Elevation with Steven Furtick

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick explores the distinction between a 'summary' and a 'story,' using Hebrews 11 to illustrate how biblical accounts often omit the internal struggles, doubts, and panics experienced during trials. While scripture records ultimate victories like the crossing of the Red Sea, it frequently skips the difficult wilderness periods essential for spiritual growth. Drawing on the examples of the walls of Jericho and Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, the speaker argues that while certain hardships are unskippable requirements for maturity, one can avoid unnecessary suffering caused by unbelief and complaining. By choosing praise over murmuring, listeners can navigate inevitable trials without falling into prolonged states of spiritual or emotional destruction.

Stephen Furtick introduces the Elevation Nights tour before delivering a sermon based on Hebrews 8, warning against the dangers of uncritical imitation. He cautions his audience to be careful about what they copy, using examples ranging from the degradation of Moses's tabernacle to the superficiality of modern social media envy and the 24-7 news cycle. The speaker emphasizes that while we may respect our history, we should not replicate old patterns or external personas that no longer fit our calling. Instead, he encourages listeners to move beyond past limitations and focus on embracing a better covenant through Jesus, ultimately urging them to internalize God's specific truths and promises for their lives.

In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan introduces the message 'Hold on to your song,' using the biblical story of Paul and Silas to illustrate how worship can break chains. He discusses how timeless songs serve as anchors for truth, helping believers ground themselves in God's presence and strength during difficult times. The episode explores the spiritual importance of having 'sticky' worshipful truths that can be recalled through generations, using examples like Moses, Miriam, and Jesus. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that worship is not meant to be private; rather, praising God during hardships can break spiritual chains for both the individual and those watching.

Stephen Furtick explores the biblical narrative of Mark 9, examining the tension between spiritual inspiration and periods of doubt. He emphasizes that one's identity is not defined by struggles or successes, but remains separate from transient emotions and external labels. Through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, the episode illustrates how faith is often obscured rather than lost. By inviting God into moments of unbelief and practicing a shift in perspective, individuals can move past surface-level challenges to discover divine strength and spiritual authority.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick explores the concept of 'prayers you're not proud of,' ranging from distracted or envious prayers to angry ones. Using biblical examples like Elijah and David, he illustrates that God values the presence of prayer over its perfection, emphasizing that righteousness comes through humility and forgiveness rather than sinless performance. The episode further examines the importance of humility over holiness, using the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to show how God responds to a humble heart. Through the life of Elijah, Furtick discusses 'pit prayers'—the raw, unpolished prayers made during extreme hardship—and highlights how God provides strength even when one prays to give up.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick explores the biblical account of Mark 9:14-29, focusing on a father's plea for his son's healing and the disciples' failure to perform a miracle due to a lack of prayerful dependence. He reflects on the danger of confusing one's identity with personal abilities or achievements, emphasizing that true identity is found in being God's handiwork. The speaker further discusses the importance of separating faith from fluctuating feelings and distinguishing one's identity from internal struggles like sin or doubt. The episode concludes with a communal prayer for salvation and a call to bring one's whole self to Christ.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick revisits the story of 1 Samuel 16 to discuss how God chooses individuals regardless of age or outward appearance, emphasizing that God focuses on the heart. He explores how spiritual growth and God's promises often occur amidst conflicting emotions like anxiety, grief, and confusion, using the biblical framework of Samuel to show that one can move forward in faith even when life feels overwhelming. The speaker further encourages listeners to act in faith despite difficult circumstances, sharing a personal story about reconciliation to illustrate how small steps of obedience lead to divine restoration. The episode concludes with an exhortation to continue trusting God and moving forward regardless of circumstances.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick reflects on the power of God's hand, exploring how His providence manifests through both provision and pruning. Using personal stories and biblical accounts, he examines the dual nature of God's intervention—as a protector that plants and a pruner that removes what is necessary for growth. The message further contrasts God's mighty hand with our own resistance and lack of surrender. By looking at the stories of Jesus healing a man with a shriveled hand and Moses' staff, Furtick emphasizes that true restoration occurs when we stop presenting only our functional selves and instead stretch out our brokenness, shame, and hidden struggles to God.

