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

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)

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)

The First Step In Bringing Change To Your Church

By John Holm on Jan 23, 2023

Healthy leadership protects what must never change while courageously adjusting what must. Churches fail when they confuse strategy with identity.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 2:20, Jude 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Guide, strategy, Change, Strategy

Why Every Sermon Should Speak Of The Trinity

By Jared Moore on Jun 1, 2021

The Trinity is not a peripheral doctrine but the very identity of the God Christians worship. Faithful preaching should regularly speak of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-18, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, trinity, Doctrine, Foundation, Systematic theology, preaching, Systematic Theology  (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)

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)

When The Pastor Feels Unappreciated

By Chris Surber on Apr 25, 2025

Pastors who feel unseen must anchor their identity in Christ, practice wise self-care, and teach their churches about mutual care without sounding self-serving.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Timothy 5:17, Acts 16:33, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 13:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: encouragement, Encouragement