Category: Identity

Shaped By His Love

“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.“ Luke 4:28-30 (ESV) Jesus communicated to His hearers in the synagogue that a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. He was implying that many would miss the fact that He was the Messiah and forfeit the benefits just as many in Israel did not enjoy the benefits of the ministry of Elijah. The people were so furious with Jesus that they tried to throw him down the cliff. Jesus’ popularity in His hometown was not very positive! Your identity is not based on what people say about you. Your identity in Christ is based on what God says about you. You are shaped by God’s hand. Your destiny is determined by the loving provision of your Heavenly Father. In the midst of opposition and being misunderstood, you can stand firm in the security of your identity in Christ. “‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.’” John 15:16 (ESV) “‘If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.’” John 15:18 (ESV) Find a place of solitude and begin to eliminate the voices of falsehood and tune in to the voice of Truth! Now listen for God’s voice and allow Him to affirm your identity in Christ. Remember who you are in Christ! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Tags Devo

Identity Moses Purpose

Identity Crisis

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’” Exodus 3:11 (ESV) Who am I? Why am I here? These two basic questions are innate in every human being. We long to know who we are and we strive to discover why we are placed on this planet called earth. Our security is proportionate to our understanding of our identity. God allowed Moses to experience forty years in the palace and then forty years in the desert. God wanted Moses to learn some things about his personal identity through a desert experience that he could not learn in the palace. God was preparing Moses for the purpose of delivering the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The burning bush encounter was a life changing experience for Moses. The encounter enabled Moses to come to know God in a personal way. God revealed His holiness to Moses and then unveiled His plan for Moses to embrace. As you can imagine, Moses could not visualize himself as the deliverer of the children of Israel. They had been slaves for over 400 years. Moses began making excuses and tried to deny his usefulness to God. Moses began to focus on what he lacked and missed the reality of God’s ability to do the extraordinary through ordinary people. Have you ever doubted your usefulness to God? Have you ever tried to convince God that you are not fit for His plan? God is not impressed with our abilities or our inabilities. God is not limited by our limitations. Are you willing to yield to God’s control and allow Him to have His way in your life? God is willing to take you through a desert experience to prepare you for His assignment. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Identity Jesus Security

Shaped By His Hand

“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.“ Luke 4:28-30 (ESV) Jesus communicated to His hearers in the synagogue that a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. He was implying that many would miss the fact that He was the Messiah and forfeit the benefits just as many in Israel did not enjoy the benefits of the ministry of Elijah. The people were so furious with Jesus that they tried to throw him down the cliff. Jesus’ popularity in His hometown was not very positive! Your identity is not based on what people say about you. Your identity in Christ is based on what God says about you. You are shaped by God’s hand. Your destiny is determined by the loving provision of your Heavenly Father. In the midst of opposition and being misunderstood, you can stand firm in the security of your identity in Christ. “‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.’” John 15:16 (ESV) “‘If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.’” John 15:18 (ESV) Find a place of solitude and begin to eliminate the voices of falsehood and tune in to the voice of Truth! Speaker and author, Beth Moore, likes to say, “God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Christ. God’s Word is alive and active in me. I’m believing God!” Now listen for God’s voice and allow Him to affirm your identity in Christ. Remember who you are in Christ! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

God's Will Identity Jesus

Clarifying Your Identity

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.” Luke 4:22 (ESV) Jesus shared from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the hearing of those in the synagogue and identified Himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy. The people spoke well of Him. Amazed at Jesus’ gracious words, they tried to reconcile His professed identity by asking, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” The people were confused. Their understanding of the coming Messiah did not position them to anticipate a carpenter’s son from Nazareth as the Messiah. The humanity and humility of Jesus did not line up with their view of the Messiah. They were expecting a mighty military leader with position and prominence who would restore Israel. As followers of Christ, we can identify with His dual identity. Though virgin born, Jesus had an earthly father and a Heavenly Father. We too have an earthly father and our Heavenly Father. “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” Heb. 12:10 (ESV) “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 (ESV) Your identity in Christ is formed and fashioned by your Heavenly Father. God has created you for His glory. You are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and you belong to God (I Pet. 2:9). If you ever forget who you are in Christ, look up! You are a child of the King! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Identity Jesus

