Beacon Light Community Church: Recent Episodes
Johnathan Allen
Three Reasons for a Completely Surrendered Life to God: Love, Glory, Joy; or Why Do We Exist?
Mark 4:20-29 Parable Of the Growing Seed 1) The Call to evangelism 2) Get the Word out! 3) Great Encouragement 4) Christ Admonition 5) The Harvest!!
Both sin and circumstances can bring the unwelcomed guest of weeping and sorrow into our hearts, yet God is merciful to send his message of joy to dislodge that unwelcomed guest.
In this message, Pastor Johnathan elaborates on the beauty of what it means that God is our Father.
In this message, Pastor Johnathan takes us through the theological significance of Paul's greeting—"grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." We do well to remember that this salutation is not as a mere formality but a living declaration of divine favor and reconciliation.
In this message we learn how true saints are defined not by worldly status but by being set apart in Christ, calling believers to examine their holy living, personal disciplines, and church unity while embracing their paradoxical identity as both humble servants and heirs of God's eternal kingdom.
This message explores the vision of the two witnesses as a symbolic representation of the church's journey through history. It'll trace three movements: (1) The church's life as a Spirit-empowered witness that prophetically confronts sin (despite outward persecution, believers are spiritually protected); (2) The church's death through a final, climactic persecution, where the world celebrates the apparent silencing of God's witnesses, and (3) The church's resurrection and vindication when God raises His people to glory, while the world is judged.
Title: Baked in the Cake Speaker: Brandin Wegner Date: October 12, 2025 Bible: Philippians 2:1-11
Pastor John Hoffmaster preaches on the journey of sanctification and urges us as believers to actively pursue a life mirroring Christ.
This message emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's word, contrasting the blessed individual who delights in Scripture and avoids wicked counsel with those who reject divine instruction and pursue fleeting pleasures. Drawing from Psalm 1, Brandin highlights the transformative power of meditating on God's law, which leads to a life of flourishing, fruitfulness, and enduring prosperity rooted in a deep connection to the living water of Christ, ultimately offering a path of grace and eternal standing before God.
This sermon covers what it means to live as those redeemed from sin and how we can overcome the ridicule of the world. As the title let's on, no one will escape the judgment of God. Therefore, we ought to live accordingly.
Christ has called wives to submit. While this call can be difficult, wives must understand that submission is ultimately to Christ-the perfect Husband.
How Faith is worked internally, How faith is preached audibly, How faith is confirmed sacramentaly.
When Christ's name is mentioned, everyone has a reaction. Is He a rock of stumbling and offense-- Or is He chief cornerstone--
Church discipline is intended to vindicate the offended, to win back the offender, and to bring honor and glory to the name of Christ. The actions of discipline, including excommunication, were instituted by Christ himself. Therefore, discipline is binding to the church and must be fulfilled.
The gospel Word not only saves us, but it transforms us into a people marked by love for God and for neighbor. When all things around us fail and disappoint, the Word of God shall be there still.
Jared Luttjeboer examines God's unfailing compassion and grace in the face of persistent human rebellion, using Hosea 11-7-9 as the central text. The message explores two main themes- the tendency of God's people to turn away from Him, and God's unwavering love despite this rebellion. The message culminates in an application of these truths to the work of Jesus Christ, emphasizing how His sacrifice on the cross demonstrates God's ultimate act of compassion and redemption, as well as satisfying His wrath.
Our faith is not novel nor is it randomly concocted. It is a faith that is as ancient as creation itself. It is a faith that is revealed by the preaching of the Word by faithful preachers. It is a faith that the angels of heaven admire with fascination, for it is the salvation of man.
Rev. Ted Gray preaches on how God works in His mysterious providence for the salvation of His people by highlighting the account of the healing of Naaman in the Jordan River.
Brandin Wegner gives us a glimpse at the fellowship of believers in the early church, united in Christ, as they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
In this final sermon of Pastor Johnathan's series on Paul's two-age teaching, we learn about how Jesus Christ leaves the glories of heaven to serve man in the lowest form as a servant, to be raised and exalted that all shall bow down and praise Him. They must do so now, before all do so before judgment.
In his well-known -Sermon on the Mount,- our Lord Jesus Christ begins with a series of -beatitudes,- patterned after beatitudes in the Old Testament Psalter. The Sermon on the Mount describes -Kingdom Life in a Fallen World- -Sinclair Ferguson- and begins with a many-sided portrait of the qualities of heart and life that characterize those who are citizens of Christ's Kingdom. The first beatitude, -Blessed are the Poor in Spirit,- is basis. Kingdom citizens are people who are deeply conscious that all the riches of Christ's kingdom are given to them by grace alone. As the apostle Paul reminds us, -what do we have that we have not received- -1 Cor. 4-7-.
This message focuses on the theme that since God desires the spread of his Kingdom around the world, we must depend on the work of the Holy Spirit to further that Kingdom. --The main supporting points are--1- Dependence on the Spirit is the antithesis of human striving-self-determination -as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel, where human pride and attempts at autonomy from God led to judgment and confusion of languages-.--2- Dependence on the Spirit is only possible because the Holy Spirit is given to us -as seen in the account of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was poured out, reversing the curse of Babel by enabling the disciples to preach the gospel in diverse languages-.--The message contrasts the human pride and self-sufficiency exhibited at Babel with the disciples' humble reliance on God's Spirit at Pentecost. It emphasizes that just as Babel's sinful striving led to chaos, our witness today can only succeed through dependence on the Spirit God graciously gives us. Pentecost reversed Babel's curse by empowering gospel proclamation to all nations through the Spirit's enabling.
