Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions spiritually—like dry bones scattered across an old battlefield? You’re not alone. The prophet Ezekiel stood in a valley filled with lifeless remains when God asked him an impossible question: “Can these bones live?”

Ezekiel’s honest answer? “Only You know, Lord.”

That ancient vision wasn’t just about Israel’s restoration. It was a preview of the most transformative moment in human history—the day of Pentecost, when God’s Spirit breathed new life into His people forever.

The Promise That Changed Everything

For centuries, God’s Spirit appeared selectively—hovering over prophets, empowering kings, filling warriors like Samson with supernatural strength. But it was temporary, reserved for the chosen few. The Old Testament ends with a haunting silence, the Shekinah glory absent from the rebuilt temple.

Yet prophets like Joel and Ezekiel promised something radical: a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh—sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free. Not just a select group, but everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.

That day arrived in Acts 2.

When Heaven Invaded Earth

Picture 120 believers gathered in unity, waiting as Jesus instructed. Suddenly, a sound like rushing wind filled the room. Divided tongues of fire rested on each person. They were filled—not just touched, but transformed from the inside out—with the Holy Spirit.

This wasn’t chaos. It was divine arrival.

The same ruach (breath) that gave Adam life, the same pneuma (wind) that hovered over creation’s waters, now indwelt ordinary people. Fishermen, women, servants—all received the Spirit equally. And when they spoke, pilgrims from across the known world heard the mighty works of God in their own languages.

Pentecost reversed the confusion of Babel. Where human pride once scattered nations through divided languages, God’s Spirit now united them through one message: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, offers salvation to all.

The Fire Still Spreads Today

Here’s the truth many miss: Pentecost wasn’t a one-time historical event. We’re living in what theologians call the “already-not-yet” period. The Spirit has already come, but the fullness is still unfolding. You and I live in that tension—empowered yet waiting, filled yet longing, saved yet being sanctified daily.

The same Spirit that filled that upper room is available to you right now. Not reserved for spiritual elites or perfect people. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

From Dry Bones to Living Witnesses

A.W. Tozer once warned that if the Holy Spirit withdrew from the church today, 95% of our activities would continue unchanged. That should shake us. Everything we do should depend on God’s Spirit working in, with, and through us.

The Spirit doesn’t fill you so you can sit comfortably. He fills you to send you—to be witnesses in your neighborhood, workplace, and world. Fire, by nature, spreads. It consumes. It transforms everything it touches.

Your Next Step

So what will you do with this fire? Will you merely observe it from a distance? Analyze it intellectually? Or will you be transformed by it?

If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, today can be your Pentecost moment. Hear the gospel. Believe in Jesus. Repent of your sins. Confess Him as Lord. Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then live faithfully.

The invitation is open. The Spirit is moving. Don’t just admire the story—step into it.

Prayer: Father, breathe Your Spirit into us afresh today. Transform our dry bones into living witnesses. Fill us with holy fire that spreads Your love to a world desperate for hope. May we not sit idle but go boldly, empowered by Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God Redeems Diversity Through the Gospel

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in a powerful truth: God doesn’t erase our differences—He redeems them. When the Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost, people from every nation heard the Gospel in their own language. This wasn’t about eliminating diversity; it was about bringing unity through Jesus Christ.

Many Christians misunderstand spiritual gifts and the Spirit’s work, thinking God divides us into separate camps based on our abilities. The truth is far more beautiful: the Spirit brings us together through the message of Jesus, creating unity without uniformity.

The Spirit Always Moves Us Toward Others

One profound truth about the Holy Spirit is this: He always pushes us outward. The Spirit moves us toward people, toward clarity, and toward mission. This is why Jesus gave the Great Commission—to go, not to stay comfortable or keep the Gospel to ourselves.

This outward movement is central to our mission at Lakeview Christian Church: be the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this through our “Just 3” commitment:

• Study – to love and know God
• Share – to know and love others
• Serve – love in action

If your spiritual experiences never move you toward others, it’s time to pause and reflect. That may not be the Spirit of God working in your life. The Holy Spirit doesn’t fill us for personal comfort—He empowers us for mission.

