At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are on a transformative journey, guided by our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” This mission is encapsulated in our approach of “Just 3″—Study, Share, and Serve. As we reflect on our recent journey through the Scriptures, particularly the letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, we find profound lessons on gratitude, purpose, and community. These lessons are especially relevant as we enter the season of Thanksgiving, a time to encourage, love, and uplift one another.
Study: To Love and Know God
Our exploration of the letters to the Thessalonians has been a journey of rediscovering purpose and commitment to God’s calling. The Thessalonian church faced trials, persecution, rumors, and false teachings, much like the challenges we encounter today. Paul’s letters served to reclarify their purpose, urging them to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to live lives worthy of God’s calling.
At Lakeview, we believe that studying God’s Word is foundational to knowing and loving Him. Through regular Bible study, we deepen our understanding of His will and align our lives with His purpose. This aligns with our mission to “Be the change,” as understanding God’s love compels us to live differently and purposefully.
Share: To Know and Love Others
Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians to support and uplift one another resonates deeply with our mission to share our faith and love with others. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” This call to community and mutual support is at the heart of our mission at Lakeview.
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we are reminded of the importance of sharing our gratitude and love with those around us. This is a time to reflect on the blessings we have received and to extend that gratitude to others. At Lakeview, sharing is a vital part of our mission. We strive to know and love others by building relationships and sharing the transformative message of Jesus.
Serve: Love in Action
The Thessalonian church’s journey was not just about enduring trials but also about serving one another in love. Paul’s letters emphasize the importance of living out our faith through actions. Galatians 5:13 encourages us to “serve one another humbly in love.”
At Lakeview, we are committed to serving our community as an expression of love in action. Through various outreach programs and initiatives, we seek to meet the needs of those around us and demonstrate the love of Christ. Serving others is a tangible expression of our gratitude and faith, and it is central to our mission to “Be the change.”
Conclusion
As we reflect on the themes of gratitude and purpose, we are reminded of our mission at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Through studying God’s Word, sharing our faith, and serving others, we embody the principles of “Just 3.” Let us continue to live out this mission, inspired by the example of the Thessalonian church, as we seek to make a difference in our world. This Thanksgiving, may we be thankful in every season, encouraging and uplifting one another in love.
