At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are embarking on a transformative journey through our new sermon series on discipleship. This series is not just a call to listen but a call to action, urging us to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. Our mission is encapsulated in the simple yet profound approach of “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. These pillars guide us in our pursuit to love God, love others, and put love into action.
Study: To Love and Know God
The foundation of our discipleship journey begins with studying God’s Word. As Tyler emphasized in his sermon, discipleship requires a radical allegiance to Christ, where Jesus must be our highest priority. This echoes the call in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we deepen our understanding of God’s character and His will for our lives.
At Lakeview, we encourage everyone to engage in regular Bible study, both individually and in community. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also equips us to live out our calling as disciples. As we study, we are reminded of the cost of discipleship, as Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Share: To Know and Love Others
Discipleship is not a solitary journey; it is a communal one. We are called to share our lives and our faith with others. Tyler’s message highlighted the importance of making disciples who make disciples, as instructed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This involves teaching and baptizing, but it also means building relationships and sharing the love of Christ with those around us.
At Lakeview, we believe in the power of community and the impact of sharing our stories. By opening our hearts and lives to others, we create opportunities for genuine connection and spiritual growth. As we share, we fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s love.
Serve: Love in Action
The final pillar of our mission is to serve, putting love into action. Discipleship is not just about what we believe but how we live. Tyler reminded us that following Jesus requires complete surrender and a willingness to serve others, even at a cost to ourselves. This is the essence of the Christian life, as Jesus taught in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
At Lakeview, we are committed to serving our community and beyond. Whether through local outreach, global missions, or everyday acts of kindness, we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus. By serving, we embody the love of Christ and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Conclusion
As we journey through this series on discipleship, let us embrace the call to “Be the Change” at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes. Through “Just 3″—Study, Share, and Serve—we are equipped to love God, love others, and live out our faith in meaningful ways. May we be inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Join us as we commit to this path of discipleship, knowing that while the journey may be challenging, the reward is eternal. Together, let us be disciples who make disciples, transforming our world with the love of Christ.
