Transformative Resets: Identity, Purpose, and Perspective in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the transformative power of Jesus in our lives, emphasizing the concept of a "reset" that He offers to each of us. We began by praying for healing and miracles, affirming our belief in God's power to transform situations and lives. This belief in transformation is central to our current series, "All Hands on Deck," which highlights the importance of evangelism and sharing our personal stories of faith. Each of us has a unique story, and sharing these stories can be a powerful form of evangelism, as it allows others to see the work of God in our lives.
We explored the idea that Jesus offers us three powerful resets: identity, purpose, and perspective. These resets are not always immediate but can be gradual, much like the changing of seasons. Our identity reset involves understanding ourselves as God's beloved children, free from the labels and expectations of the world. Our purpose reset aligns our lives with God's eternal plan, moving beyond temporary achievements to a life of meaningful impact. Finally, our perspective reset shifts our focus from earthly concerns to eternal truths, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of faith.
We shared stories of individuals who experienced profound resets in their lives, such as Sonia Richards Ross, who found her true identity in Christ beyond her athletic achievements, and Dr. Paul Brand, who realigned his purpose to serve those in need. These stories remind us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, and that our personal resets contribute to His larger river of redemption.
As we continue to explore these themes, we are encouraged to share our own reset stories, recognizing that each testimony is a testament to God's transformative power. Whether our stories are dramatic or gradual, they are valuable and worth sharing. We are called to be "hope dealers," spreading the love and hope of Jesus in our communities and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity Reset: Our identity in Christ is foundational. It is not defined by worldly labels or achievements but by our status as God's beloved children. This reset allows us to live securely, free from the pressure of performance-based worth. [01:10:26]
2. Purpose Reset: Our purpose flows from our identity in Christ. When we align our lives with God's eternal plan, we find true fulfillment and impact. This reset moves us beyond temporary successes to a life of meaningful contribution to God's redemptive story. [01:34:27]
3. Perspective Reset: A shift in perspective allows us to see the world through the lens of eternity. By focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary problems, we gain a deeper understanding of God's work in our lives and the world around us. [01:42:34]
4. The Power of Testimony: Sharing our reset stories is a powerful form of evangelism. Each testimony is unique and valuable, demonstrating God's transformative power in our lives. By sharing our stories, we offer hope and encouragement to others. [01:54:20]
5. Community and Support: We are not alone in our journey of transformation. The community of believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability as we seek to live out our new identity, purpose, and perspective in Christ. [01:56:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:29] - Prayer for Healing
- [00:03:00] - Introduction to Series: All Hands on Deck
- [00:06:43] - Sharing Your Story
- [00:10:26] - Identity Reset
- [00:12:22] - Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17
- [00:18:18] - Broken State of Identity
- [00:20:43] - Jesus Reset: New Identity
- [00:22:25] - Example: Sonia Richards Ross
- [00:25:00] - Example: Brian Head Welch
- [00:28:20] - Purpose Reset
- [00:34:27] - Broken State of Purpose
- [00:37:27] - Example: Dr. Paul Brand
- [00:40:06] - Example: Corrie Ten Boom
- [00:42:34] - Perspective Reset
- [00:45:41] - Wisdom Key: Perspective
- [00:48:10] - Personal Testimony
- [00:51:02] - Honor and Transformation
- [00:54:20] - Sharing Your Reset Story
- [00:56:46] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Galatians 2:20
- Romans 12:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about our identity in Christ and how does it relate to the concept of a "reset"? [01:10:26]
2. How does the sermon describe the process of transformation in our lives? Is it immediate or gradual, and what analogy is used to explain this? [01:03:29]
3. What examples were given in the sermon of individuals who experienced a reset in their identity or purpose? [01:22:25]
4. According to the sermon, what role does sharing our personal stories play in evangelism? [01:06:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our identity as "God's beloved children" change the way we view ourselves and our worth? [01:10:26]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our purpose is connected to our identity in Christ? How does this affect our daily lives? [01:34:27]
