What’s New for Grace Life?

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Despite the fact that LBC San Diego is in its 17th year, Grace Life remains the most difficult affinity group to schedule. It may sound like a familiar excuse, but because of the life stage of so many of our families (i.e., families with young children), it is challenging to come up with a structure that can effectively minister in the best way to the most people. Last year, our attempt was to maintain our Thursday night Bible studies, but to split them up between the men and women. While it was a helpful study through the early chapters of the Bible, it became increasingly clear that it was not helpful enough. One phenomenon that we noticed was that although attendance at Thursday night Bible studies diminished, participation in the various accountability groups that met throughout the community increased. In fact, it seemed when given a choice between coming out on Thursdays or going to an accountability group, the majority preferred the latter.

This is understandable.

  • First, the accountability groups offered flexibility. Some of the groups only met once a month, while others met more frequently. Some provided in-depth study of God’s Word, and others were more focused on sharing and prayer.
  • Second, accountability groups were convenient. Since most of the groups met regionally, travel was not a great burden. Also, many enjoyed the comfort of meeting in homes rather than at the church building.
  • Third, the community accountability groups provided an atmosphere that greatly encouraged… well, community. Many found the context of meeting in small groups conducive to building and improving relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Given all of these factors, Grace Life is looking to make a significant change in its structure this year. Instead of focusing mostly on midweek large group meetings, the intention is to work with the community accountability groups (both existing and new) to provide spiritual support and help to the members of Grace Life. Large group would only meet once a month, and then the rest of the month would be devoted to small group accountability and fellowship.

Those who are already meeting in groups are not required to disband. In fact, they are encouraged to continue. Those who are in need of joining a group can either join an existing group, if there is room, or become part of a new group. We are sure that many will have all sorts of questions about the changing structure, so all are invited to a general orientation meeting on Thursday, October 6, to talk through the changes. The Grace Life staff is hoping to work with the community group facilitators to better serve the members of Grace Life by being a resource for support and help.

Let us all pray that the 2016-2017 year would be a great one for Grace Life. Since we represent the older generation of the church, many of the younger college students and singles are looking to us for instruction and to be an example in faith and conduct. May the Lord use Grace Life ministry to further strengthen His saints for His glory and thus strengthen the church for His service.

LBCSD SPARK – September 26, 2016

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Dear LBCSD family and friends!

I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful week full of the Lord’s grace and mercy. September is winding down, which means fall is upon us! That also means that all of the ministries that took a break for the summer will be back in full force. There is a lot going on in the coming months, so please take some time to read through the ministry opportunities below. How exciting to grow together in the grace of God and the knowledge of the truth!

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are the ministry opportunities for you to consider:

  • All-Church Photo. We will be taking our annual all-church photo on Sunday, October 23, immediately following the morning worship service. Be sure to mark your calendars!
  • Membership Class. Our next membership class will be on Saturday, October 29, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Sunday, October 30, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. If you are interested in becoming a member of LBCSD, please contact Pastor Patrick for an application.
  • DTR Series. DTR stands for Defining the Relationship. For three Sunday evenings in October, we will be walking through the theme of dating and relationships (October 9, 23, 30). The evening services will run from 6:30-8:30 PM.
  • All-Church Retreat. Our annual all-church retreat is coming up on November 4-6. Our speaker is Dr. John Street of The Master’s University. Registration is being taken by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz in the foyer on Sundays. The cost is $150/adult and $75/child (ages 3-12). There is a $450/family max. There really is no substitute for the all-church retreat in terms of having a concentrated time to spend with the church family over several days.
  • Grace Life Ministry. Grace Life is restructuring its ministry this year, and we want to communicate with all the families about the changes. As such, we will have a special orientation night on Thursday, October 6, from 6:30-8:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served!
  • Lighthouse Kids Club. Registration is now open for LKC! This is our midweek children’s program for kids ages 5 through 5th grade. This year, our theme is “Rotten or Ripe” as we will examine the topic of spiritual fruit and walk through Galatians 5:22-23. LKC meets on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 PM beginning on October 6. This year, we’re happy to offer registration at no cost! Please see Ashley Hur in the foyer on Sunday to register.

