When God Gets Our Attention

Have you ever tried doing things your own way, only to have God redirect your path in an unmistakable way? At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we call these “2×4 moments”—those times when God has to get our attention because we’ve stubbornly insisted on our own plans instead of trusting His.

Think about Jonah. God called him to Nineveh, but Jonah had other ideas. He boarded a ship heading the opposite direction, convinced his plan was better. We all know what happened next—God threw a whale in his path. That’s the ultimate 2×4 moment! When we refuse to trust God and insist on doing things our way, we shouldn’t be surprised when He intervenes.

The Call to Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 reminds us of God’s call on our lives: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This passage challenges us to rethink everything. True worship isn’t just singing songs on Sunday morning—it’s offering our entire lives as living sacrifices. It’s recognizing that nothing we have truly belongs to us: not our money, not our time, not our relationships, not our careers. Everything is God’s, entrusted to us for His purposes.

Be the Change Through “Just 3”

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is simple yet transformative: Be the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this out through what we call “Just 3”:

Study – We study to love and know God. When we renew our minds through Scripture, we begin to see the world—and our resources—through God’s eyes rather than our own limited perspective.

Share – We share to know and love others. This means opening our lives, our stories, and our resources to build genuine relationships that reflect Christ’s love.

Serve – We serve as love in action. True transformation happens when we stop clutching our time, talents, and treasures with closed fists and instead offer them with open palms.

Approaching Communion with Open Hands

When we gather around the communion table, it shouldn’t be routine. Each time we partake of the bread and cup, we’re reminded that Jesus held nothing back. He gave everything—His body broken, His blood poured out—so that we could experience new life.

The question communion asks us is this: If Jesus gave His all for you, what are you holding back from Him?

Are you clutching your schedule, afraid to give God your time? Are you protecting your comfort zone, unwilling to share your faith with others? Are you gripping your resources, convinced you’ve earned them and they’re yours to control?

The Transformation Begins Today

The beautiful promise of Romans 12:2 is that transformation is possible. When we stop conforming to the world’s patterns of self-protection and self-promotion, and instead allow God to renew our minds, we discover His good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to being a community that lives with open hands and surrendered hearts. We’re learning together what it means to trust God completely—not just with our eternal salvation, but with our daily lives.

Will you join us in refusing to settle for 2×4 moments? Instead, let’s choose daily surrender, offering ourselves as living sacrifices and discovering the abundant life Jesus promises to those who trust Him completely.

The Power of One Question

Four days. That’s how long Lazarus had been dead when Jesus arrived. For Mary and Martha, hope seemed lost. Their brother was gone, and even Jesus—their friend and teacher—had arrived too late. But in that moment of grief and despair, Jesus asked a question that would change everything, not just for them, but for all of us: “Do you believe this?”

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

In John 11:25-26, Jesus makes one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet they shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

This wasn’t just a comforting word to grieving sisters. This was Jesus revealing His true identity and offering humanity the greatest promise ever made: eternal life through faith in Him.

The Question That Changes Everything

“Do you believe this?”

That question echoed through the centuries from Mary and Martha to us today. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we understand that how we answer this question determines everything about how we live.

Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?

If your answer is yes, it changes:

• How you face death and suffering
• How you spend your time and resources
• How you treat other people
• What you prioritize in life
• Where you find your hope

As we recently proclaimed in worship, “I believe!” But believing isn’t just a one-time decision—it’s a daily affirmation, a continual re-commitment to the truth that Jesus is who He says He is.

It’s Not About You—It’s About Who You Know

Here’s the liberating truth: Eternal life isn’t based on what you’ve done, how you perform, or who you have access to. The only thing that matters is who you know—and that is Jesus.

This is radically different from every other religious system. It’s not about:

• Being good enough
• Doing enough religious activities
• Earning your way to heaven
• Having the right connections

It’s simply about knowing Jesus in your heart and making a proclamation for Him in your life. When you do that, you are promised eternal life. And that, friends, is something worth celebrating!

