Embracing the Blessing

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” This mission is rooted in the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, has given us a gift beyond measure—a gift that calls us to respond with our whole hearts.

The Blessing Beyond Abraham

The blessing God bestowed upon Abraham was not meant to be contained within a single lineage or nation. It was a revelation of God’s heart for all nations, a promise that through Abraham’s seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). However, as history unfolded, the Israelites struggled to fully live out this calling. Yet, God’s plan was never thwarted. In His infinite wisdom and love, He provided Jesus Christ, the perfect atonement for our sins—a gift we could never earn or repay.

Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This sacrificial love is the cornerstone of our faith and the catalyst for our mission.

The Condition of the Heart

The gift of salvation through Jesus comes with a profound “so that.” It is not about adhering to a set of rules or performing religious rituals. Instead, it is about giving our hearts to Jesus. He desires our worship, our love, and our devotion. When we truly give our hearts to Him, everything changes—our actions, our conversations, and our entire way of life.

As we reflect on this, we are reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Being Shrewd Stewards

In the parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus teaches us the importance of being wise and intentional with the resources God has entrusted to us. At Lakeview, we are called to be shrewd stewards of the gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and hope. This means actively engaging in our mission through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve.

1. Study: To love and know God, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. As we study the Scriptures, we deepen our understanding of His character and His will for our lives. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
2. Share: To know and love others, we must share the love of Christ in our words and actions. This involves building relationships, listening with empathy, and being a source of encouragement and support. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
3. Serve: Love in action is the heartbeat of our mission. We are called to serve others selflessly, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways. Galatians 5:13 reminds 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

As we embrace our mission at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, let us remember that we are part of a greater story—a story of redemption, love, and transformation. By giving our hearts to Jesus and living out our mission through Study, Share, and Serve, we become conduits of His blessing to the world around us.

May we be the change, as Jesus has changed us, and may our lives be a testament to His grace and glory. Amen.