Anchored in Faith: Embracing Our Identity in God

Devotional

Day 1: Our Identity as Children of God

Knowing God as Father gives us a secure identity and belonging that anchors us through every challenge. When you embrace Jesus, you are welcomed into God’s family—not by human effort, but by God’s own initiative. This relationship is not distant or formal; it is intimate, as God’s Spirit assures you deep within that you truly belong to Him. No matter your earthly experiences with fathers, God the Father is perfect, loving, and always present, inviting you to call Him “Abba, Father.” Let this truth sink deep into your heart: you are a child of God, and nothing can take that away. [10:16]

John 1:10-13 (ESV)
He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Reflection: What would it look like today to live with the confidence that you truly belong to God’s family, regardless of your past or present circumstances?

Day 2: Living in the Power of the Almighty

God is not only your Father—He is the Almighty, all-powerful and sovereign over every ruler, authority, and circumstance. His power is not limited by your situation or the darkness in the world; it is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and is at work in you. Even when faith is costly or the world feels overwhelming, you can stand firm, knowing that God’s strength is available to you. Trusting in His might means leaning into His agenda, not just your own, and believing that nothing is impossible for Him. [16:55]

Ephesians 1:19-21 (ESV)
And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s power today, even if your circumstances seem impossible?

Day 3: Faith in the Creator’s Ongoing Work

God created the universe out of nothing by His word, and He is still at work—expanding the universe, shaping lives, and building His church. Your life is not random or meaningless; you are designed with purpose by the Creator Himself. When you affirm that God is the maker of heaven and earth, you are declaring that He is actively transforming you and those around you. This perspective invites you to see God’s creative hand in your story and in the world, and to trust that He is not finished yet. [22:36]

Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Reflection: Where can you see evidence of God’s creative work in your life or in the lives of those around you today?

Day 4: Belief Expressed in Action and Language

True belief is more than mental agreement; it is lived out in your choices, your words, and your relationships. When you say, “I believe,” it is like sitting in the chair—not just saying it will hold you, but actually trusting it with your weight. The way you speak about others, the way you pray, and the way you respond to challenges all reveal what you truly believe about God. Let your language and actions reflect a deep trust that God is at work, even when you don’t see immediate results. [25:24]

James 2:17 (ESV)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Reflection: How can you let your words and actions today show that you truly trust God is working in your life and in the lives of others?

Day 5: Taking Your Stand in a Dark World

In a world where truth is challenged and darkness seems to grow, it is time to affirm your foundation and take your stand: “I believe in God the Father, the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” This conviction is not just for private comfort but is a public declaration that shapes your courage, resilience, and hope. Christianity is unstoppable not because of human strength, but because God Himself is at work. Will you draw a line in the sand and stand with conviction, trusting God to protect, provide, and fulfill His purposes in and through you? [26:44]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can publicly affirm your faith in God this week, even if it feels risky or countercultural?

Sermon Summary

In a world that often feels increasingly dark and confused, it is more important than ever to know who we are and what we believe. When truth is challenged, roles are undefined, and identity is in question, clarity comes from anchoring ourselves in the foundational truths of our faith. The declaration, “I believe in God the Father, the Almighty, the maker of heaven and earth,” is not just a statement to recite, but a conviction to live by. This belief brings clarity, confidence, and courage, shaping how we live, relate, and contribute to the world around us.

This affirmation is rooted in the ancient words of the Apostles’ Creed, a unifying confession for Christians across the globe. To say “I believe” is not merely to agree intellectually, but to trust and rely on God as one would trust a sturdy chair by sitting in it. Our faith is not a private, isolated experience, but a shared declaration that binds us together as the family of God. When we embrace Jesus, we are adopted as children of the Father, welcomed into His family, and given the privilege of calling Him “Abba”—our true, loving Father.

God as Father is not a distant or harsh figure, but one who affirms our identity and welcomes us with love. Even if our earthly fathers have failed us, God’s fatherhood is perfect and trustworthy. This relationship gives us belonging, security, and the assurance that we are heirs with Christ, sharing in both His glory and His sufferings.

God is also the Almighty—unmatched in power, authority, and might. No circumstance, ruler, or force can compare to Him. Our belief in His power is not situational, but steadfast, even when it costs us. Around the world, many pay a high price for this confession, yet the unstoppable force of God’s kingdom continues to grow.

