By Karen Polich

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 NASB

Pastor Kevin Linthicum’s sermon series, Real I.D., continued with what it means to be children of God. Listen to the podcast here. Our true identity comes from Him. He is the reason for our existence.

“We cannot begin the journey until we have accepted and embraced our identity in Christ.” – Kevin Linthicum

God’s promise is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be children of God? We must receive Him. When the choice is made to receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God.

We can’t move forward until we have received Him. Below are some scripture references that are clear indicators we have received Him.

• Acts 1:8
• John 13:34
• 1 John 3:23
• 1 John 4:12
• Mark 4:20
• Galatians 5:22

“You are who you are because He loves you.” – Kevin Linthicum

We are given the commandment to love one twenty three times in the New Testament. It’s the hallmark of Christ followers so others will know Him. As believers, our job is to love others without regard for anything else. Love others for who they are and who they can be in Christ.

God’s provision is that we become children of God. The miraculous transformation in your life is not because of who we are, but because of who He is. He has given us the ability to choose. We are not of human making, but of God.

When we take people, places, and things out of our identity and have received Him, our lives become clearly defined by Jesus.

“Have you received the Word? Are you good soil?” – Kevin Linthicum