Let me give you a preview of what we’ll be teaching about in two weeks. I’ll finish Daniel this week and next week by looking at chapter 7. Then we’ll do a short series called “Identity Theft.” In this series we’ll explore the first 3 chapters of Ephesians to recapture our God given identity that we’ve lost or better, has been stolen.
Months ago in preparation for this series I picked up a non-religious book entitled The Identity Code - the 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World. I’m not really recommending it, but it intrigued me. In fact I really like the 8 questions; I just think the author missed the answers. Here are the 8 questions. As you read them, ask yourself how you would answer them. More importantly, how might God answer them for us?
• Who am I?
• What makes me special?
• Is there a pattern to my life?
• Where am I going?
• What is my gift?
• Who can I trust?
• What is my message?
• Will life be rich? (Surrender to the pull of identity)
As I read these questions I was blown away to realize that God has answered each of these for us. Our identity code is Jesus himself. God designed us and life (his will) with a clear identity that tells us who we are in Christ. If we attempt to live outside Jesus, we’ll struggle with our identity. He’s made us unique and has a purpose for us. He’s gifted us. He’s the one we fully trust. He’s given us a message. He wants our lives to be rich and he’s given us an abundance of blessings.
The first 3 chapters of Ephesians will speak to most of these questions (The series is called “Identity Theft”). You might want to consider reading Ephesians for your book of the month Bible reading. Following that we’ll do a short series called “Life@Work” also based on Ephesians. Then in the fall we’ll finish the book of Ephesians (chapters 4-6). These will be 3 great teaching series.
Next week I’ll give you an update on how we ended our fiscal year and some great things God is doing among us. Have a great celebration of our nation’s independence - we are very fortunate to live in this great nation.
Finding my identity in Jesus,
Glen
Wow! You definitely have my attention! Ephesians is, if not my most favorite book of the Bible, certainly one of my top few. I’m really looking forward to these series!
Last night I finished reading Max Lucado’s book, Cure for the Common Life. He really focuses on the importance of finding out our S.T.O.R.Y: evaluating our strengths,our past experiences,knowing our gifts and talents,knowing how we like to work and with whom so that we can then say “Yes!” to living in our sweet spot. It was an excellent book, answering questions and pointing to Jesus. This next series will provide much needed answers to many who struggle with knowing themselves and how to serve Christ effectively.