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Defined: Who God Says You Are
Inspired by the Kendrick brothers’ new movie OVERCOMER, and written by the #1 New York Times best-selling author team behind The Love Dare and The Battle Plan for Prayer, comes an exciting new resource about discovering your God-given identity and embracing the wonder of who you were created to be.
At this very moment, what you believe about your own purpose and value affects almost every area of your life—including how you think and feel, the way you react to circumstances, and how you approach God and your relationships. But what is guiding your core beliefs? Are they healthy and founded upon solid truth? Or are they constantly shifting with the opinions of others or your own emotions?
Based upon powerful insights from the scriptural book of Ephesians, and seasoned with personal stories and practical wisdom, Defined challenges you to let the One who knows you best be the One who guides your heart the most. It’s time for all of us to live in the amazing light of His acceptance, abundance, and strength.
At this very moment, what you believe about your own purpose and value affects almost every area of your life—including how you think and feel, the way you react to circumstances, and how you approach God and your relationships. But what is guiding your core beliefs? Are they healthy and founded upon solid truth? Or are they constantly shifting with the opinions of others or your own emotions?
Based upon powerful insights from the scriptural book of Ephesians, and seasoned with personal stories and practical wisdom, Defined challenges you to let the One who knows you best be the One who guides your heart the most. It’s time for all of us to live in the amazing light of His acceptance, abundance, and strength.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 6, 2019
412 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Kendrick
90 books230 followersStephen Kendrick (born June 10, 1974) is an American film writer and producer, co-writer of the book The Love Dare with brother Alex Kendrick, and former senior associate pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Stephen, Shannon and Alex Kendrick comprise Kendrick Brothers Productions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 13, 2019
Many of us establish our identity based on what others say about us or what the current culture convinces us is true. But the most reliable source for establishing identity is God. He knows us intimately, better than we know ourselves. He has the authority to define us like no one else does.
We Christians need to create the foundation of our identity from what the Bible says is true of us. To help us do that, the Kendricks take readers through the major concepts in Ephesians. We find there the reality of who we are in Christ. The authors identify the truth about us and help us integrate that truth into our lives. They also teach us how to stand firm during tough times, knowing who we are at the core.
This is a good book for teens and Christians not too familiar with the Bible. The writing style is easy to understand and not academic in nature at all. The authors include good story illustrations of the lessons they give. It would be a good book for a teen study. Discussion questions are provided at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
We Christians need to create the foundation of our identity from what the Bible says is true of us. To help us do that, the Kendricks take readers through the major concepts in Ephesians. We find there the reality of who we are in Christ. The authors identify the truth about us and help us integrate that truth into our lives. They also teach us how to stand firm during tough times, knowing who we are at the core.
This is a good book for teens and Christians not too familiar with the Bible. The writing style is easy to understand and not academic in nature at all. The authors include good story illustrations of the lessons they give. It would be a good book for a teen study. Discussion questions are provided at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 8, 2021
Beautiful. This book digs all the way down to the bedrock of your identity in Christ: He made you, He died for you, He purchased you with His blood, He loves you, He owns you, He is your king, He will never leave you, He will carry you to the end, He has completely remade you. That’s who you are.
This book is remarkably easy to read and serves as a great foundation for the spicier, punchier You Who? by Rachel Jankovic.
This book is remarkably easy to read and serves as a great foundation for the spicier, punchier You Who? by Rachel Jankovic.
February 2, 2023
This book was everything I was hoping it would be. Such an amazing reminder of who you are in Christ. You are loved. You belong. You are chosen. You are redeemed. So many truths in this book that everyone needs to hear. I needed to hear. I highly recommend this book as well as the movie Overcomer!!
Read
March 18, 2023Honestly, I gave up on this book because I struggled with the way it was structured. It wasn't bad and I loved how accessible it was (not full of churchy lingo) but it just wasn't for me.
November 11, 2019
This book is a life changer.
December 31, 2021
Finished this today and it was perfect for the end of the year! I wasn't sure what I thought of it at the beginning because the writing is a bit informal, but the message is beautiful. Our identity is defined by who Christ says we are and beautifully lined up in the beginning of Ephesians. I loved reading this out loud to the kids and remembering that we are CHOSEN, ADOPTED, ACCEPTED in the beloved and that life is possible because of who He says we are. I also really enjoyed the chapters on the attacks we have on our identity where we are made to feel unlovely or unable to change. It reminded me that I have a choice whether to walk in my identity as a believer, or to allow the voices in my head to try to label me a failure. What encouragement to walk securely in the beloved.
November 17, 2025
Someone recommended this. It didn't rock my world, but there were some flutters of encouragement.
