Identity by Ann Hansen

ministry

IDENTIT Y ann

ministry

hansen

leadership

curriculum

Dear student, I have a question for you. Who are you? Really… who are you?

Did you have a quick answer for me? Or did you hesitate, afraid of giving a wrong answer? Or still, do you not have an answer at all? Whether you think you know who you are or whether you have no clue who you are, this question of identity is a large and complex issue to grapple with throughout the entirety of our lives. Embracing your true identity in Christ requires deep soul work and intense vulnerability and trust. You might experience spiritual attack as you press in to live out your identity in Christ. I have personally heard the whispers of, “Who do you think you are?” more times than I’d like to admit. I have spent years bowing down to that voice, staying silent and afraid of living in the truth of who God has created me to be.

Through this class, we will go deeper into God’s word to discover the real truth about who we are. We will shed lies that we have embraced as truth. We will invite God to heal us where we have been hurt.

We will line up with what God says about us and help our brothers and sisters do the same! All of this will require courage, an open mind and an openness to the Spirit of God. Are you ready to be who God has created you to be? Let’s go humbly and bravely into everything that King Jesus has for us. All of heaven awaits.

Gratefully, Ann Hansen

IDENTITY Week 1: FULLY KNOWN, FULLY LOVED ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5 Week 2: SLAVES, ORPHANS, AND SONS ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Week 3: BLESSINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ������������������������������������������������������������������45 Week 4: CARING FOR SELF �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 61 Week 5: THINGS AND DARK PLACES �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 69 Week 6: THE GLORIOUS BODY OF CHRIST ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 83 Week 7: BRINGING THE KINGDOM TO EARTH ���������������������������������������������������������������95

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FULLY KNOWN, FULLY LOVED

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

PART 1. CHILDREN OF GOD IN CHRIST Who are the children of God? There is common grace - all of humanity is made in the image of God and within us there is something that is able to recognize God as Father.

Genesis 1:26-28 NIV - “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

God is the Creator of all humanity. Everyone was created by God. • We are all created in the image of God. • We are all created to reflect the likeness of God on the earth.

• We were all created to be blessed, to be fruitful, to fill the earth and to reign.

• We were created to have closeness and fellowship with God. Yet there’s a clear distinction between that and the New Testament revelation that believers experience when we cry out Abba Father through the Holy Spirit inside of us.

Romans 8:15 NIV - “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Yes, we are all God’s children, made in His image. However, that does not mean that everyone is saved.

WHAT QUALIFIES US TO BE CHILDREN OF GOD? The only qualification to become children of God is that we must believe what Jesus did for us through His death and resurrection, and to receive everything He offers us.

John 1:12-13 NIV - “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” 1 John 3:1 NLT - “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.”

~6~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

BELIEVE: 1. Believing in Jesus and believing in His name are synonymous. Believing in His name means believing in the authority of Jesus. Belief engages the heart; it is not just an intellectual agreement.

2. When you believe in Jesus and receive Him for who He really is, you receive a new birth.

With your new birth, you have the right and authority to lay claim to your inheritance as a child of God, because you are now born of God. 3. John 3:18 NLT - “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.” RECEIVE: 1. Jesus will not leave you the same as when He found you. Receiving Jesus means a transformational acceptance of who He is into your life.

2. Jesus comes as Savior, Lord, Protector, Provider, Authority, King, Counselor, Redeemer, and more. Receiving Him means receiving His salvation, Lordship, protection, provision, authority, kingship, counsel, redemption, etc.

How would you describe the difference between believing and receiving Christ?

~7~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

BEING IN CHRIST Believe and receive what Jesus has done for us. True identity is being in Christ. Review the list below: • 1 Corinthians 1:4 - In Christ, we receive grace

• Romans 6:23 - In Christ, we have eternal life

• Galatians 2:17 - In Christ, we are made right

• Philippians 4:19 - In Christ, all of our needs are met

• Romans 3:24 - In Christ, the penalty for our sins has been paid

• Ephesians 1:3 - In Christ, we possess every spiritual blessing of heaven

• Ephesians 4:32 - In Christ, we are completely forgiven

• Colossians 1:28 - In Christ, we have all wisdom

• Romans 8:1 - In Christ, we have belonging and no more condemnation

• Romans 8:32 - In Christ, we can never be separated from the love of God

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - In Christ, we are a new person with a new life

What is your response to reviewing what Christ has done for us? What implications does this have for your life?

~8~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

TRUE AND HEALTHY IDENTITY Healthy identity starts with understanding that Jesus paid the ultimate price to give His everything to all of His followers. Through His death and resurrection, we are cleansed, redeemed and have become co-heirs with Christ so that we can rule and reign with Him. Healthy identity means choosing to believe what God has done for us and allowing the peace of God to come because of what God has done for us.

Søren Kierkegaard has said, “Now, with God’s help, I shall become myself.” Living into our identity in Christ is the best way that we can honor Jesus. It is in Christ that we become the best version of ourselves.

As we behold Jesus, we become like Him. As we behold Jesus, a transfer of identity takes place!

We become a new creation where the old has gone and the new has come. It is through spending time with Jesus and intimacy with Him that we get the fullness of our salvation, our healing, and our freedom. He changes our appetites and character as we spend time in His presence.

Psalms 16:11 NLT - “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Healthy identity is living with a transformed internal reality of the love of God and what Jesus has done for us. It is living in the reality of our salvation and redemption, with rivers of living water flowing out of us. When we consider all that God has done for us through Jesus, a healthy response would be to: • Accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and surrender our lives to Him. • Repent for sins and wrongdoings. Receive His forgiveness and healing.

• Love and worship Jesus. Thank Jesus for who He is and what He’s done.

• Follow Jesus; obey whatever He is asking.

• Deepen our relationship with Jesus by reading the Bible, spending time with Him, and enjoying His presence.

• Share the good news of Jesus with others - bringing to others what Jesus has brought to us.

When we are living in Christ and abiding in Christ, we will be prone to righteousness and prone to love. The nature of Jesus will change our own nature so that we can love and bring change to the world around us. We will take our place to rule and reign with Jesus. When we live out of that position and that perspective, our lives will change and the world around us will change.

We will influence the world with the culture of Heaven and see Heaven come to earth! ~9~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

How have you experienced God creating a transformation inside of you?

When we do not live with a deep awareness of what Christ has done for us or we do not allow it to transform our hearts, we try to find an identity for ourselves in things that are separate from what Jesus did for us through His death and resurrection.

• We continue in our sin and live life independently of God.

• We hold onto resentment, anger, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, envy, pride, judgement, unforgiveness towards self and others, self-righteousness, etc.

• We focus on external things and our circumstances or environment. We focus on our jobs, financial status or wealth, power, position, external beauty, material things/ homes/toys, etc.

• We might feel insecure and unloved but we attempt to perform for love, to earn the love of those around us.

• We lack internal joy. Since we can’t find internal joy, we might try to find it externally through materialism, sex, partying, etc. If we can’t find internal joy, we might settle for numbing out with these things instead.

• We have a proclivity to work to prove our competency or to work to prove our worth.

These things are unstable and create insecurities and anxiety.

• We have hardened hearts towards those who have hurt us and might feel stuck in relational strife and difficulty.

• We vacillate between selfishness and pride to self-loathing and worthlessness. ~10~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

What areas still feel stuck in the old patterns of sin and separation from God?

WHY DO WE STRUGGLE TO LIVE IN CHRIST? In Genesis 3 we find the story of the original sin. Eve is listening to the serpent and the following occurred: • The serpent planted doubt in her mind about what God really said.

• The serpent lied to Eve and said, “You won’t die and you’ll be like God.” • Eve took the fruit and ate it and gave some to her husband. Immediately their eyes were open and they suddenly felt shame about their nakedness.

• They sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

• Adam and Eve heard the Lord that evening and their response was to hide.

• They hid because they were afraid. They were afraid because they were naked.

• When questioned by God, Adam and Eve engaged in a blame-shifting game.

• God cursed the serpent.

• God cursed the woman with increased pain in childbirth and desire to control her husband but that the husband would control the woman.

• God cursed the man by cursing the ground and declaring the man will struggle to make a living from the ground. ~11~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

What can we understand from this passage about what sin does to us and to our relationship with God?

~12~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

The enemy is after our identity. The enemy wants to destroy the children of God and our perfect fellowship with the Father. The enemy wants us to partner with him and to live in a broken state.

Sin is the way he does this.

Sin brings death. Sin corrupts. Sin creates shame. Sin destroys our sense of self and creates worthlessness. Sin brings wounding and pain. Sin separates us from the Father, causing us to want to hide instead of turn towards our Father to enjoy close fellowship.

What residual effects of the original sin do you experience in your life?

~13~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

PART 2: ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE FULLY KNOWN BY GOD “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear.

But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”

Timothy KELLER 1

Imagine that it is a very hot day. Your air conditioning is broken and it is miserably hot outside but you have a friend who has an amazing pool that you can go swimming in and cool down. You get permission from your friend, the owner of the pool. You grab all your stuff and make the trek to the pool. You’re now at the pool. You’ve got your bathing suit on and then? You’re looking at the water and it’s so clear and blue and inviting… and then? What if you never jump in the pool?

Let’s break down this situation.

• There’s a problem: it’s too hot.

