Who am I?
🗣️ Speaker: Pastor Derrel Strickland
This sermon delves into the question "Who am I?" through biblical stories and personal reflections, highlighting the significance of finding one's identity in God's love and redemption. It emphasizes that true worth is not determined by our past or achievements but by being cherished and transformed by God.
The core takeaway from this sermon is that our true identity and worth are found in being loved and redeemed by God, not in our worldly achievements or past failures. It encourages individuals to see themselves through God's eyes—as valuable, chosen, and capable of transformation and purpose beyond their own limitations.
Additional Info
The info below was generated by an AI from the audio recording of the sermon.
Who Am I? Discovering Our Worth Through Faith
In a world where questions about self-worth and purpose abound, a powerful inquiry stands out: "Who am I?" This question isn't new—it's echoed through the ages, from the melodies of the Happy Goodmans to the reflective sermons in our churches. It’s a question that, regardless of our background or beliefs, finds a place in the heart of each person's spiritual journey.
The Essence of Identity
At some point, everyone grapples with understanding their identity. The ancient question "Who am I?" reflects a deep yearning to understand our place in the universe and our worth to a higher power. The lyrics of the Happy Goodmans, "Who am I that a king would bleed and die for?" encapsulate the profound mystery of divine love and sacrifice. It’s a reminder that, despite our imperfections, we are cherished beyond measure.
The Influence of Our Beginnings
Our beginnings—where we were born, to whom, and with what inherent traits—play a significant role in shaping our identity. Yet, as motivational speakers and religious leaders like Len Myers remind us, these are aspects of our lives over which we have no control. Despite this, they are often the yardsticks by which we measure our worth. This perspective shifts when we consider the divine equation: it's not who we are alone, but who we are with God that truly defines us.
Overcoming Genetic and Familial Legacy
"Who am I?" is also a question of legacy—of battling against the predispositions and patterns that seem to run in our families. It’s about the courage to say, "It ran in my family until it ran into me," and to assert our power to change course. This isn’t just about overcoming external challenges but about internal transformation and the decision to be more than our past.
Spiritual Insights on Identity
The spiritual journey offers a path to redefine our identity. The scriptures, such as Psalm 1, offer insight into two paths of life: one that leads to righteousness and another to wickedness. Through these ancient texts, we learn that our choices and faith can lead us to a life that is rooted, fruitful, and prosperous, irrespective of our past or present circumstances.
Historical Figures and the Identity Question
Biblical figures like Moses and David grappled with their sense of worthiness. Moses doubted his capability to lead because of his past, while David questioned his worthiness of royal favor. These stories teach us that our past does not define our future. They remind us that, with divine guidance, we can overcome our insecurities and fulfill our destiny.
The Ultimate Example of Worth: Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ’s life and sacrifice offer the ultimate answer to the question of our worth. He took upon Himself the sins of the world, demonstrating the immeasurable value of each soul to God. His sacrifice was a testament to our worth in the eyes of the Divine.
Our Value Defined by Sacrifice
The true measure of our worth is reflected in what was paid for us—the life of Jesus Christ. This ultimate sacrifice shows that our value is not determined by worldly standards but by the love and grace of God. Understanding this can transform how we see ourselves and our worth in the grand tapestry of life.
Conclusion: Who Are You?
"Who am I?" is not just a question of identity but of value, purpose, and destiny. It invites us to look beyond our limitations and to see ourselves through the lens of divine love and potential. Whether we're reflecting on our personal journey, overcoming familial patterns, or seeking to understand our place in a broader spiritual narrative, the answer to "Who am I?" lies in recognizing our worth to a loving God. This understanding empowers us to live lives of purpose, grounded in the knowledge that we are dearly loved and valued beyond measure.
Remember, your worth is not defined by your past, your family history, or your current circumstances. It is defined by the love of God and the sacrifice made for you. Who are you? You are valued, loved, and capable of extraordinary things through faith.
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Use the questions listed below as a launching point to discuss the sermon points together as a family. These are great for dinner table discussions and small groups.
How does the question 'Who am I?' resonate with your spiritual journey?
Reflect on Moses' hesitance at the burning bush. Have you experienced a similar moment of self-doubt in your walk with God?