Thou Hatest Wickedness

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Psalm 45:7

‘Be ye angry, and sin not.’ There can hardly be goodness in a man if he be not angry at sin; he who loves truth must hate every false way. How our Lord Jesus hated it when the temptation came! Thrice it assailed Him in different forms, but ever He met it with, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan.’ He hated it in others; none the less fervently because He showed His hate oftener in tears of pity than in words of rebuke; yet what language could be more stern, more Elijah-like, than the words, ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer.’ He hated wickedness, so much that He bled to wound it to the heart; He died that it might die; He was buried that He might bury it in His tomb; and He rose that He might for ever trample it beneath His feet.

Christ is in the Gospel, and that Gospel is opposed to wickedness in every shape. Wickedness arrays itself in fair garments, and imitates the language of holiness; but the precepts of Jesus, like His famous scourge of small cords, chase it out of the temple, and will not tolerate it in the Church. So, too, in the heart where Jesus reigns, what war there is between Christ and Belial! And when our Redeemer shall come to be our Judge, those thundering words, ‘Depart, ye cursed’ which are, indeed, but a prolongation of His life-teaching concerning sin, shall manifest His abhorrence of iniquity. As warm as is His love to sinners, so hot is His hatred of sin; as perfect as is His righteousness, so complete shall be the destruction of every form of wickedness.

O thou glorious champion of right, and destroyer of wrong, for this cause hath God, even Thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.

5.29a

Weekly Links (9/23/2016)

“Christianity is a worldview, and therefore it needs to be evaluated as a worldview. Despite what many seem to think today, Christianity isn’t something you can just clip onto your ordinary, everyday life like some kind of religious accessory. It isn’t a Sunday pastime: churchgoing as an alternative to golfing or fishing. Christianity isn’t merely a moral code, a social identity, a collection of religious traditions and practices, or a set of theological propositions— although it includes all of those things. No, Christianity is far more significant and wide-ranging in its depth and scope. Christianity is nothing less than a comprehensive, all-encompassing worldview.” (James Anderson, Why Should I Believe Christianity?)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! This time, there’s a good variety of links, so hopefully there’s something for everyone! Enjoy!

  • Do you ever find it hard to rejoice with those who rejoice? How can we, as part of the Body of Christ, grow in gratefulness to God for blessing others who are also in the body? Betsy Childs Howard knows what that struggle is like, and gives some timely counsel that can soothe the hurting soul.
  • Michael Kruger recently wrote a response to Andy Stanley’s controversial message on evangelizing unbelievers by focusing less on Scripture and more on Jesus. Denny Burk linked to it, along with his own sermon in response as well. Nicholas Batzig seeks to answer a common question related to Stanley’s message: how do I know that Jesus loves me?
  • Dr. Keith Mathison, Systematic Theology professor at Reformation Bible College, is starting a series on what he believes to be the top five books on the five Solas (one of which I mention every Weekly Links post). This may not sound exciting, but it just means you haven’t read his post yet!
  • Ever hear the claim that the Gospel of Mark merely presents the humanity of Jesus, while the Gospel of John elevates Jesus as God? Hidden in that claim is the assumption that Mark had a low view of Jesus. In case you have an opportunity to present the deity of Christ in Mark, here’s a good place to start.
  • Tim Challies has written a small guide for believers in handling conflicts with each other by knowing the type of conflict you’re in and how to resolve it. Consider going through this in your small group or reading it with an older, wiser brother/sister.
  • In line with our Mission, Marshall Segal focuses on our responsibilities as Christians to make disciples. No exceptions. How are we doing in this area?
  • Richard Phillips asks and answers why complementarianism remains important. If you didn’t think it was important, this article is for you.
  • What is the difference between knowing biblical truth intellectually and knowing it spiritually? John Piper, with the help of Jonathan Edwards, brings out an aspect of God’s Word that may help in your perspective of the Bible as truly revealed by God.
  • Is Christianity compatible with Darwinism? Biologist Wayne Rossiter thinks not, and you may want to read some of his reasons why.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos and College Life, as they will be meeting tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

In His Image

by Josh Liu

What is man? What are his origins? What is his purpose? These are important questions. Thankfully, the Bible provides answers. Scripture states that man was created in the image of God.

