At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are continually reminded of the profound truth that God’s love for us is not conditional on our actions. This love, rooted in a relationship with Him, calls us to live lives that are transformed from the inside out. As we gather together as a community of believers, we acknowledge our daily shortcomings and recognize that we have no hope of earning our salvation through our own efforts. Yet, we rejoice in the truth that God meets us where we are, pursues us with His love, and never leaves us.
A Love That Transforms
The prayer from the sermon beautifully captures the essence of God’s unconditional love. It is a love that does not depend on our ability to perform or adhere to a set of rules. Instead, it is a love that invites us into a relationship with our Creator, a relationship that transforms us from the inside out. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This transformation is not merely about outward appearances or behaviors; it is about a deep, inner change that reflects the heart of God. As we grow in our relationship with Him, our lives begin to look different, marked by love, grace, and compassion. We are called to be a reflection of Christ in the world, living out the transformative power of His love in every aspect of our lives.
Confession and Community
In our journey of transformation, we recognize the importance of confession and community. As we come together as brothers and sisters in Christ, we collectively confess our daily struggles and failures. James 5:16 encourages us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Through confession, we acknowledge our need for God’s grace and the support of our community. We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, and that together, we can encourage and uplift one another as we seek to live out our faith.
Being the Church
The prayer also challenges us to move beyond simply “playing the game of church” and to truly be the church. This means embodying the love and mission of Jesus in our daily lives. As the body of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, serving others and sharing His love with the world.
At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has changed us” is a call to action. Through our “Just 3” framework—Study, Share, and Serve—we seek to deepen our relationship with God, build meaningful connections with others, and put our love into action. By studying God’s Word, sharing our lives with others, and serving those in need, we live out the transformative power of Jesus’ love.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the prayer and its call to live transformed lives, let us be encouraged by the words of Romans 12:2, “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.”
May we embrace the unconditional love of God, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. As we gather as a community of believers, let us support and encourage one another in our journey of faith. And as we go out into the world, may we be the church, living out the love and mission of Jesus in all that we do.