David felt unworthy of his royal destiny. Discuss times when you've underestimated your worth or calling in Christ.
Paul's transformation was radical. Share a moment when you felt God transforming you for His purpose.
The sermon highlights our value to God. How does recognizing Jesus' sacrifice for us personally affect your self-view and life choices?
Discuss how understanding our identity in Christ can transform our daily lives and interactions with others.
How can we cultivate a sense of worth based on God’s view of us, rather than the world’s standards?
The sermon closes with a challenge to see ourselves as God sees us. How can we live out this truth in practical ways daily?
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Connecting our kids to what we as adults are learning and hearing on Sundays is vital to passing on our faith to the next generation. Use the summary below as a great way to talk about the message we heard with your kids.
Once, a long time ago, people like Moses, David, and even Paul wondered, 'Who am I?' They felt too small or scared for the big plans God had for them. But do you know what? God showed them that with His love and help, they were strong and important. Just like them, sometimes we might feel small or unsure. But God loves us so much, Jesus came to tell us we are very special to Him. So whenever you wonder 'Who am I?' just remember, to God, you're a superhero without a cape, loved and capable of doing great things with His help.
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The sermon 'Who am I?' navigates through multiple historical and scriptural contexts, from the Israelites' Exodus under Moses' leadership, to David's anointing as king amidst his humble beginnings, and Paul's transformation on the road to Damascus. These contexts are crucial for understanding the depth of each figure's questioning and self-doubt. Moses lived in a period of enslavement and longing for liberation, making his leadership pivotal. David's era was marked by political unrest and the establishment of a united monarchy, highlighting his rise to power as an unlikely hero. Paul's transformation occurred during the early spread of Christianity, a time of persecution and evangelistic fervor, illustrating a dramatic shift from persecutor to proponent. These historical situations provide a rich backdrop for the sermon's exploration of identity, purpose, and divine call, emphasizing that God's calling transcends time, circumstance, and personal inadequacies.
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So when you ask the question, who am I? I can tell you who I am. Jesus Christ died for me. I'm valuable to him.
He loves me with unconditional love. Years ago, the happy Goodmans and I know some of you say that's not my style of music, but some of us, we like it. But the happy Goodman sang a song that ask a question.
Who am I? That a king would bleed and die for? Who am I? That he would pray not my will, thine lord. The answer. I may never know why he loved me so, but to the old rugged cross he'd go for, who am I? Who am I? That was certainly not the first time that question was asked.
And guess what? It's been asked many, many, many times since then. Who am I? Who am I? Len Myers. When he used to come, when I had him come almost every year for several years, he had a question or statement that he would always make says, you and I had no input on where we were born.
Is it that true? That's why he'd say, isn't that true? How many of you know you didn't have much to do with where you were born? And guess what? Most of you didn't get to choose your parents. If you were not adopted, then you had no choice in it whatsoever. None of us got to choose our DNA.
You know, I used to think, you know, I wished I'd been born rich instead of so all fired good looking. Okay, y'all get that after a while. Yeah.
But our DNA, that was something that we have no control over. And there's a lot of things about the statement in asking that question, who am I? Who am I? And there's a lot of things we can't control. I saw a really impactful statement on that great theology book we call Facebook.
But I really like this, Gator. I really like this. It said this.
It ran in my family until it ran into me. Wow. It ran in my family until it ran into me.
Because, see, there's certain things that ran in our family. I won't spend a lot of time on it, but I used to have to deal with a temper. Any of you ever had a bad temper? I want to tell you I inherited one.
It was in my DNA. But I'm so thankful that it ran in my family until it ran into me. I'm so thankful for what God has allowed me to do.
Who am I? We've all asked that question. Haven't you asked it? Who am I? If you haven't, chances are you will. Sometimes so who am I? Well, psalm number one sheds a little bit of insight on that subject.
So let's read it. Psalm one. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked.
Other translations say, in the ungodly, nor stands in the way of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord. And on his law, he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. And all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the ways, but the ways of the wicked will perish. That's psalm one.
If you were going to name it or title it, you'd say two men. Because it talks about two different types of people. It talks about the wicked and the godly.
I mean, those are two different things. It talks about the fruitful and the barren. It talks about the lost.
