Here’s a challenging question: If someone observed your life this past week, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a witness for Jesus?

If you hesitated or answered no, it’s time for a change.

We Are Called to Be Witnesses

1 Peter 3:15 gives us clear instruction: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.”

Are you prepared to give that answer?

Being a witness doesn’t mean you need all the theological answers. It simply means telling others what Jesus has done in your life. It’s sharing your experience of His grace, forgiveness, and transforming love.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Mistake

There’s an old story about a lighthouse keeper who had just enough oil to keep the light burning through the night. But as people came by with needs—a neighbor needing oil for a lamp, a traveler needing warmth, someone asking for help with a small task—he gave a little here and a little there.

One night, the lighthouse went dark.

Ships crashed on the rocks.

When the inquiry came asking why the light went out, the lighthouse keeper explained, “I was helping others.”

The response was sobering: “You were given oil for one purpose—to keep the light burning.”

Our One Purpose

Friends, you and I are here for one purpose: to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. To keep our light burning so others can find their way to Him.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this out through “Just 3”:

Study to Love and Know God

We can’t share what we don’t know. Studying Scripture deepens our relationship with God and equips us to answer when others ask about our hope.

Share to Know and Love Others

Sharing isn’t about judgment or cond### Share to Know and Love Others Sharing isn’t about judgment or condemnation. It’s about loving people enough to tell them the truth that changed your life. It’s being ready when someone asks, “Why do you have hope? Why are you different?”

Serve as Love in Action

Service demonstrates the gospel in tangible ways. When we serve our community in Portage Lakes, we show Jesus’ love with our hands and feet, not just our words.

Don’t Let Your Light Go Out

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

The lighthouse keeper made a fatal mistake. He confused helping people with fulfilling his primary calling. His compassion was admirable, but he lost sight of his purpose.

We can fall into the same trap. We get busy with good things—work, family responsibilities, hobbies, even church activities—and forget our primary purpose: to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Keeping Your Light Burning

So how do we keep our light burning?

Stay connected to the source. You can’t shine in your own strength. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Regular time in prayer and Scripture keeps you connected to Christ.

Guard your witness. Your life speaks louder than your words. Does your character match your confession? Do your choices reflect Christ?

Be intentional. Don’t wait for perfect moments to share your faith. Look for everyday opportunities—conversations at work, interactions with neighbors, moments when someone is struggling.

Remember who changed you. When you forget what Jesus saved you from, you lose urgency for sharing the gospel. Remember your story. Remember His grace.

The World Is Watching

Acts 1:8 reminds us that we are witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” That means:

Jerusalem: Your home, your family, your immediate circle
Judea: Your workplace, your community, Portage Lakes
Samaria: The uncomfortable places, the people different from you
Ends of the earth: Supporting global missions

Every single day, you encounter people who desperately need the hope you have in Christ. They’re watching how you handle stress. They’re listening to how you speak. They’re noticing whether your faith makes a real difference.

One Life at a Time

You don’t have to reach the whole world. You just need to be faithful to the people God puts in your path. One conversation. One act of kindness. One testimony of what Jesus has done.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to keeping our lights burning—together. We study together so we’re prepared. We share together so we’re bold. We serve together so our community sees Jesus in action.

The question is: Will you keep your light burning?

Ships are depending on it. Lives are depending on it. Eternity is depending on it.

Don’t let your light go out. You were given oil for one purpose—to point others to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.