May 9, 2022
I really liked this book. I have been struggling for a long time with my identity and this book helped nye to know that as long as I keep my heart with Christ- I never have to doubt myself.
Read
November 27, 2023A really great devotional.
February 5, 2020
The catalyst needed to change my life course.
While being raised Christian and always believing, I never really pursued or challenged myself as to what I could do to take my understanding to a deeper level. And while I attended church, read the Bible, prayed, went to occasional bible studies, raised my children in the word, I was also very in the world chasing success measured in money, power and ambition. Looking back all I can do is shake my head at how I did not realize the deep conflict that was inside me.
No doubt was a believer but never gave much thought to how to utilize the Holy Spirit or the need to. I was satisfied with believing that I will get into heaven by the skin of my teeth and that would be good enough.(Christianity was hell insurance) I knew it was a better choice but would or could not invest by buying in too deep. I kept a wall between my spiritual life and my business life. Between my country club church life and my hard driving work week.
Have read and heard the term Holy Spirit many many times but just did not register on me that it was an actual asset given to us to be actively utilized everyday and will change the course of how you approach the rest of your life by clearly helping mark out your actions every second.
It is a tool freely given to every believer but for me it took this book to open my eyes to the reality and necessity of daily application and communication with the spirit and the overwhelming joy it will bring to your life. The recognition of the Holy Spirit is like having a new best friend and mentor that is there to share your day and provide wise council that you learn to depend on and look to in your walk. The advise will always be 100% scriptural.
The rest of my days will be changed due to this new deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and the impact of greater happiness and joy in my life.
Sin that had coexisted in my Christian life and I had made room for and allowed had a new light put on it and is now being rooted. I can now see clearly how the coexistence with sin was an anchor pulling me down and holding me back because subconsciously I thought I was getting the best of both worlds
I now strive to see every person as a soul that is dealing with life and it gives me a great empathy for people that I never had. The peace that has come over me as I deal with my own struggles is awesome and life changing. I still have a lot of work in front of me but now have the spirit, tools and desire to make it happen.
The ability to read and understand scripture is increased by the daily walk with the Holy Spirit. The Bible has become a new book due to this insight and perspective.
This book can change your life if you allow it.
While being raised Christian and always believing, I never really pursued or challenged myself as to what I could do to take my understanding to a deeper level. And while I attended church, read the Bible, prayed, went to occasional bible studies, raised my children in the word, I was also very in the world chasing success measured in money, power and ambition. Looking back all I can do is shake my head at how I did not realize the deep conflict that was inside me.
No doubt was a believer but never gave much thought to how to utilize the Holy Spirit or the need to. I was satisfied with believing that I will get into heaven by the skin of my teeth and that would be good enough.(Christianity was hell insurance) I knew it was a better choice but would or could not invest by buying in too deep. I kept a wall between my spiritual life and my business life. Between my country club church life and my hard driving work week.
Have read and heard the term Holy Spirit many many times but just did not register on me that it was an actual asset given to us to be actively utilized everyday and will change the course of how you approach the rest of your life by clearly helping mark out your actions every second.
It is a tool freely given to every believer but for me it took this book to open my eyes to the reality and necessity of daily application and communication with the spirit and the overwhelming joy it will bring to your life. The recognition of the Holy Spirit is like having a new best friend and mentor that is there to share your day and provide wise council that you learn to depend on and look to in your walk. The advise will always be 100% scriptural.
The rest of my days will be changed due to this new deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and the impact of greater happiness and joy in my life.
Sin that had coexisted in my Christian life and I had made room for and allowed had a new light put on it and is now being rooted. I can now see clearly how the coexistence with sin was an anchor pulling me down and holding me back because subconsciously I thought I was getting the best of both worlds
I now strive to see every person as a soul that is dealing with life and it gives me a great empathy for people that I never had. The peace that has come over me as I deal with my own struggles is awesome and life changing. I still have a lot of work in front of me but now have the spirit, tools and desire to make it happen.
The ability to read and understand scripture is increased by the daily walk with the Holy Spirit. The Bible has become a new book due to this insight and perspective.
This book can change your life if you allow it.
September 24, 2023
Calamity - an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster
Secular - not overly religious
Abomination - a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Subdue - overcome, quieten, or bring under control (a feeling or person)
Provision - the action of providing or supplying something for use.
Repentance - the action of repenting, sincere regret or remorse.
Abhorrent - inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant
Pulpit - a raised platform or lectern in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon
Countenance - a person's face or facial expression
Malice - the intention or desire to do evil; ill will
Unbridled - unrestrained
Sanctify - set apart as or declare holy; consecrate
The word glorify is when something or someone honors, praises, or magnifies the glory being revealed!
