
The sermon focuses on the relational aspect of God and our identity in relation to Him. The speaker begins with a prayer, expressing gratitude for God’s presence and seeking His guidance in the sermon. The central theme is the concept of “Our Relational God,” emphasizing that our relationship with God and others defines our identity.
Danielle explains that identity, according to the dictionary, is the characteristics that define a person or organization. However, as Christians, our identity is more deeply rooted in our relationship with God. She contrasts two hypothetical people introducing themselves—one identifying by roles and cultural background, the other by her relationship with God and her purpose as a Christian.
The sermon references various Bible verses to illustrate how our identity is anchored in Scripture. John 1:12-13, Ephesians 1:5, and Ephesians 2:6 emphasize that as believers, we are children of God, part of the body of Christ, and called to love others and spread the gospel. The speaker stresses that this relational identity is central to our existence.
The example of the Israelites in Exodus 3 highlights how they knew God through the experiences of their ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—but had not developed a personal relationship with Him. The sermon emphasizes that God desires a direct and personal relationship with each of us, beyond the experiences of our ancestors or parents.
In conclusion, Danielle encourages the congregation to seek a personal, intimate relationship with God, experiencing Him as a Father, friend, and much more. The sermon ends with the example of Hagar, who, despite not knowing God initially, experienced Him personally and called Him “El Roi,” the God who sees me, reinforcing the message that God seeks a personal relationship with everyone.