Have You Really Opened the Gift God Gave You?
- Tony Simpkins
- May 4
- 3 min read
What if you’ve been holding a gift your whole life—and never opened it?
That’s the challenge Pastor Rich Vinson brought to us this week. In Part 2 of his series “From Idols to Witnesses,” he explores what it really means to live out the gift of salvation we’ve received through Jesus. Too many believers stop at believing—they never unwrap the life-transforming benefits of following Christ. In this powerful message, we’re reminded that the old is gone, the new has come, and we’re called to walk in our God-given identity.
Forget Not His Benefits
Psalm 103:1–5
“Praise the Lord, my soul… and forget not all his benefits.”From this passage, Pastor Rich walks us through the incredible benefits of life in Christ—blessings that many believers forget to live out.
1. You Have a New Identity in Christ
📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
You are loved – not tolerated or barely accepted. Loved.
You are chosen – God called you before you ever sought Him.
You are adopted – with all the rights and privileges of His family.
You are forgiven and redeemed – so stop dragging your past forward.
You were created with purpose – your gifts are meant for God’s glory.
⏩ Reflection: Are you still living in the shadow of your past—or walking boldly in your new identity?
2. Let the Grape Be Crushed
Pastor Rich shared how God spoke to him during the worship song “New Wine.” We all want the “new wine” of God’s presence, but are we willing to go through the process of being crushed and fermented?
“Do you want to be a grape or the wine?”—Pastor Rich
The process of transformation is uncomfortable. But we are not called to stay the same. Following Jesus means surrendering to the refining work of the Holy Spirit—again and again.
3. Real Freedom Comes From Dying to Self
🛑 No more comparison.✝ No more striving for approval.
In Christ, we don’t need to measure up to others. We’re no longer defined by our looks, our status, or our mistakes. Real freedom comes from knowing who we are in Him—and living for an audience of One.
4. Live with Purpose and Eternal Impact
You were made for more than survival. Your job, your relationships, even your hobbies can be part of a holy calling. Every interaction is an opportunity to show God’s love, speak truth, and build His Kingdom.
“Your purpose isn’t just what you do. It’s who you’re becoming.”—Pastor Rich
How Can You Live This Out?
Pastor Rich gave us four practical takeaways:
Make decisions with confidence and peace. Trust God’s leading.
Live with integrity and compassion. Show kindness, forgive quickly.
Handle struggles differently. You are not your failure.
Stop seeking approval. You already have it from your Father.
Final Challenge: Open the Gift
Have you really unwrapped the full gift of salvation?
Are you still living like a grape—or have you allowed the process of transformation to make you into new wine?
Let today be the day you fully step into your identity in Christ.
You're not who you were—you’re loved, chosen, redeemed, and sent.
About New Faith Church: At New Faith Church, we are committed to connect with people, helping them grow in grace, while they discover their purpose and a place to serve Him and Others. We believe in the power of God's Word to transform lives and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience God's love. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and join us for our next service. For more information, visit our website, www.NewFaithCW.org.
About Pastor Rich Vinson: Pastor Rich Vinson is passionate about connecting with people from all walks of life and backgrounds. With a shepherd’s heart, he is dedicated to helping individuals grow in the truth and power of God’s Word. Rich’s mission is to lead, challenge, and inspire people of all generations to deepen their relationship with God.
Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Evangel University. He has been married to his wife, Tracey, for over 25 years. Tracey is an accomplished educator with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University. Together, they have two wonderful children, Lauren and Ethan.
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