The Hope That Changes Everything

Thanks be to God that we live in a world where Jesus has already died for our sins and resurrected. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the reason we gather for communion each week. It’s the hope of Easter, the promise of redemption, and the reason Jesus is such a big deal—because His sacrifice literally changed everything.

From Brick by Brick to Complete Freedom

For centuries, the Old Testament sacrificial system operated like building a wall. Day after day, sin by sin, brick by brick, humanity created a barrier between themselves and God. High priests worked tirelessly, offering sacrifice after sacrifice, trying to atone for the people’s sins. It was exhausting, endless work that never quite finished the job.

But what Jesus did on the cross was revolutionary. He didn’t just remove another brick. He saw that entire wall of sin and separation, laid dynamite at its base, and blew it up once and for all.

The Finished Work of Christ

Here’s the beautiful truth: no longer does our sin accumulate. Through the blood of Jesus, we are made clean. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from our sins.

Hebrews 10:11-14 paints a powerful picture: “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”

Notice the difference? The Old Testament priests stood—always working, always offering, never finished. But Jesus sat down. Why? Because His work was complete. The price was paid in full.

Confidence in Christ’s Completed Work

After Jesus paid the price for our sins, He sat and waited for His enemies to become His footstool. This imagery should fill us with incredible confidence. We don’t serve a God who is still working to save us. We serve a God who has already accomplished our salvation.

It doesn’t matter where you’ve been. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve messed up. God’s blood is sufficient. His work on the cross is enough—once and for all.

The Hope of Communion

This is why communion matters so much. Every time we take the bread and the cup, we’re remembering and proclaiming this finished work. We’re declaring that:

• Our sins are forgiven—completely
• Our debt is paid—in full
• Our relationship with God is restored—permanently
• Our hope is secure—eternally

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in being the change as Jesus has changed us. Our mission of “Just 3″—Study, Share, Serve—flows from this foundational truth. We study to love and know God who saved us. We share to know and love others with the same grace we’ve received. We serve as love in action, responding to what Christ has already done.

Your Invitation to Freedom

The wall between you and God has been demolished. The sacrifice has been made. The work is finished. All that remains is for you to receive this gift of grace.

1 John 1:7 promises: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Not some sin. Not most sin. All sin.

That’s the confidence we have in Christ. That’s the hope of communion. That’s why we gather, remember, and celebrate—because Jesus changed everything, once and for all.

When Failure Meets Divine Love

As we journey through the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a powerful contrast between two prominent figures who both failed Jesus spectacularly. Yet their stories end dramatically differently—not because of the size of their sin, but because of how they responded to God’s grace. This ancient story offers profound hope for anyone struggling with failure today.

What is Hesed Love?

At the heart of this message is a Hebrew word that changes everything: hesed. This isn’t just any kind of love—it’s God’s covenantal, loyal love. Hesed represents God’s unwavering commitment to His people, rooted in His agreement with Abraham and extended to all who trust Him.

Hesed means God will never:

• Forsake His promises
• Withdraw His grace
• Leave us trapped in our sin
• Give up on making a way back

As Psalm 103:12 declares: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” This is hesed love in action—complete, permanent removal of our sin through God’s compassion.

The Biblical Foundation of Grace

Both Lamentations and Psalms reference a pivotal moment in Exodus when God’s people completely turned their backs on Him. Fresh from their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they built a golden calf and worshiped it while Moses met with God on Mount Sinai.

Moses interceded desperately: “Lord, they didn’t mean it. Don’t destroy them. Remember who You are.”

God’s response revealed His character for the first time in this complete way. Exodus 34:6-7 records: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”

This wasn’t just for ancient Israel—this is who God still is today.

Two Failures, Two Responses

The Gospel of Luke shows us two disciples who failed Jesus:

Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. When he realized what he’d done, he felt remorse but ran to despair instead of grace. He believed his failure was final.

Peter denied Jesus three times, claiming he didn’t even know Him. When Jesus looked at him with love, Peter wept bitterly—and that brokenness led him back to restoration.

The difference? Peter understood he was “the product of grace and the product of God’s loyal hesed love.” He knew God’s covenant promise meant there was always a way back.

Living in Hesed Love Today

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 – Know God’s character of hesed love through His Word Share – Experience grace in authentic Christian community
Serve – Extend the same compassion God shows us to others

God is always “in the process of making a way to deal with our brokenness.” He doesn’t leave us in our sin but compassionately removes it—as far as the east is from the west.

Your Response Matters

If you’re struggling with failure today, remember: God’s hesed love is bigger than your worst moment. The question isn’t whether you’ve failed—we all have. The question is, which direction will you run?

Will you run to despair, believing your sin is too big for God’s grace? Or will you run to Jesus, trusting that His covenant love never fails?

Lamentations 3:22-23 promises: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every morning brings fresh mercy. Every moment offers a chance to return. That’s the power of hesed love.

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, God Still Deserves Our Praise

A message from Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes

Have you ever felt like everything in your life is falling apart? You’re not alone. In fact, there’s an entire book of the Bible dedicated to asking God the hard questions we’re all thinking.

The Prophet Who Asked “Why?”

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our young adult group has been studying the prophets, and one name keeps appearing: Habakkuk (however you choose to pronounce it!). This short, three-chapter book captures something we’re all too familiar with in today’s world—lamenting.

Let’s be honest: our society is really good at lamenting. We whine and grieve about a lot. But Habakkuk’s lament was different. He wasn’t complaining to his friends or venting on social media. He was bringing his honest questions directly to God:

• “Why have you called judgment upon Israel?”
• “Why are all these bad things happening?”
• “Why are we in exile?”
• “Why are you destroying the temple?”
• “What is going on? Why do we deserve this?”

Sound familiar? These are the same questions we ask when life doesn’t go according to plan.

The Most Powerful “Yet” in Scripture

After two chapters of honest wrestling with God, Habakkuk arrives at one of the most profound declarations of faith in all of Scripture. Habakkuk 3:17-18 says:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Read that again slowly. Habakkuk is describing total devastation:

• No fruit on the trees
• Failed crops in the fields
• Empty pens and stalls
• Complete economic collapse
• Zero visible reasons for hope

And then comes that powerful word: “YET.”

Choosing Joy When Nothing Makes Sense

At its core, this is what we proclaim at Lakeview Christian Church. 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), and Serve (love in action).

Habakkuk’s declaration embodies all three:

Study: He knew God deeply enough to trust Him when circumstances screamed otherwise. His relationship with God wasn’t dependent on his circumstances being good.

Share: By recording his struggle and resolution, Habakkuk shared hope with countless generations facing their own “fig tree” moments.

Serve: Choosing joy in suffering is an act of worship—love in action directed toward God, even when it costs us everything.

What’s Your Fig Tree?

What’s not budding in your life right now?

• Is it your health?
• Your finances?
• Your relationships?
• Your career?
• Your family?

Habakkuk teaches us that joy isn’t found in our circumstances changing—it’s found in knowing the God who never changes.

The prophet didn’t say, “I’ll rejoice when the fig tree buds again.” He said, “Though it doesn’t bud, yet I will rejoice.” That’s not denial or toxic positivity. That’s faith anchored in the character of God rather than the comfort of our situation.

The Invitation

This Sunday at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re exploring how God invites us into this kind of unshakeable faith. When the world around us crumbles, we don’t have to crumble with it. Our hope isn’t in things that don’t last—it’s in the only One who does.

Habakkuk discovered what we’re all invited to experience: that God is worthy of our praise not because of what He gives us, but because of who He is. He is our salvation, our strength, and our song—even when the fig tree refuses to bud.

Will you choose the “yet” today?

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.