In Psalm 7, we notice this theme- Because God's people will experience injustice, you must trust your just God. You must trust the Lord by fleeing to his refuge and, secondly, by letting him judge your heart. Thirdly, you must trust God because of his justice, and lastly, you must trust him because of his deliverance.
Brandin Wegner takes us through David's psalm of repentance which serves as a model for how we can come before our merciful God in faith and repentance, knowing that He is faithful to cleanse us from unrighteousness.
Pastor John outlines the sovereignty of God, His compassion, and how that compassion fuels and enables missions and evangelism amongst His people.
God is the actor in salvation, and we are the glad recipients of his love and salvation in Christ. Abraham, the father of the faith, learned this very lesson before the face of God, responding in obedience by administering the covenant sign and seal to himself and his household.
Our ultimate hope rests not in an earthly ruler or temporary triumph but in a sovereign King whose victory is eternal. We need a King who enters Jerusalem humbly yet triumphantly but whose path also leads to the cross. It is through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection that, by God's grace, we find everlasting life and redemption in Christ Jesus. In this message, we'll see King Saul's failure, King Jesus' triumph, and then contrast the choice between these two kings.
Exploring 1 Samuel 24, Brandin Wegner guides us through the narrative of David sparing the life of Saul, his greatest adversary. This passage illuminates David's mercy toward his enemy, foreshadowing the mercy exhibited by his descendant, Jesus Christ. As God incarnate, Jesus extends forgiveness to His enemies in the most profound way imaginable.
The nature of Christ's kingship and kingdom is spiritual, not like the kingdoms of this world- the doctrine of the spirituality of the church flows from this reality, meaning that the church is called both to distinguish itself from the worlds and to give itself to the world.
God's calling often brings affliction, requiring us to seek His means of solace. In two ways, we'll see that we can take solace in the covenant community, and ultimately, we seek solace in the Spirit of Christ.
Pastor John Hoffmaster shows us how the life of David exemplifies a life of love, obedience, and trust in the Lord. Indeed, he was a man after God's own heart.
We are, in faith-union with Jesus Christ, more than conquerors in all things, due solely to Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us.
1 Samuel 15 centers around human disobedience and the tendency to prioritize personal desires over God's commands, but it leads to the need for repentance and submission to God's will. In two parts, we look at the danger of partial obedience and then the need for genuine repentance.
When we face threats from without or within, God may seem absent. However, he is very much present. Therefore, we must boldly call upon God to defend us from our enemies.
Despite earthly circumstances, God's work continues unhindered. Despite humble or difficult appearances, God's purposes and will advance undeterred behind the scenes. We as believers need to see beyond surface-level earthly circumstances and trust in God's continual unseen work that supersedes all apparent chaos or troubles in the world, both on a global scale and in our own personal lives of toil and trouble. And that is portrayed for us wonderfully in the first advent of our Lord and the context surrounding his birth.
In this message, we look at the wonders and mystery of this child promised to Mary -and through her, the whole world-. From there, we will consider how we should respond to such news -revelation-.
Theme- Come and Learn from Jesus, and you will find rest for your weary soul.--Points--1- Come to Jesus-2- Learn from Jesus
In this passage, Jared Luttjeboer exhorts from Psalm 113, reminding us that because God is majestic and compassionate, He is to be glorified.
In this text Peter displays a true faith in Jesus Christ that, while not perfect, is a faith which is able to receive God's blessing through Jesus Christ. It is recorded here in Matthew that we might be compelled to also trust in Jesus Christ from the heart, and thereby receive what comes through Him alone.
Text - 1 Corinthians 15-20-28-Sermon Title - God Shall Have Dominion. -1. The Resurrection of Its Citizens-2. The Destruction of its Enemies. -3. The Reign of its True King
Pastor John Hoffmaster speaks on -sola gratia,- Grace Alone, in our sermon series on the Five Solas of the Reformation.
In this message, we learn about a multilayered view of the preservation of a Christian's gifted prosperity, and how Christ is the one who ultimately protects-and equips us.
This message is about how Christians walk according to God's attributes, and yet he is gracious to us in Christ when we fail to live up to his perfect standard.
Jared takes us through the sealing of the 144,000 servants of the Lord in Revelation 7-1-8.
We live in a Negative World, where bearing witness to Jesus is uniquely challenging. Jesus gives us the wisdom we need to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
What does it mean to be a disciple that genuinely follows Jesus-- In Luke 9-57-62, Jesus challenges us with three aspects of discipleship that we must account for if we are to follow him. --1- The Cost of Comfort-2- The Cost of Care-3- The Cost of Conditions
Psalm 2 asks us two pointed questions- 1- who really reigns-- 2- where is your refuge-- Answering these questions takes us to the heart of the gospel- the anointed Son whose kingdom will have no end, and whose final victory is assured.
As Christians, we all struggle with finding joy when the circumstances that surround our lives are difficult and challenging. Sometimes, we wonder how we could even have joy when all that surrounds us is joyless. This passage teaches us how to be joyful even when all that is around us is joyless.
The Lord Jesus, whom we serve now, will give us victory over death by raising us with a transformed, imperishable body.
