“Finding Your True Identity: Standing in Christ’s Finished Work” - Joe Stepp - Mother’s Day, May 11th, 2025

In this powerful Mother's Day message, guest speaker Joe Stepp addresses the crisis of identity plaguing our culture by directing us back to our true standing in Christ. Drawing from Romans 5:1-5, Stepp reveals how believers have been justified by faith, giving us an unshakable spiritual position that includes peace with God, access to His presence, and the privilege of standing in His grace. With passionate delivery and practical insights, he challenges us to live according to our true identity rather than allowing the world to define us. Stepp reminds us that even in suffering, we can rejoice because it produces endurance, character, and hope—all sustained by God's love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This encouraging message invites us to reset our thinking and relationships based on the finished work of Christ rather than our feelings or circumstances. Key Scripture References: Romans 5:1-5 - Our justified position in Christ and rejoicing in suffering Romans 4:22-25 - Abraham's faith counted as righteousness and its application to us John 8 - Jesus facing attacks on His identity Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ" James 1:2-4 - Count it joy when facing trials John 14:6 - Jesus is the only way to the Father Hebrews 4:16 - Boldly approaching the throne of grace Psalm 23:4 - God's presence in the valley of the shadow of death 1 John 5:13 - Knowing we have eternal life Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit intercedes for us according to God's will