Message: Who Do You Say I Am?

Speaker: Angela Beise

Service Date: August 22, 2021 Plain Print Version

One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” - Luke 9:18-20

Whether you are exploring the truths of Jesus and who he is, or if you have followed him for 50 years, the answer to this question is foundational and determines a lot: How you worship. How you treat others. How you face hardship or heartache or grief or trauma. How you pray. The answer to this question will bleed over into every area of your life. This answer will determine how freely we accept his forgiveness and live in freedom from shame and guilt. This will determine how freely you forgive others. It will determine how much anxiety we feel when life gets hard.
Angela Beise

Who Is He and What Is He Like?

Who we believe him to be is very important. Jesus asked because the answer matters. WHO HE IS: Matt 16:16 - He confirmed that he was the Son of God Mark 2:5 - He offered forgiveness, which is something that only God can do John 14:6 - He claimed, “No one comes to the Father except through me” WHAT IS HE LIKE? Romans 5:8 - But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.. Deut 4:31 - For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you John 1:14 - So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. Psalm 86:5 - O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

Discuss

1) What are your first reactions to this message? 2) Who or what helped to shape your image of who God is? 3) Do you see God as one who has very little interest in your life? 4) Are you staying close to him in scripture and community? 5) Who do you say that He is?

The Truth Of Who You Are

You are the Beloved. You are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. You are Created in His mage. You are Forgiven. You belong to Him. You are Worth It.

Psalm 103

Take time this week to read Psalm 103. Consider its truths and let it begin to wash over and transform your life!