Grace Life Family Ministry Update

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Grace Life took a break for the winter holidays and is now up and running again. It has been tremendously encouraging to see all the people come out to Bible study on Thursday nights. I’m sure the midweek meeting is still difficult for some of our families, but having LKC meet on the same evening makes things much more manageable. It has also been a blessing to see the families getting more involved even in little ways like bringing refreshments or helping with nursery care. All these acts of service continue to strengthen the group and make for an enjoyable time.

We are still in the middle of our series entitled “What Do You Think?” It has been a helpful series exploring a simple but biblical theology of the mind. So far, hopefully the families haven’t been too discouraged as we have almost exclusively focused on the bad news. Through our first five lessons, we have studied the creation and fall of man, as well as the consequences of sin on the mind. The Bible teaches that as sinners we are of a depraved mind and that we are completely blind to spiritual truth. Without God, we are incapable of interpreting the world around us in the right way. Sin affects our minds so that we are even oblivious to this incapacity.

God speaks particularly through Apostle Paul in Romans 1 to describe sin’s impact on the human mind. Because of our sinful minds, we suppress the truth of God even though it stares us blatantly in the face (vv. 18-20). Sin has rendered our thinking futile and foolish even though we think ourselves to be wise (v. 21-22). Sin causes us to reject the true God of the universe and to worship other lesser things instead – most of all, I should say, ourselves (v. 23-25). Because of our sinful hearts, we would rather willingly believe a lie than accept the truth of God (v. 25). Because of our hateful, sinful minds toward God, we take what God intended for our good and completely violate it and rebel against it. For instance, in our rebellion against God, we pervert the order and natural relations He ordained for us in creation. Paul teaches that this is ultimately rooted in our inherent hatred toward God. We don’t trust that God is good, nor that His plans for us are good. Our sinful minds, thus, bring forth sinful actions (v. 26-32).

This isn’t a very pleasant or optimistic picture the Apostle paints of mankind. It certainly isn’t the popular message of contemporary culture that continues to insist upon our inherent worth and inner beauty. Instead, Paul describes the human heart as wicked, depraved, lost, and desperate. He exposes the human heart for what it truly is in the eyes of God. (Praise God for His grace to save, without which we would have no hope!).

In the coming weeks, we are going to examine how through the gospel, God shines a light in our hearts and causes our blind eyes to see. Because of what Christ did for us on the cross, our minds can be renewed, so that we can interpret God, the world, ourselves, and our circumstances rightly. It should be an eye-opening and helpful study filled with principles for practical application. Even though the bad news is depressingly bad, the good news that follows is gloriously good!

The Great Hope of the Christian Life

by Elder Mike Chon

On January 21, 2013 we watched the inauguration ceremony of President Obama for his second term in office. I couldn’t help but notice the faces of those that were in the audience that day. Many of them appeared to be proud and very hopeful that President Obama will be able to change the turmoil that our country has been facing in recent years. They have placed their hope in this one man who has been given the responsibility to lead our country as president. When difficult times occur in one’s life, people tend to desperately look for someone or something to find hope in. Unfortunately the search for hope usually ends up in further disappointment and discouragement. No matter what they end up placing their hope in, if it is something of this world, it will at best be  temporary.

On the contrary, the one who has placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will find their hope, not in something temporary, but instead in someone that is eternal. Scripture teaches us that in the midst of our trials and difficulties our hope is placed in the person of Jesus Christ. The Christian’s great hope in this life is that one day we will be in the presence of Christ, whether by death or when Christ returns and takes us home. In the midst of great persecution, the Apostle Paul encouraged the church in Thessalonica to encourage one another with the hope they have of one day being with Christ along with those who have already died in Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18). He also reminds them of the great salvation they have in Christ, which brings them great hope that whether they are alive or die that they will be with Christ (1 Thess. 5:9-11).

In the midst of our own trials and difficulties we tend to run to people or things that would bring us comfort and hope. Unfortunately for many believers they never find their hope in what Christ has already accomplished nor in the fact that Christ will return to take us home. Where do you find your hope? Do you find it in a spouse, a close friend, in your children, in your career, in your academic pursuits, in food, or in yourself? None of these will ever bring you true eternal hope. Scripture clearly teaches that true hope is only found in the person of Jesus Christ. Even in the greatest of trials our hope never wavers because our hope does not rest on something that is temporal but instead our hope rests on the atoning work of the cross, the security we have in redemption, and the second coming of Christ.

