On this Baccalaureate Sunday, we celebrate our 2026 graduates while addressing a question that life eventually forces us all to ask: “Who are you?” This question often arises during seasons of transition, rejection, or trauma, where our identity and faith are tested.
Drawing from Acts 19, we see the city of Ephesus—a place of cultural diversity and deep superstition—where Paul performed extraordinary miracles through the power of God. A group of Jewish leaders attempted to mimic Paul by invoking the name of Jesus to exorcise a demon. The spirit’s response was chilling: “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?”. Because they lacked a personal relationship with Christ, they were overpowered and fled in defeat.
The message for us today is threefold:
1. Don’t Fake It: Christianity is a relationship, not a religion. You cannot rely on the faith of your parents or your minister. God does not bless who we pretend to be; He blesses who we actually are.
2. Faith It: Instead of “faking it until you make it,” we must “faith it.” In seasons of rejection—like the six-month period of unemployment I experienced after college—we must lean into the Word to remember whose we are.
3. Face It: We cannot take a passive approach to our trials. We must address difficult situations head-on, even when it is messy or painful.
Ultimately, the Lord is magnified not just through our prosperity, but through our perseverance. Whether you are a graduate entering a new chapter or a seasoned believer facing a trial, do not face it alone. As a church family, we are here to help you grow your faith and magnify His name together.
Sermon Title: Who Are You?
Sermon Series: Baccalaureate
Sermon Passage: Acts 19:11-15
Closing Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
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