My Identity in Christ Part 1: Who Am I?

“Most of our struggles don’t start with bad choices—they start with false beliefs.”

You can love Jesus, attend church, read your Bible—and still live under shame, fear, and defeat if you don’t fully understand who you are in Christ.

I have read a lot of books in my life by Godly authors that have been helpful in my study of God’s Word and shaping my Christian worldview.

One of those books that made a real impact when i was going through a particularly hard time in my life was Victory over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson. If I would rate this. I would say its in my top 5 important books. and so I found this book in my library and decided to adapt it into a six week teaching series. based on the material in the book.

for those of you struggling with identity, with how you see yourself, if your struggling with guilt or shame from the past or your just wanting to have a breakthrough in your spiritual walk your going to benefit from this teaching.

I. The Core Problem: Many Christians Don’t Know Who They Are

(Identity Confusion Leads to Spiritual Defeat)
If I asks you the question Who are you? what would you say. I would so I’m a pastor but that’s what i do, i could say American, but that’s where i live, i could say I’m white but that’s the color of my skin, I might say Pentecostal but that’s my denomination.

We tend to identify ourselves by our roles and responsibilities or our ethnicity or our worldviews but here is the critical question.

“Is who you are determined by what you do or is what you do determined by who you are?”

that is an important question especially as it relates to Christian maturity. I believe that your hope for growth and breakthrough in your Christian faith is tied to understanding Your New identity in Christ. when you truly understand who you are in relationship to God it will transform your thinking and behavior in a profound way.

II. False equations in the search for identity

when I was growing up my parents were supportive of me, i grew up in a loving Christian home which I am very thankful for but i often endured bullying and rejection and being made fun throughout my time in school. and that experience will shape how you see yourself. I had very low self esteem well but i started playing guitar and when I graduated me and my friend formed a band and of course as we played the clubs and got known I liked the attention, it was my identity. but it didn’t change how i felt inside. How people saw me and what they said about me. didn’t match up to how i saw my self. how looked, what I did didn’t change the insecurities and the fears and loneliness I was feeling.

I bought into a false equation. that how I looked on the outside, what i did for work, what talents or abilities equaled who I was. And I see a lot of people today that are struggling with with the same things. and its only amplified through Social Media.

IV. Everyone in this world has a need to Feel Significant, Feel Secure and have a Sense of Belonging.

why? because these are the very things that God fulfilled in us before the Fall of the human race. When we sinned our connection with God was severed and we died spiritually and as a result we lost what we had.
Adam and Eve didn’t have to search for significance he knew that he was created in the image of God.
Adam and Eve were secure because God provided all the needed.
Adam and Eve weren’t alone. they had an close relationship with their creator.
But they gave into the temptation to think they didn’t need God and could be like him and made a move that can only be considered treachery and rebellion. they accepted the words of the Devil over God. They accepted his leadership, his advice rather than Gods and so in turning their backs on God they lost all that they had in him and so we are always trying to search to fulfill that which was lost.

Salvation in Jesus Christ restores all that was lost. we no longer have to strive for significance, or security or belonging. because we are already significant to God, we are secure in him and we belong to Jesus.

V. Christianity Is Not About Trying Harder. It’s About Living From What’s Already True. Spiritual victory does not begin with effort—it begins with identity.

Common Misunderstanding
“If I just pray more, do more, try harder, God will finally accept me.”
Biblical Reality
You are not working toward acceptance
You are living from acceptance

the only real identity equation that works in God’s kingdom is You plus Christ equals wholeness. In Christ you are already complete and whole. that is a spiritual reality.

For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:16 – NLT

So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:10 – NLT

You cannot consistently live differently than how you see yourself.

we fail so we see ourselves as failures, we sin so we see ourselves as sinners, We must renew our minds with the reality of the truth of what God says about us.

VI. What Changed the Moment You Came to Christ

1. You Were Not Repaired — You Were Recreated

Let’s read what Scripture actually says.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Notice what this does not say.
It doesn’t say:
• You got a spiritual upgrade
• You got cleaned up
• You became a slightly better version of yourself
It says you became a new person.
Christianity is not self-improvement.
It is resurrection.
God didn’t fix your old life—He gave you a new one.

VII. The Real Battle Is What You Believe

When we see ourselves through our identity in Christ. we will begin to operate from a place of spiritual truth. and that changes how we see ourselves, our behavior, how we pray and gives us hope for the future.

My Identity in Christ Part 1: Who Am I?

“Most of our struggles don’t start with bad choices—they start with false beliefs.”