Though Mark's Gospel seems to end unsatisfactorily, his ending is theologically and thematically consistent with the rest of the text. We are given a trustworthy testimony of the resurrection by an empty tomb, a messenger from Heaven, and -eventually- the women who witnessed Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and by the other accounts in Scripture. It is by the power of God that Jesus was raised from the dead-vindicating Jesus as His beloved Son, accepting His sacrifice on the cross, and to prove the authority of Jesus Christ. The tomb is opened to stand as a witness to the world that it is the power of God that the dead are raised, the witnesses of the resurrection are telling the truth, and that God's Word bears faithful witness to the bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Whatever fear and unbelief we have must be rolled away by the God of the Living to open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts, and we must not harden our hearts to this gospel. If we have been saved by the object of our faith, Jesus Christ, then we too must go and tell all the world that He died in our place, and was raised for our justification.
In this sermon, Josh Carpenter takes a look at the parable of the unmerciful servant, exploring the important and sometimes difficult topic of forgiveness. We see in this parable how, because of God's limitless forgiveness shown to us in Christ's death and resurrection, we are called to forgive those who sin against us time and again, and from the heart.
Josh Carpenter takes a look at one of the -I Am- sayings of Jesus, seeing how God calls and desires us to be fruitful because of our union with Christ. He explores some of the ways that God, the master Vinedresser, cultivates us in order to bear spiritual fruit, particularly our- --1. Abiding in His Care -2. Abiding in the Vine -3. Abiding in His Love.
Psalm 115 calls God's people to trust in the living God rather than in lifeless idols, because you ultimately become what you worship.
Message- The Love of God - It Works Both Ways-Text- Romans 5-1-11-Pastor John Hoffmaster
Our faith and future wholly depend on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Being joined to him by faith, we will be raised to life when he comes again. Without this hope of resurrection, our faith and service are in vain.
There are lots of things that we may find comfort in throughout this life, but none that ultimately provide everlasting comfort. That kind of comfort is only found in our Good Shepherd. Josh Carptner explores three different ways that we see God comfort us in Psalm 23- He is- 1. Our Providing Shepherd, 2. Our Guiding and Guarding Shepherd, and 3. Our Sheltering Shepherd.
We have our hope in Christ at his second coming, but while we wait, we must be holy like our Father in heaven.
Dr. J. Mark Beach deals with forgiveness and reconciliation or otherwise, an unforgiving heart where no embrace takes place. The sermon warns against spiritual or theological conceit, along with sins that happen in the church that breed exclusion, that over against what conduces to embrace.
God so loved his people that He sent His Son to dwell and to take on their nature. Because of this, we give Him all the glory for identifying with us and dying for us. Two things we'll look at in John 1-14- What it meant for the Word, Jesus, to become flesh and what it meant for him to dwell with his people.
In this message, we'll explore the theme of how Jesus Christ is our greatest joy as we look at the angel's pronouncement of Christ's birth to the shepherds and our response today.
Throughout Scripture, we hear many prophecies about the Savior which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. And yet, Christ goes BEYOND the prophecies, even penetrating the words and actions of those who follow the Lord. In this message, we will see how Moses acts as Prophet, Priest and Leader of God's people, all of which emulate and point to Christ the Savior, connecting us through time with one another in the birth of Jesus.
Theme- -The Worship of God is our Highest Duty--Points- -1. Guard your Steps-2. Guard your Mouth-3. Guard your Heart
Theme- There is no Wiggle Room when it comes to Truth--We will see this theme in three ways-- 1. Know the truth - 2. Walk in truth - 3.Abide in truth--Charge- We must guard the truth of God's word closely.
Sermon Text's Central Idea- -God's sovereignty in the story of Jacob's dysfunctional family is both expressed in God's being in control not just of history's beginning and end, but also in its unfolding through His active participation in it.--Sermon Proposition--Let us trust that God is always at work in our lives, and yes, even in all the messiness. Our assurance of this should lead us to work out our faith towards spiritual maturity - in our dreams, and depressions, in our victories, and in our struggles - all to the Glory of God.
This message's theme is that Assurance is found in the constant presence of the Lord. And we will see the Assurance of the Lord in three ways---1. God calls us to rejoice in all things.-2. God calls us to be gentle to all people.-3. God calls us to be calm in our needs.
Sermon- To Eat or Not to Eat -1 Corinthians 8---This passage teaches us the priority of sacrificial, Christ-like love toward believers with a weak conscience. There is something more important than our personal freedom, and that is Christian love.
Sermon Text- John 11-17-27, 38-44-Sermon I AM the Resurrection and the Life--Theme- Not even death can stop Christ's resurrection life.-I. Lazarus wasn't beyond the reach of Christ.-II. I AM the Resurrection -v. 24- Heidelberg Catechism Q-A 57-III. I AM the Life- v.25-27, Heidelberg CAtechism Q-A 58
Sermon- Unprecedented Times -Matthew 11-7-15---By considering John the Baptist and his place in the story of redemption, we learn about our place in that story and about Christ, to whom John points. We see that we live in a momentous period in redemptive history.
Sermon Text- Isaiah 43-1-7--Sermon- Fear not, for God loves you.--1. You are His-2. He is with you.-3. He purchased you.
