My Identity in Christ

Who I Am In Christ?

 
 

• I am God's child. (John 1:12)
  
• As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. (John 15:15)
  
• I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
  
• I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
  
• I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
  
• I am a member of Christ's body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
  
• I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. (Ephesians 1:3-8)
  
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
  
• I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)
  
• I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-16)  
  

 

 
 

• I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
  
• I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. (Romans 8:28)
  
• I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:31-39)
  
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
  
• I am hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-4)
  
• I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. (Philippians 1:6)
  
• I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
  
• I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
  
• I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)
  

 

 
 

• I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. (John 15:5)
  
• I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
  
• I am God's temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
  
• I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
  
• I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)
  
• I am God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
  
• I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
  
• I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) 
  

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!" (From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)

An Amazing testimony from Egypt

A True Story from Egypt

Muslim man in Egypt killed his wife and buried her with their infant baby and 8-year old daughter. The girls were buried alive! He reported to the police that an uncle killed the kids. 15 days later, another family member died. When they went to bury him, they found the 2 girls under the sand ALIVE !

The girl was asked how she had survived. "A man wearing shiny white clothes, with bleeding wounds in his hands, came every day to feed us. He woke up my mom so she could nurse my sister. " She was interviewed on Egyptian national TV, by a veiled Muslim woman news anchor. She said on public TV, "This was none other than Jesus, because nobody else does things like this!" Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) would do this, but the wounds mean He really was crucified, and it's clear also that He is alive!

The country is outraged over the incident, and the man will be executed. But it's also clear that the child could not make up a story like this, and there is no way these children could have survived without a true miracle. Muslim leaders are going to have a hard time to figure out what to do with this, and the popularity of the Passion movie doesn't help! With Egypt at the center of the media and education in the Middle East, you can be sure This story will spread. Christ is still turning the world upside down!

History of Prophetical Movement in the Old Testament

Moses, perhaps Israel's greatest leader, was a prophetic prototype (Acts 3:21-24). Israel looked for a prophet like Moses (Deut. 34:10).


Prophets also played a role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The prophetess Deborah predicted victory, pronounced judgment on doubting Barak, and even identified the right time to attack (Judg. 4:6-7,9,14). Samuel, who led Israel during its transition to monarchy, was a prophet, priest, and judge (1 Sam. 3:20; 7:6,15). He was able to see into the future by vision (3:11-14) and to ask God for thunder and rain (12:18). Samuel led in victory over the Philistines (1 Sam. 7), and God used him to anoint kings. Gad and Nathan served as prophets to the king. Elijah and Elisha offered critique and advice for the kings.

The prophets did more than predict the future; their messages were directed to Israel, calling them to honor God and receive His blessings. Their prophecies were not general principles but specific words corresponding to Israel's historical context.

Israel's political turmoil provided the context for the writing prophets. The Assyrian rise to power after 750 BC furnished the focus of the ministries of Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah. The Babylonian threat was the background for much of the ministry of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The Persian Empire in the latter part of the sixth century set the stage for prophets such as Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Thus the prophets spoke for God throughout Israel's history.

The prophets influenced almost every institution of Israel, despite the fact that they were often viewed with contempt: they were locked up (Jer. 37), ignored (Isa. 6:9-13), and persecuted (1 Kings 19:1-2). In addition to serving judges and kings, the prophets also addressed Israel's worship. They criticized vain worship (Amos 5:23-24) and priestly failures (Amos 7:10; Mal. 2). The word of the Lord was also spoken in worship (Pss. 50:5; 60:6; 81:6-10; 91:14-16; 95:8-11). The prophets' call to covenant faithfulness revealed an awareness of the law (Isa. 58:6-9; Ezek. 18; Mic. 6:6-8; Hos. 6:6; Amos 2:4; 5:21-24).

Prophets formed guilds or schools (2 Kings 4:38; 1 Sam. 10:5; 19:20). While most references to prophetic schools belong to the period of the monarchy, there is some evidence to believe the schools continued (Jer. 23:13-14). The mere existence of the books of prophecy is probably due in part to the prophets' helpers (Jer. 36:4). Perhaps their words were recorded because they provided a moral challenge to the entire nation and not merely to a king or individual. Surely once the prophet's words were written, they were not ignored but continually studied and reapplied.

Historicity of the Patriarchal stories in the Bible

The life of Abraham has been variously interpreted. Some like Philo of Alexandria call it an allegory, some as an exaggeration of a historical figure, some say it is a fiction, but others affirm it is historical and trust worthy. The biblical description of the background and setting of the patriarchs fits exactly with the culture of the second millennium B.C. Archeology has cast interesting light upon the background of this section.


The Mari age was one of considerable political and cultural importance for Assyria. Parrot, the French Archaeologist, discovered a highly developed civilization there.

“Even more important was the discovery of over twenty thousand clay tablets in various rooms of the palace. They included correspondence between Hammurabi and Zimri-Lim, the last king of Mari, as well as a huge collection of business documents.”

 This period of Amorite history is very important as it throws light on the lives and practices of the Patriarchs. Some tablets contain reference to the “Habiru”, Some of the place names that survived in the area of Haran corresponds with the Patriarchal names: The names of cities like Serug, Terah, and Nahor were all located in the vicinity of Haran, The names like Abraham, Isaac, Laban, Jacob and Joseph seemed to have been in common use at this time: A-ba-am-ra-ma, A-ba-am-ra-am, and Ya-”qub”-e and Ya-ah-qu-ub-i. The Mari tablets also have a reference to a warlike nomadic tribe known as Banu-Yamina. Some scholars see the similarity with Benjaminites of the Biblical narratives.


