In the heart of Christian faith lies a profound question: Who is Jesus? Understanding His identity is crucial for anyone seeking to follow Him. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that knowing Jesus is foundational to living a life transformed by His love. Our mission, “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” begins with understanding who He is.
Jesus: The Messiah and Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus is the Messiah, the one whom the Jewish people had long awaited. His coming was foretold by prophets like Isaiah and Micah, who spoke of a virgin birth and a ruler from Bethlehem (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2). The Gospel writers describe His miraculous birth, announced by angels to Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25). This event marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.
Fully God and Fully Human
One of the most profound truths about Jesus is His dual nature. He is fully God and fully human. John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This means that Jesus, while being divine, experienced human life in all its fullness. Colossians 2:9 affirms, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” This truth is essential because it means Jesus understands our struggles and can intercede for us with empathy and love.
The Centrality of Jesus’ Sacrifice
The heart of the Gospel is Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. He came to forgive all our sins, not just some. 1 Peter 2:24 states, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” This act of love and redemption is the cornerstone of our faith. Romans 10:9-10 emphasizes that faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is essential for salvation: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Application for Lakeview Christian Church
At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage our members to deepen their understanding of Jesus through study and reflection. Engaging with the Bible helps us grasp the depth of His love and the significance of His mission. We offer Bible study groups and classes to explore Jesus’ life and teachings. By studying His Word, we align ourselves with our mission: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.”
Conclusion Understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us is vital for living a life of faith. As we embrace Jesus as the center of our lives, we are empowered to reflect His love and grace to the world. Let us commit to knowing Jesus more deeply and allowing His transformative power to guide our journey.