Sermon- Sin in the Past Tense-The gospel transforms our sinful selves and calls us to live according to our new identity.--1. Sin and our inheritance -vv. 9-10--2. Sin and our identity -v. 11-
Bookending the chiasm of Rev. 22-6-21, Jesus promises to return soon, and He is faithful to keep all His promises. Faith is trusting that He has and will keep all His promises. There is blessing for the obedient and faithful, and grace is given to the saints. However, succeeding and preceding the promises and blessings, we are warned to have fidelity in our worship, and to be justified by Christ alone-who is the beginning and the ending of all things. There is just judgment for those who are outside of Him. Therefore, the Church must guard the truth and word of Christ faithfully, the mishandling of which is infidelity, and liability to judgment. Finally, at the center of this chiasm, the emphasis emboldens the call for all the world to drink the living water of Christ. This call comes from Christ's Holy Spirit and His body the Church, calling the world to come and be satisfied in Him. We all are thirsty, and will find that thirst quenched only in Christ. We must eagerly and expectantly look for His return, when He will consummate His kingdom and satisfy our thirst forever.
Summer intern Stephen Corbitt takes us through Philippians 1-12-14 and how Paul's imprisonment served to advance the gospel. In three ways we see that this is an -1- Unexpected advance, -2- an evangelistic advance to unbelievers, and -3- an encouraging advance to those who are saved.
Message- One Thing is Necessary-Luke 10-38-42-Stephen Corbitt--Stephen explores the account of Mary and Martha, and how even a good thing like service can distract us from the one thing that is most necessary- listening to Jesus.
Message- He Who is Forgiven Little, Loves Little-Luke 7-36-50-Stephen Corbitt--The Pharisee minimized his sin and therefore minimized his need for forgiveness. Because of this, his love was cold and aloof. But Jesus' approach to the sinful woman reveals that a deeper perception of sin opens one up to receive forgiveness found in him. The deeper the sin perceived, the greater the forgiveness received. And the greater the forgiveness perceived, the deeper the love flows.
This text is Jesus' inaugural sermon where he discloses the purpose of his mission as Messiah. The purpose is to proclaim good news to the poor and its scope is universal.
Dr. J. Mark Beach shows how we all need Jesus - people of all stripes and types, for we are all ill, needing his healing and care.
The resurrected Son of God has ascended victorious into heaven, which leads to proper worship and hope.--In Luke 24-50-53, Jared takes us through two points in considering the ascension of Jesus- --1- Blessing during the ascension-2- Worshipful response after the ascension
The failure of God's people does not stop God's commitment to his covenant promises. Even when we are faithless, he is faithful. In this message, we will see- --1. Human failure and faithlessness -vv. 1-6--2. Divine mercy and faithfulness -vv. 7-16-
In the account of Peter's Restoration in John chapter 21, we learn three valuable lessons- --Focus on Loving Jesus-Focus on Serving Others-Focus on Staying Focused.
Matthew Van Der Woerd reflects on the grace and faithfulness of God in Judges 16. Samson does whatever he wants and presumes on God's grace, but God's amazing grace and faithfulness are demonstrated in that God doesn't leave any of His children for good. In addition, it has the warning to flee from temptations and sin.
In the darkest days, we are exhorted to dwell on the resurrection and the hope it provides. In Daniel 12, we see- --1- Promise of the Resurrection -vv. 1-3--2- Encouragement Because of the Resurrection -vv. 4-13-
Human misery in the wake of death meet's Jesus' compassion and power--1. Jesus sees misery-2. Jesus brings restoration -3. Jesus evokes awe
In Daniel 11-29-35, the author shows his audience that the abominable acts of the king in question and his oppressiveness against the covenant people of God determines who would either abandon the holy covenant or remain strong in their faith and commitment to God.
In Exodus 33, we see 3 things- --1. God's Presence Threatened-2. God Relents through Intercession-3. God's Presence Desired
In 2nd Samuel 7, The Lord promises to do 3 things- --The Lord is going to bless David, The Lord is going to bless Israel, and the Lord is going to bless the world.
Michael Wall takes us through Hosea 3-1-5, where we see a startling portrait of redemption expressed in three points- --1- The Love that Loves the Unlovable-2- The Cost of Redemption-3- Love's Demand - Which Brings Victory
Michael Wall takes us through Psalm 1, with the theme of -Voyage to Victory.- Embedded in this theme we see three things in the first song of the Psalter- ---1- The Road of the Righteous--2- A Way of the Wicked--3- Their Respected Destinations
Micahel Wall takes us through the events of Moses and the burning bush, and Moses was -1-Afraid and Weak, -2- Fearless before Pharaoh, but -3- Fearless because of the Blood.
In this message, Josh Carpenter takes a look at persevering in the faith in three ways- 1- Drawing Near to God, 2- Holding on to What We Believe, and 3- Encouraging in Community.
Daniel describes his vision in chapter 8 as -appalling.- We'll see how many years from Daniel, the camp of the enemy surrounds God's people, and all seems hopeless. And when we get a glimpse of this vision along with Daniel, we long to fix our eyes on One who can-offer hope. Amidst the apparent hopelessness in the present, we are exhorted to turn our eyes to the Lord of hope, who is the Lord of the past, present, and future. As a way to help us see this, we'll turn to two points- --1- The rise and triumph of evil, and -2- Our response to it.
We as God's people are blessed in Christ with 'so great a salvation.' But, it is quite reasonable to ask the question, -Saved from what-- In this message, we will consider what it means to be saved from---1- Sin -2- The Body of Death -3- The Domain of Darkness.
