At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to living as children of light, as Jim’s sermon beautifully illustrated. A repentant life means leaving the darkness behind and walking in the light of God’s love, hope, and salvation. This is the life we are called to live—a life filled with hope, grace, and joy.
Study: Embracing the Light of Christ
Ephesians 5:8-10 calls us to “walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” To walk in the light is to live a life that is pleasing to God, discerning His will in all things. At Lakeview, we encourage our congregation to study the Bible to understand what it means to live in the light of Christ. Through regular Bible study and reflection, we can grow in our understanding of God’s will and purpose for our lives.
Walking in the light involves a conscious decision to reject the darkness of sin and embrace the truth of God’s word. It requires us to be vigilant in our spiritual journey, constantly seeking to align our actions and thoughts with the teachings of Jesus. As we study the scriptures, we learn that walking in the light is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one, where we support and encourage one another in our faith.
Share: Spreading the Light to Others
As children of light, we are called to share the hope and joy of Christ with others. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us that we are “the light of the world” and that our light should shine before others. At Lakeview, we create opportunities for our members to share their faith and love with those around them. Whether it’s through small group discussions or community outreach, we are committed to spreading the light of Christ to all we encounter.
Sharing the light of Christ involves more than just words; it requires us to live out our faith in tangible ways. By demonstrating love, kindness, and compassion in our interactions with others, we reflect the character of Jesus and draw people to Him. Our actions can serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God’s love and inspire others to seek a relationship with Him.
Serve: Living Out the Light in Action
Serving others is a tangible way to live out the light of Christ. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” At Lakeview, we offer numerous opportunities for service, both within the church and in the broader community. By serving others, we demonstrate the love and grace of Christ in action, fulfilling our mission to “Be the change.”
Service is an integral part of our walk as children of light. It allows us to put our faith into action and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, participating in a mission trip, or simply helping a neighbor in need, our acts of service reflect the love of Christ and bring hope to those around us.
Conclusion
Walking as children of light is a daily commitment to live a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ. As we embrace this calling, let us remember the mission of Lakeview Christian Church: “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. Together, we can shine the light of Christ in our community and beyond, bringing hope and transformation to all we encounter.
