Anchored In Grace Marriage Podcast

Who we are according to the book of Ephesians

Eric & Sharris Nicholson Season 1 Episode 12

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0:00 | 34:01

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You’re warmly invited to join us for our podcast, Who We Are According to the Book of Ephesians.

Have you ever felt insecure—wondering if you’re enough, if you truly belong, or if you’ll ever measure up? You’re not alone. In this episode, we open God’s Word and discover the truth of who we are in Christ. When our identity is rooted in Him, the lies of the enemy lose their power, and our faith, confidence, and hope are strengthened. Come be encouraged, reminded, and anchored in truth as we learn how to stand firm in who God says we are.

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SPEAKER_01

Welcome back to Anchored in Grace, where we help individuals, couples, and families stay firmly rooted in God's truth.

SPEAKER_00

Today we are dealing with a topic every believer needs. Who are we according to the book of Ephesians? Who are we? We want you to learn who God says you are according to his word. That's really, really important.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

So Charles, how are you today?

SPEAKER_01

I am doing great. How are you?

SPEAKER_00

You know, I'm excited about this holiday season and really excited about just how God has been blessing us and blessing our family, and just excited to drop this podcast before the new year.

SPEAKER_01

Amen. I love that. God has been just doing many beautiful things, many blessings in our lives, and just a lot of elevation and just favor, wisdom, you know, and as these holiday seasons approach, um, we're doing this podcast because we want you to know who you are based off Ephesians, you know, and um that's really important. So let's you know, let's go ahead and start off with prayer so we can get dive right into this podcast, okay? So, Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time together. Thank you that you love us and you have chosen us, redeemed us, forgiven us, adopted us, and sealed us by your spirit. As we open your word today, Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see who we are in Christ. Help us to receive your truth deep in our hearts so that when trouble comes, when the enemy tries to lie, we will stand firm, firmly rooted and anchored in your grace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. Amen. Reminds me of a song today that we were I was listening to, where it was talking about the devil is a liar.

SPEAKER_01

I know that's right.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I love that song, you know.

SPEAKER_01

Yes, me too, me too. So we're gonna talk about you know why this topic really matters, you know. And for all you listeners out there, have you ever felt insecure? Like maybe you're not good enough that you really do not belong, or that you'll never measure up. That's most of us, right? Amen. So most of us have been there sometime in our life, and when we're unsure about our identity, the enemy can whisper lies that shake our faith, our confidence, and our hope. That's why understanding who we are in Christ is so important. When we know our identity according to God's word, we will not be easily fooled or shaken. We can stand firm. Amen to that.

SPEAKER_00

Amen to that.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

And you know, this topic is super important to me and really kind of stood out to me when we watched one of the Kendrick Brother films, The Overcomer.

SPEAKER_02

The Overcomer.

SPEAKER_00

If you've never seen that movie, make sure you watch it because they really explore the topic that we're going in today that we're gonna dive deep into on knowing who you are in Ephesians.

SPEAKER_01

Amen. Yeah, it's a great movie.

SPEAKER_00

Great movie. And you know, today we're exploring what the book of Ephesians says about our identity in Christ. Amen. Amen. What God says about us when we belong to Jesus, and we all belong to Jesus, um, these truths aren't based on our performance or emotions or circumstances, they're rooted in what God has already done through Jesus Christ. He's done it all. Amen. And when we build and when we hold on these truths, Satan lies or loses his power. He loses power. And it's just important to know that that you know God has already beared this on the cross, and he's already dealt with all this stuff. Satan has no real power, all he has is head games.

SPEAKER_01

That's the truth. So um, we're gonna go into the next segment, you guys, and this is chosen and blessed. Okay, so in Ephesians 1 and 3, it says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1, 4 through 5 says, just as he chose us, chose us in him before the foundation of the world, in love, he predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. Amen. And you know, these baby. Okay, and you know, this is super important, you know, because these items we're going through we're gonna go through seven seven very important things that God says who we are in Christ here in charge just named off the first one, and what this means, God chooses us before creation, not because of what you can offer, but because of his love. God's love is free, his gifts is free. There's nothing you can do to earn the gift of salvation. God freely gives it to you. You're already blessed, you have all you're already accepted, and you're already chosen. God has chosen us, and I really, really want you to get that in your spirit. Don't allow the enemy to make you think that you're anything less than blessed, accepted, and chosen. You are all those things already.

SPEAKER_01

Right, amen. I love that. Know that you are chosen, right? And you're also redeemed and forgiven.

SPEAKER_00

And redeemed and forgiven, amen.

