Identity Theft

Identity Theft | Episode 1 | True Identity

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.

Identity Theft | Episode 5 | Master Copy

August 21, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Romans 5:12–19

In the fifth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff continues to teach about our new identity in Christ, highlighting God's incredible grace. He compares the significant impact of two men on humanity through God's master copy: Adam and Jesus Christ. While Adam's sin brought death and condemnation to all, Jesus' sacrifice brought righteousness and life through God's grace. Romans 5:12-19 illustrates how Adam, as the first representative of humanity, introduced sin into the world. However, Jesus, as the second and last Adam, became the perfect representative, offering salvation through His obedience and sacrifice. We inherited sin from Adam but can now inherit righteousness from Christ. This righteousness is not based on our efforts but on God's grace through faith in Jesus. Romans 5:17 states, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" We are no longer defined by Adam's sin but by Christ's righteousness, saved by grace. Believers are encouraged to embrace their new identity in Christ and to live boldly in the grace and righteousness provided through Him. This new identity in Christ shapes our purpose and destiny in life.

Identity Theft | Episode 6 | Identity Confusion

August 22, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Genesis 1:26–28, Romans 12:2, Romans 5

In the sixth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches on the critical issue of identity confusion, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's true identity in Christ. Satan targets people's identities to disrupt God's purpose for their lives, which leads to unprecedented levels of confusion prevalent in our society today, especially among young people. Christians need to teach their children about their God-given identity, including their gender as created by God. In Genesis 1:26-28 and Mark 10, Jesus affirms that God created humans male and female. Conforming to worldly identities contradicts one's new identity in Christ, citing Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Psalm 139 tells us that God created us in our mother's womb, and Genesis 1:26-28, reminds us that God made humans in His image, male and female. Identity confusion is not a new tactic of Satan but seems to be at an all-time high in today's culture. Many people live their lives under a false identity or an imposed identity, which can hinder God's purpose for their lives. There are various forms of false identities, including imposed identities from family or society and the dangers of identity politics that divide people based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Romans 12:2 shows how we need to renew our minds to avoid being conformed to the world but be transformed by discovering and living out God's will for us. Believers should reject these worldly classifications and instead embrace their spiritual identity in Christ.

Identity Theft | Episode 7 | Salvation

August 23, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Romans 5:14–17, 1 Corinthians 15:45–47, Isaiah 9:6–21

In the seventh episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff continues teaching our new identity in Christ. Drawing from the teachings of Apostle Paul, we explore the contrast between the first man, Adam, and Jesus Christ, the last Adam, to reveal the profound changes that Christ has brought into our lives. Romans 5:14-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 illustrate how Adam's disobedience introduced sin and death into the world and how Jesus' obedience and sacrifice brought righteousness and new life to believers. Adam's sin had widespread effects on humanity; Jesus' obedience offers a solution that restores and renews our lives. In Jesus, we are no longer under the curse of sin but are born again into righteousness, justification, and holiness. This powerful message emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ to overcome challenges and thrive in life. Isaiah 9:6 states the prophetic declaration of Jesus as the everlasting Father of the new creation, revealing the divine plan of salvation and the transition from the old creation to the new. This episode aims to inspire believers to recognize their spiritual heritage and embrace the authority and freedom that come with their new identity in Christ. It offers a deeper understanding of biblical truths about identity and encourages living victoriously, empowered by God's grace and Jesus' finished work on the cross.

Identity Theft | Episode 8 | Born Again

August 26, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Romans 5:14–19, Ephesians 4:21–32, Philippians 4:13

In the eighth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches the contrast between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience and how it affects believers today. Citing Romans 5, he explains how Adam's sin brought death and condemnation to all humanity, while Jesus' righteousness brings life and justification to those who believe. Just as we were born into sin through Adam, we can be born again into righteousness through Jesus Christ. Through our new identity in Christ, believers are now righteous, holy, and more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). God brought forth Jesus through the virgin birth, bypassing man's sin nature. 1 Peter 1:23 describes how believers are born again of incorruptible seed through the Word of God. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies Jesus as both a child born and a son given. While Jesus had a beginning in His humanity, He is eternal as the Son of God. Jesus is the "everlasting Father" of the new creation, not to be confused with God the Father. Through our faith in Jesus, believers can overcome sin, sickness, and the challenges of this world.

Identity Theft | Episode 9 | A Gift

August 27, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 2 Corinthians 5:17–21, Romans 5:17–19

In the ninth episode of Identity Theft, Duane Sheriff compares our new identity in Christ to our old identity in Adam. As believers, we are no longer in Adam, where we were made sinners, but we are now in Christ and made righteous with His righteousness. Focusing on Romans 5:17- 19, we can see how we were made sinners through Adam's disobedience and are now righteous through Christ's obedience. Just as we did not become sinners by our actions, we do not become righteous by our works. Instead, it's a gift received through faith in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This transformation begins in our spirit at the moment of rebirth. At the same time, our soul (mind, will, and emotions) is being renewed daily, offering us a continuous source of hope and encouragement, and our body awaits future redemption. While Christians may still sin, they are no longer sinners by nature. 2 Corinthians 5:21 shows how Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This exchange allows believers to stand righteous before God, not through their efforts, but through Christ's finished work on the cross.