Message- From Here to Eternity-Revelation 5-Dr. J. Mark Beach--This passage involves John's vision -in the midst of trial and suffering, as many churches then were also being persecuted for their faith- in which God shows John the only One worthy -Jesus Christ, the Lamb- to enact God's will for history and the blessing and victory of the church in the present and the future. So, the scroll is about God's will -Thy will Be Done-, and Jesus is the One who can make God's will be accomplished-unto present sufferings and trials but also unto hope and victory. This sermon aims to give us perspective for the New Year and for the various trials within our own lives.
Paul prays for discerning love and describes its purposes. Love is the sum of all commands and the root of all virtues. Our pursuit of love is not purposeless, but allows us to live lives of excellence. On the day of Christ, we will realize that the fruits of this righteous love will not be because of our own selves, but because Jesus Christ has worked it in us. Hence, the ultimate purpose is the glory of God.
The various kingdoms of this world appear oppressive and overwhelming to God's people. But despite the presence of oppressive kingdoms, we participate in an even great-heavenly kingdom. Through Daniel chapter 7, we'll learn about- --1- The Kingdom of Beasts -vv. 2-8--2- The Kingdom of the Son of Man -vv. 9-14--3- The Kingdom Application -vv. 15-28-
Psalm 131 is about going up to worship God, and the Psalmist -David- confesses that he is not proud or arrogant, but has learned to be content with God, like a weaned child in its mother's arms, from which he urges us all to hope in God.--In Dr. Beach's message, he maintains that true hope in God is in Christ, the promised One who comes to give life and salvation, and Christ bids us to himself, to come to him like little children, dependent, trusting, teachable.
This sermon urges us to identify ourselves as needy people, needy sinners-poor, weak, damaged, broken-in order to see in Jesus the Savior and provider we need, not some dreamt up Jesus who enables us to pursue idols, etc.
The account of Daniel in the lion's den shows us that Daniel's God, our God, is the God of the living, and he is to be praised because of such. What this passage also shows us are the following points- --1- God's faithful people may be struck down -vv. 1-18---2- God's faithful people will not be destroyed -vv. 19-28---Going forward, reflect this week on 2 Corinthians 4-7-12. In what ways can you apply these verses to what you may be going through-
Sermon- Our Highest Good--We can trust and treasure the LORD who satisfies his people and preserves them both now and forever. --1. The LORD is our highest good -vv. 1-4- -2. The LORD makes us content in the present -vv. 5-8- -3. The LORD makes us confident for the future -vv. 9-11-
God makes known his wisdom and power through the foolishness and weakness of the crucified Christ and his chosen people, so that we will boast in him alone. As Jae Kim takes us through 1 Corinthians 1-18-31, we'll see---1. The foolish wisdom of the world -vv. 18-22- -2. The wise foolishness of the cross -vv. 23-25- -3. The foolishness of the chosen -vv. 26-31-
Dr. J. Mark Beach brings us a message from Matthew 3-1-17, where John the Baptist prepares the way for the baptism of Jesus. In this passage we hear three messages- A message for the -Of Course Me, Of Course Now- crowd, the -Not Me, Not Now- crowd,- which then leads to the gospel message.
Mid-America Reformed Seminary MDiv. student Jae Kim expounds on our faithful God, the one who called us in the beginning and is the same God who will keep us faithful to the end. As he takes us through 1 Corinthians 1-1-9 we'll see---1. God's sanctifying calling -vv. 1-3--2. God's gracious enriching -vv. 4-7--3. God's faithful keeping -vv. 8-9-
Jared Luttjeboer takes us through Daniel 5, which documents Belshazzar's feast and the handwriting on the wall. --In this text, we learn a sobering truth- In the lives of those defined by continued unrepentant sin, God gives them over in judgment to hard-heartedness beyond redemption. In this we take warning.--In this text, we learn about the reason for judgment, and the declaration of judgment. But where is grace in all of this- Tune in to find out.
Rev. Andrew Compton takes us through Genesis 12, the call of Abram out of his homeland, and shows how God's blessing to Abraham extends through all of Scripture, culminating in Jesus Christ, and by extension, his Church.
Praveen Phinehas reflects on our Lord's words in Matthew 5-21-26 concerning murder, using Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 40 as a guide.
Jared Luttjeboer expounds on Daniel chapter 4 and Nebuchadnezzar's warning of humiliation, his judgement, and restoration.
Join us as seminarian Ken Wojnarowski begins to lead us in a sermon series exploring the book of Joshua. He begins by looking at Joshua's being commissioned by the Lord to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer were concerned for the glory of God and for the honor and welfare of the people of God, the Israelites. And they loved the land, the promised land. But a mighty enemy was in their land, opposing everything that Jonathan and his armor-bearer cared for. With confidence that God would deliver them from their enemies, these two young men rose up with great courage and sent the powerful Philistines to flight. Additionally, God used the god-honoring courage of these two young men to stir up the fearful, trembling Israelites so that they too began to fight with courage. The Philistines were routed. But these episodes recorded in Scripture were not written only for the people of God who lived long ago- they were also written to be an encouragement for us, the people of God who are alive today in 2021. We the church need to be stirred up today so that we too can rise up and contend for the glory of God, for the welfare of the people of God and for land.
Dr. J. Mark Beach takes us through Mark 5-1-20 and the account of Jesus healing a man with a demon, demonstrating for us the misery, the mercy, and the marvel that accompanies this wonderful story.
