can hold in this world. Even becoming king or president of a nation. None compares to the call to share the one and only truth that can cause someone to be saved from darkness to light. No other person or occupation can ever do that. Doctors can save physical lives but the person will eventually die. Kings can give great privileges to his people but they will all eventually die. Presidents can cause reform and make life in this world more enjoyable but the people will all eventually die. As believers, we carry with us a message that gives eternal life to those that are dying. No job or occupation can ever compare to the great privilege, honor, and passion that comes with being able to be an ambassador for our Lord. May you consider your calling today and go and share the gospel to this dying world.

In My Prosperity I Said I Shall Never Be Moved

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Psalm 30:6

‘Moab settled on his lees, he hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel.’ Give a man wealth; let his ships bring home continually rich freights; let the winds and waves appear to be his servants to bear his vessels across the bosom of the mighty deep; let his lands yield abundantly: let the weather be propitious to his crops; let uninterrupted success attend him; let him stand among men as a successful merchant; let him enjoy continued health; allow him with braced nerve and brilliant eye to march through the world, and live happily; give him the buoyant spirit; let him have the song perpetually on his lips; let his eye be ever sparkling with joy-and the natural consequence of such an easy state to any man, let him be the best Christian who ever breathed, will be presumption; even David said, ‘I shall never be moved;’ and we are not better than David, nor half so good.

Brother, beware of the smooth places of the way; if you are treading them, or if the way be rough, thank God for it. If God should always rock us in the cradle of prosperity; if we were always dandled on the knees of fortune; if we had not some stain on the alabaster pillar; if there were not a few clouds in the sky; if we had not some bitter drops in the wine of this life, we should become intoxicated with pleasure, we should dream ‘we stand;’ and stand we should, but it would be upon a pinnacle; like the man asleep upon the mast, each moment we should be in jeopardy.
We bless God, then, for our afflictions; we thank Him for our changes; we extol His name for losses of property; for we feel that had He not chastened us thus, we might have become too secure. Continued worldly prosperity is a fiery trial.

‘Afflictions, though they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent.’

3.10a

Weekly Links (4/5/2013) – Post-Easter Edition

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” (Charles Colson)

by Stephen Rodgers

I didn’t manage to sneak this in before Easter, but better late than never right? Let’s start out with the links to the new resources for April, and wrap up with the Easter-related treasures.

RESOURCES FOR APRIL

RESOURCES FOR EASTER

  • The world-famous Triablogue has quite a collection of articles relating to Easter. Of particular interest is this year’s round-up, which includes links to previous year’s material as well. If you were looking for a place to start investigating the various apologetic claims and counter-claims, this is about as good as it gets.
  • They also have a category for articles that deal specifically with the resurrection. This year, Jason Engwer also posted a round-up of evidence for the resurrection that actually appears outside the New Testament text. So the next time someone tells you that doesn’t exist…you’ll be ready.
  • And last but not least, Steve Hays has a great article that examines the question of whether it’s possible for the Bible to be proven wrong in the first place.  He comes at it from a variety of angles, and it’s well worth your time.

That’s it!  See you Sunday!

Pro Rege

LBC Weekly SPARK – April 4, 2013

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Dear LBC friends and family!

As planning continues for the LBC Los Angeles church plant, we are excited to see where and how the Lord leads this ministry in San Diego through the transitions. There are about thirty people who have committed to the church plant from San Diego, which means that a number of our ministries will be in need of greater help. Church planting has always been part of the fabric of this ministry since the very beginning, and each member joined the church to be a part of this church planting ministry. Obviously, not everyone can go to be a part of the team in Los Angeles, but being committed to church planting also involves those who stay in San Diego. Not only does the membership and leaders of LBC Los Angeles need our prayers and support, but the church here in San Diego will be counting on those who stay to step up and help with the work there will be to do once the church planting team departs.

In the past several weeks, we’ve already felt the loss of some of our members and we will continue to do so, but we praise God because He is moving and working through our church family to accomplish great things. This is what we all signed up for. We have said it from the very beginning that LBC San Diego is not going to be a place for those Christians who simply want a convenient and easy part in a church. All our members, going or staying, are called upon to work hard for the faith in the strength of the Lord. Let’s not grow complacent but push on making ourselves useful for the Lord and His kingdom. In the coming weeks and months, many opportunities for service will be made available for our members. Please consider how you might serve to be a blessing to your church family and to the community around us. As part of a church planting ministry, we need to always keep in mind that the work is not limited to those who are going. Let’s not grow weary of serving our God, but find strength in Him to work excellently for the sake of His glory and the salvation of souls.

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are some upcoming events and ministries you can get involved with:

  1. Weekly Bible Studies. Don’t forget that all our regularly scheduled midweek Bible studies resume this week. Single Life meets on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. Grace Life and LKC meet on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Lumos Youth Ministry and College Life meet on Fridays at 7:00pm.
  2. Women’s Seminar. The next LBC women’s seminar is scheduled for April 13, from 9:00am-12:00pm. The theme for the seminar is “A Living Sacrifice.” Please sign up with Mrs. Grace Lee if you would like to attend (gracelee357@aol.com).
  3. LBC East Bay Inaugural Service. Our brothers and sisters at LBC East Bay will be celebrating their official inaugural service on Sunday, April 14, at 4:00pm, in the Alameda area. Please be in prayer for the church plant that God would be faithful to establish, provide for, and strengthen them. If you are able to travel up to support them, please let Pastor Patrick know so he can send ahead an estimated headcount for their preparations.
  4. Men’s Ministry. The men’s ministry has several events coming up in the next few weeks. We will get together to enjoy the NCAA Championship Basketball Game on Monday, April 8, at 6:00pm, at the church. There will be a Men’s Breakfast fellowship on Saturday, April 20, at 7:30am, addressing the theme: “Leadership: Being the Man God Calls Me to Be.” And Iron Men Fellowship signups will be taken until April 7. Sign up with Roger Alcaraz for these men’s ministry events (roger.alcaraz@gmail.com)!
  5. Members Meeting. We will be having a members meeting on Sunday, April 21, at 4:45pm. All members are highly encouraged to attend especially as we discuss a number of the transitions that will take place due to the LBCLA church plant. As always, dinner will be served.