• You know of a solution: go to my friend’s awesome pool.

• You make the trek to go over there.

• You never jump into the pool.

If we never jump into the pool, we will never experience the refreshment and relief that comes from enjoying that water on a miserably hot day.

This is what it is like if we don’t allow God to know us in the deepest places of our soul. We can break down our situation like this: • We have a sin problem.

• There is a solution in Jesus Christ.

• We say ‘yes’ to Jesus being Lord and Savior.

• Then - we never let Him into all the places of our hearts and lives.

We need the ‘yes’ that we said to Jesus to deeply invade all areas of our lives. We must move the knowledge of what Jesus did for us from our heads to our hearts and to allow it to permeate our reality. When we invite God into the details of our lives, allowing Him to come to “ know” us in the deeper parts, we allow His love and light to shine on and penetrate the broken pieces and heal what’s been damaged.

This requires being vulnerable before the Lord. Truthfully, we are always fully loved. But we will not experience being fully loved if we are not fully known. We need to live in the reality of that love, which comes by allowing Jesus into all the areas. ~14~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

There might be areas where: • We are unwilling to talk to God about a particular subject.

• We want to hide something from God.

• We are not submitted to the Lord’s will in an area of our lives.

• We have deep shame over a certain area of our lives and do not believe that God can heal us in this area.

• We have deep pain in a certain area of our lives and are afraid to let God touch it.

• We have a sin issue but we have been hopeless about it or unwilling to let it go.

Read Psalm 139. Write your thoughts here.

BEING FULLY KNOWN Being fully known and vulnerable before the Lord requires surrender. Put aside all of your own thoughts of how things should be, what God should or shouldn’t be allowed to touch, etc. and just surrender to the presence of the Lord. You are no longer in control. God in His perfect wisdom and love will lead and guide you as He sees fit.

Being fully known by the Lord requires deep honesty. We lie a lot to ourselves, to others and to the Lord. We need to put aside our lying, our ‘half-truth telling’, and be brutally honest with the Lord about what is inside of us.

Being fully known by God will create discomfort. Lean into the discomfort knowing that God never brings something up from our past to re-traumatize us. Rather, God brings things up and exposes things in order to heal us.

Being fully known will bring the most transformation in our lives - if we allow it. When we allow the light and love of God to invade our secret hidden things, God will come with all the power of heaven to heal, restore, transform and bless us. ~15~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

THE UNDOING In an effort to be open and vulnerable before the Lord, it is helpful to create a timeline of life events. By doing this, we can identify the negative incidents or situations where the damage from sins and wounding has crept into our lives. We can also identify the positive events in our lives where we can see the gold in ourselves and to see God’s blessing and faithfulness in our lives.

TAKING BACK OUR AUTHORITY As we create a timeline of our lives and review all the events, you will come to realize how much we have allowed toxic voices to take up space and residence in our inner thoughts and heart! You will see how much influence these toxic voices have had in our lives! We have unknowingly given our power and our identity away to others and then lived as hostages to these voices.

As we review our timeline, it’s time to take back our lives. We need to take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). We must disavow these toxic voices and kick them out of our lives. Sometimes the toxic voice is our own voice being used against us! These toxic voices take God’s place in our lives and block us from giving God His rightful place in our thoughts and lives. In order to be healthy and whole, we must give God the full and final authority in our lives!

As we renounce the toxic voices, we must align ourselves with truth again!

John 8:32 NLT - “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Then as we are set free by the truth, we must recommission ourselves in these different areas to reclaim and restore our rightful identity.

GO ON THE LIFELONG JOURNEY Living life in Christ is a journey, a process that continues for the rest of our lives. As we live life with Christ and in Christ, we grow more and more in health and wholeness. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t change in an instant or even over a few weeks. Some of these toxic voices and lies will go quickly, but some take more work and time to disavow. The goal is to stay consistent and persistent in following Jesus. Say ‘yes’ to learning and growing every day.

TIMELINE OF LIFE EVENTS It’s time to review your life from conception to the present moment. Ask the Lord to remind you of all the details of the past. Give Him permission to access negative and positive memories.

Please write the good things and the difficult things as both types of things from us into who we are today. ~16~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

CONCEPTION Were you wanted? Were you planned? How were you conceived?

~17~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH How was your mother’s pregnancy? Was there difficulty or any trauma? How were you birthed?

Was there peace? Was there an emergency surrounding your birth?

~18~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

FIRST FIVE YEARS How were the early years of your life? Who raised you? Where did you live? Were there any family changes during these years? An addition of siblings or the death of siblings? Did your parents separate or divorce during these early years? Did you move at all? Any accidents or any trauma? Anything really positive that happened?

~19~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

ELEMENTARY YEARS Anything significant during these years? Any friend drama that has affected the way you view yourself? Did you have any traumatic events in school? Any shining moments in school? Were there any changes in your family during these elementary years?

~20~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS Use the same questions from above to continue this exercise.

~21~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

HIGH SCHOOL YEARS

~22~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

POST HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE YEARS

~23~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

THE TWENTIES

~24~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

THE THIRTIES

~25~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

THE FORTIES AND BEYOND

~26~

WEEK 1 — Fully known, fully loved

After you have written down all the events that you can remember, start to process these things with the Lord so that He can show you the truth. This will take weeks and weeks to do completely.

You might want to do this in a different journal to give you more room. It’s important to write down what the Lord says to you when you ask Him questions.

Ask yourself these secondary questions. Also, ask the Lord to give you more insight into yourself.

1. What happened?

2. Who do we need to forgive and for what?

3. What lies did we believe as a result?

4. How did this make me feel? How have others made me feel?

5. What kind of wound resulted from this experience?

6. Insecurity a. Distorted self-image, feeling ugly and unworthy b. Fear or anxiety c. Paralysis d. Bitterness and hatred e. Mistrust f. Scarcity mentality g. Victim mentality h. What else?

7. What terrible habit did we pick up from this incident?

8. What did we lose as a result of this incident?

Continue this process: 1. Disavow all toxic voices 2. Renounce every lie you’ve picked up 3. Rescue back what needs to be rescued back 4. Recommission yourself in broken areas (Example: I recommission myself to be a sexual person and to enjoy sex as God designed it for me and my husband!)

5. Reclaim and restore your rightful identity in Christ. ~27~

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SLAVES, ORPHANS, AND SONS

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

SLAVE OR SON There are many references in the New Testament about being a faithful slave of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, there are also references to being an adopted son of God through Jesus Christ.

So are we to be slaves or are we to be sons?

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF A SLAVE According to Rev. Kenneth Collins, Greco-Roman slavery from biblical times did not look like the slavery we know from the 1800’s. Roman slavery looked more like contract employment.

Slaves filled job positions and people would sell themselves into slavery in order to pay off a debt.

Other slaves would save money to buy their own freedom.

Slaves were considered part of the family, but on a lesser level. There were laws against the mistreatment of slaves. Slaves lived in their master’s home and their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter were provided for. However, if the master died, the slave would leave the house - so it was not a permanent residence. Some slaves that were highly competent in business would be adopted as a son under the legal system so that they could do business on behalf of their father.

This was not uncommon in that day.2 In many ways, we have all sold ourselves into slavery to serve sin. However, Jesus paid for us with His blood so that we don’t have to be slaves to sin anymore. However, we do not belong to ourselves, because Jesus bought us with His blood. Therefore we are now slaves to Christ. We have become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:16).

But Jesus took it even further. Not only did He pay for us to not be enslaved to sin anymore, but Jesus also adopted us to be His sons in His family! As sons of God, we can legally represent our Father and do business in the world on His behalf! We get to be God’s agent of love, mercy, grace and healing!

THE SPIRIT OF SLAVERY Romans 8:15-17 NIV - “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Even though we could be a slave to righteousness, Jesus did not want us to live with a spirit of slavery. Rather He wanted us to understand that we are now adopted into sonship. With the adoption, we get to be heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

~30~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

SIGNS OF A SPIRIT OF SLAVERY 1. The spirit of slavery enslaves to sin and then enslaves us to fear.

We live in bondage to sin and with tremendous guilt over our sin. Because of our guilt and the awareness of our shortcomings before the Lord, we are also enslaved to fear.

2. The slavery spirit cuts off our ability to receive from God. The slavery spirit tells us we do not get an inheritance through Jesus because we are slaves and not sons. The slavery spirit tells us our reward is based on what we do rather than what Jesus has done for us. We do not get to enjoy the finished work of the cross.

3. The spirit of slavery brings hopelessness into our lives.

With the spirit of slavery, it is all about what we can do and we are aware that we can never do enough. The slavery spirit makes us look to God in hopes for a reward that we will never be able to receive, instead of taking what God has already given us in Jesus.

How have you experienced the spirit of slavery in your life?

~31~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

THE ORPHAN SPIRIT Author Mary Gordon once said, “A fatherless girl thinks all things are possible and nothing is safe!” All things being possible is not a positive thing. In fact, all things are possible means that every bad thing could happen at any moment and that nothing or nowhere in the world is safe!

John 14:18 NIV - ‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.’

