Embracing Our Identity: Unity and Impact in Ministry

 

Summary

This morning, we gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness and to reflect on the journey He has led us on, both here and in Sri Lanka. It’s a joy to see the fruit of years of prayer, partnership, and perseverance—lives transformed, churches planted, and young people rising up to serve the Lord. The land and the people here are full of potential, and God is clearly on the move, bringing about change and hope in places that once seemed barren.

We shared stories from the Shepherd’s Heart orphanage, where girls rescued from desperate situations are being healed, restored, and equipped to serve. The ministry in Sri Lanka has grown to include a network of churches, a Bible college, youth ministries, and a strong emphasis on unity among pastors. In a nation where Christians are a small minority, unity and collaboration are not just ideals—they are essential for survival and impact. We’ve seen God move powerfully, even in the face of spiritual opposition, as leaders and believers stand together in prayer and action.

A key theme is understanding the times and seasons. Like the tribe of Issachar, we are called to discern what God is doing and respond with courage and wisdom. The darkness in the world is not just increasing; it is being exposed, and God’s people are being called to stand up, speak truth, and act with conviction. Monumental shifts are happening in society, and the church must be ready to fill the gaps, advance the kingdom, and not retreat.

Central to this is knowing our true identity in Christ. When we understand who we are—our calling, our authority, and our purpose—we can fulfill our destiny and make a lasting impact. This is not a time for false humility or comparison with others. Each of us has a unique role, and together, as a team, we are called to equip, send, and support one another.

Building healthy, impactful churches means focusing not on size, but on sending, equipping, and transforming lives. Ministry is not confined to the church building; it extends into the marketplace, the city, and the nation. We are called to be salt and light, to bring God’s presence and power into every sphere of society. As we align ourselves with God and with one another, we can see communities, families, and even nations changed for His glory.

Key Takeaways

- True Identity Unlocks Authority and Destiny
Understanding who we are in Christ is foundational. When we know our spiritual identity, we gain access to the authority and power needed to fulfill our God-given purpose. Like David, who served God’s purpose in his generation, we are called to discover, embrace, and walk confidently in our unique calling, refusing to settle for false humility or comparison. [48:34]

- Unity and Collaboration Are Essential for Kingdom Impact
In environments where believers are a minority or face opposition, unity among leaders and churches is not optional—it is vital. When spiritual leaders lay aside competition and work together, God brings healing, strength, and breakthrough, enabling the church to stand strong and advance the kingdom in challenging contexts. [19:28]

- The Church Must Discern and Respond to the Times
We are living in a season of exposure and monumental shifts, both in the world and within the church. Rather than retreating in fear or nostalgia, God’s people are called to discern what He is doing, speak truth boldly, and act with spiritual backbone. This is a time to fill the gaps left by the world and to advance, not surrender, ground. [33:59]

- Healthy Churches Focus on Sending and Equipping, Not Just Gathering
The measure of a church’s health is not its size, but its impact—how it equips, sends, and multiplies leaders and ministries. Comparison with others is unwise; instead, each church and believer must pursue their unique assignment, clothing themselves in their own spiritual armor and drawing on the wisdom of previous generations. [59:55]

- Transforming Society Requires Ministry Beyond Church Walls
God’s call extends into every sphere—workplace, government, education, and family. Ministry is not limited to the pulpit; it happens wherever God’s people carry His presence and authority. As we step out, use our gifts, and engage with the world, we become agents of transformation, bringing light, healing, and hope to our communities and beyond. [01:08:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:20] - Reflections on Returning and God’s Faithfulness
[07:20] - Shepherd’s Heart Orphanage and Support
[12:46] - Overview of Oasis Ministries and Church Network
[19:28] - Building Unity Among Churches and Leaders
[25:10] - Spiritual Warfare and Testimonies of God’s Power
[29:45] - Evangelism and Discipleship in Sri Lanka
[33:59] - Understanding the Times and Seasons
[41:46] - Shifts in Society and the Role of the Church
[43:43] - The Power of Partnership and Global Impact
[48:34] - Discovering True Identity in Christ
[52:31] - Embracing Calling and Overcoming False Humility
[55:38] - Raising and Releasing New Leaders
[59:55] - Healthy Churches: Sending, Not Just Gathering
[01:01:22] - Honoring Generational Wisdom and Leadership
[01:06:48] - Transforming Communities Beyond Church Walls
[01:08:14] - Marketplace Ministry and Societal Influence
[01:10:08] - Personal Story and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

1. 1 Chronicles 12:32
"Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do..."

