Sermons on Identity
More Than Conquerors – Week 2
Romans 8 calls believers to take sin seriously, not by living in fear, but by remembering who they are in Christ. This message explores the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, the call to “put to death” sin by the Spirit’s power, and the incredible reality that through Jesus we are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters. Rather than being defined by shame or slavery, Christians are invited to live from a new identity as children and…
Faith and Identity
Most of us know the story of Gideon (Judges 6:1-16). He found himself in a oppressed society because the future generation did not make an intentional effort to hand pass of their most important inheritance, faith in God (Judges 2:8-12). We need to understand, this is not an automatic hand-off. God warned Israel of the blessing of following Him, and the curse that comes upon us when we put idols before our creator (Deut 6:4-7). God sees and interacts with…
Following Jesus – Week 10
God reveals. The question is: what does God show us, and what should our response be? In Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” He responded, “You are the Christ.” But Peter’s expectation of what that meant was a bit inaccurate. Jesus teaches that He was to suffer and die. We need to take up our cross and die to ourselves (Matthew 16:21-28). Then, Jesus presented Himself transformed, in glory and wonder (Matthew 17:1-8). What is…
Following Jesus – Week 6
What comes to your mind when you think of authority? Today, in our reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, we are introduced to a level of authority that only God possesses. Jesus is clear: He has the authority to forgive sin. But He also has the authority to heal and to transform your identity to be a child of God. Allow Jesus to be your good shepherd; He has the authority to do that too. He calls you,…
Following Jesus – Week 2
The synoptic gospels present Jesus’ temptation immediately following His baptism. We can expect challenges after spiritual peaks. The wilderness motif is common in scripture. It represents a dry and discouraging time that grows and matures us. It is a time that we must be dependent on God (1 Peter 1:6-7). Today in Matthew 3:13-4:11, we look at the temptations of Christ. We must understand that temptation is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, just like we are (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation…
Sojourners & Exiles – Week 3
This message focuses on our identity in Christ and the call to spiritual growth as outlined in 1 Peter 2:1-12. It highlights the transformation that comes with being God’s chosen people, called to live in holiness and proclaim His excellencies. As sojourners and exiles in the world, we are reminded of the spiritual battle against sin and the importance of living in a way that reflects our faith and serves as a testimony to others. The message challenges us to…