At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” This mission is deeply rooted in the transformative power of repentance—a theme central to Jim’s recent sermon. Repentance is not merely a momentary decision but a lifelong commitment to change, as John the Baptist proclaimed. It is the act of changing one’s mind so completely that it results in a change of action, every day of our lives.
Study: Understanding True Repentance
Repentance is a profound biblical concept that requires us to turn away from sin and towards God. In Luke 3:3, John the Baptist calls for a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This call is not just about acknowledging wrongdoing but about a complete transformation of the heart and mind. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” At Lakeview, we encourage our congregation to study the scriptures diligently to understand the depth of repentance and its role in our spiritual journey.
Repentance involves a radical reorientation of our lives. It is not enough to simply feel remorse for our sins; we must actively seek to change our behavior and align our lives with God’s will. This process requires humility and a willingness to submit to God’s guidance. As we study the Bible, we learn that repentance is a recurring theme throughout scripture, from the prophets of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament.
Share: Encouraging Others Through Our Journey
Sharing our journey of repentance can be a powerful testimony to others. James 5:16 encourages us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” By sharing our struggles and victories, we can inspire others to seek the same transformation. At Lakeview, we foster a community where members can share their stories and support one another in their walk with Christ.
Our testimonies of repentance and transformation can serve as a beacon of hope for those who are struggling with their own sins and shortcomings. By being open and honest about our journeys, we create an environment of trust and encouragement. This openness allows others to see the power of God’s grace at work in our lives and motivates them to pursue their own paths of repentance and renewal.
Serve: Repentance in Action
Repentance is not just about words; it is about action. Galatians 5:13 tells us to “serve one another humbly in love.” At Lakeview, we believe that serving others is a natural outcome of a repentant heart. Whether it’s volunteering in our local community or participating in church outreach programs, we are called to serve as a reflection of our changed lives. This is how we live out our mission to “Be the change.”
Service is a tangible expression of our repentance and commitment to living a Christ-centered life. It is through serving others that we demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus. By putting our faith into action, we not only help those in need but also grow in our own spiritual journey. Serving others allows us to live out the teachings of Jesus and fulfill our calling as His disciples.
Conclusion
Repentance is a daily commitment to live a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ. As we embrace this transformative journey, let us remember the call to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Through the “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, Serve—we can live out this mission and inspire others to do the same. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to walking this path together, supporting one another as we grow in faith and love.
