God’s Grace is Something We Can Never Deserve
In the quiet moments of self-reflection, when the noise of the world fades and we are left alone with our thoughts, one undeniable truth surfaces: we are flawed beings. We stumble, we fall, and we make mistakes—moments where our imperfections are laid bare. Yet, in the midst of our shortcomings, there exists a profound and enduring reality that resonates deep within our souls: we are all in need of grace.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, this truth forms the bedrock of our faith journey. We embrace it wholeheartedly, recognizing our inherent sinfulness and our continual dependence on God’s grace and forgiveness. It’s a humbling realization, one that underscores our reliance on something greater than ourselves.
Throughout the ages, individuals have grappled with this fundamental truth. Tyler, a member of our community, candidly shares, “I know that I’m a sinner and I mess up daily. I need God’s grace and forgiveness. Without Jesus’s covering, I have no hope.” Tyler’s words echo the sentiments of countless hearts around the world—acknowledging our frailties, yet clinging to the hope found in God’s transformative love and mercy.
Scripture echoes this theme consistently, reminding us of our human condition and God’s response of grace. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23-24, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” These verses encapsulate the essence of our faith—that despite our failings, we are justified through God’s grace, made possible by the sacrifice of Christ.
Central to our beliefs at Lakeview Christian Church is the profound understanding that in Christ alone, we find freedom from the bondage of sin. Jesus himself declared in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” These words resonate deeply within our community, serving as a constant reminder that true liberation is found in embracing the teachings of Christ and living according to his word.
Our commitment to God’s word is evident in our “Study of Just 3” initiative. Through this program, we delve into Scripture, seeking to deepen our understanding of God’s truth and applying it to our daily lives. It’s not just about knowledge but about transformation—allowing God’s word to shape our hearts and minds, leading us closer to Him.
Equally important is our “Share of Just 3” initiative, where we actively demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways within our community and beyond. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we strive to be vessels of His unconditional love, showing compassion, kindness, and generosity to all whom we encounter. Whether through acts of service, outreach programs, or simply extending a listening ear, we aim to reflect God’s love in practical ways.
But our mission extends beyond individual growth and outward expressions of love. At Lakeview Christian Church, we cherish the community of believers as a place to experience God’s grace together. Through our “Share of Just 3” gatherings, we create a supportive environment where members can authentically share their faith journeys, testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and moments of personal growth. It’s a space where relationships flourish, bonds are strengthened, and lives are transformed by the power of community rooted in Christ’s love.
In acknowledging our collective need for grace, we humbly approach God and one another with hearts full of gratitude. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey of faith—a journey where grace abounds, where freedom is found in Christ alone, and where each step is guided by the light of God’s enduring love.
As we reflect on the richness of God’s grace, we are reminded of the countless examples in Scripture where God’s mercy triumphs over human frailty. One such profound narrative is found in the life of King David, a man described as “a man after God’s own heart” despite his grievous sins. David, in his humility and repentance, experienced firsthand the depths of God’s forgiveness and grace.
In Psalm 51, penned by David after his sins with Bathsheba and the subsequent fallout, we witness a poignant plea for God’s mercy and restoration. David pours out his heart, acknowledging his transgressions and seeking God’s cleansing and renewal. Verse 10 encapsulates David’s heartfelt prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This psalm not only illustrates David’s personal journey of repentance but also serves as a timeless testament to God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in genuine contrition. It speaks to the core of our faith at Lakeview Christian Church—that no matter how far we may stray or stumble, God’s grace is abundant and His mercy is unfailing.
Another compelling example is found in the New Testament with the apostle Peter, whose impulsive nature often led him into moments of great faith as well as profound failure. Despite his fervent declarations of loyalty to Jesus, Peter famously denied knowing Him three times on the night of Jesus’ arrest. Yet, even in Peter’s darkest moment of betrayal, Jesus had already foreseen and extended grace.
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter by the Sea of Galilee. In John 21, we witness a tender exchange where Jesus not only reinstates Peter but also entrusts him with a profound mission: “Feed my lambs. Take care of my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) This restoration encounter exemplifies Jesus’ unconditional love and His willingness to forgive, redeem, and empower those who seek to follow Him.
Peter’s life serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace is not contingent upon our perfection but upon His perfect love and mercy. It is this transformative grace that empowers us to rise above our failures, to learn from our mistakes, and to continue growing in faith and service.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we embrace these biblical narratives not just as historical accounts but as living testimonies of God’s enduring grace and faithfulness. They inspire us to cultivate a community where grace abounds—a community where individuals are encouraged to be authentic in their faith journey, to seek reconciliation and restoration, and to experience the transformative power of God’s love in tangible ways.
In our pursuit of God’s truth and grace, we are guided by the foundational principles of our faith. The prophet Micah succinctly captures these principles in Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
These words encapsulate the essence of our mission at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes. We strive to live justly, extending God’s love and compassion to all. We seek to embody mercy, recognizing our own need for grace and extending that same grace to others. And we endeavor to walk humbly with our God, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His unfailing love.
In conclusion, the journey of faith at Lakeview Christian Church is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. It is a journey marked by humility, authenticity, and a deep longing to know God more intimately. It is a journey where each individual, recognizing their own need for grace, finds a welcoming community of believers who journey together toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
We invite you to join us on this journey—a journey where grace abounds, where lives are transformed, and where the love of Christ compels us to share His message of hope with the world. Together, let us continue to seek God’s truth, to live out His love, and to experience the freedom and joy found in His amazing grace.
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