Decending into Greatness

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:3-5 (ESV) Jesus gave so freely to others. His compassion is without comparison. He caused the lame to walk, the mute to speak, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see. Children were drawn to Him and His love for them was unmatched. Jesus simply loved people. The public ministry of Jesus was visible, tangible, and contagious. He was an irresistible influence. His love for people also had a private dimension. We are invited into an intimate setting where the evening meal was being served and the disciples surrounded Jesus. Jesus captured this moment to show them the full extent of His love. Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet. Think about that for a moment. The master chose to serve. Jesus embraced an act of kindness that demonstrated His security and His selfless love. The Son of God chose to serve sinful man. The removal of dirt from their feet was a selfless portrait of love that was a preview of the sacrificial love Jesus would demonstrate upon the cross. Are you willing to show the full extent of your love for others? Are you willing to express the selfless and sacrificial love of Jesus to others? Maybe God will bring someone to mind for your consideration. Maybe God will bring someone in your path today that needs to know that kind of love. Be ready to release God’s love! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Certainty Forgiveness Identity

Embrace Your New Identity

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date October 31, 2013
116 Comments on Embrace Your New Identity

“But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” 1 John 3:5-6 (NIV) Jesus established your new identity by removing your sins. Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven to come to earth in order to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death to pay the penalty of our sin. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 (NIV) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor. 5:21 (NIV) There’s hope for every person who turns from their sin and to Jesus alone for salvation. Jesus has already done all the work to provide the gift of eternal life and to establish our new identity. Are you living in light of your sins being forgiven? Have you experienced the renewal that comes through the total cleansing of sin? In Jesus there is no sin. To become a follower of Jesus is to take on His nature and to reflect His character. Jesus lives in you to produce His life in you and through you. Embrace your new identity by surrendering to the Lordship of Christ and giving Him total access to every area of your life. If there is unconfessed sin in your life, don’t hesitate to confess your sin specifically and instantly. Uncover any fraction of sin in your life and choose to walk in alignment with your new identity in Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Identity Jesus Solitude

Voice of Truth

“All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” Luke 4:28-30 (NIV) Jesus communicated to His hearers in the synagogue that a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. He was implying that many would miss the fact that He was the Messiah and forfeit the benefits just as many in Israel did not enjoy the benefits of the ministry of Elijah. The people were so furious with Jesus that they tried to throw him down the cliff. Jesus’ popularity in His hometown was not very positive! Your identity is not based on what people say about you. Your identity in Christ is based on what God says about you. You are shaped by God’s hand. Your destiny is determined by the loving provision of your Heavenly Father. In the midst of opposition and being misunderstood, you can stand firm in the security of your identity in Christ. “‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.’” John 15:16 (NIV) “‘If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.’” John 15:18 (NIV) Find a place of solitude and begin to eliminate the voices of falsehood and tune in to the voice of Truth! Now listen for God’s voice and allow Him to affirm your identity in Christ. Remember who you are in Christ! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Identity Jesus Workmanship

Solidify Your Identity

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.” Luke 4:22 (NIV) Jesus shared from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the hearing of those in the synagogue and identified Himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy. The people spoke well of Him. Amazed at Jesus’ gracious words, they tried to reconcile His professed identity by asking, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” The people were confused. Their understanding of the coming Messiah did not position them to anticipate a carpenter’s son from Nazareth as the Messiah. The humanity and humility of Jesus did not line up with their view of the Messiah. They were expecting a mighty military leader with position and prominence who would restore Israel. As followers of Christ, we can identify with His dual identity. Though virgin born, Jesus had an earthly father and a Heavenly Father. We too have an earthly father and our Heavenly Father. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Rom. 8:16 (NIV) “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” Heb. 12:10 (NIV) “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) Your identity in Christ is formed and fashioned by your Heavenly Father. God has created you for His glory. You are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and you belong to God (I Pet. 2:9). If you ever forget who you are in Christ, look up! You are a child of the King! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Access Identity Romans

