Unity in Christ: Building a Dwelling Place for God

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are dedicated to living out the unity that Christ has called us to. The sermon emphasizes that there is no favoritism between Jew and Gentile; we are all one in Christ. This unity is foundational to our identity as believers and is crucial for ushering in “pockets of heaven” here on earth.

A Unified Foundation

Ephesians 2:19-22 beautifully captures the essence of our unity in Christ: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” This passage reminds us that regardless of our backgrounds, we are all part of the same spiritual family, built on the same foundation, with Jesus as our cornerstone. At Lakeview, we strive to embody this unity, recognizing that it is through our collective faith that we grow into a holy temple for the Lord.

Ushering in Pockets of Heaven

When we unite as brothers and sisters in the blood of Jesus, we create spaces where God’s presence is palpable—pockets of heaven. These are moments where the love, peace, and joy of God’s kingdom are experienced in tangible ways. As believers, we are called to participate in the heavenly realms here and now, casting out division and promoting unity. This aligns with Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, where He desires that all believers “may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.”

Participating in God’s Work

Our mission at Lakeview, “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” is deeply rooted in this call to unity. Through our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, and Serve—we actively engage in God’s work. We study to deepen our relationship with God, share to build bridges with others, and serve to demonstrate love in action. By doing so, we not only strengthen our community but also reflect the unity and love of Christ to the world.

Conclusion: A Call to Unity

As we reflect on the sermon and our mission at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, let us commit to being agents of unity in a divided world. By embracing our shared identity in Christ and working together, we can usher in pockets of heaven and make a lasting impact. In the words of Colossians 3:14, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” May we continue to pursue unity, knowing that it is through our love for one another that the world will see the reality of God’s kingdom.