SPEAKER_01

Number two, number two, yes. In Ephesians 1 and 7, it says, in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses. Yes. So if you think about we have redemption through his blood, he already shed his blood. All right. So we gotta stop worrying. We gotta stop being hasty, we gotta stop trying to do different things that we ain't got no business being in, right? We gotta just give it over to God because he's already redeemed us through his blood.

SPEAKER_00

Redeemed.

SPEAKER_01

Okay, so Jesus paid for you with his blood. You are forgiven, you are no longer defined by shame or past failures. And I think that is a really big one. We get stuck on our past and we get stuck, you know, and it's so important to know if God has already done something for you, he's redeemed you, he's already covered you in his blood, you're under his covering, and it is so important as Christians that we truly believe what do you believe what God can do? You know, that's something in our family we say often when we start to doubt or have anxious thoughts, right? Because we all have done it, but it's important for us to understand what do you believe God can do? Because he's already done everything for us on the cross, right? And and so much more. So just remember you are no longer defined by shame or past failures.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. All your sins have been washed away, been washed away, amen. Amen. And uh number, oh, I'm sorry, Sharon. I'm about to jump in.

SPEAKER_01

You're good, babe. And uh, number three is adopted, adopted God's children. Okay, so this is Ephesians 1 and 5. It says predestined to adoption.

SPEAKER_00

Predestined. I like that one. You belong to God's family. You hear that? It said predestined to adoption. You already belong to God's family. That's right. You are deeply loved, fully accepted, permanently embraced by the Father. You know, I don't know. There are some beautiful people out there who adopt children every day, right? And when you it takes a lot of love to adopt someone that is not yours. God loves us so much because He is, we are His. He created us. And He adopted us as Gentiles in just like the chosen um Israelites. You know, we are adopted and we have the same rights that they do.

SPEAKER_01

I know.

SPEAKER_00

So it's just a beautiful thing. A beautiful thing that that's how much God loves us.

SPEAKER_01

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

Mm-hmm.

SPEAKER_01

I love that. And number four, I love, is we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. And that comes from Ephesians 1, 13 through 4. It says, sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, a pledge of our inheritance. Uh-oh. Y'all hear that? Y'all always be talking about streets paved with gold. Well, it is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, a pledge of our inheritance. So that that's another confirmation for you.

SPEAKER_00

And when adoption comes, inheritance.

SPEAKER_01

Inheritance. There you go. Amen. I love it. So the seal means protection, ownership, identity, and guarantee. Nothing can break the seal. God's place on your life. Nothing. And that seal is, you know, if you're adopted, it's your new last name.

SPEAKER_00

Amen.

SPEAKER_01

You are remade new, right?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. There's nothing that we can do that could separate us from the love of God.

SPEAKER_01

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. Amen.

SPEAKER_01

I know you like this next one, Eric.

SPEAKER_00

Yes. Save by grace, not works. And Ephesians 2, 8 through 9. For by grace you have been saved, not as a result of works.

SPEAKER_02

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. Amen. And you know, this always reminds me of the Pharisees in the Bible. They worked so hard to be seen doing things, but they truly never had a heart to serve and accept the king that was coming, Jesus Christ. And they were the ones that worked so hard to destroy, try to attempt to destroy what he was doing, but they failed. You know, because their hearts was not right. You know. So it's important to learn from their mistake. Your identity isn't earned, it is received. You don't have to strive for God's approval. You already have it. God loves you. He just wants our worship. He just wants our praise. He wants our authenticity.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

That's what we need to give God every day.

SPEAKER_01

That's so good. I love that. And number six is God's workmanship. Created for purpose. We are created for purpose. I love this. You know, in Ephesians 2 and 10, it says we are his workmanship. Amen. And you are God's masterpiece. Everyone listening, you are God's masterpiece. So know that. Know that you are made special. Know that you are made anointed. You know, you have God's touch. Um, you are created with intention, purpose, and divine design. That's right. So we are all created by God, but all of us are different. So we have so much to bring because we all have a different purpose in life. Amen. So walk in that purpose. Walk in it. Know that you are created with the divine design. That's absolutely beautiful.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. I love it. I love it. I love it. And number seven, seat it with Christ. Seated with Christ. We said right next to him on the throne, right next to Christ. Ephesians 2 and 6. Raised and seated with him. Amen. Amen. Your position is victorious. You fight for from victory, not for victory. We've already won the battle. He's already won it for us.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

So we're we're not we're fighting from victory, a place of victory that we've already won because he's already done it for us. It is done. It is finished. So just praise God in your victory every day.

