“God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” (Hebrews 6:3 NIV)
The modern church stands at a pivotal moment, wrestling with questions of identity that have diminished its strength and impact in a world yearning for genuine transformation. Countless believers move through life unaware of the deep reality of who they are in Christ. However, Scripture assures us that this is about to shift. God’s Spirit is stirring His people to awaken, reclaim their divine heritage, and embrace their true calling as His set-apart followers.
The Call to Spiritual Awakening
The Apostle Paul, with deep compassion for the believers in Ephesus, prayed that they would receive a revelation from God. His desire was that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). Paul recognized that embracing our identity in Christ goes far beyond understanding with our minds—it requires a spiritual transformation that awakens our hearts to the hope, inheritance, and power God has prepared for His people.
Paul reminds us that this very power is the same incredible strength God used to raise Christ from the dead. Consider this: the power that conquered death and lifted Christ to the heavenly places now resides within us. Yet, many of us live as if we lack this power, as though this divine strength is not truly ours. Bridging the gap between what we know to be true and how we actually live is essential for the Church to reclaim its sense of purpose and fulfill its divine calling.
Who Are We in Christ?
A former pastor once remarked to me, “You don’t know who you are.” Looking back, he was right—I truly didn’t. While I understood that I was a follower of Christ, I hadn’t fully grasped what it meant to be counted among His “holy people” nor being called as a minister of the gospel. Over time, step by step and through ongoing acts of faith, I’ve been learning to accept this identity—not as an abstract ideal, but as a real, everyday truth. This spiritual reality is something each of us needs to understand and put into practice daily.
In his letters to the early churches, Paul repeatedly emphasized the believers’ identity in Christ. He addressed them with phrases such as “loved by God,” “God’s holy people,” “faithful in Christ Jesus,” and “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy.” These weren’t just customary greetings; they were powerful affirmations, reminding the believers of who they were and the purpose they had been given. Paul wanted them to see themselves not merely as members of a local church, but as saints—God’s chosen, sanctified, and set apart for His glory.
The Church’s Divine Purpose
God has a magnificent purpose for His Church, one that centers on empowering His people for a divine movement of restoration. We are living in a prophetic time as the Holy Spirit ignites a stirring in believers’ hearts, preparing the Bride of Christ for the return of her Groom. Unfortunately, many local congregations have drifted from this focus, becoming preoccupied with issues such as membership numbers, technological trends, and worship preferences that often prioritize human desires over the direction of the Spirit.
The Bride of Christ must intentionally prepare for her Groom’s coming. This involves equipping the Saints to actively demonstrate the gospel of the Kingdom—not only inside the church, but also out in the world. As the Book of Ephesians teaches, Christ has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the Church to equip His people for works of service, building up the body of Christ (see Ephesians 4:11-12). The Church is meant to be more than a static organization; it is a living, dynamic body with a crucial mission to fulfill in these last days.
Equipping the Saints
Empowering the saints is not a mere option—it’s at the very heart of the Church’s mission. Every believer carries a distinct calling and possesses unique gifts intended to strengthen the Body and expand God’s Kingdom. Unfortunately, many local churches tend to look inward, prioritizing programs and traditions, which can sometimes eclipse the essential task of releasing believers into their God-ordained destinies.
Throughout more than 25 years in ministry, I have personally witnessed how equipping believers brings about remarkable transformation. I have seen individuals who once doubted their purpose rise up to walk confidently in their divine calling. I am convinced that each of you reading this has been chosen and set apart by God for a specific role in His Kingdom. Your significance is equal to anyone serving in full-time ministry. The work of ministry is a calling for all believers—not just a select group.
Living Out Our Identity
Rediscovering our identity in Christ is not a single moment of insight but an ongoing, lifelong pursuit. It involves daily reliance on the Lord, seeking Him for greater wisdom and fresh revelation. As I follow my calling, I keep moving forward, confident that God will continue to unveil His purposes for His Church and for each of us individually. To live as one of God’s holy people is to walk assured of His love, knowing we are chosen and empowered by Him. It means embracing our place in God’s family and stepping into the larger purpose for which we were created. This journey isn’t about reaching a final destination; instead, it’s about persistently striving toward the “high calling” found in Christ Jesus.
A Prophetic Movement of Restoration
I believe, along with many others, that the Holy Spirit is leading the Church into a new era of restoration—a time when believers will stand strong, fully equipped and empowered to fulfill their unique calling. This movement isn’t focused on personal recognition, but rather on the shared mission of the Church to reveal the gospel of the Kingdom throughout the world. Through Beyond Church Walls Ministry, my sincere hope and prayer is that you will discover and embrace your identity as part of God’s chosen people. May you pursue your destiny with assurance, trusting that God has provided you with everything you need for every good work. As we rediscover our true identity in Christ, we become the Church He envisioned—a shining Bride, prepared and eagerly awaiting the return of her Groom.
A Closing Prayer
May the grace, joy, and peace of God fill your hearts as you continue this journey of rediscovery. May your eyes be enlightened to see the hope, the inheritance, and the power that is yours in Christ Jesus. And may the Lord be glorified in you and through you, now and forevermore.
To God be the glory for His marvelous plans and for the privilege of calling us His holy followers. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 