Ephesians

Self study on Identity through Ephesians 

"Who do you think you are" by Mark Driscoll


Chapter 1

- Paul is in prison, but the beginning of his letter, the most important key point right away: In Christ
- we are blessed (ever felt cursed?)
- sometimes we are blind to blessings
  we want something so badly that we miss out on recognizing our blessings

I am in Christ

- Adam, Jesus
- what happens to us explain us, but not define us
- Am I in Adam or am I in Christ???
- born in Adam, but alive or born again in Christ

1 Cor. 15:21-22
- we inherit sin from Adam
- Paul wrote 216 times ''in Christ''
- what does it mean to be in Christ???
- I am one of the branches
- Jesus's life should overflow in mine in order to produce fruit; must be humble for this


Who is...
- Who is God? Bible.
- Who am I? Bible.
- worst place to start: myself
- 2nd worst place: others (psychology tests, character tests, etc,)

Identity vs. Activity
- if I put someone in the center, I would crush them by making them God, they would not be able to withstand the pressure of being a God, they would one day disappoint me, discourage me, and destroy me
- working for vs. from identity

Fasting

January 12, 2015

During one of our annual fasts...

Why fast?

1- opens up spiritual eyes
2- sets us in God's presence
3- brings God's encouragement
4- brings God's answers

Daniel 10
- tasty foods: only things that are precious to him, different for everyone
- ate things he didn't like

Acts 13:1-3
- Before: teacher, prophets
- After: apostles (14:14)

Acts 14:21
- Before: disciples
- After: churches (14:23)
     *We are the fruits/by-products of this

I fast because God loves me.  Fasting is a response.

Before a battle, fast.


During this times, I realized what my true cravings were...
- tofu
- eggplant
- beer
- sushi
- croissants
- rice
- noodles
- cake
- bread



AFTER FASTING

Reboot (Jeremiah 6:16)

Redemptive gift

Demon/Devil- accuser of brothers/sisters, don't compare churches

True Church DNA

Intimacy with God (Luke 7:36)