A Message from Our Pastor
CONFESSIONS FOR CONFIDENCE!
In the Gospel of John Jesus makes the statement “I AM” (ego eimi) 23 times in the Greek Text. Seven of these are commonly referred to as the Seven I Am Statements. Jesus says, “I AM the bread of life”, “I AM the light of the world”, “I AM the Door of the sheep”, “I AM the Good Shepherd”, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life”, “I AM the Way the Truth and the Life”, and “I AM the true Vine”. Jesus knew exactly who He was, where He had come from and why He was here. He knew He came from the Father (John 16:28). Jesus knew He came to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). And Jesus knew when his work was over here on Earth He was returning to the Father (John 16:28). Jesus was secure and comfortable in His origin, calling, and his destination.
Did you know God wants you to have this same security and confidence in your origin, calling, and destination? The Bible is full of statements that proclaim who we, statements that give us assurance of our calling and election, and statements that declare our destination. With all the turmoil in the world today it is so easy to lose sight of these things and become discouraged. Well, my friends I am here to proclaim you do not have to sit down in discouragement. Although discouragement may come against you and knock at your door you do not have to open the door and invite it in! Below you will find a list of statements and the corresponding scriptural references. If you find yourself struggling with confidence or discouragement, I invite you to take some time and confess these scriptures. The Word confess literally means to say the same thing. By confessing these scriptures, you are saying the same thing God has already said about you.
I am God’s Child (John 1:12, 1 John 3:2) I am loved by Christ (Rev. 1:5). I am forgiven of all my sins (Eph. 1:7). I am justified (Acts 13:39, Romans 5:1) I am the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). I am united with Christ (1 Cor 6:17). I have been bought with a price and I belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1). I can forget the past (Phil. 3:13). I am a new creature (2 Cor. 5:21). I am the temple of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). I am a member of Christs Body (1 Cor. 12:27). I have been chosen by God and Adopted into His family (Eph. 1:3-8). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:9-10). I have direct access to the throne of grace through Christ Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16). I am called by God (2 Tim. 1:9). I am the head and not the tail (Deut. 28:13) I am beloved by God (1 John 4:10). I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18). I am delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13). I am dead to sin (Romans 6:2). I am alive to God (Romans 6:11). I am a king and a priest to God (Rev. 1:6) I am loved with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). I am an heir of God and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor. 5:17-21). I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). I am confident God will complete the good work he began in me (Phil. 1:6) I have been Chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16).
These are just a sample of all the bible has to say about who we are, what our purpose and calling is and what our destination is. I challenge you this month to set aside some special time to reflect on these scriptures. In fact, a simple internet search will put these and many other scriptures just like them right at your fingertips. Simply search for, “Who I am in Christ”, then feed on and confess God’s truth for you and your life. Let these truths settle in your heart and become a natural part of your thought life. Then you will be able to walk in the confidence and assurance that enabled and empowered our Lord Jesus, the confidence of where you came from, your calling and purpose and your destination!
God bless you my friends and I hope you have a blessed month!
Pastor Phil Dulin