Pastor Laryn takes us through Judges chapter 4 -the account of Deborah the Prophetess- and the Christian lessons we can learn from her ministering to the nation of Israel in a tumultuous period of judgment and war.
Jared Luttjeboer continues in the book of Daniel, focusing today on chapter 3 and the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -Daniel's three friends- and their refusal to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's statue. --What we can learn from this account is that even when ungodly societies and systems rise up against true believers, Christ is with them in the -fire- of trial.--Main Point 1- Ungodly societies and systems are raised up -vv. 1-7---Main Point 2- Ungodly societies and systems threaten true believers -vv. 7-18---Main Point 3- Ungodly societies and systems punish true believers. Here, one can find Christ -vv. 19-30-.
-This is my final message as the lead pastor of Beacon Light. I want to speak and focus today on the love of God. I can't think of a better topic with which to finish. Brothers and sisters, we have a good God. And everything he made is good. And God is love. In his love God made everything, including us, his image bearers. This morning let us take out our Bibles, open them, and then spend 30 minutes appreciating the goodness and love of God. From cover to cover, from Genesis to Revelation, let us take in the seamless, grand narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. Let us take in the mighty theme of love. God's love. Agape love. In turn, may God, in his infinite grace, enable us in Christ to love as he loves. To God alone be the glory.- - Pastor John Hoffmaster
From the beginning of our journey of faith, when we first encounter Jesus and we put our trust in him, until we finish this journey of faith and we see Jesus face-to-face, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus. But when it comes to salvation, when it comes to possessing eternal life, have we really looked to Jesus- And once having begun with Jesus, how well are we doing with keeping our eyes on him- May the Lord use this message to help us clarify our vision, sharpen our focus, remove spiritual cataracts and remove distractions. May the Lord help us to clearly see Jesus.
We live in a volatile environment of ungodly world governments, and it appears as if God isn't in control. The dream that King Nebuchadnezzar has, and that Daniel subsequently interprets, tells us that God is indeed sovereign over the nations. Even in the midst of a tumultuous and sin-filled world, we rest our faith in the sovereignty of God and his Kingdom rule in Christ.--Listen as Jared Luttjeboer takes us through Daniel 2, and the comfort that we find in the words contained therein.
We now draw to the close of our series on the Letter to the Philippians. I want to close this series by looking at a blessing that we have in Christ. That blessing- We are saints in Christ Jesus-- -If we are a Christian then we are in Christ, alive in him, and we have become a new creation. A new creation in Christ. Our nature is no longer the same. Prior to knowing Christ we were sinners, but we are sinners no longer. We are different. Now that we are alive in Christ, we have become saints. Saints in Christ. Holy ones. We are now united with Christ, and day-by-day, through humble, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered obedience, we are growing into his likeness. As Christians, who battle against sin and who look to stand firm against our culture's increasingly wicked value system, it is important that we take hold of our identity in Christ. Again, we are saints- Oh, what a blessing- To God alone be the glory---Pastor John
Guest Pastor Curtis Lee from Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, IN brings us a message from 1 Corinthians 13 on love, without which, we are nothing.
As Jared Luttjeboer wraps up his series on the book of Jonah, we'll learn two things- -1- The danger of forgetting grace, -2- how God does not forget grace.
We continue in our series on Paul's letter to the Philippians. Today's text is Philippians 3-8-4-1.--Do you want to know Christ Jesus more- Do you want to become more like him- One of the means by which we come to know Christ more should be obvious - through the Word of God. Today's sermon will also point out three other means by which we come to more fully know Christ, becoming like him - things that are not always so obvious- 1- Through the power of Christ's resurrection 2- By sharing in his suffering 3- By becoming like him in his death. This is the path to a fulfilled life in Christ, a God-glorifying life, a life of greater peace and joy, a life of deeper fellowship with our great God.--Again, do you want to know Jesus more- Do you want to become more like him- Listen in and consider today's message, titled, -Knowing Christ Jesus -Part 2-- The Upward Call-
Paul continues to challenge the little Philippian church to stand firm against all opposition. He now addresses a crucial topic- Righteousness. What does it mean to be in the right with God- The righteousness of God was of the utmost importance to a first century Jew. It should be of equal importance to us who are in the 21st Century. What is at stake with righteousness- Two crucial things- Peace with God, and unity in the covenant community, the Church. Do you stand in the right with God- Does the gospel you proclaim speak to how we are made right with God- Turn to Philippians 3-1-11- 4-1 and listen in.
Rev. Laryn Zoerhof takes us through Daniel's decision to stand against the culture of Babylon and its dietary restrictions. What could that possibly have to do with us today- Listen as Rev. Zoerhof unpacks this text for us.
It's so important in our day and age where sin is excused and where evil is called good and good is called evil, that we as a church really understand what is at stake if we do away with the doctrine of repentance. Repentance is not just a one-time thing you do when you get saved and go on living your life. Repentance is a crucial marker in the lives of God's people. In other words, repentance is ongoing and life changing in the Christian life. Repentance is a command -we see that replete throughout Scripture-, but repentance is also a gift.--In our series on Jonah, we'll see in chapter 3, as Jonah preaches to the Ninevites, that repentance comes by the means of the preached Word -vv. 1-4-- and repentance is displayed -vv. 5-10-.
