Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...

One & Done: Identity Crisis

Pastor Jared welcomed the congregation to the final installment of the "One and Done" series, focusing on the short but powerful books of the Bible. He begins with a personal reflection on how childhood dreams often differ from adult realities, using his own experience with baseball as a metaphor for shifting identities.

Identity in Faith

Pastor Jared asks whether we have similarly redefined our Christian identity to fit our lifestyles rather than transforming our lives to follow Jesus. He introduces the theme of today's sermon, "Identity Crisis," and turns to 3 John to explore three types of Christian identities.

Weekly Bible Study List

1. 3 John 1:4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
2. Romans 12:13 - "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
3. 3 John 1:8 - "We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth."
4. 3 John 1:11 - "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God."
5. 3 John 1:12 - "Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself."

3 Different Representations of Christians in 3rd John

1. The Generous Christian - John's letter praises Gaius for his generosity, which is not limited to material giving but extends to his time, energy, and love. Pastor Jared emphasizes that true generosity reflects Jesus' love and should be a fundamental part of our Christian identity. He challenges the congregation to examine their motives for giving and to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity.
2. The Consuming Christian - Contrasting Gaius, Pastor Jared discusses Diotrephes, who exemplifies a consuming Christian. Diotrephes' desire for control, spreading false accusations, and resistance to correction serve as warnings against pride and divisiveness in the church. Pastor Jared reminds us that a true Christian community values humility, teachability, and respect for others.
3. The Reputable Christian - Finally, Pastor Jared introduces Demetrius, a man of good reputation and consistency in faith. He highlights the importance of living a life that aligns with God's word, maintaining integrity, and being dependable. Using A.W. Tozer's quote on character, he encourages the congregation to evaluate their mental attitude and how they spend their time.

From Sermon to Action

Pastor Jared concludes by asking the congregation to reflect on their own Christian identity. He challenges them to live out their faith in a way that honors God and blesses others, urging them to embody generosity, humility, and consistency.

Worship Setlist

1. I Thank God
2. Who Else
3. The Anthem
4. Forever YHWH

Notable Sermon Quotes to Repost on Social Media

1. "Truth must be the foundation of our Christian identity."
2. "Generosity is not a one-time act, but a lifestyle that we live."
3. "Jesus does not say that people will know you are my disciples by how you correct one another. He says people will know by how you love one another."
4. "If the main reason I'm generous is because I hope I gain something out of my generosity, that's not generosity, it's manipulation."
5. "If I can't be corrected, I can't be discipled."
6. "We must never use our status as a Christian as a tool to exalt ourselves instead of Jesus."
7. "Character is the result of two things: mental attitude and the way we spend our time."
8. "To develop a reputation that honors God means I live a life that aligns with God’s word."
9. "Are you coming into church looking to be served or looking for an opportunity to serve?"

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