At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded of the powerful imagery from Jim’s sermon, where the heavenly hosts cry out in worship, acknowledging the presence of the King. This scene, drawn from Revelation 7:9-12, paints a picture of a celestial celebration where all creation acknowledges the glory and majesty of God. It is a moment of profound worship, where the angels, elders, and living creatures fall before the throne, proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
A Call to Participation
This heavenly scene is not just a distant future event; it is an invitation for us to participate in the worship and work of God’s kingdom here and now. At Lakeview, we are called to move beyond being mere spectators in our faith journey. It’s easy to fall into the routine of attending church on Sundays, receiving our “spiritual shot in the arm,” and then returning to our daily lives unchanged. But as Tyler reminds us, especially during this Easter season, we are called to be active participants in the celebration of our risen King.
Living Out Our Mission: Be the Change
Our mission at Lakeview is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has transformed us. This mission is lived out through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve.
- Study: We are called to deepen our understanding of God through His Word. As we study the Scriptures, we prepare our hearts to join in the heavenly chorus, recognizing the King in our midst. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we align our lives with His purpose.
- Share: Sharing our faith is about more than words; it’s about living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. As we share, we invite others to join the celebration, to recognize the King in their own lives. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) encourages us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
- Serve: Serving is where our faith becomes tangible. It is love in action, a reflection of the heart of Jesus. Galatians 5:13 (NIV) reminds us, “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.”
Conclusion: Joining the Heavenly Celebration
As we approach Easter, let us not be content with standing on the sidelines. Instead, let us embrace our role as participants in God’s kingdom. The heavenly celebration is not just a future promise; it is a present reality that we are invited to join. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to living out our faith in a way that reflects the glory and majesty of our King.
Let us cry out with the angels, “The King is in the room!” and live each day as a testament to His transformative power in our lives. Together, let us be the change, as Jesus has changed us, and invite others to join in the celebration of our risen Lord.