Pastor John continues his preaching series on the Letter to the Philippians. --Having been saved through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are now called to work out that salvation. What does it mean to work out our salvation- How do we work it out- What is the end goal of our salvation- God's glory, God's pleasure. --Listen to today's message, titled, -Shining as Lights.- Philippians 2-12-18
-Jesus is Lord----'The Triumphal Entry' -Palm Sunday- and Philippians 2-1-11 go together. Both speak to Christ's model for how Christians should live in a fallen world. Listen in to how it is that living a life of humility, of loving service, not only enriches the internal life of the church but it enables it to stand strong in the midst of a fallen, antagonistic world, bearing witness to the glorious attributes of the kingdom of God and to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Christ is presently establishing his kingdom and lordship not by means of the stallion and sword, but by means of the cross and the gospel. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The church is called to imitate Christ.
God brings strong discipline upon his wayward children when they persist in impenitent sin, thereby ignoring their calling as a Christian. But discipline is not without purpose. Let's see together how Jonah's prayer reflects that purpose. Our text is Jonah 1-17-2-10.
Guest preacher Rev. Joseph Brinks takes us through Christ's suffering under Pontius Pilate, a suffering that happened for his people.
-Politics and the Gospel of Christ- It is a provocative sermon title. Intentionally so. --As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, behave - carry yourselves in this world in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Said in another way, let your politics be worthy of the gospel of Christ. And stand firm in your faith- stand firm for the truth- stand firm for the gospel.-But what does all of this look like-
Listen as Pastor Laryn Zoerhof takes us through Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsamane. Throughout the text, we'll see- --Judas - Choosing Evil-The Temple Police - Doing Their Job-The Disciples - Fighting Back-Jesus - Leading With Love
What is the gospel---The gospel is powerful. It is powerful enough to save anyone from their sins, to make them like Jesus and to make them strong and fit for service in the Kingdom of God.--The gospel is worth suffering for- it is worth dying for. But again, what is the gospel---Listen into today's message and learn about- The gospel of God's grace, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
We are in the beginning stage of a 3-month series on the book of Philippians. Today's text is Philippians 1-3-11. --God in his grace has given us life in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is because of God that we are in Christ Jesus. Furthemore, it is by his grace that we are being conformed more and more to the image of Jesus. And what God has started, he will finish. One day we shall be like the one we love. We shall be like Jesus. What a comfort this is to our soul- - -Today, we will consider three major aspects of bearing the likeness of Christ- Love, Holiness and The Fruit of Righteousness. All of this is of God. To him be all the praise and glory.
The most beautiful word in the English language is -love.- Perhaps the second most beautiful word is -grace.- God is love, and God is gracious. Flowing out from the love of God is the grace of God. But what is grace- Tune into today's message and learn more about -The Grace of God-. May the Lord by his grace bless and strengthen your souls.
Today's sermon is titled, -Love One Another-. Not love your neighbor- not love your enemy- not even 'love others'. No. Today our message is simply, -Love One Another-. Jesus said that this is his commandment -John 13-34,35 - 15-12-. The Apostle John in 1st and 2nd John says again and again, -Love one another-. John says that this is a new and an old commandment. Love one another. We must stay focused. Tune in to see why our Lord Jesus and the Apostle John so strongly emphasize loving one another. You may be surprised. And who are the 'one anothers' in the first place-
At times we treat salvation on an individualistic scale when there's a far grander movement at play. One on a global scale. We must not neglect God's redemptive program of drawing all nations to himself through Christ. And in a microcosmic sense, we see this played out in Matthew 2-1-12. The Wise Men serve as a microcosm for the nations, to whom God makes Christ known. And we'll see that -1- the Nations are Called- -2-, the Nations Seek- and -3- the Nations Worship.
Happy New Year- 2021. Resolutions - Commitments- Pray more. Read the Bible more. Be more devoted to God and Jesus. Be more loving to my church family and my neighbor. Reach more souls for Christ. Be more actively aware of justice causes. Be more like Jesus. It's all good. Of course it is.--Nonetheless, perhaps we need to start the new year not with a resolution but rather with a consideration. A consideration of God's love for us. Ponder his perfect love for us. Meditate upon his unconditional love for us. Prayerfully be aware of his love that is in us. And then, drawing upon that internal, inexhaustible reservoir of God's love, let us joyfully, bravely, and resolutely go into 2021 and love as he loves us. We love because he first loved us.
We come to the conclusion of our Christmas Advent series, titled, -Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation-. Today we will look at where all of history is heading. All things in heaven and on earth are being united in Christ -Ephesians 1-10-.--Christmas. The celebration of the birth of our Savior. In Christ, we have received salvation. In Christ, we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. In Christ, we are restored to an eternal relationship with God our Father. All of this comes to us from our loving Father as a gift. God's grace. But the Apostle John says we have received more than grace- we have received grace upon grace. Blessing upon blessing. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. -John 1-16-. Listen to this message describing how God's children, those who have received and believed in Jesus Christ -John 1-12-, fit into God's glorious plan for the ages. Merry Christmas.
God's calling upon our lives -as his people to love and serve the church- demands obedience to that call, and to deliberately ignore-disobey it in our sin has implications in our lives.--What can we learn through the story of Jonah to address this fallen condition in our lives- We'll first see the Price of Fleeing God's Calling -vv. 1-3-- and secondly, the Consequences of Ignoring God's Calling -vv. 4-16-.