Finally, God is the Creator of heaven and earth. He made everything out of nothing, and His creative power is still at work in the universe and in our lives. Our existence has meaning and purpose because we are made by Him. As we affirm our belief, we lean into His ongoing work—trusting Him to transform us, our church, and the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Identity Rooted in God’s Fatherhood: True identity and belonging come from knowing God as our Father. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into His family, given the right to call Him “Abba,” and assured that we belong. This deep sense of identity anchors us through life’s challenges and gives us confidence to live with purpose. [10:16]
2. Faith Is More Than Agreement—It’s Trust in Action: Belief is not just mental assent to a set of doctrines, but a lived trust. Like sitting in a chair to prove it will hold us, faith means relying on God in practical ways, especially in uncertain times. This active trust shapes our choices and reveals the depth of our conviction. [05:01]
3. God’s Power Is Unmatched and Unchanging: God is the Almighty, whose power surpasses every authority and circumstance. Our faith in His might is tested not when life is easy, but when it is costly or difficult. Even in the darkest situations, we can stand firm, knowing nothing can separate us from His love or thwart His purposes. [18:14]
4. Creation Reveals God’s Ongoing Work: God created the universe out of nothing and continues to sustain and expand it. This creative power is not just a past event but an ongoing reality—He is still at work in the world and in our lives, giving meaning, purpose, and hope. Recognizing this invites us to trust Him with both the big picture and the details of our lives. [22:36]
5. Our Confession Shapes Our Community and Witness: Declaring “I believe in God the Father, the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth” is a communal act that unites us and strengthens our witness. It challenges us to let our language and actions reflect our beliefs, to stand firm even when it is costly, and to trust God’s work in ourselves and others. [25:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - The Challenge of Belief in a Dark World
[01:50] - The Power of Knowing Who You Are
[03:08] - The Apostles’ Creed: A Global Foundation
[05:01] - Belief as Trust, Not Just Agreement
[07:01] - God as Father: Our True Identity
[08:59] - Becoming Children of God Through Jesus
[10:16] - The Assurance of Belonging
[12:12] - God’s Provision in Everyday Life
[14:57] - God the Almighty: Unmatched Power
[16:14] - Faith in God’s Power Amid Persecution
[18:14] - Standing Firm in Faith
[20:47] - God the Creator: Faith and the Universe
[22:36] - God’s Ongoing Creative Work
[24:44] - God’s Transformation in Our Lives
[26:44] - Affirming Our Foundation
[28:45] - Responding to God’s Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 1:10-13 (ESV) — > He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Romans 8:15-17 (ESV) — > For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Hebrews 11:3 (ESV) — > By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Observation Questions

According to John 1:12, what is the result for those who receive and believe in Jesus?
In Romans 8:15, what kind of relationship does God invite us into, and what word does Paul use to describe how we can address God?
What does Hebrews 11:3 say about how the universe was created?
In the sermon, what practical example was given to show how God provides for His children? ([12:12])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “To say ‘I believe’ is not just ticking a statement to say yes, I concur with this statement. To say I believe is like grabbing a chair and saying I believe this chair will hold me up.” What does this mean about the difference between belief and trust? ([05:01])
How does knowing God as “Father” change the way someone sees their own identity and sense of belonging? ([10:16])
The sermon mentions that God’s power is “unmatched and unchanging.” How might this truth affect someone’s response to difficult or dark circumstances? ([18:14])
What does it mean that God is still at work as Creator, not just in the past but in our lives today? ([22:36])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Our relationship with God is not he is the one with a big stick going to beat me when I do something wrong. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.” How does this view of God as a loving Father challenge or encourage you personally? ([09:37])
When you think about your own life, do you find it easier to agree with Christian beliefs in your mind, or to actually trust God with your actions and decisions? Can you share a recent example? ([05:01])
The sermon asks, “How does your language reflect your beliefs?” Are there ways your words or attitudes could better show your trust in God as Father, Almighty, and Creator? ([25:24])
Have you ever experienced a “coincidence” or answered prayer that made you feel God was providing for you? How did that affect your faith? ([12:12])
The sermon says, “Our faith in His might is tested not when life is easy, but when it is costly or difficult.” Is there an area of your life right now where you need to trust God’s power more? What would it look like to do that? ([18:14])
If you truly believed that God is still creating and transforming lives, including your own, what is one area you would invite Him to work in this week? ([24:44])
The Apostles’ Creed is a communal confession. How can you encourage or support someone else in your group or church family to stand firm in their faith this week? ([25:24])

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