Matt Armstrong Online: My Identity in Christ

Matt's Musings

Matt Armstrong

Matt Armstrong is the executive director of Crossroads Kids Club and the founding pastor of New Hope Community in Streamwood, Illinois. Matt is married to Adriana, and together they have two children, Graciela and Abigail. He and his family have lived in Streamwood since 2004. Both Matt and Adriana are extremely involved in the community. Adriana serves as a park district commissioner, and Matt is the president of the Kiwanis Club.

Matt graduated from Wheaton College in 1995 with a B.A. in elementary education. He became a bilingual (Spanish) teacher in Melrose Park and then in Bensenville, teaching grades K, 1, 6, and 7. In 1998, Matt left teaching to become the director or Crossroads. Crossroads is a ministry that serves children through after school clubs and summer camps as well as by providing students various service opportunities and special events. Crossroads is a neighborhood ministry that is focused on the children of Streamwood and Hanover Park.

It was through the work with Crossroads that Matt and Adriana developed a vision for a new neighborhood church. In 2002, Matt was ordained to the ministry by Souled Out in Mount Prospect. In 2007, Matt received an M.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry from Wheaton Graduate School.

When not engaged in ministry, Matt enjoys spending time with his family (biking, going to a park or a museum or just hanging out), jogging, and reading.

People who know Matt describe him as a catalyst or an activator because he is always starting something new. “One of my favorite quotes," says Matt, "is from the famous missionary William Carey who said that we should, 'Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.' That is how I want to live my life. I want to be someone who is not afraid to take bold risks for God because our God is big, and I have seen him do awesome things in my life and in the lives of others. Serving him is the adventure of a lifetime. I am passionate about our New Hope and Corssroads because we want to help people join in on the great adventure of living boldly for God and to guide them toward experiencing the new hope that God offers us through his Son, Jesus."

My Identity in Christ

Yesterday as part of our sermon series called "Identity Theft," I gave a list of what the Bible says about my identity in Christ. It is truly remarkable who God makes us in Christ. I thought I would reproduce the list here along with the Scripture references as an encouragement to you. If you belong to Jesus, he has made your life extraordinary!

My Identity in Christ

I have a new relationship:

I’m a child of God (1 John 3:1-2).
I am Jesus’ friend (John 15:15).
I am born of God (1 John 4:7).
I have been adopted & chosen by God (Romans 8:15 & 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

I have an inheritance:

I am an heir of God—a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17 & Galatians 4:7)
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
I am a child of promise (Romans 9:8 & Galatians 3:14).
I have been given great promises by God (2 Peter 1:4).

I have been transformed and given new life:

I have been redeemed and forgiven (Ephesians 1:6-8).
I have been justified (Romans 5:1).
I have eternal life (John 5:24).
I died with Christ to the power of sin (Romans 6:1-6).
I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1).
I have received the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:12).
I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).
I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I am God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).

I have a calling to:

Be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13).
The light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
Bear fruit (John 15:16).
Do the works of Jesus (John 14:12).
Serve as a minister of a New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6).
Be a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
Be an ambassador of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:20).
A witness to the Good News of Jesus (Acts 1:8).

I have been given spiritual authority (Luke 10:19).

I am part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).

I have direct access to God (Ephesians 2:18).

I am a saint and a citizen of the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 1:1 & Ephesians 2:19).