New for fall 2026! Each week I will be releasing the next chapter of my new discipleship book:
Building Your Identity in Christ: A Discipleship Journey
Exploring who Christ is to you, in you, and through you
Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock” (Matthew 7:24, NLT). We will begin building our identity on the solid rock of Christ as we gather puzzle pieces scattered throughout scripture that reveal different facets of Jesus’ identity. As you put together twelve identity puzzle pieces to build your identity in Christ, you will see a fuller picture of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Whether you are new to Christianity and looking for an overview of who Jesus is from Genesis to Revelation or want to mature into the fullness of Christ by learning how to be discipled by the Holy Spirit, you are invited to embark on a journey of discovery that will change your identity and destiny. “And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory” (Colossians 1:27, NLT).
Subscribe to Tilling Ministries or check this page weekly to collect all the puzzle pieces!
Introduction: Building Your Identity in Christ (Click here to read)
Your identity as a branch of Jesus, the Vine. Building your identity like a pizza with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How to use this study to put together the puzzle pieces of your identity in Christ.
Introduction Small Group Discussion Guide (PDF)
Puzzle Piece 1: Jesus, the New Adam (Click here to read)
The seed of faith in Christ makes us a new creation in Christ, the new Adam. Overcoming generational patterns of dysfunction. The process of our transformation by God’s Spirit who makes us his masterpiece.
Puzzle Piece 1 Small Group Discussion Guide (PDF)
Puzzle Piece 2: Jesus, Our Redeemer (Click here to read)
Jesus paid our debt to redeem us from slavery to sin, the world, and the devil. Our new life as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Jesus redeems our past, turning pain into compassion. Forgiving the debts of others.
Puzzle Piece 3: Jesus, the Word of God
The Word who spoke in the Old Testament came in the flesh. Jesus fulfilled the law written in stone so it could be written inside us by his Spirit. The Word has power. Speaking the Word as the body of Christ.
Puzzle Piece 4: Jesus, Our Bridegroom
Our covenant with Christ means we’re securely loved forever. Clothed in Christ as a spotless bride. The seal of the Spirit, our wedding ring, who helps us be Jesus’ helper. Serving Jesus in response to his love.
Puzzle Piece 5: Jesus, the Son of God
No longer orphans but children of God by receiving the Son of God. The Spirit is the deposit of our inheritance. Our Father knows our needs and meets them. Our identity as beloved child, like Jesus.
Puzzle Piece 6: Jesus, the Anointed Son of King David
The Anointed One is trained to lead through suffering and obedience to God like David. Submitting to the crushing of the anointing releases compassion and humility. Taking up our cross to follow Christ.
Puzzle Piece 7: Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus leads us as a Good Shepherd who feeds us and protects us by his name. Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and follow him. Jesus’ sheep care for the physical needs of others.
Puzzle Piece 8: Jesus, the Branch Who is High Priest and King
Our High Priest removed our sins as our scapegoat. Jesus intercedes for mercy. Royal priests are branches of the Branch who help Jesus build God’s Temple. The resurrection power of the Spirit.
Puzzle Piece 9: Jesus, the New Temple
Christ, the Temple who is the gateway between heaven and earth. Worship in the Spirit and in truth. Jesus fulfills every temple object as the way to the Father. We abide in the Holy Place in Christ.
Puzzle Piece 10: Jesus, the Lord Who Heals
Jesus took all our sins and diseases upon himself. By Jesus’ wounds we are healed. The healing ministry of Jesus flows as a river of life from his temple. Faith in God’s goodness releases miracles.
Puzzle Piece 11: Jesus, the Teacher Who Makes Disciples
The Holy Spirit continues Jesus’ work of discipling us. The Spirit gifts us with manifestations of himself so we can demonstrate God’s goodness to others. We grow in grace and humility as disciples of Jesus.
Puzzle Piece 12: Jesus, the Son of Man Who Overcame
Jesus overcame sin, the world, and the devil, so we who are in Christ overcome. The Spirit gives us strategies to overcome evil with good. Warfare as worshipers who are hidden in Christ.
Filling in the Missing Pieces
The paradoxical nature and many facets of God. Learning to accept mystery in our relationship and let God be God. Discerning God’s will for our lives and releasing our plans. Growth in every season.
Daily Discipleship Resources: Remaining in Christ and Walking in Your Identity as his Disciple
(All scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are from the New Living Translation.)