SPEAKER_02

Every single day.

SPEAKER_00

No matter what your circumstances look like, in the moment, just know that God has already worked it out for you. He has worked it out. Those troubles that seem like they're never going to get better, those difficult situations. He's worked it out. He's done it. And you will have victory if you put your faith in him and you trust him. You have to do that. Amen?

SPEAKER_01

Amen. Love it. So now we're going to talk about why knowing our identity protects us. Okay? So why does this matter? Because when we don't know who we are, we are vulnerable to every lie, accusation, insecurity, and attack.

SPEAKER_00

Right? Mm-hmm. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. And the first one here says, when Satan says you're nothing, God says you're chosen.

SPEAKER_01

Amen. And when Satan says you're guilty, God says you're forgiven.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. When Satan says you're alone, God says you're adopted.

SPEAKER_01

When Satan says you're unprotected, God says you are sealed. Amen. So when you know your identity, you walk with confidence, freedom, and authority. You no longer chase approval. You live from identity and you stand strong in spiritual warfare because truth is your foundation.

SPEAKER_00

Amen.

SPEAKER_01

That's so good. It is. I love that. I I absolutely love that. So I think you know, you guys really go back and listen to this, slow it down, write it down, put it on a post-it note for so when you're starting to walk into 2026, when somebody says you're nothing, hey, my God says I am chosen. You know what I'm saying? When Satan says you're guilty, God says that I'm already forgiven.

SPEAKER_00

I'm forgiven.

SPEAKER_01

When God Satan says you're alone, God says you are adopted. And when Satan says you're unprotected, God says you are sealed. So walk in that. Walk in that with boldness and confidence. And know through the scriptures that we read that you are seated right next to him in Ephesians 2 and 6, and that your position is victorious. So if you are a person who fights from you fight from victory, you already know you're walking in confidence. That's right. You're walking in kingship and queenship. That's right. And walk in your authority that God has given you so much. We have so much power with God, not by ourselves, but with God. Remember that. And walk boldly in confidence, freedom and authority.

SPEAKER_00

That's right. And if you get this in your spirit, it will free you from the bondage of feeling like you are unworthy. That bondage of feeling like I'm ashamed. You know, we God wants you to be free from that. He doesn't want you walking around feeling that way because he loves you. And because he gave you this gift, he wants you to know who you are, what you are in him. You are special. God made each individual, and the Bible says that God wrote love notes that numbers the uh amounts of the kernels of sand for each individual that he's ever created. Yeah. So I want you to think about how many people in this world has been created, and God has written a love note for every grain of sand for every individual. He loves you.

SPEAKER_01

Now I don't know if any of you guys have ever been to the beach, but I know when I've gone to the beach and you picked up some white sand in your hands, and like when we were in Aruba, you picked it up, and it was just, I mean, that was a lot. And one hand, that's my hand. Yeah. That's just my hand, and my hand wasn't even completely full. That's right. Right? So, and there's thousands, hundreds, thousands of yards, you know what I'm saying, of sand just on that beach. Okay, so that's just one area. Okay. So that that should show you how big God is and how much he loves us.

SPEAKER_00

He loves us, he loves us, and he loves us so much. Get to know his promises.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

You know, so here's some reflection, some homework for you guys. And the first one here says, read Ephesians chapter 1 and 2, and I want you to do this. I want you to sit down, I want you to take your time, I want you to get out a highlighter.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

And I want you to highlight, because you know you got a good old Bible that you bought, it's even better when you start highlighting it. You know what I'm saying? Highlight every phrase about who you are in Christ. Highlight it so that you can come back to it, so that you can get it in your spirit, so that you can get it in your heart, get it in your mind, so you do not forget who you are in Christ. Amen.

SPEAKER_01

And then number two, journal, you know, what truth stands out the most right now. So what truth stands out the most right now out of that scripture, right? And out of those scriptures. So make sure you, like Eric said, highlight. You know, if you stand in on one thing, you stand on that thing, okay? Be confident in everything that you're saying there.

SPEAKER_00

And just know that God's word cannot lie.

SPEAKER_01

That's right. It doesn't return voice.

SPEAKER_00

It cannot lie. It cannot lie. Um, you know, there's uh um Moses was uh on the mountain arguing with God about the children of Israel, their hard-headedness. And this is such a crazy thing to me when I think about this, that Moses used God's word against God. And that sounds crazy, but he God was ready to destroy the children of Israel. He's ready to shut them down for their disobedience. But God, he reminded him about his word and what he said and made God change his mind. Because God said that my word does not return voice. What I say is what it is. That's how powerful God's word is. That it cannot be changed, it it cannot lie. So I just want you to understand when God says you're something, it can't, that's no lie. No matter what you're being told in your spirit from the enemy, know who you are, and that that is no lie.

