Lighthouse
August 2025
Vicar's Message
Dearly beloved in Christ,
Be Christ - like is the main highlight of this months message . Of course it’s seems to be very difficult, but possible with the help of Holy Spirit .
Because Jesus Christ the fully human could do it with the help of God the father, then we humanity also will do it with the help of Holy Spirit. The apostle decided and tried , the disciples are also on their way to grow up to the head level of Christ, because it’s achievable for a true Child of God.
Through the mount of transfiguration experience of our Lord is reminding us that , He is readying to be crucified.
For every children of God can follow the same path. But in the Bible He is asking us to take up our own cross and follow Him. Then end of the day we also can be with the Christ in the Kingdom of God .
But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any participation in nations building when we live here on earth .of course we have
Because we are not of the world but in the world, involve with different matters with Gods love and care with compassion too. Then only we can win the world for Gods Glory, not for our power and fame .
For that we need a reformation in every day Church life , but there would be many challenges to face which is part of Christian life .
But Holy Spirit will strengthen us.
Every believer needs to be cleansed and Sanctified for the sake of this purification and sanctification which is the necessity of reformed Christian life . Because ,for the glorious appearance of the Lord every true believer needs to be awakened .
That’s what our hope and faith is
That’s what we all are waiting and hoping for.
Our savior God is capable enough to mold us and redeem us for His glory .
This great redeemer God is our Custodian God to keep and protect us
till the end of the day.
May God be with Horeb in our every day Christian life .
With much prayer and love
Your
Kochummen Achen.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FORUM
Word for the Day
(published by the Diocese on July 28, 2025)
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path".
Psalm 119:105
Julie Varghese
Horeb Mar Thoma Church of Los Angeles, California
Overcome Evil with Christ-Like Good
Bible Reading: Romans 12:19-21
Key verse: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
DEVOTION
When we've been wronged, our natural inclination is often to seek revenge, defend our honor, or pursue our own form of justice. As Christians, how do we reconcile these very human desires with the biblical call to overcome evil with good? How do we genuinely embody Christ-like responses without denying or suppressing the fact of being wronged? The Bible provides powerful guidance and encouragement for navigating these challenging situations and standing firm in our faith:
Letting go of the desire for revenge: Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." This verse is a profound reminder that when we entrust our situation to the One who sees and knows all, we release the heavy burden of bitterness and the destructive urge for personal retaliation.
Embracing Forgiveness: In Luke 23:34 Jesus says, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. This verse shows us that forgiveness is at the heart of overcoming evil with good and our spiritual journey is about imitating Christ. When we choose to forgive, we actively release the burden of hurt, anger, and resentment that can otherwise consume our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Responding with Love: In Matthew 5: 44 Jesus says, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. While this may seem impossible when we are deeply hurt, choosing to take such a stand powerfully reflects the transformative power of God’s love working through us.
PRAYER
Lord, it's hard to overcome feelings of anger, hurt, or resentment when we have been wronged. In those challenging moments, help us to lean onto you completely so that our words may be filled with grace and our actions rooted in kindness. In Jesus' name. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Overcoming evil with Christ-like good is a choice”
Christian Education Forum
Diocese of North America of the Mar Thoma Church
MYSTERY MEMBERS
Can you guess who is in the photo based on the clues below?
( Check back next month for the reveal. )
What are your favorite hobbies?
We love traveling, trying new foods, and spending beach days with our sweet dog Ford.
One also enjoys: golf.
The other also enjoys: working out.
What did you major in during college?
One is an electrical engineering major.
The other is a psychology major and completed a doctorate in occupational therapy.
What is your favorite Bible Story?
Luke 13:6–9
Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree... but found no fruit. He said, ‘Cut it down!’ But the caretaker replied, ‘Leave it alone for one more year... If it bears fruit next year, fine. If not, then cut it down.’”
This parable reminds us that Jesus doesn’t always say no, sometimes He says “not yet.” Though the fig tree was fruitless, it was given more time and care to grow. Waiting seasons aren’t rejection; they’re opportunities for renewal. Even when we can’t see the fruit, God is always working on our growth.
Have you ever taught Sunday School?
Neither of us has taught yet, though one of us plans to in the future.
Have you ever had a position at church?
One was very active at Chicago Mar Thoma Church during high school and the early years of college as volunteer with VBS, church conferences, and regional youth group conferences.
What do you do for work?
One of us: Electrical Engineer in aerospace/defense industry
The other: Occupational Therapist working with children with disabilities in schools and outpatient settings
What's your favorite dish, both Indian and Non-Indian?
Indian: favorite Indian food for both is kerala beef fry with parotta.
Non‑Indian:
- One of us: Ribeye Steak
- The other: Japanese Chicken Katsu Udon
What is your favorite tv show or movie?
Both love: The Chosen on Amazon, it portrays the Bible beautifully and is a great supplement to our daily Bible reading and prayer.
One's favorite movie: The Matrix Trilogy
The other's favorite movie: V for Vendetta
How many state have you lived in?
We have lived in Illinois and California.
What is your favorite book?
One of us: Profession by Isaac Asimov
The other: The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz.
Describe one experience you had that was a testimony to God working in your life?
At our wedding at Chicago Mar Thoma Church, during the crowning ceremony, we felt the Holy Spirit so powerfully. Ever since, we look back on that special day with gratitude for the experienced blessings and support beyond what we could ask for in our lives.
CLICK HERE TO SEE LAST MONTH'S MYSTERY MEMBER REVEAL
Sheeba George
Make Your Guess
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This Month's Photo Gallery
July 2025 Western Region Youth Conference hosted by Horeb YF at Azusa Pacific University
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