Who You Are In Christ- You Are Loved

[0:00] Welcome. Thank you for choosing to listen to another word-filled message by David Entry. Preaching is the means by which God manifests His word and nourishes our spirits. May the life of God enter into you and you as you listen to this message. Be blessed.

[0:19] Love. It's only love that can break the chains. It's only love that can break the chain. It's only love. When only love could make a way, you gave your life in a beautiful exchange.

[0:37] The other one, when only love could break the chains, you gave the... And then it talks about how we love you back. That song is very strong. It's an amazing song. When you look at the lyrics, love.

[0:54] Love is very important to now listen to this. When you are a Christian, who you are in Christ is you are Ephesians 1, verse 6.

[1:06] We are all going to read it out together. Alright. Let's read it out together just from the screen. Let's go. To the praise of glory of His grace by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

[1:17] One more time. To the praise of glory of His grace. By which He made us accepted in the... Do you know what it means to be accepted in the Beloved? Do you know what it means to the Beloved? What's the meaning of Beloved?

[1:29] To be loved. Beloved. Someone who is loved. You can say beloved or beloved. So to be beloved means that you have been shabbat with love.

[1:42] That's right. Alright. Now watch this. Job 3, 16 says that for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. So God loves the world. And God is a God of love. But from this text you can tell that He says that He has made you accepted in the Beloved.

[1:56] There are certain people who are... They are objects of God's affection. God's love. Now, I found out recently, which is quite interesting.

[2:09] But God told them in the Old Testament that it's called the Shema. The greatest commandment. The Shema. Thou shalt... Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one God.

[2:20] And thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. For this is the greatest commandment. Alright. Jesus quoted it in Matthew chapter 27 or so. He repeated it.

[2:32] No Matthew 27. Somewhere there. Jesus repeated it. And He said this is the greatest of all commandments. Now, He said thou shalt love the Lord with all your heart, with all... Now, God in the New Testament... Watch this. In the New Testament.

[2:43] Under the New Covenant. And the Grace Period. God loves us with all His heart, with all His soul. So it's the other way around. And He doesn't place...

[2:53] He doesn't say love me first. He says love. When you become born again... Watch this. When you are born again, you are so loved. See, it's the love of God that saved us. Now, look at Ephesians chapter 2.

[3:04] I want you to say something. It's not part of my text. But it's good to see it on this way. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 3 and 4. This is a good one. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 3 and 4 is that... It's talking about our previous condition.

[3:16] How we used to be fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. And we're by nature children of wrath. Can you imagine that? By nature. You are... We are children of wrath.

[3:27] God's wrath was... I thought God loves the world. Yeah, God loves people. But because of our condition, our nature, we only always were attracting God's wrath.

[3:37] Because God cannot stand some things. Some things. He loves us, but we are objects of his wrath. Together with the devil. So anyone who is not born again is just as the status of the devil.

[3:49] So long as the wrath of God is concerned. That is why everyone, including the devil, who is not born again, are all going to hell. Because it was made for devil and his angels. And then the devil managed to get human beings to join.

[4:01] And Jesus said, no, God said, I love you too much. So I'll give Jesus. Anyone who has saved Jesus, I separate you. He zaps you out. Do you understand that? Now, so that's what I said. That's what we used to be. But now we are no more that. Say, I'm no more that.

[4:12] I'm no more that. Right. Just as others. All the others were children of God's wrath. Now go to the next verse. That's a very interesting text. Go to the next verse. Verse 4. It says that, by God.

[4:23] Let's read it together. By God. One more time. By God. Louder. By God. Say it again. By God. You were criminal. You were this. You were that. You were hateful.

[4:34] You were unlovable. You were unacceptable. So many things. You were all the negatives. You were. But God. But God.

[4:45] When you are a Christian. When you become born again. You must understand that there has been a but. But God. So we used to be. That Bible says. But God.

[4:56] The but changed everything. It changed the negative. You said, okay. Now let me show you what God also did. So you were like this. You were like the children of wrath. Without hope in the world. And like every other person. You are bound to frustration.