SPEAKER_02

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

You know, when God says you're chosen, you're chosen.

SPEAKER_02

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

You know, when he says you're loved, you're loved. You know, so just remember that. Stand on that. You know, create your own identity declaration using these scriptures. I am chosen, I am forgiven, I am sealed. Write it on your heart so that you do not forget it.

SPEAKER_01

Amen. And I guarantee you you're gonna walk into your new year with a whole new identity, a whole new makeup of who you are because God said so. So the next one, speak it out loud this week. When when in doubt or fear attacks, you know, speak it out loud, God. I'm forgiven. I'm sealed, you know. Just speak those, speak encouragement over yourself. That is so important. Don't get down in the dumps, don't let people bring you down, you know. Stay in a positive attitude because God doesn't that when you start doing that and reverting, we're not trusting in God anymore. Right? But God said, I gave you these promises, but we are no longer trusting. In God. And we had a good conversation about that the other day. It's like when you start to don't don't say, God, I'm believing for this, but then be like, I don't, I don't even think I can get it. I haven't got it yet. I mean, that's that's two-sided, right? I'm excited, but I'm not good enough to get it. I had to change my thinking, I had to change my words, you know. I'm always a super positive person and uplifting, but I notice I can seep down into my own fear attacks, right? And doubt and disappointment. So I had to stop, and my husband reminds me often like, hey babe, you're not trusting God right now. You know that you're chosen, you know that God got you. Like, God got you. If he says you're chosen and you're forgiven and you're sealed, and you will be blessed, you will be blessed. You will be blessed, and I have to walk in that. So I had to shift my my thinking, my my heart, and Eric does it too, you know. So we we are just like you guys, and we are no different. We are definitely not a perfect people, yeah, and um, with God, all things are possible, yeah, you know, and that's where we put our faith, our trust.

SPEAKER_00

And when I get down, I just gotta remind myself that God's word cannot lie. That's right.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

You know, it can lie. That's right. You know, and when you do get this in your spirit, when you do get excited about this, we want you to share it with another believer. We want you to encourage each other in identity.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

God's identity is the identity that we want to adopt, that we strive to want to live in us. So share these things. Share these things boldly.

SPEAKER_01

That's right. Even share with a non-believer.

SPEAKER_00

Share it with, and that's what I'm saying. Share it with everybody.

SPEAKER_01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

You want to share it with everybody because you want this in their spirit. The more you share, you you're planting seeds. Seed planting is important to Shara and I.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Whether people want to hear it or not, we plant it in our kids' ears all the time. These are things that you are.

SPEAKER_02

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

With the knowledge and wisdom, knowing that these seeds that have been planted will grow because God waters them.

SPEAKER_01

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

And they will grow. They will grow, they will grow roots where you bury them.

SPEAKER_01

So stand on that. I love that. Awesome. I love that. So when we um when you guys return back at our next episode, um, what identity statements did you create?

SPEAKER_02

Right? Yeah.

SPEAKER_01

Um, what truth changed your week the most? Mm-hmm. You know, did knowing your identity impact a situation, relationship, or mindset? Yeah. And then read key passages together again for reinforcement because these things are so impactful, you guys, on the passage of God's word and what he has for us. So definitely, definitely, please, please read, you know, Ephesians 1 and 2 and chapters 1 and 2 and know who you are. Define who you are. Look, highlight, yes, the promises that God has given you. Um, and it's you're gonna see a change in your life. I I can speak that over you right now because I already know when I do it myself or when Eric does it, and we pray in agreement and say, God, this is who I am. You start to mature naturally into the presence of God and understand what He has for you and your promises. You start, you're not thinking of the doubt, you're not thinking of, I gotta pay this bill, or oh man, my kids are acting up. I can't worry about my kids acting up because you know what, I've already put them in the hands of God. Everything. You know, people always be like, Man, your kids are so well behaved. Yes, they are, because you know what? They are under the covering of God. That's right. And the blood of Jesus. And I just I thank God for that, you know, because I don't sit there and worry about my kids. No. Like I used to when I was younger. No, you know, I just know that my kids are covered by the blood of God. They make good decisions, you know what I mean. They do step out on faith by, you know, doing different things in their life. And I I I thank God for that because it's it's not a a worry or a hassle or anything like that. But I just know that they are covered, you know. So those are my kids that were chosen by God, right? And so that's those promises, and they know that, right?