From Study to Share to Serve

Study deepens our relationship with God. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we discover who God is and how He’s working in the world. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Share extends God’s love to others. When we truly know God, we can’t help but share Him with those around us. The Gospel breaks down every barrier—cultural, economic, racial, and social. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to sharing the hope of Jesus with our community and beyond.

Serve puts love into action. James 2:17 tells us, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Our service demonstrates the reality of Christ’s transforming power. When we serve our neighbors, we become the hands and feet of Jesus.

The Great Commission Calls Us to Go

Jesus didn’t say, “Wait for people to come to you.” He commanded, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This outward focus should characterize every believer’s life and every healthy church.

At Lakeview Christian Church, we take this seriously. We’re not content to simply gather on Sundays and keep the Gospel within our walls. We’re called to be salt and light in Portage Lakes and beyond, actively sharing the life-changing message of Jesus.

Are You Moving Outward?

Here’s a challenging question: When was the last time your faith moved you toward someone else? When did you last share your story of how Jesus changed you? When did you serve someone without expecting anything in return?

The Spirit-filled life isn’t passive—it’s active, outward-focused, and mission-driven. If you find yourself stuck in spiritual isolation, ask God to reignite the fire of the Holy Spirit in your heart.

Join Us in the Mission

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to being the change as Jesus has changed us. We invite you to join us in living out “Just 3″—studying God’s Word together, sharing the Gospel with our community, and serving those in need.

The Spirit is still moving today, pushing believers outward toward a world that desperately needs hope. The question isn’t whether God is working—it’s whether we’re willing to join Him in His mission.

Ready to take the next step? Visit us at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes and discover how you can live out your faith through Study, Share, and Serve. The Spirit is calling you outward—will you answer?

Why Your Hidden Season Matters More Than You Think

Patience is hard. If you doubt that, just ask anyone at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes—we’re all learning this lesson together. Waiting feels unproductive, especially when God seems silent and nothing appears to be happening.

But here’s a profound truth from Acts 1 that changes everything: Before God sends power, He forms people. Before God moves publicly, He shapes privately.

The Purpose of the Pause

Silence does not mean absence. Waiting does not mean wasted. When you’re in that uncomfortable in-between space—between promise and fulfillment, between prayer and answer—God is working deeply, quietly, and strategically.

Think about it: Before the explosive power of Pentecost in Acts 2, the disciples spent days in the upper room. They prayed. They unified. They studied Scripture. They prepared. That hidden season wasn’t wasted time—it was essential preparation for the public movement God was about to unleash.

What God Does in the Waiting

Your private season with God is where transformation happens. It’s where:

• Character is developed that can sustain public success
• Faith is strengthened through dependence on God alone
• Unity is forged through shared struggle and prayer
• Vision is clarified through studying God’s Word
• Humble dependence replaces self-reliance

This is why at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we emphasize “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. These practices sustain us during waiting seasons.

Study: Building Your Private Foundation

When you Study to love and know God, you’re building a foundation that can support whatever God wants to build publicly through your life. The disciples anchored themselves in Scripture during their wait. We must do the same.

Share: Don’t Wait Alone

Share to know and love others means staying connected during uncertain seasons. Don’t isolate when life gets confusing. The disciples waited together in unity (Acts 1:14). Community provides strength when individual faith feels weak.

Serve: Faithful in the Hidden## Serve: Faithful in the Hidden

Serve with love in action even when no one sees. The disciples didn’t waste their waiting season—they prayed constantly, unified their hearts, and prepared for mission. Faithfulness in private determines fruitfulness in public.

The Promise Beyond the Patience

Lamentations 3:25-26 offers this encouragement: “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”

Notice it says waiting is good—not easy, not comfortable, but good. God uses waiting seasons to:

• Deepen your trust in Him
• Align your heart with His purposes
• Prepare you for greater responsibility
• Build spiritual stamina for what’s ahead
• Remove reliance on your own strength

Embrace Your Private Season

Are you in a hidden season right now? Perhaps you’re preparing for ministry but the doors haven’t opened. Maybe you’re developing skills that seem to have no immediate purpose. You might be praying faithfully but seeing no visible results.