2. Acts 13:36
"Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep..."

3. Ephesians 4:11-12
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Chronicles 12:32, what was special about the tribe of Issachar, and how did that help Israel?
2. In Acts 13:36, what does it say about David’s life and purpose?
3. What are the five roles listed in Ephesians 4:11-12, and what is their main responsibility?
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how unity among churches and leaders made a difference in Sri Lanka? [[19:28]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it important for believers to “understand the times and seasons” like the tribe of Issachar? How might this look in our world today? [[33:59]]
2. The sermon says that knowing our true identity in Christ unlocks authority and destiny. Why do you think identity is so closely tied to purpose and power? [[48:34]]
3. Ephesians 4:11-12 talks about equipping the church for works of service. What does it mean for a church to focus on sending and equipping, rather than just gathering? [[59:55]]
4. The speaker shared about unity among pastors in a place where Christians are a small minority. Why is unity so vital in challenging environments? [[19:28]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to know our true identity in Christ and not walk in false humility or comparison. Is there an area in your life where you struggle with comparison or doubt your calling? What would it look like to embrace your God-given identity this week? [[48:34]]
2. The church in Sri Lanka has seen breakthrough by working together across denominations. Are there ways you could build unity with other believers or churches in your community? What might be a first step? [[19:28]]
3. The speaker said, “This is a time to fill the gaps left by the world and to advance, not surrender, ground.” Where do you see gaps or needs in your workplace, school, or neighborhood that God might be calling you to step into? [[33:59]]
4. The sermon emphasized that healthy churches focus on sending and equipping, not just gathering. How can you personally be equipped or help equip others for ministry outside the church walls? [[59:55]]
5. Ministry is not just for pastors or inside the church. Think about your daily life—what is one practical way you can bring God’s presence and hope into your workplace, school, or family this week? [[01:08:14]]
6. The speaker shared a story about persevering in prayer and love for a family member even when the relationship was strained. Is there someone in your life you need to keep loving and praying for, even if you don’t see change yet? What’s one thing you can do for them this week? [[01:10:08]]
7. The sermon talked about honoring the wisdom of previous generations. Who is someone older in faith you could learn from or seek advice from this month? How might you reach out to them? [[01:01:22]]

---

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding the Times and Seasons

God calls His people to discern the times and seasons, just as the sons of Issachar did, so that they may know what to do and how to respond to the challenges and opportunities before them. In a world where darkness seems to be increasing, God is exposing evil and calling His people to action, not just to observe but to participate in bringing light and truth. This is a season where the church must rise up, speak truth boldly, and not shrink back in fear or political correctness. The Lord is orchestrating monumental shifts in society, and He desires His people to be aware, courageous, and ready to advance His kingdom in every sphere of influence. [41:46]

1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV)
"Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command."

Reflection: Where do you see God exposing darkness or shifting things in your community or nation, and how might He be calling you to respond with courage and truth today?


Day 2: Discovering True Identity in Christ

Knowing your true identity in Christ is foundational to fulfilling your God-given purpose and destiny. When you understand who you are in the Lord, you also discover the authority and power He has given you to live out your calling. Just as David served God's purpose in his generation and walked in victory, believers are called to embrace their spiritual identity, reject false humility, and step confidently into their unique roles. Identity brings power, and when you know the name and character of God, you can stand firm, pray with faith, and overcome every challenge. [48:34]

Acts 13:36 (ESV)
"For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have doubted your identity or calling in Christ, and how can you begin to embrace and walk in the authority God has given you?


Day 3: Building Healthy Churches Through Equipping and Sending

The church is called not just to gather but to equip every believer for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ and sending out leaders to impact the world. True success is not measured by size or numbers, but by faithfulness to God's calling and the impact made for His kingdom. Every member has a role to play, and the five-fold ministry exists to train and empower others to serve, lead, and go. Comparison with others is unwise; instead, the church must focus on being the best version of itself, raising up and releasing people into their God-given assignments. [59:55]

Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the work of ministry in your church or community, rather than just being a spectator?


