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  PERSONAL IDENTITY
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: God expects each one of us to let Him use us in helping people
to a walk of spiritual blessing and victory, regardless of our age,
background, or experience.

Topics: "Embracing Change", "Personal Identity"
Scripture References: Romans 12:4-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 4:11-13, Philippians 1:6, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Timothy 4:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 4:10

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer addresses the challenge of personal identity faced by new
pastors, emphasizing that congregations often struggle to accept a new
leader who differs from their beloved predecessor. He reminds us that
God's blessings are based on faith and obedience rather than age or
appearance, urging both pastors and congregations to embrace change and
foster a loving relationship. Tozer encourages the faithful to support
their new pastor and highlights the importance of demonstrating faith
and obedience in ministry. He prays for unity and grace between the
pastor and the congregation, reinforcing the idea that God can use
anyone for His purpose.

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CONTENT
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Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in
word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. --1 Timothy
4:12

This problem of personal identity not infrequently troubles the faithful
minister. The congregation has called him as their pastor and teacher,
but the members have a hard time forgetting the saintly predecessor who
died or who was called to another ministry. They find it hard to make
room for the new minister--mainly because he is not enough like the
former one. His voice is different. So are his gestures. His hair is not
gray. His wife is not as friendly.

Be careful! God blesses people for their faith and obedience, not
because they are old or young, bald or gray, pleasant voiced or raspy.
God expects each one of us to let Him use us in helping people to a walk
of spiritual blessing and victory. Not necessarily must we have had a
long record as heroes in the faith to qualify. Jesus, Author of our
Faith, 70.

"Lord, I pray for any of my brothers who may be facing this struggle
today. Challenge the congregation to move on and love their new pastor.
Give grace to the pastor; help him to faithfully demonstrate faith and
obedience. Weld pastor and people together in a deep love relationship.
Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/personal-identity/
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