Don’t despise this season. God is shaping you privately before He moves publicly through you. Your upper room experience is preparing you for your Pentecost moment.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us. That transformation rarely happens on a stage—it happens in quiet moments with God, in faithful Bible study, in persistent prayer, in humble community.

Trust the process. Before the rocket launches, there’s preparation. Before the harvest comes, there’s planting. Before God sends power, He forms people.

Your private obedience today is preparation for your public impact tomorrow. Stay faithful in the hidden place. God is working, even when you can’t see it.

Join us at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes as we learn together to embrace God’s shaping process. Connect with a small group where you can Study God’s Word, Share life authentically, and Serve faithfully—even in the waiting seasons.

Because one day, your waiting will end. And when God finally moves, you’ll be ready—formed, shaped, and prepared for everything He has planned.

Anchor Your Life in God’s Unchanging Truth

How do you make sense of your life when nothing makes sense? Most of us default to trusting our feelings first. We analyze what we think and how we feel, then seek opinions from others. We listen to the loudest voices, believing that if enough people agree with us, we must be on the right path.

But there’s a critical problem with this approach.

The Right Way to Read Your Life

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we teach a transformative principle from Acts 1: Don’t interpret Scripture through your situation. Interpret your situation through Scripture.

This isn’t just wordplay—it’s life-changing wisdom. The early believers didn’t twist Bible verses to justify their circumstances. Instead, they looked at their lives and asked, “How does Scripture help us understand what we’re experiencing? What is God’s plan, and how do we align with it?”

Why We Get It Backwards

As human beings, we naturally want to trust our feelings first. When life doesn’t make sense, we search for answers that validate how we feel. We cherry-pick verses that support our desired outcome. We listen to whoever tells us what we want to hear.

But this approach builds our lives on shifting sand. Feelings change. Opinions vary. Cultural trends come and go. Only God’s Word stands firm forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Anchor Yourself in Scripture

Charles Spurgeon, the great 19th-century preacher, said it perfectly: “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture. The book widens and deepens with our years.”

The more you Study to love and know God—the first commitment of our “Just 3” mission—the more you discover Scripture’s depth and relevance. God’s Word doesn’t become less important as you mature; it becomes more essential to every dimension of life.

Practical Application

1. Read Scripture Daily
Make God’s Word your first voice each morning, not social media or news headlines.

2. Ask Better Questions
Instead of “What does this verse mean for me?” ask “What does this verse actually say, and how should I respond?”

3. Test Everything Against Scripture
Evaluate advice, cultural messages, and even your own thoughts against biblical truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

4. Memorize Key Verses
Hide God’s Word in your heart so it guides you automatically (Psalm 119:11).

Study Together at Lakeview

Romans 12:2 calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation happens when we anchor our thoughts in Scripture rather than circumstances.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to being a church that studies together. Whether in Sunday services, small groups, or Bible studies, we encourage every believer to develop a daily rhythm of reading and applying God’s Word.

This is how we fulfill our mission to be the change as Jesus has changed us—by allowing His Word to continually transform our minds and hearts. When we Share to know and love others in community, we help each other stay anchored. When we Serve with love in action, we demonstrate what Scripture-guided living looks like.

Ready to anchor your life in truth? Join a Bible study or small group at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes. Let’s learn together how to interpret our situations through Scripture instead of twisting Scripture to fit our situations.

Ever feel stuck in life’s waiting room? You’ve prayed the prayer, claimed the promise, and believed for breakthrough—but nothing’s happening. The diagnosis came, but healing hasn’t. The door you thought God opened is still locked. You’re left wondering: Is God even listening?

If that’s where you are today, you’re in good company. The early believers in Acts 1 knew this feeling all too well.

The Space Between Promise and Fulfillment

Jesus had just ascended into heaven. The mission was clear: wait for the Holy Spirit. But here’s the thing—He didn’t tell them how long they’d wait. So what did they do? They didn’t panic, complain, or scatter. They waited together, united in prayer (Acts 1:12-14).

