At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are continually reminded of the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who stepped down from heaven to bring us a hope that was previously unimaginable. This hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a profound assurance of our righteousness and eternal inheritance, as highlighted in 1 Peter 1:3-4:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
Study: Understanding Our Living Hope
Before Jesus, the Old Testament reveals a world where people struggled to achieve righteousness through their own efforts, yet always fell short. The law highlighted humanity’s need for a Savior. With Jesus’ arrival, we are offered a living hope through His resurrection. This hope is not based on our merit but on His mercy and grace. As we study the scriptures, we are reminded that our assurance in Christ is unchanging and unyielding. Romans 5:1-2 affirms this: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Share: Proclaiming the Assurance of Faith
The assurance we have in Jesus is a message worth sharing. It is a hope that cannot be taken away, a promise of an inheritance that is imperishable. At Lakeview, we are committed to sharing this good news with others, inviting them to experience the same assurance and peace. As we share our faith, we fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).
Serve: Living Out Our Hope
Our hope in Christ compels us to serve others, demonstrating the love and mercy we have received. This service is an expression of our faith, a tangible way to show that our hope is alive and active. Galatians 5:13 encourages us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Be the Change
As we embrace this living hope, we are called to be the change in our communities. Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.” Through studying God’s Word, sharing our faith, and serving others, we live out the hope that Jesus has given us. This hope is not just for us but for everyone we encounter.
Conclusion
Let us hold firmly to the assurance we have in Jesus Christ, knowing that our inheritance is secure and our hope is eternal. As we study, share, and serve, may we be a beacon of hope to those around us, reflecting the love and grace of our Savior. In a world that often feels uncertain, let us be reminded that our hope in Christ is steadfast and unchanging.