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I. The Core Problem: Many Christians Don’t Know Who They Are

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(Identity Confusion Leads to Spiritual Defeat)

“Is who you are determined by what you do or is what you do determined by who you are?”

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II. False equations in the search for identity

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IV. Everyone in this world has a need to Feel Significant, Feel Secure and have a Sense of Belonging.

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V. Christianity Is Not About Trying Harder. It’s About Living From What’s Already True. Spiritual victory does not begin with effort—it begins with identity.

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Romans 8:16 – NLT

So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:10 – NLT

You cannot consistently live differently than how you see yourself.

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VI. What Changed the Moment You Came to Christ

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2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

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VII. The Real Battle Is What You Believe

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Yes, there is Hope in 2026

2025 was a turbulent year. It has been a year of change. A lot of people are waking up and searching for meaning and purpose and something to place their hope in. While it is easy to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our news feeds we must keep in mind that what is posted online is not necessarily a full representation of the truth. If you want to look for what’s wrong in the world you will find it. There is plenty to be concerned about but the problem is you usually don’t hear the good news because it doesn’t get as many clicks.

“If we only listen to the voices of fear, we miss the ways God is still moving in the world.”
“In recent years, Bible sales in the U.S. have risen significantly, with 2025 sales up about 11% over 2024 and more than 18 million Bibles sold this year alone, reflecting growing interest in Scripture. AP News”
“Research indicates that Christianity is rapidly growing in Iran, with estimates of between 800,000 and 3 million believers — many of whom are converts from Muslim backgrounds.
“Estimates of the Christian population in China show a large community, with figures ranging into the tens of millions and possibly over 100 million believers.

“None of this denies the reality of hardship — but it reminds us that God has not abandoned the world.”

We are called to be a people of hope but hope is more than just positive thinking or well wishing. or a feeling that relies on the news of the Day. Our hope as based in something that is more sure, that is solid and unchanging. hope affects how we prioritize our lives. it shapes how we look at the world and move forward in life.

Paul explains this hope that we have in Christ.

(1) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (2) Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

(4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:1-5 – NLT

1. Be careful what you place your hope in –notice it says that there is a confidence and joy with which we look forward. let me ask you something., does that sound like you today. or is it more like Dread and anxiety. Christians, we know the right answer is that our hope is in Christ. But if that is true than where is our joy and confidence?

if we lack joy and confidence could that be an indicator that maybe we are dividing our hope between Jesus and Money, or Jesus and other people, or Jesus and politics.

Many place there hope in money or their own abilities but circumstances can change and you can find yourself not in the place that you planned for. Many place there hope in people but people are not always reliable, they make mistakes and can let you down. But Jesus will never let you down.

2. How do we fully place our hope in Christ?

A. you must see yourself as Christ’s agent in this world and your mission is to bring glory to God by how you treat people and use the resources he has blessed you with.

i have witnessed in my own life that my joy increases when i understand its all for God. it also has helped push me past my own preferences. You know, when you feel like just not doing what you should. There is a joy and a new found confidence on the other side of self denial. That experience is what I believe Paul is expressing here.

A big part of changing that mindset is to anchor ourselves.

B. You must anchor your hope in God’s promises rather than your immediate circumstances

(19) This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Hebrews 6:19 – NLT

An anchor keeps a boat from moving with the waves. The entire Bible is full of his promises and studying them helps us to be steady, unchanging and anchored in him.

C. When you hope is place in Christ you can be not only joyful but also confident in your prayers.

the 2nd part of this verse speaks of access to God. The curtain in the temple Separated the most holy place from the rest of the sanctuary. this is where the ark of the covenant that was an earthly representation of God’s throne in heaven was. it was where God’s presence would rest and where the high priest would enter once a year with the blood of the sacrifice. For the sins of Israel.

when Jesus was crucified. he was the ultimate offering for sin and the curtain was torn in two. symbolizing that under the new covenant access to God was open to all who would receive Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for their sins. So we know have this Access to God’s throne in heaven. this is why Paul says

Hebrews 4: 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

when we pray we are in the presence of God before his throne in heaven. And he hears us.

Conclusion: I pray that as we enter this new year we would enter with hope and joy and confidence that God is going to us to reach this world for him. don’t let the news overwhelm you. place your hope in Christ and him alone.

Reflection Questions:

What am I truly placing my hope in?
How is that hope shaping my direction?
What would change if my hope was fully anchored in Christ?

Yes, there is Hope in 2026

1. Be careful what you place your hope in –

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2. How do we fully place our hope in Christ?