About 120 believers—including Jesus’ own family members who once doubted Him—gathered in one room with one focus: prayer. They didn’t isolate in their confusion. They leaned into community and anchored themselves in God’s presence.

Here’s a truth worth remembering: When life gets unclear, don’t withdraw—draw together. The waiting seasons aren’t meant to be walked alone.

They Anchored in Scripture, Not Sentiment

When Peter stood to address the group, he didn’t offer motivational fluff or personal opinions. He pointed them straight to Scripture. He reminded them that even Judas’ betrayal was part of God’s sovereign plan, foretold in the Psalms (Acts 1:16-20).

The early church didn’t interpret Scripture through their feelings. They interpreted their situation through Scripture. That’s a game-changer. When your world feels chaotic, don’t trust your emotions first—trust what God has already said. His Word is your anchor.

Charles Spurgeon put it beautifully: “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

Faithful Leadership in the Waiting

With Judas gone, there was a gap—only eleven apostles remained. Rather than rush to fill it, they prayed. They set biblical criteria: the replacement had to have witnessed Jesus’ ministry from the beginning and His resurrection. Two men qualified: Joseph and Matthias.

Then they did something radical. They didn’t campaign, politic, or manipulate the outcome. They prayed and trusted God to reveal His choice (Acts 1:24-26). Matthias was chosen—not by human ambition, but by divine direction.

True leadership doesn’t control outcomes; it surrenders them to God.

The Upper Room Prepared Them for the Upper Fire

Acts 1 might seem like a hallway—a quiet, uneventful pause between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost. But everything that happened in that room mattered. God was aligning hearts, strengthening unity, and preparing His people for an explosion of power in Acts 2.

Before a rocket launches, everything pauses. To the outside world, it looks like nothing. But inside? Everything is being calibrated. That’s what God does in the waiting. He’s not silent—He’s strategic.

What You Can Do in the Waiting

Here’s how to wait well, just like the early church:

1. Stay Connected – Don’t isolate; lean into community and prayer.
2. Anchor in Scripture – Let God’s Word guide your heart, not your circumstances.
3. Trust God’s Timing – Silence doesn’t mean absence. God is working behind the scenes.

Your Next Step

If you’re in a season of waiting, don’t rush the process. God is forming you before He sends power. Be faithful in the room, so you’re ready for the fire.

Prayer:
Lord, teach us to wait well. In the silence, we trust You’re working. Unite our hearts, anchor us in Your Word, and prepare us for what’s ahead. Help us stay faithful in the in-between, knowing You never waste our waiting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learning Patience When God Says “Wait”

Let’s be honest—show me someone who claims they’re good at waiting, and I’ll call their bluff. Whether it’s waiting in traffic, waiting for test results, or waiting for God to answer prayer, patience doesn’t come naturally to any of us. Some people handle it better than others, but true patience? That’s one of life’s hardest lessons.

Here’s the irony: praying for patience might be the most dangerous prayer you can offer. Why? Because God will faithfully provide circumstances that teach you to be patient. He doesn’t download patience into your heart—He builds it through the wait.

Where Are You Waiting Right Now?

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in being the change as Jesus has changed us through our “Just 3” practices: Study (to love and know God), Share (to know and love others), and Serve (love in action). Right now, many in our church family find themselves in seasons of waiting:

• Job-related waiting – Applications submitted, interviews completed, but no answer yet
• Family challenges – Prodigal children, broken relationships, unanswered questions
• Health concerns – Diagnoses given, treatments started, but healing hasn’t come

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The disciples experienced this same tension after Jesus ascended to heaven. They had promises but not yet fulfillment. They knew something was coming but couldn’t see it yet.

Biblical Wisdom for the Waiting Season

Lamentations 3:25-26 offers profound truth for anyone struggling with patience: “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Read that again: waiting isn’t weakness.

In our fast-paced, instant-gratification culture, waiting feels like failure. We equate speed with success and delays with divine disappointment. But Scripture teaches something radically different—that goodness is found in the waiting, that God is working even when we can’t see it.

