Archive for September, 2013
Identity Crisis?
One of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. today is identity theft. According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, around seven in 100 families in the U.S. were affected by identity theft in 2010.1 The same report defines identity theft as “the unauthorized use or attempted misuse of an existing credit card or other existing account, the misuse of personal information to open a new account or for another fraudulent purpose, or a combination of these types of misuse.”
To personalize it, if a person steals your personal information, then uses that information to pretend to be you in financial transactions, they have stolen your identity. It can cost victims thousands of dollars, and even when the money is recovered, it can take enormous amounts of time to ensure the victim’s credit history is restored. If you have been a victim, you will understand all too well.
Our Identity
Our identity is important because it tells who we are. How we identify ourselves and are identified by others can bring anxiety, fear, hurt, joy, contentment or dozens of other emotions. When people identify themselves negatively (“I’m stupid,” “I can’t do anything right,” “I’m just a sorry drunk”) it can be projected onto God as if He holds the same opinion. What, then, does the Bible say about identity?
For those who are believers in Christ, this is a very important question. Romans 6:11 says, “So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Likewise, Ephesians chapters 1 and 2 teach over and over that we are both in and with Christ. Further, we learn that we were dead in our sins (2:1), we previously lived according to our desires and were by nature children under wrath (2:3), and that we were dead in trespasses (2:5).
Our Identity in Christ
There is a specific reason these verses are important. The lives of believers are divided into two parts: our past before Christ, and our present and future with Christ. Our past was cursed, as were we were condemned. Our present is blessed and our future secure. This is true because we are no longer in sin, but in Christ. In the eyes of God we are not identified with our past and its sin, but with Christ and His righteousness.
This illustration, found in Bible Studies for Life: Do Over, is particularly helpful,
“In 1993, a group of milk producing marketers developed a new advertising campaign—one with a simple slogan: “got milk?®” The idea was to plaster famous people on billboards with a foamy white moustache. The campaign took off and sales increased dramatically. Milk leaves a discernible mark. So does salvation. When a sinner becomes a saint, his life is no longer marked by sin. Salvation leaves a discernible mark.”2
Having an identity crisis? Just remember, all those who have been redeemed are in Christ. You are not what you were, so do not identify with your past sins. Now, by the grace of God, you are His child.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Tuning In Regularly
Each week I do all that I can to grow personally. For anyone who follows my life and ministry practices, you know this about me:
*I exercise five or six days a week, frequently running for an hour or more.
*About three years ago I began listening to podcasts regularly, especially while running.
So, I am often asked, “Who do you listen to?”
Who I Listen To Regularly
It is a stretch for me to call anyone a “regular;” however, I do try to expose myself to various podcasts frequently. I will note three of them:
1. Dr. Albert Mohler’s “The Briefing”
I have “The Briefing” sent to my phone daily. As I am getting ready in the mornings, I listen to Dr. Mohler’s daily briefing. This is usually about a 10 to 15 minute analysis of the leading global news headlines and cultural conversations. Dr. Mohler helps me to stay on top of issues and have some understanding of them from a Christian perspective. Every pastor and Christian leader needs this resource, or one like it, in their repertoire of daily encouragement.
2. Dr. Thom Rainer’s “Rainer on Leadership”
This is a weekly podcast, geared toward talking about relevant matters for pastors and Christian leaders. This podcast is usually 20 to 30 minutes long. Often the podcast is Dr. Rainer being interviewed and periodically he interviews a guest. Admittedly, his audience is vast and at times his podcast may not help me personally at that moment, but I listen anyway because it helps me understand pastors and leaders from all sizes of churches and their needs. “Rainer on Leadership” always challenges me in some way.
3. Our Seminary Chapel Services
Of the Southern Baptist seminaries that make their resources available as a podcast, I listen to them regularly. For example, I love listening to the semester-opening sessions and hearing what is on the hearts of our seminary leaders. As well, listening to the chapel services of our seminaries helps me stay in tune to the academic world of which I love and am challenged by still to this day.
I have a heart for equipping leaders; therefore, I am thrilled by what I hear. For example, the other day, I listened to a podcast from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Dr. David Platt spoke about the four foundations we hold for speaking to cultural issues. This was very strong biblically and extremely engaging personally. Another one that blessed me was the chapel service of Southern Seminary’s Dr. Albert Mohler when he discussed his 20th year at Southern, retracing the years before and how God has worked in the life of Southern Seminary. Usually these podcasts last from 25 to 40 minutes. They are worth your time.
In this format, you will hear fabulous scholars, gifted pastors, and Christian leaders. All can be found within these chapel messages.
Others I Listen To Along The Way
This is dangerous in today’s world, but let me confess: I listen to a long list of Christian leaders from all kinds of theological perspectives. I find this highly engaging and helpful for my growth. Plus, I can learn from people I would not have any exposure to otherwise. After earning three degrees from Christian institutions, pastoring for 37 years, and reading through the Bible annually since 1990, I feel I can keep balanced regardless of what I hear. In fact, at times, listening to these helps me remain balanced.
Here is a list of various people I listen to along the way, supplementing those I mentioned above:
James MacDonald, Harvest Bible Chapel, Chicago
Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community, Chicago
Robert Morris, Gateway Church, Dallas
Jack Graham, Prestonwood Baptist, Dallas
Ted Traylor, Olive Baptist, Pensacola
Robert Jeffress, First Baptist, Dallas
Steve Gaines, Bellevue Baptist, Memphis
Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian, New York City
J. D. Greear, Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham
Vance Pitman, Hope Church, Las Vegas
Jud Wilhite, Central Christian, Las Vegas
Mark Batterson, National Community, Washington D.C.
Andy Stanley, North Point Church, Atlanta
Craig Groeshel, Life Church, Oklahoma City
Steven Furtick, Elevation Church, Charlotte
Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Southern California
Ed Young, Fellowship Church, Dallas
Matt Chandler, Village Church, Dallas
Ed Young, Second Baptist, Houston
Greg Matte, First Baptist, Houston
Matt Carter, Austin Stone Church, Austin
Crawford Loritts, Fellowship Bible, Atlanta
Jonathan Falwell, Thomas Road Baptist, Lynchburg
Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle, New York City
John Piper, Desiring God Ministries, Minneapolis
Mark Dever, Capitol Hill Baptist, Washington D. C.
David Platt, The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham
Mac Brunson, First Baptist, Jacksonville
John Maxwell, Christ Fellowship, Florida
Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Seattle
John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, Southern California
David Jeremiah, Shadow Mountain Community, San Diego
Perry Noble Leadership Podcast
The Catalyst Leadership Podcast
And MORE . . .
When I listen to a wide array of gifted men of God, I learn to appreciate people more and I pray for all of them as I listen. Of course, much is seasonable due to what they may be preaching or teaching or what I need at the time in my life.
I find there are many men who are highly gifted and I need them to pour into my life. It ministers to me personally. It challenges me theologically. It encourages me in leadership. I become better if I remain teachable to the Spirit of God in my life. I thank God for the way He uses people from all walks of life to teach me more about Him. He uses all kinds of people to relay His incredible Word.
Yours For The Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.