There’s a field of study called: nominative determinism (name-driven outcome) that says that our names determine our course in life. That behavior flows from identity. That personality is given to us by the names we take up and the labels we adopt or hold on to. Adam Alter, an NYU professor says that “our names take root deep within our mental worlds, drawing us magnetically toward the concept that they embody”. Ultimately, what nominative determination means is that the names we are given, the labels we wear, the things we’ve been called - our identity that we take from all of that - has the power to determine and influence the outcome of our lives.

So what is identity?
The dictionary says that it’s “the fact of being who or what a person or thing is”.

We live in the tension of basing our identity off what the 'world' says we are or off our 'kingdom identity' in who and what God says we are.

Tonight's Takeaway:
YOU ARE NOT DEFINED BY WHO AND WHAT THE WORLD SAYS YOU ARE, BUT BY WHO AND WHAT GOD THE FATHER SAYS YOU ARE.

ALREADY FORGIVEN.
When God extends his mercy and grace to us, He chooses not to harm us in light of our transgressions and we get to be a part of His family and His story because of it - through faith. *see Romans 4:25

Quote:
"He (Jesus) promises wholeness for our lives. In sharing our weakness he gives us strength...He comes to where we are and he brings us the life we hunger for." -Dallas Willard

Put your identity in the fact that you are so valued by God that He sacrificed his Son for you so that nothing could or would come between your relationship with Him. That you are forgiven and released from the chains of your past and what you did or where you came from.
We are new creations if we have accepted Jesus Christ. We have been CHANGED. We have a new heart, a new mind, a new view of relationships and community, and a new purpose on this earth. Our kingdom identity is being established and built as a solid foundation to live upon.

The 2nd thing God tells me is that even though the world may not make sense at times... I need to go back out there because it's my job. (Just like Hawkeye tells Wanda). I have a mission to be about with Christ in this world.

As followers of Christ when we walk out the doors of church every Sunday, we have a mission. We’re called to be participants in God's story, not just spectators. Active Agents for Jesus Christ that bring God’s glory to the world.

God made me who I am - with a purpose, a story, and a relationship with Him - before the thought of having me even crossed my parents minds. I was His child long before I was my parents here on earth.

When we step out that door, be a church that makes an impact in the heart of Tucson for the sake of Jesus Christ. Stand tall when you walk into the world because you are God's masterpiece. He has created you anew in Jesus Christ, so you can do the good things He planned for you long ago (see Ephesians 2:10).

Don’t let the world tell you something about yourself that isn’t true.
Nominative determinism. Let the name “Child of God” determine what it is you embody, not the world. Live a life of KINGDOM IDENTITY INSTEAD OF WORDLY IDENTITY. You are not defined by who or what the world says you are but by who and what God the Father says you are.

NEED PRAYER? ....we've got some of our prayer team and pastors available following service to pray with you. Or you can text the word "prayer" to our phone number: #520-300-9001 to submit your prayer request or submit one via our app. We look forward to partnering with you in prayer.

Join us next week as we have our Ecuador team share some from their mission trip and hear more about God's great heart for people!