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.
