At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we strive to be the change as Jesus has changed us. Our mission, “Just 3” — Study, Share, Serve — guides us in our faith journey. In a recent sermon, we explored the theme of faith over fear, as illustrated in the stories of Jairus and the woman in Luke 8:40-56. These narratives remind us that faith means trusting in Jesus, even when fear says it’s over.
Study: The Courage of Faith
The stories of Jairus and the woman teach us about the courage required in faith. Despite their fears and the obstacles they faced, both individuals approached Jesus with boldness. Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, risked his reputation by publicly seeking Jesus’ help. The woman, considered unclean due to her condition, bravely reached out to touch Jesus’ robe, believing in His power to heal her. As we study these passages, we learn that faith means trusting in Jesus, even when fear says it’s over (Isaiah 41:10).
Jesus’ response to both individuals demonstrates His compassion and love for those who reach out to Him. He not only healed the woman but also affirmed her faith by calling her “daughter.” This act of compassion shows us that Jesus sees us, loves us, and is always ready to respond to our faith.
Key Points from the Sermon:
- Jairus and the woman both faced situations that seemed hopeless, yet they chose to trust in Jesus.
- The woman’s healing was not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, as Jesus affirmed her faith and called her “daughter.”
- The sermon emphasized that when fear says it’s over, faith says, “Just believe.”
Share: Building Community Through Courage
At Lakeview, we believe in sharing our stories to know and love others. Just as Jairus and the woman reached out to Jesus, we are called to reach out to one another. Sharing our experiences of faith, especially in the face of fear, strengthens our community and reminds us that we are not alone (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
In our church community, we encourage open dialogue about the challenges of facing fear with faith. By sharing our testimonies, we can uplift and support each other, reminding one another that we are not alone in our struggles. This shared experience fosters a sense of unity and strengthens our collective faith.
Serve: Courage in Action
Our mission to serve is about putting love into action. Jesus’ willingness to stop and address the woman’s needs, even while on His way to Jairus’ house, demonstrates His compassion and attentiveness. We are encouraged to serve others with the same love and courage, knowing that our actions can be a testament to God’s love (Matthew 25:35-40).
Serving others, especially in their moments of fear, is a powerful expression of faith. It is through our actions that we can demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, offering a listening ear, or providing practical support, our service can be a beacon of hope to those in need.
Conclusion: As we reflect on these stories, let us be reminded that faith holds on when Jesus feels slow. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to being the change by studying God’s Word, sharing our lives, and serving others. Let us continue to trust in God’s timing and be a beacon of hope in our community. In moments of fear, may we find strength in our faith and courage to reach out to Jesus, knowing that He sees us, loves us, and is always working for our good.