Identity Theft | Episode 10 | New Nature

August 28, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 2 Corinthians 5:17–21, Ephesians 4:22–24, Romans 8:1–2

In the tenth episode of Identity Theft, Duane Sheriff teaches that if you are born again, you are no longer in Adam but in Christ, and you have been radically transformed. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains that Jesus became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. Our righteousness in Christ is not something we earn but is a free gift, as stated in Romans 5. Adam's sin made us all sinners, but Jesus's obedience makes us righteous and sanctified. It's crucial to renew our minds to this new identity in Christ and teach others. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs us to put off the old self and put on the new self, created to be righteous and holy. In Christ, we have a new nature. Even when we sin, we do not lose our new identity. Colossians 3:9-10 urges us to put off the old man with its deeds and put on the new man, renewed in knowledge, after the image of Christ. When we were in Adam, we were dominated by the flesh, driven by our physical senses and carnal minds. However, in Christ, we walk after the Spirit, not the flesh, and there is no condemnation, as Romans 8:1-2 assures us. This new law of the Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin and live a victorious life."Identity Theft" is a call to embrace our new identity in Christ, recognizing that we are no longer sinners but the righteousness of God. We're empowered to walk in holiness and truth.

Identity Theft | Episode 11 | New Identification

August 29, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 1 Corinthians 15:33–50, Proverbs 13:20

In the eleventh episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches our new identification in Christ from a spiritual perspective. Christians have a new identity through our association with Jesus, and it's essential to understand and embrace this truth. Many people, including Christians, suffer from "identity amnesia," forgetting who they truly are in Christ. Believers must break free from imposed identities that may come from family, peers, or society and instead embrace our new identity as children of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This verse underscores the transformative power of our identification with Christ, emphasizing that we are entirely new creations in Him. Romans 12:2 warns against conforming to the world's standards and instead encourages believers to be transformed by renewing their minds. This renewal process involves understanding and living out our new identity in Christ. Our actions flow from our identity. If we continue to see ourselves as "sinners saved by grace" rather than as righteous new creations in Christ, it will affect our behavior and spiritual growth.

Identity Theft | Episode 12 | New Creation

August 30, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 2 Corinthians 5:16–21, Galatians 6:14–18

In the twelfth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane teaches about our new identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5 explains how believers are now members of the family of God and should focus on their spiritual identity, not their fleshly one. The transformation that happens when someone becomes a new creature in Christ. Our old identity, which can include our family background and physical traits, should not define us. Instead, as Paul states in Romans 7:18, walking after the flesh results in spiritual death and negative emotions like guilt and depression. Our true identity is found in Jesus, who gave us a new life and purpose. The fleeting nature of short-term and long-term identities associated with our immediate families and the family of man traces back to Adam. Galatians 6:14-15 emphasizes that what truly matters is being a new creation in Christ and not any earthly or fleshly markers. Our new identity in Christ liberates us from the curses and limitations of our old selves. Understanding this enables believers to experience God's blessings, achieve victory over their circumstances, and maintain spiritual health and prosperity, as mentioned in 3 John 2. Let go of your past identity and embrace the transformative power of your new life in Christ.

Identity Theft | Episode 13 | Reversal

September 2, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Galatians 6:13–18, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 3:23–29, Colossians 1:14–29

In the thirteenth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches the concept of identity theft in a spiritual context. Satan stole Adam's identity in the Garden of Eden when Adam ate from the Tree of Disobedience and plunged humanity into an identity crisis. Thus, all people are born into this fallen identity. Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "second Adam," partook of the Tree of Obedience through his death on the cross. This act reversed the consequences of Adam's disobedience, offering righteousness and eternal life to believers. Our new identity in Christ transcends earthly distinctions such as race, gender, or social status. All believers are fully forgiven of all sins - past, present, and future - through Christ's redemption. Embrace your identity as a saint rather than seeing yourself as a sinner saved by grace. Understanding our new identity in Christ is crucial for our spiritual growth and overcoming sin.

Identity Theft | Episode 14 | Internal Struggle

September 3, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Colossians 1:24–29, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:27

In the fourteenth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches about identity theft and spiritual strife. Many believers struggle with understanding their true identity in Christ, which can lead to inner conflict and spiritual immaturity. Many Christians experience an internal struggle because they do not fully grasp their new identity in Christ. Believers have died with Christ, been buried with Him, and raised to new life. Identifying with Christ's death and resurrection is critical to maturity, overcoming spiritual struggles, and living victorious Christian lives.

Identity Theft | Episode 15 | We Be Tea

September 4, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Philippians 1:19–30, Colossians 1:27, Ephesians 5:18–33

In the fifteenth episode of "Identity Theft," Duane Sheriff teaches that we are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection as believers. This unity signifies that Christ lives in us, giving us hope and a new life through faith. Colossians 1:27 states that "Christ in us" is the hope of glory, and Galatians 2:20 speaks about being crucified with Christ and living by faith in Him. Through baptism, believers are spiritually united with Christ's death and raised to new life, as highlighted in Romans 6 and Ephesians 2. Apostle Paul discusses in Philippians 1 his struggles between living on Earth or departing to be with Christ. Our physical bodies give us authority on Earth to empower us to carry out God's work, spreading the gospel and overcoming sin, the flesh, and Satan. Duane shares his revelation of comparing our unity with Christ to the process of making tea. Tea bags are infused with water, making them indistinguishable from the tea. In the same way, believers are so infused with Christ that we are one with Him in spirit. This profound union means we carry Christ within us and are called to live out His life through our actions. Our role as the "bride of Christ" involves a spiritual marriage with Jesus. This union requires loyalty, faithfulness, and a commitment to living a life that honors God's grace and truth.

Duane Sheriff Ministries

Grace & Truth Broadcast