Elevation with Steven Furtick – Episode: "Complete The Cross"
Release Date: April 4, 2025
In the "Complete The Cross" episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick, Pastor Steven Furtick delivers a profound sermon centered on the transformative power of the cross in the context of relationships and personal growth. This detailed summary captures the essence of Pastor Furtick's message, highlighting key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.
1. Embracing God's Presence in the Midst of Struggles
Pastor Furtick opens the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners and setting the tone for a message aimed at inspiring faith and providing perspective during challenging times.
Pastor Furtick [00:31]: "We are in the middle of something, and that's where God is."
He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's constant presence, especially when awaiting the "finished product" of our lives.
Pastor Furtick [00:40]: "If God is an ever-present help in trouble, in times of trouble, that's one thing the Bible says about God."
2. Revelation in the Context of Relationships
Transitioning to the theme of revelation, Pastor Furtick highlights that the most significant pain and pleasure in life occur within relationships.
Pastor Furtick [02:40]: "The greatest pain and greatest pleasure in your life will be experienced in the context of relationship."
He introduces the concept of using creative methods, such as flashbacks, to present biblical truths in an engaging manner.
3. The Story of Cleopas and the Emmaus Road
Pastor Furtick delves into the biblical narrative from Luke 24, recounting the journey of Cleopas and his unnamed companion to the village of Emmaus.
Pastor Furtick [03:10]: "They were burying their dreams along the road when the one whose death they were mourning walked up right beside them."
He explores the reasons behind Jesus accompanying those heading in the "wrong direction," challenging the notion that God only supports us when we follow His exact directives.
Pastor Furtick [04:00]: "Why would Jesus follow people who are headed in the wrong direction? Why would he leave the 99 righteous to find the 1?"
4. Understanding Loyalty at the Cross
A significant portion of the sermon focuses on the disciples' loyalty—or lack thereof—during the crucifixion of Jesus. Pastor Furtick contrasts the loud support Jesus received during His ministry with the silence at the cross.
Pastor Furtick [14:16]: "But when he came to his cross, the crowd wasn't so loud."
He discusses the disappointment of the disciples, who abandoned Jesus in His time of greatest need, and reflects on the profound loneliness Jesus experienced.
5. The Significance of John at the Cross
Highlighting the presence of John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, Pastor Furtick underscores the importance of steadfast loyalty.
Pastor Furtick [18:28]: "He calls himself the one Jesus loved."
He contrasts John's unwavering presence with the desertion of other disciples, illustrating the depth of true discipleship.
6. Finding Completeness in the Cross
Pastor Furtick encourages listeners to seek validation and completeness through the cross rather than through human relationships or societal approval.
Pastor Furtick [27:18]: "You are about to get something from God that is going to release you to love like you haven't been able to love."
He stresses the necessity of releasing expectations from others and finding identity and worth in Christ's sacrifice.
Pastor Furtick [31:05]: "I need your validation to be in that cross. I need you to be complete in that cross."
7. Application: Letting Go of Human Validation
Concluding his message, Pastor Furtick urges listeners to let go of seeking approval from people and to embrace the completeness found in Jesus.
Pastor Furtick [35:33]: "I am complete in him."
He calls for a personal commitment to live out the truths of the cross, encouraging the congregation to find strength and validation in their relationship with Christ.
Conclusion
In "Complete The Cross," Pastor Steven Furtick delivers a compelling message about the centrality of the cross in understanding and navigating relationships. By drawing from biblical narratives and personal insights, he challenges listeners to seek their identity and validation in Jesus Christ rather than in human interactions. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence of God amidst life's trials and the transformative power of embracing the fullness of the cross.
Notable Quotes:
- Pastor Furtick [00:31]: "We are in the middle of something, and that's where God is."
- Pastor Furtick [02:40]: "The greatest pain and greatest pleasure in your life will be experienced in the context of relationship."
- Pastor Furtick [04:00]: "Why would Jesus follow people who are headed in the wrong direction? Why would he leave the 99 righteous to find the 1?"
- Pastor Furtick [14:16]: "But when he came to his cross, the crowd wasn't so loud."
- Pastor Furtick [18:28]: "He calls himself the one Jesus loved."
- Pastor Furtick [27:18]: "You are about to get something from God that is going to release you to love like you haven't been able to love."
- Pastor Furtick [31:05]: "I need your validation to be in that cross. I need you to be complete in that cross."
- Pastor Furtick [35:33]: "I am complete in him."
These quotes encapsulate the core themes of trust, revelation in relationships, loyalty, and finding completeness in the cross, providing listeners with memorable insights to reflect upon.