Embracing the Transformative Power of Jesus

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” is rooted in the understanding that Jesus changes everything. This mission is lived out through our commitment to “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. We study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve to put love into action.

The Power of Belief, Acceptance, and Repentance

In a recent sermon, Tyler emphasized a profound truth: “All we have to do is believe, accept, and repent that Jesus is Lord, and everything changes in your life. Jesus changes everything.” This statement encapsulates the essence of our faith journey. The Bible tells us in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This belief is the cornerstone of our faith and the beginning of a transformative journey.

Communion: A Unified Body of Believers

As we gather for communion, we are reminded that we are part of a larger body of believers. Tyler beautifully articulated this when he said, “So this morning, as we commune together, may we all as one body, we are gathered here locally in this church, but there are thousands and millions of Christians meeting today and communing together today.” This unity is a powerful testament to the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:17 says, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” Communion is a sacred act that unites us with believers worldwide, reminding us of Jesus’ sacrifice and our shared faith.

Jesus’ Unconditional Love

One of the most comforting truths of the Gospel is that Jesus loves us unconditionally. Tyler reminded us, “And so may we remember that Jesus is Lord, that he has conquered all, and because he died for your sins and my sins, not causing us to change before he loves us. But while we were still sinners, he died for us.” This echoes Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus’ love is not contingent on our perfection; it is given freely, even in our brokenness.

The Call to Repentance

Tyler also highlighted the importance of repentance: “That a decision to follow Jesus is made first, not course correction first. And so we need to lean into that this morning, that we all have sin in our lives, we all have things that we need to give to God, confess and repent.” Repentance is a crucial step in our faith journey. Acts 3:19 urges us, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance is not about achieving perfection but about turning our hearts toward God and allowing His grace to transform us.

Living Out Our Mission: “Just 3”

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to living out our mission through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve.

1. Study: We study to love and know God. Through Bible studies, sermons, and personal devotion, we seek to deepen our understanding of God’s Word and grow in our relationship with Him. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2. Share: We share to know and love others. By sharing our faith, testimonies, and the love of Christ, we build meaningful relationships and create a supportive community. Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
3. Serve: We serve to put love into action. Serving others is a tangible expression of God’s love. Whether through local outreach, volunteering, or acts of kindness, we strive to make a positive impact in our community. 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.”

Conclusion

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are passionate about being the change as Jesus has changed us. By believing, accepting, and repenting, we experience the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. As we gather in communion, we are reminded of our unity with believers worldwide and the unconditional love of Christ. Through our commitment to “Just 3″—Study, Share, and Serve—we strive to live out our mission and make a difference in the world.

Join us on this journey of transformation and be a part of a community that seeks to love God, love others, and serve with purpose. Together, we can experience the life-changing power of Jesus and share His love with the world.