At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we embrace the transformative power of Christ’s love. Our mission, “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” is rooted in the understanding that Jesus meets us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there. This message is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the great banquet, where Jesus invites us to come as we are. This invitation is not just a call to attend a feast but a call to experience a life-changing relationship with Him.
The Invitation to Transformation
In the sermon, we are reminded that Jesus invites everyone to His banquet, regardless of their current state. Whether you feel too broken, too proud, or too lost, Jesus calls you to come as you are. This invitation is a promise that He will not leave you in your mess. As Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This rest is not merely physical but a deep spiritual peace that only Jesus can provide.
The Promise of Change
Jesus’ love is not passive; it is active and transformative. He promises to walk with us through our depression, anxiety, and fears. He sees our brokenness and offers healing and hope. This is the essence of our mission at Lakeview: to be changed by Jesus and to be agents of change in the world. Romans 12:2 encourages us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This transformation is a continuous process, one that requires us to surrender our lives to Christ daily.
Study: Embracing God’s Word
To truly experience this transformation, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17 remind us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” By studying the Bible, we learn to trust in God’s promises and allow His love to reshape our lives. At Lakeview, we encourage everyone to engage in regular Bible study as part of our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, Serve.
Share: Extending the Invitation
Sharing the love of Christ is a natural response to experiencing His transformative power. We are called to extend the invitation to others, just as Jesus has invited us. This means reaching out to those who feel unworthy or distant from God and showing them the love and acceptance that Jesus offers. By sharing our testimonies and the Gospel, we fulfill our mission to know and love others.
Serve: Living Out the Change
Service is a tangible expression of the change that Jesus brings into our lives. At Lakeview, we believe in serving others as a reflection of Christ’s love. Whether it’s volunteering in the community or helping a neighbor in need, serving allows us to put our faith into action. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Conclusion The invitation to the banquet is open to all. Jesus’ love is a powerful force that can transform our lives if we let it. At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage you to accept this invitation and experience the change that only Jesus can bring. Join us in our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” by studying His Word, sharing His love, and serving others. Together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond.
