Confident Hope: Who You Are, Whose You Are (Chris Zauner)

Pastor Chris introduces the new sermon series focusing on the book of Ephesians, titled 'Confident Hope'. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the adoption into the family of God. Chris starts with a personal story to connect with the audience, recounting his struggles with identity and purpose during his youth.

Chris shares his journey of feeling lost and struggling with identity throughout high school and college, driven by performance and external validation. After suffering a knee injury that ended his football career, Chris faced questions about his purpose and identity. He describes a period of depression and searching for belonging through unhealthy avenues until a moment of revelation changed his life.

The sermon centers on the theme of adoption, based on Ephesians 1:1-14. Chris explains that through faith in Jesus, believers are adopted into God’s family. This adoption brings full rights and privileges as children of God, emphasizing that it is based on God’s plan and pleasure, not on our performance. Chris reflects on his personal experience with adoption in his family, illustrating the significance and joy of being wanted and accepted.

Chris highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our inheritance. He explains that the Holy Spirit seals believers as part of God’s family, giving them a foretaste of their future in heaven. This assurance empowers Christians to live out their faith with confidence.

In closing, Pastor Chris urges listeners to acknowledge their identity in Christ and embrace the adoption available to them. He encourages those who haven't yet accepted this invitation to consider saying 'yes' to Jesus, fostering a deeper understanding of their worth and belonging in God’s family.