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A. you must see yourself as Christ’s agent in this world and your mission is to bring glory to God by how you treat people and use the resources he has blessed you with.

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B. You must anchor your hope in God’s promises rather than your immediate circumstances

(19) This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Hebrews 6:19 – NLT

C. When you hope is place in Christ you can be not only joyful but also confident in your prayers.

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Hebrews 4: 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Reflection Questions:

What am I truly placing my hope in?
How is that hope shaping my direction?
What would change if my hope was fully anchored in Christ?

Foundations

so i asked chat GPT what are the top googles searches in the United states this year. these are the top 3. Charlie Kirk was number 1 followed by “KPop Demon Hunters” (Netflix hit), Labubu (viral toy/collectible). And I thought sounds about right. i then i asked about what people are asking about religion. and these were the top questions.

“Is There a God?”
“Why does God allow suffering?”
“Is the Bible reliable?”
“Is Jesus really God?”
“Can I know God personally?

there is a growing interest in Christianity and these are the questions people are asking. these also happen to be the very topics we address in our Tuesday night Bible Study. Now if you wan to know more interested in lababu or k-pop demon hunters i can’t help you there.

the reason i was thinking about this was because of conversations i have had with family over the holidays. what I experienced was not so much questions but them telling me about various “facts” that they learned mostly from videos they have watched. Family, There is so much good teaching that is out there but there is also a lot of misleading and bad teaching out there as well. and we really need to guard our hearts for our own faith and also so we can really make an impact in our family and friends lives.

God has given us a Foundation through Jesus Christ and faith in what he has done for us by dying on the cross for our sins and reconciling us to himself. But we have to be careful with the kind of teaching that we take in and build upon that foundation. Paul addresses this in his letter to the Corinthian church.

1 Corinthians 3:10-16 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind

of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

Our Foundation is our faith in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.
1. Remember when Jesus thought about the man who built his house on the sand and the rains came and the house fell down. but the one who built upon a rock foundation was able to stand in the storm? well, Jesus is the rock and a life built on him and trusting in him will stand through the storm of this life.
2. Its all about the foundation. a lot of people today have foundations built of life experiences, feelings and that can be very shaky. but God gives us a more solid foundation.
We build upon this foundation by applying what we learn through God’s Word
1. are we building upon what God has provide for us?
If we build using worldly materials (illustrated by wood, hay and straw) it will not last
1. beware of teaching that does not lead to helping others and bring glory to God.
2. very popular teaching today is just a Christianized version of self help. its a ted talk jazzed up with Jesus language but lacks the power to transform your thinking.
3. Wood, hay and stubble looks like
  1. about personal success
  2. surrounding yourself with “successful people”
  3. slaying personal giants.
  4. validating my feelings
  5. affirming what i want to believe not necessarily what’s true
  6. lacks personal challenge
  7. lacks focus on repentance
If we build using eternal materials (illustrated by gold, silver and jewels) we will receive a reward.
1. Gold, silver and jewels looks like
  1. loving your neighbor
  2. sharing the gospel
  3. helping those in need
  4. trusting God through tough times
  5. responsible stewardship of your resources
  6. building God’s kingdom rather than your own.
  7. bearing the fruit of a repentant heart.
the church is collectively the temple of God built upon the foundation of Christ.
1. most of the time we are told that are personal body is a temple and but paul is speaking of all of us together as the temple. that there is something special when we all come together.
2. Together we can build upon the foundation of Christ and help a hurting world and be a light in the darkness.

Foundations

Our Foundation is our faith in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.

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We build upon this foundation by applying what we learn through God’s Word

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If we build using worldly materials (illustrated by wood, hay and straw) it will not last

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If we build using eternal materials (illustrated by gold, silver and jewels) we will receive a reward

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.
the church is collectively the temple of God built upon the foundation of Christ.

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The Shepherds

If you wanted to make a big announcement that would changed the world for ever. I’m talking a big announcement, the kind that would change what we believe about ourselves, and how we treat other human beings, it would change the trajectory of the human race and what we value. It would inspire scientist and inventors and artist and it affect how we raise our children. But most of all it would give humanity the greatest hope. that this is not all there is. there is much more.

Where would announce this, the Whitehouse, congress maybe at a global summit. or would you choose group a guys on guard duty watching some sheep. Well that’s what happened 2000 years. for some reason God chose angels to make this huge announcement to shepherds.

