Note: Due to travel podcast is not prepared for this message.

“With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation’’’ (Acts 2:40). “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).

We have been visiting San Diego for a couple of days now. We both grew up in the middle of the country far from any ocean. Living in New England from 1993-2001 we were near the coast and frequently visited the ocean. Presently we live about three hours from the nearest shore point and try to get out a couple times a year.

But it's always a special time to be near the ocean. We enjoy many features of the coast as I suppose millions do. Yesterday we walked along the San Diego harbor and Pacific seashore on Coronado Island, in the course of a full day trolley bus tour of San Diego. We’ve done lots of walking which will help defray a few of the calories we’ve indulged in at the Kansas City BBQ at lunch.

Our favorite shore sighting is the lighthouse. If there is a lighthouse anywhere near our travels we try to go see it. We are staying on Point Loma not far from the Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Point Loma lighthouse. (photo above)

Lighthouses are generally viewed from the land looking out to sea. We see them for their architectural and historical value. It’s also inspiring to see a structure with a foundation laid in or near the deep sea that has weathered many a storm and yet stands strong decade upon decade. Lighthouses are popular tourist attractions, some even doubling as Bed & Breakfast spots throughout the country.

But lighthouses were built for a specific function; to give warning to those at sea. We read this on a plaque regarding the duty of the Lighthouse keeper at the Old Point Loma lighthouse in San Diego as: "Above all, and without fail, the light must be kept burning brightly from sunset to sunrise."

Likewise, for those who are Lighthouse keepers of the Gospel, our duty is to "live as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8b) and to "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11).

Although I am aware that most receiving this encouragement message are followers of Christ, having accepted His forgiveness through the plan of salvation, nevertheless I feel compelled to warn all. At the heart of Peter’s Pentecost message was, “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation’’’ (Acts 2:40). A powerful verse in the book of Hebrews states, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (2:3).

In a historical display at the Old Point Loma lighthouse we read this on a plaque regarding the duty of the Lighthouse keeper: “Above all, and without fail, the light must be kept burning brightly from sunset to sunrise.” Likewise, for those who are Lighthouse keepers of the Gospel, our duty is to “live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8b) and to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11).

I urge you to examine the state of your soul today. Are you saved from your sin and living to please the Lord? If so, are You shining your light for Jesus as He has commanded, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:17).

Today’s Scriptures are abundantly clear: we must warn the lost in this life and we must live exemplary lives as children of light. The salvation message must be shared with others now for it will be too late in the life hereafter since the kingdom of earth and the kingdom of heaven are eternally separate. Let’s spread the life-saving message of salvation to all who will listen, here and now. Let us faithfully discharge our duties as Lighthouse Keepers.