Identity in Christ

[John Tavner]

I shared a small clip earlier from a pastor. Here is an 1 hour and 26 minute video that I think is helpful for us to understand and obtain identity and know who and what God and Jesus desire for us.

Applied correctly, I believe it helps change life- because it allows you to see God and Jesus clearly. With a new perspective we can live the life God desires for us because we learn to deny ourselves. This video can help teach what denying ourselves looks like, among other things. Give it a shot if you have a chance- or listen to it like on a podcast or whatever. At the very lest please watch at least 10-15 minutes.

[Ymarsakar]

Losing identity was useful to me.

[Cruiserdude]

I shared a small clip earlier from a pastor. Here is an 1 hour and 26 minute video that I think is helpful for us to understand and obtain identity and know who and what God and Jesus desire for us.

Applied correctly, I believe it helps change life- because it allows you to see God and Jesus clearly. With a new perspective we can live the life God desires for us because we learn to deny ourselves. This video can help teach what denying ourselves looks like, among other things. Give it a shot if you have a chance- or listen to it like on a podcast or whatever. At the very lest please watch at least 10-15 minutes.

15 minutes isn't enough what a beautiful sermon. Truth is TRUTH. And Jesus is the truth. And it sure resonates deep within me, thanks for sharing this.

[John Tavner]

Just a bump because it is Sunday, and I believe this can help you strengthen your relationship with God with a good listen.

[TheDuke]

I shared a small clip earlier from a pastor. Here is an 1 hour and 26 minute video that I think is helpful for us to understand and obtain identity and know who and what God and Jesus desire for us.

Applied correctly, I believe it helps change life- because it allows you to see God and Jesus clearly. With a new perspective we can live the life God desires for us because we learn to deny ourselves. This video can help teach what denying ourselves looks like, among other things. Give it a shot if you have a chance- or listen to it like on a podcast or whatever. At the very lest please watch at least 10-15 minutes.

so what do you think we should be denying ourselves to become like god? I mean he promises everything. I really dislike statements like denying ourselves is good. That is total BS (didn't watch the video so relying on the OP intro). We need to deny ungodliness but do the opposite for all good things. I just suggest being more clear in what subjects your talking about. God wants us to have everything and lots of it. But only good things of course.

[John Tavner]

I shared a small clip earlier from a pastor. Here is an 1 hour and 26 minute video that I think is helpful for us to understand and obtain identity and know who and what God and Jesus desire for us.

Applied correctly, I believe it helps change life- because it allows you to see God and Jesus clearly. With a new perspective we can live the life God desires for us because we learn to deny ourselves. This video can help teach what denying ourselves looks like, among other things. Give it a shot if you have a chance- or listen to it like on a podcast or whatever. At the very lest please watch at least 10-15 minutes.

so what do you think we should be denying ourselves to become like god? I mean he promises everything. I really dislike statements like denying ourselves is good. That is total BS (didn't watch the video so relying on the OP intro). We need to deny ungodliness but do the opposite for all good things. I just suggest being more clear in what subjects your talking about. God wants us to have everything and lots of it. But only good things of course.

What do you believe Christ meant when He said "deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, and follow me."? (Luke 9:23) Do you believe what Jesus said was good? Do you believe what Jesus said is "total BS.?" Can a righteous tree bring for bitter fruit? What about a bitter tree, can it bring forth sweet/good fruit? Why do you think that me saying that "we learn to deny ourselves" means I might be saying to deny good things? What does Paul say about good things and fleshy things in Gal 5, and Romans, what about James what does He talk about denying? What does HE say is good. We are told to seek for the Kingdom of God- the Kingdom of God is good. So I guess my quesiton is why do you feel or think I am saying to deny good things of God? What we are to do is deny ourselves- the natural man, and put on the identity of Christ- otherwise we are being selfish/self-seeking and have envy - which as James says bring forth confusion and every evil work. We are told to put off the old man (deny yourself) and put on the new man in Christ (new person, all Good from God).

[TheDuke]

I shared a small clip earlier from a pastor. Here is an 1 hour and 26 minute video that I think is helpful for us to understand and obtain identity and know who and what God and Jesus desire for us.