Liberation - the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release
Your identity is not based upon your feelings or your performance; it is the result of your faith in Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection.
🫨🫨 In your life, it’s so important to keep your spiritual armor on and ears to discern whether people’s words are from the Spirit or the flesh, from the throne of heaven or the pit of hell. It doesn’t matter how loving, wise or respected someone is, their words should not be Instantly ingested as gospel truth at all times! ❗️❗️❗️
All the greats of Scriptirue were heavily criticized.
Page 240
Jesus said it’s actually a bad sign if no one is criticizing you. We should actually be hoping for some appropriate criticism from the world as a sign we’re on the right track.
Criticism and false accusations go with the territory. Don’t be surprised. ❗️❗️❗️❗️
When you deal with setbacks, when you loose abilities, you still have a North Star position to stay anchored on. You know who you are.
🫨🫨The person who lives without Christ travels the road by feel, by their best guesses.
The attack of distraction is one of Satans signature strategies - gnats if annoyance and interference. 🫨🫨🫨
Always expect Satan to show up when you’re tired or angry or upset or under pressure. ✊✊✊
Page 207 🫨🫨🫨
Too many pastors, after reaching a passage of scripture, end up telling their congregations to “try harder, do better, and be more committed”. It’s like pushing a car up the road without ever engaging the engine. As if it’s all up to you.
The Holy Spirit is the engine of the Christian life.
🫨🫨🫨 As you follow his Lead, then He will continue to prompt you more and more.
Walk by His lead page 211
The worst, most frustrating way for anyone to try the Christian life - the worst way for anyone to try living out their identity - is by relying on the limited energy of their own flesh and by seeming their own smarts and intuition sufficient enough to fulfill Gods will.
The power of Christian living comes from the engine of the Holy Spirit.
Whether you view someone as your friend, your neighbor, or you enemy, Jesus said you still need to love them.
Page 196-198 🫨🫨🫨
What’s the motivation behind gossip? Love? Not likely!
What if you give thanks while you’re engaging in conversations? What if, instead of sharing unwholesome words, you dare to talk about his grateful you are for what God has been doing in your life? Or how grateful that they’re in your life, or in your workplace, or in your family, or that they’re one of the people you’re privileged to know and call a friend?
The word of encouragement you share, the similar experience of yours that you being up, the caring counsel you offer - it all speaks to the need of the moment!! 🫨🫨🫨
You may have no advice to give, but that you’ll be praying for them.
Feelings don’t guide you. Gods faithfulness does.
If you want to understand your true identity, you need to take your eyes off your present circumstances. How you feel, what people say, and any titles or roles attached to your name will eventually blow away with the wind. But God sees you and knows your future. And His word teaches you that you can discover, believe and set your heart in your true identity - your identity in heaven. Pg 114
If there’s no repentance when you sin, then He will turn up the heat some more, to crush through your hard heart and cause you to turn back to Him.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Grace is an unearned, undeserved gift that is freely and generously poured out on a chosen recipient.
The greatest tests of your identity often come when a major storm hits your life.
The core beliefs in our hearts lead to the thoughts we think in our minds, which guide the works we speak with our lips, which leads to the way we live out our lives, the daily deeds we do, and the resulting fruit of our impact on the world.
If we’re looking to our self help efforts as being our path to growth - trying harder, being more disciplined, being more committed - we won’t change at the heart level and will only be modifying the fruit, not fixing the root.
Do I thank Him for praise Him in my circumstances, or do I grumble and complain?
When we place our lives in His hands, God the Father literally adopts us into His family and completely changes our identity.
How deeply have you contemplated this issue of your own identity? Do you really know who you are? 🎚️🎚️
What you and I believe about God and about ourselves are two of the most central and foundational beliefs in our hearts.
The day we quit letting our feelings run our lives and start walking in truth will be a great day of liberation.
✊ Your feelings will follow your hearts beliefs.
✊ We should not believe everything we feel or think.
✊ Be careful about grounding your identity in fluctuating things that will set you up for failure and disappointment. You should be defined by God, not by your changing feelings, fickle desires, Facebook likes and reviews, or other assessments of you. We all have issues and should continue to walk in humility and love, being willing to learn and grow.
✊ How have you responded to Gods design of you? Have you thanked Him? Have you trusted Him, or have you resisted Him?
✊ You can trust that He knows exactly what He is doing.
Secular - not overly religious
Abomination - a thing that causes disgust or hatred
Subdue - overcome, quieten, or bring under control (a feeling or person)
Provision - the action of providing or supplying something for use.
Repentance - the action of repenting, sincere regret or remorse.
Abhorrent - inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant
Pulpit - a raised platform or lectern in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon
Countenance - a person's face or facial expression
Malice - the intention or desire to do evil; ill will
Unbridled - unrestrained
Sanctify - set apart as or declare holy; consecrate
The word glorify is when something or someone honors, praises, or magnifies the glory being revealed!
Liberation - the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release
Your identity is not based upon your feelings or your performance; it is the result of your faith in Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection.
🫨🫨 In your life, it’s so important to keep your spiritual armor on and ears to discern whether people’s words are from the Spirit or the flesh, from the throne of heaven or the pit of hell. It doesn’t matter how loving, wise or respected someone is, their words should not be Instantly ingested as gospel truth at all times! ❗️❗️❗️
All the greats of Scriptirue were heavily criticized.
Page 240
Jesus said it’s actually a bad sign if no one is criticizing you. We should actually be hoping for some appropriate criticism from the world as a sign we’re on the right track.
Criticism and false accusations go with the territory. Don’t be surprised. ❗️❗️❗️❗️
When you deal with setbacks, when you loose abilities, you still have a North Star position to stay anchored on. You know who you are.
🫨🫨The person who lives without Christ travels the road by feel, by their best guesses.
The attack of distraction is one of Satans signature strategies - gnats if annoyance and interference. 🫨🫨🫨
Always expect Satan to show up when you’re tired or angry or upset or under pressure. ✊✊✊
Page 207 🫨🫨🫨
Too many pastors, after reaching a passage of scripture, end up telling their congregations to “try harder, do better, and be more committed”. It’s like pushing a car up the road without ever engaging the engine. As if it’s all up to you.
The Holy Spirit is the engine of the Christian life.
🫨🫨🫨 As you follow his Lead, then He will continue to prompt you more and more.
Walk by His lead page 211
The worst, most frustrating way for anyone to try the Christian life - the worst way for anyone to try living out their identity - is by relying on the limited energy of their own flesh and by seeming their own smarts and intuition sufficient enough to fulfill Gods will.
The power of Christian living comes from the engine of the Holy Spirit.
Whether you view someone as your friend, your neighbor, or you enemy, Jesus said you still need to love them.
Page 196-198 🫨🫨🫨
What’s the motivation behind gossip? Love? Not likely!
What if you give thanks while you’re engaging in conversations? What if, instead of sharing unwholesome words, you dare to talk about his grateful you are for what God has been doing in your life? Or how grateful that they’re in your life, or in your workplace, or in your family, or that they’re one of the people you’re privileged to know and call a friend?
The word of encouragement you share, the similar experience of yours that you being up, the caring counsel you offer - it all speaks to the need of the moment!! 🫨🫨🫨
You may have no advice to give, but that you’ll be praying for them.
Feelings don’t guide you. Gods faithfulness does.
If you want to understand your true identity, you need to take your eyes off your present circumstances. How you feel, what people say, and any titles or roles attached to your name will eventually blow away with the wind. But God sees you and knows your future. And His word teaches you that you can discover, believe and set your heart in your true identity - your identity in heaven. Pg 114
If there’s no repentance when you sin, then He will turn up the heat some more, to crush through your hard heart and cause you to turn back to Him.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Grace is an unearned, undeserved gift that is freely and generously poured out on a chosen recipient.
The greatest tests of your identity often come when a major storm hits your life.
The core beliefs in our hearts lead to the thoughts we think in our minds, which guide the works we speak with our lips, which leads to the way we live out our lives, the daily deeds we do, and the resulting fruit of our impact on the world.
If we’re looking to our self help efforts as being our path to growth - trying harder, being more disciplined, being more committed - we won’t change at the heart level and will only be modifying the fruit, not fixing the root.
Do I thank Him for praise Him in my circumstances, or do I grumble and complain?
When we place our lives in His hands, God the Father literally adopts us into His family and completely changes our identity.
How deeply have you contemplated this issue of your own identity? Do you really know who you are? 🎚️🎚️
What you and I believe about God and about ourselves are two of the most central and foundational beliefs in our hearts.
The day we quit letting our feelings run our lives and start walking in truth will be a great day of liberation.
✊ Your feelings will follow your hearts beliefs.
✊ We should not believe everything we feel or think.
✊ Be careful about grounding your identity in fluctuating things that will set you up for failure and disappointment. You should be defined by God, not by your changing feelings, fickle desires, Facebook likes and reviews, or other assessments of you. We all have issues and should continue to walk in humility and love, being willing to learn and grow.
✊ How have you responded to Gods design of you? Have you thanked Him? Have you trusted Him, or have you resisted Him?
✊ You can trust that He knows exactly what He is doing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2019
Best read one chapter a day. Just a few chapters a week. Maybe even have a book club and read with friends...discuss along the way.
December 20, 2019
The authors discuss the Christian's identity based on the book of Ephesians.
July 29, 2022
This book held a lot of timely nuggets for me.
September 15, 2019
The Kendrick Brothers have produced several Christian movies of substantial caliber in the movie world (i.e., Facing the Giants, The War Room, Fly Wheel, Courageous etc). Their latest movie is called Overcomer. Their new book, Defined, Who God Says You Are is a supplement to that movie. They say that knowing one’s identity in Christ is basically one’s “north star position to stay anchored on…When you can keep referencing it, you significantly limit the opportunities for the lane shifts of life to veer you off the main road” (Defined, Who God Says you Are, Kendrick Brothers LLC, 2019 p. 247).
The book is very well written and describes their Biblical understanding of people’s identity in Christ through the book of Ephesians. Their direct writing style evokes a dialog of thought and discussion with their readers. Their Biblical exegesis is clear, accurate and easy to follow. Therefore, the book is an important guideline for people trying to understand the essence of what it means to know Jesus Christ and find one’s identity and purpose for life in God. 5 Stars M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 9/12/18
Excerpts:
The Holy Spirit is the engine of the Christian life. Jesus said the Spirit is the power source (Acts 1:8), the One who helps us understand the Word and helps us live out our spiritual identity (Rom. 1:18 Gal 5:18). Obeying God faithfully and successfully is impossible without the indwelling power of the Spirit, without the tag-team partnership of the Word of God in our hands and the Holy Spirit in our hearts… As you ask Him to fill you and lead you by His Spirit, He’ll begin to prompt you at different times to be His hands and feet in a situation. To reach out in love. To share your faith. To serve a need. To give a gift. It’s not an audible voice, but a gentle thought, a desire, and inner inclination or prompting to serve in some sort of specific capacity.” (p. 207)
“God’s Word doesn’t say that believers are merely heirs, but joint heirs!… Your right of inheritance - because you’re now a blessed and beloved child of God – is the same as the Son’s right of inheritance… The inheritance He gives to us is like a river. It’s in keeping with the immense strength and supply as a river, it’s “according to” the size of a river – His glorious river of riches (p. 162).
“When Jesus stepped onto the scene, He revealed another aspect of the nature and heart of God and a higher level to live by. It’s called grace. Jesus is telling us to disconnect from performance-based thinking and living, and shift to a dynamic of living by grace – because of who we are and who God is.” (pp. 92-93)
“God promised [His people]… “I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statues and carefully observe my ordinances” (Exek.36:26-27)…That’s who God has made you to be [in Christ]. Clean and new. With His Spirit inside you. And with each new day, it’s who you can continue to become and grow into. But it’s also why sin is such a big deal, even after you’ve been saved from it, and why every bit of it – every inch of it – needs to be purged from your life. You can do it by being “tender-hearted,” Paul said (Eph.4:32 NASB), by cultivating the Holy Spirit’s brand of sensitivity toward your sin, toward all sin…Imagine, though, seeing Him replace those harbored sins – all of them – with the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22) (pp.202-203).
The book is very well written and describes their Biblical understanding of people’s identity in Christ through the book of Ephesians. Their direct writing style evokes a dialog of thought and discussion with their readers. Their Biblical exegesis is clear, accurate and easy to follow. Therefore, the book is an important guideline for people trying to understand the essence of what it means to know Jesus Christ and find one’s identity and purpose for life in God. 5 Stars M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 9/12/18
Excerpts:
The Holy Spirit is the engine of the Christian life. Jesus said the Spirit is the power source (Acts 1:8), the One who helps us understand the Word and helps us live out our spiritual identity (Rom. 1:18 Gal 5:18). Obeying God faithfully and successfully is impossible without the indwelling power of the Spirit, without the tag-team partnership of the Word of God in our hands and the Holy Spirit in our hearts… As you ask Him to fill you and lead you by His Spirit, He’ll begin to prompt you at different times to be His hands and feet in a situation. To reach out in love. To share your faith. To serve a need. To give a gift. It’s not an audible voice, but a gentle thought, a desire, and inner inclination or prompting to serve in some sort of specific capacity.” (p. 207)
“God’s Word doesn’t say that believers are merely heirs, but joint heirs!… Your right of inheritance - because you’re now a blessed and beloved child of God – is the same as the Son’s right of inheritance… The inheritance He gives to us is like a river. It’s in keeping with the immense strength and supply as a river, it’s “according to” the size of a river – His glorious river of riches (p. 162).
“When Jesus stepped onto the scene, He revealed another aspect of the nature and heart of God and a higher level to live by. It’s called grace. Jesus is telling us to disconnect from performance-based thinking and living, and shift to a dynamic of living by grace – because of who we are and who God is.” (pp. 92-93)
“God promised [His people]… “I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statues and carefully observe my ordinances” (Exek.36:26-27)…That’s who God has made you to be [in Christ]. Clean and new. With His Spirit inside you. And with each new day, it’s who you can continue to become and grow into. But it’s also why sin is such a big deal, even after you’ve been saved from it, and why every bit of it – every inch of it – needs to be purged from your life. You can do it by being “tender-hearted,” Paul said (Eph.4:32 NASB), by cultivating the Holy Spirit’s brand of sensitivity toward your sin, toward all sin…Imagine, though, seeing Him replace those harbored sins – all of them – with the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22) (pp.202-203).
August 16, 2019
Who am I? Why am I here? What was God thinking when He created me? And how many more questions can you think of? You know, those questions that pop into your head at the strangest and most inconvenient times. Those questions that plague us at night, when for whatever reason, we can’t sleep. Those questions that seem to hit hardest when we’re going through our darkest moments—when the evil one tries to convince us that his lies are the truth by which we must abide.
On AUG 23, the movie OVERCOMER releases in theaters. The movie comes from the folk behind such films as War Room, Fireproof, Courageous, and other faith-based films. The Kendrick brothers have several books and resources based on the movie Overcomer. Defined: Who God Says You Are (B&H Publishing, 2019) is one of them.
The book doesn’t tell the story of the movie—the promotional material says that it is “inspired by the movie”. What it does is ask to reflect on those difficult questions that plague us all. This book helps us to discover our identity: not based on what we think of ourselves, not based on whatever label that family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates or anyone else tries to pin on us. The main point of this book is that our true identity comes from who God says we are. God created us in His image, and He gets to decide who we are.
The several parts of the book help us look at our identity, along with its confusion and source. Then we move on to the intentionality of how our stories begin: uniquely designed, and made in God's image, among other things. Part 2 talks about our identity in terms of who we are in Christ: beloved, blessed, saved, prized, and gifted. Then the authors take us on a journey to find our inheritance: what we have in Christ. Part 4 looks at imperatives—those things that as Christians we are supposed to be doing. And yes, that includes loving one another. And then the last section talks about how we stand strong, even, and especially during attacks.
At the end of each chapter are several passages of scripture for the reader to study and ponder over. And the book includes a series of questions for each chapter. The questions can be used as small group discussion starters, but are also helpful for individuals.
Throughout the book there are personal stories from the authors that help to clarify the points they are trying to make.
I’m leading a Bible study now on Ephesians, looking at who wee are in Christ, and many of the things that stood out in this book are things we’ve already talked about in the study, or things I highlighted for future sessions.
At times the book is a little ‘dry’, but the information is solid, and is presented in a logical manner. I’m using the book as an additional resource for the bible study. Sometimes what I find useful is directly related to Ephesians, sometimes the info comes from other places in scripture, but helps clarify what we’re talking about in the book of Ephesians.
As a member of the Publisher’s bloggers’ program, I received a copy of this book. In exchange for the book, I was requested to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
On AUG 23, the movie OVERCOMER releases in theaters. The movie comes from the folk behind such films as War Room, Fireproof, Courageous, and other faith-based films. The Kendrick brothers have several books and resources based on the movie Overcomer. Defined: Who God Says You Are (B&H Publishing, 2019) is one of them.
The book doesn’t tell the story of the movie—the promotional material says that it is “inspired by the movie”. What it does is ask to reflect on those difficult questions that plague us all. This book helps us to discover our identity: not based on what we think of ourselves, not based on whatever label that family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates or anyone else tries to pin on us. The main point of this book is that our true identity comes from who God says we are. God created us in His image, and He gets to decide who we are.
The several parts of the book help us look at our identity, along with its confusion and source. Then we move on to the intentionality of how our stories begin: uniquely designed, and made in God's image, among other things. Part 2 talks about our identity in terms of who we are in Christ: beloved, blessed, saved, prized, and gifted. Then the authors take us on a journey to find our inheritance: what we have in Christ. Part 4 looks at imperatives—those things that as Christians we are supposed to be doing. And yes, that includes loving one another. And then the last section talks about how we stand strong, even, and especially during attacks.
At the end of each chapter are several passages of scripture for the reader to study and ponder over. And the book includes a series of questions for each chapter. The questions can be used as small group discussion starters, but are also helpful for individuals.
Throughout the book there are personal stories from the authors that help to clarify the points they are trying to make.
I’m leading a Bible study now on Ephesians, looking at who wee are in Christ, and many of the things that stood out in this book are things we’ve already talked about in the study, or things I highlighted for future sessions.
At times the book is a little ‘dry’, but the information is solid, and is presented in a logical manner. I’m using the book as an additional resource for the bible study. Sometimes what I find useful is directly related to Ephesians, sometimes the info comes from other places in scripture, but helps clarify what we’re talking about in the book of Ephesians.
As a member of the Publisher’s bloggers’ program, I received a copy of this book. In exchange for the book, I was requested to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
September 1, 2019
Inspired by the Kendrick brothers’ new movie OVERCOMER, and written by the best-selling author team behind The Love Dare and The Battle Plan for Prayer. Defined is an exciting new resource, published by B&H Publishers, about discovering your God-given identity and embracing the wonder of who you were created to be.
Defined is a simple yet deep book that guides the reader on the path to discover their identity in Christ. I love the short chapters that give a solid truth that is easy to grasp, but that also share other Scripture the reader can turn to for a further understanding of what the authors are saying. There is also a short prayer at the end of each chapter that you can personalize for yourself. Divided into 5 parts, this makes it even easier to help each person "overcome" the doubts and fears that have built up within the individual. There are also group discussion questions at the end of the book so this book can easily be used in a small group setting.
I enjoy the Kendrick Brothers movies and find them a source of encouragement, especially for believers who are facing trials and temptations. This book is a fabulous resource for those who have seen Overcomer. Seeing the film first is not necessary. It is inspired by the movie, but not about the movie. However, like the characters in the film, we sometimes get so caught up in our lives, especially the failures, that we forget about who we are in Christ. The Scriptures, stories, and wisdom in this book are sure to make an impact. I highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost to myself from Icon Media Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Defined is a simple yet deep book that guides the reader on the path to discover their identity in Christ. I love the short chapters that give a solid truth that is easy to grasp, but that also share other Scripture the reader can turn to for a further understanding of what the authors are saying. There is also a short prayer at the end of each chapter that you can personalize for yourself. Divided into 5 parts, this makes it even easier to help each person "overcome" the doubts and fears that have built up within the individual. There are also group discussion questions at the end of the book so this book can easily be used in a small group setting.
I enjoy the Kendrick Brothers movies and find them a source of encouragement, especially for believers who are facing trials and temptations. This book is a fabulous resource for those who have seen Overcomer. Seeing the film first is not necessary. It is inspired by the movie, but not about the movie. However, like the characters in the film, we sometimes get so caught up in our lives, especially the failures, that we forget about who we are in Christ. The Scriptures, stories, and wisdom in this book are sure to make an impact. I highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost to myself from Icon Media Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 27, 2021
Having been written by Christian film writers, I had low expectations of this book. I’m not a great fan of their movies, and I certainly don’t see being a Christian filmmaker as warranting the necessary credentials to be considered an authority on any spiritual topic.
However, this book is well-organized, well-researched, and well worth your time. I didn’t appreciate the little homemade parables that felt, to me, unnecessary. But the arguments for each article of our identities were grounded in Scripture and organized nearly on a spectrum from the bad news of sin and being a sinner made of dust, to the nice news of common grace and being made in the image of God, to the good news of saving grace and being brought into the family of God! They even include a chart in one of the final chapters of our identity pre-Christ and post-Christ which draws out our insecurities, crushing them beneath the weight of the glory and grace of God.
However, this book is well-organized, well-researched, and well worth your time. I didn’t appreciate the little homemade parables that felt, to me, unnecessary. But the arguments for each article of our identities were grounded in Scripture and organized nearly on a spectrum from the bad news of sin and being a sinner made of dust, to the nice news of common grace and being made in the image of God, to the good news of saving grace and being brought into the family of God! They even include a chart in one of the final chapters of our identity pre-Christ and post-Christ which draws out our insecurities, crushing them beneath the weight of the glory and grace of God.
March 18, 2023
This was really good.I started reading this because a movie I really enjoyed ,that was "Overcomer" was based on this book.
Before reading this I just had a little spark of knowledge about who I am in Christ,here I learned so much about my identity as a child of God.
I admit that this is one of those books that you need to read slowly,reflecting after you finish each chapter.But I didnt actually was in a hurry because I am someone who reads 2 books at the same time,so when it starts getting a little too much to absorb just take a break and go read a fiction story while you think about what you've learned and then come back to the book ready to learn more about your identity,wich comes from the One who created us<3
Before reading this I just had a little spark of knowledge about who I am in Christ,here I learned so much about my identity as a child of God.
I admit that this is one of those books that you need to read slowly,reflecting after you finish each chapter.But I didnt actually was in a hurry because I am someone who reads 2 books at the same time,so when it starts getting a little too much to absorb just take a break and go read a fiction story while you think about what you've learned and then come back to the book ready to learn more about your identity,wich comes from the One who created us<3
March 4, 2022
I really loved this book about our spiritual identify in Christ. My husband and I both read it at the same time - in fact, he had our copy for so long, I didn't get to finish reading it until last month. LOL - had I known, we'd have purchased two copies from the get go!
We both enjoyed this book so much, finding it helpful in focusing our faith and trust in God, that we bought several more copies of the book to share with friends and family.
A really great resource, full of Bible references to all it says about who I am in and because of God.
This will be a book we will definitely read annually!
We both enjoyed this book so much, finding it helpful in focusing our faith and trust in God, that we bought several more copies of the book to share with friends and family.
A really great resource, full of Bible references to all it says about who I am in and because of God.
This will be a book we will definitely read annually!
September 8, 2019
This book is a great reminder of who we are in Christ.
Our identity is the key to everything. If we don’t know who we are we will be easily offended and be pushed around my our feelings. Which is what the world is encouraging these days and it’s not good.
This book will give you a foundation if you struggle with identity. I can’t say it was my favorite book, meaning I had trouble focusing, but I did like it and there are some great truths in here.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
Our identity is the key to everything. If we don’t know who we are we will be easily offended and be pushed around my our feelings. Which is what the world is encouraging these days and it’s not good.
This book will give you a foundation if you struggle with identity. I can’t say it was my favorite book, meaning I had trouble focusing, but I did like it and there are some great truths in here.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2021
Defined is well written and takes the reader on a course to learn who they are in Christ. I've read many books and devotionals on this topic and I love the way the brothers wrote the information to grab the readers attention and its easy to understand. This book will help the reader to understand scripture that deals with this topic and understand how much his or her heavenly Father loves them. No matter who you are or where you are on this journey, Defined is for you. This book needs to be kept close at hand for a refresher or a reference. I highly recommend!
December 9, 2025
It took me a while to finish this book, due to personal reasons and struggle I have (and I am battling still, I won’t say in public here). But, this book really is meaningful and I would want anyone to read this book, for someone who struggles with identity issues including the things you been through that left you a deep scar and wound in your heart mainly.
This book is really good and you should read it. I promise you, Jesus loved you since the beginning before you were born ❤️
This book is really good and you should read it. I promise you, Jesus loved you since the beginning before you were born ❤️
February 8, 2021
Great Bible Study devotional material. Very practical and has a lot if illustrations (I like the creativity of the parables).
Helpful for churches especially to those who are confused with their individual and corporate (as a church) identity.
Best read after warching the film Overcomer (2019) also by the Kendricks.
Helpful for churches especially to those who are confused with their individual and corporate (as a church) identity.
Best read after warching the film Overcomer (2019) also by the Kendricks.
July 19, 2022
Saw this book all over christian tiktok so I had to read .
The story about the adoption hit different. God truly does have every little detail planned out . Although you’ve might of not be juman planned your were God planned . God wants to put our identity in Him and to trust His very detailed plans for lives . It’s a must read ! I highly recommend for high school girls !!!
The story about the adoption hit different. God truly does have every little detail planned out . Although you’ve might of not be juman planned your were God planned . God wants to put our identity in Him and to trust His very detailed plans for lives . It’s a must read ! I highly recommend for high school girls !!!
January 25, 2023
If you are looking for a book on who God says you are, Part 2 will be most helpful. The other sections of the book are very insightful as well. But for a Christian needing a reminder of who you are in Christ, turn to chapters 4-11, then read through the following sections. Part 1 is a great place to start if you are unsure of your salvation.
November 17, 2023
This may be one of those books that becomes pivotal in my walk with Christ. I can see myself reading this book at least once a year to remind myself who I am in Christ. I have never felt more seen in a book, I felt like my entire souls sm thought patterns were laid on display in these pages and it helped me in so many ways. I’m recommending this book to everyone! SO. GOOD.
September 20, 2024
This book was a journey. I took my time with this one and it was totally worth it. It has so much good wisdom in it and helps to let people know who they are in God. It helped me evaluate my thoughts and beliefs. And was just an amazing book to read that had heavy quotes from scripture and backed up everything it talked about.
March 1, 2020
Written in concert with their outstanding film OVERCOMER, this is a superb and thorough cross examination of our own identity. The book expands on the principles found in the characters of their movie; and in doing so, it talks us through our own needs. Sadly, most of us have allowed the world (or even ourselves) to define us. This puts limits on what we can do. But our definition comes from the One Who created us and we lose sight of that. This book is needed by so many - - especially me.
April 20, 2020
I loved the movie Overcomer and this book was the perfect complement. I think it was well laid out and really touched on all of the areas of our identity. I like how it had shorter chapters that could be read one by one over a month!
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