Direct Access

“Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15 (NIV) In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were led by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. God made His direction clear to them by making His Presence known to them. As children of God, we are led by the Spirit and we are given access to His Presence. Our relationship with Him is both intimate and permanent. You become a child of God by being born again. The divine transaction that takes place at the moment of your conversion replaces the spirit of fear with the Spirit of sonship. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 (NIV) “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Tim. 1:7 (NIV) One of the hallmarks of the Holy Spirit’s habitation in you is the reality of your direct access. Now that you are a child of God, you are led by the Spirit of God and you have direct access to the Presence of God. Being led by the Spirit of God demonstrates your full surrender to the Spirit’s leadership in your life. Now that you have the Spirit of sonship, enjoy unbroken fellowship with God. You are a child of the King! What will you do with the direct access you have been granted? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Identity Moses Purpose

Identity Crisis

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’” Exodus 3:11 (ESV) Who am I? Why am I here? These two basic questions are innate in every human being. We long to know who we are and we strive to discover why we are placed on this planet called earth. Our security is proportionate to our understanding of our identity. God allowed Moses to experience forty years in the palace and then forty years in the desert. God wanted Moses to learn some things about his personal identity through a desert experience that he could not learn in the palace. God was preparing Moses for the purpose of delivering the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The burning bush encounter was a life changing experience for Moses. The encounter enabled Moses to come to know God in a personal way. God revealed His holiness to Moses and then unveiled His plan for Moses to embrace. As you can imagine, Moses could not visualize himself as the deliverer of the children of Israel. They had been slaves for over 400 years. Moses began making excuses and tried to deny his usefulness to God. Moses began to focus on what he lacked and missed the reality of God’s ability to do the extraordinary through ordinary people. Have you ever doubted your usefulness to God? Have you ever tried to convince God that you are not fit for His plan? God is not impressed with our abilities or our inabilities. God is not limited by our limitations. Are you willing to yield to God’s control and allow Him to have His way in your life? God is willing to take you through a desert experience to prepare you for His assignment. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 30: Exodus 1-3) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Certainty Forgiveness Identity

Embrace Your New Identity

“But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” 1 John 3:5-6 (NIV) Jesus established your new identity by removing your sins. Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven to come to earth in order to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death to pay the penalty of our sin. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 (NIV) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV) There’s hope for every person who turns from their sin and to Jesus alone for salvation. Jesus has already done all the work to provide the gift of eternal life and to establish our new identity. Are you living in light of your sins being forgiven? Have you experienced the renewal that comes through the total cleansing of sin? In Jesus there is no sin. To become a follower of Jesus is to take on His nature and to reflect His character. Jesus lives in you to produce His life in you and through you. Embrace your new identity by surrendering to the Lordship of Christ and giving Him total access to every area of your life. If there is unconfessed sin in your life, don’t hesitate to confess your sin specifically and instantly. Uncover any fraction of sin in your life and choose to walk in alignment with your new identity in Christ. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Identity Jesus Solitude

Voice of Truth

Identity Jesus Workmanship

Solidify Your Identity

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.” Luke 4:22 (NIV) Jesus shared from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the hearing of those in the synagogue and identified Himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy. The people spoke well of Him. Amazed at Jesus’ gracious words, they tried to reconcile His professed identity by asking, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” The people were confused. Their understanding of the coming Messiah did not position them to anticipate a carpenter’s son from Nazareth as the Messiah. The humanity and humility of Jesus did not line up with their view of the Messiah. They were expecting a mighty military leader with position and prominence who would restore Israel. As followers of Christ, we can identify with His dual identity. Though virgin born, Jesus had an earthly father and a Heavenly Father. We too have an earthly father and our Heavenly Father. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:16 (NIV) “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” Heb 12:10 (NIV) “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) Your identity in Christ is formed and fashioned by your Heavenly Father. God has created you for His glory. You are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and you belong to God (I Pt. 2:9). If you ever forget who you are in Christ, look up! You are a child of the King! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Access Identity Romans

Direct Access

“Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15 (NIV) In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were led by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. God made His direction clear to them by making His Presence known to them. As children of God, we are led by the Spirit and we are given access to His Presence. Our relationship with Him is both intimate & permanent. You become a child of God by being born again. The divine transaction that takes place at the moment of your conversion replaces the spirit of fear with the Spirit of sonship. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 (NIV) “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Ti 1:7 (NIV) One of the hallmarks of the Holy Spirit’s habitation in you is the reality of your direct access. Now that you are a child of God, you are led by the Spirit of God and you have direct access to the Presence of God. Being led by the Spirit of God demonstrates your full surrender to the Spirit’s leadership in your life. Now that you have the Spirit of sonship, enjoy unbroken fellowship with God. You are a child of the King! What will you do with the direct access you have been granted? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Identity Jesus Security