The orphan spirit has some overlaps with the slavery spirit. Many Christians have a deep belief that we need to prove our worth in order to be loved. We are born again as sons and daughters, a relationship so valued by God that Jesus paid the price of His life-blood for it, and yet many of us live as spiritual orphans. Why? We need to change our minds, and then God changes our hearts. We change our minds about God and then God changes our emotions and unlocks our hearts. Wrong understanding about God damages our hearts and prevents us from experiencing true intimacy with Him. SIGNS OF AN ORPHAN SPIRIT 1. We can’t believe that God loves us as sinners in our current state.

Orphans have deep roots of rejection which drive a belief that we are not good enough as we are. We have made agreements with judgment and punishment. We do not accept ourselves and therefore we cannot accept God’s love.

2. We can’t rest in the finished work of the cross.

Orphans have to hustle and fend for themselves. Orphans depend on themselves to earn salvation and have trouble resting in the finished work of the cross. However, the Bible tells us that salvation is by grace and grace alone.

3. We don’t feel worthy to ask God for anything.

Orphans don’t understand how to operate with a Father. So they do not have permission to ask for things, nor do they feel worthy to ask for anything.

More qualities of an orphan: • Orphans have to take care of themselves.

• Orphans get opportunities stolen from them.

• Orphans live under scarcity and poverty.

• Orphans must protect themselves from being taken advantage of.

• Orphans must be strong.

• Orphans cannot depend on anyone.

• Orphans cannot be weak. ~32~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

• Orphans crave to be taken in and loved but doubt they ever will.

• Orphans don’t have an inheritance.

• Orphans do not have any true family.

• Orphans want to be accepted, to belong.

• Orphans have to prove their worth.

• Orphans only trust themselves.

• Orphans rebel or cling to religion.

• Orphans cannot get too close.

• Orphans see God as a master.

• Orphans are on the outside looking in.

• Orphans live by the law.

• Orphans feel insecure.

• Orphans don’t get to dream.

• Orphans need to be noticed.

• Orphans have to focus on surviving the day.

What are some of your orphanic tendencies?

~33~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

THE CALL TO SONSHIP Galatians 4:4-7 NLT - “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”

Through Jesus, we are released from slavery and into sonship. As sons, we are heirs and co-heirs with Christ. This means that we get the full rights of a legitimate child in God’s family.

WHAT ARE THE PRIVILEGES OF BEING A SON? Identity. Our identity is securely established as an eternal child of God. This cannot change,

therefore we can remain secure and confident in our identity in Christ. The blood of Jesus has made a way for us to be part of the family of God.

Elevated Position and Privileges. We were slaves to sin and now we are each a son of God. This includes all the rights and privileges of being a son, able to do our Father’s business throughout the earth. A son gets to live in security, abundance, and rest.

Understanding of purpose. Our purpose is to be loved by God. We exist for God’s delight. Our purpose is relational (not functional), it’s not tied to something that we do. Our purpose is to live as a child of God under the love of our Father. Our purpose is to remain in God and Him in us.

We are to be loved by God and then love Him in return.

Conviction for destiny. As we are being loved by God, our mission is to bear much fruit, to do the things that God planned in advance for us to do. Bearing fruit is part of our destiny, legacy,

and inheritance. A son understands that his Father is King and that he is in line to carry on the legacy of leadership, responsibility, love, stewardship, etc. A son gets to think futuristically about his kingdom and about his people. (Ephesians 2:10)

Reconciliation. Jesus has forgiven us of all of our sins and made us holy and blameless. A son is seen covered in the blood of Jesus and met with love. (Colossians 1:20, Romans 5:8, John 3:16)

Awareness of unlimited resources. We get to live knowing our Father is Lord over heaven and

earth. Father God has unlimited resources that He gives freely to us and we also have permission to ask for things. (1 Corinthians 2:9, Matthew 7:9-11) ~34~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

To Have God as Father. As a son, you get to have God as your heavenly Father. God is a perfect Father, and He knows how to love us and help us grow. He pushes us to become who we are really meant to be through Christ. Father God protects us, goes before us, comforts us, and makes the way clear for us. There are so many benefits to God as our Father!

WHAT CAN WE DO TO GROW AS SONS? • Repent for operating as an orphan. Change your mind!

• Break agreements with every lie you’ve believed.

• Meditate on the truth of God’s word about who He is and who you are.

• Be vulnerable with God about your shortcomings and failures and see how He responds.

• Allow God to father you. Consider what good parents do for their kids. Ask God what He would like to do to Father you. Do this every day, throughout the day.

• Take love breaks. Spend time asking Father God these questions.

• Father, what name do you want me to call you?

• Father, what nickname do you like to call me?

• Papa, show me what Jesus did for me by dying on the cross.

• Father, how do I look just like you?

• Father, show me a picture of your love over me.

• Papa, what does your heart experience when you see me coming?

• Papa, what do you love about me?

• Papa, even after I’ve made a mess, what’s your heart towards me?

• Father, is my sin ever bigger than your love?

• Papa, what makes me special in your eyes?

• Papa, what song are you singing over me?

• Papa, what song would you like me to sing back to you?

~35~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

Review the chart below from Jack and Trisha Frost. 3 HEART OF ORPHAN

HEART OF SONSHIP

See God as Master

image of god

See God as a loving Father

Independent / Self-reliant

dependency

Interdependent / Acknowledges Need

Live by the Love of Law

theology

Live by the Law of Love

Insecure / Lack peace

security

Rest and Peace

Strive for the praise, approval, and acceptance of man

need for approval

Totally accepted in God’s love and justified by grace

A need for personal achievement as you seek to impress God and others, or no motivation to serve at all

motive for service

Service that is motivated by a deep gratitude for being unconditionally loved and accepted by God

Duty and earning God’s favor or no motivation at all

motive behind christian disciplines

Pleasure and delight

“Must” be holy to have God’s favor, thus increasing a sense of shame and guilt

motive for purity

“Want to” be holy; do not want anything to hinder intimate relationship with God

Self-rejection from comparing yourself to others

self-image

Positive and affirmed because you know you have such value to God

Seek comfort in counterfeit affections: addictions, compulsions, escapism, busyness, hyper-religious activity

source of comfort

Seek times of quietness and solitude to rest in the Father’s presence and love

~36~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

HEART OF ORPHAN

HEART OF SONSHIP

Competition, rivalry, and jealousy toward others’ success and position

peer

Humility and unity as you value others and are able to rejoice in their blessings and success

Accusation and exposure in order to make yourself look good by making others look bad

handling others’ faults

Love covers as you seek to restore others in a spirit of love and gentleness

See authority as a source of pain; distrustful toward authority and lack a heart attitude of submission

view of authority

Respectful, honoring; you see them as ministers of God for good in your life

Difficulty receiving admonition; you must be right so you easily get your feelings hurt and close your spirit to discipline

view of admonition

See the receiving of admonition as a blessing and need in your life so that your faults and weaknesses are exposed and put to death

Guarded and conditional; based upon others’ performance as you seek to get your own needs met

expression of love

Open, patient, and affectionate as you lay your life and agendas down in order to meet the needs of others

Conditional and Distant

sense of god’s presence

Close and Intimate

Bondage

condition

Liberty

Feel like a Servant/Slave

position

Feel like a Son/Daughter

Spiritual ambition; the earnest desire for spiritual achievement and distinction and the willingness to strive for it; a desire to be seen and counted among the mature.

vision

To daily experience the Father’s unconditional love and acceptance and then be sent as a representative of His love to family and others.

Fight for what you can get!

future

Sonship releases your inheritance!

~37~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

After reviewing this chart, where do you need to grow as a son?

What do you think you need to experience in order to live as a rightful son?

~38~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

JESUS AND THE FATHER 1. Jesus reveals the Father Jesus came to restore our relationship with Father God and to reveal the Father. The New Testament is a revelation of the Fatherhood of God. Anything you perceive about the Father that you don’t see in Jesus must be questioned!

John 14:9-11 NLT - “Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.”

Colossians 1:15 TPT - “He is the divine portrait, the true likeness of the invisible God, and the firstborn heir of all creation.”

2. Jesus leads us to the Father “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus didn’t come just to bring us to Himself!

He came to lead us to the Father, to reveal the Father. He came to an orphan planet to reveal the Father. The priority of Jesus’ assignment was to show the world that we have a wonderful heavenly Father who is perfect, loving, in love with us and that God has made a way for all of us to be restored to Him. John 14:6-7 NIV - “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

3. Jesus emphasizes the Father Jesus is our Savior (John 3:16-17, Acts 4:12) and there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved! Yet, Jesus taught us to seek the Father first and emphasized the Father constantly, saying “I can do nothing on my own… I carry out the will of the One who sent me” (John 5:30 NLT).

Jesus encouraged us to worship the Father, saying, “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23 NLT).

4. Jesus did miracles with the Father’s power.

While Jesus walked the earth, He depended on the Father for everything, including the power to work miracles. Acts 10:38 says Jesus was able to heal and do miracles because God the Father was with Him.

~39~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

John 5:19 NLT - “So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”

Read and pray through this chart. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight any words that you need to pause over, or any words that you need to add or change as you pray. i believe the truth that

i renounce the lie that father god is:

father god is:

Bad and doesn’t have my best in mind.

