This Is Me | Rick Long

If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src... Connected: Where Life and Relationships Begin is a 7-week journey designed to help you experience the life God created you for—rooted in Him and lived out in authentic relationships. This series will challenge and encourage you to stay connected daily and live with purpose. Be part of our baptism service the first week as we celebrate powerful stories of life change. In this message from the Connected series at Grace Church, Pastor Rick Long explores the concept of finding true identity and confidence in Christ (4:54). Using the song "This Is Me" as a foundation, he emphasizes that when individuals are connected to God, they move beyond the world's shifting opinions and begin to see themselves through a biblical lens (8:48-13:16). Pastor Long outlines five foundational realities that help believers maintain a healthy, vibrant connection with God: I Am Accepted: Drawing from the life of David, the shepherd boy chosen to be king, he explains that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearance (16:21-23:26). I Am Valued: Through the story of Esther, who was placed in a royal position "for such a time as this," he highlights that every believer has a divine assignment and purpose (23:26-36:10). I Am Loved: Referring to the "sinful woman" who anointed Jesus’ feet, he underscores that God’s love is unconditional and covers our sins (36:10-41:46). I Am Capable: Using Gideon as an example, he teaches that God often sees us prophetically—as who we are meant to become—rather than just our current limitations (41:46-46:55). I Am Forgiven: Citing the transformation of the Apostle Paul, he reminds the congregation that because of Jesus' sacrifice, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ (46:55-59:17). The message concludes with an invitation to trust in Christ, emphasizing that salvation is a gift to be received, not earned, and that walking in this freedom allows believers to live with purpose and confidence (59:17-1:05:00). 0:00 - Introduction 0:40 - "This Is Me" Performance 4:54 - Connected Series: Confidence in Christ 6:10 - Personal Reflection: Witnessing a Community Standoff 8:48 - Theological Significance of "This Is Me" 13:16 - The World’s Shifting Identities vs. God’s Truth 16:21 - Reality 1: I Am Accepted (David) 23:26 - Reality 2: I Am Valued (Esther) 36:10 - Reality 3: I Am Loved (The Sinful Woman) 41:46 - Reality 4: I Am Capable (Gideon) 46:55 - Reality 5: I Am Forgiven (Paul) 59:17 - Salvation Invitation 1:01:27 - Announcements and Conclusion