To give you a little background on shepherds during that time
A. Shepherds were socially marginalized
Shepherds were considered lower-class laborers, often despised.
Rabbinic writings from later centuries suggest shepherds were viewed as:
Untrustworthy (their testimony was sometimes inadmissible in court).
Ceremonially unclean due to constant contact with animals.
Rough, uneducated, transient.

God chose the humble ordinary people of this world to reveal himself to, rather than kings or priest or wealthy or people that are important by human standards. this is how it happened that night.

(8) That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. (9) Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, (10) but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. (11) The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (12) And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

(13) Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (15) When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (16) They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And

there was the baby, lying in the manger. (17) After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. (18) All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, (19) but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. (20) The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Luke 2:8-20 – NLT

The Good News is Accessible to everyone –God bypassed the elite, the powerful, the wealthy to bring his message straight to the people. You will notice in the Bible that God often calls the regular ordinary everyday people. to serve him. Those who humble themselves and are willing to listen
1. Jesus said that is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God because they trust in their worldly wealth. but you know who really has a hard time accepting the good news of Jesus Christ and the gospel of salvation in him?
2. the prideful- Those who think they know better, those who think Christianity is a scam, the arrogant, the boastful, those who claim they have tried Christianity until someone hurt their feelings. they have hardened their hearts toward the gospel that could save them.
3. And yet many others around the world are coming into the kingdom of God often the least expected ones. You will notice this theme constantly in scripture.
A Savior is born in Bethlehem– Jesus was born in the place specifically prophesied by Micah 8 centuries earlier
- Micah 5:2 (NLT)
  “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
  are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
  Yet a ruler of Israel,
  whose origins are in the distant past,
  will come from you on my behalf.”
- This prophecy not only points to the place and the people Jesus would be born from but also his preexistence.
- Bethlehem is in the land of Judea which is why they were called jews. The romans renamed it Palestine as a slight to the jews. but even to this day Christmas is celebrated in the city in the Westbank by about 50,000 Christians.
Peace on earth with who God is pleased– What does this mean? we don’t see a stopping of wars. their is still violence on the earth and pain and suffering and heartache. But what is the source of this strife. it originates within us who are at war with God. but when we are humble and open to his message we experience peace.
- (1) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
  Romans 5:1 – NLT
- When you have peace with God you can become a peace maker.
Go tell Everyone!
- (16) For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.
  Romans 1:16 – NLT
- The shepherds were not concerned with what people thought about them,
- Who did God entrust with delivering this good news? Not the top theologians, the Sanhedrin, the scribes and scholars. Nope! ordinary folk.
- What does that mean for you and me? that we need to trust in the power of sharing Jesus with our family and friends and stop worrying about if we know enough.

The Shepherds

God chose the humble ordinary people of this world to reveal himself to, rather than kings or priest or wealthy or people that are important by human standards. this is how it happened that night.

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The Good News is Accessible to everyone
A Savior is born in Bethlehem–

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- Micah 5:2 (NLT)
  “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
  are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
  Yet a ruler of Israel,
  whose origins are in the distant past,
  will come from you on my behalf.”
Peace on earth with who God is pleased–

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- (1) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
  Romans 5:1 – NLT
Go tell Everyone!

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- (16) For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.
  Romans 1:16 – NLT

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Series Ordinary People extraordinary God part 3:

“Faithful in the Waiting: Lessons from Zechariah & Elizabeth”

Have you ever stopped praying for something because you were just so disappointed in not seeing it answered? This Godly couple had wanted a child and had probably prayed for many years for something that now seemed out of reach and even unthinkable. But it didn’t stop them from being faithful. Elizabeth and Zechariah were well respected righteous people who faithfully served God. but their story was not over God had something planned for them that they couldn’t imagine.

There were about 18,000 priest who served at the temple two weeks out of the year. and offering incense in the temple was a once in a lifetime experience. So this was a time of great honor for Zechariah. Incense was a physical symbol of the prayers of all of Israel going up to God. and so as he lit the incense and watch the smoke rise to heaven an as everyone is praying An Angel appears…..

(5) When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. (6) Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. (7) They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. (8) One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. (9) As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to

enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. (10) While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. (11) While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. (12) Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. (13) But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. (14) You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, (15) for he

will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. (16) And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. (17) He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” (18) Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well

along in years.” (19) Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! (20) But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (21) Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. (22) When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must

have seen a vision in the sanctuary. (23) When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. (24) Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. (25) “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
Luke 1:5-25 – NLT

The greatest testimony of godly character is not in the one who appears “outwardly blessed” But in the one who remains faithful even in seasons of disappointment.

