Campus Light Sermons

Jon brings us our message for our last Sunday on campus for the semester on Acts 3. We explore why silver and gold are often just cover-ups for our true brokenness and how the relentless cycle of chasing status leaves us more exhausted and lonelier than ever. Drawing from the story of the lame beggar and Jon's own testimony of hitting rock bottom, we discuss the power of Jesus-driven ministry—the simple yet profound act of making eye contact, extending a hand, and offering the only name that actually heals.

This week, Jordan brings us a message on the Great Commission and its role as our defining purpose for life after Easter. Jordan argues that salvation in Christ is inextricably linked to a calling, asserting that every believer is qualified to share the gospel regardless of our perceived inadequacies. By contrasting our small personal ambitions with God's grander mission of making disciples in all nations, Jordan encourages us to view ourselves as essential links in a historical chain of faith. The book of Acts also emphasizes that the church serves as a communal witness, rather than just a collection of individuals, tasked with reaching local and global communities. Ultimately, Jordan challenges us to move past hesitation and doubt to embrace a life of ministry through sharing our testimony to others.

We finish our John message series as Jon brings us a message on John 21, the story of Peter's reinstatement after his denial of Jesus. Jon explores why we often run back to the "familiar" when we feel discouraged or disqualified, how Jesus handles our shame not with condemnation, but by inviting us into a deeper relationship, and the shift from an immature, self-serving life to a mature, sacrificial life marked by the call to "tend my sheep".

This week, following Easter, Nick continues in our sermon series through the book of John. This time, the focus is on the spiritual transformation of the apostle Thomas from a doubter into a devoted apostle as highlighted in John 20. Nick highlights how Thomas’s demand for physical evidence was met with Jesus' patience and grace rather than condemnation. Jesus’s tender response to Thomas' doubt served as a catalyst for Thomas to recognize his own need for forgiveness and reconciliation. As we see Thomas' doubt and skepticism turn into a personal relational surrender to God's mercy, we find the fuel for how Thomas would go on to spread the Christian message as far as India. Therefore, we too can come to Jesus to wrestle with our own uncertainties, find the grace and mercy offered to us, and find our lives transformed by and for the sake of the Gospel.

Happy Easter! This Sunday, Jon brings us a message focused on hope amidst the painful storms of life by diving into the biblical story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb after Jesus has been crucified and resurrected. Jon reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus serves as the ultimate victory over the finality of death. We all have a story or know someone who has gone through grief, and Jon expands on the idea that human tears reveal a deep longing for eternity and a home where one is fully known and loved. Ultimately, we can have confidence in the resurrection as a historical event, but we can also live with joy and forgiveness in our hearts knowing that our eternity is set through Christ's conquering of death.

As we prepare for Passion Week, Xunkai brings us a message this Sunday exploring the biblical narrative of Jesus’s arrest and Peter’s denial to illustrate the tension between human frailty and divine grace. Xunkai describes how Peter transitioned from an all-in follower of Jesus to a fearful bystander who prioritized personal safety over his commitment to Christ. The message highlights that spiritual failure often begins with a gradual drift toward comfort and worldly security, with our verbal denial catching up to what we've already been acting out. However, the core of the text emphasizes that Jesus anticipates human sin and failure and offers a path to restoration through honest repentance. Ultimately, we can choose Peter's response by relying on the power of the cross and forgiveness rather than our own strength, finding refreshment in a faith that persists even after failure.

Welcome back from Spring Break! In our first sermon back, Jordan brings us a message on Jesus’ final prayer in John 17, otherwise known as the high priestly prayer. The prayer highlights Jesus' prayer priorities shortly before His crucifixion, and Jordan explores three primary themes: the expression of divine glory, the pursuit of holiness in a secular world, and the challenge of Christian unity. Rather than praying for personal comfort in light of His upcoming suffering, Jesus is shown as praying for his followers to be sanctified by truth and to reflect God’s character through their communal love. The message challenges us to move away from individualistic faith and instead embrace a mission-driven life anchored in the church. Jesus' prayer is not merely a historical text, but defines purpose and identity and is an active intercession for believers today.

Jon continues our series through John and explores the relationship between Christ and his followers by unpacking the metaphor of the true vine found in John 15. Jon reminds us that central to the passage is the command to abide in Christ, which is presented not as a call to religious performance, but as an invitation to a consistent, intimate connection through prayer and Scripture. True spiritual fruitfulness—characterized by inward virtues like joy and outward witness to others—is the natural byproduct of resting in God’s love rather than the result of human effort.