Applied correctly, I believe it helps change life- because it allows you to see God and Jesus clearly. With a new perspective we can live the life God desires for us because we learn to deny ourselves. This video can help teach what denying ourselves looks like, among other things. Give it a shot if you have a chance- or listen to it like on a podcast or whatever. At the very lest please watch at least 10-15 minutes.

so what do you think we should be denying ourselves to become like god? I mean he promises everything. I really dislike statements like denying ourselves is good. That is total BS (didn't watch the video so relying on the OP intro). We need to deny ungodliness but do the opposite for all good things. I just suggest being more clear in what subjects your talking about. God wants us to have everything and lots of it. But only good things of course.

What do you believe Christ meant when He said "deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, and follow me."? (Luke 9:23) Do you believe what Jesus said was good? Do you believe what Jesus said is "total BS.?" Can a righteous tree bring for bitter fruit? What about a bitter tree, can it bring forth sweet/good fruit? Why do you think that me saying that "we learn to deny ourselves" means I might be saying to deny good things? What does Paul say about good things and fleshy things in Gal 5, and Romans, what about James what does He talk about denying? What does HE say is good. We are told to seek for the Kingdom of God- the Kingdom of God is good. So I guess my quesiton is why do you feel or think I am saying to deny good things of God? What we are to do is deny ourselves- the natural man, and put on the identity of Christ- otherwise we are being selfish/self-seeking and have envy - which as James says bring forth confusion and every evil work. We are told to put off the old man (deny yourself) and put on the new man in Christ (new person, all Good from God).

I just clarified my understanding. Jesus taught only truth but then we have only some of his words, not full sermons, etc.. He said to deny yourself evil things, to take up your cross is to follow Jesus, but not literally. He asks no one to literally follow his footsteps and be crucified!

Oddly the fact that we are to overcome the natural man, does not mean we are not to learn to love being physical or a man. It means to subject it. To deny wrong doing. My point is that we need to be clear on his sayings. Jesus didn't use the word "natural man" that was BoM wording by JS BTW.

I'm not saying you claimed anything BTW, I was just looking for a bit of clarification as there are many that feel they should flog themselves to be closer to Christ, or deny basic pleasures for no reason and that is not Christ like in any way.

[John Tavner]

so what do you think we should be denying ourselves to become like god? I mean he promises everything. I really dislike statements like denying ourselves is good. That is total BS (didn't watch the video so relying on the OP intro). We need to deny ungodliness but do the opposite for all good things. I just suggest being more clear in what subjects your talking about. God wants us to have everything and lots of it. But only good things of course.

What do you believe Christ meant when He said "deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, and follow me."? (Luke 9:23) Do you believe what Jesus said was good? Do you believe what Jesus said is "total BS.?" Can a righteous tree bring for bitter fruit? What about a bitter tree, can it bring forth sweet/good fruit? Why do you think that me saying that "we learn to deny ourselves" means I might be saying to deny good things? What does Paul say about good things and fleshy things in Gal 5, and Romans, what about James what does He talk about denying? What does HE say is good. We are told to seek for the Kingdom of God- the Kingdom of God is good. So I guess my quesiton is why do you feel or think I am saying to deny good things of God? What we are to do is deny ourselves- the natural man, and put on the identity of Christ- otherwise we are being selfish/self-seeking and have envy - which as James says bring forth confusion and every evil work. We are told to put off the old man (deny yourself) and put on the new man in Christ (new person, all Good from God).

I just clarified my understanding. Jesus taught only truth but then we have only some of his words, not full sermons, etc.. He said to deny yourself evil things, to take up your cross is to follow Jesus, but not literally. He asks no one to literally follow his footsteps and be crucified!

Oddly the fact that we are to overcome the natural man, does not mean we are not to learn to love being physical or a man. It means to subject it. To deny wrong doing. My point is that we need to be clear on his sayings. Jesus didn't use the word "natural man" that was BoM wording by JS BTW.

I'm not saying you claimed anything BTW, I was just looking for a bit of clarification as there are many that feel they should flog themselves to be closer to Christ, or deny basic pleasures for no reason and that is not Christ like in any way.

To be clear that is why I said natural/Carnal man (which carnal is Paul's wording)- I used Natural man to help readers of the BoM connect that they are the same thing.

