Raised With Christ: Your New Identity
October 2, 2022 · 2:18:11 · Watch on YouTube ↗
These notes - summary, key points, and highlighted thoughts - were generated by AI from the recording and are not the preacher’s exact words.
Summary
The service opens in thanksgiving. Reading Luke 17 about the ten healed lepers, of whom only one returned to praise God aloud, the pastor recalls how the recent hurricane was first projected to pass through the Tampa Bay area but by God's grace spared their community. We are no better than anyone else; only His mercy kept us. He urges the church to be among the grateful few rather than take such kindness for granted, and to keep praying for the brothers and sisters in North Port, Port Charlotte and other hard-hit places.
The main message turns to Colossians 3 and the believer's identity in Christ. Since we were raised with Christ, our past was nailed to the cross, our present life is hidden with Christ in God, and our future is secure: when He appears, we will appear with Him in glory. No one can snatch us from His hand, because we have been made one with the Son and the Father.
Because this identity is real, Paul calls us to put sin to death and to put away anger, malice and corrupt speech, then to clothe ourselves with mercy, humility, forgiveness and above all love. We are a new creation, born again, cleansed by the blood of Jesus. The service closes at the Lord's table, where communion is not condemnation but hope - a reminder that in Christ we can do what we never could alone, and that we now live not for ourselves but for the One who paid our ransom.
Key Points
- Gratitude marks a true child of God; like the one healed leper who returned, refuse to take His mercy for granted.
- We are kept by grace alone, not because we are better than anyone else.
- Our past, present and future are all secured in Christ, our life hidden with Him in God.
- A new identity calls for new living: put sin to death and put away anger, lies and harsh words.
- Being born again is more than a new label; it is a changed nature, a new creation washed by Jesus' blood.
- Clothe yourself in compassion, humility and forgiveness, and let love bind it all together.
- Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord and for His glory, not your own.
Devotional
Pause and remember where your true life is kept - not in your achievements, your past or your name, but hidden with Christ in God. The storm that passed and the mercy that spared you are an invitation to return, like the grateful leper, and lift your voice in thanks. Today, name one thing that still belongs to your old self and ask Jesus to help you put it to death, for what you cannot do alone you can do through Him. You are no longer your own; you were bought at a great price, so live this day for the One who loves you.
We are no better than anyone else - only His grace and His mercy kept us.
Your past was nailed to the cross, your present is hidden in Christ, your future appears with Him in glory.
Don't just throw a towel over your sin - put it to death.