Good and gives good gifts (Nahum 1:7, Psalms 34:8, James 1:17)

Not loving towards me

Loving and calls me His child (1 John 3:1)

Changing, that His love increases or decreases based on my performance

Steadfast, consistently loving, never changing (Psalm 33:5, Psalm 36:7, Hebrews 13:8)

Distant and disinterested

Intimate and involved (Psalm 139:1-18)

Insensitive and uncaring

Kind and compassionate (Psalm 103:8-14)

Stern and demanding

Accepting and filled with joy and love (Zeph 3:17, Romans 15:7)

Passive and cold

Warm and affectionate (Isaiah 40:11; Hosea 11:3-4)

Absent or too busy for me

Always with me and eager to be with me (Jer. 31:20; Ezekiel 34:1116; Hebrews 13:5)

~40~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

i believe the truth that

i renounce the lie that father god is:

father god is:

Impatient, angry and rejecting

Patient and slow to anger (Exodus 34:6; 2 Peter 3:9)

Mean, cruel or abusive

Loving, gentle and protective (Jer. 31:3, Isaiah 42:3; Psalm 18:2)

Trying to take all the fun out of life

Trustworthy and wants to give me a full life; His will is good, perfect and acceptable for me (Lam. 3:22-23; John 10:10; Romans 12:1-2)

Controlling or manipulative

Full of Grace and mercy, and He gives me freedom to fail (Luke 15:11-16; Hebrews 4:15-16)

Condemning or unforgiving

Tenderhearted and forgiving; His heart and arms are always open to me (Psalm 130:1-4; Luke 15:17-24)

A nit-picking and demanding perfectionist

Committed to my growth and proud of me as His beloved child (Rom. 8:28-29; Heb. 12:5-11; 2 Cor. 7:4)

~41~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

Father God are there any other lies I’m believing about you? Write what He says here.

~42~

WEEK 2 — Slaves, orphans, and sons

QUESTIONS 1. How has your perspective of Father God changed in a positive way?

2. Do you have any signs of an orphan spirit? What do you think is at the root of those tendencies?

~43~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

3. How have you allowed Father God to personally father you? In what way do you want to experience Him fathering you?

4. To illustrate the relationship between a Father and a son, Jesus tells a parable in Luke 15:1124 NLT. Read this parable and then write your reflections here.

~44~

3

BLESSINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

BLESSINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Being a child of God comes with many rights, blessings, and privileges. Not only do we have these abundant blessings, but we also have serious responsibilities. These two elements go together because the rights and blessings of sonship also impart certain responsibilities to us. In God’s economy, you cannot separate rights and blessings from responsibilities.

Lots of people want blessings from Father God, but they don’t want to live as a son.

That is an abuse of privilege and it equals spiritual infidelity. That looks like taking what you want from God and yet not committing your heart or life to Him. This person doesn’t want a relationship with God, they just want the benefits of His goodness.

We have a good and perfect Father, so we have the capacity to make ourselves good sons, good citizens and ultimately good rulers. A good son doesn’t just sit around, living off his Father’s wealth. A good son is taught to take part in the Father’s business and to do His Father’s will.

Being a good son goes beyond feeling good. A good son will care for the Father’s business because he has been trusted to do this. This is the son’s legacy.

Being in Christ will bring abundant blessings to us. However, we must remember that being in Christ is not only about what we can get from our Father. It’s also about what we can give to others. Sometimes we are called to lay down our lives for others, just as Jesus did for us. ` WHAT ARE OUR RIGHTS AND BLESSINGS AS CHILDREN OF GOD? If you search scripture, there are many rights that we possess as children of God. Here are a few, however this list is not meant to be exhaustive.

1. Love We may take this for granted, but one of our greatest rights and blessings as children of God is to live in the love of our Father. God’s mind is made up about us and will never change. We cannot make God love us any more or any less. His love is perfect, unchanging, and stable. God’s love and compassion are lavished on His children.

Sons live under the Father’s affection. God wants us to experience the depths of His affection because He chose us to be the objects of His love.

Deut 7:7-8 NLT - “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.”

~46~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

1 John 3:1 NLT - “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.”

Deut 10:15 NLT - “Yet the Lord chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today.”

Psalm 103:13 NLT - “The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”

The deepest human need is to experience God’s love and affection over our lives. Knowing God’s affection for you will transform your life.

• Experiencing God’s affection brings pleasure and exhilaration to our hearts. This is a part of our inheritance.

• Experiencing God’s affection takes us from head knowledge about God’s love to a living encounter that transforms our lives.

• Experiencing God’s affection changes our appetites and makes us want more of God. • Living under His affection will heal us of our need to perform, to win God’s approval.

We are already approved. There is freedom in this revelation as Father God pours out love over us before we ever do anything good for Him. • Living under His affection breaks the power and cycle of sin and shame because the power of His love is stronger than sin and shame.

• Living under His affection gives us security and safety. Fear is cast out by perfect love.

His love gives us the courage to be ourselves.

• Living under His affection gives us our worth. You are not valued by what you’ve done for God. God loves us the same as He loves Jesus.

• John 15:9 NIV - “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

• God’s affection empowers us to run to God in any situation or state, instead of running from God. • The most powerful weapon against Satan’s perpetual accusations is the fact of God’s affection.

• Romans 8:38-39 NIV - “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~47~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

• We become like Him as we live under His gaze.

• 2 Cor 3:18 - “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2. Access to God Through Jesus, we have complete access to God. We can go directly to God without another mediator. Even though God is Almighty God, we are His family and He gives us the privilege of calling Him Father. We can go to God with every care, concern, worry, irritation, frustration, state of sin - and we find acceptance in His presence.

Hebrews 4:16 NLT - “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

3. Intimacy with God Not only do we get access to God, but we also get to experience intimacy with God. The invitation of God is to live deeply connected with Him, as intimately connected as a vine and its branches.

There is no separation between vine and branches. God is inviting us to live with Him without any separation.

Abba is an Aramaic term that means “Daddy”. This term reflects the greatest levels of intimacy.

Children rarely call their father with a formal term like “Father.” Instead, we use a more loving term like “Daddy” or “Papa” that comes from closeness and familiarity. God invites us to that type of intimacy with Him, to even call Him “Daddy” or Abba. (Romans 8:15) John 15:5 NLT - “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

4. Using the name of Jesus Slaves do not have authority and can only do what they are told. As children of God, we have been given authority over sin and the devil. We get the privilege of being able to use the name of Jesus and His authority in every situation.

Children have the honor of the family name. This is a glorious upgraded status conferred on us.

Not only do we use the name of Jesus, but we also bear the name of Jesus. As part of the family of God, we are a representative of God. 1 John 3:23 NLT - “And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” ~48~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

Colossians 3:17 NLT - “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Philippians 2:10-11 NLT - “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

5. Healing As children of God, we get to be healed. We have full access to the healing power of Jesus and to invoke His name to proclaim healing over ourselves and others! We have full authority in Jesus’ name to tell sickness to flee.

Isaiah 53:5 NLT - “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

6. Peace Peace comes from the Prince of Peace. The Hebrew word shalom means “wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, safety, and prosperity, carrying with it the implication of permanence.” 4 We can experience this type of peace in any circumstance or situation because we have access to the presence of God. Psalm 29:11 NLT - “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

Isaiah 9:6-7a NLT - “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end.”

7. Freedom Jesus came to set us free indeed. We never have to live in bondage or in any form of slavery. There is power in Jesus to break every chain that binds us.

John 8:36 NLT - “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

8. Provision, prosperity, and inheritance Romans 8:17 states, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs”. In biblical times, even though all children were loved, the heir was typically the firstborn son. In Christ, we all get to be heirs of God’s wealth.

All throughout God’s word, we find promises that God is our Provider as well as commands to trust the Lord for provision. God desires to reveal Himself as our provider in every single way.

Psalm 50:10 NLT - “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.” ~49~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Philippians 4:19 NLT - “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

9. Living without fear Living in God’s perfect love obliterates fear. It’s our privilege as children of God to never have to live in fear. Instead, we have security and full access to the love of God that empowers and strengthens us.

Romans 8:15 NLT - “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

10. An eternal home We are children of God made in the image of an eternal God. We have an eternal home in heaven and live as sojourners here on earth. Our lives here are temporary and we get to look forward to a perfect eternal home.

John 14:2 NLT - “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”

11. Fellowship with other believers We have the privilege of belonging to the family of God. Every believer in Jesus is now your brother and sister. We get the joy of experiencing fellowship with other believers and the strengthening that comes as we function as the body of Christ together.

Ephesians 2:19 NLT - “So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.”

12. Indwelling Holy Spirit As believers in Jesus, we get to receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! The person of the Holy Spirit is a gift of God! Holy Spirit promises to bring power and to be a source of hope. Holy Spirit teaches us, helps us in our weakness, helps us pray, brings us freedom, guides us into all truth, and is our advocate. The Holy Spirit also testifies to our spirit that we are His children.

~50~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

Acts 1:8 NLT - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:38 NLT - “Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

John 14:26 NLT - “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative — that is, the Holy Spirit — he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

Romans 8:26-27 NLT - “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”

Romans 15:13 NLT - “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT - “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

John 16:13 NLT - “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

13. Discipline A good father will discipline his children because he loves his children and wants what is best for them. A good father doesn’t discipline out of anger or punishment, but to teach a child and to train them up in the way they should go. When God disciplines us, we can trust that His heart for us is love and that His intentions are pure.

