The LIGHThouse Guardian
February 25, 2026
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’" And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. — Luke 4:1-13
Discipline without Ashes is Shallow.
Scripture:
Luke 4:1-13
Discipline: Forming a Godly HABIT.
Temptations that Jesus faced:
COMMITMENT is more about the “Why” than the “What.” The Why: Ashes represent REPENTANCE.
APPLICATION:
Luke 4:1-13
Discipline: Forming a Godly HABIT.
Temptations that Jesus faced:
- PASSION.
- PRIDE.
- POWER OVER OTHERS.
COMMITMENT is more about the “Why” than the “What.” The Why: Ashes represent REPENTANCE.
APPLICATION:
- DO IT FOR JESUS, NOT YOU.
- START SMALL.
HighLIGHT: Pretending 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.
Pretending shrinks the Cross. The longer we live this Christian life, the more aware we become of our sinfulness, fallenness, and imperfections. It is amazing that our God sacrificed Himself to save us - and we SO do not deserve it! But if we leave it there... if all we think about is our sinfulness and not grow in our knowledge of God's Holiness, we are simply empty shells pretending at church. To put it another way, ask yourself, "Is my glass half-full or half-empty?" Both answers are incorrect! God fills the whole glass for you! But if your focus is on yourself, then shame, guilt, and self-justification rules your thoughts and worship. If it is true that Christ has indeed died to save you, then how could you not focus on Him??
How can we make the Cross "bigger" in our lives? Remember that Christ died to save YOU! If you call yourself a believer in Christ and what He has done, then you must be reminded that salvation is guaranteed and the perfect is coming. So, continue to place your hope in Him! They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul. Therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:23-24)
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.
Pretending shrinks the Cross. The longer we live this Christian life, the more aware we become of our sinfulness, fallenness, and imperfections. It is amazing that our God sacrificed Himself to save us - and we SO do not deserve it! But if we leave it there... if all we think about is our sinfulness and not grow in our knowledge of God's Holiness, we are simply empty shells pretending at church. To put it another way, ask yourself, "Is my glass half-full or half-empty?" Both answers are incorrect! God fills the whole glass for you! But if your focus is on yourself, then shame, guilt, and self-justification rules your thoughts and worship. If it is true that Christ has indeed died to save you, then how could you not focus on Him??
How can we make the Cross "bigger" in our lives? Remember that Christ died to save YOU! If you call yourself a believer in Christ and what He has done, then you must be reminded that salvation is guaranteed and the perfect is coming. So, continue to place your hope in Him! They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul. Therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:23-24)
Upcoming Events
Ignite Youth Leadership Conference, March 13-14 (Friday & Saturday)
April Event: TBD
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. March is posted!
Grace Church
4200 E 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50317
4200 E 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50317
Cost: $95.00/student + Meal Money (Dinner Friday & Saturday)
Be on the look out for additional details!
April Event: TBD
Check out the LIGHThouse Monthly Calendar. March 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.