Day 4: Advancing God’s Kingdom Beyond the Church Walls

Ministry is not confined to the church building; God calls His people to take His presence, love, and authority into the marketplace, workplace, and society at large. Just as Joseph, Daniel, and Esther influenced their nations, believers are to bring the kingdom of God into every sphere, using their gifts and callings to impact the world around them. There is no division between sacred and secular for the follower of Christ—every place is an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed, and every believer is called to be a player in the city and the nation, not just an observer on the sidelines. [01:08:14]

Genesis 1:28 (ESV)
"And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"

Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring God’s love and influence into your workplace, school, or community this week?


Day 5: Embracing a Cause and Making a Difference

God places unique burdens and causes on the hearts of His people, calling them to be agents of change in their families, churches, communities, and even nations. Whether it is reaching souls, discipling others, or bringing healing to broken relationships, the Lord invites you to pray, love, and act with perseverance. Even when situations seem unchangeable, persistent prayer and acts of love can open doors for restoration and transformation. Ask God to show you the cause He wants you to take up, and trust Him to use you to make a lasting impact for His kingdom. [01:10:08]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What specific burden or cause has God placed on your heart, and what is one step you can take today to pursue it with faith and perseverance?

Quotes



But knowing God for who he is is important for us to pray, for us to believe, for us to stand, and for us to have victory. You know, it’s not a way God that we’re serving. He’s got so many facets that we’ve got to draw on. When we’re fighting, when we’re sick, we pray and call on the Jehovah Rapha part of him. When we’re in great need, we call on the, you know, Jaira, the Lord that provides all our needs. Amen. [00:48:41] (31 seconds)


Identity is connected to power. And so it’s important that we know what our identity is because there’s power behind it. And God is backing it. He’s got his whole army behind it to help us fulfill what we are called to do. Amen. [00:49:38] (19 seconds)


We need people who know their identity, who know their giftings. This is the time we cannot play church. The world is in tremendous need with tremendous challenges. It’s robust. It’s going forward. And if we kind of act like we don’t know who we are, we’re not going to stand for long. Come on, guys. Then the darkness is going to come and fill that space again. We need to rise up. And we need to take our place in the Lord. We need to discover what our giftings and our callings are. [00:54:06] (31 seconds)


So are we doing what we are called to do? You know, sometimes we have a big number coming and going, you know, but many of them are sitters and not goers. And so we need goers. We need people who are going because this is a go gospel. Go and make disciples. It didn’t say sit and make disciples, though you can do that also these days through your internet, you know, in some capacity. But we are to go. Amen. [01:00:05] (24 seconds)


Stop comparing ourselves to other people. Second Corinthians chapter 10 verse 12 says that we are for we dare not make ourselves of the number or compare ourselves ourselves with some that commend themselves by measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves. That’s not wise. It’s not the time to be comparing. We need to be like that church or we need to have this and that like that church. [01:00:41] (27 seconds)


Alignment is important, too, alignment before assignment. Sometimes we’re busy trying to get our preaching done and all that, but we need to align with godly leaders, senior leaders over us that we can draw from, and that’s what I’ve had to do, draw from sometimes fathers and mothers at Christ for the nations, you know, over the years. It was wonderful to come back and talk with them for an hour and get once again fueled and refueled and guided into the next stage. [01:04:15] (29 seconds)


Recognize ministry takes place not only in the church building, but in the workplace, marketplace, society as well. Amen. Too much, we’ve been limiting it into the walls. But we need to now step out, beyond. Our influence must go out, and it must touch society. If not, we are just basically on the edge of society, of the city. We are not prominent, we’re not called on. But when we get involved in the city, and in the decisions, and in people’s lives, and in the future, they start to take notice of you. [01:07:04] (37 seconds)


So we don’t just barely hang on on the edge of the city. We influence and we are called on and our gifts are treasured and valued. Amen. That’s what we are. That’s what we need to be. Amen. Not some church in the corner there doing its own thing. You know, no, we have to be a player. The city and in the nation and you are that player you are touching the nation of Sri Lanka right from here you are impacting that you have a global vision God has got a global calling for you amen. [01:10:08] (33 seconds)


Let me close with this what are you burdened for what change do you wish to see take place personally family church society even nation what’s the change you want to see happening is there a cause you’re supposed you need to take up souls to reach win discipling and pouring into people this is the time you. [01:12:03] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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