I would add it also includes to deny wrong thinking, wrong perspectives - the way that seems right to a man, but that leads to death. It is to embrace the mind of God through Holy Spirit. It is to deny the flesh desires and to have the flesh sanctified by and through Christ. I agree that we shouldn't defile or claim that our body is always defiled, because we are called a temple. How can our body be a temple and at the same time be "flogging" themselves. We ought to love what God is making us through Holy Spirit and we are to manifest the Kingdom- how can we do so if we hate ourselves- because we can't love our neighbor if we hate ourselves- at least love them properly, the way God intended. The only thing that gets us closer to Christ is us believing Him and His mercy- establishing relationship with Him and believing His word and trusting it. We must recognize our need for Him though and recognize that without Him we are fallen and would and could not be sanctified, and be willing to let HIm sanctify us (2 Peter 1)

I am curious though as to why you might think that I meant self-flagellation? I think in like 90% of my posts I mention "denying oneself" this time it seemed to rub you the wrong way (not saying I am, but that phrasing did). I'll also add that he may not be asking people to be crucified like Him, but he is asking people to be willing to be crucified like Him, whether that be metaphorically or physically - people are beheaded still in eastern coutnries for the Lord's name. He is asking that we don't lose sight of God in the midst of betrayal, suffering, pain even unto death- that when they are persecuted, they bless those that persecute them, that when they are smitten on the cheek, they turn the other cheek, that when they are beaten, they return reviling wiht blessing and love and that we love our enemies. In Revelations it states that we ought not love our own life even unto death- in other words we put God above all things- but we must know that God is love/charity as layed out in 1 cor 13 and the life of Jesus. Our attitude isn't suffering for the sake of suffering but for the Kingdom, to demonstrate the mercy and grace (favor ) of God towards others.

Really, though I would just watch the video with an open heart and see what is being said if you have nothing better to do- put it on in the backgroudn if anything else.

[TheDuke]

What do you believe Christ meant when He said "deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, and follow me."? (Luke 9:23) Do you believe what Jesus said was good? Do you believe what Jesus said is "total BS.?" Can a righteous tree bring for bitter fruit? What about a bitter tree, can it bring forth sweet/good fruit? Why do you think that me saying that "we learn to deny ourselves" means I might be saying to deny good things? What does Paul say about good things and fleshy things in Gal 5, and Romans, what about James what does He talk about denying? What does HE say is good. We are told to seek for the Kingdom of God- the Kingdom of God is good. So I guess my quesiton is why do you feel or think I am saying to deny good things of God? What we are to do is deny ourselves- the natural man, and put on the identity of Christ- otherwise we are being selfish/self-seeking and have envy - which as James says bring forth confusion and every evil work. We are told to put off the old man (deny yourself) and put on the new man in Christ (new person, all Good from God).

I just clarified my understanding. Jesus taught only truth but then we have only some of his words, not full sermons, etc.. He said to deny yourself evil things, to take up your cross is to follow Jesus, but not literally. He asks no one to literally follow his footsteps and be crucified!

Oddly the fact that we are to overcome the natural man, does not mean we are not to learn to love being physical or a man. It means to subject it. To deny wrong doing. My point is that we need to be clear on his sayings. Jesus didn't use the word "natural man" that was BoM wording by JS BTW.

I'm not saying you claimed anything BTW, I was just looking for a bit of clarification as there are many that feel they should flog themselves to be closer to Christ, or deny basic pleasures for no reason and that is not Christ like in any way.

To be clear that is why I said natural/Carnal man (which carnal is Paul's wording)- I used Natural man to help readers of the BoM connect that they are the same thing.

I would add it also includes to deny wrong thinking, wrong perspectives - the way that seems right to a man, but that leads to death. It is to embrace the mind of God through Holy Spirit. It is to deny the flesh desires and to have the flesh sanctified by and through Christ. I agree that we shouldn't defile or claim that our body is always defiled, because we are called a temple. How can our body be a temple and at the same time be "flogging" themselves. We ought to love what God is making us through Holy Spirit and we are to manifest the Kingdom- how can we do so if we hate ourselves- because we can't love our neighbor if we hate ourselves- at least love them properly, the way God intended. The only thing that gets us closer to Christ is us believing Him and His mercy- establishing relationship with Him and believing His word and trusting it. We must recognize our need for Him though and recognize that without Him we are fallen and would and could not be sanctified, and be willing to let HIm sanctify us (2 Peter 1)

