Lighthouse Community Church - Sunday Sermons

The Puritan John Owen once said, "Temptations... put nothing into a man, but only draw out what was in him before." This captures a key part of James's teaching in the next section of his letter. As believers, it is important to our sanctification that we understand how temptation works in our lives. We need to understand where it comes from and what is its awful potential. As someone has said, if we viewed temptation as a rattlesnake instead of a creampuff, there would be much less sinning among us. May we gain a proper, biblical perspective of temptation as we consider James's words this morning.

We are excited to have Aaron Bolduc and his family with us this week! Aaron will be preaching on the important topic of “A Christian Testimony”. He is a gifted Evangelist that Lighthouse has supported for just over one year. His passion is to strengthen local churches through preaching and teaching, training pastors, conducting evangelistic training, and ultimately by raising up the next generation of Biblical Evangelists.

The words of James 1:2 are familiar to many Christians, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” “Count it all joy” is the first command of the letter, but what could James possibly mean by this? Are we really to consider the trials of life joyful? Understanding what James means is critical if we are to respond correctly to trials. The hymn writer, John Newton, wrote, “Why should I complain / of want or distress, / temptation or pain? / He told me no less; / the heirs of salvation, / I know from His Word, / through much tribulation / must follow their Lord.” And so it is. May we listen carefully to what our Lord has to teach us about testing through trials.

Out of 108 verses, the book of James contains 59 different commands! This is more per total word count than any other book in the New Testament. The numerous commands make the book eminently practical, and for this reason it is a favorite for many believers. But why so many commands? This question gets to the heart of James’ purpose: to clearly distinguish between living faith (which saves) and dead faith (which cannot save). Genuine, saving faith is a living faith that works! As we begin this study, we’ll see that James opens his letter by indirectly teaching us important truths about the Christian identity, and identity which is part of a living faith.

He Is Risen!Christianity does not open by telling us how we must live. Instead, it begins by telling us what Jesus did for us in history. He humbled Himself and became a man, who lived a perfect life and died on the cross for the sins of all who repent and believe. However, He did not remain in the tomb! Three days later, He arose, victorious over death! As the Apostle Paul wrote, " .... If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain ... But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead"(1 Corinthians 15:14,20). The resurrection changes everything. In this series we'll consider the truths of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, and how these truths transform us to live to the glory of God!

Tonight we gather to remember the cross of Christ and reflect on the suffering, sacrifice, and love displayed in His death. Good Friday calls us to slow down, behold the weight of what Jesus endured for sinners, and worship with gratitude for the redemption He purchased in our place.

Christianity does not open by telling us how we must live. Instead, it begins by telling us what Jesus did for us in history. He humbled Himself and became a man, who lived a perfect life and died on the cross for the sins of all who repent and believe. However, He did not remain in the tomb! Three days later, He arose, victorious over death! As the Apostle Paul wrote, “ … If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain … But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead…” (1 Corinthians 15:14,20). The resurrection changes everything. In this series we’ll consider the truths of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, and how these truths transform us to live to the glory of God!

Christianity does not open by telling us how we must live. Instead, it begins by telling us what Jesus did for us in history. He humbled Himself and became a man, who lived a perfect life and died on the cross for the sins of all who repent and believe. However, He did not remain in the tomb! Three days later, He arose, victorious over death! As the Apostle Paul wrote, "...if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain...But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead..." (1 Corinthians 15:14, 20) The resurrection changes everything. In this series we'll consider the truths of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, and how these truths transform us to live to the glory of God!

How important is it for Christians to live in harmony with one another? Francis Schaeffer said it well, "We cannot expect the world to believe that the Father sent the Son, that Jesus's claims are true, and that Christianity is true unless the world see some reality of the oneness of true Christians." So how important is it? Extremely important! But how is this achieved, and what does it look like? We'll explore this today.