The “image of God” is an important aspect of biblical anthropology. Genesis 1:26-27 says:

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Only man, no other created thing, has been described to be made in the “image” and “likeness” of God. While no direct definition of these terms is given, their meanings can be understood. Even after the Fall, man is still described to be made in the image of God (cf. Gen. 5:1-2). Sin and human depravity do not abolish the image of God in man. In fact, the image of God is the basis for condemning murder (cf. Gen. 9:6). The New Testament also refers to the image of God, specifically in the contexts of men’s and women’s roles and the sanctity of life (cf. 1 Cor. 11:7; James 3:9).

Wayne Grudem observes that when God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26), God plans to make a creature similar to Himself. Both the Hebrew word for “image” (tselem) and the Hebrew word for “likeness” (demut) refer to something that is similar but not identical to the thing it represents or is an “image” of. The word “image” can also be used of something that represents something else. I think Grudem summarizes the biblical understanding of these words well:

When we realize that the Hebrew words for “image” and “likeness” simply informed the original readers that man was like God, and would in many ways represent God, much of the controversy over the meaning of “image of God” is seen to be a search for too narrow and too specific a meaning. When Scripture reports that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26), it simply would have meant to the original readers, “Let us make man to be like us and to represent us. Because “image” and “likeness” had these meanings, Scripture does not need to say something like, “The fact that man is in the image of God means that man is like God in the following ways: intellectual ability, moral purity, spiritual nature, dominion over the earth, creativity, ability to make ethical choices, and immortality [or some similar statement].” Such an explanation is unnecessary, not only because the terms had clear meanings, but also because no such list could do justice to the subject: the text only needs to affirm that man is like God, and the rest of Scripture fills in more details to explain this. In fact, as we read the rest of Scripture, we realize that a full understanding of man’s likeness to God would require a full understanding of who God is in his being and in his actions and a full understanding of who man is and what he does. The more we know about God and man the more similarities we will recognize, and the more fully we will understand what Scripture means when it says that man is in the image of God. The expression refers to every way in which man is like God. (Systematic Theology, 443)

What are some implications of this doctrine? There are specific aspects of our likeness to God that impacts how we live.

  1. First, man, similar to God, rules. Man is said to rule, or dominate or have dominion, over creation twice in Gen. 1:26-28. Man is also commanded to subdue the earth, or to bring it into bondage. Eugene Merrill says, “man is created to reign in a manner that demonstrates his lordship, his domination (by force if necessary) over all creation” (“A Theology of the Pentateuch,” 15). God, who Himself rules over all creation (cf. Ps. 103:19), created His image-bearer to rule over the earth by Divine appointment (cf. Ps. 8:4-8). The concept of this appointed rulership is also reaffirmed for the servants of Christ who are His ambassadors (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20).
  2. Second, since all men, male and female, are created in the image of God, every person has been created equal. Each person carries a special dignity and uniqueness from the rest of creation. Animals are not equal to human beings. Also, no particular ethnicity or gender is inherently superior to another. Thus, to murder or curse another human is an offense against God whose image each person bears (cf. Gen. 9:6; James 3:9).
  3. Third, since man is like God and represents Him, man ultimately belongs to Him. Man is not ultimately independent and self-existing. He was created, and will always belong to the Creator. That which has been created cannot successfully rebel against its Creator (cf. Ps. 2; Rom. 9:20-21). So, every person is responsible and accountable to God (cf. Matt. 12:36). Also, each person is created for God’s purposes (cf. Is. 43:7). To disregard these implications will incur God’s wrath (cf. Rom. 1:18-23).

Why is this important? Being made in the image of God is truly foundational. It rejects the secular worldview.