This week's message was brought to us by Nick who explores the biblical definition of glory through the lens of John 12. He contrasts the worldly pursuits for power, status, and recognition with the true glory demonstrated by Jesus Christ, which is defined by descending and dying to oneself. Using the metaphor of a grain of wheat, Nick explains how spiritual fruitfulness only occurs when one surrenders self-preservation to serve others and God, just as Jesus exemplifies for us. He shares personal stories of moving across the country and prioritizing ministry to illustrate how sacrificial living led to a fulfilling life for himself. Ultimately, the message encourages us to embrace humility and service, reminding us that God honors those who follow Christ's sacrificial love.

Our message series on John continues as Xunkai brings us a message on Mary anointing Jesus. He contrasts the indignant reaction of the disciples, who viewed Mary’s expensive gift as a waste, with Jesus’ perspective that she performed a beautiful act of devotion. Xunkai shares about how genuine love is inherently extravagant and often appears impractical by worldly standards. He emphasizes that the gospel is the ultimate example of "wasteful" love, as Jesus sacrificed himself for humanity without a guarantee of reciprocation. For Christians, living aligned to the gospel, as people of selfless, sacrificial love, is the way to find true joy and purpose rather than living a small, isolated existence.

To kick us off on our first Sunday service of February, we continue in the book of John with the story of the man born blind in John 9. During his message, Jon highlights how suffering and non-ideal situations provide opportunities for the works of God to be displayed. Jon also identifies three major obstacles to belief: the status quo of the man's neighbors, the prejudice of the Pharisees, and the fear exhibited by the man’s parents. Thirdly, Jon shares how, through these trials, the healed man’s understanding of Jesus matures from seeing Jesus as a mere man to worshiping him as the Son of God. Jon compares this spiritual growth to a forged blade, showing how opposition can actually purify and strengthen a believer's faith. Ultimately, this week's message encourages us to return to our personal testimonies again and again, leading to strengthened faith as the blind man experienced.

Happy New Years! In our first sermon of 2026, Jon continues our series in the book of John by exploring the first part of John 10. As the chapter discusses, Jon expands on the imagery of a Good Shepherd to contrast the selfless protection offered by Christ with the destructive nature of modern-day "hired hands" and "wolves." Jon argues that humans are inherently vulnerable like sheep, requiring a leader who knows them personally and provides vigilant care. Central to the message is the idea of spiritual discernment, where believers must learn to distinguish the voice of God who cares for us from competing voices that are ultimately destructive. As Christ followers, we are challenged to find abundant life by submitting to Christ’s guidance and prioritizing community and scripture over the voices and temptations of the world.

Why did the Creator God choose an "absurd humble arrival," laid in a manger by peasant parents, rather than a magnificent entrance? To kick off our Christmas series, Pastor Jon examines the shocking claim of Christmas, revealing two fundamental truths about God through his unexpectedly peculiar arrival: His love and His immense power.

This week at our Thanksgiving service, Jon brings us a message from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances." Jon addresses the difficulty of obeying these commands, especially the call to give thanks in all circumstances, due to the inherent negativity bias of human nature. Jon presents three main ways Christians can give thanks during hardship: recognizing that bad circumstances can reveal hidden goodness, that good outcomes can emerge from suffering, and that the ultimate bad (death) is not the end of the story due to victory through Christ. Ultimately, Jon encourages us to practice intentional gratitude during this season of Thanksgiving and to check our hearts for bitterness by reflecting on the gospel and God's forgiveness.

This week, Jordan brings a message based on John 6:1-14, the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. Jordan starts by prompting us to think about our default mindset: optimism versus pessimism. Jesus then dives into Jesus's compassion for the crowd and the principle that "something is better than nothing," emphasizing how Jesus multiplies even meager offerings when placed in His hands, such as the boy's five loaves and two fish. Jordan challenges us to offer their small resources, like limited time or an ounce of courage, to God, trusting that He will use them to achieve great things. Jordan concludes by sharing about how he witnessed this multiplication in his own ministry experience and asking the congregation to reflect on what they are willing to give up to Jesus today.

Continuing our series through the Gospel of John, Jon explores the story of Jesus healing the invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda from John 5:1-9. Jon analyzes the pool as a location crowded with a multitude of invalids, the blind, lame, and paralyzed, all gathered due to a myth that an angel would occasionally stir the water, healing the first person to step in. Jon frames this ancient superstition as a "cruel lie", drawing a parallel between the pool and the "many pools" in today’s world, such as career success, academic achievement, popularity, or wealth, where people flock seeking healing for their soul sickness. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus saves us from this mythical pool of self-salvation—the attempt to prove ourselves worthy—by bearing our sin on the cross to deliver us from the disease of sin, pride, shame, and brokenness, offering new life as children of God.

This past week we hosted Apologetics Sunday — a time to get tough questions about belief in God answered. Our resident chemical engineering PhD, Xunkai, uses principles of apologetics — the defense of faith using logic and reasoning — to demonstrate that science and faith are not contradictory but mutually supportive. He talks about the limits of science, how faith helps science, and how science supports faith.

