At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded of the profound truth that sets Christianity apart from every other faith: our God didn’t just teach us how to live—He died so that we could truly live. Our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us” begins with understanding the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice.
Picture that dramatic night in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter, in his fierce loyalty and human understanding, drew his sword to defend Jesus from arrest. His reaction was natural—protect the one you love from suffering. Yet Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword back in its place” (Matthew 26:52 NIV). Why? Because Jesus understood something Peter didn’t yet grasp: this arrest wasn’t a defeat but the beginning of humanity’s greatest victory.
Jesus came with a divine purpose—to pay the price for our debt of sin. As Romans 6:23 (NIV) declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This wasn’t just any death; it was an atoning sacrifice, the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy and law. Hebrews 9:12 (NIV) explains, “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
This truth transforms how we approach our “Just 3” principles at Lakeview Christian Church:
Study to Love and Know God: When we study Scripture, we discover the depth of God’s love demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. John 15:13 (NIV) tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Every page of Scripture points to this ultimate act of love. As we dive deeper into God’s Word, we understand that Jesus didn’t die for humanity in general—He died for you specifically.
Share to Know and Love Others: The message of the cross isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. While other religions may teach moral lessons and ethical living, Christianity alone proclaims a Savior who conquered death for His followers. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) encourages us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Our hope isn’t in philosophy or good works—it’s in the finished work of Christ.
Serve – Love in Action: Because Jesus served us through His ultimate sacrifice, we are called to serve others. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) challenges us: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
The cross stands as the dividing line between Christianity and every other belief system. Buddha didn’t die for his followers. Muhammad didn’t rise from the dead. Only Jesus Christ laid down His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45 NIV). This isn’t just theological doctrine—it’s personal. Jesus looked ahead through time, saw your face, knew your struggles, understood your failures, and still chose the cross.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we don’t just remember this sacrifice during Easter or Communion. We live each day in response to it. When we face difficult decisions, when we’re tempted to live for ourselves, when we want to draw our own swords in defense or revenge, we remember Jesus in the garden. He chose the path of suffering so we could walk in freedom.
As 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) powerfully states, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This exchange—His perfection for our brokenness—demands a response. Will you accept this gift? Will you allow this truth to transform how you study God’s Word, share His love with others, and serve those around you?
Be the change as Jesus has changed us. It starts with understanding and accepting the price He paid for you.