SPEAKER_00

Amen. And and know that words have power.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

What you speak in yourself, what you speak in your children is what will grow.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

Because I had someone tell me that, you know, you know, you understand, you know, when your children go through these things or do these things, but for me, I'm not speaking that my children will go through anything.

SPEAKER_02

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

You know, not to say that they won't, but I'm speaking in faith that I know that my children will be blessed. They will be covered, you know, they won't go through those things because they are chosen. You know what I'm saying? And it's about what you believe and what you speak on them. What you pray. I know my mother prayed over me. I know my mother-in-law prayed over my wife and her girls. Oh, yeah. My mother prayed over my siblings. It's prayed. My grandparents prayed. That's right. Charles' grandparents prayed. When you pray and you pray for the next generation, because we're already praying for generations in the future to come that we may never meet, but we're praying that seeds, we're putting seeds down for them already. That's right. Because we're believing what God will do for them and knowing it. Because we know what He's done for us.

SPEAKER_01

Amen.

SPEAKER_00

So you gotta speak it into existence.

SPEAKER_01

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

Because if you speak negatively, that's what you're gonna get.

SPEAKER_02

That's what you're gonna get.

SPEAKER_00

You know, so I I'm just not I'm not like everybody. My pastor said something about I'm not I'm special. What'd he say? I'm I'm different. You know what I'm saying? I'm not like everybody else. That's right. Some people choose to accept certain things, but I'm not, because I know that I'm special. I know I'm chosen.

SPEAKER_02

That's right.

SPEAKER_00

And I I refuse to have that mindset, that's right, that attitude of there's gonna be failure there. Because I I don't have to receive that failure, I don't have to accept failure. I speak nothing but kingship and blessings and and authority in the lives of my children.

SPEAKER_01

I know that's right.

SPEAKER_00

You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_01

Amen. To that, amen. I love that. So, you guys just stay encouraged, and we love you guys, and we appreciate you guys supporting us in our journey, and 2026 has a lot coming for us and for you as well. So walk in your promises that God has given you, amen.

SPEAKER_00

And let us close in prayer, Father. We thank you for choosing us, yes, God, amen. Adopting us, forgiving us, sealing us, and seating us with Christ. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Help us to live from live from identity, not insecurity. Thank you, Jesus. Strengthen us to reject every lie of the enemy and stand firm in your truth. You hear that? Hallelujah. I'm gonna say that one more time. I gotta run that back. Strengthen us to reject every lie of the enemy and stand firm in the truth. Hallelujah. That just sits in my spirit.

SPEAKER_01

That's so good.

SPEAKER_00

And God, I just thank you in Jesus' name. I thank you, Lord. I thank you. Amen and amen.

SPEAKER_01

That was powerful, man. I love that.

SPEAKER_00

God is good.

SPEAKER_01

God is good. Reject every lie.

SPEAKER_00

Reject every lie.

SPEAKER_01

Yes.

SPEAKER_00

Amen.

SPEAKER_01

It's kind of like uh um, you know, it reminds me of when you said that. It was like kind of when I used to work at the bank, uh, you know, people try to deposit their money through the ATM, and if it's all wrinkled, it's gonna reject, right? And if it's wrinkled, it means it ain't coming in right. Right. So it's rejecting you. So think of it like that as an analogy there for you. Um, so reject every lie of the enemy and stand firm in your truth. I love that in your prayer.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. Amen.

SPEAKER_01

Love it, love it. So also just reminding you guys the one who anchors you in grace is also holding you in his love and his peace. So we love you guys. We hope you guys have a happy holiday and um many blessings to you guys in the new year. So we just thank you for that.

SPEAKER_00

Amen. And I just want to remind you guys of this scripture because it's one of me and Shirus' perfect script favorite scriptures. Okay. It's 2 Corinthians 10 to 5 and 5. And it just says, we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take cap, we take it, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Read this scripture and get it in your heart, 2 Corinthians 10 and 5.

SPEAKER_01

Amen. Alright, would you like we said again? Please like, share, subscribe, turn on your alerts so you know that you have a new podcast coming your way.

SPEAKER_02

That's right.

SPEAKER_01

And you don't miss it. So make sure you share this. Share this with somebody, you know, who is in need of some encouragement. And um, we just thank you guys for all of your support, and we love you guys. And until next time, we will see you guys later.

SPEAKER_00

And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

SPEAKER_01

Happy New Year.

SPEAKER_00

Blessings to you.