Hebrews 4:10-11 NLT - “For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening — it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

~51~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

WHAT ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS CHILDREN OF GOD? 1. Love God The first responsibility of the children of God is to love God with everything that we have. Our relationship with God is based on love and God desires for us to love Him first and foremost.

Behind this commandment is resourcing for God’s kids. Because God is love, we learn what love is by loving God. Loving God cannot happen with only one part of us. The command of God is that we would love Him with everything that we have! Sometimes we would prefer to only love God with our minds and not our hearts. Other times we would want to love God with only our heart and not our strength. But God is asking for us to give Him all of our love, through every part of who we are. As we love God with every part of who we are, we experience His love flowing back into every part of who we are. Loving God transforms us. As we love God and behold God, we become like Him and are transformed into His Image.

Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT - “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

Luke 10:27 NLT - “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV - “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2. Love God’s word and obey His word.

Loving God and loving His word is one and the same. We cannot separate God from His word.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” There is no distinction between God and His Word because the Word was God. One of our greatest responsibilities is to study God’s word, know it deeply, and to obey it. It is a privilege to study God’s word and to receive God’s wisdom. God’s word will instruct us, protect us, keep us from sin, bring hope, etc. Loving God’s word shows God that we love Him. John 14:15 NLT - “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

1 John 5:3 NLT - “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”

Psalm 119:11 NLT - “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

~52~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

3. Love others God is love. Without God, we cannot love. But with God, we have the capacity to transform lives, families, and cultures with the love of God. Love should be our highest goal (1 Corinthians 14:1). When we love others, we show the world that the love of God is in us and that we are Christ’s disciples.

Mark 12:30-31 NLT - “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

John 13:34-35 NIV - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

4. Pray to the Father Prayer is our two-way communication with God. We get to have an ongoing conversation with our Heavenly Father and find help in our times of need. God gives us wisdom and guidance, strengthens us for what’s ahead, and fills our hearts with joy.

Jeremiah 33:3 NLT - “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”

Philippians 4:6 NLT - “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Mark 11:24 NLT - “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Luke 11:9-10 NLT - “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

5. Growth and maturity A baby was not meant to stay in infancy forever. Every child was created to grow and mature. So it is with us as children of God. God has designed us to mature in Christ. A son grows, develops, and matures to the fullness of what he was meant to be. As children of God, we are meant to grow more and more in Christ-likeness. True Christian growth is measured by how much you become like Jesus Christ. Intimacy with the Father and holiness go together. Our lives become holy because He is holy.

God gave us His nature and wants to see the new person made full in each of us. However, you can’t become like Jesus Christ without His power at work within you. ~53~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT - “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.

The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

2 Peter 3:18 NLT - “Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”

Titus 2:11-12 NIV - “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

6. Sharing in suffering Christ suffered on earth and we get to share in His sufferings. Scripture even says the world may hate us but to remember that it hated Jesus first (John 15:18). As we suffer for Christ, we become more like Jesus.

1 Peter 4:13 NLT - “Instead, be very glad — for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

Romans 8:29-30 NLT - “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”

Philippians 2:3-8 NLT - “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

GOD’S WISDOM As Christians, we need to acknowledge that God’s wisdom trumps any human wisdom and cleverness that we possess. As we live with God’s wisdom, we see His goodness unfold in our lives. As God’s children, we have full access to God’s infinite wisdom.

God’s wisdom defined: “Wisdom is knowing the greatest goal in any situation, and the best way to achieve that goal. Divine wisdom is the perfect factual knowledge and the perfect situational insight and the omnipotent resolve that together will succeed in achieving his intended, righteous goals.”

John PIPER ~54~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

1. Wisdom is to fear God and do what is pleasing to Him. a. Proverbs 1:7 ESV - “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

2. Wisdom is having the big picture in mind. It doesn’t think about instant gratification. a. You can have knowledge without wisdom. Example: A very intelligent fool. But you cannot have wisdom without knowledge.

3. Wisdom is not the goal, it is a means to a goal. It is the path to deep and lasting happiness. a. Prov 3:13 NLT - “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.”

God’s wisdom will: 1. Offend our minds.

1 Cor. 1:25 NIV - “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

2. Bring about salvation. a. 2 Tim 3:15 ESV - “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

3. Be the most valuable treasure of our lives. a. Prov. 16:16 ESV - “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

4. Bring love and prosperity to ourselves. a. Prov 19:8 NLT - “To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”

5. Be a source of pleasure for us. a. Prov 10:23 NLT - “Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.”

~55~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

6. Bring guidance and direction for life, and bring us into a deeper connection with God. a. James 1:5 ESV - “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

7. Provide protection. God’s wisdom keeps us safe. a. Proverbs 28:26 NLT - “Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” b. Prov 19:23 NLT - “Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.”

8. Bring fruit in our lives. a. James 3:17-18 NLT - “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

9. Ensure hope and a bright future. a. Prov 24:14 NLT - “In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.”

We access God’s wisdom through our relationship with Him. 1. Fear the Lord! Fearing the Lord means recognizing that God Almighty is the allpowerful one, the Creator, your Lord and Master, and your wonderful Father. a. Prov 9:10 NLT - “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

2. Humble yourself and submit yourself to God. Become a fool for God. a. 1 Cor. 3:18 NIV - “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “ fools” so that you may become wise.”

3. Read God’s word and do what it says. a. Psalm 19:7 NLT - “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” b. James 1:22 NIV - “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

~56~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

c. Is this choice sinful? By choosing this, am I doing something God has told me not to do or failing to do something God has told me to do? Does it conflict with God’s calling on my life? d. Another question to ask is, “Will this choice bring God glory? Will it honor Him?” We can also ask ourselves, “What does the Bible tell me about Christ, who He is and what He has done? How can I apply these gospel truths to my decision making?”

4. Protect yourself by surrounding yourself with wise people and receive godly counsel. a. Prov 13:20 NLT - “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” b. 1 Cor 2:16 NLT - For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”

Ask God for specific wisdom through prayer.

Posture yourself to hear His voice. “Papa God, I am your loved child. I treasure your voice. You never lie. You always lead me into truth. Lead me to your heart.”

1. Surrender what you want to do. (open hand) 2. Extend your heart and your trust to God. Do not doubt what God has spoken to you. a. Prov 3:5-8 ESV - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” b. James 1:5-6 NIV - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

3. Practice quick obedience a. 1 John 5:1-5 NLT - “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. [2] We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. [3] Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. [4] For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. [5] And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

~57~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

What if you don’t get an answer?

Sometimes God just wants us to choose. If a choice is not sinful, if we have prayed and sought God’s Word for wisdom, as well as the wisdom of others, if we have prayed and not received a clear cut answer - then I believe God is giving us the ability to choose. Just choose. Since your choice is not an issue of sin or no sin, just make your decision and trust God to use your decision for His glory!

“I gain wisdom as I become free from seeing and responding to the situations of life according to my natural tendencies, which are influenced by sin. Instead I learn to see and respond according to God’s will. This happens when I am not interested in seeking my own, or in having my own will come across. (James 3:13-18) Then I act only out of love and a desire to live uprightly before the face of God, with intentions pure from any kind of seeking my own benefit or comfort. When wisdom guides all of my ways, then God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Then there is no sin to ruin my experience of life, and my possibilities are wide open. To do God’s will is wise, because it means things are done in the best possible way, with the best possible outcome.”

Kathryn ALBIG

QUESTIONS 1. Have you experienced the affection of God over your life? Please share.

~58~

WEEK 3 — Blessings and responsibilities

2. What are your thoughts after reviewing all of our rights and blessings as children of God? Which ones stood out to you as something you need more of right now?

3. How have you been fulfilling your responsibilities as a child of God? How can you grow to be a better son?

~59~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

4. Using your imagination, what would complete obedience to God look like in your life? What kind of fruit would be present?

5. Have you ever experienced God giving you wisdom in a tough situation, and you took the wisdom? What happened as a result?

~60~

4

CARING FOR SELF

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

CARING FOR SELF Ephesians 2:10 NLT - “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

It is so important to know who we are in Christ and to find our identity in Him. We are God’s children, His sons and daughters. We are God’s masterpieces in the making. We bring our Father great joy! Father God sees our value and delights in allowing us to do good things with Him. God did not dream us up in His heart so that we can work tirelessly for Him as slaves. Father God also does not have any expectations of us “paying Him back” for His love and compassion.

We do not have to try to work off a debt. This type of thinking comes from an unhealed identity with roots of worthlessness and shame, and from not understanding the love and grace of our Lord Jesus. If we embrace this type of mindset where our value and identity is tied to what we can produce for Jesus and for His Kingdom, we will surely reach a point of ministry (or compassion) fatigue and possibly even burnout.

As children of God, we need to learn to care for ourselves the way that Jesus cared for Himself here on earth. So what is self-care?

Self-care definition from a psychological perspective: Self-care is any activity that is done intentionally to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. The benefits of self-care are a better relationship with self and with others, reduced anxiety, and a healthier emotional state.5 What does not qualify as self-care?

When we think of self-care, we might think of pampering or a day at the spa. We might think of escapism or numbing out with Netflix. However, that is not what self-care is about.

Self-care is something that cares for, fuels, and refreshes the self. Self-care is not something we force ourselves to do that is not enjoyable or beneficial. Also, because we are all different and unique individuals, self-care is not ‘one size fits all’. For example, a day at the spa will not qualify as self-care for people who hate the spa. We must discover what will fill up our tank.