[5:08] Bound to hell. All that. Bible said. But God. Somebody shout. But God. But God. Shout it. But God. But God.

[5:19] But God. See once you say it. You let the devil hear that your story has changed. The story has changed. The devil keeps telling you. The things you have done in your past. And so what? But God.

[5:31] The devil keeps telling you. That there's no. You will not amount to anything. Because you are already failed in life. And nothing good will come out of you. And you tell the devil. But God. Hallelujah.

[5:43] Hallelujah. But God. Now there. He begins to talk about the qualifications. Who is rich in mercy? Amen.

[5:53] God is a rich man. Yes. He is a rich God. He is rich in what? No money. Mercy. God. Who is rich in mercy? Now you guys said. Because of his great love.

[6:04] With which he loved us. Did you see that? Yes. He directed his love towards you. Because of the great love. With which he loved us. That's why I like singing that song.

[6:16] Your love never fails. Never gives up. And never runs out on me. Bible says. Because of God's great love. Which he has towards us. God's love is not like that one. Great love.

[6:27] Which he had towards us. All right. So. We were saved. We are objects of his love. And watch this. Once you become born again. You are actually then. Ephesians chapter 1 verse 6. You are accepted.

[6:38] In the special class of people. Who are God's. He just loves them so much. His eyes are always on them. So listen. Some of us grew up in circumstances or situations.

[6:48] Where we felt. We felt unloved. Maybe your mom wasn't there for you. When you thought she should have been. Your dad was not there for you. When you thought she should have been.

[6:59] And you have suffered rejection all your life. You have been thinking that people don't really love you. So you are doing everything to. Sometimes you enter a relationship. You do more than meets the eye. Or is required.

[7:09] So that you can just feel loved. Listen. You must settle this in your heart. That once you are born again. You are accepted. You are accepted. Sometimes human beings can treat.

[7:20] Will treat you so much. That you begin to feel. That there is something wrong with me. Maybe I am not good enough. You might have done. What they said you did. But you are not who they say you are. Because God has changed the story.

[7:34] Say I am loved. I am loved. Nowadays. Some people say that. But this is before. They are always dressing nice to church. What should I do? If you are loved. Like the way I am loved. I am a beloved of God.

[7:46] But you see. I am loved. So I carry myself as such. I am not soliciting for people's pity. I don't need it. I don't need your pity.

[7:57] I don't need it. If you know you are loved. You are not soliciting for people's pity. And people's acceptance. Because you are loved. It must get into you.

[8:08] When you are born again. You have to accept that. You are fine. You are beloved. You are accepted in the beloved. Sure I am loved. Sure I am loved. You are loved.

[8:21] You are loved. Then you walk around. You have this in your mind. You are not arrogant. You are not naughty or haughty. But you have this resume.

[8:31] There is something about you. I said last week or so. That employers look for confidence. And recently I met some nursery guys.

[8:43] They came home and they were telling us that most of the government tries to focus on not just what you know. Academia. Your children. They want to start them on self-confidence. Confidence. Because when a child is confident.

[8:55] He can do a lot. He can take on a lot of things. Most of us are timid. We don't have. You don't believe in yourself. You don't believe in yourself. You have to be confident about who you are first in Christ.

[9:12] Who are you? I am accepted in the beloved. And no one can do anything about it. Sure I am loved. I am loved. In 1 John chapter 4 verse 19.

[9:22] It is a nice one. 1 John chapter 4 verse 19. We are all going to read it from the screen. Because it is such a nice one. Have you seen that? Have you seen that?

[9:33] Hallelujah. Let's read it out loud together. Let's go. We love him because he first loves us. Read it out loud again. We love him because he first loves us.

[9:43] Read it again. We love him because he first loves us. Tell somebody God loves you. God loves you. Some people find it difficult to accept that.

[9:54] God loves me. He doesn't love me like the other one. You don't know what you are. If you knew me you wouldn't say that. No. God knows it. There is a song we sing. Jesus lover of my soul.

[10:05] He loves your soul. Well. Your feelings and all that. He loves you. The lover of your soul. People may love you for your money. They may love you for your looks. They may love you for your attitude. They may love you for your beauty.