  1. First, it rejects the evolutionary theory. Man is not essentially an evolved complex animal. Man is not an image of animals. So the quest for a common ancestor to trace back to the progenitor of life is completely baseless and a futile search.
  2. Second, man as an image-bearer rejects the arguments, beliefs, and lobbying of animal activists (i.e. that animals deserve the same inalienable rights as humans). While Scripture does not condone the abuse of animals, man is above the animal kingdom. Animals do not share the same dignity and value as humans. While there are physiological similarities between humans and animals, animals ultimately lack the image of God (along with human intellect, values, relationships, etc.). Some animals may demonstrate some extent of “intelligence,” but they cannot demonstrate true rationality, consciousness, imagination, and complex language (e.g. written), all reflective of God. Animals do not make plans in their hearts as man does. Animals do not express the full range of emotions as man (and God). Animals do not discern morality.
  3. Third, the image of God upholds the sanctity of life. Abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide ultimately conclude that life is negotiable. Life does not belong to the individual, but to God whose image he/she bears.

What are the applications of being made in the image of God?

  1. First, your individual worth begins with who God is (cf. Ps. 139:1-24). Instead of focusing on improving yourself or lifting up your self-esteem, pursue Christ-likeness who is the perfect image of God (cf. Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29).
  2. Second, our purpose in life must revolve around the worship and glory of God (cf. Is. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31).
  3. Third, our functions and roles in life are determined by God (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1ff; Eph. 4-6). Living out our roles faithfully glorifies God and reflects the differing roles between the Persons of the Godhead.
  4. Fourth, show compassion and kindness to all for each person bears the image of God.

This I Recall To My Mind, Therefore Have I Hope

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Lamentations 3:21

Memory is frequently the bondslave of despondency. Despairing minds call to remembrance every dark foreboding in the past, and dilate upon every gloomy feature in the present; thus memory, clothed in sackcloth, presents to the mind a cup of mingled gall and wormwood. There is, however, no necessity for this. Wisdom can readily transform memory into an angel of comfort. That same recollection which in its left hand brings so many gloomy omens, may be trained to bear in its right a wealth of hopeful signs. She need not wear a crown of iron, she may encircle her brow with a fillet of gold, all spangled with stars.

Thus it was in Jeremiah’s experience: in the previous verse memory had brought him to deep humiliation of soul: ‘My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me’; and now this same memory restored him to life and comfort. ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.’ Like a two-edged sword, his memory first killed his pride with one edge, and then slew his despair with the other.

As a general principle, if we would exercise our memories more wisely, we might, in our very darkest distress, strike a match which would instantaneously kindle the lamp of comfort. There is no need for God to create a new thing upon the earth in order to restore believers to joy; if they would prayerfully rake the ashes of the past, they would find light for the present; and if they would turn to the book of truth and the throne of grace, their candle would soon shine as aforetime. Be it ours to remember the lovingkindness of the Lord, and to rehearse His deeds of grace. Let us open the volume of recollection which is so richly illuminated with memorials of mercy, and we shall soon be happy. Thus memory may be, as Coleridge calls it, ‘the bosom-spring of joy,’ and when the Divine Comforter bends it to His service, it may be chief among earthly comforters.

5.28p

Weekly Links (9/16/2016)

“The measure of a person is faithfulness, not numerical success. The real issue continues to be the kind of people we are producing in our churches. What is the body of Christ like when the lights are out, the doors are locked, and the parking lot is empty?” (Bill Hull, The Disciple-Making Pastor: Leading Others on the Journey of Faith)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The weekend is here, so it’s time to be blessed by what’s been posted online this week. Enjoy!

