Identity Crisis

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ”  2 Peter 1:1a

In February 2015, a woman was found semi-conscious on a street corner in Carlsbad, California. She had no memory of who she was, spoke with an accent (thought to be British or Australian), and claimed to have vivid memories/dreams that suggested she had lived in Australia and Hawaii. She was hospitalized and diagnosed with ovarian cancer; doctors suggested that antibodies from a large tumor may have triggered “retrograde amnesia” in her case. She became known publicly as “Sam” and appealed via social media for help identifying her past and family. A nephew of hers saw a televised news story/photos of “Sam”, recognized his aunt, contacted his mother, and the family was reunited with her. It was confirmed that the woman was 53-year-old Ashley Menatta, born in Pennsylvania, who had lived in Arizona and later Southern California.

Peter’s second address to the church begins with him identifying who he is—a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. Peter’s whole identity was wrapped up in the person and calling of Jesus Christ. Identity is something the world desperately seeks, often taking on bizarre and heartbreaking false identities. Many of the problems within the church today also stem from men and women who do not realize their true identity—like Peter, it is found in Christ.

Your identity is not in your life prior to believing in Jesus. It is not found in your past sins. It is not in your career or your relationships. The old hymn by Edward Mote declares: “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” If our identity is built on anything other than the one Christ gives us, we will find ourselves sinking, searching, and will be confused souls like Ashely Menatta.

The Lord Jesus desires that your identity be wrapped up in Him. When that happens, you will experience a freedom you have never known before but have always yearned for. You will find your purpose and calling, just like Peter.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” Ephesians 3:20

Agape, 

Pastor Frank

A Thief

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 csb

In December 2008, four men, three dressed as elegant women in wigs, heels, and makeup calmly entered the Harry Winston jewelry store in Paris. The store held some of the most expensive diamonds and luxury pieces in the world. The robbers pulled out handguns, called the employees by their first names (they had done their homework), and filled bags with nearly $100 million in jewels one of the largest heists in history. They then vanished into the night without firing a shot. French police later called them part of the “Pink Panthers,” an international network of jewel thieves. Over time, some suspects were caught, but much of the loot was never recovered.

Our hearts are like that jewelry store. Inside, God has placed priceless treasures: life, faith, joy, and love. But Jesus warned us about Satan’s mission: “to steal, kill, and destroy.” The enemy seeks to rob us of our faith, kill our joy, and destroy love in our lives. The devil is crafty, and does this subtly. Like the jewel thieves he goes undercover, hides behind people in our lives, orchestrates stressful situations to cause our eyes to turn away from Jesus, stirring doubt about God’s promises. Once the seed of doubt has entered in thats when he begins to rob you.

But Christ came to give us abundant life, filled with faith, joy, and love. His nature is the complete opposite of the enemy’s. He calls us to remain in Him so that our hearts stay protected. When we choose Him, His Holy Spirit guards our hearts keeping the enemy from stealing what is most precious. “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 csb

Agape, Frank