In this episode of the 'I Know That Voice' series, Stephen Furtick explores the biblical account of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 to address the mental and spiritual toll of perfectionism, pressure, and exhaustion. He discusses how replaying past mistakes and dwelling on unseen threats can lead to a state of 'death by echo,' where individuals retreat into a metaphorical cave of anxiety and self-centeredness. Furtick further examines the psychological weight of spiritual leadership and the danger of becoming 'empty' through constant pressure. He encourages listeners to move beyond mere complaints toward active supplication, urging them to stop replaying regrets and instead 'run it back' by remembering God's past faithfulness and the power of the divine whisper.

Using the biblical account of King Ahab, Stephen Furtick discusses the dangers of making unintentional mental and spiritual agreements with anxiety and the enemy. He encourages listeners to involve God in their thought processes before problems escalate into full-grown crises, rather than simply asking for help with the consequences of established habits. The episode emphasizes the importance of guiding one's thoughts toward truth and breaking alliances with negativity. By involving God early in life's processes, believers can find victory even in their most vulnerable moments, as divine grace often works powerfully through human weakness.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick explores the concept of doubt and the fear of making wrong decisions, using the biblical story of John the Baptist's disciples questioning Jesus. Through personal anecdotes about parenting and reflections on historical figures, he discusses how even well-intentioned people face uncertainty. The message further examines John the Baptist's doubts while imprisoned, emphasizing that periods of confusion or unmet expectations are not signs of God's absence. Furtick encourages listeners to bring their uncertainties directly to Jesus, viewing resistance and difficulty as opportunities to deepen one's faith and trust in God's purpose.

In the sermon 'The Lazarus Factor,' Stephen Furtick explores John 11, focusing on the tension between human expectations of God's immediate response and the divine purpose found in waiting. Using the biblical story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he discusses how God's perceived delays are often driven by love and intended to reveal His glory. The episode examines the frustration of unmet expectations and emphasizes that God is present even in moments of grief and loss. Furtick encourages listeners to find strength in transparency with God and to recognize that difficult circumstances can serve as catalysts for spiritual revelation.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick explores the distinction between receiving a description of God's word and having a personal experience with it. Using Mark 4 as a foundation, he emphasizes moving beyond mere instruction toward active implementation and seeking intimate moments with God to truly understand His voice. Drawing on the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm, Furtick illustrates how the lessons learned during peaceful times are essential for navigating life's unexpected crises. He highlights how God uses trials to reveal His true nature, transitioning our perception of Him from a teacher on the shore to Lord over the storm.

In 'The Sticking Point,' Stephen Furtick explores the idea that difficulty and resistance are often inherent to the things we value most. Using the biblical stories of the Exodus and Moses, he explains that feeling stuck or facing intense struggle can actually signify divine purpose and the great value of what a person carries. Furtick encourages listeners to move past self-centered struggles by surrendering their small resources to God. He emphasizes that while resistance may increase, God provides the necessary strength and tools to navigate life's most challenging moments.

In this episode of 'I Know That Voice,' Stephen Furtick explores the importance of being faithful to God's revealed word rather than seeking human validation or fame. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4, he discusses how believers should prioritize God's values and prepare their hearts to be a blessing to others through prayerful study. The message further examines the danger of becoming a slave to people's praise or a casualty of their criticism. Using the biblical story of the woman caught in adultery, Furtick highlights how Jesus acts as a merciful jury rather than an accuser, emphasizing that our identity should be found in His transformative grace rather than our own sins or righteousness.

Stephen Furtick explores the concept of 'catching a thought' and how our internal mental narratives shape our reality. Using the biblical story of the spies in Numbers 13, he illustrates how focusing on perceived giants rather than God's promises can lead to insecurity and weakened faith. The sermon further discusses the battle of the mind, explaining how negative thoughts like inadequacy can create spiritual strongholds. By taking every thought captive and intentionally focusing on the greatness of God, one can overcome despair, shame, and low self-esteem.

I Know That Voice. It's hard to hear God. The Struggle to Hear God. Samuel: The Prophet, Priest, and Judge. The Cost of Saul's Disobedience. Finding Direction in Disappointment. Moving Forward Before Finding. God vs. The Maps App. Deconstructing Christianese. Hearing from God and Using Wisdom. Doing Something in the Bible to See Something out of the Bible. The Example of Samuel. Strategies for Difficult Obedience. Discerning God's Voice vs. Human Impressions. The Importance of Correctability and Values. Overcoming the Fear that God has Stopped Speaking. Closing Prayer and Benediction.