Shaped By His Hand

“All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” Luke 4:28-30 (NIV) Jesus communicated to His hearers in the synagogue that a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. He was implying that many would miss the fact that He was the Messiah and forfeit the benefits just as many in Israel did not enjoy the benefits of the ministry of Elijah. The people were so furious with Jesus that they tried to throw him down the cliff. Jesus’ popularity in His hometown was not very positive! Your identity is not based on what people say about you. Your identity in Christ is based on what God says about you. You are shaped by God’s hand. Your destiny is determined by the loving provision of your Heavenly Father. In the midst of opposition and being misunderstood, you can stand firm in the security of your identity in Christ. “‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.’” John 15:16 (NIV) “‘If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.’” John 15:18 (NIV) Find a place of solitude and begin to eliminate the voices of falsehood and tune in to the voice of Truth! Speaker and author, Beth Moore, likes to say, “God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Christ. God’s Word is alive and active in me. I’m believing God!” Now listen for God’s voice and allow Him to affirm your identity in Christ. Remember who you are in Christ! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

God's Will Identity Jesus

Clarifying Your Identity

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.” Luke 4:22 (NIV) Jesus shared from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the hearing of those in the synagogue and identified Himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy. The people spoke well of Him. Amazed at Jesus’ gracious words, they tried to reconcile His professed identity by asking, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” The people were confused. Their understanding of the coming Messiah did not position them to anticipate a carpenter’s son from Nazareth as the Messiah. The humanity and humility of Jesus did not line up with their view of the Messiah. They were expecting a mighty military leader with position and prominence who would restore Israel. As followers of Christ, we can identify with His dual identity. Though virgin born, Jesus had an earthly father and a Heavenly Father. We too have an earthly father and our Heavenly Father. “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” Heb 12:10 (NIV) “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) Your identity in Christ is formed and fashioned by your Heavenly Father. God has created you for His glory. You are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10) and you belong to God (I Pt. 2:9). If you ever forget who you are in Christ, look up! You are a child of the King! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Humility Identity Jesus

Decending into Greatness

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:3-5 (NIV) Jesus gave so freely to others. His compassion is without comparison. He caused the lame to walk, the mute to speak, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see. Children were drawn to Him and His love for them was unmatched. Jesus simply loved people. The public ministry of Jesus was visible, tangible, and contagious. He was an irresistible influence. His love for people also had a private dimension. We are invited into an intimate setting where the evening meal was being served and the disciples surrounded Jesus. Jesus captured this moment to show them the full extent of His love. Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet. Think about that for a moment. The master chose to serve. Jesus embraced an act of kindness that demonstrated His security and His selfless love. The Son of God chose to serve sinful man. The removal of dirt from their feet was a selfless portrait of love that was a preview of the sacrificial love Jesus would demonstrate upon the cross. Are you willing to show the full extent of your love for others? Are you willing to express the selfless and sacrificial love of Jesus to others? Maybe God will bring someone to mind for your consideration. Maybe God will bring someone in your path today that needs to know that kind of love. Be ready to release God’s love! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Christ Heart Identity

Expressing Your New Identity

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date October 22, 2009
2 Comments on Expressing Your New Identity

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:1-2 (NIV) When you placed your faith in the completed work of Christ on the cross, your identity changed. You received a new name and a new nature. Your name was written in the Lamb’s book of life and you were adopted into God’s family. You were raised with Christ. Through faith in Christ, you identified with the death and resurrection of Christ. You became a child of God! Your new identity in Christ mandates a new expression of your life on this fallen planet. Since you have been raised with Christ, you are to focus your ambition and your drive to things above. You are no longer living for this world and the aptitudes of fallen humanity. Your life is now fixated on the reality of Christ being seated at the right hand of God. The heavenly reality becomes your earthly normality. Set your heart and mind on things above. The gravitational pull of earthly things will continue to seek to pull your practical living away from your new identity in Christ. The necessity of setting your heart and mind on things above increases as you walk with God in purity and devotion. Choose to live your life with your heavenly status in mind. You have been saved and set apart to represent Christ on the earth. Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for you as you continue His ministry upon the earth. Don’t compromise your convictions. Don’t maneuver into mediocrity. Stay vertical! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Adopted God's Family Identity

