Walking in the Light: Our True Identity in Christ

In our journey of faith, one of the most profound challenges is aligning our lives with the identity that Christ calls us to embody. The apostle John offers a powerful reminder about the authenticity of our faith in his writings. To live in Christ means to live in truth, love, and obedience. This article explores how we can embrace our true identity in Christ and avoid the pitfalls of living with a "fake ID."

We All Know “That Person”

Growing up, many of us wanted to believe we were more mature than we actually were. Shame of you if this was the case, but some of us need even more grace because we took our desire to do so to a whole ‘notha level. We went in search of the holy grail of hostility and shenanigans. Yes, I’m speaking of…the FAKE ID!! This “amazing” piece of false equiment would guarantee you cigarettes, six packs, and situations that you had 0 business being a part of! We accessed things that we could partake in (here’s the word) prematurely, and no matter how worth it it seemed many who had one expressed real resentment for using it and the consequences that came if that got caught. 

Ultimately, the lesson learned is that we needed time to grow and mature before we really understood what we were engaging in and how to do so correctly. The same thing can be said for how we grow in our relationship with Christ. Many want to walk fully in Faith, but far too many times aren’t obedient in the maturity of it; the way Christ lived it. And instead of taking the time to learn, grow, and mature they simply pick and choose the things they want to operate in most. All grace, no truth. Allll truth, no grace. No matter how they do it, they operate immaturely. In this way, they don’t fully mature. They use a fake ID. And doing this can…and usually will…have consequences.

Living in the Light

John's epistle emphasizes the importance of living in the light of Christ. "If anyone claims, 'I am living in the light,' but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness" (1 John 2:9). The metaphor of light and darkness illustrates the stark difference between genuine faith and falsehood. Living in the light means embracing love AND truth (if you can’t say amen, say ouch!), reflecting Christ's nature in all of our actions and relationships. When we harbor hatred or animosity towards others, we stray into darkness, away from the true light of Christ.

We have…a fake…ID.

The call to love one another is not new; it is a commandment we have had from the very beginning. Yet, it remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. By living in the light, we ensure that our actions do not cause others to stumble, thereby fostering a community that thrives on love and mutual respect.

The Dangers of a Fake ID

The concept of a "fake ID" serves as a metaphor for claiming to be a follower of Christ without embodying His teachings. Just as a fake ID is used to gain premature access to privileges, claiming to know God without obeying His commandments is deceptive and harmful. John warns, "If someone claims, 'I know God,' but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth" (1 John 2:4).

And though many believers are well-intentioned and I have no doubt they are, myself included, we might fall into the trap of immaturity in their faith. We might profess faith but fail to live it out. This is never good, but ultimately it damages our witness! The maturity in faith requires a deep commitment to following Christ's teachings and living as He did. This means continuous growth, learning, and transformation, reflecting Christ in every aspect of our lives.

The Power of Obedience

Obedience to God's commandments is a true measure of our love for Him. John asserts, "But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him" (1 John 2:5). Obedience is not just about following rules; it is about aligning our hearts and actions with God's will.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of living out the commandments through His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. The entire first chapter of the sermon, chapter 5 (remember, there are three altogether. My bet is He was taking this kinda serious ;-)), Jesus expresses everything from being peacemakers to loving our enemies, laying out a comprehensive guide to living a life that honors God. Obedience to these teachings is a testament to our faith and a crucial aspect of our true identity in Christ. If Jesus actually meant what He said (here’s a hint. He DOES), then many of us have some correcting to do in how we approach and love our neighbor…and God. (If you can’t say amen aga…you get the point.)

Building a Community of Love

The ultimate goal of living in Christ is to build a community rooted in love and unity. Jesus prayed for this unity in John 17, desiring that all believers be one as He and the Father are one. This unity is not about sameness but about oneness, a harmonious relationship built on love and mutual respect in the midst of difference; unity in diversity.

The enemy often tries to drive a wedge into this unity by promoting a false sense of identity, where actions do not align with the professed faith. To counter this, we must strive to live authentically, reflecting Christ's love in our interactions. By doing so, we create a community that embodies the true light of Christ, standing as a testament to His transformative power.

Embracing our true identity in Christ requires living in the light, avoiding the pitfalls of a fake ID, obeying God's commandments, and fostering a loving community. Committing to these principles, ensuring that our lives reflect the truth and love of Christ, thereby fulfills our highest potential in Him. Amen to being “grown” enough to not have the need for a fake ID.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

The Great Exchange: Discovering Our Identity in Christ

In the tapestry of human existence, few moments resonate as profoundly as the encounter between Mary and Jesus at the crucifixion. As Jesus, in His final breaths, entrusted His mother to the care of His beloved disciple John, He performed an act of deep compassion and ensured a new identity for both Mary and John. This poignant moment captures the essence of the "Great Exchange" — a divine transaction where Jesus offers us a new identity, rooted in His love and sacrifice.

The Apostle John, who witnessed this exchange firsthand, illuminates this transformative truth in his writings. Known for his deep personal relationship with Jesus, John’s message in his first epistle revolves around the identity shift we undergo when we embrace Christ. John, a man who experienced the fullness of Jesus’ ministry, from the miracles to the resurrection, urges us to understand and live out our new identity in Christ.

