Podcast Summary: Elevation with Steven Furtick
Episode: All I Know (Jonathan Josephs)
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "All I Know," hosted by Steven Furtick of Elevation Church, guest Jonathan Josephs shares a deeply personal and introspective message centered around faith, doubt, and the journey of understanding one’s relationship with God. Through his heartfelt storytelling and scriptural insights, Jonathan explores the tension between knowing and not knowing, urging listeners to build their faith not solely on intellectual understanding but on personal experience and relationship with Christ.
Overcoming Fatherhood Inadequacy
Jonathan begins by addressing a common struggle among fathers: the feeling of inadequacy. He acknowledges the "father guilt" many experience and prophesies blessings over dads, reminding them of their identity as sons before becoming fathers.
“Before you were a father, you were a son... everything your father has is available to you.”
[02:30]
He emphasizes the importance of recognizing inherited blessings and standing firm in one’s identity to combat feelings of inadequacy.
Personal Journey and Humility
Jonathan shares his personal journey, reflecting on the honor of serving as a campus pastor and the privilege of being part of Elevation Church for over a decade. He humorously recounts celebrating 15 years of marriage and the birth of his children, highlighting the blessings in his life.
“Standing behind the pulpit is cool. But sitting in that seat week to week is so special.”
[03:45]
He candidly discusses moments of doubt and uncertainty in his faith, revealing that even as a pastor, he grapples with not having all the answers.
Scriptural Reflection: John Chapter 9
Jonathan delves into John Chapter 9, focusing on the story of Jesus healing a man born blind. He highlights the recurring theme of "knowing" in the passage, contrasting intellectual knowledge with relational understanding.
“Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know... I was blind, but now I see.”
[10:15]
He interprets the man's confession as a testament to personal experience over academic knowledge, encouraging believers to build their faith on what they have personally encountered with God.
Faith in Uncertainty
Discussing his own struggles, Jonathan relates to the blind man's uncertainty. He shares how questions from his children about the Trinity and other theological concepts have challenged him to rely more on personal experience than on scholarly knowledge.
“All I know is that I'm so blessed to be sitting next to you.”
[05:50]
Jonathan advocates for "blind faith" — a trust in God that moves beyond needing all the answers, emphasizing obedience even in uncertainty.
The Power of Testimony
Jonathan emphasizes the significance of personal testimonies in strengthening faith. He encourages listeners to develop a one-sentence testimony that encapsulates what God has done in their lives.
“I was blind, but now I see.”
[25:40]
He shares examples from his church where members succinctly share how God has transformed their lives, fostering a collective sense of faith and community.
Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
Drawing from Ephesians 1:17-18, Jonathan speaks about the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. He distinguishes between knowledge gained from study and the deeper understanding that comes from a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
“I pray that the Spirit of wisdom may enlighten the eyes of your heart.”
[30:25]
Jonathan underscores the importance of spiritual insight that transcends intellectual comprehension, allowing believers to truly "know" God.
Transformation Through Humility
Jonathan recounts his own transformation from relying on academic knowledge to seeking a genuine relationship with God. He shares a pivotal prayer where he asked God to help him "unlearn everything I think I know and help me truly experience who you are."
“Lord, help me unlearn everything I think I know and help me truly experience you for who you are.”
[35:10]
This humility led him to deepen his faith and depend more on God's guidance rather than his own understanding.
Closing Insights
In concluding his message, Jonathan reflects on the story of the blind man’s two "seeings" — the physical healing and the spiritual revelation of Jesus as Lord. He encourages listeners to seek that deeper knowing through personal experience rather than solely through acquired knowledge.
“I was blind, but now I see again.”
[43:50]
Jonathan's journey serves as an inspiration for believers to embrace uncertainty and build their faith on the transformative relationship with Christ.
Notable Quotes
- “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know... I was blind, but now I see.” — Jonathan Josephs [10:15]
- “Standing behind the pulpit is cool. But sitting in that seat week to week is so special.” — Jonathan Josephs [03:45]
- “I was blind, but now I see again.” — Jonathan Josephs [43:50]
- “Lord, help me unlearn everything I think I know and help me truly experience you for who you are.” — Jonathan Josephs [35:10]
Conclusion
"All I Know" is a compelling episode that navigates the complexities of faith, doubt, and personal experience. Jonathan Josephs effectively communicates that while intellectual knowledge is valuable, true faith is rooted in personal relationship and experience with God. His honest reflections and scriptural insights offer listeners a pathway to deepen their faith and embrace the transformative power of knowing God beyond the intellect.
Additional Resources
To further explore the themes discussed in this episode, listeners are encouraged to:
- Visit Elevation Church for more information and resources.
- Download the Elevation App to stay connected with weekly messages and updates.
- Support the ministry through donations at http://ele.vc/TI55jR.
This summary captures the essence of Jonathan Josephs' message on the "Elevation with Steven Furtick" podcast, providing an insightful overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.