The LIGHThouse Guardian
February 3, 2026
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
What Defines You?
Christians Core Beliefs:
What makes a RIGHTEOUS person?
WHAT DEFINES YOU?
APPLICATION
- Salvation is offered to ALL.
- Salvation is only given to the RIGHTEOUS.
What makes a RIGHTEOUS person?
- Not ASHAMED of the Gospel.
- ADOPTED in Christ.
- Lives by FAITH.
WHAT DEFINES YOU?
APPLICATION
- BE MADE RIGHT IN CHRIST.
- LIVE LIKE YOU'RE RIGHTEOUS.
HighLIGHT: Performance Shrinks the Cross
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 last few weeks a chart was posted, representing 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. The is makes the Gospel more central to everything we do. Our deeper knowledge of God's holiness and our sinfulness allows for the Christ to work in us all the more.
The chart above 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.
Performance shrinks the Cross. When we are extremely aware of God's holiness and ignore our own sinfulness, we can get into trouble. It is good to emphasize God's perfection! We cannot live up to His standard - this is why we need the Gospel. However, we can take matters into our own hands. We become legalistic, driven by rules, and motivated by how others perceive you. You perform your faith. if you find your worship devoid of emotion or lacking in passion, you may be struggling with this.
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)
The last few weeks a chart was posted, representing 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. The is makes the Gospel more central to everything we do. Our deeper knowledge of God's holiness and our sinfulness allows for the Christ to work in us all the more.
The chart above 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.
Performance shrinks the Cross. When we are extremely aware of God's holiness and ignore our own sinfulness, we can get into trouble. It is good to emphasize God's perfection! We cannot live up to His standard - this is why we need the Gospel. However, we can take matters into our own hands. We become legalistic, driven by rules, and motivated by how others perceive you. You perform your faith. if you find your worship devoid of emotion or lacking in passion, you may be struggling with this.
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
Super Bowl Party: February 8, 2026 @ 5:00pm~9:00pm.
Location: Ivesters' Home. For address or directions, please talk to PT.
Food, fun, and fellowship... Also, a devotional during Halftime!
March: Ignite Youth Leadership Conference, March 13-14
April Event: TBD
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. February is posted!
Location: Ivesters' Home. For address or directions, please talk to PT.
Food, fun, and fellowship... Also, a devotional during Halftime!
Nacho/Taco Bar! Sponsors will supply toppings and meat. Students are encouraged to bring desserts and drinks. There will be a sign up sheet passed around on Wednesday.
Please drop off/pick up your student at the house. If transportation is an issue, please let PT or a sponsor know.
March: Ignite Youth Leadership Conference, March 13-14
April Event: TBD
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. February 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.
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.