Grace is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering not just forgiveness but restoration. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we celebrate the grace that restores us to usefulness and wholeness, as exemplified in the life of Peter. This grace is a powerful force that can transform our failures into opportunities for growth and service. It is a reminder that no matter how far we have fallen, God’s grace is sufficient to lift us up and set us on a new path.

The Grace That Restores

Peter’s denial of Jesus was a public and painful failure. Yet, Jesus’ response was not to discard Peter but to restore him. In John 21:15-19, Jesus recommissions Peter, demonstrating that grace is not just about forgiveness but about restoration to purpose. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and with each affirmation, He gives Peter a new mission: “Feed my sheep.” This act of grace restores Peter’s identity and purpose, reminding us that our failures do not define us.

Peter’s Recommissioning: Jesus’ act of recommissioning Peter is a profound demonstration of grace. Despite Peter’s denial, Jesus entrusts him with the responsibility of leading and caring for His flock. This act of grace restores Peter’s identity and purpose, reminding us that our failures do not define us. Instead, they become opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and love in our lives.

Understanding Grace

Scriptural Insight: Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Grace is a gift that we cannot earn; it is freely given by God to restore us to Himself. It is the unmerited favor of God that brings us back into right relationship with Him.
Practical Implications: Grace restores us to usefulness, making us whole again. It is a reminder that no failure is too great for God’s grace to overcome. When we experience God’s grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others, fostering a community of forgiveness and restoration. Grace empowers us to move beyond our past mistakes and to live lives that reflect the love and mercy of God.

Lakeview Christian Church Mission: Our mission, “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” is a testament to the grace we have received.

Study: To understand the depth of God’s grace. Through studying Scripture and engaging in prayer, we deepen our understanding of grace and how it transforms our lives. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we gain a greater appreciation for the magnitude of His grace and its impact on our lives.
Share: To extend grace to others. Sharing involves offering forgiveness and understanding, creating a community where grace abounds. It means being willing to forgive those who have wronged us and to offer them the same grace that we have received from God.
Serve: To live out grace in action. Serving is about using our restored lives to serve others, demonstrating the transformative power of grace through acts of kindness and service. It is about being a living testimony to the grace of God and allowing that grace to flow through us to others.

Conclusion: Let us embrace the grace that restores, allowing it to transform our lives and recommission us for God’s purposes. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to living out this grace in our community and beyond, creating a space where everyone can experience the restorative power of God’s grace. Let us be a church that embodies grace, offering hope and healing to a world in need.