What makes us who we are? Is it the age old debate of nurture vs nature? Is it the environment around us that defines who we are? How would you identify yourself if someone asked? Would your use current life situation; student, professional, parent, grandparent. Would you use your religion or belief structure? And would you be concerned about judgement from people that didn’t identify themselves the same way?

Pastor Zedick’s sermon was about having identity in Christ. Our jobs, our accomplishments, our experiences – they no longer define us. Pastor Zedick used the US olympic diver, Steele Johnson, as an example. When asked how it felt to make the olympics, Steele said that it would not define him, because his identity was in Jesus Christ. I saw the video and the first thing that came to mind was how brave he was – not for jumping off a 10 meter platform – for sharing his faith literally with the entire world. I’m not always brave enough to tell people I don’t know well that I’m a Christian. I’m afraid that I might do something that will tarnish God’s name or get grouped in with a sect of Christians who use judgement or false miracles to testify their faith. It’s denial and I need to work through it. Sadly, I doubt I’m the only Christian that has that problem. I believe the Christians that are remembered most are those who leave negative impressions. Because of this, there’s a stigma against Christianity.

To have an identity in Christ is understanding that the Son of God died for our sins, and that is what connects us with God – not our good works. It’s an important message that we need to pass on, but how can we present that in a way the current generation receives? Maybe it’s by showing we can be a good neighbor, or a supporting friend. Maybe it’s by passing along a great sermon, or inviting people to a church that shows God’s love. To hear the recorded sermon, click here.

September 18, 2016 Sermon