Essential Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Essential Church
Essential Church exists to remove every non-essential barrier between people and God and move them towards a loving relationship with Jesus Christ that can be enjoyed for all eternity.
For more information, visit www.essentialchurch.com
Message from Chris Gill, Ron Jones, Katie Streeter and Ramsey Goshert on June 23, 2024.
Essential Church, message from Pastor Steve Swisher
Shownotes
Main Points
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Analogy of NCAA tournament seeding to have congregation think about where they rank themselves among fellow churchgoers (1-300)
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Discusses how people can move from being self-focused to open-handed and thinking of others
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Wonders if it takes a near death experience to prompt this change
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Notes natural human tendency towards selfishness and the socialization process around sharing
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Observes that greater love does not necessarily reduce selfishness, as in marriages
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Discusses how social media can provide social interaction while allowing self-curation
Bible Examples
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Outlines Paul's teaching to Corinthians about constructive speech/actions
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Gives examples of Bible figures having outlook changed after encountering God (Job, Isaiah, Peter, Paul)
Conclusion
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Wants people to have frequent encounters with Jesus to see themselves as humble and willing to serve others
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Prays that people experience lasting change in outlook and happily participate in church community
Discussion Questions
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Pastor Steve analyzes the process of how people can move from being self-focused to open-handed and caring about others. Do you agree that it often requires a major life event to prompt that change? What other factors could contribute?
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Several Biblical figures like Job, Isaiah and Paul are highlighted as experiencing humility after encounters with God. What do you think Pastor Steve wants you to take away from those stories? Why focus on humility specifically?
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Pastor Steve wants you to have transformative divine encounters that shift their perspective through worship, service or hardship. Which of those avenues seems most promising to you? How does your faith prompt perspective shifts?
Message from Steve Swisher on March 17, 2024
Pastor Steve references a scene from The Princess Bride where Wesley responds to Buttercup's commands with "As you wish," which she eventually realizes means "I love you." He notes this unconditional love.
Pastor Steve discusses a Bible scene where Jesus washes his disciples' feet, exemplifying his humble and serving nature even though he had authority.
Timothy and Epaphroditus are also mentioned as examples of having a humble mindset like Jesus, caring for others despite difficulties.
Though Timothy had health issues and anxiety, he genuinely cared for people. Epaphroditus risked his life to help the imprisoned Paul, nearly dying. Paul was grateful to the Philippians for sending Epaphroditus.
Pastor Steve encourages looking for daily opportunities to serve others with kindness and humility, even when feeling unready, responding to unkindness with kindness as Jesus exemplified.
In closing, Pastor Steve prays that through humble, loving service like Jesus, Timothy and Epaphroditus showed, our lives can point people to Jesus.
Discussion Questions
How does Wesley's response of "As you wish" to Buttercup's demands demonstrate unconditional love? What other examples of unconditional love have you seen in movies or books?
Why do you think Jesus, who had all authority and power, chose to wash his disciples' feet? What does this act reveal about his nature and character?
How specifically did Timothy and Epaphroditus demonstrate servant-heartedness and humility in caring for others? What risks or sacrifices did they make?
Have you ever continued serving others even when struggling with health issues, anxiety, or exhaustion? What motivated you to push through the challenges?
When have you seen an act of kindness make a difference in someone else's life? How could small acts of service be meaningful to people in need?
What are some practical ways we can respond to negativity or disrespect with humility and grace on a daily basis? How can we become more like Jesus in this area?