Who are you?
A believer’s identity is in Christ. In Him we find true life, meaning, and purpose. Yet, it is common for believers to take their eyes off of Jesus and begin substituting other things in His place. We look for other ways to identify ourselves often choosing how we want to be identified: achievements, titles, politics, gender, race, addictions, disabilities, etc. Sometimes pronouncements are made to us or about us that become our identities: “You’re so beautiful…You’re so good at that…OR…You’re a failure…You’ll never amount to anything…You’re worthless.” The truth is that God sees all believers as His sons and daughters, uniquely gifted parts of the Body of Christ. He has redeemed us and loves us. Any other identity is a counterfeit and falls short.
What thoughts do you have about your own identity? How has your understanding of your identity changed throughout your life?
What and/or who played significant roles in shaping your view of yourself? How does that view align (or not) with the new self we find in Christ?
Are you still holding on to an “identity” that is part of the old self or a “brand” someone placed on you? Why are you holding on to it? Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you let it go and to embrace your true identity in Christ!
Do you know your spiritual gift? You can find the gifts of the Spirit listed in these scriptures: Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 28-31; Eph. 4:11. How have you used your gift to build up and encourage the Body of Christ? If you haven’t, how could you start?
Considering your identity in Christ, how would you answer the question, “Why were you born?” What are some ways you can magnify Christ that are unique to who you are, your spiritual gifting, and your place in life?
To the Church Called LifePoint
It’s one thing for you to evaluate your own spiritual progress. It’s another thing altogether to have Jesus give His critique of how you’re doing. Sometimes the truth hurts. If Jesus were to write a letter to you about what He thinks of your devotion to Him, what...
The Abundant Church
Despite our romanticism about the early church, they had their fair share of problems - favoritism, theological arguments, and divisions (to name a few). Yet there remained a vision of an abundant church - full of energy, unity, and life. While the church today...
Count Me In
It shouldn’t surprise us that through the centuries, superstitions arise and thrive even among well-meaning church people. Most of these superstitions are based on a desire for a kind of good luck charm in a life filled with uncertainty and hardship. Even the practice...
A Call to Action
It is great to gather as the church. But we are also told by Jesus to “go” as the church, sharing God’s word with others and making them disciples. Fulfilling the Great Commission is not an option or a suggestion. It is a command to each of us as believers to actively...
A Brand New Day
While God never changes in His nature, He does change the way He works with human beings. Jesus announced a significant change when He held up a cup and identified it with His blood that would establish a new covenant. After being raised from the dead, Jesus told His...