[10:16] They may love you for your handsomeness. They may love you for your generosity. They may love you for your position. They may love you for all sort of reasons. It's all selfish love usually. But it's only God who just loves you the way you are unconditionally.

[10:30] Say I'm loved. I'm loved. Please accept that. Once you are in Christ you are loved. You are loved. A teacher told them as for you you will not amount to anything. And you say oh look at him.

[10:41] See people do things to marginalize you. You feel rejected. But the Bible says that we are accepted. In the beloved. When it comes to. When God is gathering the very people he loves specially.

[10:54] I am part of them. Amen. See that's why. That's the idea behind this song. Oh when the saints go marching. Oh when the saints go marching. Oh Lord I want to be in the love.

[11:07] That's where I belong. Oh when the saints go marching. So it's necessary to know that I am accepted in the beloved. Say I am loved. You know why you are loved.

[11:17] Because God has a big bat. So in spite of all the issues God comes first with his bat. I love you. He says there's a song I love so much.

[11:27] I don't remember the word it said. It was sung by Michael W. Smith. I am unacceptable. I am unapproachable. I am unmended. I am so many unloving.

[11:40] He said. But I have never been unloved. By God. Never. Been unloved by God. In spite of what this. You know you might have done so bad.

[11:53] It's not God's problem. He loves you. Jesus loves me. This I know. For the Bible tells me so.

[12:05] Whitney Houston. She sang it. It's been sung already. But she also sang it. Because Jesus loves me. Tell someone that Jesus loves me.

[12:17] Jesus loves me. Say it again. Say Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me. So you see. This kind of love. When you understand it. It's a generous response.

[12:31] We love him because he first loved us. So it makes you love him more. The Bible talks about how love is stronger than death. You love him.

[12:42] And when you understand and appreciate your love. You love him more. In 2 Corinthians chapter 5. 1 Samuel verse 14. 3, verse 13. 14. It talks about how. For the love of Christ constrains us.

[12:54] 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 14. Listen to this. Very interesting. It says that. For the love of Christ compels us. King James says constrains.

[13:04] It's making me do something. I have been apprehended by God. And his love makes me do. The love of Christ constrains us. Because we do this. This is how we think. This is our thinking.

[13:15] If one died for all. Then all are dead. So we are all dead. So if he died for all. Then go to the next verse. That's why we live for him.

[13:26] Alright. And. And that he died for all. That. They which live should not live henceforth. Unto themselves. Lie unto themselves. But unto him which died for them.

[13:38] And rose again. Amen. See this is the. So when you understand the love of God. It constrains you to begin to live in a certain way. I love God. Who are you? I'm the beloved of Christ. Amen.

[13:49] I'm loved in Christ. Amen. How many of you believe you are loved by God? How many of you believe you are accepted in the beloved? Hallelujah. If you believe you say I'm loved.

[13:59] I'm loved. The next point I want to make quickly is. Our identity. Who are you in Christ? I am loved. Who are you in Christ?

[14:10] This is a very interesting point. I want to rush to this one. Oh. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 6. It says that. We have been raised up with Christ. And seated in heavenly places.

[14:22] Ephesians. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 3. Sorry. Verse 6. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 6. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 6.

[14:59] Sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. And so you are here. You are walking here. But you have a seat. In parliament.

[15:09] No. In heaven. So when someone says I have a seat in parliament. That means that he has a voice. That's where he belongs. When the parliamentarians meet.

[15:20] He has a seat there. Okay. And the Bible says that you are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Physically you are here. But you are seated way up there. Far above principalities and powers. Don't let anything threaten you.

[15:32] That's for this one. They are powerful. These wicked demons. They are very powerful. They can smash you. You know. So don't go wrong binding them. Binding them. Because they are powerful. They are. You are seated in heavenly places.

[15:43] Far above principalities and powers. It is. It is. It's sad to know that some Christians fear demons. You know. It's demons who fear Christians. Now people who are not Christians. Demons don't fear them.

[15:53] Demons. They just hit them about. Hit them. So. You see. If you are Christian. And someone comes to you. You say demons are chasing me. I say. Come. Let me deal with the demons for you. Pray for their demon. Pray for them.

