The Sean McDowell Show Why Ignoring God’s Design Is Making Us Miserable
Dec 2, 2025
J.P. Foster, senior pastor at Faithful Central Bible Church and co-author of Finding Freedom in Jesus, dives deep into the identity crisis plaguing our culture. He challenges slogans like "live your truth" and emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. Foster breaks down 21 key identity terms, highlighting that true freedom is found in a relationship with Jesus. He also addresses the decline in biblical literacy and explores how our relationships with God can transform shame into healing, offering hope and direction even in times of suffering.
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Identity Anchored In God's Character
- Identity rooted in feelings is unreliable and vulnerable to lies and strongholds.
- J.P. Foster argues true identity is known by understanding God's character and knowing whose you are in Christ.
Threefold Structure For Identity
- Foster groups identity into created, restored, and confident in Christ to structure formation.
- Starting with our creation in the image of God reframes identity before addressing restoration and confidence.
Turn Biblical Knowledge Into Lived Change
- Move from information to transformation by renewing the mind and applying Scripture.
- Use the book's reflection exercises and Romans 12:1–2 as a practical path from head knowledge to heart change.