It talks about the blind or those that can see. It talks about the guilty or the redeemed. So it talks about the two men.
And whether we want to admit it or not, every one of us are one of those. Today, we're either godly or ungodly. We either can see or can't see.
We either are lost or we confound, or are we found? And I think you understand we're speaking spiritually today, and that's about not being judgmental. But it's just the truth. Now, I don't want any of you to answer out loud.
Cause I don't want to embarrass your spouse. But turn to your neighbor and ask them, who are you? Who are you? Now ask yourself the question. Who am I? Who am I? See, the reality is that we cannot answer for anyone else other than ourselves.
Who am I? Who am I? Moses asked the question in Genesis, chapter three. If you study the life of Moses, you know that as an infant child, when he got big enough that they couldn't hide him anymore, they put him in a basket, put him in an ark, put him in the river, and he was rescued by none other than Pharaoh's daughter. And so, for the first 40 years, other than his infancy, he lived in Pharaoh's household.
We could say he was a king's kid. He had it going for him. But then we know that he committed murder.
There's a warrant out for his arrest. And so he left Egypt exiled. And then we find him tending sheep for his father in law.
This is where we read in chapter three, verse ten. Come. This is God speaking.
Come. And I will send you to Pharaoh. Now, who was pharaoh? That was his earthly adopted dad, but I think it was a new pharaoh by now.
But still he said, I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. But Moses said to God, who? Who am I? That I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. He said, but I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you that I have sent you.
When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain. In other words, he said, you go no, that you've been successful when you get back out here and serve God on this mountain. And we know that before long as they were brought out of Egypt, they served God on that mountain.
But he said, who am I? He could have said, I was raised a king's kid. I was raised in the king's palace. But now I'm a nobody.
I'm a sheep herder. I don't even own these sheep. And so Moses asked the question, who am I? And then he tried to answer the question, but he had a problem.
He had a problem that you and I often have. The problem was, he could only see the past. He could only see the past.
And in the past, he had been a failure. Who am I? That you would ask me to go do that? Who am I? But I want to reread that last verse of that statement where he said this. He said, but I will be with you.
That was God speaking to Moses. He said, but I will be with you. But the problem Moses had, he could only see in the past, but God could see in the future.
And I want to give you a truth before we go any further here. It's really not who you are, but what you plus God equals. See, when you plus God get together, you're more than enough.
And God was trying to call Moses. He came up with a lot of excuses. He said, who am I? And I know some of you have offered God some excuses.
Why, it could be because we looked at her past, and our past might not be glamorous. Our past, we were the old man. Our past is not something we're proud of.
And so we say, who am I? Or it could be even the present situation or circumstances. Say, well, I once was this. I was once for that.
But now I'm a nobody. Who am I? Who am I? Let me remind you that God told Moses, it doesn't really matter who you are, but me and you are more than enough. Now, David asked the question in one Samuel, chapter 18, verse 18.
See, David was a nobody. I know he was soon to become a king, but at this time, other than just being a good warrior, he didn't have anything worthwhile. Matter of fact, let's read what it says in chapter 18, verse 18, where it says this.
Let's begin at verse 17. Then Saul said to David, here's my elder daughter. I will give her to you for a wife only.
Be valiant for me and fight the lord's battles. For Saul thought, let not my hands be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him. Now, what was he saying? He had already seen enough of David, that he did not want David around.
He wanted David to be killed. So Saul was sending David off to what he thought was his death. He said, I don't want to kill him because I'd have a bad name.
But let me go put him on the front line. Let me set him up with these bad dudes, the worst people, and let's be sitting there, and when he gets killed, I can mourn over him. But what did David say? And David said to Saul, who am I and who are my relatives, my father's plan in Israel, that I should be the son in law to the king.
Now, see, Moses couldn't see anything but his past and present. And the only thing that David could see was his past, his present. He was a nobody.
And there's a lot of Bible scholars that thinks that David wasn't even a full brother with the others. That was the reason he was out there tending sheep. Now, that's not something to make a theology over.
But in his mind or in the minds of his family, he was a what? Nobody. He said, who am I that I should marry a king's daughter? I think many of us could understand that. I mean, who would think that if you were a poor person like me, I would never marry a king's daughter, because who am I? So we understand his dilemma.