This week, continuing our series in the book of John, we move from Jesus’s encounter with Nicodemus to his revolutionary conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Pastor Jon explores four core truths from this encounter: 1) Jesus meets us in our shame, 2) Jesus reveals our soul thirst, 3) Jesus satisfies with truth and love, and 4) Jesus transforms our shame into joy. We also hear powerful testimonies from Campus Light mentors, Xunkai and Lily, on finding self-worth and genuine acceptance in Christ over academic achievement and busyness.

Guest preacher, Will Sam, pastor of Anchor College Church at University of Michigan, shares a powerful truth: ministry is the primary way God transforms and ennobles your life. Will Sam explains that serving is the vehicle God uses to change you and make you the best version of yourself. He dives into his own story and testifies that choosing ministry ennobled and protected him.

Continuing in our series in the book of John this week, Jon highlights the first verses of John 3 where Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus about the necessity of being "born again." Jon frames being born again as a spiritual rebirth resulting from acknowledging one's sin and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The speaker outlines three main points: who must be born again, how can we be born again, and what changes afterward. Jon also adds in the Old Testament story of the bronze serpent as an illustrative analogy for what Jesus came to do. Wilson, one of the student leaders, also gave his testimony that further supports the message by detailing his pre-Christian life focused on academics and wealth and his eventual conversion after recognizing his sinfulness and accepting Christ, leading to his own experience of being born again.

This week, Andy continues our series in the Book of John by bringing us a sermon from John 2:13-22, where Jesus clears out the temple. Jesus's anger stems from love and zeal for his Father's house, and Andy applies this biblical event to the contemporary church, warning against the "marketplace mentality" of self-interest and competition corrupting the church and the individual's body (which is the new temple of God). Andy concludes by advocating for repentance and action to restore purity to God's dwelling place.

Jon continues this week from the book of John, now focusing on the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Jon talks about the experience of things "running out"—like gas, money, or emotional strength—to relate to the crisis in the biblical story where the wine runs out at a wedding feast, emphasizing that people are not ultimately in control of their lives. Jon also invites up two Campus Light mentors to give personal testimonies about how their lives were transformed from "bland" to "flavorful" through their commitment and obedience to God. Overall, Jon underscores the theme that in the world, the "banquet is in the first bite," meaning the best experiences fade quickly, but that Jesus saves the best for last by bringing ultimate and lasting joy through transformation and obedience to him.

In this week's message, Jon discusses the concept of Christian identity, drawing parallels with John the Baptist's life. He begins with a video where college students share diverse perspectives on how they go about finding their identity. He then transitions to John the Baptist from the Gospel of John, highlighting John's clarity, confidence, and joy in his identity as a "voice crying in the wilderness" for Jesus. Jon argues that, unlike cultural pressures to be the "main character" of one's own story, true Christian identity, rooted in God's word and redemptive story, offers profound purpose and liberation. Jon encourages us to live out this clarity and confidence through a lifestyle that visibly reflects our faith in Jesus, ultimately leading to the joy of introducing others to Christ.

In our kickoff Sunday Service, Jon begins our series on the book of John by going through John 1. Jon dives into the prologue from the Gospel of John, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the "Word" through whom all things were created and who reveals God to humanity. Jon points out three core truths: God as the ultimate reality, God's self-revelation through Jesus Christ, and the personal choice to accept or reject Jesus, highlighting the profound, life-changing implications.

Welcome back everyone! We start the 2025 Fall Semester off with a message from Jon that encourages college students to embrace key ingredients of a good church: devoting themselves to God's word, fostering deep fellowship, breaking bread together, and engaging in prayer. Jon shares how he personally experienced the power of true church community and draws an analogy between instant ramen and authentic, slow-simmered ramen to illustrate the difference between a superficial church experience and a truly transformative one. Jon highlights the early church as described in the Book of Acts as a model for building a community living radically together that cares for one another's needs and spreads the life-changing love of God. Ultimately, Jon emphasizes that college campuses are ideal environments for cultivating such a vibrant and supportive Christian community.

Welcome back everyone! In this sermon, Jon explores what it means when Jesus says, "Follow me." Jon defines it through three key aspects: 1) following Jesus involves leaving behind aspects of one's current life, drawing parallels to everyday decisions like career changes or pursuing higher education, 2) following Jesus entails engaging with people, highlighting the Christian call to become "fishers of men" by sharing the gospel and loving others sacrificially and 3) following Jesus is grounded in His promise to be with believers, assuring them that this journey is not undertaken alone but with divine guidance and commitment.