The Difference Between Waiting and Trusting

There’s a significant difference between passively waiting and actively trusting. The disciples didn’t just sit around feeling discouraged. Acts 1:14 tells us they devoted themselves to prayer and stayed unified. They waited, yes—but they waited with purpose.

This is where faith transforms our perspective. Trusting God means:

• Not going with every emotional wind – Feelings change daily; God’s character doesn’t
• Refusing the up-and-down cycle – Anchoring in God’s promises instead of circumstances
• Staying steady in faith – Choosing belief even when sight is limited

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

What God Does in the Waiting

The waiting isn’t wasted time. During those 40 days between Jesus’s ascension and Pentecost, something crucial was happening in the upper room. Hearts were being prepared. Unity was being forged. Dependence on God was deepening.

The same is true for you. When you’re in a season of waiting:

• God is developing character – Patience, endurance, and faith grow in the soil of uncertainty
• God is aligning circumstances – What looks like delay is often divine timing
• God is preparing you – The blessing you’re waiting for requires a version of you that’s still being formed

James 1:2-4 encourages us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Practical Steps for Waiting Well

At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage our community to practice these principles during seasons of waiting:

1. Study – Anchor yourself in God’s Word. Read stories of biblical figures who waited (Abraham, Joseph, David) and see how God proved faithful.
2. Share – Don’t isolate. Connect with others in small groups or Sunday school where you can be honest about your struggles.
3. Serve – Keep your hands busy with love in action. Ministry often provides perspective and reminds us that God is still moving.

The Promise for Those Who Wait

Lamentations promises that “the Lord is good to those who wait for him.” Not that waiting is easy, but that God meets us in it. His goodness isn’t dependent on quick answers—it’s woven through the entire journey.

So if you’re waiting today, take heart. You’re in good company with every believer who’s ever prayed “How long, Lord?” And remember: waiting quietly for the salvation of the Lord isn’t passive resignation—it’s active faith.

Finding Peace When God’s Silence Feels Deafening

Are you trying to force an outcome in your life right now? Many of us struggle with waiting on God. We know what we need—or think we do—so we rush to ask others for advice, make quick decisions, or take matters into our own hands. But there’s a better way.

Stop and Seek God First

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we encourage our community to seek God first before forcing outcomes. This is where our mission to be the change as Jesus has changed us begins—with surrender, not control.

When you’re in a season of waiting, silence can feel miserable and confusing. You might wonder, “Why would God do this to me?” But here’s the truth you need to hear: silence does not mean absence, and waiting does not mean wasted.

God Works in the Quiet

When life feels stuck and God seems silent, remember that He’s working deeply, quietly, and strategically. Before God sends power, He forms people. Before God moves publicly, He shapes privately. Your waiting season isn’t empty—it’s full of divine preparation.

This is why we emphasize “Just 3” at Lakeview: Study, Share, and Serve. When we Study to love and know God, we learn to recognize His work even in silence. When we Share to know and love others, we find strength in community during difficult waits. When we Serve with love in action, we remain faithful even when we can’t see the outcome.

Practical Steps for Your Waiting Season

1. Pray First, Not Last
Make prayer your first response, not your panic button. Don’t wait until you’ve exhausted every option before turning to God.

2. Stay Connected
Don’t isolate yourself when life gets uncertain. We’re stronger together. Join a small group or Bible study at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes.

3. Trust His Timing
Patience is difficult, but God’s timing is perfect. What feels like delay is often divine development.

4. Let God Lead
Release your grip on how things “should” work out. Trust that God’s plan is better than yours.

The Power of Surrender

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When you stop forcing outcomes and start seeking God first, you’ll discover peace in the waiting. You’ll find that His silence doesn’t mean He’s absent—He’s simply working behind the scenes, preparing you for what’s next.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to walking with you through every season—including the waiting ones. Our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us, and that transformation happens when we learn to trust God’s timing rather than force our own.

Are you ready to stop forcing and start trusting?

Here’s a challenging question: If someone observed your life this past week, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a witness for Jesus?

