The key to having a strong sense of identity is knowing who your "Heavenly Father" is and how He sees you as a "son." Father's represent our conception, our heritage, and they strongly influence how we initially give and receive love. Some people believe that God is love and will love and accept them no matter what! However, there are many who believe God could never love them, accept them or forgive them based on sins they committed in the past or because of habits and sinful cycles they simply can't break. But, God sees you differently than you might imagine.
The point here is we are "sons" - Children in the household of God. Over the next few days, we will focus on Five Essentials that are absolutely necessary for you to have a rock-solid identity in Christ and to live a victorious life as a believer (follower, son, saint) in Christ.
ESSENTIAL #1: YOU ARE CHOSEN
Ephesians 1:4 Says, "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love..."
In other words, before He ever spoke creation into existence, He knew you and choose you. Therefore, you were not chosen based on your giftedness, talents, inteligence, charismatic personality or any other thing you have to offer. You were simply chosen according to God's eternal plan and purpose.
1. You were chosen in Love
God chose you in love, for love and to teach you how to love. John 3:16 say, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "
2. You were chosen by God's Mercy & Grace
I have heard mercy and grace explained this way: "Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve!" Grace is unmerited favor. It the unearned, undeserved gift of abundant and eternal life! Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (ESV)
3. You were chosen for God's Glory
The ultimate intent of salvation is that God will be magnified by all those who enjoy and observe his lovingkindnesses. As Christians, we belong to “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9. NKJV).
Find rest and comfort knowing that You are chosen by God. He loves you and longs for you to live like you are loved and to choose to love Him too!
Feel free to post questions and comments below. Join me in praying God's blessings on our church as we begin this 2020 Prayer and Fasting Journey together!