The texts of Nuzu (a Horite city in northern Mesopotamia) also have some bearing on the patriarchal time. The adoption of Eliezer by Abraham (Gen.15:2f) bears similarity to the adoption law found here which states the responsibilities of the adopted son to the childless parents and forfeiting of these rights in case of the birth of a legal son after adoption. These tablets also talk about the barren wife obliged to give her handmaid for raising children to her husband. Because procreation was understood to be the chief purpose of marriage (cf.Gen.16: 2; 30:3; 21: 11). According to Nuzu tablets the “birthright” of first born is negotiable (cf. Esau’s forfeiting birthright). Even Rachel’s stealing of “teraphim” could be understood in these customs. The Nuzu law recognized as the leader of the family (associated with the right of inheritance) the one who possessed the household idols.


These and many more could be said about the historicity of the Patriarchal stories in the Bible. They also confirm the historical accuracy of the Biblical narratives.

Prominence of “Pentecost” in Personal Life

Act 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Act 4:32 - And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Act 4:33 - And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Act 4:34 - For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Act 4:35 - and laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need. (ASV)


We need the Power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Acts 2 we read about the power of God, which came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. When we hear about Pentecost, the first thought comes to our minds is that it is a denomination where people are screaming and shouting. It is not a denomination, not just a demonstration, but it is an experience. It is the experience of the power of the Holy Spirit, which came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. And the same experience, the same power of God is available for us even today, only if we open ourselves for the work of the Holy Spirit.

It was the command of Jesus to go to all nations and preach the word of God. He asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem till the Holy Spirit comes upon them and empower them to carry out the great task of witnessing (Acts 1:8). Only after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit they could go out and minister to the needs of the people. The power of the Holy Spirit was essential for them to lead a successful Christian life. This evening beloved, life that is pleasing in God’s eyes, if you and I want to worship God with all our hearts, if you and I want to lead a successful life, we need to experience Pentecost in our lives.

We can see mainly 3 aspects in this passage as a result of Pentecost:

1. The Pentecost Experience Turned The Weakling Disciples Into Witnessing Disciples (Vs 31).

Consider with me carefully Vs 31. When they were filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke the word of God boldly. In order to have boldness we need to experience the Pentecost in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us boldness to stand and share the word of God with courage and conviction. We can briefly look at the disciples’ life before this experience. They were so weak in their conviction, they were so weak in their faith, and they could not do anything unless Jesus was with them. After living for three and half years with Jesus, after seeing all the miracles that Jesus performed, we see Peter denies Jesus before a little girl. Peter’s boldness was so little that it could not find its place before a little girl. But after experiencing Pentecost, after experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, he witnessed boldly through out Jerusalem. Forget about the little girl, Peter stood before Sanhedrin, the religious ruling body of Jewish community and said, “We preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth whom you crucified". What made such a change in Peter’s life? I believe it is the experience on the day of Pentecost.

Beloved, if we are going to accomplish something in life, if we are going to accomplish something for he kingdom of God, it is not going to be through our education, it is not going to be through our ability, it is not going to be through our health or wealth or experience, because my Bible says “it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit says the Lord of hosts”.

If you think you are too weak to testify God’s grace, Holy Spirit can make you a bold witness for him.


2. Pentecost Experience Brings About Fellowship Rather Than Faction (Vs. 32)

All believers were in one heart and one mind. When the power of the Holy Spirit works in the Church, it starts to function as one body. The old proverb says, “Unity is Strength”. Where there is faction there is destruction. Before experiencing Pentecost, the disciples were not united. (Mark 9: 33-34). The disciples were arguing who was the greatest among them. They did not have the real sense of unity. Everyone wanted to be the greatest. But once the experienced the Pentecost, once they received the power of God in their lives, they stood strong and firm in faith and in unity. Their fellowship grew from then on.

Devil’s main target is the church, in fact, the worshiping church. He puts disunity among the believers and among the workers. But if we go back to the place where we had experienced the Pentecost, and ask God to fill us once again with the same anointing, with the same power, we can fight against the Satan.
The Holy Spirit brings about Fellowship rather than faction.

3. The Pentecost Experience Brings About A Tremendous Growth For The Kingdom Of God.

Jesus asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem till they receive the power of the Holy Spirit, because with out Holy Spirit it was impossible for them to carry out the great task that was given to them. When they were filled and empowered by the spirit, they spoke the word of God boldly. God added many to their number daily. Within a few days the number of the church went up to many thousands because they were teaching and proclaiming the word of God with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1 - 120 people
Acts 2 - 3120 people
Acts 4 - 5000 people

The secret behind the church growth is not the ability of the pastor, not the benevolence program of the church, not the beauty of the church building, but the spirit of God who draws men and women to the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.

Experience the power of God in your lives. It changed Peter’s life, it changed Paul’s life, it changed other disciples’ life and it changed millions and millions of Christians’ life. It can change your life too. The key to experience the power and the anointing of God is very simple. It can be summarized in four words: PRAYER, PURITY, PASSION, and PATIENCE. Let us ask God to help us to experience it in our lives.