Stand with me and lift your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn to be what it says I can be.
The indestructible, never ending, living Word of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
Please say, “Hello” to someone you do not know before you sit down.
Todays Message is;
Chosen, Loved, and United: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ
“Have you ever felt like you just don’t belong, like you’re missing something crucial about who you are? We all have moments where we struggle with our worth, questioning if we’re truly known, truly loved. But today, as we look at the book of Ephesians, God’s Word is here to remind us of a life-changing truth: we are chosen, loved, and united in Christ, and that changes everything.”
Who are we in our relationship with Christ?
1. We Are Chosen and Loved
Turn with me to the book of Ephesians 1.
Say, “Amen” when you are there.
Let us look at verses 4-6
Paul’s words tell us that, before the foundation of the world, God chose us. Imagine: before He created the stars, before the mountains rose or the oceans formed, God knew you.
He set His heart upon you, and He chose you to be His own—not because of anything you’ve done, but simply because He loves you.
“Let me tell you about a young man named Carlos. Carlos grew up in the foster system, moving from home to home, each time hoping this one might be the family that finally kept him. But disappointment followed him, leaving him feeling unloved and unwanted. Until one day, he met a family who saw his worth, who chose to love him without conditions. They didn’t just welcome him—they adopted him. For the first time in his life, Carlos felt secure, valued, chosen.
This story of Carlos is just a glimpse of how God sees each of us. God didn’t just stumble upon you; He chose you, knowing everything about you. His love is steady, unbreakable, and complete.”
We all need to look at ourselves as God does.
We are beloved by God. “Just as Carlos found his place, his true family, we find ours in God. He has chosen you, called you by name, and claimed you as His own. No matter your past, no matter how others have made you feel—God’s love for you is unwavering and eternal.”
2. Saved by Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Next, Ephesians reminds us that we are saved by grace, not by our works or achievements. God’s grace is a gift we cannot earn, but He offers it freely.
This grace lifts us from guilt, shame, and striving and gives us a new identity as children of God.
“There was a woman named Sarah who had reached rock bottom. She was struggling with addiction, and her life was in pieces. She felt beyond saving, too far gone. But someone shared with her the message of God’s grace—a grace that could forgive, heal, and restore. For the first time, she felt hope. It didn’t happen overnight, but step by step, she began to feel the weight lift as she allowed God’s grace to change her. Today, Sarah is a new person. She’s been restored, healed, and now shares her story to help others.”
We all need to let go of guilt and to receive the grace that God offers. “Maybe you’ve been trying to earn your way to God or carrying a burden of shame that feels too heavy.
But God’s grace is greater than all our failures and weaknesses. His grace doesn’t just cover us; it transforms us.
Let go of whatever you’re holding onto and let God’s grace set you free.”
3. Called to Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Paul encourages us to live in unity, to be patient, gentle, and loving with one another. God has not called us to walk alone but has placed us in a family, His church, bound together by His Spirit.
“There’s a story of a small-town church hit by a devastating hurricane. Buildings were destroyed, and families were left with nothing. But in the aftermath, something beautiful happened: people came together, helping each other rebuild. They prayed together, shared meals, and supported each other. Members opened their homes, and even strangers became friends. The church became a haven of hope, a symbol of God’s love in the community.
This is what unity in Christ looks like—standing together, bound by a love that transcends every difference.”
To live in this world as Jesus would want us to, we need to seek forgiveness, unity, and peace with each other.
“The world is watching, longing to see a love that is real and unbreakable. And we, the church, can be that light, showing the world what it means to love and serve. Let’s choose to be united in heart and purpose, so others can see Jesus in us.”
“As we close our time together today, today is an invitation to experience God’s love and grace in a life-changing way. Maybe you’ve been searching for something to fill the void, looking for acceptance, for belonging. Or perhaps you’re tired of trying to prove your worth or of carrying the weight of the past. Jesus is here, and He’s inviting you to come to Him, to lay down your burdens, and to step into the life He has for you.
If you feel that tug on your heart, if you want to say, ‘Lord, I want to know You, I want to find my identity in You,’ come forward. Step into the grace that is freely offered. You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be willing to let Him love you.”
Please pray for those who are coming forward right now. Pray for and support those responding to this call, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity.
“Lord Jesus, we come before You with open hearts. Thank You for reminding us that we are chosen, loved, and forever Yours. Thank You for the grace that saves, restores, and gives us new life.
Lord, for those who have stepped forward, we ask for Your peace, your healing, and Your strength to flood their hearts. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter, where shame and fear are left behind, and Your love defines who they are.
And, Lord, we ask You to unite us as one body, as one family. Help us to walk in love, patience, and humility, bearing with one another and showing the world the beauty of a life transformed by You. Make us a light, a beacon of hope, that others may find their way to You.
We surrender all to You, Lord. Let Your love continue to define us, your grace sustain us, and Your Spirit lead us every step of the way.
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.”
