AS CULTURAL STRATEGIST-IN-RESIDENCE at Highlands College, Reverend Samuel Rodriguez was on fire for the Gospel, challenging the leaders of this generation to stand firm in their faith as lights to the world. Advisor of multiple U.S. Presidents, Senior Pastor of a multi-campus church in California, author, and filmmaker, Rev. Samuel called students to rise above cultural complacency and embrace their kingdom identity.
“We are who we are in Christ,” he declared. “Our identity is not in trends, trauma, or titles. It’s in the finished work of Jesus.”
In Chapel, Rev. Samuel’s message Let There Be Light defined how faith-filled believers are to live. “We stand on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word. We stand on righteousness and justice, on truth and love. That is Christ’s light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” he said.
His message was clear: revival won’t come through passive faith that cowers to modern-day Goliaths—it will come through Spirit-empowered believers who rise in truth and refuse to hide the light of Jesus.
“Today’s giants are moral relativism, ecclesiastical lukewarmness, cultural decay, spiritual apathy, and other nonsense. We’re tolerating things we should be rebuking.”
Rev. Samuel’s teachings continued in intentional classroom sessions where he outlined a prophetic blueprint for leadership rooted in 1 Samuel 17:40. He urged students to lead with courage and conviction in every sphere of influence by embracing their identity, cultivating intimacy with the Lord, walking in integrity whole and holy, approaching spaces of influence as altars, innovating with creativity, and leading authentically—all while holding fast to compassion and the truth of the Gospel.
Reflecting on the day, Rev. Samuel shared, “Highlands College is a true harbor of Christian leadership development. The atmosphere was electric with faith and purpose, and the humble, brilliant, and bold student body profoundly impacted me. The Kingdom is advancing for such a time as this.”
Rev. Samuel’s boldness, prophetic voice, and relentless commitment to truth left an unforgettable mark on our students, reminding them to carry the light of Christ boldly into every corner of the world, unashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). ■
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Content has been edited on June 26, 2026 for republishing.