Stephen Furtick explores the concept of being 'trapped in transition,' using an anecdote about Alcatraz and a deep dive into Acts chapter 3 to illustrate how moments of change are both significant opportunities for divine miracles and vulnerable points for distraction. He examines the biblical account of the lame man at the temple gate to distinguish between external change and internal transition, arguing that true transformation requires an internal psychological and spiritual process to catch up with external shifts. The episode further discusses the spiritual challenges of transition, emphasizing that maturity requires moving beyond basic principles to embrace deeper faith. Furtick explores the necessity of letting go of old habits and identities to effectively cling to new, God-given transformations, warning that holding onto the past can prevent spiritual progress.

Pastor Stephen Furtick discusses the potential for a new spiritual awakening and his commitment to empowering the next generation. Through personal testimony and biblical teaching on the book of Judges, the episode explores the responsibility of being an ambassador for Christ and the danger of retreating into 'caves' of fear during times of oppression. Using the story of Gideon, the speaker emphasizes that God meets people in their brokenness, calling them by their future identity as mighty warriors. The message highlights that true spiritual victory requires addressing internal battles and tearing down personal altars of sin before facing external challenges.

The speaker explores the theological concept of intrinsic worth, arguing that human value is a predetermined gift from God rather than something earned through performance. Using personal anecdotes and biblical examples from Psalms, Isaiah, and Ephesians, she illustrates how God's affection and choice assign permanent value to humanity. The episode further reflects on the profound reality of being adopted into God's family. Through stories of historical Christian practices and a personal encounter in Nashville, the speaker emphasizes that grasping our identity as beloved children of God has the power to transform our lives.

Stephen Furtick explores the biblical concept of 'better' through the lens of Hebrews 6, discussing how moving toward spiritual maturity often feels like regression. He examines how adopting God's grace requires unlearning old, controlling habits and perfectionism. Through a theological lens, the episode argues that God uses difficult or backward-feeling seasons to reveal His superior grace. Using examples from Abraham and the divinity of Jesus, the speaker emphasizes that true improvement is found in Christ's nature rather than human effort, encouraging listeners to focus on God's grace rather than comparison.

In this sermon, Stephen Furtick explores the biblical story of Nehemiah to illustrate the concept of being a 'builder' for God. Using personal anecdotes and the narrative of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, he discusses how God interrupts regular life with divine purposes and places burdens on individuals to restore what is broken in their communities. The message emphasizes that believers do not need perfect circumstances or complete resources to serve God, as even amidst personal struggles and opposition, they are called to persevere. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of individual contribution, legacy, and a prayer for spiritual renewal and strength within the church.

In the sermon 'Wind vs. Word,' Stephen Furtick explores Ecclesiastes 11:4 to discuss how focusing on unfavorable circumstances prevents progress. He explains that the human mind often seeks evidence to support negative conclusions, effectively acting as a 'weatherman' that creates fear of things that haven't even happened. The speaker further examines the metaphor of 'watching the wind' as living based on fluctuating emotions or fears rather than faith. Using biblical examples like Peter walking on water, he emphasizes that true maturity involves trusting God's timing and maintaining a focus on His Word rather than being distracted by life's storms.

In 'The Mystery of Potential,' Stephen Furtick explores the unseen work of God through the lens of Ecclesiastes 11, discussing how human potential remains hidden until we undergo a process of planting and sowing. Using metaphors of seeds, technology, and biblical figures like Elisha, he emphasizes that true growth requires the willingness to release control and endure the difficult processes of life. The message further explores the necessity of remaining planted in one's purpose and avoiding the traps of comparison or constant self-judgment. Furtick encourages listeners to view challenging circumstances not as burials, but as plantings, highlighting the power of resurrection and the possibility of life emerging from seemingly dead situations through God's faithfulness.

Pastor Jonathan (JJ) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Ballantyne campus before diving into a sermon based on Psalm 139. Exploring themes of God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, the message emphasizes that because God already knows our deepest secrets, there is no point in hiding or running from Him. The episode highlights the necessity of vulnerability and authenticity in one's relationship with God. Using biblical examples like David, Jacob, and the woman at the well, the speaker argues that true intimacy and healing require bringing our unpolished realities into His presence rather than maintaining a curated persona.