“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.”

Parker PALMER, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

~62~

WEEK 4 — Caring for self

Reflect - has there ever been a time in your life that you experienced burnout? What led up to that event? How were you able to recover from burnout or were you able to recover?

Jesus wants us to live that abundant life. Let’s look at what psychology has to teach us.

More on self-care from a psychological perspective: (Some portions adapted from Self Care 101 by Maria Baratta, LCSW) 1. Self-care is living within your limits. Self-care is acknowledging your humanity and recognizing when you’ve taken on too much and when you need to slow it down.

2. Self-care means being aware of how much sleep your body needs and getting enough sleep and rest.

3. Self-care looks like eating a healthy diet to ensure proper nutrition for your body to function at optimal health. Adequate hydration is also part of self-care.

4. Self-care is taking time to exercise and strengthen your body. Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it helps improve our mood and energy level through increased serotonin levels. Self-care means finding the exercise that you like and one that will work for your body.

5. Self-care is also following up with medical care, taking the time for doctor’s appointments, and treating sickness as needed.

6. Self-care is taking time for breaks and rest periods throughout your day.

7. Self-care is creating a list of boundaries for yourself. Example: no social media or phone time after a certain hour, no checking emails at night, etc.

8. Self-care is taking time to do a fun activity.

9. Self-care is spending time with friends and loved ones.

10. Self-care is exercising self-kindness.

~63~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

IS SELF-CARE BIBLICAL? There has been much controversy over the issue of whether self-care is biblical or not. I believe that there is wisdom in paying attention to psychology and human wisdom and gleaning what is helpful. Beyond that, we need to pay attention to scriptural principles that also apply to the area of self-care.

1. We are called to be stewards.

Caring for self is about stewardship. Our lives are a gift from God that require care and attention.

Just as we are called to care for creation, we are also called to care for ourselves.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT - “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

2. We cannot give from an empty place.

We cannot give care and love to others if we are not receiving care and love for ourselves first.

We are blessed to be a blessing, but if we are not taking the time to receive the blessing in the first place, we will not be able to be a blessing to those around us.

It is important to remember, we are never the source. God is the source, we are just the conduit of blessing. So we need to be continually filled up with blessings so that we can give from the overflow.

JESUS IS OUR PERFECT MODEL We have a perfect model in Jesus Christ and we are called to follow His example. All throughout the gospels, we read stories of Jesus setting an example for us of self-compassion by taking care of His own needs.

• Jesus went away to pray (Mark 1:35, Mark 6:46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 6:12-13).

• Jesus got away from the crowds to go to quiet places to rest (Mark 6:31, Luke 5:15-16).

• Jesus slept, even during a fierce storm (Matthew 8:23-27).

• Jesus took time to eat with his disciples (John 21:5-14).

• Jesus went to be with his Father to process pain (Matthew 14:13) 1. Jesus stayed connected with His Father.

Jesus took time to rest, to sleep, to eat, and to pray. He took care of physical, emotional and spiritual needs. But ultimately, Jesus stayed deeply connected to the Father who was His ultimate source for everything. Through prayer, Jesus would receive care and strengthening from his Father. ~64~

WEEK 4 — Caring for self

2. Jesus lived with a boundary: He only did what He saw the Father doing.

Jesus did not do what everyone wanted Him to do or go where people wanted Him to go. He did not run to fix every crisis. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. This is a high form of self-care because surrendering ourselves to the Father will bring about God’s highest and best for our lives.

Have you ever thought of self-care as doing what God asks of you? Why or why not?

John 5:19-20 NLT - “So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing.”

3. Jesus’ model for living: formula versus revelation.

Sometimes in our quest for understanding and mastery of a subject, we try to reduce an issue to a simple formula. We want to put things in a box and make checklists and say, “Do these things and don’t do these things”. However, Jesus didn’t live by formula, He lived by revelation. He did what the Father was revealing to Him. When Jesus’ disciples were challenged by the Pharisees for breaking off heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath, Jesus replied, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 NLT. Pharisees want to keep the law and live by a formula. But Jesus rights the picture by declaring that the Sabbath serves man, not the other way around. In the same way, we don’t pursue self-care for its own sake or to follow more rules, but to gain health in greater measure. ~65~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

Do you have an example from your life of a time when Jesus broke the formula of what you thought should or shouldn’t be in your life? How did you respond?

4. Jesus acknowledges a different food John 4:31-34 NLT - “Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”

In this passage, we see a different perspective on how to be refueled. The disciples are concerned for Jesus and wanted him to eat physically. However, Jesus is acknowledging how nourishment and care can come from doing God’s will. This is a picture for us as well, that sometimes we will be nourished through a different type of food, by doing the will of God. There will be different seasons (like harvest) where we will be required to run very hard. If that is God’s will, I believe He will sustain us just as He did for Jesus. Also, there will be other seasons (like winter) where there will be extended periods of rest and recovery. In every season, I believe the best self-care is to live in intimacy with the Father and to do what we see Him doing. ~66~

WEEK 4 — Caring for self

QUESTIONS 1. Since self-care is not one-size-fits-all, what would self-care look like to you?

2. Take inventory. I mentioned taking care of yourself in the areas of boundaries, sleep, nutrition, exercise, medical care, rest, fun, friends, and self-kindness. In what area(s) do you need to give yourself more care? What would self-care look like in this/these area/s of need?

3. Also, ask Jesus to show you why you haven’t been giving yourself care in this area. Write down what He says to you. Repent if necessary.

~67~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

4. Do you believe that self-care is a selfish act? Why or why not?

5. How closely connected are you with the Father? What are some things that Jesus modeled that you can do, that would increase the connection between you and Father God?

6. Think about your relationship with yourself. Do you speak to yourself kindly? Is your selftalk negative? Do you quickly find fault with yourself and become critical? Ask the Lord to show you the truth about who you are. Then declare those truths over yourself. Write them down here.

~68~

5

BAD THINGS AND DARK PLACES

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

BAD THINGS AND DARK PLACES 1 Peter 5:10 NLT - “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”

Please answer these questions as pre-work before class.

Who do you think gets to receive blessings from God?

In your opinion, what does it mean to be blessed?

Read the following statement carefully.

“Going through a hard time is proof that God is not with me or for me. Hard times mean that God is punishing me, that I’m doing something wrong or that for some reason, God does not love me.”

Have you ever felt like this? Is this how you feel about your current situation? What or who has reinforced these beliefs in your life?

~70~

WEEK 5 — Bad things and dark places

HOW DO WE DEFINE BLESSING? Today’s culture seems to be having a love affair with the word ‘blessed’. Home decor stores and big box stores are filled with signs and accessories that say ‘blessed’. Social media posts have the hashtag ‘blessed’ tagged to photos of a beautiful looking family, an amazing vacation spot, a new vehicle, or some other form of a good thing. With this influx of messaging from culture, we may start to believe that blessing is synonymous with wealth, success, things going well, and picture-perfect ‘good things’.

Blessing can mean many things. The hebrew word barak means: to bless, to speak the intention of God; to be happy with where you are. What does barak look like in the life of a believer?

~71~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

In the New Testament, blessing is the word eulogia from which we get the word “eulogy.” Eulogia means “to speak larger or well of,” or “to speak the intention or favor of God on someone.” 6 What would eulogia look like in the life of a believer?

~72~

WEEK 5 — Bad things and dark places

Phillip Litle says that “blessing is God giving power to something or somebody to do that which they are designed or intended to do.” Blessing is an empowerment by God. Using Phillip Litle’s definition, how have you been blessed by God?

~73~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

Who receives blessing from the Lord?

1. God blesses His children. a. Matthew 7:7-8 - “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

2. God also blesses everyone. a. According to scripture, God blesses the evil and the good. b. Matthew 5:45 NLT - “In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”

Why does God bless us with ‘good things’?

1. Sometimes God blesses us in response to faith. a. There are situations where God will bless his children in response to bold faith.

God says that our faith is worth more than gold and that He rewards our faith. b. Example: We prayed with faith for a miraculous healing of stage four cancer, and God answered us with a miraculous healing of cancer according to our faith. c. Matthew 9:29 d. Hebrews 11:6 NLT - “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

2. Sometimes God blesses us with good things because He chooses to do so. a. This is not connected to our faith or our sinfulness. It is simply God’s prerogative to bless us because He chose to do so. b. God does not operate haphazardly; He has a strategic plan in mind in all that He does. But God’s ways are higher than ours and we may not understand the larger plan. c. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT - “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” ~74~

WEEK 5 — Bad things and dark places

3. Blessings are not a direct indication of God’s favor or approval. a. Many Christians believe that they are blessed because of their closeness to the Lord.

This may be true sometimes, but it is not always true. If God blesses the evil and the good, blessings cannot automatically be taken as a sign of approval, love, or favor. b. Furthermore, Scripture is full of stories of people who were close to God who did not live what we would call a ‘blessed’ life. Example: Job suffered tremendous loss and terrible sickness and physical suffering, Stephen was stoned to death, and Jesus Christ himself was murdered.

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD Sometimes it can appear that God is unjust. Why is one person blessed with a million dollars and another person is living in a dung hut in Africa? Is the millionaire more loved by God? Is God unaware of the needs of the person in Africa? Is God unjust?