[16:04] Yeah. Yeah. Pray for the demon to live. Pray for the Christian. For that person. And then tell them that there is liberty and freedom in Christ. So you must understand.

[16:16] That you have a seat in heaven. And you are seated in heaven. That's serious. I am seated together with Christ. Where is Christ? Seated in heaven. He said then you are also there. But.

[16:27] How do you know? The document tells me. My. It's on my birth certificate. It's on my birth certificate. The document said. Ephesians chapter 2 verses.

[16:38] God made us. I didn't make myself. God made us. He raised up together with him. And made us to sit in heavenly places. Together with him.

[16:48] Did you see it in your Bible? Yes. So why do you believe. That God is a miracle working God? How many believe. Oh God can do miracles. Why do you believe that God can bless.

[16:58] Oh because God. The Bible says God is a blessing. Why do you believe that God will save. The Bible says. Why do you believe that. If you are saved. You are going to heaven. Because the Bible says. And the Bible is also saying. That you are seated together in heaven.

[17:09] Because the other one can't believe it. You are. You see. The problem with many of us. Is that. We want. We believe. With our emotion. Or emotively.

[17:20] Emotive beliefs. Like. Oh. It feels good. It sounds reasonable. Maybe. Alright. I feel good about it. No. It's not got anything to do with your feelings.

[17:31] Do you know. It's not very cold in here. Neither is it very warm. But. It's cold. Oh. Really. Alright. Then.

[17:41] You guys sort out there. The. The. The. Little. Little ones say it's cold. So. It's not very. Like. Terribly cold. It's not freezing in here.

[17:53] In our lucky. It's not very hot in here. Right. But it could be. It could be that you step out there. And the sun will be shining very warm. So when I tell you that. It's hot out.

[18:05] Oh. The sun is shining. You can't say. Oh. How would I know. I don't believe it. Because it's cold. No. It's not based on your condition. It's a fact. I'm telling you. So. When the Bible says that you are seated with Christ in heavenly places.

[18:17] The Bible is just trying to tell you a fact. Which you can't know scientifically. It's a fact. That you are seated. What does it mean to be seated? You have a seat there. What. For what? For dominion authority.

[18:30] You understand that. So. You have a seat there for dominion or authority. When you have a seat there. That means. It's a seat of power. It's a seat of honor. It's a seat of authority. So life must be at your command.

[18:42] Anything you don't like in life. Begin to address it. Speak to it. Like someone who is in control. If you are seated together with the Lord.

[18:53] The Lord. The Lord. Some of us have had all kinds of frustrating challenging situations with landlords. So if you are seated with the Lord of life.

[19:07] Then life will be under your control. I see that happening to somebody. Say I'm seated in heavenly places. With Christ Jesus. Hallelujah.

[19:17] Hallelujah. The next thing I want to say is in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12. Chapter 5 verse 20. You have to see this one. Who are you in Christ? 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 verse 20.

[19:30] Oh Lord. Thank you for your word. Now then we are. Whoa. Did you say that? Is that in the Bible? Now then we. Who are the we? We in Christ.

[19:42] They are Christians born again. Now then. We are ambassadors for Christ. As though God did. Beseech you by us. We pray you.

[19:53] We pray you. We pray you in Christ. And be reconciled. Said we are ambassadors. Say I'm ambassador. Say I'm an ambassador. Who is an ambassador? A representative.

[20:06] Of another nation. In another nation. That's what you are. You represent God. In your company. You represent Christ. We are ambassadors for Christ. That's what you are.

[20:18] So that means that the way you carry yourself. You must be conscious of how you carry yourself. It affects the way you drive. You dress. Yes. The way you drive too. It affects the way you react.

[20:30] It even affects the way you treat your wife. And the way you talk to your husband. Talk like an ambassador of Christ. You are representing Christ now sister. How are you talking like that? Is that how to represent Christ?

[20:45] And after talking him down. Or talking your wife down. You say God. I know you are a God of blessing. You see. You didn't represent him well. Now you expect him to show up. So let's represent him.

