Better Because God Said So - Better
Essential Church Podcast
Better Because God Said So Better Essential Church September 7, 2025
info_outline
When Less Is Better Than More - Better
Essential Church Podcast
When Less Is Better Than More Better Essential Church August 31, 2025
info_outline
Better Is One Day In Your Courts - Better
Essential Church Podcast
Better Is One Day In Your Courts Better Essential Church August 24, 2025
info_outline
Work Around the Trees - Brave
Essential Church Podcast
Work Around the Trees Brave Essential Church August 17, 2025
info_outline
Face Your Fears - Brave
Essential Church Podcast
Face Your Fears Brave Essential Church August 10, 2025
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineWho 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 ourselves and how others perceive us.
The message also touches on the concept of "impression management," where individuals may change their identity to fit what they believe others expect of them. A significant portion of the message is dedicated to a spiritual perspective on identity, encouraging listeners to seek their true identity as defined by God rather than by societal or personal limitations.
The pastor uses biblical references, such as the stories of Abraham and Moses, to illustrate how God calls individuals into identities that may not align with their current reality but are part of a divine plan.
The message concludes with a call to embrace one's true identity as seen through the lens of faith, suggesting that understanding and accepting this identity can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. **Identity Formation:** - How do personal experiences and relationships influence our sense of identity? - In what ways can our identity change over time, and what are some factors that contribute to these changes?
2. **Impression Management:** - What are some examples of how people might alter their identity to meet the expectations of others? - How does the concept of impression management impact our authentic self-expression?
3. **Spiritual Perspective:** - How does the Project suggest that one's identity is defined by God, and how does this differ from societal definitions? - What role do biblical stories, such as those of Abraham and Moses, play in understanding identity from a spiritual perspective?
4. **True Identity:** - What are the challenges and benefits of seeking one's true identity through faith? - How can embracing a faith-based identity lead to a more fulfilling life?
5. **Personal Reflection:** - Reflect on a time when your identity was challenged or changed. What were the circumstances, and how did you navigate this change? - How do you balance societal expectations with your personal and spiritual understanding of your identity?