If you were asked to defend God in these matters, how would you respond?

~75~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

1. God is the source of blessing and the fullness of blessing. a. “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” b. Numbers 6:24-26 NLT c. All blessing comes from God who is the ultimate source of blessing. However, God himself is the fullness of blessing. God’s presence is unmatched. More than what we need from God, we need more of God. 2. God is good and perfect. a. God is good in all His ways and He is only able to do what is good. b. Scripture also says that God is perfect and therefore cannot make mistakes.

(Matthew 5:48) c. He is holy, righteous, and just. (Exodus 15:11) d. God’s hand is described as a righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) 3. God is for us and not against us. a. Scripture is clear that God is for us and not against us. He is for our good. b. Romans 8:31-32 NLT - “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”

4. God only gives us good gifts. a. God cannot give us a bad gift. When He gives us gifts, they are good. b. Matthew 7:11 NLT - “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” c. James 1:17 NLT - “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

~76~

WEEK 5 — Bad things and dark places

REDEFINING GOOD AND FINDING TREASURES We may need to change our paradigm of what is ‘good’ or what it looks like to be ‘blessed’.

Scripture does not equate good with a million dollars and bad with living in a dung hut.

Difficulties and challenges can be counted as blessings in the Kingdom of God. 1. Good is growing to become more like Jesus, whatever that takes. a. Romans 8:28-29 NLT - “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

2. Good is growing in godly character and transcending our circumstances. a. We learn to live with the character of Christ even through difficult circumstances and through discomfort. “Good” is when the idol of comfort is destroyed. b. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT - “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

3. Good is learning to lean on God’s strength. a. 2 Corinthians 1:9 NLT - “In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”

4. Good is understanding that the presence of suffering does not mean an absence of love.

Suffering can become a gateway to journeying with love. a. Isaiah 43:2 NLT - “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

5. Good is experiencing God in ways that can only happen in the dark and receiving secret gifts of hidden treasures. a. Isaiah 45:3 NLT - “And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.”

~77~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

Think of a difficult situation you have gone through in your life or something you are currently going through. Can you see God working good in your situation? What is the good? Is there fruit in your life?

TAKE ACTION 1. Repent for wrong beliefs.

God, please forgive me for: a. Believing that I know better than you. b. Wanting things my way instead of trusting that you have a better way and good and perfect gifts for me. c. Not trusting you to be a good and loving Father. d. Believing the lie that you don’t love me as much as other people. ~78~

WEEK 5 — Bad things and dark places

2. Repent for any other sins or unforgiveness.

Sometimes bad things happen as a consequence of sin. For example, if I gambled away all of my money, I might get evicted and experience a period of homelessness and suffering. So, I would need to repent for gambling and irresponsibility, etc.

Other times, bad things can happen because I am living in unforgiveness. Unforgiveness gives the enemy legal rights to harass us. Unforgiveness opens the door to hell in my life even if I was not the original offender in the situation.

However, it is important to note that God is not out to punish us. All of God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus at the cross. Therefore, there is no more punishment or wrath for us (Romans 5:9).

3. Declare trust in the Lord and your true identity in Christ.

Lord, I choose to trust you with all of my heart. I will not lean on my own understanding. I choose to acknowledge you in all my ways and I will see you make my paths straight. I declare that I am a deeply loved child of God and that I am indeed blessed by God and with God himself.

Hebrews 5:7-8 NLT - “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.”

Jesus needed to live in dependence and learn obedience while He was here on earth. How much more do we, as children of God, need to learn obedience as well? Jesus modeled deep reverence for God. How do you need to grow in reverence for God?

~79~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

QUESTIONS 1. How do you feel towards God when you’re experiencing difficulty? How do you need to repent/change your mind to line up with God’s truth?

2. How would you define blessing or being blessed?

~80~

WEEK 5 — Bad things and dark places

3. Have you ever felt less valuable or unloved when someone else received the blessing that you were praying for? Using what you’ve learned, how can you process this situation differently?

4. How would you respond to the statement, “God’s favor equals God’s love”?

~81~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

5. As you reflect on your life, what has God taught you through tough circumstances? What secret gifts has He given you in dark places?

6. Think about any current difficulty you are facing. What do you think God is planning on giving you and growing in you through these particular circumstances?

~82~

6

THE GLORIOUS BODY OF CHRIST

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

THE GLORIOUS BODY OF CHRIST Ephesians 1:22-23 NLT - “God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete

by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”

‘Body of Christ’ refers to those who belong to Jesus - those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Faith in what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection is the admission ticket to being part of the body. Every follower of Jesus is part of the body of Jesus Christ.

1. The church reveals the wisdom of God. a. Ephesians 3:10 NLT - “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”

2. The church is alive. a. Christ’s body is a living being made up of many different parts. These parts need to be connected so that they work. Connection in the body is critical for function and for life.

3. The goal is to know God’s love deeply in order to be made complete with fullness. a. Ephesians 3:19-21 NLT - “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”

LIVING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST 1. You are a son or daughter of God. a. Our starting place is to remember that we are children of God. We do not belong to ourselves and we are not orphans - we belong to God and we are His precious kids. b. John 1:12 NLT - “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” c. Galatians 3:26-29 NLT - “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” ~84~

WEEK 6 — The glorious body of christ

d. Romans 8:16-17 NLT - “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

2. Being a son or a daughter of God means you are also a brother or sister. a. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NLT - “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”

If we understand our identity, then we can understand the identity of our brothers/sisters.

• I get to know who I am in Christ, but I also get to polish my brother/sister to help them know who they are in Christ.

• I get to dream big with God, but I also get to help others with their dreams. ºº Helping others actually helps me get to my dreams! Helping others encourages my own internal growth and maturity.

• My brother/sister is my community, not my competition.

• I work in collaboration with my brother/sister. We each do what we can to be part of the body of Christ.

• When my brother/sister is doing well, I get to celebrate because we are a family and we belong to each other! Their health adds to the overall health of the family.

• I never have to feel bad when my brother/sister is promoted or honored. Honor and promotion for my brother/sister means honor and promotion collectively.

• Instead of competing or feeling jealous, I get to live in harmony, interdependence, and healthy collaboration with my brother/sister.

• I get to treat my brothers/sisters with love, honor, and care.

• We have a collective identity as the family of God, which is the Body of Christ. We belong to one another. ºº That means I get to take responsibility for my brothers and sisters when appropriate.

As children of God, we are called to do these things for one another.

• Live in truth and unity. ºº Ephesians 4:25 NIV - “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” ~85~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

• Love one another. ºº John 13:34-35 NLT - “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.

Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ºº 1 John 4:11 NLT - “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.”

• Serve one another. ºº Galatians 5:13 NLT - “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

• Be kind and do good to one another. ºº Ephesians 4:32 NLT - “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” ºº 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT - “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”

• Have fellowship with and encourage one another. ºº 1 John 1:7 NLT - “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” ºº Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT - “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. ºº 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT - “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

• Offer hospitality to one another. ºº 1 Peter 4:9 NLT - “Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”

3. You are a royal priest. a. A priest in ancient Hebrew culture was a highly valued role with very high standards.

A priest is one who ministers to God in worship and ministers to people. Priests would represent men to God and God to men. The priest operates corporately.

Failing to meet God’s standards for a priest would result in disqualification or even death. ~86~

WEEK 6 — The glorious body of christ

b. The priestly roles would include setting up altars, curtains, setting up facilities, greeting people to help them go to the right places, etc. Priests would make sacrifices on behalf of others. In certain seasons, priests did the teachings and the making of disciples. c. Today we no longer need an earthly high priest. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can go straight to the Throne of Grace to receive help in our time of need.

But in His infinite wisdom, Jesus has made us into a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Do you see yourself as a royal priest? What implications does this have for your relationships with family, friends, coworkers, etc.?

~87~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT - “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT - “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

1. As a priest, I am called to worship the Lord. a. Psalm 100 NLT - “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

2. As a royal priesthood, we don’t make sacrifices on behalf of others. a. Instead, we give people the right understanding of the One who made the perfect sacrifice for us. We gather around helping everyone to understand what Jesus did for us through His death and resurrection.

3. A royal priest will help strengthen the body spiritually through prayer and carrying one another’s burdens to God. a. James 5:16 NLT - “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” b. Galatians 6:2 NIV - “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Just as the ancient priests did the practical work to set up places for the people of God, a royal priest will also work to fulfill any needs of the body of Christ, whether it be through setting up facilities, greeting, helping in the parking lot, teaching, etc.

~88~

WEEK 6 — The glorious body of christ

Who is qualified to hear a confession from a brother/sister? Who is qualified to pray for others?

How does this empower you for the kingdom of God?

4. You are spiritually gifted to help build up the body of Christ. a. We are gifted and we are called to serve the body of Christ. b. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. This passage of scripture outlines the importance of using your God-given spiritual gifts. Your gift is unique and equally important to another’s. It is essential to the body that you use your special gift in service to God and to His body. c. Romans 12:6-8 NLT - “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

~89~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

d. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 NLT - “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.” e. Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT - “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” f. Proverbs 27:17 NLT - “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

What gift or gifts do you believe God has given you? What are you doing with what God has given you?