[20:56] That's who you are. You must understand. We must understand. And appreciate the fact that. I am a full blown representative of Christ. A full blown. A full blown. Bonafide.

[21:07] Authentic. Authorized. You know who an authorized dealer is? If you go and buy something. And you don't buy it from an authorized dealer. Your warranty is really not valid.

[21:17] So. Now guess. Guess what? You. You have been authorized by heaven to represent heaven. You have the audacity to represent Christ. Talk for him.

[21:29] Act on his behalf. And you have his full backing. Did you hear that? Prayer for the sick. He said. These are the signs. That follow those who believe. So once you believe.

[21:40] That's your identity. That is your place. You are an authority for Christ. He said. These are the signs. That follow those who believe. Himanae. They shall cast out demons.

[21:51] They shall speak with new tongues. He said. They should pick up deadly serpents. And it will not harm them. They will not be harmed. If they pick up deadly serpents. He said. If they drink deadly poison. It cannot. It will not harm them.

[22:02] Somebody puts poison in your food. And you need to know. Not that you will do it. You go and take it. Go. Go. Go. Jesus will take care of it. No. I'm talking about. They put. No. No. Watch this. That's what some people are doing.

[22:13] So you know that this food is high. In cholesterol. But I said. You are saying that the Bible says. They shall eat deadly food. And it will not. It will not. You cross all cholesterol out of this.

[22:26] In Jesus name. Go. And I will eat it. Not that sense. All right. So. But then. It says that. If they eat deadly poison.

[22:37] In other words. Some friend. Someone. Paul. Paul was bitten by a venomous. A dangerous snake. In Acts chapter 27. No. 28. Sorry. From 1 to 6. And he didn't die. He just shook the snake off.

[22:49] He sent him into the fire. People were expecting him to die. Because that snake was very dangerous. Venomous. And he didn't die. Now they will change their mind. They say. Ah. This man is a god. He's a god. He's a god. You see.

[22:59] When they see God's power at work in you. They don't have a choice. But say. There's something mystical about you. There's something spooky. This is interesting. They look at you differently.

[23:11] Because you are representing God. Not only by words. But by demonstration of power. Amen. You know who you are. You are an authorized dealer of Christ.

[23:22] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Authorized dealer. So I'm casting out devils. Healing the sick. And blessing people. In Jesus name. Amen. So. We are ambassadors.

[23:34] Of Christ. Say I'm an ambassador of Christ. The next point is. We are fellow citizens. With God's people. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 19. There's a lot in Ephesians chapter 2.

[23:45] Ephesians chapter 2 verse 19. We are. We are fellow citizens. With God's people. We are fellow citizens. With God's people. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 19. Says. Now therefore. You are no longer strangers.

[23:57] And foreigners. But fellow citizens. That. That phrase. Connotes. Community. Fellow citizens. That's why. No one can be a Lone Ranger Christian.

[24:09] You have to be a fellow. So if you don't have fellowship. You are disconnecting yourself. From being a fellow. Authorized fellow. All fellows have fellowship.

[24:22] Okay. So. It says that. The scripture says that. You are. But you are fellow citizens. Citizens. With the saints. And members of God's household. This is serious.

[24:34] I am a fellow citizen. So. When you are a citizen of heaven. Heaven's resources. At your disposal. For your protection. You clap for Jesus brother.

[24:48] You are talking about. God is powerful. God is mighty. God is almighty. God is powerful. He is omnipotent. Yes. All that is at your disposal. To protect you.

[24:59] Because you are a citizen. Of heaven. With the others. And not just that. You are a member of his household. You can just go home. Do household members.

[25:09] Come and knock. At the door. And after knocking on the door. The security man. Or the gatekeeper. Will have to go and check. Can I let you. Your son has come home. He just went to buy food. And he's come back. And should we let him in.

[25:21] No. No. No. You just. You can just go. Usually you even have your own pass. No. Bible is saying that you belong. You are a member in God's household. So you are a bona fide. Constantine and beneficiary.