And as I've already mentioned, Saul thought he was sending David to his death. But how many knows that sometimes God does something strange. He takes that, that the enemy intends for evil and turns it into what? Good.
He thought he was sending David off to his death, but instead he was sending off to do battle so he could make a name for himself. Remember what happened later? Saul has killed his thousands, but David has killed his ten thousands. So what? The enemy intended for evil.
God intended for good. And so he understood the significance. He said, who am I? Who am I? See? David asked the question again in one Samuel, chapter seven.
Excuse me. First chronicles, chapter 17. He asked the question again in verse 13 of chapter 17.
This is God speaking to David. He said, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him as I took it from him.
Who was before him? Who was before him? Saul. But I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever and in his throne shall be established forever. In accordance with all these words and accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David, then king.
Then David went in and sat before the Lord and said, who am I? Who am I, O Lord? And what is my house that you have brought me thus far? Many of us here in this building could make that same statement. Look where God has brought me from. Look what God has already done.
Now. Now you say, well, big deal. He'd been made king.
What was David talking about? Well, if you read the few verses that we omitted there, right prior to it, David had all the people to bring in a small offering because they were getting ready to build the temple. The gold alone in that offering, and today's money would have been seven and a half billion dollars. So he said, up to this far, God's been good to me, but who am I? Because once again, David could only see the past and the present.
But what did God tell him? Said, you're going to have someone on the. And I think we all understand he was not talking about just the kings of this earth. He was talking about the future kingdom, because Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was going to be the king of kings and lord of lords.
He said, but who am I? So ask yourself the question. Who am I? Only you can answer that. You can be like Moses and dwell in the past, or you can be like David, stand in amazement.
Look what God has done. Now, we don't have a record of Paul asking the question, who am I? But I think we can read between the lines, gator, and see it a lot. We can see it a lot because, see, in the natural, Paul had everything going for him.
He was one of the most highly educated people of his day. He was probably well off financially. And you say, why would you say that? Because he's part of the Sanhedrin.
You didn't get that way unless you had some money. He was powerful. How powerful was he? He had a blanket John Doe warrant in his pocket.
Yes, he did. Now, for those of you who don't understand that, that means that he could arrest anybody he wanted to. If they were serving God or worshiping Jesus, he could arrest them.
And not just arrest them, but he could put them to death. So he had power. He had education, he had riches.
And if you trace his lineage, he was somebody big. He was a jew of the Jews. But when he had a confrontation with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he realized all those things didn't mean nothing.
Didn't mean anything because he realized by his own words, he was the chiefest of sinners. He was the worst of the worst. He was a nobody.
When Jesus confronted him, Jesus did not ask, but he told Paul who he was. He said, you're living in rebellion. And that's really the whole key, because we're either living for God or we're living in rebellion.
And that's what Saul was doing, whose name changed his name to Paul. Who was he? He was a person living in rebellion, and Paul had to acknowledge who he was before God could change him into what he wanted him to be. Wow.
But that's true for every one of us. I said, that's true for every one of us. When we ask, who are we? Are we a godly person or ungodly? And it really doesn't matter of our background as far as who we think we are, because, see, until we accept Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that all of our works is as filthy rags.
They'll get us nowhere. So who are we? Only God could change Saul to Paul. Only God.
And guess what? Only God can change us to what he wants us to be. See, Paul wrote much of the New Testament. I said, Paul wrote much of the New Testament.
And he gave us some keys to understanding what it means when we ask the question, who am I? See, he's the one that wrote Romans. And he says, I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual or your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable, in other words, and perfect.
He said, so what's he saying when we say, who am I? Well, if we're without God, we're lost. If we're without God, we're wicked. If we're without God, we're blind.
But when God comes in to redeem us, he makes us a new creature. And the amazing thing there, he tells us that it all begins transforming when changing our mind. Hopefully God's still working on everybody here.
That's right. And I think they are, because we do not have any of our team gathered around a dead body. Because until you die, God is still working on you.
God's still working on you. And so you say, well, I'm not where I want to be, but praise God, are you better than you used to be? Now, I'm not talking about getting better in works. I'm talking about more committed to God.