Main Text: Colossians 3:16An important role of church leaders is teaching and admonishing (cf. Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24-25). But did you know that Paul also expected all Christians to teach and admonish one another? For example, Colossians 3:16a says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom …" (cf. Romans 15:14). The work of teaching and admonishing is not confined to church leaders; it is a work all believers are commanded to perform. But how is this supposed to work? Today, we’ll see the answer from God’sWord!

Let's welcome our guest speaker, Craig Apel as he preaches on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. We need to develop a biblical theology of suffering; believing that God has a purpose for our pain and having faith in him to use it for his glory and our good.

Here at Lighthouse we have the firm conviction that God is sovereign. Not sovereign in the sense of generally orchestrating the major actors in the world, but sovereign in a meticulous way. So much so that we can affirm with the Westminster Confession of Faith, "God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass …" In other words, nothing happens unless God has ordained it. That is meticulous sovereignty. Yet this raises a number of important questions, one of which has to do with prayer: if God is sovereign, can prayer really change anything? If we don’t think prayer changes anything, then we’ll probably find it difficult to carry out this crucial command to pray for one another.

Can you think of a time when a friend or loved one encouraged you? Can you think of a time you intentionally sought to encourage another? Someone has said, "More people fail for lack of encouragement than for any other reason." Whether that is true or not, our Lord knows that we need encouragement; you can only go so long without it! So it should be no surprise that we are commanded to encourage one another. A one another church will be a community marked by encouragement. Let’s explore this command with a heart to obey!

Every person has burdens in life. A burden can be a duty or responsibility that we carry, or it can be a trial, like a health problem, a financial struggle, a loss, or a relationship difficulty. Sometimes the burdens of life are too heavy to carry by ourselves; we need brothers and sisters in Christ to come alongside and help shoulder the weight. This is what we typically think about when we read Paul’s command in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." While it is true that we should seek ways to help one another in health problems, financial struggles, etc., the context indicates that Paul had something else in mind when he commanded believers to bear one another’s burdens. Today, we’ll learn what this means and how we can live it out to the glory of God!

Acceptance is something every person longs for, and according to the Apostle Paul, Christians should find it and offer it in their local community of Jesus followers. But acceptance is often lacking in the body of Christ. As fallen sinners we tend to accept only people who are like us: people who share our views, or our economic status, or our level of education. This becomes a problem because of the inherent diversity in local churches, as God often calls people who have different views on various matters, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. So if we do not practice the command of accepting one another, we will most surely be divided. May the Holy Spirit illumine us and empower us to accept one another for the glory of God.

📖 This Week’s Message: Is Abortion Morally Wrong?According to Pew Research Center, 63% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most states. A member of the Planned Parenthood Clergy Advisory Board, Reverend Mark Bigelow, said, “Even as a minister I am careful what I presume Jesus would do if he were alive today, but one thing I know from the Bible is that Jesus was not against women having a choice in continuing a pregnancy. He never said a word about abortion (nor did anyone else in the Bible) even though abortion was available and in use in his time.” It is true that Jesus never spoke about abortion. So what are we to make of this? Should we be silent on the issue? Should we let each person decide for themselves and then affirm wherever they end up? Today, we’llcarefully examine what God’s Word has to say.

As we continue looking at the “one another” commands of the New Testament, the next one can be exceptionally difficult. In Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 we are commanded to forgive one another. As people who claim to have been forgiven by God, we ought to be forgiving of one another. Once our eyes have been opened to see the depth of our sins against God, the sins committed against us appear microscopic. How then could we withhold forgiveness We cannot. We must forgive, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.

God designed us to need deep, meaningful relationships with others, and He intends this need to be met through the Body of Christ. The longer we are connected to a local body of believers, the deeper and more substantial our relationships should become. But how does this happen? Enter the “one another” commands sprinkled throughout the letters of the New Testament. Today we will consider one of the most foundational of these commands: “Love one another …”“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” - Romans 12:10

As we read the New Testament letters, one phrase appears again and again: “one another.” The Apostle Paul uses this expression nearly forty times to describe the responsibilities believers have toward each other within the church.Commands like “love one another,” “live in harmony with one another,” and “welcome one another” show us that the Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. Obedience to these commands is essential if a local church is to thrive and reflect God’s design.