Not having children was a big deal back then. it wasn’t just the personal disappointment but friends and family were concerned and hurt for you or maybe some would even judge you.
But They were about to be blessed in a way they could not imagine. They would become an important part of God’s plan.

There will be times in our lives where we question why God doesn’t answer our prayer. and its not because they are selfish prayers. sometimes it for a child, sometimes its for healing, or that we want to see those family members that are lost come to Jesus. or maybe we just want reconciliation and peace in our family. and we get excited when it looks like our prayer might be answered but then it doesn’t happen and we experience what i would call high expectation exhaustion. which leads to skepticism, or doubts that it will ever happen.

transition: its understandable to be discouraged and to even have doubts at times. that’s just part of being human. but the danger lies in letting our doubts lead the way.

For Zechariah his doubts led to a 9 month time out. imagine having the most amazing experience and not being able to tell anyone about it.

what led him to that doubtful response?

He knew God was capable of giving them a child in their old age because he did it for Abraham and Sarah. So it wasn’t a lack of knowledge. He knew his history and he knew the Bible.
So what was it?
Perhaps, like many of us, he begin to doubt that God would do it for him.
this doubting that God is there for us can lead to deconstructing our faith. Paul calls it shipwrecking our faith. and we want to avoid that.

2. How do we defend ourself against destructive doubts

A. Bring your questions to God, not away from Him

(1) I cry out to the LORD;I plead for the LORD’s mercy. (2) I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. (3) When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.
Psalm 142:1-3 – NLT

God has the answers we need to be listening.
its often forced timeouts like when your sick that you finally hear God.

B. Immerse yourself in God’s promises

Zechariah’s prophecy (vv. 67–79) is filled with Scripture. The silence pushed him deeper into the Word. In our rush of life lets not forget the richness of studying the Bible.

C. Surround yourself with a community of Faith.

many suffer in silence not wanting to share their burdens but that is exactly why God gave us his church

D. Keep obeying even when you don’t feel faith-filled

feelings are important but they shouldn’t lead your life. that is the reason our culture is in so much trouble right now
even the church has bought into this feelings driven faith but that doesn’t last

3 . God’s not done with you yet.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were in the later years of life. They were probably thinking well if it hasn’t happened yet its never going to happen. Its very common to focus on the young upcoming generations. even churches focus on the young and training up the next generation. and they should but they tend to forget or prioritize last the older saints. but that/s not what the Bible teaches.

Moses was called at 80.
Caleb conquered lands at 85.
Zechariah and Elizabeth stepped into their calling after decades of waiting.
If you’ve been waiting a long time…
If doubt has crept in…
If you feel like your best years are behind you…
God is still writing your story.
And He can do something extraordinary — even in the latter years of life.

Series Ordinary People extraordinary God part 3:

“Faithful in the Waiting: Lessons from Zechariah & Elizabeth”

1.The greatest testimony of godly character is not in the one who appears “outwardly blessed” But in the one who remains faithful even in seasons of disappointment.

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2. How do we defend ourself against destructive doubts

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A. Bring your questions to God, not away from Him

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B. Immerse yourself in God’s promises

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C. Surround yourself with a community of Faith.

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D. Keep obeying even when you don’t feel faith-filled

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3 . God’s not done with you yet.

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My Identity in Christ Part 1: Who Am I?

I. The Core Problem: Many Christians Don’t Know Who They Are

II. False equations in the search for identity

III. External appearance/abilities/ social Status /color/gender/ethnicity / or my lived experience does not equal my Identity

IV. Everyone in this world has a need to Feel Significant, Feel Secure and have a Sense of Belonging.

V. Christianity Is Not About Trying Harder. It’s About Living From What’s Already True. Spiritual victory does not begin with effort—it begins with identity.

You cannot consistently live differently than how you see yourself.

VI. What Changed the Moment You Came to Christ

VII. The Real Battle Is What You Believe

My Identity in Christ Part 1: Who Am I?

I. The Core Problem: Many Christians Don’t Know Who They Are

II. False equations in the search for identity

III. External appearance/abilities/ social Status /color/gender/ethnicity / or my lived experience does not equal my Identity

IV. Everyone in this world has a need to Feel Significant, Feel Secure and have a Sense of Belonging.

V. Christianity Is Not About Trying Harder. It’s About Living From What’s Already True. Spiritual victory does not begin with effort—it begins with identity.

You cannot consistently live differently than how you see yourself.

VI. What Changed the Moment You Came to Christ

VII. The Real Battle Is What You Believe

Yes, there is Hope in 2026

Yes, there is Hope in 2026

Foundations

Foundations

The Shepherds

The Shepherds