Has God changed you? Is your work and changing your mind? Are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind? Because that's who we are. Paul also said in Ephesians, chapter four, Ephesians, chapter four, verse 22, to put off your old self. Put off your old self, which belongs to your former life or your old man, and it's corrupt thought through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of what your minds and to put on the new self created after the likeness of God and true righteousness and holiness.
Did you get that? That God is working on us, that he's changing us. So when we say, who am I? We can understand. He said, well, you're not what you used to be, but you're not what you're going to be, but God is working on us, transforming us.
And then Colossians chapter three, verse ten says this, and have put on the what? New self which is being renewed in knowledge. What's that? That's our thinking in knowledge, after the image of his creator. That means that he's making us more like Jesus here.
There is not Greek or jew, the circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or scythian. Now, what does that mean? That means that all of us, the ground is level at Calvary. There's no jew or gentile, there's no educated and uneducated.
There's no greek nor barbarian. They're not those, but they're free in Christ, as all in all. Put on then.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Now, I don't know if you noticed that, but that's the same thing that we call the fruit of the spirit, almost every one of them. He said, put on these fruit of the spirit, begin to be changed so that what you are today will not be what you're going to be tomorrow.
But it's better than it used to be because we put off the old man patience bearing with one another. And if one has a complaint against another forgiving each other, oh, my goodness, he'd had to bring that in, didn't he? Forgiving one another. As the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.
And above all these, put on love. Put on love. It says in another place that love covers a multitude of sins.
Now, I know this is taking that a little bit out of context, but I like to think when I begin to love somebody, that gives me the ability to overlook a lot of their faults. Now, I know you don't have to love me a whole lot because I don't have any faults. But for those that have faults, those online know that I'm joking.
Okay? And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Who am I? Who am I? We've already asked or made comment that David. Ask the question.
Ask it twice. Matter of fact, who am I? But he sheds a little bit of insight on that in psalm 22. Psalm 22.
This is a psalm of David. But it wasn't talking about David. Who was it talking about? Talking about Jesus Christ.
Blessed is a man. Excuse me, I'm reading the wrong one. Psalm 22.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Does that sound familiar to you? That's what Jesus began quoting on the cross. Now I remember. He was very, very near to death.
He didn't quote the whole psalm. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me from my words of my groaning? Oh, my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer. And by night, but I find no rest.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel, and you our fathers trusted. They trusted you and delivered to you. They cried and were rescued.
In you they were trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm, Jesus. What am I? A worm.
That's kind of hard for me to accept that Jesus thought of himself as a worm and not a man. Scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me.
They make mouths at me, they wag their heads. He trusts in the Lord. Let him deliver him, let him rescue him, for he delights in him.
Didn't it say that at the cross people said. He said God would rescue him, let him rescue himself. Who am I? Who am I? And that worm was not just pulled out at random.
That worm was what they made the dye out of. That they made the crimson to dye all of their religious clothing. He said, I'm the worm.
Now, I know we don't like to think about it. That Jesus said, I'm a worm. Why in the world would that be? Because, see, Jesus took upon himself your sins and my sins.
He did not die on the cross for his sins. He died on the cross for your sins, your despicable sins. For the sins of the thief on the cross next to him.
Then he said, I am guilty, but this man is innocent. He said, today you will be with me in paradise. Now, I want you to know something.
Those two people, that is on both sides of him. Were not guilty of shoplifting. They were guilty of a major sin, probably insurrection, maybe murder.
They were guilty. But one of them, when you ask yourself the question, who am I? He said, I'm guilty. I'm guilty.
Remember me when you come into your kingdom. He became sin. One translation in the one the scripture says, he became sin.
Who knew no sin? Your sin and my sin. See, he was becoming not only the sacrificial lamb, but the sin bearer for each of us. So when we asked ourselves the question, who am I? We can proudly say, I'm a child of God.
I once was blind, but now I see. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Who am I? Before you answer that question, let me ask.
Make another observation. The true value of something is not what the seller puts on it. It's how much somebody's willing to pay for it.
My son runs some auction, and my wife's always getting on to me because I'm buying things on the auction. I say, honey, I never buy anything that's not worth at least twice what I pay for, which is, who you gonna sell it to? And the reality is, the value is only as much as what somebody would give you a number of years ago. And some of you hear me share this.
