Who We AreJake Doberenz pt 2Jake Doberenz is a writer, speaker, minister and creative thinker living in Oklahoma City. He is the founder of https://theophanymedia.com/ (“Theophany Media,”) which is a Christian media company like no other. He writes fiction and non-fiction in a variety of ways including poetry, short stories, books, screenplays, stage plays, academic essays and also devotionals. He creates content for groups that range from young kids to adults. But his favorite topics are those that help people to better understand the Bible, grow spiritually and help them with their Christian identity. His most recent work is the book https://mphbooks.com/who-we-are/ (“Who We Are,)” which we will be discussing today. But I also want to make a point that he is the co-host of a great podcast called, https://theophanymedia.com/bible-but-funnier/ (“The Bible – But Funnier!”) This is a great podcast…So I’ll be talking a bit about that as well… Praise God!

You talk about the “Seven Identities” that Christians may adopt but that are not really “Christian-honoring” in their foundation. Can you explain what you mean and share these seven identities with us?

Identity in Sin.

Identity in Success

Identity in Your Past

Identity in Happiness

Identity in Family

Identity in Sexual Freedom

Identity in Groups

All of these identities are not totally sinful in nature, right?

Why is it important for Christians to think about their identity?

What are some issues that pop up when we focus too much on our identity?

But doesn’t the Bible tell us that we are “created in the image of God?” Isn’t that our new identity?

You list a positive identity that we can adopt to replace the negative identity. Can you share these with us and the identity they replace?

NEGATIVE GODLY (Positive)

Sin Grace

Success Heart for God

Past Future promise

Happiness Helping others

Family Family of God

Sexual Freedom Faithful Relationships

Earthly Groups Kingdom of God

You discuss the metaphors the Apostle Paul used describe our Christ like identity. Can you share these with us? Are they the same as the ones you’ve already shared?

If we try to change our own false identities with Christlike identities, this cannot happen overnight, correct?

What role does the church play in helping us to adopt true Christian identities?

You also wrote a book titled, “Where to Submit Christian Writing: Freelance Opportunities for Short Faith-Based Writing.” This isn’t so much a book like “https://mphbooks.com/who-we-are/ (Who We Are,”) but a reference guide for would be Christian writers?

As we get ready to wrap up, I want to talk a little about your podcast, https://theophanymedia.com/bible-but-funnier/ (“The Bible – But Funnier!” ) I listened to several of the episodes and I have to admit, they’re great! Tell us a bit about this podcast…

Jake, this has been absolutely fascinating. I’ve learned some things and I know our listeners have as well. If someone wanted to order you book, how can they do that? Is it on...