3. What does it mean to have a "perspective reset" and how can this shift impact our view of the world and our circumstances? [01:42:34]
4. How can sharing our reset stories serve as a form of evangelism, and why is it important to share both dramatic and gradual transformation stories? [01:54:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Have you experienced an identity, purpose, or perspective reset? How did it change your life, and how can you share this story with others? [01:06:43]
2. Consider the labels or expectations the world has placed on you. How can you begin to shed these and embrace your identity as a child of God? [01:10:26]
3. What temporary achievements or successes are you currently pursuing? How can you align your purpose with God's eternal plan instead? [01:34:27]
4. Think about a situation in your life where you need a perspective reset. How can focusing on eternal truths help you see this situation differently? [01:42:34]
5. Identify someone in your life who might benefit from hearing your reset story. How can you share it with them in a way that offers hope and encouragement? [01:54:20]
6. How can you actively participate in your community to support others in their journey of transformation? What steps can you take to be a "hope dealer" in your community? [01:56:46]
7. Reflect on the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you contribute to creating a supportive environment for others seeking transformation? [01:56:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity in Christ as Our Foundation
Our identity in Christ is foundational to our spiritual journey. It is not defined by worldly labels or achievements but by our status as God's beloved children. This reset allows us to live securely, free from the pressure of performance-based worth. Understanding ourselves as God's beloved children liberates us from the labels and expectations of the world, allowing us to embrace our true identity. This transformation is gradual, much like the changing of seasons, and it requires us to continually remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. [01:10:26]
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 ways have you allowed worldly labels to define your identity? How can you begin to embrace your identity as God's beloved child today?
Day 2: Aligning Our Purpose with God's Eternal Plan
Our purpose flows from our identity in Christ. When we align our lives with God's eternal plan, we find true fulfillment and impact. This reset moves us beyond temporary successes to a life of meaningful contribution to God's redemptive story. By understanding our purpose in the context of God's larger narrative, we can live lives that are not only successful by worldly standards but also deeply impactful in the spiritual realm. This alignment requires us to seek God's guidance and be open to His leading in our daily lives. [01:34:27]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel your purpose is misaligned with God's plan? How can you begin to realign it today?
Day 3: Shifting Our Perspective to Eternal Truths
A shift in perspective allows us to see the world through the lens of eternity. By focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary problems, we gain a deeper understanding of God's work in our lives and the world around us. This perspective reset helps us to prioritize what truly matters and to live with a sense of peace and purpose. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and to trust in God's greater plan for our lives. [01:42:34]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What temporary concerns are currently consuming your thoughts? How can you shift your focus to eternal truths today?
Day 4: The Power of Sharing Our Testimonies
Sharing our reset stories is a powerful form of evangelism. Each testimony is unique and valuable, demonstrating God's transformative power in our lives. By sharing our stories, we offer hope and encouragement to others, showing them that change is possible through Christ. Our testimonies serve as a testament to God's work in our lives and can inspire others to seek their own transformation. Whether our stories are dramatic or gradual, they are worth sharing and can have a profound impact on those around us. [01:54:20]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing your testimony? How can you share your story with them this week?
Day 5: Embracing Community and Support
We are not alone in our journey of transformation. The community of believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability as we seek to live out our new identity, purpose, and perspective in Christ. Being part of a faith community allows us to grow together, learn from one another, and support each other in our spiritual journeys. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves and that we have a network of support to lean on in times of need. [01:56:46]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community this week to both give and receive support? What steps can you take to strengthen these connections?
