They’re Lying to You About Your Identity (A Pastor’s Confession)

Lead Pastor Ed Newton reveals why the world is lying to you about your identity and shares his "Why Not You" framework for breaking self-doubt and finding God's call.In this episode:Ed Newton, Lead Pastor of the 27,000-member Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio, joins Zach Schumaker for a masterclass on biblical identity. Ed shares his unique testimony as a Child of Deaf Parents (CODA) and his transition from a "voice in the silence" to a global voice for restoration. We dive deep into his 2025 book, Why Not You?, exploring the "poiēma" framework from Ephesians 2:10—the truth that you are God’s intentional masterpiece.We tackle the 2026 identity crisis head-on, discussing the "Anointed but not Appointed" gap and why character must always match talent to sustain a calling. Ed opens up with radical authenticity about his 2023 struggle with depression and negative self-talk, proving that your past mistakes and current feelings do not disqualify you from God's assignment. Discover how to reframe your perspective and move from "Why me?" to "Why not me?"About Dr. Ed Newton:Role: Lead Pastor at Community Bible Church (San Antonio, TX).Author of: Why Not You? Breaking Free from Self-Doubt and Living the Life God Designed.Known for: Passion with content, CODA testimony, and next-gen leadership.Education: Doctorate in Pulpit Communication & Expository Preaching.🔗 Connect with Dr. Ed Newton:Website: https://ednewton.com/Community Bible Church: https://www.communitybible.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorednewton/⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: The Identity Lie 01:16 - Why Not You? The Origin of the Message04:26 - Ed Newton’s Testimony: A Voice in the Silence08:18 - Why Your Past Preparation Is Not a Punishment12:38 - The Warehouse Story: Responding to the Nudge14:13 - Repentance: Changing Your Mind to Change Your Life21:33 - Preaching Hard Truths in a Soft Culture31:53 - The "Department of Defense": 100% Accountability40:29 - Reclaiming Biblical Masculinity and Marriage45:48 - Facing Depression: Ed's 2023 Mental Health Journey52:09 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome54:09 - Anointed but Not Appointed: The Waiting Season57:44 - How to Discover Your God-Given Assignment01:00:41 - Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic01:01:13 - Legacy: Preach the Gospel and Be Forgotten📚 Resources Mentioned:Book: Why Not You? by Ed NewtonTheology: The Poiēma Framework (Ephesians 2:10)Path of the Cross Podcast bridges the gap between the heart and the mind through raw testimonies and deep theological truth. Hosted by Zach Schumaker, we explore apologetics, Bible history, and the reality of suffering to equip the whole believer. Subscribe to discover not just what to believe, but why it matters.Check out Zach's other shows:The SchuZ Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOMleLQ1xZNiga5HlLG2dkAThe Iron Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIronCompassShowConnect With Zach and Path of the Cross:Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@PathoftheCrossPodcast?si=I8aPszhY_vvQbvebInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/X: https://x.com/ZachSchumakerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumakerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachschumakerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker/Path of the Cross Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofthecrosspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574915377314Hashtags: #EdNewton #BiblicalIdentity #WhyNotYou #CommunityBibleChurch #ChristianPodcast #PathOfTheCross #MentalHealth #CallingAndPurpose #Testimony #theology #POTCP episode #19