This past Sunday we covered Chapter 5 in Discovering Your Identify in Christ. We have been working to understand what it means to be a Christian. When someone asks you "Who are you?" we can think of all sorts of answers. I am tall, or dark haired, or mostly happy, or a soccer player. But as Christians we figured out the best answer is to say we are In Christ. Over the past few weeks we have been learning a little about what that means.

As a Christian, we learned we are chosen. God adopted us which has significant meaning as God first had a plan for us and then created us to fulfill that plan. He makes no accidents. He will never disown us. Then we learned that God loves us. He loves us unconditionally. There is nothing we can do to earn His love and there is nothing we can do to make Him stop. But we must accept His love and if we do step into a loving relationship with God, we cannot help but love others. 1 John chapter 4 is a great quick read when you wonder about God's love. But realize it is impossible to truly love God and not love others so if we say we love God and then treat others badly, we are liars.

Last week we talked about God's forgiveness. There are some great verses in the book on forgiveness and redemption. We put a small rock in our shoe and were challenged to walk around with that rock for a while. The rock can represent our sins that we do not lay before God, but it more than likely represents those who we have not forgiven. Read Matthew 18:21-35 for a reference. It is a familiar parable, but reminds us that as God forgives us we must forgive others. It is not our job as Christians to forgive others and love others. It is not something that should require strong will power. If we truly love God and develop a good relationship with Him we will be compelled to not sin, to forgive others and to love others.

So what does this have to do with discovering our identity? We are learning that we need to focus on getting our relationship right with God. If we invest time and energy into learning about Him, being with Him, hanging out with His friends... we will not have to spend near as much energy trying to force ourselves to do the right thing. It will be our natural

(our supernatural) preference.

For videos this week, try listening to this one a couple of times and then see if you can manage to get it out of your head. I also dare you to listen to it and not feel a little happy dispite yourself. Yes, it is a kids song. But I got a bigtime song headache from it and then found myself singing it and smiling. Argh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH_mhPX7C5k&feature=related

I am also including another video that I just thought was funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YShtFyjsUVk&feature=related

Finally, in your prayers this week keep in mind the following folks:

- Casey is back at college playing soccer. Exhibition game is Tuesday; Mile run test on Wednesday. First regular season game a week from Friday.

- Sarah Elkins is off to Western Carolina. Go Catamounts (hard for me to say as a Mountaineer)

- Chris Hanson heads off to Evangelical Boot Camp (my name) associated with Acquire the Fire in Texas

- Sarah Elkin's mom is going through cancer treatment so pray for her and her family

- Kristen Schaffer is heading back to UNC after a great mission trip to South Africa. Be praying for her as she seeks guidance on when she is to return and how long she will stay next time. And prayers of praise for such a great experience this summer.

- Pray for those who have not found their way into class for a while or ever. Kristen Norris and Luke Martin are two that are on my heart. Be sure and invite others to come and join us and let us know if there are others who would like to stay in touch remotely through our website.

Have a great week and we will see you Sunday.

Todd Norris