Pastor
David Jang mentored second-generation students at Olivet University's Riverside
Campus, urging them to stand firm on sound theology, embrace sacrificial
leadership, and boldly proclaim the gospel in a world of clashing worldviews.
RIVERSIDE, California — Just before departing after completing his
visit to Olivet University’s Riverside campus on March 4, 2026, Pastor David
Jang spent a special time mentoring second-generation students. During this
gathering, the students reflected on the gracious path the school has walked
and came to newly realize the significance of this land entrusted to them by
God for the raising up of pastors and holy priests.
Gratitude and Spiritual Awakening: The Campus Is a Gift from God
Pastor Jang first emphasized the
importance of gratitude and spiritual awareness. He reminded the students that
owning such land and facilities in California was not the result of human
effort, but a miraculous work brought about by God’s grace and providence. He
urged them to deeply recognize the spiritual weight of their environment and to
see the campus not merely as real estate, but as a foundation God has prepared
for a new season of growth.
Quoting Philippians 3:12–14, Pastor
Jang stirred the hearts of the students to leave behind what is past and press
forward, living newly formed lives with faith and a clear sense of purpose.
The Importance of a Sound Theological Foundation
The core of his message was the
importance of a proper theological foundation. He stressed that theology is not
confined to a narrow academic field, but is a key to understanding history,
politics, philosophy, and even the spiritual conflicts shaking the world today.
Without firmly holding to Scripture, believers are bound to collapse into
confusion and compromise; but when they cling tightly to the Bible, they gain
discernment, intellectual strength, and the ability to interpret the events of
the world from a biblical perspective.
He also urged the students to face the
reality of clashing worldviews and eschatologies in global affairs, and
strongly exhorted them to be firmly rooted, without wavering, in the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
A Vision for the Kingdom of Christ: Leadership Through Service and
Sacrifice
Pastor Jang clearly contrasted the
world’s vision of power with the vision of the kingdom of Christ. He explained
that true Christian eschatology is built not on domination and violence, but on
sacrificial love, where the strong serve the weak and leadership is expressed
through humility and responsibility. He challenged the students to become
spiritually awake watchmen, armed with truth, and to stand as those who shine
boldly in a dark world.
Toward Renewal, Not Stagnation — Final Exhortation
In closing, Pastor Jang strongly
encouraged the second-generation students to move toward renewal rather than
stagnation. Borrowing the words of the Apostle Paul, he reminded them that the
Christian life is a journey of continually pressing on toward the goal, leaving
past failures behind and living with courage rooted in God’s grace. He declared
that the future is open to those who anchor themselves deeply in Scripture, are
spiritually disciplined, and devote themselves to shining the light of the gospel
into the world.
Pastor Jang concluded his message with
a heartfelt challenge: to grow in seriousness and maturity, to guard against
spiritual complacency, to break free from the chains of the past, and to live
as those who receive new strength each day from the Lord’s love and grace and
boldly proclaim the truth.