These days you can't get by without your I.D. You need your I.D. to use a drive thru teller at your bank, to make a purchase using your ATM card, or to pass through security at the airport. Actually, apart from a photo I.D., we've all got an identity. We've got an identity as individuals, as families, even as a church. Sunday I'm going to start a new message-series called I.D. We're going to explore our identity as a community of Christ followers. Each week, I'm going to dig deep into our DNA to talk about our core values and how we can unleash our God-given I.D. to be used as a powerful force in reaching our community.

Allen

Whatever it takes. That's what keeps coming to me as the countdown to Easter weekend is underway. Whatever it takes. The only way for us to be forgiven and have a relationship with God was for God to send His Son to die for us. Whatever it takes. Hours before Jesus was crucified, He prayed, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Whatever it takes. This weekend we're doing three identical services over three days. You can come Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., or Sunday at 10 a.m. We want everyone to have the opportunity to attend. Whatever it takes. Have you prayed about whom you could invite to come with you? Have you called them or sent them an electronic invitation? Whatever it takes. Have you thought about attending not just one but two or even all three services so that you can bring someone different with you each time? Whatever it takes. This weekend prayers are going to be answered and lives are going to be changed. I want to part of that. Whatever it takes.

Allen

Achievement awards are nothing new. Sunday night, at the 47th Grammy Awards, notable achievements in the recording industry will be recognized. Two weeks later, at the 77th Annual Academy Awards, notable achievements in motion pictures will be recognized. Whether it's a Grammy or an Oscar or most any other part of life, it's all about achievement. Achievers are rewarded. Non-achievers aren't. So we all want to be achievers. We all have the need to achieve. But what happens when we take that approach to our relationship with God? When we become a spiritual Type A? What happens is we destroy the joy. For ourselves and for others. How can we not go there? What can we do if we're there already? Join us Sunday as we continue our message-series in Philippians, Jailhouse Rock.

Allen