The LIGHThouse Guardian
June 23, 2026
As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” — Acts 10:36-43
Why Believe?
Why do you believe what you believe?
We often ask this question of others: our family, friends, random strangers. Why do they believe what they believe. When that question is asked of us, we think of 1 Peter 3:15. We must be prepared! Do we truly have an answer, though? Not for the purpose of satisfying others with our eloquence, or to defeat them with sound arguments, or even to persuade ourselves that Christ is still worth following (He is, in case you did not know). When you came to saving faith, there was something beyond that moment of clarity. It was not simply having an understanding of the Gospel narrative. It was the Holy Spirit truly dwelling within that brought about a new creation. You have been changed, - transformed!
What did it for you? If asked, "Why do you believe in Jesus?" What would you say? Perhaps, you are logically convinced. Maybe you follow Christ because you are forgiven. Is it the hope that the Gospel brings? Perhaps you take comfort in the peace that God brings. Regardless of the reason, the Gospel is at the center of it all. The Gospel is why you are saved in the first place. We can lose sight of that, if we are not careful. What Christ has done on the Cross, his death, and Resurrection are foundational to our faith.
Application: There must be, then an urgency for others to believe as you do. There is a holy burden God has put on the church body: to share the Good News with as many people as possible.
We often ask this question of others: our family, friends, random strangers. Why do they believe what they believe. When that question is asked of us, we think of 1 Peter 3:15. We must be prepared! Do we truly have an answer, though? Not for the purpose of satisfying others with our eloquence, or to defeat them with sound arguments, or even to persuade ourselves that Christ is still worth following (He is, in case you did not know). When you came to saving faith, there was something beyond that moment of clarity. It was not simply having an understanding of the Gospel narrative. It was the Holy Spirit truly dwelling within that brought about a new creation. You have been changed, - transformed!
What did it for you? If asked, "Why do you believe in Jesus?" What would you say? Perhaps, you are logically convinced. Maybe you follow Christ because you are forgiven. Is it the hope that the Gospel brings? Perhaps you take comfort in the peace that God brings. Regardless of the reason, the Gospel is at the center of it all. The Gospel is why you are saved in the first place. We can lose sight of that, if we are not careful. What Christ has done on the Cross, his death, and Resurrection are foundational to our faith.
Application: There must be, then an urgency for others to believe as you do. There is a holy burden God has put on the church body: to share the Good News with as many people as possible.
HighLIGHT: Teen Life Truths
Teen Life Truths (TLT) is coming up in a couple weeks. As you may know, it is a 10-week course we offer on Wednesday nights, going through the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Out of those passages, we extrapolate essential truths that will teach young middle school students what they may encounter in life and what it means to follow Christ. In the past we have done TLT every Spring; however, we believe it will make for a good initiation into the LIGHThouse youth group. Here are some details.
WHO: This course is offered to:
(1) Every incoming 6th grade student.
(2) Any middle school student who has not taken the course.
(3) Any middle school student newer to SSB.
WHEN: May 20-July 22, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
WHERE: One of the classrooms in the church building.
WHAT: There will be snacks and short breaks between "modules."
This Summer, The LIGHThouse will meet Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm (starting June 3rd). During the course, TLT attendees will be in the class until 8:00pm. Afterward, they will join the rest of the youth group. Most of the incoming 6th grade students will have other siblings around; so everyone can come and go at the same time. I will be around to welcome any student 7th grade and above.
WHO: This course is offered to:
(1) Every incoming 6th grade student.
(2) Any middle school student who has not taken the course.
(3) Any middle school student newer to SSB.
WHEN: May 20-July 22, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
WHERE: One of the classrooms in the church building.
WHAT: There will be snacks and short breaks between "modules."
This Summer, The LIGHThouse will meet Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm (starting June 3rd). During the course, TLT attendees will be in the class until 8:00pm. Afterward, they will join the rest of the youth group. Most of the incoming 6th grade students will have other siblings around; so everyone can come and go at the same time. I will be around to welcome any student 7th grade and above.
Upcoming Events
Summer Events:
June 27: Mad Cow Paintball 11:00am-2:00pm
July 25: LIGHThouse Pool Party
August 26: End-of-Summer Party
Teen Life Truths (TLT)
May 20-July 22
Mad Cow Paintball
11212 Cedar Creek Rd.
Louisville, NE 68037
Saturday, June 27th at 11:00am-2:00pm
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. June is posted!!!
June 27: Mad Cow Paintball 11:00am-2:00pm
July 25: LIGHThouse Pool Party
August 26: End-of-Summer Party
Teen Life Truths (TLT)
May 20-July 22
Mad Cow Paintball
11212 Cedar Creek Rd.
Louisville, NE 68037
Saturday, June 27th at 11:00am-2:00pm
- Carpooling Option: If you need a ride, please be at the church no later than 10:15am. If a student rides back from the event, they will arrive at the church around 3:00pm.
- Casey's Pizza and pop for lunch.
Let PT know you would like to go!
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. June is posted!!!
Student Ministry Summer Hours
Summer Hours:
TLT (Teen Life Truths) Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
LIGHThouse Wednesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
LG:t (Life Group for Teens 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Incoming 6th grade students are invited!
Our graduates may stay until the beginning of the school year!
TLT (Teen Life Truths) Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
LIGHThouse Wednesdays 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
LG:t (Life Group for Teens 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Incoming 6th grade students are invited!
Our graduates may stay until the beginning of the school year!
Programs
LG:t (Life Group for Teens) meets on Sunday evenings, 6:00pm to 9:00pm in room 115. We have been going through the Letter to the Galatians. Bring your Bible and a snack to share with the whole group!
LIGHThouse Youth group meets on Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a devotional, and games! Our summer series will be on "Summer in the Psalms!" Bring your Bible. Bring your friends!!!
Student Prayer Ministry Need prayer? We desire to build a culture of prayer in the youth ministry. If you need to talk to anyone and get encouragement and prayer, Pastor Tim and the sponsors are always willing to pray for you. As a standing offer, Pastor Tim and the student leaders are offering prayer after the LIGHThouse.
Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) High School students have the opportunity to grow deeply in their faith while also serving as a part of a leadership team for LIGHThouse. The SLC meets monthly for a devotion, to plan events, and to create discipleship opportunities for their fellow students.
LIGHThouse Youth group meets on Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a devotional, and games! Our summer series will be on "Summer in the Psalms!" Bring your Bible. Bring your friends!!!
Student Prayer Ministry Need prayer? We desire to build a culture of prayer in the youth ministry. If you need to talk to anyone and get encouragement and prayer, Pastor Tim and the sponsors are always willing to pray for you. As a standing offer, Pastor Tim and the student leaders are offering prayer after the LIGHThouse.
Student Leadership Cohort (SLC) High School students have the opportunity to grow deeply in their faith while also serving as a part of a leadership team for LIGHThouse. The SLC meets monthly for a devotion, to plan events, and to create discipleship opportunities for their fellow students.
SSB Student Ministries exist to share the Gospel and to make Christ-like Disciples and Servant Leaders of the Church.