Ye Must Be Born Again

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From John 3:7

Regeneration is a subject which lies at the very basis of salvation, and we should be very diligent to take heed that we really are ‘born again,’ for there are many who fancy they are, who are not. Be assured that the name of a Christian is not the nature of a Christian; and that being born in a Christian land, and being recognized as professing the Christian religion is of no avail whatever, unless there be something more added to it-the being ‘born again,’ is a matter so mysterious, that human words cannot describe it. ‘The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.’ Nevertheless, it is a change which is known and felt: known by works of holiness, and felt by a gracious experience.

This great work is supernatural. It is not an operation which a man performs for himself: a new principle is infused, which works in the heart, renews the soul, and affects the entire man. It is not a change of my name, but a renewal of my nature, so that I am not the man I used to be, but a new man in Christ Jesus. To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making it alive: man can do the one, God alone can do the other. If you have then, been ‘born again,’ your acknowledgment will be, ‘O Lord Jesus, the everlasting Father, Thou art my spiritual Parent; unless Thy Spirit had breathed into me the breath of a new, holy, and spiritual life, I had been to this day ‘dead in trespasses and sins.’ My heavenly life is wholly derived from Thee, to Thee I ascribe it. ‘My life is hid with Christ in God.’ It is no longer I who live, but Christ who liveth in me.’

May the Lord enable us to be well assured on this vital point, for to be unregenerate is to be unsaved, unpardoned, without God, and without hope.

3.6a

Weekly Links (2/8/2013)

Because we see the law and love of God fulfilled, we become both humble and bold because we know we are his by grace. This is unique. Without the gospel, humility and boldness can only increase at each other’s expense. (Tim Keller)

by Richard Shin

  • Trailing on the heels of the Super Bowl, Jay Beerley explains that we have only one Messiah, and the burden he came to bear does not need any “platform” for introduction or endorsement.
  • Recently, the Obama administration introduced some changes to the HHS mandate that seems to have alleviated some groaning. However, despite the fluffy language, the heart of the matter has not changed. Joe Carter explains what happened very clearly for your benefit and awareness.
  • Erik Raymond is doing a series on the Gospel-Centered Church. He began it by answering “What Does a Gospel-Centered Church Look and Feel Like?” and then writing on the place of Christian liberty in the Gospel-Centered Church. He still has four more articles to go in the series, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
  • Mike Riccardi shares a primer on Christian apologetics, bringing us back to the Bible for the foundations and applications of defending our faith. Then he introduced presuppositional apologetics here, and evaluated the validity of the method here. I don’t know when he’ll stop, so you better buckle yourselves.
  • Not too long ago, a number of us here on the Beacon encouraged our readers to read your Bible. And undoubtedly, many of you made your commitments. So here we ask, how’s your Bible reading going?
  • Jeremy Walker explains the damning slippery slope that comes from losing the historicity of a literal Adam. 
  • “I can’t give up; it’s not because they need me—at least not in the sense that I am a pastor and have all the answers. The need is much more mutual. We need each other.” I appreciate what Dave Dunham has to say on the value of being tired.

Have a blessed weekend, everyone.

Coram Deo

Single Life Update

by Kevin Tse

Single Life finished 2012 with a Christmas party and gift exchange that saw people receive a variety of gifts including iTunes gift cards, movie tickets, and fancy headphones in addition to a number of other odds and ends. More than that, we had a chance to see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ before breaking for the holidays, and were able to encourage one another to be bold in sharing the Gospel with whomever they see during the holidays and remembering the centrality of Christ in Christmas.

The past semester has been mostly spent in Colossians 3. Pastor Patrick preached through sermons focusing on the Biblical prescriptions for godly relationships between husband and wife, parents and children, and slaves and masters. We were refreshed continually with truth that often forced us to re-evaluate some incorrect preconceived notions, and reminded us several times of the authority of God as the giver of that truth. In particular, as singles, we focused on working as unto the Lord in our places of employment and schooling, knowing that our reward is not the approval of man but the hope of future grace from the Lord. I was personally convicted to go to work with joy and to see work as a ministry, not just a place to make money.

Our first Single Life Bible study of the year was on January 9th, 2013 when Randy Sarmiento shared about “Christian Discipline” from Hebrews 12:3-6. Randy blessed us with the reminder that the discipline we receive from the Lord is meant both for our correction as well as training in righteousness. Paralleling our comfortable lives here in San Diego, the Hebrews had to be reminded that the trials they faced paled in comparison to the scourging that Christ received when He went to the cross for our sins. Just as the Hebrews had to be reminded of the godly response they ought to have when going through trials, we too were reminded that the trials and hardships that we undergo represent discipline from the Lord, and that this discipline not only refines our faith but proves our sonship in Him.

