Better Because God Said So - Better
Essential Church Podcast
Better Because God Said So Better Essential Church September 7, 2025
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When Less Is Better Than More - Better
Essential Church Podcast
When Less Is Better Than More Better Essential Church August 31, 2025
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Better Is One Day In Your Courts - Better
Essential Church Podcast
Better Is One Day In Your Courts Better Essential Church August 24, 2025
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Work Around the Trees - Brave
Essential Church Podcast
Work Around the Trees Brave Essential Church August 17, 2025
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Face Your Fears - Brave
Essential Church Podcast
Face Your Fears Brave Essential Church August 10, 2025
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Fear Not - Brave
Essential Church Podcast
Fear Not Brave Essential Church August 3, 2025 SUMMARY The message revolves around the theme of bravery, particularly in the context of facing fears and challenges. It begins with a humorous portrayal of the disciples' plan to spread the message of Jesus' resurrection, despite the risk of being brutally murdered for it. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of fear and courage. The pastor emphasizes that bravery is not the absence of fear but the courage to face it. This is illustrated through biblical narratives, such as the story of Jesus calming the storm, where the disciples...
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Life’s a Desert - Mosaic of Redemption
Essential Church Podcast
Life’s a Desert Mosaic of Redemption Essential Church July 27, 205 SUMMARY The message revolves around themes of faith, life's challenges, and spiritual growth. It draws on biblical stories and metaphors to illustrate the journey of life and the importance of faith in overcoming difficulties. 1. **Biblical References and Metaphors**: The message frequently references biblical stories, such as Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, symbolizing God's provision in times of need. It also discusses the metaphor of life as a desert, where God is the rock providing shelter and...
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I Told You That - The Name God Gave Me
Essential Church Podcast
I Told You That The Name God Gave Me Essential Church July 20, 2025 SUMMARY 1. **Biblical Narrative**: - The story begins with Jesus needing to address a large crowd. He borrows a boat from Simon and Andrew to speak to the people from the water. After speaking, Jesus instructs Simon to push out into deep water to fish, despite Simon's initial reluctance due to a fruitless night of fishing. - The narrative continues with a scene where Jesus and his disciples are in a boat during a storm. They struggle against the elements and eventually see a ghostly figure, which turns out to be Jesus. This...
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Who Told You That? - The Name God Gave Me
Essential Church Podcast
Who Told You That? The Name God Gave Me Essential Church July 13, 2025 SUMMARY The message touches on personal growth and identity. The pastor reflects on their journey from being an introvert to realizing their potential, drawing parallels with the character Po from "Kung Fu Panda." Initially perceived as unlikely to succeed, Po's story becomes a source of inspiration, emphasizing that true strength lies in embracing one's unique path. Throughout the dialogue, there is a recurring theme of letting go of the illusion of control and trusting in a higher plan. This is illustrated through...
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Who Are You? - The Name God Gave Me
Essential Church Podcast
Who Are You The Name God Gave Me Essential Church July 6, 2025 SUMMARY The message explores the theme of identity, delving into how various factors shape who we are and how we perceive ourselves. It begins by discussing the complexity of identity, noting that while it might seem straightforward to define oneself, it involves a myriad of influences including demographics, family background, and personal experiences. The pastor emphasizes that identity is not static; it evolves through life experiences such as successes, failures, and relationships. These experiences can alter how we see...
info_outlineJesus Is God
God: My Pronouns Are I / Us
June 22, 2025
Essential Church
SUMMARY
The message explores the concept of the Trinity in Christianity, focusing on the relationship between God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It begins by discussing how Jesus, portrayed as God in human form, communicates with God as a distinct person, referring to Him as Father. This highlights the personal nature of God, who is depicted in various roles such as ruler, creator, and judge, but most intimately as a loving Father.
The discussion delves into the theological concept of the Trinity, explaining that while it may appear as three distinct gods, they are unified as one in a way that transcends human understanding. This unity is described as an eternal community of love, emphasizing the relational aspect of God.
The message also touches on the incarnation of Jesus, which is the period from Christmas to Easter, where God takes on human form. This event is significant as it reveals more about God's nature through Jesus' life and teachings than the preceding millennia of history. Throughout the message, there is an emphasis on understanding God through the person of Jesus, who is seen as the physical representation of God's character.
The narrative encourages viewers to think of God not as an abstract or distant figure but as a personal being who desires a loving relationship with humanity.
In conclusion, the message aims to provide clarity on the complex doctrine of the Trinity, encouraging a deeper understanding and personal connection with God through the example of Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. **Understanding the Trinity**: How does the concept of the Trinity challenge or enhance your understanding of God? What aspects of the Trinity do you find most difficult to comprehend?
2. **Jesus as God in Human Form**: How does viewing Jesus as God incarnate influence your perception of His teachings and actions? What significance does the incarnation hold in your personal faith journey?
3. **The Role of the Holy Spirit**: What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role within the Trinity? How do you experience or perceive the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
4. **God as a Personal Being**: How does the depiction of God as a loving Father affect your relationship with Him? In what ways do you relate to God on a personal level?
5. **Theological Implications of the Cross**: How do you interpret the significance of Jesus' crucifixion in the context of the Trinity? What does the concept of Jesus taking on the sin of humanity mean to you?
6. **Relating to the Trinity**: How can the model of the Trinity as a harmonious community of love be applied to human relationships? What lessons can we learn from this divine relationship?