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_outlineI 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 leads to a moment of faith-testing for Peter.
2. **Modern Reflection**: - The pastor reflects on the concept of discipleship, emphasizing that it is a process of learning and testing, rather than a mere accumulation of knowledge. This process involves understanding one's identity in Christ and being molded through experiences. - There is a discussion about personal identity and the fears that often hold people back from realizing their true potential. The speaker encourages listeners to seek God's perspective on their lives, which is rooted in love and purpose.
3. **Lessons on Faith**: - The message highlights the importance of faith over fear, using Peter's experience of walking on water as a metaphor for stepping out in faith despite uncertainties. It underscores the idea that faith requires trust in Jesus' call and a willingness to move beyond comfort zones. Overall, the message combines storytelling with motivational insights, encouraging listeners to embrace their spiritual journey with courage and trust in divine guidance.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. **Biblical Context**: - How does the story of Jesus borrowing Simon's boat to speak to the crowd illustrate the concept of using available resources for a greater purpose? - In what ways does the storm scene with Jesus and his disciples serve as a metaphor for challenges in life?
2. **Faith and Discipleship**: - What does the Project suggest about the nature of discipleship and its role in personal growth? - How can the process of learning and testing in discipleship be applied to modern life challenges?
3. **Identity and Fear**: - How does the speaker address the issue of personal identity and the fears that hinder personal growth? - What steps can individuals take to align their self-perception with God's perspective, as suggested in the Project?
4. **Lessons from Peter's Experience**: - What lessons can be drawn from Peter's attempt to walk on water, and how can these be applied to everyday situations? - How does the concept of stepping out in faith challenge conventional comfort zones, and what are the potential benefits?
5. **Application to Modern Life**: - How can the themes of faith and trust in divine guidance be integrated into daily decision-making processes? - In what ways can individuals cultivate a mindset that prioritizes faith over fear in their personal and professional lives?