It's In The Middle - Elevation with Steven Furtick

Summary

Elevation with Steven Furtick: "It's In The Middle"
Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction: Embracing the Middle

In the episode titled "It's In The Middle," Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the often-overlooked phase of the Christian journey—the middle. Rather than viewing salvation as a singular, momentous event that catapults believers directly into paradise, Furtick emphasizes the significance of the ongoing process of faith and growth.

Salvation: Beyond the Moment

Furtick begins by recounting the poignant moment of Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the interaction between Jesus and the two thieves crucified alongside Him.

Steven Furtick [01:30]: "When Jesus was dying on the cross, he said to a thief that was crucified with him... today you will be with me in paradise."

This interaction serves as the foundation for the episode's central theme: salvation is not just about the end destination but the transformative journey that follows.

The Wedding Analogy: Process Over Perfection

Furtick shares a personal anecdote about officiating his brother's wedding, highlighting his initial nervousness and the unexpected compliments he received.

Steven Furtick [03:00]: "Holly said exactly this. She said, you did so good officiating that wedding. She said, I kind of wish I could marry somebody else so you could do the wedding."

This story underscores the importance of embracing one's role in the ongoing process of faith, rather than striving for perfection.

God in the Middle: The Heart of Transformation

The crux of the message revolves around the idea that God's presence is most profound in the middle of our struggles and daily lives, rather than at pivotal, dramatic moments.

Jonathan Josephs [05:01]: "Marriage has very little to do with the flower arrangement you choose... What happens in marriage happens in the middle."

Steven Furtick [06:09]: "It's in the middle, the way we typically focus on the moment... If you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead..."

Furtick argues that true faith and transformation occur not when we're on the cusp of salvation but while we're actively living out our faith in the midst of life's challenges.

Biblical Illustrations: Emmaus Road and Peter on the Sea

To reinforce his message, Furtick references two significant biblical narratives:

The Road to Emmaus:
Furtick recounts the story of Jesus appearing to two disciples on their journey to Emmaus, emphasizing that Jesus was present in the middle of their disappointment and confusion.

Jonathan Josephs [10:38]: "Jesus just shows up right in the middle of their conversation... He showed up in the middle of their disappointment."
Peter Walking on Water:
By highlighting Peter's focus on the storm rather than Jesus, Furtick illustrates how distractions can cause believers to lose sight of God's presence in their midst.

Steven Furtick [22:21]: "Peter was walking on water above. What could have killed him? ... and the..."

These stories collectively illustrate that God's work is most evident during our trials, guiding and transforming us from within.

Living in the Process: Steps of Faith

Furtick encourages listeners to embrace the ongoing process of faith, emphasizing that growth and grace are continuous.

Steven Furtick [32:15]: "God is in the middle. I'm in the middle."

Jonathan Josephs [34:39]: "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."

He likens the Christian journey to riding a bike through rain, where perseverance and trust in God's grace are essential to navigating life's challenges.

Practical Applications: Staying Present in the Journey

Throughout the episode, Furtick offers actionable insights for maintaining faith in the middle of trials:

Embrace Imperfection: Recognize that salvation involves ongoing growth, not immediate perfection.
Stay Focused on God: Avoid getting sidetracked by past regrets or future anxieties; instead, concentrate on God's presence now.
Step by Step: Trust in God's guidance with each step forward, even when progress feels slow or invisible.
Community Support: Lean on fellow believers for encouragement and accountability during difficult times.

Conclusion: The Gift is in the Middle

Furtick wraps up the episode by reaffirming that the true essence of salvation and faith is found in the ongoing process rather than at a single endpoint.

Steven Furtick [36:45]: "I know it is in the middle. When you look at the cross, you realize that it symbolizes how you now live. I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live."

He urges listeners to view their faith journey as a dynamic and continuous process, where God's grace accompanies them every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

Salvation as a Process: Understanding that saving grace initiates a transformative journey rather than an instantaneous transition to paradise.
God's Presence in Trials: Recognizing that God's most profound work often occurs during our struggles and daily routines.
Continuous Growth: Embracing the ongoing nature of faith, where each step forward is guided by divine grace.
Community and Support: Valuing the role of fellowship and mutual encouragement in sustaining faith during challenging times.

Notable Quotes

Steven Furtick [07:01]: "Come as you are."
Jonathan Josephs [05:01]: "Marriage has very little to do with the flower arrangement you choose... What happens in marriage happens in the middle."
Steven Furtick [20:37]: "That I have not only his statement, but I have his spirit. I am sealed with a guarantee that he is with me."
Jonathan Josephs [34:39]: "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."

Final Encouragement

Furtick and Josephs close the episode with heartfelt encouragement to listeners, urging them to find strength and growth in the middle of their personal storms and daily challenges.

Jonathan Josephs [43:50]: "If you're still struggling with the addiction... God is with you in the middle."

Steven Furtick [44:03]: "If you are looking for the peace of God, if you are looking for the power of God, if you are looking for the presence of God, it's in the middle for him to be in the middle."

This episode serves as a profound reminder that the Christian faith is not just about the end goal of heaven but about the transformative journey that occurs in the midst of our everyday lives.

Transcript

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Steven Furtick (1:30)

Hey, this is Steven Furtick. I'm the pastor of Elevation Church and this is our podcast. I wanted to thank you for joining us today. Hope this inspires you. Hope it builds your faith. Hope it gives you perspective to see God is moving in your life. Enjoy the message. We're focused this week on the word of salvation. When Jesus was dying on the cross, he said to a thief that was crucified with him. You, of course, would know that the crucifixion was not an anomaly in Jesus time. It was a common form of capital punishment. Jesus died the death of a common criminal beside two common criminals. One of them mocked him, said, if you were really who you were say you are, you would get down off that cross and you would get us down too. Save us. While one mocked him, the other one who was on his right side recognized the distinction of his divinity, or at least his innocence, and said, we deserve this and you don't. Sir, I'm not quite sure who you are, but when you come into your kingdom, remember me. Jesus said, today I'm going to wake you up. You're going to talk back to me today. At least at Ballantyne, I can't do anything about Concord. I'm not there, but somebody at Ballantyne in the back of the room from Jackson, Mississippi, or Toronto, Canada, or Charlotte, North Carolina, shout today. Today you will be with me in paradise. The word of salvation. I had the privilege this weekend to perform my brother's wedding ceremony. I don't do a lot of weddings, but I'm good at them. I'm typically preaching on Saturday nights. Our campus pastors do such an excellent job with the wedding officiating, so I was kind of nervous doing his ceremony. I don't want to mess up my man's wedding because, hey, man, he has this girl here at the altar and he might not get this chance again. She might change her mind. So we have to get this done. It's my little brother, but he's a lot taller than me. He serves in the United States Air Force. They honored me. Yeah. Praise the Lord. He's cool. He could beat me up, but I have mind game on him, so he doesn't know that. But he asked me to do his wedding and his fiance, Brooke, and they asked me to come. I was privileged to do it. Holly said I did a good job. In fact, she said exactly this. She said, you did so good officiating that wedding. She said, I kind of wish I could marry somebody else so you could do the wedding. I wasn't sure how to receive that compliment. I rebuked her. Kind of a twisted compliment. But anyway, I only bring it up.