Coming up on the schedule for Single Life Ministry are a series of events including a Broomball outing with College Life on February 1st (our second one in this academic year) and our annual Single’s Retreat from March 15-17th at Pine Valley. Also, we’ll be having a Table for 6 outing on January 19th.

Built For More Important Things

by Elder Johnny Kim

During a particular weekend every October, swarms of military planes take to the San Diego skies in what is a familiar sight (and sound!) for nearby residents. Although the Miramar Air Show showcases a variety of technologically advanced aircraft, the highlight of the show is without a doubt the Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. The Blue Angels are made up of six F/A-18 Hornets, the Navy’s premier fighter jet currently in use all around the world. Each of the six jets is flown by a highly trained and experienced fighter pilot, considered to be the best of the best. Even the jets themselves are maintained by the best mechanics, all working together to help the Blue Angels accomplish their mission: to promote the Navy to the public and to serve as an invaluable recruiting tool through their performances.

With an important mission that puts them in front of millions of spectators (and potential recruits) each year, it is no wonder that the Blue Angels strive to be the best. However, beneath the highly polished signature blue paint on their jets lies a little known fact about the Blue Angels and an apparent contradiction at that: the jets given to them to fly are always the oldest and most worn out jets in the Navy. One might have guessed that for the venerable and highly visible Blue Angels, only the newest jets would do, but a simple overarching Navy philosophy dictates otherwise: the newest jets and those in the best condition shall be reserved for war and combat. As important as the Blue Angels’ mission seems, it ultimately takes a back seat to the simple truth that fighter jets are built for the purpose of going to war to fight, not performing shows.

In a similar sense, we as Christians are resources ourselves which can be used for a myriad of purposes, all of which can be really important and worthwhile. Whether it is the pursuit of higher education, career advancement, health, social justice, or even relationships, a compelling case can always be made for the merits and benefits of each, so long as they are not inherently sinful or evil. However, as Christians, we too are subject to a simple truth about our true purpose in life and what we have been ultimately created for. Isaiah 43:7 makes it clear that we were created for God’s own glory and to glorify Him. Furthermore, we see in Ephesians 1:11-12 that the chief reason He even redeems us is ultimately for His glory as well. God, the Creator of the universe, has created us for a specific purpose, a purpose to which all others must take a back seat. No matter how important a given endeavor or accomplishment might seem, nothing can ever be more important, worthwhile, and more rewarding than the fulfillment of what we were specifically created to do: to bring God the most glory.

And yet, even those of us who consider ourselves to be mature Christians make decisions each and every day that often just reflect our own priorities based on our own judgment of what we think is important. Worse yet, we can even find ourselves walking down a twisted and convoluted path of reasoning until we find just enough “good” along the way to justify what are, deep down in our hearts, really just our own desires. Society, friends, family, and even well-intentioned fellow Christians can affirm the importance of the things we do, even if God’s glory is not paramount. However, as 2 Timothy 3:17 reminds us, it is God and His all-sufficient word that should be the “overarching philosophy” for our Christian lives, dictating for us the priorities we ought to live by.

Are you living for the purpose that God has created you? Do you make decisions in your life that show you are living out the Christian’s ultimate mission? Are you using your time, money, material possessions, and talents, for the most important purpose and not just an important purpose? Because, in keeping with the Blue Angels metaphor, answering yes or no to these questions can be the difference between Christian lives that are in a battle, fighting to bring God the most glory, and Christian lives that are just putting on a nice show.

Weekly Links (2/4/2013)

“He who comes forth fresh from beholding the face of God will never fear the face of man.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Faith’s Checkbook, July 17)

by Stephen Rodgers

Now that we’ve let a little time pass since the first of the month, all the relevant articles seem to have been posted…which means I can pass them on to you!

First up, there’s the obligatory new resources…

  • christianaudio.com’s free book of the month is God’s Smuggler, the story of a man who started smuggling Bibles into Eastern Europe in the 1950’s, and eventually started a ministry to do similar work worldwide.
  • The new edition of Tabletalk is out this month as well, and the theme is Union with Christ. Tabletalk regularly puts out some of the best content I see on a monthly basis, so if you haven’t started reading it yet, you might want to check our index of back issues as well.
  • There’s also a new issue of Credo Magazine freely available, this one dealing with the sudden resurgence of interest in the doctrine of purgatory among evangelicals. They also have a few other fascinating issues in their archive, and it’s not too late to start catching up!

