At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to be active Christians, living out our faith in response to the incredible love God has shown us through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the message of the Good Samaritan and the teachings of Jesus, we are reminded that our faith is not passive but requires us to actively engage with the world around us.
Active Faith: A Gospel of Go
The essence of our mission at Lakeview is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has transformed us. This transformation compels us to live out a “Gospel of Go,” where we actively seek opportunities to share God’s love with others. As the sermon reminds us, we cannot simply sit back and wait for God to send people our way. Instead, we must take the initiative to reach out, serve, and love those around us.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission, instructing us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This command is a call to action, urging us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world. As we embrace this mission, we are reminded that we were once outsiders, Gentiles, who have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). This unity in Christ breaks down all barriers, calling us to love without division.
Communion: A Reminder of Unity
As we gather for communion, we are reminded of the unity we have in Christ. The elements symbolize the body and blood of Jesus, given for us so that we might be reconciled to God and to one another. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul speaks of the bread and cup as a participation in the body of Christ, emphasizing our oneness as believers.
This unity transcends regional, demographic, and worldly divisions. It calls us to view our neighbors through a heavenly lens, recognizing that every person is made in the image of God and deserving of love and compassion. As we partake in communion, let us commit to living out this unity in our daily lives, actively seeking to love and serve those around us.
Conclusion: Living the Mission
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission to “Be the Change” is rooted in the active love of Christ. Through “Just 3″—Study, Share, Serve—we are called to embody the teachings of Jesus, living out a Gospel of Go that reaches beyond our walls and into the world.
As we reflect on the message of the Good Samaritan, let us be inspired to redefine who our neighbors are and how we can actively love them. May we embrace the call to be active Christians, living out our faith with boldness and compassion, and making a lasting impact in our community and beyond. Together, let us be the change that reflects the love and grace of our Savior.