Adopted into God’s Family

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will–to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Eph 1:4-6 (NIV) If you are in Christ, then have been adopted into God’s family. God gave the right for you to become a child of God. In love, God predestined you to be adopted as His child in Jesus Christ. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 NIV). God’s grace is the gateway to your adoption into His family (Eph. 2:8-9). Your adoption is formalized at conversion. God takes the initiative to draw you by convicting you of sin and convincing you of His righteousness. God gives you the freedom to choose Him or refuse Him. His salvation is available to all but only effective for those who place their trust in the completed work of Jesus on the cross. Adoption is not an option. Adoption is the spiritual blessing for those who are in Christ. Spend some time thanking God for His willingness to adopt you into His family. God selected you. You are God’s choice. In spite of your sin, in spite of your inadequacies, and in spite of your inconsistencies, God chose to adopt you into His family. Be sensitive to opportunities this week to express your adoption. God has made this eternal adoption transaction available to all. Will you be available to be used by God to share His offer of salvation to those who are disconnected from Christ? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Chosen Identity Spiritual Blessing

Chosen By God

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Eph 1:4 (NIV) Have you ever wondered what makes people do good things? Why would someone choose the way of truth? Why would someone set their heart on God’s laws? Perhaps a person’s behavior is related to his or her position in Christ. In Christ, you are a saint, you are blessed, and you are chosen. Did you choose God or did God choose you? You were chosen by God long before you were even born. The song says, “While He (Jesus) was on the cross, I was on His mind.” Even before Jesus came to earth to live a sinless life, die a substitutionary death, and defeat sin and death, you were chosen by God. Before God splattered the stars in the universe, you were chosen. Before God spoke light into existence, you were chosen. Before God separated the day from the night, you were chosen. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16 (NIV) “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” 2 Thess 2:13 (NIV) Why were you chosen? You were chosen by God to bear fruit that will last. You were chosen by God to be saved. Can you pull that off by yourself? No! Does God expect you to pull that off by yourself? No! Jesus came so that you could live the life of choseness. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Blessed Faith Identity Spiritual Blessing

Blessed to Be a Blessing

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Eph 1:3 (NIV) You are God’s treasure. Can you imagine the Creator of the universe being the reason for your existence? You are not an accident. God purposed for you to be born. You were planned by God. Another reality of being in Christ is that you are blessed. If you are in Christ, then you can say, “I am blessed.” Go ahead and say it aloud! God has blessed you in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. God’s resources are unlimited. He never runs out! He never runs dry! His shelves are never empty! Our God of abundance has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ. When someone asks you today, “How are you doing?”…don’t say, “Oh, I’m doing alright.” Instead, say with conviction and confidence and assurance, “I am blessed!” Doesn’t that make you want to shout? Don’t ever forget who you are in Christ. You are a child of the King! You are blessed and highly favored by the Lord. Walk in the new identity you have in Christ. You are blessed to be a blessing to others. Regardless of your circumstances, your identity in Christ is safe and secure. Your identity is fashioned by God. You are blessed by God to be a blessing for God. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Faith Identity Saint

Spiritual Blessings In Christ

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date April 20, 2009
8 Comments on Spiritual Blessings In Christ

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:” Eph 1:1 (NIV) In her book, Breaking Free, Beth Moore reminds us of our position in Christ in the following affirmations: God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Christ. God’s Word is alive and active in me. Seek to memorize these five statements and speak them aloud each morning to start your day off in the right frame of mind. It will affect your outlook and attitude in a life-giving way. Focus with me on the third affirmation: I am who God says I am. Repeat that phrase to yourself and allow it to sink in. Let’s notice the connection of this truth with the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. If you are in Christ, then God says that you are a saint. A saint is one who has been set apart by God. Your faith in the atoning work of Christ on the cross transfers your identity to that of a saint. It does not mean that you are perfect and immune to the presence of sin. It means that God positions you as a saint. God did for you that which you could not do for yourself. You have a new standing before God and with God. If you are in Christ, then you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). God made Jesus to become sin so that you could become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Walk in the reality of your spiritual blessing in Christ. In Christ, you are a saint. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Confession Identity Jesus

Who Do You Say I Am?