Next, there’s the obligatory returning/continuing resources…

  • Tim Challies is marching onward through his series on essential doctrines of Christianity.  Recently he added articles on Salvation, Judgment, and Heaven.
  • Speaking of Challies, he’s also started a series where he gives recommendations on what he considers to be the best commentaries for specific books of the Bible.  He’s alternating between the OT and the NT, so he’s made suggestions for both Genesis and Matthew.

And lastly there are the articles and audio that I just thought deserved your attention…

  • We recently did a Q&A at LBC (the audio doesn’t seem to be up yet).  Not to be outdone, John MacArthur also did a 2-part Q&A (part 1 and part 2) and John Piper has restarted his “Ask Pastor John” series.  Enjoy!

Pro Rege

Say Unto My Soul, I Am Thy Salvation

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

From Psalm 35:3

What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening’s petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation.

  • The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, ‘Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation,’ if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts.
  • The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast.
  • I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, ‘Say unto my soul I am thy salvation.’ I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus’ love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress.
  • I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. ‘Say unto my soul.’ Lord, do Thou say it! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian.
  • Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it. ‘Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.’ Lord, if Thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless Thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not Thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, ‘I am thy salvation.’

Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Thine, and that Thou art mine.

3.5p

Editor’s Note: February 2012

by Stephen Rodgers

This is just a quick note to let you know that the Weekly Links will be posted on Monday instead of today.

In the meantime, I’d encourage you to enjoy and explore the new Beacon website (if you haven’t already), catch up on any articles you might not have read yet, and peruse the links at the top of the page for past and ongoing series, helpful resources and reference materials, and a list of ministries here at LBC that you could join.

See you Monday!

Next Man Up

by Hansol An

As the football season comes to a close, I’m reminded of a phrase that became very popular over the course of the season, to the point that it almost became a cliché. The phrase “next man up” has been around for a while but it really seemed to come into vogue this year. Whenever a player went down with an injury, there was a coach or sportscaster close behind wielding this most apt and realistic solution to an unwanted situation. In football there is a real and immediate need to move on. Not only must the show go on, it must go on right now – “So who you got to replace your MVP?” There’s no sympathy from the other team that you lost your best player. The scoreboard doesn’t care that the heart and soul of your team is out for the rest of the season.

I’ve said before that in some ways, a football team is analogous to a church. As with a church, every member of the football team has an important part to play. Teamwork is critically important in football. For a team to succeed its players have to fulfill their individual roles during each and every play. One player neglecting to fulfill their role would seriously hinder the ability of the team to succeed. The same could be said for a church.

The ‘next man up’ philosophy seems to carry over to the church analogy as well. As Lighthouse Bible Church prepares for its third church plant in three years, its members are well acquainted with the idea that when someone leaves, another member has to be ready and able to takes their place. For all intents, it is expected that someone will be the next man (or woman) up. For some roles there is a person identified long before the need arises, but for many there isn’t a clear successor. But as our church has always endeavored to lead by the Word of God, the members have been taught to be servants first, and we’ve been fortunate to have many willing servants over the years.

Christ taught his disciples to emulate him as a servant (John 13:12-15). Paul reminded the Philippians to regard others as more important (Philippians 2:3-4). We all have to be reminded of our duty as a member of Christ’s church to serve one another. Sometimes in ways that are personally challenging and require self-sacrifice but if ever there was a worthy cause, it is the love of Christ. Since we know that as a church we need to do the work of spreading the Gospel, when a need arises, many should be willing to fill it.

At a smaller scale, College Life regularly has to replace servants due to graduation. Thankfully this ministry has always included heavy student involvement but that also means that most people only serve a year or two before they have to move on. The staff doesn’t take this for granted even as the students continue to raise the bar year after year. We know that service in any ministry can’t be forced, each believer should be challenged by the example of Christ to serve others the way he did: in loving sacrifice. Sometimes that means serving in unofficial ways like providing rides or encouraging a friend, going out to Campus EV, or Morning Prayer. If we all do our part, this ministry will continue to successfully fulfill our calling in this life and further the Gospel of Christ. So be ready to step in when the time comes.