Deeply Defined
ADVANCE PRAISE
Deeply Defined helps us do exactly thatbe defined by deep layers of Godly principles. Even for someone like me who is seasoned in the faith, it was good to verify that I was still on the right path in my thinking and choices. Janeys poignant questions lead us all to a vital exploration of the health of our faith. Its easy to forget key truths in the chaos and pressures of our worlds dilemmas. So, whether youre in search of what to believe or you too are seasoned in your faith, Deeply Defined was written for you.
Patsy Clairmont, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Wife, Mom, Nana
God never changes, but our words about God do. Some new believers come to church without ever knowing its lingo. Others are deeply ingrained in the language of Zion. In Deeply Defined, Janey Pitts advocates keeping the meaning while baptizing theological words like justification, sanctification, propitiation, and glorification in contemporary relevance. Her book seeks to equip new believers and those who will witness to the lost with language to comprehend the truth of Scripture in fresh new ways.
Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
Janeys seminary training allows her to take a deep dive into the Scriptures. Her experiences as a wife, mother, and friend enable her to draw practical applications to truth.
Eva Whittington Self, Womens Speaker, Author, May Bells Daughter
Deeply Defined is a refreshing contribution to Christian literature. Janeys writing style is conversational but make no mistake about it; she takes her readers deep into Hebrew and Greek word studies, leading one to say, Ahh, now, I get it. Janeys illustrations are lively, relevant, and serve to illuminate the main points. Deeply Defined takes its readers beyond superficial Bible studies by employing exegetical skills in a way that truly exposes key Bible passages but doesnt lose its readers in academic jargon, so get ready for a deep dive into Gods Word! When you turn the last page of Deeply Defined, you will feel as if you are good friends with Janey Pitts, and more importantly, you will grow in your understanding of Gods Word. I heartily recommend this book.
Ray Rhodes, Jr., Author, Yours, till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon and Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon
How does our faith in Christ shape us, and what do words like grace, mercy, and hope, mean? These are questions that are answered in Deeply Defined as we learn to become more like him, shaped by his love and mercy rather than our own insecurities. I cant imagine a more timely book for this generation who needs to know not only who God is, but how we are defined by him.
Lance Howerton, President, Crossings Ministries
Janeys writing holds deep reverence of Scripture and carries stories that bring a sense of awe and hope. This book brings Truth to life through stories, wisdom, and context. You will grow closer to God and be developed as your curiosity is sparked by the questions at the end of the chapters!
Sandhya Oaks, TEDx Speaker, Ministry Leader
DEEPLY
DEFINED
Understanding Who You Are In Christ
JANEY PITTS
NASHVILLE
NEW YORKLONDONMELBOURNEVANCOUVER
Deeply Defined
Understanding Who You are in Christ
2022 Janey Pitts
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in New York, New York, by Morgan James Publishing. Morgan James is a trademark of Morgan James, LLC. www.MorganJamesPublishing.com
Proudly distributed by Ingram Publisher Services.
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
| ISBN 9781631956119 paperback ISBN 9781631956126 ebook Library of Congress Control Number: 2021937216 Cover Design by: Megan Dillon Interior Design by: Christopher Kirk www.GFSstudio.com |
Morgan James is a proud partner of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. Partners in building since 2006.
Get involved today! Visit MorganJamesPublishing.com/giving-back
For Mom, Dad, Cory, Charlie, and Elizabeth
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many people who made this book happen. First, Id like to thank the Lord for allowing me to write this book; it never would have happened if he hadnt given me the nudge that would not go away until I finished it. My prayer is that this book will deepen others in your word and your ways. It is for, and all about, you.
Karen Anderson, you are amazing. Your energy and wisdom have encouraged me in this process from the very beginning with Morgan James, and I cant tell you how much I appreciate you pouring into me. And to Sissi Haner, I cant imagine a better editor who is kinder and better at their job than you; you are fantastic!
To all the amazing people at Morgan James PublishingDavid Hancock, Wes Taylor, Jim Howard, Bonnie Rauch, Taylor Chaffer, and the rest from print to artwork, you guys have been fabulous to work with. Thank you for believing in me and in Deeply Defined. It is an honor and joy to be one of your authors!
Danya, its crazy how thankful I am for you even though weve never met face to face. The information you shared with me was invaluable, and you helped get me on this current trajectory. I will be forever grateful. And Kristi, thanks for the talk and the spicy tuna rolls; both were amazing. I cant wait to see all the ways God is going to use you on a global scale!
I have so many friends to thank who kept me going in the process. To Betsi, for being the first to have eyes on my document. Natalie, Heather, Laura, Amy, and Kathleen, my girls from all over America who took six weeks out of their lives to do a test run as a bible study and give me feedback each weekI love you all. To my Lead Pastor Kevin Lee, who is the best senior pastor Ive had the privilege to serve with. Big thanks to my buddy, coach, and cheerleader Dick Savage for his wisdom and joy. My love and thanks to Lindsey and Melissa for the eggs, your excitement, friendship, and for turning mumbo jumbo into words I could understand.
Many thanks to those who let me tell your stories. Thanks to Lowell, who has lived one amazing, God-filled life. To Shannon, who has walked through the fire and is an absolute rock star. To Tray and Melody, who minister to so many bringing hope. To Kinley, who is precious and will never forget how to set a clock. To Jimmy, who truly was transformed. To Abigail, who loves others so well. To Eva, for letting me tell part of your story; you are a light. To Katie, keep using that gift you have to share the gospel; you make it look so easy. Merci Elizabeth, ma vgtarienne prfre. And thanks to Michael (a homeless man) for reminding me of the power of God.
I have to say thank you to my mom and dad, who brought me up loving the Lord and being wonderful examples of what it means to be a Jesus follower. I love you both, and Im so proud you are my parents! And Daddy, your advice has gotten me through so much, this book included. Youre still the smartest man I know! And to Gee and Papa, who were so excited when I first told you about this and to hear about each step along the way.
Next page