A talk delivered at the inaugural christian men’s fellowship conference Held at St Thomas’ Church, Isinkan Akure on Saturday 22nd March, 2025 By Ven John Olugbenga Oso, PhD.

Courtesy
i. The Archbishop and Patron of CMF, Akure Diocese
ii. The Chairman of CMF, Akure Diocese
iii. Officers of the CMF, Akure Diocese
iv. The House of Clergy
v. All Lay Members
vi. All Invited Guests
It gives me great pleasure to deliver this talk on this very important occasion. It is a milestone in the annals of the Diocese of Akure and we must give all the glory to God.
I congratulate our highly respected Papa and leader in the Diocese, the Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini, PhD; CFAT who has allowed the CMF to thrive during his episcopacy. May the Lord continue to bless you and Mama, may He successfully see you through your episcopal ministry.
I also put on record the tireless efforts of the Chairman of the CMF in our Diocese, Gen J.A Omosebi (rtd) and his team, I recognize the activities of the first Chaplain, Ven A.B Oni and the current Chaplain Ven S.A Sanni. Thanks so much for this invite, I do not take it for granted.
We know that there are more active women in all our parishes, it is good that the men are also coming up, hence CMF is a welcome development and all of us must embrace it. The song, ‘Obinrin yoo gbe…’ will be meaningful if the men folks rejects Jesus Christ and am sure Akure Diocesan men are not ready to reject or abandon Him. I dare say, if men get it right, our homes will get it right, our parishes, communities and nation will also get it right. Getting it right entails not majoring in the minor and identifying our purpose in life. A lot depends on us.
This is a men’s conference and we shall be frank as men.

2. Introduction
   (The rivalry of two giant companies)
   The soft drink industry is dominated by two entities with a combined market value of roughly 500 billion dollars: Coca Cola ( which started 1886) and Pepsi Cola ( which began operation in 1893), these two companies not only shape the tastes and preferences of the people worldwide but also engaged in one of the most storied rivalries in the business world.
   Why the rivalry?
   i. Historical context- Competition dates back to early 20th century, with both companies constantly innovating and vying for market share and value.
   ii. Marketing strategy: Both had employed aggressive advertising campaigns, celebrity endorsement and product innovation to have an edge.
   iii. Brand Perception: The rivalry had fueled a strong brand identity for both companies, with consumers often expressing a preference for one over the other
   iv. Global Reach: Both are global brands
   v. Duopoly: They both control large majority of the market
   vi. Coca Cola Dominance: While the rivalry continues, Coca Cola maintains a larger market share and is considered the dominant beverage provider
   vii. Pepsi’s Diversification: Pepsi has a larger and more diversified business than Coca-Cola, owing brands such as Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Quaker Oats, while coca Cola focuses primarily on the beverages
   There was the story of a man who wanted to sell Coca Cola’s secret to Pepsi, Pepsi reported the man to the police, and he was arrested and prosecuted. The man was found guilty and jailed. Even though they are in competition, yet both wants strictly to maintain their identity.
   Woe betides a man, who does not know his identity! When you know your identity, you value, maintain and protect it.
   Your identity is who you really are
   Psychologically, it is said that a man has 5 faces:
3. The Public Face: You at your best, what people perceive about you
4. The Ideal Face: This is your vision, what you wish or desire to be
5. The Real Face: This is the real you, what you have become with all the resources at your disposal and prone to success and failure
6. The Secret/Hidden/Private Face: This is only known by you and God (not even your wife)
7. The Blocked Face: It is a no go area, you don’t even know it exists.
   In as much as these faces will eventually determine who we are, it is important for us to know that the world we live in today often relate with and recognize us based on our achievements, relationships, or social status. You should not be misled, you know who you are and your limitation. When people are not honest with you, you should be careful. However, as Christians, we must know who we truly are using the lens of our faith.
   3.Who were we?
8. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:5)
   (Nitori nipa eda, ninu ese ni a bi wa si, ati omo ibinu- catechism)
9. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:10)
10. That at that time, ye were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Eph 2:12)
11. Who are we?
    But now in Christ Jesus, ye who are far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph 2:13). The blood of Christ symbolizes the life of Christ, because blood is life and its medium. This now makes us:
    But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1 Peter 2:9 is a profound declaration of identity and purpose for Christians (It is who you are that determines what you are expected to do or what you do). This verse emphasizes the priesthood of all believers. It encourages believers to remember their unique calling from God to be representatives of His kingdom in a world that often contrasts with Kingdom values. By understanding and embracing these truths, Christians are empowered to live out their faith boldly and joyfully, sharing the light of Christ with those around them.

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to the early Christians who were experiencing persecution and trial. He aimed to encourage them, reminding them of their identity and calling in Christ.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1)

He uses some terms to describe this new identity in Christ Jesus:

1. Chosen Race: This phrase signifies that believers are selected by God for a purpose. In the Old Testament, Israel was referred to as a chosen people. In Deuteronomy 10:15, Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day and Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth
   In the New Testament, this concept extends to all who follow Christ, emphasizing that their identity is rooted in divine selection and grace.
2. Royal Priesthood: By stating that believers are a royal priesthood, Peter highlights the dual role of Christians as both spiritual leaders and intercessors. In the Old Testament, priests performed sacrifices and mediated between God and the people. Through Christ, believers now have direct access to God and are called to serve and minister to others. Their royalty is meaningful because they are children of the Most High King. Hence, they are priests that serve in the courts of the king. This royal status makes you sit with Christ in high place far above all principalities and power, might and dominion (Eph 1:20). That is why you can enter the court of the king.
3. Holy Nation: A holy nation implies that believers are set apart for God. Holiness refers to being distinct and dedicated to God’s purposes. This call to holiness affects how Christians live in the world, encouraging them to embody the values and character of God in their daily lives. By being a holy nation, members of the nation are expected to be holy. This is living the worthy of the members of the nation.
4. People for His Own Possession: This phrase indicates that believers belong to God. It reflects a deep sense of belonging and identity as being owned and cherished by the Creator. It fosters a sense of security and purpose, as believers understand they are valued members of God’s family. Being his, He is jealous over us.
   5. Called Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light: This metaphor contrasts the former state of bondage to sin and ignorance with the new life in Christ, characterized by understanding, acceptance, and spiritual enlightenment. It encourages believers to recognize the significance of their transformation and to live in the light of that change.
      Paul in Galatians 2:20 says I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. The new identity in Jesus Christ is a transformative reality. A sure assurance of who he used to be and who he is now. Hence, Christians are not defined by their past but by the reality of the present. This is very important for us especially the Anglican church, where it is said that nothing is written and nothing is forgotten. People change, people can repent. The best of us is a sinner made saint by Jesus Christ. Do not use the past of an individual to judge him in the present.
   6. The purpose of the new identity To Proclaim the Excellencies of Him: The ultimate purpose of this identity is to proclaim God’s greatness. Believers are called to share the good news of salvation and the transformative power of God. This calling not only affirms their mission to witness to others but also encourages them to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness and grace.
      This new identity is made possible by what Jesus Christ did. There should not be any identity crises or mistaken identity. A Christian should walk tall and live as one. Hence, it is in Jesus Christ we are new.
5. This identity hence, confers on the status of:
6. A New Creation:
   Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17).
   When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are not simply given a fresh start; we are transformed into new creations. This means that our past mistakes, sins, and identities are washed away. We no longer need to be defined by our pasts. In Christ, we are set free from the chains that once held us captive. Each day, we can walk in this new identity, embracing the grace and forgiveness offered to us.
7. Sons/Children of God: Our identity is rooted in being children of God and we are thus celebrated. We are not just saved, we are celebrated
   Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (1 John 3:1-3).

In John 1:12 (NIV), it says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Our identity in Christ grants us the honor of being called His children. This relationship brings us into a family where we receive unconditional love, acceptance, and eternal inheritance. As children of God, we can approach our Heavenly Father with confidence and trust, knowing that He cares for us deeply. We are not slaves, we are children and with boldness we can enter his inner chamber to obtain mercy.

3. Friends of Jesus: By being friend of Jesus, we are called to relish a cordial relationship with him and follow him intimately.
   Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15)
4. Citizens of Heaven
   Philippians 3:20 (NIV) states, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our true home and identity are not tied to this earth, but rather to the Kingdom of God. This perspective helps us navigate the struggles and challenges we face. We can find hope and purpose in our lives, knowing that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Jesus declares that, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world ( John 17:14-16). We shall soon get home.
5. Called to Live Out Our Identity
   Understanding our identity in Christ is not just about knowing who we are; it’s about living it out. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are not just passive recipients of grace; we are active participants in God’s plan. Our identity drives our actions—when we fully grasp who we are, we can live out our calling with courage and authenticity.
6. Conclusion:
   As we conclude, understanding your identity in Christ Jesus must make you make you stand on your lane, don’t dabble into what you are not cut out for:
   Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded (Acts 19:13-16).

The new identity frees us from shame and empowers us to live a life that reflects the grace of God. Hence, it shapes our thought, actions, and interactions with others. We are called to live out this identity by loving, serving and extending grace, Just as Christ did for us. Live boldly
As we reflect on our identity in Christ, let us remember that we are new creations, children of God, citizens of heaven, and called to live out our faith actively. When the world tries to define us by its standards, let us cling to the truth of who we are in Christ.
Now, a man who was in the employment of Pepsi was distributing the soft drink to their retail outlets. He rode a truck branded with Pepsi logo, wore a cloth branded with Pepsi logo, with a fez cap to match branded with Pepsi logo. After the days task, he was thirsty, while still dressed in the Pepsi trade mark apparel and his truck parked outside, he entered a eatery and ordered for a bottle of coke. While drinking it, his picture was taken and sent to his manager. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Identity crisis? Does it mean his body is Pepsi, but his heart is coca cola? You cannot serve God and mammon! Who are you?
Thank you for listening.