At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We believe that true transformation comes through the power of the Holy Spirit and the process of sanctification. This blog post elaborates on Tyler’s recent sermon, emphasizing the importance of renewal and sanctification in our Christian walk. We achieve this through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve.
The Call to Renewal
Tyler began his sermon by discussing the concept of sanctification, a process of becoming more like Jesus every day. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Study: Knowing and Loving God
The first step in our “Just 3” approach is to Study. Studying God’s Word is essential for understanding His will and growing in our relationship with Him. Tyler emphasized the importance of being in the Bible every day, reflecting on God’s promises, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Share: Knowing and Loving Others
The second step is to Share. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is a vital part of our mission. Tyler reminded us that we are called to be set apart, to be holy, and to share the hope we have in Jesus with others. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Serve: Love in Action
The final step is to Serve. Serving others is a tangible way to demonstrate God’s love. Tyler encouraged us to be agents of change in the world, living out our faith through acts of kindness and service. Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Tyler emphasized that we cannot achieve renewal and sanctification on our own. We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power. In Romans 8:11, Paul writes, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Living a Renewed Life
Living a renewed life means turning away from our old ways and embracing the new life that Jesus offers. Tyler reminded us that we are no longer slaves to sin; we have been set free to live a righteous life. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Practical Steps for Renewal
Tyler provided practical steps for living a renewed life:
- Prayer: Be intentional in your prayers, sharing your concerns and listening for God’s guidance.
- Community: Stay connected with other believers who can encourage and support you.
- Journaling: Reflect on how God is working in your life and recognize patterns of His faithfulness.
Conclusion
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. Through our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, and Serve—we strive to grow in our relationship with God, share His love with others, and serve our community. As we embrace renewal and sanctification, let us remember that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of renewal through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to study Your Word, share Your love, and serve others with humility and grace. Empower us to live lives that honor You and reflect Your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