It is by the grace of God that we have begun our life in Christ. And humbly depending on God, we must continue by grace to walk in Christ. To help us in this walk, we will consider the interplay of two gifts of grace, namely, faith and the Holy Spirit.
The nativity of our Lord Jesus is a setting filled with wonder. Yet, poignantly, a significant part of what makes the birthplace scene so wonderful is that looming ominously over the little body of our sinless savior is the shadow of a cross. Jesus, the Son of God, is also the Lamb of God. The Newborn King is also our Redeemer King. The Manger and the Cross are united into one story. The story of redemption. Come, listen in to this gospel message filled with pathos and joy and wonder. -Jesus - Our Redeemer King.-
In our Advent series considering Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation -Restoration-, Jared Luttjeboer reflects on Genesis 3 and the fall of man into sin. However, contained in this text we see a beautiful promise of the coming Seed of the woman - Jesus Christ - who will restore those who are dead...to life.
Advent is here. The world longs and needs to hear messages of hope. May the church proclaim those messages. During this Advent season, Beacon Light will bring messages that focus on Jesus. We will look at how Jesus Christ is involved in all of creation, from its formation to its consummation. Four great themes will be addressed- Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation -or Restoration-. Today we will hear part one of what I feel is really a four-part sermon. Today's message is titled, -The King of Creation-. As a pastor and missionary, I have preached many Christmas messages. I have nothing new to bring you today. You most likely have heard it all. But that's Ok. During this season we don't need to hear anything new. We need to hear what is eternal. The world's hope lies in the eternal gospel.
During the Advent season, we think of peace. The angelic host announced, -Peace on earth...- Our present-day world, convulsed in conflict and division, says that it longs for peace. God will give peace. But it is only on God's terms that true peace comes to our world. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, speaking to his disciples, said, -Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.-
The times are crazy.--But the heavenly perspective from the throne room of God that John gets a glimpse of -which should be our perspective- grants us insight into the sovereignty of God over all things, and how God is to be worshiped because he is sovereign. And this is where we derive true comfort today- the sovereignty of God.
In our sin, we think we can be self-sufficient in everything, to the exclusion of Christ's provision for us. But in the words of the faithful one, to us unfaithful ones, we learn that he is everything we need. In Christ's rebuke to the church of Laodicea, we learn that we are insufficient. In Christ's counsel to them, we learn that he is all-sufficient. This is the final letter to the seven churches.---He who has an ear, let him hear ...-
Pastor John preaches on the second last letter to the churches- the Church of Philadelphia
Jesus, the one who has the seven spirits -the Holy Spirit- strongly rebukes the church of Sardis- they have a reputation for being alive, but, in reality, they are dead. John's letter, written nearly 2000 years ago, is meant to be read by all of us in the year 2020. As it was long ago, so it is today...many American churches look like they have life, but they are dead. What constitutes a church that is truly alive- And, having begun with life, how does a church remain alive- The Holy Spirit - the Spirit of Christ is the key.
Christ knows your coming and your going. He knows your good commendable works and your sinful works. He knows the church's good works. And because we live in a darkened age, the church is not exempt from capitulating to the things of the flesh at times. And because of that, he knows - he sees - the church's compromising works. But he doesn't leave us in the dark. He reminds us of it ... and gives time to repent.--Thus, the letter to the church of Thyatira in Revelation 2-18-29.
In the face of strong Jewish opposition and Roman domination, including the fearful presence of emperor worship, Jesus called for the church in Smyrna to remain -faithful unto death.- Jesus Christ is the world's only Lord and Savior. Fast forward to 2020. In the face of present-day atheistic governments and false religions or the even more pervasive, insidious, and satanic presence of secular humanism, Jesus Christ calls the church today to stand as a faithful witness to his Lordship and his saving power. Preach the gospel. Hold fast to Jesus. To the death.
Beginning in chapter 2 of the book of Revelation, the risen and ascended Lord, Jesus Christ, speaks to his Church. These seven churches, representative of the whole church through all time and places, are addressed, beginning with Ephesus. The Ephesian church was commended for maintaining pure doctrine and orthodoxy and ridding the church of all falsehood on the inside ... but what about their outward demonstration of gospel witness---Join Jared and Pastor John as they kick off this new series at Beacon Light on the seven churches of Revelation, beginning with Revelation 2-1-7 and the church of Ephesus.
The entire world, quite obviously, is experiencing a time of testing. And the church is not exempt- it too is facing a season of trials and testing. Fatigue, for many, is setting in. Many are drifting away from worship and service. This message is a call for us to stand and to 'fight the good fight'. The world, whether it knows it or not, whether it wants it or not, needs our -the church's- Christ-centered presence and witness. Will they see it- This message is the first of a two-part series, titled, -Let's Finish Well-. The text is Acts 20-24, 28-30,31 and 2Timothy 4-6-8.
While Paul was preaching in Troas, around midnight, poor Eutychus, his body ailing him for fatigue, desired to sit by a window to gain fresh air, and ended up falling asleep and, ultimately, falling three stories to his death.--And then something amazing happened - all at midnight.
How can we as God's people appropriately say -thank you- to God for his amazing grace- Die. Die to self and be alive to Jesus. But how do we understand this dying- What might this -dying- and this thankfulness look like in practice- Tune in to Pastor John's message to gain some encouraging insight.--Before listening, take a look at Psalm 116 as well, as it will help you as a listener better understand the logic and context of the sermon.