Andy gives us this message focusing on two key themes from the book of Joshua: consecration and memorials. He highlights the Israelites' need to prepare themselves spiritually before entering the Promised Land and facing its challenges, emphasizing that this preparation is more crucial than military strategy. Andy then discusses the importance of remembering God's works, using the example of the stones taken from the Jordan River as a testimony for future generations. The message encourages us to have "stones" in our own lives – acts of obedience and faith that serve as evidence of God's goodness. Finally, Andy concludes with the idea of our lives being "living stones," urging us to have a historical perspective that honors the past and considers the future legacy we leave.

This Easter Sunday, Isaiah explores the Christian concept of being made new, drawing from Revelation 21:1-5. Isaiah discusses the human experience of things becoming old and broken, highlighting the difficulty of achieving true renewal in everyday life and even in ourselves. He contrasts this reality with the biblical promise that God will ultimately make all things new, free from suffering and death. Isaiah guides us through the Easter story as the means through which individuals can begin this process of spiritual renewal through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, emphasizing that this free gift requires acceptance and leads to an ongoing, lifelong transformation. Isaiah concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their need for this renewal and to respond to the message of Easter.

In this week's message, Mike, the former lead pastor of Campus Light, reflects on his time here at Rutgers and addresses the current congregation. Drawing inspiration from Joshua 4 and the act of creating memorials with stones, Mike emphasizes the importance of remembering shared history and God's faithfulness through different seasons of change and growth within the church. He uses personal anecdotes, significant events like weddings, the Rutgers church's founding, and a look back at the ministry's early days to illustrate how collective memories and individual testimonies serve as "stones" that reveal spiritual riches and connect people to a larger narrative of faith. Mike finishes by encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences and the legacy we are inheriting and will pass on.

Isaiah continues our series on 1 Corinthians through a deep dive into the first chapter. He guides us through a verse-by-verse analysis, emphasizing contrasts between the Corinthian church's worldly issues and the spiritual identity they hold in Christ. Isaiah highlights themes of unity, the seemingly paradoxical nature of being both already sanctified and not yet fully realized, and Paul's surprising gratitude for the Corinthians despite their shortcomings and rejection of him. The message also delves into the dangers of division and the foolishness of worldly wisdom compared to the power and wisdom found in the message of the cross, ultimately underscoring God's grace in choosing the weak and lowly to carry forth His will into the world.

This week, Isaiah launches into a new sermon series on the book of 1 Corinthians. Isaiah introduces the Corinthian church as one with significant problems, offering a relatable case study for modern Christians and churches grappling with their own issues. The series aims to explore how Christian principles apply to all aspects of life, challenging the idea of compartmentalizing faith. This week's message aims to set the foundation for understanding the context of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, and Isaiah ultimately emphasizes God's faithfulness in sustaining believers to the end, even amidst struggles.

Pastor Manny brings us James 2:14-26, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions and that faith without works is dead. Pastor Manny clarifies that James isn't advocating salvation through works, but rather highlighting that authentic belief in Jesus manifests in tangible deeds. He discusses how easily individuals can become self-deceived through “derailing forces”, believing they are virtuous simply because of feelings or sentiments. This message encourages the audience to cultivate self-awareness, seek feedback from mentors, and strive for a closer relationship with God through repentance and consistent actions.

Isaiah continues our message series “Made For People” with a message on the importance of genuine friendship, vulnerability, and honesty. He illustrates how confessing sins and sharing struggles fosters deeper connections. He also contrasts superficial relationships with those built on mutual openness and truth, arguing that true friendship requires overcoming the shame and isolation stemming from our sins.

The first in a series titled "Made for People", Isaiah looks at the "loneliness epidemic" and its impact on our lives. Humans are fundamentally designed for relationships and true connection with others is essential for our well-being. Isaiah exhorts us to practice openness and honesty, which can be done authentically when we understand the gospel — that Jesus knows us fully and love us fully.

What can we learn King Herod and his response to the birth of Jesus? Isaiah brings us a message on how we, like Herod, love to usurp the throne of our lives from the rightful king — Jesus.

Jon explores a story from Luke 17 about Jesus healing ten lepers, focusing on the theme of gratitude and its connection to faith. He encourages us to cultivate gratitude and reflect on God's blessings, especially in this season of Thanksgiving.

Isaiah explores the concept of eternity and its implications for how we live our lives. He emphasizes that the gospel should fundamentally changes our perspectives on life, death, and our relationships with others. Isaiah asks two key questions: what are you doing to bring people into eternity, and is there room in your schedule to invest in eternity?

Jon brings us a sermon exploring the realities of death and how it should impact our lives, drawing from the Bible and personal experiences. Ultimately, our belief in Jesus' victory over death should transform how we live our lives. Instead of fearing death, Christians can look forward to eternal life.

Jon explores the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18:9-14. Jesus uses this seemingly simple story to reveal profound truths about human nature and our relationship with God. The story contrasts two men who go to the temple to pray: a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble tax collector.