The Light

1 John 3:1 and the powerful truth that believers are deeply loved and called children of God. Our identity was never meant to be defined by a job, relationship, opportunity, or the approval of others.

Rejection can leave us questioning our worth, but God’s love is not dependent on whether we fit someone else’s expectations. When we root our identity in Christ, we can make decisions from a place of confidence and obedience rather than fear, insecurity, or the desire to be accepted.

Highlights:

• Discover the life-changing truth that your identity is found in being a beloved child of God.
• Learn how rejection and unmet expectations can challenge our understanding of our worth.
• Understand why fitting into someone else’s mold can keep us from embracing God’s unique calling.
• Be encouraged that God’s love and acceptance remain constant, even when circumstances change.
• Explore how confidence in Christ helps us make decisions based on faith rather than fear or approval.
• Remember that your value comes from God’s opinion of you—not the opinions or acceptance of others.

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What areas of your life make you question your identity or worth? How can remembering that you are a child of God change the way you approach decisions and challenges?

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Full Transcript Below:

Live Confidently in Your Identity in Christ
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” - 1 John 3:1

You're not a fit.

Those words stung as the church leader told us we were no longer a fit for the pastoral opportunity. After many interviews and discussions with church leaders, we mutually decided that we were not the best candidates to assume a pastoral role in their church. Although it was mutual and we knew this was true, those words still stung as a fresh wave of rejection hit us like the ocean's waves.

As much as we knew deep down that we did not possess the skills or abilities they were looking for in their next pastor, we still wanted to be wanted. It was not easy to hear that someone else had been chosen over us. Whether it's the end of a romantic relationship, the termination of a toxic friendship, or the end of a lucrative job, the desire to be included and loved unconditionally

God’s “righteousness” is his character of total rightness, integrity, goodness and truth—and his “justice” is his expression of that character in his governance of the universe. And the two ideas, although distinct, belong together in the Bible’s portrait of God.

Find peace in knowing that there is a way for you to live a godly life in a dirty world.

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What does it mean that we can "do all things through Christ"? How is that idea twisted by some? Do you have a book on the lies many Christians believe? I heard you explaining something about dying to self. Could you expound on that for me?

This world is not our home. In this powerful opening message of The City, Dr. Michael Youssef confronts a crucial Biblical Truth: believers have no abiding city here.

From Genesis to today, humanity has tried to build life apart from God. Cain built the first city in rebellion, seeking escape from the Lord’s presence. Ever since, the city of man has been marked by pride, self-centeredness, and moral decay—glorifying man while rejecting God.

But Scripture calls believers to live differently. We are pilgrims, not settlers. We are set apart, looking forward to the heavenly city not built by human hands. Dr. Youssef reminds us that only through surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ can we leave the city of self and enter the garden of God—now and for eternity.

This episode calls you to:

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:14

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