The human intellect cannot comprehend truth.

I want to share how I’ve come to understand and experience the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus, in my life.

I was born in Adam, the first man. This means I was born into sin, under the law of sin. I do the things I do not want to do, and I do not do the things I want to do. Through faith, however, I know that I was crucified with Christ. It is a historical fact. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This captures the essence of my transformation.

Now, I live by faith, resurrected in Christ. Romans 6:4 tells us, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” In this baptism, I was united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This is a profound spiritual reality. As such, I am born in Christ, the second man, and I am a child of God, walking in the Spirit.

This transformation defines who I am. My identity in Christ is so integral to my being that I cannot separate it from my actions. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This is the heartbeat of my life. When well-meaning friends advise me to stop praying or suggest that my devotion to Christ is excessive, I find it impossible to comply. To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Because of this, some people dislike me, many misunderstand me, even more think I am foolish and mock me and scoff at me. And a few love me in a way that transcends human capacity. Jesus said in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

This has been my experience.

I live under the law of the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit, and being led by the Spirit. The Spirit empowers me to live a life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Spirit has testified to my spirit that I am a child of God. This assurance fuels my faith and drives my commitment to live for Christ in everything I do.

So, I come before you today to give you this testimony: I am a child of God. This identity shapes my life, my actions, and my purpose. It is a journey that is uniquely mine, but it is also a journey that is common with anyone who seeks to truly know and follow Jesus.

I am a sinner in need of a savior. I was born in Adam, but was crucified, died, and was buried through Christ. Today, I am born of Christ.