"It's going to take all of us living our our full redemptive potential to reach the people of our area." Nelson Searcy

As I reflect on a great day yesterday, I realize again how important it is that we be unified and focused. Many of you handed in your "Five Commitments" yesterday. Thank you for stepping up and committing to the vision that is before us! Together, as we grow in our individual relationship with Christ, we become more able together to complete our vision. Here, by the way, are the Seven Objectives for 2012.

1. Faith Coaches -- encouraging area parents as faith coaches of their children

2. Financial Blessing -- 12 percent of our households growing in the opportunity of giving and 30 households growing in biblical financial wisdom.

3. Spiritual Growth -- growing spiritually through the Five Commitments and Growth Groups.

4. Maximize Worship -- preparing for worship in order to connect with Christ and intentionally connecting with newcomers.

5. Prepare to Expand -- creating a strategy for growth.

6. Share and Show -- sharing the gospel with a goal of 50 conversions and 25 baptisms and showing the love of Christ in our communities.

7. Pray Big -- praying "big" prayers to match God's big plans.

All together now!

To follow Christ as individuals and as a church requires God-Dependency. This is clear when we consider the three words to focus our prayer from yesterday's message: holiness, transformation, and preparation.

Growing in holiness is always an act of God. "May the God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23) Lean on God for holiness.

Transformation of our hearts through the gospel is always an act of God. "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Let's depend on God for transformation!

Preparation to meet Jesus comes by God's help. "He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:8) Pray for preparation!