Lakeside Christian Church Blog

Grace Received, Grace Shared Ephesians 2:8–10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.   Scripture Reading: Psalm 66   Ephesians 2:8–10 reminds us that our salvation is purely a gift of grace—not earned, but given, so that no one may boast. We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to live lives of purpose, filled with good works prepared by Him. Psalm 67 echoes this theme, celebrating God’s mercy and blessing so that His ways may be known throughout the earth. As we come to the Lord’s Table on Sunday, we remember we are saved by grace and sent by grace. Communion is not just a remembrance of Christ’s death—it’s also a recommissioning to live out the grace we've received, that all nations might rejoice in God’s saving power through our ...

A Living Hope Through the Resurrection   1 Peter 1:3–5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.   Scripture Reading: Psalm 66   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Peter’s words resound with resurrection joy. In Jesus, we are born again to a  living hope —not wishful thinking, but a sure promise grounded in Christ’s triumph over death. This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Psalm 66 echoes this certainty: “Come and see what God has done.” Through Christ’s suffering on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter, we see love that redeems and power that secures. No trial can shake our etern...

Palm Branches and Voices – Hosanna! Ephesians 2:4–5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…   Scripture Reading: Psalm 65   On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the arrival of our King—humble, merciful, and mighty to save. Ephesians 2:4–5 reminds us that though we were dead in sin, God, rich in mercy and love, made us alive with Christ. This is not just rescue—it’s resurrection. Psalm 65 echoes this grace, painting a picture of a God who hears, forgives, and fills the earth with hope and abundance. In Christ, our cries are heard, our sins are forgiven, and our hearts overflow with joy. As the crowds once shouted, “Hosanna!” we too lift our voices, not just for what Jesus has done, but for who He is—the Savior who brings peace, renewal, and life everlasting.   These worship songs beautifully express the truth of Palm Sunday and the Gosp...

  April 4, 2025 – Dire Straits & Divine Strength   2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.   Scripture Reading: Psalm 64   David seems to be doing three things in Psalm 64. He’s expressing the direness of his situation. He’s affirming his confidence in God as his divine protector. And, as a result, he ends the psalm worshiping. Paul writes of something similar in 2 Corinthians 12 when he says that he pleaded with the Lord three times for the thorn in his flesh to be taken away. God’s response was “ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness .” Paul basically worships in response when he says, “ I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me .”   The songs we’ll be singing together on Sunday also reflect the themes of our insufficiency and God’s sufficiency, our weakness and God’s strength, our sinfulness and God’s lavish love pour...

Deep Satisfaction in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17–18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…   Scripture Reading: Psalm 63   Psalm 63 expresses a longing for God that is only satisfied in Him. In Christ, we are not just forgiven but made new, reconciled to God. The world offers temporary satisfaction, but true joy is found in His presence. As we prepare for Communion this Sunday, let us remember that Christ’s resurrection means we are no longer bound by sin or shame. Our deepest thirst is quenched in Him, and we now live as His redeemed people inviting others to be reconciled to God in Christ.    The hymns we sing remind us of our standing in Christ.  Rise, My Soul, the Lord is Risen  proclaims the victory of the resurrection, calling us to live in that reality.  Completely Known,...

  March 21, 2025 – Come   Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.   Scripture Reading: Psalm 62   In Psalm 62 David is professing that his soul waits for God alone. Only God is trustworthy and the giver of salvation, rest and hope. But these truths don’t negate the very real challenges and dangers David is facing, and he cries “how long?” to God (vv. 3-4). However, by meditating on who God is, he not only remains resolute in his beliefs, but it becomes part of his testimony as he invites others to also put their trust in him (v. 8).    The first song we’ll sing on Sunday will be “Just As I Am.” The psalms give us both words to speak/pray and examples of people coming to God in their honest, broken state. We don’t have to have our lives together before receiving God’s unfailing, steadfast love. This is what ...