Our weekend worship services have been quite inspiring so far in 2011. We have embraced a new Year Verse, Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." We are humbled that God's master craftsmanship is depicted in the heart and life of us, the believer. We are challenged to step into the plans and purposes he has for us and through us.

We have expanded our vision and vocabulary: BiHOGG (Don't understand? Click here) Do you have yours yet? Keep seeking your heart and God's voice.

We have been reminded of God's faithfulness, that he will honor his promises to us. Even when all we see is mistakes, disappointments, or even failure. God can reset the playing field and call a do-over.

Wonderful. Marvelous. Amazing. But what do we do now? Sit and wait? Demand of God that he fulfill his promises? Start measuring God to see if he lives up to his word? Let's remember the other message we heard this month, that God will be our God, AND he calls us to be his people.

This Sunday we will launch an in-depth look into what it means to be "his people". Using the book of I Corinthians, we will face the real challenges of living out the kingdom of God in the midst of a fallen world around us. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth concerning this very matter. Corinth was a prosperous pagan city, and Paul's letter was clear and pointed instruction to the believers who were called to live holy and wholly different than the world around them. In some cases their Christianity was simply a veneer layered over a worldly life. In other cases they were misinterpreting and misusing their new found freedom and faith in ways that were unhealthy to them and others.

So let's get real. Let's use the practical instruction of Corinthians, apply it to our lives and life's circumstances, and truly be "his people".

Cultures Clash at Corinth: Instruction For Living the Kingdom Life in a Corrupt World. (Click here for a preview of this series.)
Teaching begins this weekend in our worship services. LifeGroups will follow along with additional study that correlates to the weekly sermons. In addition, the pastors will facilitate an open discussion time on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30PM for anyone interested in going deeper or asking questions about that week's sermon. We are providing study guides for anyone and everyone who wants them. Pick them up this weekend in the café or Welcome Center.

Masterpieces. BiHOGGs. Do-overs. These are inspiring, and we are desiring. God promises to be our God. Let's give ourselves to be his people. May his highest and best for us bring forth the highest and best in us. May his testimony continue to resound.