~90~

WEEK 6 — The glorious body of christ

INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Our propensity may be to only have relationships with our peers. However, we must have a sense of responsibility for the next generation and to consider our legacy in Jesus Christ. Learn from those above you and invest in those that come after you. Being a family means having healthy intergenerational relationships.

Titus 2:3-5 NLT - “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not

slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women

must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to

work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.”

5. You are on a mission. a. Jesus was on a mission while on earth. Jesus came to show the world the love of the Father and to seek and save the lost! We join Jesus in His mission as He continues this work through His church.

b. Luke 19:10 NLT - “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” c. John 13:34-35 NLT - “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.

Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

As part of the body of Christ, we are called to testify of what God has done for us and to share

our life-changing story with others! Our testimony of what Jesus has done for us carries great power to release the repeat of a specific miracle in someone else’s life.

d. Romans 1:16 NLT - “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the

power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

e. Revelations 12:11a NLT - “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.”

Help a fellow believer get back on the path with Jesus. Jesus will leave the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one lost sheep. (Matthew 18:12)

f. Galatians 6:1-2 NLT - “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” ~91~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

6. Take your place in a particular church body.

In the book of Revelation, we see that God addresses particular church bodies. He speaks to the church in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Jesus honors and values each individual church body.

There were problems with each church, but there is a sense of calling and purpose to each church.

The church will not be perfect because it is made up of sinful people, but yet we are called to take our place, to be a brother or sister there, to use our gifts there, to be a royal priest in that church body and to be on a mission there.

QUESTIONS 1. What value have you received by being in the Body of Christ? List as many things as you can possibly can.

~92~

WEEK 6 — The glorious body of christ

2. How have you received wounding from the Body of Christ?

3. What is the greatest difficulty in seeing all other believers as your brothers and sisters in Christ?

~93~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

4. What do you have to overcome to take your place in the body of Christ?

5. How has God gifted you to be a blessing to others?

~94~

7

BRINGING THE KINGDOM TO EARTH

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

BRINGING THE KINGDOM TO EARTH Matthew 6:10 NIV - “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Please answer these questions as pre-work before class.

Watch the news or scroll on your phone to catch up on the latest news, both national and global.

How do you think God feels about what is happening in the world right now?

In your opinion, what should God do with the world?

~96~

WEEK 7 — Bringing the kingdom to earth

GOD’S HEART FOR THE WORLD 1. God loves the world. God’s posture is always love because God is love. a. John 3:16-17 NLT - “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” b. God does not favor one culture over another. c. God does not love one nation over another. d. He loves the entire world equally. e. God loves diversity and is not afraid of differences. f. God’s love does not equal agreement or approval of sin.

Romans 12:2 NLT - “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

James 4:4 NLT - “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” 2. God created plans to redeem the world. a. Even though we might be overwhelmed by our sin problem and the sin condition of the world, God is not. b. God is faithful and does not give up on what He created. i. Psalm 119:90 NLT - “Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.” ii. Isaiah 42:3 NIV - “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.” iii. Isaiah 61:3 NLT - “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” iv. The extravagant sacrifice of God’s only son Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s love and plan for redemption.

~97~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

c. John 3:16-17 NLT - “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” d. Romans 5:8 NLT - “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

3. We are an important part of God’s plan for redemption.

God is sending us into the world but we are not of the world.

John 17:16-18 NLT - “They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”

What would qualify as being in the world but not of the world? List as many differences as you can.

Loving the world does not mean agreement or acceptance.

4. Love is not based on agreement. If our ‘love’ is based on agreement, it is weak and unsustainable. We will always have disagreements and different perspectives in any relationship that we have. a. 1 John 2:15-16 NLT - “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” ~98~

WEEK 7 — Bringing the kingdom to earth

Have you felt threatened or attacked by differences, disagreements or different lifestyles and perspectives? If yes, how so? Have you ever been the one doing the attacking? Please explain.

We love from God’s covenant.

The source of our love is God’s love. God’s love is based on His covenant. God made a covenant with this world to love us because of the blood of Jesus covering every single sin and shortcoming.

We don’t have to agree with the world in order to love the world.

Jeremiah 31:31-33 NLT - “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord. “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Hebrews 9:15 NLT - “That is why he (Jesus) is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called may receive the eternal inheritance God had promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.”

What if the world hates us?

John 15:18-19 NLT - “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” ~99~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

We are Christ’s ambassadors.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NLT - “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

Ambassador means “a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative.” 7 Describe what it would look like for us to be Christ’s ambassadors.

WE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH Matthew 5:13 NLT - “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.”

Purpose of Salt: • Salt represents purity.

• Salt is used to cleanse and heal wounds.

• Salt brings out flavors and makes things taste better.

• Salt is a preservative; it can keep food from spoiling.

• Salt creates a thirst (for Jesus).

• Salt stops (moral) decay!

~100~

WEEK 7 — Bringing the kingdom to earth

How can we function as the salt of this world?

What would make us lose our saltiness? (Contamination, Mark 9:50, Luke 14:34-35)

~101~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Matthew 5:14-16 NLT - “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Philippians 2:14-15 TPT - “Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves.

For then you will be seen as innocent, faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights in the universe, offering them the words of eternal life.”

Purpose of light: • Illuminates the darkness.

• Makes everything visible.

• Beacon - warns of danger, directs to safe harbor, offers hope.

• If it is fire - it burns things away, can purify.

How can we function as the light of the world?

~102~

WEEK 7 — Bringing the kingdom to earth

What would cause us our light to be hidden?

PREACH THE GOOD NEWS AND MAKE DISCIPLES Mark 16:15 NLT - “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NLT - “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

~103~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

QUESTIONS 1. If God sees the world with love, what does that mean for us?

2. Have you spoken negatively about the world? What were some of the words you used?

Examples: “This place is going to hell in a handbasket.” “I know God can redeem, but He definitely can’t redeem him/her.” If you have not spoken negatively, have you ever come into agreement with the world and its ways?

~104~

WEEK 7 — Bringing the kingdom to earth

3. Francis Frangipane once said, “Any area of your life that is not glistening with hope is under the influence of a lie.” Have you been carrying any hopelessness about the world? As you consider your perspective on the world, is there any lie that you need to repent for?

4. God says you have been commissioned to be an ambassador of Christ. What qualifies you to do this?

~105~

IDENTITY by Ann Hansen

5. How does the Lord want to use you to be the salt and light to the world?

6. Consider the great commission given in Matthew 28:18-20. How is the Lord speaking to you about fulfilling the great commission through your life?

~106~

ENDNOTES Week 1 1. Keller, Timothy. The Meaning of Marriage. Penguin, 2011.

Week 2 2. Collins, Kenneth W. “Slavery and Sonship”. https://www.kencollins.com/bible/bible-i1. htm.

3. Frost, Jack, and Trisha Frost. “The Heart of Orphan and Heart of Sonship Chart.” https:// shilohplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/slavery-to-sonship-2-jack-and-trishafrost_20081231-093411.pdf Week 3 4. Perlman, Susan. “What is Shalom: The True Meaning.” https://jewsforjesus.org/ publications/issue/issues-v01-n10/the-shalom-of-god-issues-shalom/ Week 4 5. Aron, E. The Highly Sensitive Person. Three Rivers Press, New York, 1996.

Week 5 6. Kirkwood, Kerry. The Power of Blessing. Destiny Image. Kindle Edition.

Week 7 7. Dictionary.com. Unabridged based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

IDENTIT Y Th is course seeks to provide a deeper understanding of what it means to live as children of God, with Him as Father. We will examine Old and New Testament Scriptures that reveal God’s intention and heart for us: to be our Father. We will also examine the life of Jesus and his relationship with Father God, how Jesus lived from a place of intimacy with the Father, and what is available to us as children of God through Jesus Christ. The course highlights specific concepts of the Father-child relationship that include: identity, living under God’s affection, God’s wisdom and protection, a biblical understanding of provision, God’s discipline, growth as a believer, and God’s destiny for His children.

KEY OUTCOMES  Knowledge and understanding of biblical principles and the concept of God as Father  Knowledge and understanding of the revelation of the Father as revealed through Jesus Christ

 Initiation into and/or development of a journey to live with God as Father, with repentance in areas that have been contrary to what is outlined in Scripture  Personal intimacy in relationship with Father God

 Understanding what is available to us as children of God through Jesus Christ

PASTOR ANN HANSEN Ann Hansen is a pastor, speaker, and teacher. She is known for being a joyful, fun, and playful person who carries a deep level of spiritual authority. As the Pastor of Freedom Ministries and Staff Culture at Centerpoint Church, she lives out her passion to help people find freedom and experience activations in their spiritual gifts. Ann has been married to her husband John for more than 15 years. They are the founders of Centerpoint Ministries in Murrieta, CA and Filled to Flow Ministries. Ann is a graduate of UVA and has an MA from Fuller Seminary, where she and John met. Ann launched the Freedom Prayer and Prophetic ministries of Centerpoint Church out of her passion to see people set free and filled with hope.

Ann lives in Murrieta, CA together with John and their three kids, where she spends the majority of her time praying for people for inner healing and deliverance. When she’s not helping people find freedom and hope in the Holy Spirit, she’s most likely to be found scoping out the latest finds at HomeGoods or getting her nails done.

C E N T E R P O I N T S C H O O L O F M I N I S T RY

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