The LIGHThouse Guardian

January 20, 2026

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”    — Romans 10:9-13

The Romans Road

How does one understand salvation? How does it occur? How do we know whether we are saved? Going through the Letter to the Romans helps us make sense of the significance of the Christ's death, resurrection, and our eternal destiny. One way for us to summarize this is known as "The Romans Road" or "The Romans Road to the Gospel."

The Romans Road provides a way for us to contemplate, think about, and appreciate the Gospel. You might even memorize them! It is not simply for the believer's understanding; but it also enables the Christian to communicate the Gospel to a nonbeliever.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

HighLIGHT: THE CROSS CHART

Bob Thune (Lead Pastor, Coram Deo Church) wrote a neat devotional focused on "making the Gospel bigger" in his The Gospel-Centered Life for Teens. The Student Leadership Cohort went through this a couple years ago.

The attached chart represents healthy discipleship within a believer in Christ. Upon conversion, a Christian acknowledges God's holiness in light of his or her sinfulness. After one gives his or her life to Christ, this awareness grows. And as their awareness grows, so does their relationship with Christ.

There is another chart that expresses obstacles to discipleship. On the one hand, there might be an emphasis on God's holiness, but not on one's sinfulness. This leads to legalism or moralism. On the other, guilt and shame might overtake their ability to recognize God's holiness. Both cases cause stagnation.

How can we make the Cross "bigger" in our lives? Continued repentance is a good way to begin. As Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

Upcoming Events

Ice Skating Event: January 30th @6:30pm-9:00pm
Moylan Tranquility Iceplex
12550 W. Maple Rd.
Omaha, NE 68164


February: Super Bowl Party
March: Ignite Youth Leadership Conference

Check out our Monthly Calendar! January is posted!

Programs

LG:t (Life Group for Teens) meets on Sunday evenings, 6:00pm to 8:15pm 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 6:50pm to 8:15pm!!! Join us for fellowship, a sermon, discipleship groups, and games! Our new series is on the Letter to the Romans 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.