Elevation Podcast Summary: "This Is Significant"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Elevation with Steven Furtick
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: This Is Significant
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction to the Sermon Series

In the episode titled "This Is Significant," Pastor Steven Furtick continues his impactful series, Savage Jesus, delving deep into the Gospel of Mark. This marks the 10th installment, highlighting Furtick's deep engagement with Mark's Gospel. He expresses his unexpected journey into the Book of Mark, stating, "I never thought I'd say This is the 10th installment of this series" (01:06).

The Significance of Stories

Furtick begins with a personal anecdote about recording his first audiobook. He shares a memorable interaction with a meticulous recording engineer who recounted a story about a famous political figure grappling with a scandal in his memoir. This story serves as a metaphor for discerning what truly matters, introducing his sermon’s central theme: significance.

Steven Furtick (05:30): "That's my motto. I'm going to tell the story. I'm not going to say the name. But it was a famous political figure... Do you think this is really significant?"

Scriptural Foundation: Mark Chapter 6

The core of Furtick's message is anchored in Mark 6:45-52, where Jesus instructs His disciples to sail ahead to Bethsaida while He prays alone. Despite the impending storm, Jesus does not provide warnings or additional instructions, emphasizing trust in divine guidance.

Key Points:

• Jesus' Command Without Details: Furtick reflects on why God might withhold details, suggesting, "Maybe God doesn't tell us everything because he knows we could not handle the details." (03:30)

• Jesus Walks on Water: As the disciples battle the storm, Jesus approaches them, walking on water. Mistaking Him for a ghost, they are terrified until He reassures them.

  Steven Furtick (06:52): "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid."

• Miracle and Its Significance: Upon Jesus joining them in the boat, the storm ceases, leaving the disciples in awe.

  Steven Furtick (07:18): "They were completely amazed."

Understanding Significance in Faith

Furtick delves into the broader implications of the narrative, emphasizing that significance in faith often lies beyond mere miracles. He contrasts worldly definitions of significance with the divine perspective, asserting that true significance is rooted in one's relationship with God rather than external achievements or recognition.

Key Insights:

• Resistance as a Path to Revelation: Furtick posits that resistance or challenges are pivotal for deeper spiritual revelations.

  Steven Furtick (10:00): "Resistance leads to revelation."

• Faith Beyond Sight: He challenges the notion that God's support means smooth sailing, illustrating that divine presence is most profound amid adversity.

  Steven Furtick (11:37): "But often the confirmation of the word of God is the resistance of the enemy to show you you're on the right track."

Comparing Gospel Accounts: Mark vs. Matthew

Furtick highlights the differences between Mark and Matthew in recounting the same miracle, noting that Matthew includes Peter walking on water—a detail absent in Mark’s version. This comparison underscores how each Gospel writer selects and emphasizes specific aspects to convey deeper truths about Jesus.

Illustrative Example:

• Matthew’s Addition: Peter's attempt to walk on water is included in Matthew, adding a layer of personal faith and its challenges.

  Steven Furtick (17:00): "Watch what happens next. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus."

• Mark’s Focus: Mark emphasizes Jesus' divine authority over nature without the personal faltering of Peter, aligning with his themes of Jesus' sovereignty.

Peter’s Role and Understanding

Furtick explores Peter's portrayal as both a stalwart disciple and a figure of human frailty. He discusses how Peter's actions—stepping out of the boat and subsequently faltering—reflect the tension between faith and doubt, reinforcing the sermon's theme of significance through struggle.

Steven Furtick (21:35): "They were amazed at this. They were amazed that the wind did what he said."

Application: Embracing God’s Purpose Amid Storms

Drawing from the sermon, Furtick encourages listeners to find significance in their faith journeys by recognizing God's presence and purpose during life's storms. He emphasizes that true significance comes from understanding and embracing one's divine calling, even when faced with challenges.

Practical Takeaways:

• Trust in Divine Provision: Just as the disciples were provided for in the storm, believers are reminded to trust in God's provision during their trials.

  Steven Furtick (40:22): "When you are in a breaking season of your life... But God will not allow life to break you. That's his job."

• Recognizing Miracles Beyond the Moment: Furtick underscores the importance of seeing the significance behind miracles, which often reveal deeper truths about Jesus' nature and one's relationship with Him.

Personal Anecdotes and Encouragement

Furtick intertwines personal stories, such as his experiences with his children and Elevation Worship's achievements, to illustrate the practical application of his message. He highlights moments where small acts and seemingly insignificant events hold profound significance in God’s grand narrative.

Steven Furtick (35:21): "I saw people baptized while we were singing. The father's arms are open wide... So I don't need Billboard to tell me what baptism already did."

Conclusion: Living Out Significance

In wrapping up, Furtick reiterates the sermon's central message: "This is significant." He urges listeners to embrace their significance through their faith in Jesus, understanding that true meaning and purpose are found in God's plans, not external validations.

Steven Furtick (50:27): "You take what you learned from the loaves and you remember it. In the storm you take the basket full from the last time God provided for you."

He concludes with a heartfelt affirmation of God's faithfulness, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and recognize their significance in God's eyes.

Final Thoughts

"This Is Significant" is a profound exploration of faith, purpose, and the deeper meanings behind biblical narratives. Steven Furtick masterfully ties personal anecdotes, scriptural analysis, and practical applications to inspire listeners to find their true significance through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Steven Furtick (01:06): "I never thought I'd say This is the 10th installment of this series."
• Steven Furtick (05:30): "That's my motto. I'm going to tell the story..."
• Steven Furtick (06:52): "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid."
• Steven Furtick (10:00): "Resistance leads to revelation."
• Steven Furtick (21:35): "They were amazed that the wind did what he said."
• Steven Furtick (35:21): "...I don't need Billboard to tell me what baptism already did."
• Steven Furtick (50:27): "You take what you learned from the loaves and you remember it."

Note: The timestamps referenced correspond to the transcript provided and indicate where the quoted statements occur within the podcast episode.