Finding True Joy in Christ

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded that true joy is not circumstantial or fleeting. It is a profound and enduring joy that stems from the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we gather each week for Communion, we celebrate the transformative work of Jesus on the cross, which offers us a joy that surpasses all understanding, even in the lowest moments of our lives.

The Incarnation: God With Us

The essence of our joy is rooted in the Incarnation—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. As John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This profound truth assures us that God did not abandon humanity during the 700 years of waiting before Christ’s arrival. Instead, He saw our need and came to pay the ultimate price for our redemption.

Communion: A Celebration of Grace

Each week, as we partake in Communion, we are reminded of the grace that covers our faults and flaws. Through the blood of Jesus, we exchange our brokenness for His righteousness. Isaiah 53:5 beautifully captures this exchange: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” In this sacred moment, we acknowledge that God no longer sees our sins but sees His Son, who was crushed for our iniquities.

Living Out Our Mission: Be the Change

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change as Jesus has changed us.” We live this out through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve.

1. Study: We are committed to studying God’s Word to deepen our love and knowledge of Him. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
2. Share: We strive to share the love of Christ with others, building relationships that reflect His grace and truth. By sharing our faith, we fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Serve: We believe in love in action, serving our community and beyond with the compassion of Christ. As Jesus taught us, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

A Community of Joy

As a community, we are called to embody the joy that comes from knowing Christ. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a reflection of our relationship with Jesus. As we gather with our brothers and sisters in faith, let us be overcome with the joy that only He can provide—a joy that changes everything.

May we continue to hold this joy in our hearts, not just during the Christmas season, but throughout the year. Let us be a light in the world, sharing the hope and peace that come from knowing Jesus, the one who dwelt among us and changed everything.