  • When we think of ministry success, what comes to mind? Large churches? Dynamic speaking? Amazing worship (AKA cool songs)? Caleb Kolstad re-calibrates success according to God, and what He finds worthy of commending. Even if this may be directed at pastors, this is something every member of a church needs to keep in mind, and not have unreal expectations on their leaders. May we all hold onto biblical priorities of success to God’s glory.
  • What kind of counsel would you give to a pregnant mom? Loaded question, I’m sure, but Jeanne Harrison’s recent post on giving hope to miserably pregnant moms (her words, not mine) seems like a good place to start.
  • What are the criteria for disciplining your children, parents? Kevin DeYoung provides some wise counsel, specifically when you’re tempted to become angry.
  • What is it like to raise children with special needs? Andrew and Rachel Wilson were recently interviewed about the many challenges and blessings they have encountered in this crucial stage of life for both them and their kids. This has more to do you than you may realize.
  • What do you say when someone tells you concerning a decision, “I have a peace about it?” Pastor Eric Davis has some biblical guidance to direct us to think according to Scripture, rather than our feelings of peace.
  • Curious as to how the Intelligent Design movement is doing? Check out a recent interview with one of their leading advocates, William Dembski. Note: This is not a full endorsement of ID, but it is an area that many Christians have an interest in, especially those who have a science background.
  • Listen in on the most recent Truth in Love podcast from ACBC, led by Heath Lambert, or read the transcript: “Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the Dallas Police Massacre.“
  • Jim Newheiser recently moved from CA to NC to become RTS Charlotte’s Counseling Program Director. He gave the convocation address to start off the new school year, speaking on “The Relationship Between Biblical Counseling and Preaching in the Local Church.” This is not something you should miss!
  • Justin Brierley from the Unbelievable? radio show in the UK recently traveled to Northridge, CA to record a show between Ryan Bell, the former pastor who took a year off from following God and ended up becoming an atheist, and Sean McDowell, a Christian professor and apologist who had his own doubts before coming to the conviction that Christianity is true. You can either watch or listen to the program here.
  • R.C. Sproul answers a hard, but common, question: if God is sovereign, why pray?

That’s all for this week! Remember it’s flocks week, so none of the affinity groups will be meeting tonight. Hope you all can enjoy time getting to know some new people tonight and tomorrow! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Movin’ On Up

by Elder Johnny Kim

Growing up, the end of the summer always meant one thing. It meant that the time of rest and relaxation and fun in the sun was drawing to a close and the new school year was just around the corner. Like other kids, the tail end of the summer was the time I would start anticipating moving up to the next grade in school. Wondering what new subjects I would be taking and what new things I would be learning. Year after year, the routine was always the same. You spent the school year at a particular grade level, had a summer break, then started the new school year at the next grade level and so on. It’s a routine that we’ve all been a part of and one that represents the progression of academic learning. All throughout school, we are always acquiring more and more knowledge year after year and learning things more complex than those learned the year before.

This principle is pretty elementary (pun intended) in the context of school, yet sometimes we as Christians neglect to consider that in some sense, our Christian walk ought to be the same way. Specifically, when it comes to the study of the Bible, our knowledge of God’s Word ought to reflect a similar constant progress towards a greater and deeper understanding of God, His character, and His commands. Like Ezra, our hearts ought to be set on “studying the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10). And by doing so, year after year, the faithful Christian should exhibit a growth and a maturity that is always increasing. As it is with school, it should be just as much a given that as Christians, we are to constantly be growing in the Word and ever moving up through the proverbial “grade levels” of learning all there is to know in God’s Word.

Unfortunately, for some of us the pattern of our growth and knowledge of God’s Word is more stagnant and static rather than swelling. Particularly for those further along in the faith, for some reason it seems easier to be caught in the position where we find we are no longer as excited and disciplined about reading and studying the Bible as we were when first saved. Sure, the more mature Christians may no longer be spiritual “preschoolers”, but they could still find that they’ve been “stuck in 8th grade for the last decade” in terms of what they know about God and His holy Word.

Christians are called to diligently study God’s Word and to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). The student who is held back a grade in school because of laziness and lack of motivation feels a sense of shame and rightly so. So there is shame for the believer who after years and years of being a Christian still only knows little more than the fundamentals of the faith. With each passing year, we should know that much more about God and the doctrines and truths in His Word than we did the year before and because of that, with each passing year, there should be a marked difference and a maturation in the way that we evangelize, teach, and serve. Growth in godliness is never separate from growth in the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2). Studying God’s faithfulness, His goodness, and His promises can’t help but cause us to better trust in Him, worship Him, and glorify Him with our lives.

Let us encourage one another to diligently read and study the Bible, God’s divine truth given for us. Grade school may be just a distant memory for some of us, but none of us should ever stop being an active student of God’s Word. If we, like the psalmist, can truly proclaim that we love the Word of God (Psalm 119:97), then we will quickly find that we will never need nor want a “summer break” from studying it for as long as we live.