In Preaching Articles: "Identity"

Identity Theft

By Lance Witt on Sep 21, 2023

For many years I did ministry as an employee rather than as a son. My value and acceptance were dependent on how well I performed.

Scripture: 1 John 3:1

Tags: children of God, Trust God, Performance, Children of the King, Estrella genio  (view more)  (view less)

Three Probing Questions Every Pastor Should Ask Himself

By Charles Stone on Sep 13, 2023

Take a few moments and ask yourself these questions to see what God reveals about your heart and motives.

Tags: Faithfulness, identity, Identity in Christ, motives

Lay Aside The Weight Of Insecurity

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 6, 2022

Where does our sense of identity come from? This is the crucial question, the pinnacle of the problem.

Scripture: Psalm 27:5, Hebrews 4:13, Romans 7:18, Isaiah 29:13, Colossians 1:14, Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:17, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 1:27-31, Matthew 11:29-30, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:18, Revelation 2:17, Hebrews 12:1, John 8:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 103:17, Philippians 4:6-7, John 15:16, Genesis 3:8-21  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: identity, idolatry, Insecurity, Identity in Christ

When Pastors Misplace Their Identity: 10 Probing Questions

By Charles Stone on Sep 18, 2022

“No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” ––Paul Tripp

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:1

Tags: Ministry, identity, Identity in Christ, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Right Priorities, self assement, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

4 Things We Wish People Knew About Us As Pastors

By Lane Sebring on Nov 5, 2019

Being a pastor is unlike just about any other profession. Because of the holistic nature of the work, we tend to take on "pastor" as an identity and not just a career.

Scripture: John 12:32, John 12:29-36

Tags: Preaching, pastor, identity, Profession

What Are The Internal Scripts Driving You? Part 2

By Lance Witt on Oct 9, 2023

For many Christians shame isn’t about a sordid past or dark skeletons in our closet. We live with a low-grade nagging feeling that we are never “enough”.

Tags: Shame, beloved, Performance, Identity in Christ

The Value And Necessity Of Authentic Preaching

By Craig Groeschel on Feb 13, 2025

Authentic preaching demands more than skill; it requires transparency. When Scripture shapes the preacher personally, the message gains depth, credibility, and power.

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Tags: identity, authentic, Leadership General, Communicator, Authentic  (view more)  (view less)

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 25, 2023

Looking back, I see that obscurity allowed God to redirect my sense of identity and significance.

Tags: obscurity, Relationship to God, intimacy with Christ, Hidden work of God

The Perfect Length For A Sermon

By Thom Schultz on Nov 24, 2020

Why do preachers attempt to manufacture lectures that fill the identical time allotment week after week?

Tags: Preaching, length

8 Ways To Make Your Church More Accessible

By Rod Arnold on Mar 13, 2025

Learn eight practical, authentic ways to connect your church with your community, clarify your identity, and turn everyday members into bold inviters.

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16, Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Acts 1:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Love, Forgiveness, Church, Compassion, Preaching, preaching, church, love  (view more)  (view less)

12 Reasons Why Church Membership Matters

By Jonathan Leeman on Feb 28, 2025

Church membership is more than a formality. It defines our identity, shapes our responsibilities, supports our leaders, and displays Christ’s kingdom to the world.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:20

Tags: Body of Christ, local church, Membership, Local Church, Body Of Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Loving Muslims Begins With Honesty

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 23, 2020

Do Christians and Muslims worship the same deity? It has become one of the most pressing and controversial questions in the world in the last fifteen years.

Scripture: 1 John 5:12, John 8:19, John 5:42-43, John 5:23

Tags: Islam, World Religions, disagreement, loving people, Identity of Jesus, what Muslims believe  (view more)  (view less)

Will The Real Jesus Stand Up? Part 2

By Lance Witt on Dec 28, 2023

"In the last thirty years within the church world, there has been a subtle shifting of the spotlight. Inadvertently, in many places, it has become all about the bride (the church) rather than the groom (Jesus)."

Scripture: Genesis 19:9, Revelation 19:9

Tags: bride of Christ, Deity of Christ, Jesus as Bridegroom, Lamb marriage supper, Identity of Christ, The Real Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

Will The Real Jesus Stand Up? Part 1

By Lance Witt on Dec 27, 2023

"It may be that the great sin of the church in our generation is the trivializing of God. The Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of deity dwells, is not to be boxed in, airbrushed, made over, tamed, explained or explained away. I am deeply convinced that the way you live will be a direct consequence of how you see God."

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29, Colossians 1:15-17, Jeremiah 23:23

Tags: Jesus is Lord, Deity of Christ, christian testimony, authority of Christ, Identity of Christ, False View of God, God of the Bible  (view more)  (view less)

How To Share Your Faith

By Josh Reich on Jul 15, 2022

Inviting someone to church or sharing your faith about Jesus can be awkward. It is nerve wracking, scary and often times not what many followers of Jesus want to do. Yet, the reality is if you are a follower of Jesus, you are to be a witness of Jesus. (Acts 1:8) That is a key and crucial piece of your new identity in Christ. It is not optional.

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Tags: Evangelism, Outreach, Witnessing, Inviting People, Christian Witness, Sharing My Testimony, Sharing Your Faith, Gospel Presentation, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)