If you hesitated or answered no, it’s time for a change.

We Are Called to Be Witnesses

1 Peter 3:15 gives us clear instruction: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.”

Are you prepared to give that answer?

Being a witness doesn’t mean you need all the theological answers. It simply means telling others what Jesus has done in your life. It’s sharing your experience of His grace, forgiveness, and transforming love.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Mistake

There’s an old story about a lighthouse keeper who had just enough oil to keep the light burning through the night. But as people came by with needs—a neighbor needing oil for a lamp, a traveler needing warmth, someone asking for help with a small task—he gave a little here and a little there.

One night, the lighthouse went dark.

Ships crashed on the rocks.

When the inquiry came asking why the light went out, the lighthouse keeper explained, “I was helping others.”

The response was sobering: “You were given oil for one purpose—to keep the light burning.”

Our One Purpose

Friends, you and I are here for one purpose: to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. To keep our light burning so others can find their way to Him.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this out through “Just 3”:

Study to Love and Know God

We can’t share what we don’t know. Studying Scripture deepens our relationship with God and equips us to answer when others ask about our hope.

Share to Know and Love Others

Sharing isn’t about judgment or cond### Share to Know and Love Others Sharing isn’t about judgment or condemnation. It’s about loving people enough to tell them the truth that changed your life. It’s being ready when someone asks, “Why do you have hope? Why are you different?”

Serve as Love in Action

Service demonstrates the gospel in tangible ways. When we serve our community in Portage Lakes, we show Jesus’ love with our hands and feet, not just our words.

Don’t Let Your Light Go Out

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

The lighthouse keeper made a fatal mistake. He confused helping people with fulfilling his primary calling. His compassion was admirable, but he lost sight of his purpose.

We can fall into the same trap. We get busy with good things—work, family responsibilities, hobbies, even church activities—and forget our primary purpose: to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Keeping Your Light Burning

So how do we keep our light burning?

Stay connected to the source. You can’t shine in your own strength. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Regular time in prayer and Scripture keeps you connected to Christ.

Guard your witness. Your life speaks louder than your words. Does your character match your confession? Do your choices reflect Christ?

Be intentional. Don’t wait for perfect moments to share your faith. Look for everyday opportunities—conversations at work, interactions with neighbors, moments when someone is struggling.

Remember who changed you. When you forget what Jesus saved you from, you lose urgency for sharing the gospel. Remember your story. Remember His grace.

The World Is Watching

Acts 1:8 reminds us that we are witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” That means:

• Jerusalem: Your home, your family, your immediate circle
• Judea: Your workplace, your community, Portage Lakes
• Samaria: The uncomfortable places, the people different from you
• Ends of the earth: Supporting global missions

Every single day, you encounter people who desperately need the hope you have in Christ. They’re watching how you handle stress. They’re listening to how you speak. They’re noticing whether your faith makes a real difference.

One Life at a Time

You don’t have to reach the whole world. You just need to be faithful to the people God puts in your path. One conversation. One act of kindness. One testimony of what Jesus has done.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to keeping our lights burning—together. We study together so we’re prepared. We share together so we’re bold. We serve together so our community sees Jesus in action.

The question is: Will you keep your light burning?

Ships are depending on it. Lives are depending on it. Eternity is depending on it.

Don’t let your light go out. You were given oil for one purpose—to point others to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

When I was a kid, I’d wrap a towel around my neck, pin it like a cape, and jump off the couch pretending to be Superman. I wanted to be supernatural.

Here’s the incredible news: God tells us we have supernatural power living inside us.

The Problem We All Face

Too often, we try to live the Christian life in our own strength. We try to be good people, resist temptation, love difficult neighbors, and make a difference in the world—all without tapping into the supernatural power available to us.

We don’t really trust that God’s power can work through us.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Power

Look at Jesus’ disciples. They weren’t naturally bold. Most were fishermen—regular businessmen. None were soldiers or trained leaders. They weren’t equipped by natural ability to do what God called them to do.