[25:32] Of everything in church. Don't ever go to church. And feel like a stranger. When we are dancing dance. When we are shouting shout. Feel free. Because you are home. Shout hallelujah. There's no church.

[25:45] I find myself. And I feel like a visitor. No. Unless it's no Christian church. You are a member. So I'm a member. I'm a member. And finally. First John chapter 5.

[25:56] Verse 4 and 5. This one is so heavy. I feel like shaking to say it. First John chapter 5. Verse 4 and 5. This is good.

[26:09] Are you ready for this? For whatsoever is born of God. Overcomes the way. And this is the victory that overcomes the way. Whatsoever is born of God. You are an overcomer.

[26:20] Some haven't gotten it yet. Are you born of God? Then he said you are an overcomer. That means the things that you are going through. You are fighting.

[26:31] It's just temporary. You overcome it soon. That court case. You overcome. That health challenge.

[26:42] You overcome. That marital challenge. You overcome. That financial issue. You overcome. That family crisis you are experiencing.

[26:53] You overcome. Why? Because whatsoever is born of God. Overcomes the will. Say hallelujah. Say hallelujah.

[27:07] Pastor, but I don't experience it. It's because you don't know that's what you are supposed to receive. Now begin walking around. Begin walking around. Expecting it. When you are going through something. And you know you are coming out. It affects your way you handle situations.

[27:21] Because you know that this one too shall pass. It's just a matter of time. I am not staying here. I am not staying in this situation.

[27:32] I am not staying in this situation. Do you know why? Because it's not part of my identity. It is not in us to be held down by troubles. It's not in us.

[27:43] We don't have it. You must look at your situation and say it is not in this situation. To keep me down. You are just. You have an expiry date. And I announce it to you. Your expiry date. See some of us.

[27:53] The situation gets aha so much. Gets into aha. Even when you want to talk. You still feel down. Sometimes. Yeah. There are times you may feel down. But you must learn how to shake yourself out of it.

[28:05] When you cry a little bit. Stop it. Shake yourself. Because the cry won't change the situation. Have you noticed that? Crying doesn't change the story. It doesn't. So when your situation goes bad.

[28:16] After a little bit of cry. Depending on your personality. And your strength. Have a little bit of cry. But you must have this resolve within you. That in spite of what comes your way.

[28:28] You know that you are an overcomer. In spite of what comes your way. You know that you are coming out as a champion. In spite of what they say against you. You know that God will prove them wrong. In spite of what has happened to you.

[28:39] You know that God will vindicate to you. I believe that God is on my side. And because of that. I am an overcomer. I am an overcomer. Shout I am an overcomer.

[28:53] Shout I am an overcomer. Do you believe it not?

[29:04] Yes. Let it entide your subconsciousness. Even when you are asleep. You know you are a general. You wake up. You can give you all these instructions. Because you know it is in you.

[29:14] So you have to believe it. Keep repeating it. And keep thinking about it. Keep pondering. Meditate on it. And let it become part of your existence. The Bible says.

[29:24] Then we see the glory of it. That's who you are. You are not a failure. You are not a victim. You have not been defeated.

[29:39] Check that kind of thinking and mindset. And know. That I am an overcomer. Because he said in the document. My birth certificate said. I am born of God.

[29:50] And the document said. And the fine print. That whosoever is born of God. Overcomes the world. So I am overcoming. I am on my highway. On my way to overcoming every situation.

[30:02] In the name of Jesus. I want you to pray and say. God. I believe in your way. I overcome. Whatever I go through. I overcome. I am your ambassador.

[30:14] And I walk as such. I am a citizen of your kingdom. And I walk as such. Begin to pray right now. I enforce the goodness of God. In your situation. That God.

[30:25] I thank you. I thank you. I thank you for who you have made me. Whom you have made me in Christ. That I cannot remain the same. I cannot remain the same. Because I am.

[30:36] I joined with Christ. I am redeemed. I am loved. I am accepted. In the beloved. I am the object of God's affection. I am the object of God's love.

[30:48] I am loved. I am loved. I am loved. I am loved. By God. Thank you for listening to this message. By David Entry. To hear more from David Entry. Follow him on Facebook.

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