“No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” 1 John 2:23 (NIV) Do you believe that Jesus is who He says He is? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death to atone for the sins of the world? What you believe about Jesus affects your eternal destination. What you believe about Jesus affects your level of living in the immediate. After asking the crowd their understanding of who He was, Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say I am?” As revealed to him by God, Peter pronounced that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Mt. 16:16). That confession of faith was paramount to Peter’s salvation and to Peter’s maturation in the faith. Peter later affirmed, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”(1 Peter 1:3 NIV). Who do you say Jesus is? Your understanding of the life and Lordship of Jesus is vital to your union with Christ and your usefulness in the kingdom of God. As Dr. David Fleming says, “You cannot be wrong about Jesus and right with God.” Your understanding of the Person and work of Jesus is crucial. To be right with God, you must be right about Jesus. It is not enough to know proper facts about Jesus. You must know Jesus personally through an abiding relationship with Him that is real and personal, because eternal life is found in Jesus alone (1 Jn. 5:11-12). Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Identity Mind of Christ Spirit

Mind of Christ

“But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor 2:16 (NIV) When you became a follower of Jesus Christ, you received the mind of Christ. Your mind is your seat of understanding. Your mind allows you to perceive feelings, to discern right from wrong, and to determine the best response to situations. Having the mind of Christ means that you perceive, discern, and do life like Christ. The mind of Christ becomes the compass for your decision-making. He informs and enlightens what you see and how you view life. Having the mind of Christ forms your perspective on circumstances and opportunities. Your daily intimacy with Jesus allows the mind of Christ to form in you. As you feed on God’s Word and infuse your life with an abiding relationship with Jesus, the mind of Christ becomes more and more evident in your life. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 (NIV) “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Cor 2:12 (NIV) Take note of the vital link between understanding and relationship. Jesus communicates with you by His Spirit. The Spirit, who is from God, will help you understand what God has freely given you. The Spirit lives in you and forms the mind of Christ in you. Are you obeying what has already been revealed to you? Do you need more revelation or more obedience? Obey what you know! As you obey, the Spirit will reveal more of what Jesus wants you to know from our Heavenly Father. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Anointed One Holy Spirit Identity Messiah Revelation

Holy Spirit and Revelation

Post author By Stephen Trammell
Post date January 8, 2009
3 Comments on Holy Spirit and Revelation

“It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:26 (NIV) The Holy Spirit is not an object, but rather the third Person of the Trinity. God the Father created us. God the Son redeemed us. God the Holy Spirit sealed us. As one of my pastor friends likes to say in reference to salvation, “God thought it, Jesus bought it, and the Holy Spirit wrought it.” Simeon received revelation from God by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had personally seen the Lord’s Christ. God the Holy Spirit communicated this truth to Simeon. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor 2:14 (NIV) “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20 (NIV) The Holy Spirit points us to Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and enabled to discern the things that come from the Spirit of God. Our role, as Simeon demonstrated, is to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Sprit. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Authenticity Identity Sealed Trinity

Real Deal

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.” Eph 1:13-14 (NIV) If you believe, you will receive. At the moment of conversion, you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is an instantaneous experience, not a subsequent event. The indwelling presence of Christ, the Holy Spirit, comes to live inside of you. Having believed on the gospel of Jesus Christ, you were marked in Christ with the seal of the Holy Spirit. The seal speaks of authenticity. The seal speaks of identification. You belong to God. You are His creation. You became His child and were adopted into His family when you placed your faith in Jesus alone for salvation. You were marked with a seal. That seal is the Person of the Holy Spirit. Did you notice the Trinity in these two verses? God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are expressed in verses thirteen and fourteen. Look closely and you will see “Christ” and then “Holy Spirit” and then “God” which form the Trinity which means three in one. God created you. Jesus redeemed you. The Holy Spirit inhabits you. Your conversion is the real deal which has been sealed. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor