Finding Identity and Trust in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and welcome to Dallas Bay Church on this special Day of Champions. We are thrilled to have students and athletes from various schools and universities, including the University of Tennessee, joining us today. Despite a last-minute change, we are honored to have William Wright and Christian Charles, both defensive backs from the University of Tennessee, with us. Today, we celebrate not just athletic achievements but also the deeper identity found in being children of God.
We began with a prayer, thanking God for the lives already transformed in our earlier service and asking for open hearts and minds to receive His message today. William Wright shared his journey, emphasizing the importance of finding one's identity in Christ rather than in worldly achievements. He spoke about the challenges and pressures of being a college athlete and how his faith has been a cornerstone in navigating those difficulties.
William's story is a powerful reminder that our true identity is not in what we do but in who we are as children of God. He shared how significant mentors and Christian coaches have influenced his life, helping him grow in his faith. He also discussed the importance of trusting God, especially in challenging times, and how this trust has been pivotal in his journey.
We concluded with an invitation for anyone who has not yet placed their trust in Jesus to do so. We emphasized that Christianity is not about religious rituals but about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We invited those ready to make this commitment to raise their hands and pray a prayer of salvation, welcoming them into the family of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: William Wright emphasized that our true identity is not found in our achievements or roles but in being children of God. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and belonging. [17:23]
2. The Importance of Mentors: William highlighted the significant role that Christian mentors and coaches have played in his life. These relationships have provided guidance, support, and spiritual growth, reminding us of the value of having godly influences. [48:39]
3. Trusting God in Difficult Times: Trusting God is crucial, especially during challenging times. William shared how his faith has helped him through setbacks and disappointments, illustrating that trust in God provides strength and hope. [54:10]
4. Christianity as a Relationship: We discussed that Christianity is not about attending church or following rituals but about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship transforms us from the inside out and is the foundation of our faith. [56:59]
5. Invitation to Salvation: We extended an invitation for anyone who has not yet placed their trust in Jesus to do so. This moment of decision is crucial for entering into a relationship with Christ and experiencing the transformative power of His love and forgiveness. [58:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:04] - Introduction to Day of Champions
[15:53] - Apology for Brew McCoy's Absence
[17:23] - Prayer and Worship
[30:13] - Introduction of William Wright
[32:36] - William's Family Background
[33:54] - Embracing High School Career
[37:23] - Journey to University of Tennessee
[41:55] - Pressure of Playing Defense
[44:07] - Toughest Places to Play
[46:17] - Importance of Christian Mentors
[48:39] - William's Faith Journey
[50:59] - True Meaning of Christianity
[54:10] - Trusting God in Difficult Times
[56:59] - Invitation to Salvation
[58:50] - Assurance of Salvation
[01:00:35] - Prayer of Salvation
[01:03:35] - Closing and Next Steps
[01:06:09] - Farewell and Thanks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16 (NIV) - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. Romans 10:9 (NIV) - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did William Wright emphasize about finding one's identity in Christ rather than in worldly achievements? ([17:23])
2. How did Christian mentors and coaches influence William Wright's faith journey? ([48:39])
3. What was the significance of the invitation to place trust in Jesus at the end of the sermon? ([58:50])
4. How did William Wright describe the role of trust in God during challenging times? ([54:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to find our identity in Christ rather than in our achievements or roles? ([17:23])
2. How can having Christian mentors and coaches impact one's spiritual growth and faith journey? ([48:39])
3. What does it mean to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and how can this trust guide us through difficult times? ([54:10])
4. How does the concept of Christianity as a relationship rather than a religion transform one's faith experience? ([56:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are finding your identity in achievements rather than in Christ? How can you shift your focus to your identity as a child of God? ([17:23])
2. Think about the mentors and influences in your life. How have they shaped your faith? Are there ways you can seek out or become a mentor to others? ([48:39])
3. Recall a challenging time in your life. How did your trust in God help you navigate through it? If trust was lacking, what steps can you take to build that trust now? ([54:10])
4. How can you cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus rather than just following religious rituals? What practical steps can you take this week to deepen that relationship? ([56:59])
5. Have you ever had a moment where you placed your trust in Jesus for the first time? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how has that decision impacted your life? ([58:50])
6. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate your trust in God this week. How can you lean not on your own understanding but submit to Him in that area? ([54:10])
7. How can you share the message of salvation with someone in your life who may not know Jesus? What steps can you take to have that conversation this week? ([58:50])
Devotional
Day 1: True Identity in Christ
Our true identity is not found in our achievements or roles but in being children of God. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and belonging. In a world that often measures worth by success and accomplishments, it is crucial to remember that our value comes from being created and loved by God. This understanding can provide a solid foundation, especially during times of uncertainty and pressure. [17:23]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking validation from achievements or roles? How can you remind yourself today that your true identity is found in being a child of God?
Day 2: The Value of Godly Mentors
Christian mentors and coaches play a significant role in providing guidance, support, and spiritual growth. These relationships are invaluable as they help us stay grounded in our faith and navigate life's challenges. Having godly influences can make a profound difference in our spiritual journey, offering wisdom and encouragement when we need it most. [48:39]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who are the mentors or godly influences in your life? How can you seek their guidance and support more intentionally this week?
Day 3: Trusting God in Difficult Times
Trusting God is crucial, especially during challenging times. Faith provides strength and hope, helping us to endure setbacks and disappointments. Trusting in God's plan, even when it is not clear, can bring peace and assurance that He is in control and working for our good. [54:10]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What is one specific challenge you are facing right now? How can you actively choose to trust God with this situation today?
Day 4: Christianity as a Relationship
Christianity is not about attending church or following rituals but about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship transforms us from the inside out and is the foundation of our faith. It is through this personal connection with Jesus that we experience true spiritual growth and transformation. [56:59]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today? What specific steps can you take to spend more time in His presence?
Day 5: Invitation to Salvation
The invitation to place one's trust in Jesus is a crucial moment for entering into a relationship with Christ and experiencing the transformative power of His love and forgiveness. This decision is not about religious rituals but about accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and beginning a new life in Him. [58:50]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: Have you made the decision to place your trust in Jesus? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this invitation with someone else today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "We serve a God who would never leave us, who will never forsake us. And, you know, we talked a little bit about this off the platform earlier on. And the reality is that what makes you. An individual today is not what you do. It's not a, I'm a football player. It's I am a child of God. That's what makes you who you are." [54:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christianity is more than a religion. It is, it is not a set of rules or a set of standards. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ. And that's what. It makes you who you are today. That's, that's the beat heartbeat of who you are is everything you say and everything you do is this glorify God. Why? Because he has changed me from the inside out. He has rearranged my life." [56:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The word of God says, unless you confess with your mouth, believe in your heart that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, you shall be saved. Saved from what? Saved from what we all deserve, right? William, we deserve separation from God. We've all messed up. We've all done wrong things, and that's a big problem. What separates us from God is that sin, right?" [59:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So let me just say, if I could. If there's never been a time in your life that you have placed your faith and your trust in Christ, we want to give you an opportunity to do so. It would be our greatest honor for myself, William and Christian to know that the heaven is your home. And the only reason that we're able to be on this platform, it's not because we're, you know, some great athletes, he's so much better of an athlete than I ever was." [57:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The word believe actually translates to that word that you've been talking about in that it's trust, right to trust means to lean on, to fall back, it's, it's having the ability to go, you know what, I'm going to believe that that seats going to hold me when I sit, but it's not until you actually place your trust and your faith in, um, and so that's the biggest difference, right?" [56:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Every single day, we have an opportunity to learn and to grow. And you've talked a lot about this today. And, obviously, it's very clear to you that your faith is extremely important in your life. And it has been a. It has been a pillar in your, not only foundation, but in your journey as a college football player, but also as a young man." [48:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You mentioned growing up, you went to church every once in a while. You know. There are a lot of people who go to church every single Sunday. And the reality is that that's not what gets us into heaven, right? People think that going to church is what makes you a Christian. That's not true. It's no, you know, no better than going to McDonald's makes you a cheeseburger." [50:59] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think one of the things that you mentioned is the importance of having, you know, those people in your life that have helped you along the way. In fact, you mentioned that someone you've not even seen in five years or so, but you're still texting. You're still, you know. Yeah. Something that you can clearly tell about you and the way you carry yourself. And it's that you're hungry for anything and everything, obviously, because the moment where we think we are through growing is the moment that we are through." [48:39] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I appreciate you sharing that and the reality of that, right? Like, life is not a walk in the park. It really isn't, right? But the beautiful thing is that it doesn't have to be a walk in the dark." [54:10] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So from that moment on, my life has never been the same. And it's not been easy, as I know you have already shared, especially with football, right? Like, there are so many setbacks. There are so many disappointments. How has your faith, William, been able to help you through those things?" [51:44] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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