I was at the cattle auction with toad drinkers. Gator, the ugliest calf cow, came in. Now, he said, why don't you say calf cow? Because it was a dwarf.
The ugliest animal I've ever seen, except maybe some of these new hybrid dogs. They're pretty ugly, too, but that's. Cow was the ugliest thing I had ever seen.
His head was this big, and his tail went back to nothing. And Tobe was sitting next to me bidding on it. And after he bought it, I said, tobe, why in the world did you buy that ugly thing? And he said, because I felt sorry for him.
I can tell you something. When God looked down and saw you covered with all your sins, a lot of people said, not worth it. That's the ugliest thing I've ever seen.
But God had more than just sorry for it. He loved you and loved me with an everlasting, unconditional love. And he said, that's a field.
The world is a field, and I'm going to buy it. And he bought it with the most costly cost that's ever been the blood of his only begotten son. He paid that for you.
Why? Because you said you're that valuable. So when you ask the question, who am I? I can tell you who I am. Jesus Christ died for me.
I'm valuable to him. He loves me with unconditional love. He's changing me.
And you say, well, you're not much. You should have seen me, where it started from. Look what God has done.
I can say with David, God has blessed me thus far. And guess what? He's going to continue to bless me. He's going to continue to bless me.
He said, well, pastor, you're getting older. You're getting a little more feeble. That could all be true.
But the reality is, God's changing me. And one of these days I'm going to have a new body. One of these days, I'm not going to hurt anywhere.
One of these days I'm going to be in a new heaven, and God's going to bless me. But until then, I'm loving God because he loved me. And when I say, who am I? Who am I? I know who I am.
So I ask you, who are you? You're the only one that can answer that question. You're either lost or you're found. You're either the child of God or child of the world.
Who are you? I think I mentioned this last week, but I'll mention again, I've struggled with inferiority complex all my life. I've had to overcome a lot, and thank God I'm not there yet, but I'm better than I used to be. One of the things that I had to struggle with, I still struggle with it some.
I grew up very, very poor, and I became proud of being poor. Some of you know what I'm talking about. You need to realize how blessed you are.
That's right. Right there, pastor. I went over to Tobago just a few weeks ago and you look it up, they say, it's a prosperous country.
And I ask, how much money did the average person make? The minimum wage. And the pastor that was there, he said, oh, probably about $20 an hour. I thought, you know, that's not bad.
But when you begin to realize that it takes seven of their dollars to make one of ours, they're making less than $3 an hour. So on a big billboard, Kentucky fried chicken. I always noticed that the chicken places gator.
You know what? How much they wanted for a. They were advertising almost $50 for a three piece chicken dinner. They're not prosperous.
They're just ignorant folks. Most of us in this building here are richer than 90% of the people in the world. God has blessed us.
And I think we can echo with David, look what God has done for us thus far. I started the message with the words of an old song, and I'm going to conclude with the words of an old song worship team coming up. Some of you remember Nancy Harmon.
She made a lot of great hits, but probably the greatest, most popular song she recorded was it says, when she says, and we are in the army of the Lord we've been washed in the blood and we are going forth. There's nothing that can stop this mighty moving force with a shout of praise and a two edged sword every stronghold of bondage must fall every prisoner held captive must be free for our deliverance has come through the power of his son. It's the blood bought church, the redeemed.
That's who you and I are. If we're christian, we're part of the blood bought church, the redeemed. And God says, nothing can prevail against the church of the living God.
Stand with me as we worship the Lord together. Holy Spirit, we ask you to minister to. To us today, God.
If there's someone here today that's discouraged and maybe Satan has been telling them that they're nobody and God in their own selves, we may not be anybody, but God plus us are more than enough God. I pray for any person here today that's not giving their heart to the Lord if they haven't given their heart to you, Father, we know they're living in rebellion and they need to surrender to you today. So we ask that question, who are we? Are we the child of God or the child of the world? Are we redeemed or are we still in bondage? Are we blind or can we see God? We ask you to minister and speak to hearts and lives, even right now.
Let us yield ourselves to you as we give you praise, as we give you honor and glory. We're going to open up the altars for prayer. And if you need to know, Jesus, come on down.
We'll have someone to meet you here to pray with you. Let's worship the Lord together.
