The meeting of Grace Christian Church. We meet in person and stream services every Sunday at 10:30 AM EST in Manalapan, New Jersey.
Chapter Three: Christ Building His Church IN You - Part Two
- Introduction to Identity: Emphasizes understanding one's true identity in Christ as foundational for being a Christ-centered Christian and leader; covers old identity, what God did at salvation, and consequences of not living from true identity.
- Old Identity: Before salvation, false positive and negative beliefs defined the "old identity," leading to bondage and fleshly behaviors; this was who one truly "was" pre-salvation.
- God's Action at Salvation:
- Crucified the old identity on the cross with Christ (Romans 6:6), making it unnecessary to cling to false beliefs.
- Exchanged old identity for a new one, creating a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- True Identity in Christ: Describes believers as God's "masterpiece" (Ephesians 2:10); lists characteristics such as unconditionally loved, victorious, confident, fearless, sufficient, worthy, adequate, strong, accepted, righteous, holy, forgiving, complete, free, compassionate, secure, sacrificial, others-focused, joyful, peaceful, patient, and more (supported by verses like Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57).
- Examples of Living from True Identity:
- Victorious and more than a conqueror (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37): Overcomes failure or self-sufficiency through dependence on Christ.
- Free (Galatians 5:1, Romans 8:2): Past-tense freedom from sin, flesh, legalism, world, and Satan; no longer enslaved.
- Totally accepted and acceptable (Romans 15:7): Unconditional acceptance by God, freeing from earning acceptance or owning rejection.
- Potential Church Impact: Living from true identity could transform church culture, fostering unity, love, and spiritual growth.
- Conclusion: Christ builds His church in you by recognizing and living from the new identity received at salvation, alongside dependence on Christ as the Source (from prior chapters).
Chapter Four: Christ Building His Church THROUGH You
- Introduction: Christ builds His church through believers as they depend on His life and power (Romans 15:18); emphasizes humility and amazement at God's use of finite humans.
- God's Omniscience and Plan: God knows precisely what He wants for the church and its people; leaders are like pawns on a chessboard, needing dependence on God's infinite knowledge rather than finite abilities.
- Believer's Role: Live in moment-by-moment dependence (faith) on Christ to transform lives (John 15:5, John 6:28-29, Galatians 2:20); not initiating or controlling, but participating.
- Supernatural Nature of God's Work: Defined as Holy Spirit-driven transformation beyond self-production or human explanation; contrasts with "dead works" done independently of God (Psalm 127:1).
- Results of Supernatural Building:
- Surprise at God's accomplishments.
- A uniquely Christ-built church.
- Increased humility and dependence.
- Specific Things God Wants to Do Through You:
- Draw non-Christians for salvation (John 12:32).
- Draw Christians to Christ as their Source for life (1 Corinthians 1:30).
- Provide revelation, freedom, victory, and healing (Luke 4:18).
- Be a fragrant aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).
- Love others and draw them through God's love (1 John 4:19).
- Make disciples: Believers living in dependence on God (Matthew 28:19, Matthew 10:39, 10:24).