Making the Decision Today

Perhaps you’re reading this and wrestling with that question for the first time: “Do you believe this?” Maybe you’ve heard about Jesus, attended church, or grown up in a Christian home, but you’ve never personally answered His question.

Today can be your day. You can:

• Affirm your faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life
• Re-commit to following Him wholeheartedly
• Make that decision for the very first time

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. But it all begins with believing that Jesus is who He says He is.

Living in Resurrection Power

When you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, you’re not just securing your eternal future—you’re accessing resurrection power for today. You can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing that death has been defeated and life has won.

Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb, and neither will you. Because He lives, you can face whatever comes your way with hope, courage, and unshakeable faith.

Your Answer Matters

So we return to the question Jesus asked Mary and Martha—and asks you today:

“Do you believe this?”

Your answer changes everything. Not because of who you are, but because of who Jesus is: the resurrection and the life, yesterday, today, and forever.

Understanding God’s Call to Be a Watchman

In the book of Ezekiel, God establishes a powerful principle that applies directly to every Christian today: the calling to be a watchman. This ancient role carries profound significance for modern believers at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes and Christians everywhere.

What Is a Watchman?

A watchman in biblical times stood on the city wall, scanning the horizon for approaching danger. Their singular responsibility was to sound the alarm when threats appeared. God told Ezekiel that if he saw danger coming and failed to warn the people, their blood would be on his hands. However, if he faithfully delivered the message and people chose not to listen, he would not be held accountable for their response.

This principle transforms how we understand our mission as Christians today.

Your Responsibility: Share the Message

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us through our “Just 3” commitment: Study, Share, and Serve. The watchman principle speaks directly to the “Share” component—knowing and loving others by connecting them to Jesus.

It’s Not About the Response

Here’s the liberating truth: Our job isn’t to decide what soil the seed falls on. We’re not responsible for controlling how people receive the gospel message. We don’t need to wait for perfect timing or ideal circumstances when someone might be more receptive.

Our job is simply to be faithful watchmen—to proclaim the Lord until He comes again, regardless of the outcome.

Jesus taught this principle in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9). The farmer scattered seed on all types of soil—hard paths, rocky ground, thorny patches, and good soil. He didn’t analyze each spot first or only plant where conditions seemed perfect. He faithfully sowed everywhere, trusting God with the results.

Overcoming Fear and Obstacles

Many Christians hesitate to share their faith because of:

• Fear of rejection – What if they say no?
• Fear of isolation – What if this damages our relationship?
• Fear of inadequacy – What if I don’t have all the answers?
• Fear of consequences – What if there’s a cost to speaking up?

The watchman calling addresses these fears directly. Ezekiel’s responsibility wasn’t to guarantee people would listen—it was to faithfully sound the alarm. When we understand this, it removes the pressure of results and places the focus where it belongs: on obedience.

Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

The Cost of Silence

God’s warning to Ezekiel was sobering: if the watchman sees danger and remains silent, blood is on his hands. While we’re saved by grace and not works, this principle reveals the weight of our calling.

People around us face eternal danger without Christ. Romans 10:14 asks, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

We are that someone. Our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors need to hear the gospel—and we may be the only Bible they ever read.

Your Mission: Connect People to Jesus

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe every Christian is called to be a watchman. This means:

Study – Know God’s Word so you can share it confidently Share – Connect people to Jesus regardless of fear or potential rejection
Serve – Demonstrate Christ’s love through action

Your mission isn’t complicated: proclaim the Lord until He comes again. Share your testimony. Invite someone to church. Have spiritual conversations. Sound the alarm about the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t let fear silence you. Don’t worry about controlling the response. Just be faithful to deliver the message—God will handle the rest.

The watchman’s call is clear: Will you sound the alarm?

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds were at a fever pitch. People lined the streets, throwing down palm branches and cloaks, celebrating what they believed would be their political liberation. The Messiah had arrived, and in their minds, the Romans would soon be overthrown. Life was about to get convenient.

But Jesus knew better.

The King Who Knew What Was Coming

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, He carried knowledge that would have stopped most of us in our tracks. He knew the cheering crowds would soon turn against Him. He understood that His closest disciples would abandon Him in His darkest hour. He could see the cross waiting, the tomb being sealed, and the weight of humanity’s sin He would bear.

Yet He entered anyway.

This raises a profound question: Why would Jesus willingly walk into suffering when He knew exactly what awaited Him?

More Than Just the Destination

The answer reveals something beautiful about the character of God: Jesus isn’t just present at the end of our story—He’s with us through every moment in between.

Consider the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. When Lazarus died, his sisters were devastated. They had sent word to Jesus, hoping He would come heal their brother. But Jesus delayed, and by the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days.

Mary and Martha were stuck in the worst moment of their lives. All they could see was death and loss surrounding them. Their hope seemed buried in that tomb with their brother.

But then Jesus showed up and declared something revolutionary: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

Where Jesus Is, There Is Always Hope

This is the heart of the gospel message. Jesus doesn’t just meet us at our destination—He walks with us through the difficult middle parts of our journey. When life feels overwhelming, when circumstances seem impossible, when all we can see is darkness, Jesus is present.

The same Savior who wept with Mary and Martha over Lazarus’s death is the One who weeps with you in your pain. The same Jesus who knew the cross was coming but entered Jerusalem anyway is the One who walks with you through your hardest seasons.

Peace in His Presence

Where Jesus is, there is always peace to be found. Not because our circumstances magically change, but because we’re not facing them alone. He doesn’t promise to remove every trial, but He does promise to be present in every trial.

Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing the full weight of what was ahead because He knew how the story would end. Death wouldn’t have the final word. The tomb wouldn’t stay sealed. Resurrection was coming.

Your In-Between Moments Matter

Whatever you’re facing today—whether it’s uncertainty, grief, fear, or disappointment—remember that Jesus is present in your in-between moments. He’s not waiting at the finish line; He’s walking beside you right now.

Just as He transformed Mary and Martha’s darkest moment into a testimony of His power, He can bring hope and healing to your situation. The God who raised Lazarus from the dead is the same God who holds your future.

Where Jesus is, there is always hope. There is always peace to be found when He is near.

Are you facing an in-between moment today? Remember that Jesus meets us in the mess, not just at the destination. His presence brings hope even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Receiving God’s Promise in the New Year

As we step into 2026, many of us are setting resolutions and making plans for personal growth. But what if this year could be different? What if instead of relying on our own strength, we tapped into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit?

The Promise of Pentecost Still Stands

In Acts 2, we find a powerful moment when people were “cut to the heart” after hearing Peter’s message. Their response was immediate: “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter’s answer remains as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago: “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.”

This promise isn’t just for those who heard Peter preach on the day of Pentecost. Scripture makes it clear: “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” That includes you, right now, in 2026.

Living in the Power of the Spirit

The early church understood something we often forget: authentic Christian living requires the Holy Spirit’s power. Acts 2 tells us they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This wasn’t casual participation—it was wholehearted devotion fueled by the Spirit.

As we approach communion and prepare our hearts for this new year, we’re challenged to not do things in our own power. Instead, we must step out boldly and listen to where God is leading. This requires courage and faith that goes beyond our comfort zones.

When the Holy Spirit Tugs, Speak Up

One of the most practical ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives is through those gentle (or sometimes not-so-gentle) promptings in our hearts. You know the feeling—when you sense you should speak up, reach out to someone, or take action, but fear or uncertainty holds you back.

In 2026, God wants you to speak. When you feel that tug on your heart, don’t remain silent. Have those tough conversations. Take those bold steps. The Holy Spirit doesn’t prompt us for no reason—He’s orchestrating divine appointments and opportunities for His kingdom.

It’s Jesus’s Love, Not Ours

Here’s a crucial truth: our mission is changing lives through Jesus’s love, not our own. This distinction matters because it takes the pressure off us and places it where it belongs—on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

We can’t manufacture genuine transformation. We can’t love people into the kingdom through sheer willpower. We can only access the love that changes lives through the Holy Spirit working in and through us.

A Move of God in Your Community

Whether you’re part of Lakeview Church or any faith community, the desire should be the same: to see God move powerfully in your midst. This happens when believers collectively surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading, when we stop relying on programs and start depending on God’s presence.

Your 2026 Prayer

As you move forward this year, make this your prayer: “Lord, I am available.” Not “use someone else,” not “when it’s convenient,” but simply, “I am here, and I’m listening.”

The Holy Spirit is present, powerful, and ready to work. The question is: are you ready to catch the wind and let Him lead you into the extraordinary life He has planned?

The promise of the Holy Spirit is for you. Will you receive it?

As we stand on the brink of a new year, Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to embark on a transformative journey with us. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” calls us to live out our faith through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. This year, we are inspired by the theme “Catch the Wind,” a call to embrace the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives.

The Eternal Goodness of God

The foundation of our journey is the unwavering truth that God is good—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This assurance anchors us as we navigate the uncertainties of life. God’s promises are steadfast, and among them is the gift of the Holy Spirit, our divine Helper. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth.”

The Breath of God: The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is often likened to the wind, an unseen force that moves and shapes our lives. In John 3:8, Jesus explains, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” This imagery captures the essence of our theme, “Catch the Wind.” Just as a sailboat relies on the wind to move forward, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

Authentic Living Through the Spirit

In our human nature, we may attempt to manufacture the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. However, true transformation comes from genuine reliance on the Spirit’s power. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities cannot be faked; they are the natural outflow of a life surrendered to the Spirit.

Setting Our Sails: Intentional Obedience

As we look to the future, our goal is to be intentional in setting our sails and sights on what God has ahead for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages 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.” By aligning our lives with God’s will, we position ourselves to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit and move in the direction He leads.

Living Out Our Mission: Study, Share, Serve

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us” is lived out through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve.

• Study: We commit to knowing and loving God through His Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 urges us to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
• Share: We seek to know and love others, sharing the hope and love of Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 commissions us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
• Serve: We put love into action, serving others as Christ served us. 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

As we embrace the new year, let us commit to catching the wind of the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to guide and transform us. Together, as a community of believers at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we will study, share, and serve, living out our mission to be the change as Jesus has changed us. May we be encouraged by the promise that God is with us, empowering us to make a lasting impact in our world.

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.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that God has called us to be a people with purpose. This divine purpose is not confined to the walls of our church but extends into every aspect of our lives. We are called to create “pockets of heaven” wherever we go, embodying the love, joy, peace, and patience that reflect God’s presence in our world.

Living Beyond the Church Walls

While it may be easier to live out our faith within the supportive community of the church, God challenges us to expand our horizons. Our mission is to be “seven-day-a-week Christians,” carrying the values we cherish in church into our everyday interactions. This means pursuing unity and demonstrating Christ-like love in all phases of life, whether at work, at home, or in our communities.

A Relationship, Not an Obligation

Our pursuit of this purpose is not out of obligation but stems from a deep relationship with God. We are inspired by the profound respect for what He has done and who He is. As we embrace our identity as His children, we are reminded that God is with us—Emmanuel. This truth brings hope and empowers us to live out our faith authentically.

The Call to Action

As we strive to create pockets of heaven, let us remember that our actions speak louder than words. By living out the principles of love, joy, peace, and patience, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us,” and we do this through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve.

Conclusion

In the name of Jesus, let us embrace our purpose with enthusiasm and dedication. May we be a beacon of hope and a source of unity in a divided world. As we live out our faith daily, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate surroundings, bringing a glimpse of heaven to earth.

Join us at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes as we continue to pursue this divine calling, making a lasting impact in our community and beyond. Together, let’s be the change that reflects the love and hope of Christ.

As we enter the Advent season, a time of anticipation and reflection, we are reminded of the profound theme of hope. In a world where we often place our hope in temporary things—our abilities, finances, relationships, and achievements—Advent calls us to refocus on the one true hope that is eternal and unchanging: Jesus Christ.

The Illusion of Temporary Hope

It’s human nature to seek security and assurance in the tangible aspects of life. We often find ourselves placing hope in our own sufficiency, believing that our skills and efforts can sustain us. We look to our bank accounts for financial security, to our families for emotional support, and to our relationships for fulfillment. While these are blessings from God, they are not the ultimate source of hope that can sustain us through life’s challenges.

The reality is that these earthly sources of hope are fleeting. They can change, falter, or even disappear, leaving us feeling lost and uncertain. This is why the Advent season is a crucial time to realign our hearts and minds with the true hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

The Living Hope in Jesus Christ

In 1 Peter 1:3-5, we find a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven for you.”

This passage beautifully encapsulates the essence of the hope we celebrate during Advent. It is a living hope, made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike the temporary hopes of this world, the hope we have in Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is a hope that is secure and eternal, kept in heaven for us.

Hope in a Conquering Savior

Advent is a time to remember that our hope is not just in a Savior who came as a baby in a manger, but in a conquering Savior who has overcome sin and death. Through His resurrection, Jesus has prepared a place for us, offering a way out of our brokenness and the silence of waiting. This hope is not just for the future; it is a present reality that transforms our lives today.

Living Out the Hope of Advent

As we reflect on the hope of Advent, let us be encouraged to live out this hope in our daily lives. This means trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It means finding peace in the assurance that our inheritance in Christ is secure. And it means sharing this hope with others, being a light in a world that desperately needs the hope of Jesus.

Conclusion: A Call to Embrace True Hope

This Advent season, let us turn our hearts towards the true hope that is found in Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth and anticipate His return, may we be reminded that our hope is not in the temporary things of this world, but in the eternal promise of our Savior. Let us embrace this living hope, allowing it to transform our lives and inspire us to share the message of hope with those around us.

In doing so, we fulfill the call of Advent: to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and to live in the light of His hope, now and forever.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we gather each Sunday to partake in the sacred act of communion, a profound reminder of God’s steadfast love and mercy. This practice is not merely a ritual; it is a powerful expression of our faith and gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we break bread and share the cup, we are united in the body and blood of Christ, acknowledging that our salvation is not earned by our merits but is a gift of grace from God.

Understanding God’s Steadfast Love

The heart of communion lies in the understanding of God’s unwavering love for His creation. Despite humanity’s tendency to turn away, God’s love endures. He paid the ultimate price to redeem us, offering mercy and forgiveness through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. This steadfast love is beautifully captured in Lamentations 3:22-23, which reminds us that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

The Significance of Communion

Communion is a time for reflection and gratitude. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we do so in remembrance of Jesus, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. This act is not just a nostalgic remembrance but a participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. It is a moment to reflect on the question: Are we like the one leper who returned to give thanks, or are we like the nine who received blessings but did not return to praise God?

A Call to Gratitude and Praise

As we gather for communion, let it pierce our hearts and inspire us to live lives of gratitude. We are called to give God the praise He is due, recognizing that there is no one else worthy of such honor. Psalm 100:4 encourages us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” This is the spirit we bring to the communion table, acknowledging the blessings we have received and the grace that sustains us.

Living Out Our Mission: Be the Change

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” Through our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, Serve—we strive to embody the love and grace of Christ in our daily lives. Communion is a vital part of this mission, as it reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice and calls us to live out our faith with gratitude and purpose.

Conclusion: A Community United in Christ

As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the unity we share as a community of believers. We are called to be the change in our world, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ in all that we do. Let us approach the communion table with hearts full of gratitude, ready to give God the praise He deserves. Together, we can make a lasting impact, living out our faith with love and action.

Join us at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes as we continue to embrace God’s steadfast love and strive to be the change in our community and beyond. Through study, sharing, and serving, we are united in our mission to reflect the transformative love of Jesus Christ.