Identity Theft | Episode 1 | True Identity

Duane Sheriff Ministries

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Identity Theft | Episode 1 | True Identity

Grace & Truth

August 15, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 10:10, Acts 9, Proverbs 13:20, 1 Corinthians 15:33

Our culture is suffering from an identity crisis. Duane Sheriff teaches the concept of identity and the spiritual battle against identity theft orchestrated by Satan. Duane explains how crucial it is for believers to understand their true identity in Christ to fulfill God's purpose for their lives. John 10:10 reveals Satan's desire to steal, kill, and destroy, especially targeting our new identity in Christ.

There are three key reasons why understanding our identity is crucial:

1. It connects us to our purpose.

2. It sets the course for our life.

3. It affects the wholeness of our personhood.

Duane shares his testimony, recounting a transformative vision in May 1980 where he saw the death of his old self on the cross and his new identity in the resurrected Christ. This vision changed the course of his life, emphasizing the power of knowing who we are in Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Identity is who we are or who we believe ourselves to be. Our identity connects us to our divine purpose and sets the course for our life. By understanding the death of our old identity in Christ and embracing our new identity in His resurrection, we can move forward with purpose and clarity.

Identity Theft | Episode 2 | New Identity

August 16, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 1 Corinthians 15:45–47, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20

In the second episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff shares his transformative experience of encountering Christ and receiving a revelation of the cross. He describes an open vision he had in May 1980, in which he saw himself inside Jesus on the cross, dying with Him, being buried, and then rising to new life. This vision dramatically changed his life, giving him a deep understanding of his new identity in Christ. This revelation aligns with Scripture. Galatians 2:20 states, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me," Romans 6 speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life. Ephesians 2 describes how believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places. There are three types of identity that people deal with: 1. Short-term identity: traits inherited from immediate family. 2. Long-term identity: our connection to Adam and the sin nature. 3. New identity in Christ: received through the new birth. Duane emphasizes how understanding our new identity in Christ can help overcome insecurities, complexes, and negative self-images rooted in our old nature. He contrasts the idea of having a "high self-esteem" with developing a "high Christ-esteem," encouraging believers to see themselves as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus is the "second man" and "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45-47), which explains how Christ came to reverse the effects of Adam's sin and provide a new master copy for humanity. Through faith in Christ, believers can now live in a "kingdom of justification and righteousness," continually renewing their minds to align with their new identity in Him (Romans 12:2).

Identity Theft | Episode 3 | Adam or Christ

August 19, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Genesis 1:26–28, Romans 7:18, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 5:13–21

In the third episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches a powerful message on the topic of identity in Christ from his book, 'Identity Theft.' He emphasizes the importance of understanding our new nature as believers. Many people today, especially young people, are facing an identity crisis, and Satan uses this to steal, kill, and destroy their purpose and divine design. We have three types of identity: short-term (our immediate family), long-term (either in Adam or in Christ), and eternal (our new identity in Christ). According to Romans 7:18, there is no good thing in our flesh. We are to know ourselves after the Spirit and the Word of God. Duane passionately shares his own revelation of the cross and how it transformed his understanding of Galatians 2:20, where the old self is crucified, and Christ lives within us. Christians should no longer see themselves or others 'according to the flesh' as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:16. We should know each other by our new identity in Christ, breaking down divisions caused by race or the flesh.

Identity Theft | Episode 4 | Identity in Christ

August 20, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 2 Corinthians 5:13–21, Romans 5:14–21

In the fourth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches about our new identity in Christ and its importance for today's generation. He stresses that our children and grandchildren face an identity crisis fueled by a culture that promotes confusion and chaos. This crisis is misleading young minds and targeting their very purpose and destiny. As Christians, we must protect our children's identities and teach them their true identity in Jesus. Our spiritual identity transforms from being tied to Adam, as described in Romans 5:14, to being renewed in Christ. Duane explains that while we inherit sin and death through Adam, we gain righteousness and new life through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new creation is not just a theological idea but a real change in our spirit. Recognizing ourselves and others through the lens of Christ's spirit rather than the flesh is crucial. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 highlights that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has passed away, and new life has begun. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 explains the transformation of the spirit, soul, and body, urging believers to renew their minds and live out their new identity in Christ." Duane encourages parents and grandparents to be proactive in teaching their children these truths to ensure they understand their worth and purpose in Jesus.