Ep. 176 - Identity Gift

In this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Luke Stehr are joined by Dr. Dennis Wiles for a rich and encouraging conversation about the life of our church and the ways God is moving among us this Advent season.The discussion begins with reflections on the Advent program from the previous night, “The King,” celebrating how worship, story, and Scripture pointed us toward the joy and hope of Christ’s reign. From there, the conversation turns to Dr. Wiles’ Sunday morning sermon, “Identity Gift,” from Matthew 16:21–28.Together, they explore the heart of Advent’s declaration—“Joy to the world! The Lord has come!”—and what it means to flourish together as a church rooted in Christ. Dr. Wiles unpacks the question of identity: Who is Jesus, and who are we in Him? The group reflects on Jesus as a different kind of King, leading a different kind of Kingdom, and how discipleship reshapes our perspective, purpose, and very lives.This episode invites listeners to consider the profound gift of identity we receive in Christ—denying ourselves, taking up the cross, and finding true life by following Him. As Christmas approaches, the conversation encourages us to unwrap this personalized gift from Jesus the King: letting Him save us, shepherd us, and shape us for His glory.Whether you were present for the Advent program and sermon or are catching up afterward, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and truly tell me more about what it means to live as new creations in Christ.