God’s Covenant: Backwards Grace
As I reflect on our journey at Lakeview Christian Church, I’m struck by how God’s way of working often feels “backwards” to what we’d expect. In the story of Abraham, God flips the script on what it means to make a covenant. Culturally, the more important party would dictate the terms and expect total faithfulness from the lesser. But with Abraham, God Himself takes on the risk and responsibility.
Genesis 15 paints this powerful picture:
“When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram…” (Genesis 15:17-18, ESV)
Normally, Abraham would have walked between the sacrificed animals, pledging his own life to the terms. Instead, God alone passes through, declaring that if the covenant is broken, He—not Abraham—would pay the price. This points us forward to the cross, where Jesus took our place and bore the penalty for our brokenness.
Why Abraham and Rahab?
In James 2, both Abraham and Rahab are lifted up—not because they had flawless faith, but because they trusted God’s faithfulness.
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?… And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (James 2:21, 25, ESV)
Neither Abraham nor Rahab had it all figured out. Abraham doubted, stumbled, and even tried to take God’s promises into his own hands. Rahab came from a background that seemed the opposite of “faithful.” Yet both trusted that God was big enough to do what He promised. Their actions—costly, real, messy—flowed from a faith grounded in the character of God.
Is Our Faith in God or Ourselves?
This challenges us at Lakeview: Is the question really, “Is my faith big enough?” Or is it, “Is my God big enough?” If faith is about my ability, I’ll always be anxious and insecure. But if faith is about God’s reliability, I can step forward with courage—even when I don’t have all the answers.
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13, ESV)
Be the Change: Our “Just 3” Discipleship
At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We believe transformation isn’t just for Sunday morning—it’s the everyday, practical outworking of a living faith. We do this through “Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve.
Study: To Love and Know God
Abraham’s story started with listening to God, asking questions, and (sometimes) wrestling with doubt. We encourage you to dive deep into Scripture—not just for knowledge, but to know the God who is faithful even when we’re not.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Share: To Know and Love Others
Rahab’s faith wasn’t private; she put everything on the line for God’s people. At Lakeview, we challenge each other to share our lives and faith stories with others. This is how we “be the change”—by bearing witness to what Jesus has done for us.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, ESV)
Serve: Love in Action
James says that faith without works is dead (James 2:17, ESV). True faith moves us to serve, to meet needs, to step out in uncomfortable obedience. Whether it’s serving in the church, reaching out to a neighbor, or loving the marginalized, we put love into action.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Where Do We Go from Here?
The story of Abraham and Rahab invites us to trust God enough to take the next step—whatever that looks like for you. Maybe it’s starting to study Scripture daily, sharing your story with someone new, or serving in a way that stretches you. Remember: the pressure isn’t on your faith to be perfect, but on God’s faithfulness, which never fails.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we’re committed to being a community where people can encounter this kind of grace—a grace that changes us, sends us, and enables us to “be the change” in our world.
Let’s take God at His word, and let’s walk forward together in faith—because He is faithful.