I am curious though as to why you might think that I meant self-flagellation? I think in like 90% of my posts I mention "denying oneself" this time it seemed to rub you the wrong way (not saying I am, but that phrasing did). I'll also add that he may not be asking people to be crucified like Him, but he is asking people to be willing to be crucified like Him, whether that be metaphorically or physically - people are beheaded still in eastern coutnries for the Lord's name. He is asking that we don't lose sight of God in the midst of betrayal, suffering, pain even unto death- that when they are persecuted, they bless those that persecute them, that when they are smitten on the cheek, they turn the other cheek, that when they are beaten, they return reviling wiht blessing and love and that we love our enemies. In Revelations it states that we ought not love our own life even unto death- in other words we put God above all things- but we must know that God is love/charity as layed out in 1 cor 13 and the life of Jesus. Our attitude isn't suffering for the sake of suffering but for the Kingdom, to demonstrate the mercy and grace (favor ) of God towards others.

Really, though I would just watch the video with an open heart and see what is being said if you have nothing better to do- put it on in the backgroudn if anything else.

John, I was not assuming anything about your words. I was just wishing to narrow down the intro in the OP is all. I have not feelings that you might be off track in any way. Just clarifying some seemingly vague and broad statements.

[John Tavner]

I just clarified my understanding. Jesus taught only truth but then we have only some of his words, not full sermons, etc.. He said to deny yourself evil things, to take up your cross is to follow Jesus, but not literally. He asks no one to literally follow his footsteps and be crucified!

Oddly the fact that we are to overcome the natural man, does not mean we are not to learn to love being physical or a man. It means to subject it. To deny wrong doing. My point is that we need to be clear on his sayings. Jesus didn't use the word "natural man" that was BoM wording by JS BTW.

I'm not saying you claimed anything BTW, I was just looking for a bit of clarification as there are many that feel they should flog themselves to be closer to Christ, or deny basic pleasures for no reason and that is not Christ like in any way.

To be clear that is why I said natural/Carnal man (which carnal is Paul's wording)- I used Natural man to help readers of the BoM connect that they are the same thing.

I would add it also includes to deny wrong thinking, wrong perspectives - the way that seems right to a man, but that leads to death. It is to embrace the mind of God through Holy Spirit. It is to deny the flesh desires and to have the flesh sanctified by and through Christ. I agree that we shouldn't defile or claim that our body is always defiled, because we are called a temple. How can our body be a temple and at the same time be "flogging" themselves. We ought to love what God is making us through Holy Spirit and we are to manifest the Kingdom- how can we do so if we hate ourselves- because we can't love our neighbor if we hate ourselves- at least love them properly, the way God intended. The only thing that gets us closer to Christ is us believing Him and His mercy- establishing relationship with Him and believing His word and trusting it. We must recognize our need for Him though and recognize that without Him we are fallen and would and could not be sanctified, and be willing to let HIm sanctify us (2 Peter 1)

I am curious though as to why you might think that I meant self-flagellation? I think in like 90% of my posts I mention "denying oneself" this time it seemed to rub you the wrong way (not saying I am, but that phrasing did). I'll also add that he may not be asking people to be crucified like Him, but he is asking people to be willing to be crucified like Him, whether that be metaphorically or physically - people are beheaded still in eastern coutnries for the Lord's name. He is asking that we don't lose sight of God in the midst of betrayal, suffering, pain even unto death- that when they are persecuted, they bless those that persecute them, that when they are smitten on the cheek, they turn the other cheek, that when they are beaten, they return reviling wiht blessing and love and that we love our enemies. In Revelations it states that we ought not love our own life even unto death- in other words we put God above all things- but we must know that God is love/charity as layed out in 1 cor 13 and the life of Jesus. Our attitude isn't suffering for the sake of suffering but for the Kingdom, to demonstrate the mercy and grace (favor ) of God towards others.

Really, though I would just watch the video with an open heart and see what is being said if you have nothing better to do- put it on in the backgroudn if anything else.

John, I was not assuming anything about your words. I was just wishing to narrow down the intro in the OP is all. I have not feelings that you might be off track in any way. Just clarifying some seemingly vague and broad statements.

I get you none of my response is defensive. My question of curiosity wasn't accusatory or made or intended to be defensive in any way - it was inquisitive - trying to understand where you are coming from/ why now. The rest was me just clarifying a bit more my understanding.
I suppose I just really misunderstood your questioning- that it was more broad scoped rather than narrow- I assumed narrow because of the way it was written- so I apologize if my understanding was off. Hard to read everything from a computer when you aren't in front of someone in real life.

No hard feelings on my part towards you at all Duke!