The Dual Nature of Jesus

John’s firsthand account is not just a historical record but a personal testimony of encountering Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature of Christ is crucial. Jesus, the “Word of life,” was with God from the beginning and yet entered our world, taking on human flesh. John emphasizes this to counteract the false teachings of his time, such as Gnosticism, which denied the humanity of Christ.

By affirming Jesus’ humanity, John underscores the tangible reality of God’s love. Jesus was not a distant deity but one who walked among us, shared in our experiences, and ultimately sacrificed Himself for our sins. This reality invites us into an intimate relationship with God, bridging the chasm between the divine and the human.

Walking in the Light

John’s message is clear: to know God is to walk in the light. God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. This light represents truth, purity, and life. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this light in our daily lives. Walking in the light means living in a way that aligns with God’s truth, acknowledging our sins, and allowing Jesus’ sacrificial blood to continually cleanse us.

Confession and repentance are vital in maintaining this walk. John warns against self-deception, urging us to confront our sins honestly. When we acknowledge our need for forgiveness, God, who is faithful and just, cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This ongoing process of cleansing is not about attaining sinlessness on our own but relying on Jesus, our advocate, who pleads our case before the Father.

The Transformative Power of Jesus

The essence of John’s message is that knowing Jesus personally transforms us. It’s not merely about adhering to a set of beliefs but about a profound relationship with the living Christ. This relationship brings fullness of joy, a joy that surpasses all circumstances and challenges.

John’s life and writings challenge us to examine our own identity. Are we living as those who are deeply loved by Jesus? Do we reflect the light of Christ in our interactions and decisions? This identity shift requires us to commit to God and His people, to stop delaying obedience, and to embrace the transformation that comes from living in the truth of who Jesus is.

Our New Identity

To live in this new identity, we must first submit to God’s transforming work in our lives. This begins with prayer, allowing God’s Word to shape us, and connecting deeply with His people. As we do this, we experience the fullness of joy that John speaks of — a joy rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the reality of our intimate relationship with God.

As we go about our lives, let us remember that we carry the light of Christ within us. This light is meant to shine in the darkest places, bringing hope and truth to a world in desperate need. By living out our identity in Christ, we not only find our own joy but also draw others into the transformative power of Jesus’ love.

John’s message is both a reminder and a call to action. It reminds us of the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, which gives us a new identity, and it calls us to live out this identity with joy, integrity, and purpose. Let us embrace this great exchange and walk boldly in the light of Christ, knowing that we are deeply loved and called to share that love with the world.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Like Son, Like Mother: Something About Mary

Introduction: The Unusual Suspect

Ah, Mother's Day. A time to celebrate the unsung heroes who brought us into this world and, despite everything, didn't leave us in a basket at the neighbor's doorstep...or take us out. And in this moment, I believe it only right that we dive into the story of the most famous mother of all—Mary, the mother of Jesus. Aside from being mom to the Savior of the world, there's also a very important lesson I believe we must take from her. 

The Angelic Encounter

Picture this: Mary is minding her own business when Gabriel, the angel, pops in with a life-changing announcement (Luke 1:26-30). Now, I don't know about you, but if an angel appeared to me, I'm out! (Just not quite that holy yet. Don't judge me.) But not Mary! Sure, she was "confused and disturbed" (which is angelic-speak for "freaking out"), but she listened. Gabriel assured her that she was favored by God and would give birth to the Son of God. Her response? "How can this happen? I am a virgin." (Luke 1:34). Classic Mary—straight to the point.

Mary: The Ideal Follower

What makes Mary remarkable isn't just her virgin birth claim. It's her faith and obedience. When Gabriel explained how the Holy Spirit would make this miracle happen, Mary simply said, "I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true" (Luke 1:38). Talk about faith under pressure! Imagine if you were told you'd give birth to the Son of God. I can see many folk's response right now. "...Let me pray on that..." with no intentions on getting back to him. Congrats on having that good a prayer life...except no LOL.

Blessed Among Women

Fast forward a few days, and Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who declares Mary "blessed among women" (Luke 1:42). Elizabeth's baby even leaps in her womb at Mary's greeting. That's right—Mary's voice was the original baby dance party starter. But why was Mary blessed? Not just because she was Jesus' mom, but because she believed God's promise (Luke 1:45). It's a reminder that faith, not just motherhood, brings blessings.

Followership Over Circumstance

Contrast Mary with Zechariah, who also had a divine encounter. When Gabriel told him he’d have a son, Zechariah's response was more like, "Yeah, right. Have you seen my age? Don't even get me started on my wife!!" (Luke 1:18). I'd say pray for good ol' Zeke, but chances are Elizabeth never heard him say it so he's good. However, his skepticism earned him a divine time-out—mute until his son John was born. Mary, on the other hand, questioned logistics but ultimately trusted God. The lesson here? Faith isn't about understanding every detail but simply trusting in God's plan.

Conclusion: Like Son, Like Mother

Mary's story isn't just about being the mother of Jesus; it's about being a model of faith and obedience. She shows us that true followership is about saying, "I am the Lord's servant," even when the future is uncertain. May we celebrate the faith of Mary and strive to follow her example of trust and devotion. After all, like Son, like mother.

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— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church