Quotes
"We're gonna stand and uh, we're gonna actually pray over the streams grandson right now. We're we're not gonna wait. We're not gonna wait You're not gonna make a request and then let it go by we're gonna take care of it right now Because we stand with them and believe that god still is a healing god I've seen miracles with my own eyes. I've seen the healing in my own family I've seen miracles signs and wonders guys. It is no joke. So stand and believe if you want to don't If you don't feel like you come up here, you can raise your hand and just press the cord here Father we thank you so much for the shreve family their faithfulness" [00:07:42] (39 seconds)
"God gave me a reset. Who has a reset? Who has gotten a reset in their life? Okay. I think if we can kind of reframe some things and kind of share words that are different in some cases, instead of being an evangelist, you can just talk about your story. You can just share what God did and how God reset you from your old life to the new life. Okay. It's a reset." [00:12:40] (35 seconds)
"So when I talk about Jesus offering us these resets, I want to be clear about something important. God's transforming work isn't always like flipping a light switch. For many of us, these resets are more like the changing of seasons. They're gradual, with moments of both growth and dormancy. I think sometimes we think the dormancy is negative. But I'm going to remind us that a farmer has to wait for the harvest. Okay. There's watering that happens between seed time and harvest, and that dormancy is the seed sprouting and growing so it can bear fruit." [00:14:29] (45 seconds)
"Your reset story matters profoundly, whether it features a dramatic Damascus Road moment or the patient nurturing of a new life through many seasons. And while we explore personal resets this morning, remember that Jesus is also resetting broken relationships, communities, and creation itself. Do you guys agree with that this morning? Okay. The personal resets are tributaries flowing into his larger river of redemption. I love that imagery, okay?" [00:16:30] (35 seconds)
"Some of us might not even recognize our need for a reset. And if that is you this morning, we're going to pray with you. We're going to give God all the opportunity this morning to bring you into a fold, into a family, into a community that really just loves you. We're not trying to change you. We're not trying to change you. But when you encounter the real authentic love of the Father through Jesus Christ, you will change." [00:18:40] (32 seconds)
"So the more we share our reset story with people, we break down the walls of difference. And it allows the spirit of unity through Christ Jesus to bring us into one common theme. And it's that we're all saved by the blood of Jesus. So it's going to look different. Whether you share it through a heartfelt conversation, a simple act of kindness, an invitation to experience a community where Jesus is transforming love, transforming love is visible." [00:20:44] (37 seconds)
"And this is what evangelism is really the crux of. It's not you have to be up front wearing a loud shirt that has Sasquatch on it, or if you are out there with a megaphone on the edge of some boulevard and you're proclaiming the gospel. Guys, it's so simple. God transformed the world through 12 people. 12 jacked up, idiotic, bad mouth. Guys, that is the truth. They were fishermen. Do you think, who was in the Navy? Okay. There's something that happens. You get into the armed services, all of a sudden you just know every customer before you even knew how to even peel a potato. It just happens. It's true. God is transforming the world through regular people. And we are regular people that are allowing the profound love and knowledge of the Savior to work miracle signs and wonders because that's what it is about." [00:22:11] (65 seconds)
"Your identity isn't the label that the world puts on you. It's not even the label that you take on yourself. A lot of us are trying to stick stickers to our identity that God never intended for us to stick on ourselves. And we identify with those stickers more than we identify with the person that Jesus wants us to be. And so the identity reset is like literally the beginning of it all. It's the crux. If we don't get our identity right, we're going to have issues." [00:23:44] (43 seconds)
"guys it doesn't have to be a dramatic change for the lord to get a hold of you and it doesn't have to be dramatic in order to be used by him some of us really think that we have to be in a ministry position at a church in order for us to accomplish the will of god i'm guys i'm this is the first time you're hearing it that's a lie because god could be using you in the marketplace here's another one he could be using you at home what if you're the only jesus your children will ever know the life that you lead at home is actually more important than anything else in this world it flows out of it" [00:35:04] (56 seconds)
"so we're going to go to wisdom key i've been incorporating these in my messages because i think it's really critical that if you don't get anything else you get this says jesus doesn't improve your reputation he rewrites your entire biography he does not improve your reputation he is not concerned about how good you look he's not because if he was i wouldn't be bald because i look pretty good with hair y 'all be like i've never seen you with hair it's actually pretty good i had it down to here i had a wig i didn't like it that was recently too it looked it made me look like a punk rocker and i was like no it was bad someone has a picture somewhere keep it to yourself keep it to yourself you put it on instagram i'm gonna burn something to the ground actually it's pretty funny jesus doesn't improve your reputation he rewrites your entire biography okay number two once he gets a hold of your identity there's a purpose that ain't number two no i said two it's purpose purpose respect now you just got number two and three cool write them down we're gonna be there for a while purpose reset we're gonna go to ephesians 2 10 okay i'm gonna give you the supporting scripture i'm still here okay whoever that was for we are god's masterpiece he has created us anew in christ jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago so once you get a hold of your identity now we're moving to purpose so he is going to reframe your purpose a lot of us don't really like the fact that we don't have a purpose so we create one for ourselves based off of our identity" [00:44:31] (123 seconds)
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