📖 Main Text: James 1:19–25How should preaching shape the life of a Christian? In this standalone message, Pastor Doug explores James’s warning against being hearers only of the Word. True faith listens humbly, responds obediently, and allows God’s Word to produce real change. This message helps us understand how preaching is meant to grow us in godliness and guard us from spiritual self-deception.

In this final message from The Wonders of Christmas series, we consider His Presentation and the response it calls for in our hearts. The coming of Christ should stir deep thankfulness toward God and create a joyful urgency to tell others the good news. This message reminds us that Christmas is not only something to remember, but something that continues to shape how we live, worship, and witness today.

📖 Main Text: Matthew 2Matthew’s account of the wise men introduces one of the most intriguing elements of the Christmas story—the star that led them to Christ. In this message, Pastor Doug explores why God used a star to draw men from the East, how it guided them so precisely, and what this narrative teaches us about God’s sovereign purpose and His call to worship Jesus. As we reflect on this text, we’re reminded that God faithfully leads seekers to His Son, deserving of worship and devotion.

📖 Main Text: Luke 2Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus records the most significant event in human history. In this message, Pastor Doug highlights the striking contrast between the power of Caesar Augustus and the humility of Christ, the true Redeemer of the world. Though the world’s ruler lived in comfort and authority, the Creator entered His creation in weakness, born in Bethlehem according to prophecy and laid in a manger. This passage invites us to marvel again at the wonder of Christ’s birth and God’s perfect providence.

📖 Main Text: John 1:14The incarnation of the Son of God is the greatest wonder of Christmas. In this message, Pastor Doug reflects on the glory of the Word made flesh—God dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. As we begin our December series, The Wonders of Christmas, we’re invited to slow down, look again, and let the awe of the incarnation renew our hearts. O come, let us adore Him! 🎄✨🙏

📖 Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22Paul’s piercing question—“What do you have that you did not receive?”—invites believers to slow down and reflect on God’s gracious provision in every part of life. Scripture calls Christians to give thanks in all circumstances, to live thankfully in word and deed, and to see gratitude as a mark of the Spirit-filled life.In this message, Pastor Doug shows how answering this simple question with honesty leads to humility, joy, and a mature, God-centered thankfulness.

📖 Main Text: 1 Timothy 6:17–21As Paul concludes his letter to Timothy, he offers a vital warning and a needed encouragement to believers who possess earthly wealth. Riches are uncertain, but God is not—and placing our hope in Him transforms the way we view money, generosity, and true treasure. In this message, Pastor Doug unpacks Paul’s call to use what God has given us for good works, to store up eternal reward, and to guard the faith entrusted to us with wisdom and humility.

📖 Main Text: 1 Timothy 6:11–16As Paul nears the end of his letter to Timothy, he gives a powerful charge to live as a man of God—a title once used for men like Moses, David, Elijah, and Elisha. What does it mean to bear that name today? In this message, Pastor Doug explores Paul’s call to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, and to fight the good fight of faith in a world full of distraction and compromise.

📖 Main Text: 1 Timothy 6:3–10Pastor Doug Is preaching from 1 Timothy 6:3–10, where Paul warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth. The love of money has led many away from the truth, but godliness with contentment is of far greater value. Together we’ll learn how to find true satisfaction in Christ rather than in what we possess.

This Sunday, Pastor Doug will be preaching from the beginning of 1 Timothy 6, where Paul teaches how believers are to live out their faith in the workplace. Whether at home, in ministry, or on the job, followers of Christ are called to serve with humility, integrity, and respect—ultimately working for the glory of God. We’ll see how our attitudes and actions at work can become a powerful testimony that points others to Christ.📖 Main Text: 1 Timothy 6:1–2

Pastor Doug teaches from Paul’s instructions on how the church is called to both support and hold accountable its elders. Scripture shows that faithful leaders are worthy of honor and care, yet their role must also be marked by integrity, discipline, and transparency.📖 Main Text: 1 Timothy 5:17–25