In fact, after Jesus was arrested, where did we find them? Hiding in an upper room, paralyzed by fear, doors locked, terrified of being discovered.

But something changed in them.

God Gave Them Part of Himself

Acts 1:8 records Jesus’ promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”

Notice the certainty. Not “you might receive power.” Not “you may receive power.” Jesus said, “You will receive power.”

The Greek word for power here is dunamis—the root word for dynamite. This isn’t hype or emotional manipulation. This is divine enablement. Supernatural, Holy Spirit power living inside every believer.

The Gift That Transforms

Acts 2:38 contains Peter’s invitation on the Day of Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Again, notice: “You will receive.” This is a promise, not a possibility.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe this power transforms our Serve commitment from obligation into overflow. When we serve—whether in children’s ministry, community outreach, or caring for neighbors—we’re not serving in our own strength. We’re serving in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Just 3: Powered by the Spirit

Our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us through “Just 3”:

• Study to love and know God
• Share to know and love others
• Serve as love in action

None of this is possible in human strength alone. We need God’s power working through us.

A.W. Tozer said it perfectly: “The Spirit-filled life is not about having more of God, but about God having more of you.”

Stop Striving, Start Surrendering

Galatians 5:22-23 describes what happens when we surrender to the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

This is the character that emerges when we stop striving and start surrendering to the power already within us.

You don’t need to be Superman. You need to surrender to the supernatural God who lives inside you. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you today.

The question is: Will you trust Him enough to let His power work through you?

Ever feel like you’re standing on the sidelines of something big? Like God’s doing incredible things, but you’re not sure where you fit in? You’re not alone. The disciples felt that exact tension as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven—a moment that looked like an ending but was actually the beginning of the greatest mission in human history.

Not Goodbye, But Go

Picture this: Jesus has risen, appeared to His followers, taught them, and now He’s ascending. It feels like farewell. But here’s the beautiful twist—He doesn’t leave them with a lecture or a to-do list. Instead, He lifts His scarred hands and blesses them (Luke 24:50-51). Those hands that carried the weight of the cross now pour out favor and peace. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not sent out alone or unprepared. We’re blessed before we’re sent.

The disciples had questions—lots of them. “When will you restore the kingdom?” they asked (Acts 1:6). Sound familiar? We love timelines and certainty. But Jesus redirected their focus from when to what. He essentially said, “Stop asking about the schedule and start living the mission.”

Power to Be His Witnesses

Then comes the game-changer: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Not might receive. Not should be. You will. This isn’t motivational hype—it’s divine enablement. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in everyone who believes, giving supernatural strength for a supernatural calling.

A witness doesn’t need all the answers. They simply share what they’ve experienced—forgiveness, grace, transformation. The early Christians took this so seriously that the word “witness” (martys) became associated with martyrdom. They couldn’t stop speaking about Jesus, even when it cost them everything.

Your Jerusalem, Your World

Jesus mapped out the mission: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Start where you are, expand to your region, reach uncomfortable places, and keep going. The gospel is always moving outward.

But here’s what’s easy to miss: being a witness doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s speaking hope to a discouraged coworker. Living with integrity when others compromise. Sharing your story when a moment opens. Choosing love when it’s easier to walk away. It’s everyday faithfulness with eternal impact.

When Jesus ascended, the disciples didn’t collapse in sadness. They returned to Jerusalem “with great joy” and were “continually in the temple blessing God” (Luke 24:52-53). Why? Because they understood the story wasn’t over—it was just beginning. And they got to tell it.

Your Call to Action

If someone observed your life this past week, would there be enough evidence to call you a witness? That’s not meant to condemn—it’s an invitation. You’re not just saved; you’re sent. Not just forgiven; you’re commissioned. Not just a believer; you’re a witness.

So don’t just stand there looking at the sky, wondering what’s next. Go. Speak. Live. Shine. The world is still asking questions, and you carry the answer in the story God has written in your life.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for blessing us before sending us. Fill us with Your Spirit and give us courage to be Your witnesses—in our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and beyond. Help us live faithfully today, knowing You’re returning soon. We are witnesses of Your love. Use us. Amen.