Living with a Fire: Reflecting Christ in Our Daily Lives

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to “Be the Change” as Jesus has transformed us. Our mission is encapsulated in “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. We study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve as love in action. This mission is not just a statement; it is a way of life that requires us to live with a fire burning within us, a passion to talk about Jesus and to exemplify His love in everything we do.

Living with Passion and Purpose

As Christians, our job is to be living examples of the love of Christ. This is not merely about performing good works, but about living a life of faith that reflects our relationship with Jesus. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are encouraged to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This scripture reminds us that our faith is not just personal but communal, and it is through our community that we can truly reflect Christ’s love.

Encountering God and Accepting Forgiveness

During our times of reflection and communion, we are reminded to thank God for His incredible sacrifice. Jesus, the perfect Lamb, shed His blood to make a way for us to be reconciled with God. This act of love calls us to a response—not just to believe, but to live a life that looks like we have a relationship with Christ. In 1 John 1:9, we are assured that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This forgiveness is not the end but the beginning of our journey to live fully for God.

Taking Up Your Torch

After we confess and receive forgiveness, we have a responsibility. We are called to take up our torch and live our lives fully relying on and resembling God. This means living out our mission at Lakeview Christian Church: to study, share, and serve. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us, “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.”

Study, Share, Serve

1. Study: To love and know God, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. As we study the Bible, we grow in our understanding of His character and His will for our lives. This knowledge fuels our passion and equips us to live out our faith.
2. Share: We are called to share the love of Christ with others. This means building relationships, listening, and being present in the lives of those around us. By sharing our stories and the hope we have in Jesus, we fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Serve: Love in action is the heart of our mission. Serving others is a tangible expression of Christ’s love. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting those in need, we demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical ways.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to living with a fire that reflects the love of Christ. As we study, share, and serve, we become the change that Jesus has made in us, pointing others back to Him. Let us take up our torch and live our lives fully for God, knowing that He is faithful and that our hope is secure in Him.