IDENTITY

Identity is important. It is good to periodically reflect upon the shared beliefs that bring us together in Christ, to consider where we are going and to reaffirm our plan for getting there. For seasoned members of churches, these points of identity reassure and give hope. For newer members and our honored guests they offer hope and promise for the future.

In churches identities change. As the hairs of members grey and the culture around them shifts and transforms, living congregations must adapt and change without compromising their identity in Christ. That is why it is important to reaffirm core values and beliefs now and then.

I.D. FOR FIVE WEEKS

For the next 5 weeks, including Easter Sunday (April 21) we will be focused upon those values that hold us together as the body of Christ. We will also be pointing to those values that we share with fellow believers in Christ that allow us to strive for the singleness of purpose for which Jesus prayed in the garden:

20 “And I ask not only for these disciples,
    but also for all those who will one day
    believe in me through their message.
21 I pray for them all to be joined together as one
    even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one.
    I pray for them to become one with us
    so that the world will recognize that you sent me.
22 For the very glory you have given to me I have given them
    so that they will be joined together as one
    and experience the same unity that we enjoy.
23 You live fully in me and now I live fully in them
    so that they will experience perfect unity,]
    and the world will be convinced that you have sent me,
    for they will see that you love each one of them
    with the same passionate love that you have for me.

– John 17:20-23, The Passion Translation

Our 5-Week Series Begins April 14, 2019:

April 14 – OUR SALVATION: Who are we?

April 21 – EASTER: The Core of Our Faith.

April 28 – OUR STATEMENT: What do we believe?

May 5 – OUR STRATEGY: Where are we going?

May 12 – OUR STRUCTURE: How are we getting there?