Podcast Summary: "Speaking to Eternity"

Podcast: Times Square Church - Sermons
Host: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: August 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This message from Pastor Tim Dilena, titled "Speaking to Eternity," focuses on the biblical concept that God has placed "eternity in the hearts" of all people (Ecclesiastes). Pastor Tim exhorts his audience to recognize that when we share the gospel, we're not just addressing earthly needs or cultural questions, but speaking to the deepest, eternal part of every human being—regardless of background, nationality, or life story. Through stories, scripture, and practical examples, he urges listeners to use the truth of God’s Word to reach people's eternal souls, not just to address temporary concerns.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Universal Reach of the Gospel

• Global Congregation: Pastor Tim opens by highlighting the international makeup of the congregation and celebrates attendees and viewers from all over the world (e.g., Malaysia, Qatar, Cambodia, South Korea, Nigeria, Brazil, etc.).
• Quote:

  “Every kindred, every tongue, every tribe are going to praise him and lift his name.” (03:00)

2. Times Square Church’s Mission

• Vision for One Billion: The church’s vision, "One Billion Starts with One," aims to see one billion souls come to Christ. The importance of using every means, including technology, to proclaim eternal truth is stressed (12:00–14:00).

3. The Fight for Souls

• Seriousness of the Mission: There is an anecdote about only having joy, not unforgiveness or bad moods, when serving, because, “We’re in a fight here for people to be saved.” (10:30)
• Quote:

  “We fight that fight to declare this, that there is eternal life found in Jesus Christ.” (12:30)

4. Speaking to the Eternal Part in Man

• Helen Keller Story: Illustration of how Helen Keller, though blind and deaf, sensed God’s presence before learning His name, showing that eternity is innate in all hearts (15:00).
• Ecclesiastes Reference: “He has put eternity into man’s hearts.” (19:00)
• Quote:

  “When you speak to people, you’re speaking to eternity, whether they’re homeless or work at a bank, whether they’re in a suit or a swimsuit.” (20:00)

• C.S. Lewis: People are “immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit.” (20:15)

5. Truth is the Language of Eternity

• Truth Endures: Only eternal language—God’s Word—can reach that spot in the heart.
• Quote:

  “Truth is the language of eternity. Because truth is eternal.” (39:30)

• Psalm 119: “Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.” (41:00)

6. Personal Stories of Speaking to Eternity

• Boombox Story: Pastor Tim’s personal story about showing forgiveness to someone who had stolen from him, using Jesus’ words to speak to the deeper issue in the thief’s heart (24:00–28:00).
  • Quote:

    “You got something valuable to me, but you didn’t get my treasure. Because I don’t keep my treasures in this house.” (26:30)

• Stuttering Pastor Testimony: Testimony recounting a visiting pastor who, despite a speech impediment, spoke directly to a young man wrestling with the same challenge, inspiring him to enter ministry (30:00–34:30).
  • Quote:

    "That night Will spoke eternity into that boy’s heart." (33:45)

7. Eternal Issues Over Current Events

• Confronting Contemporary Doubts: While referencing a Broadway ad asking, “Does truth exist if no one believes it?” Pastor Tim emphasizes that truth is not dependent on belief and always exists (13:40).
• On Israel: Asserts that Israel is not just a current event but “an eternal covenant” (47:30), referencing Psalm 105.
• Quote:

  “When you show up at a church and they want to address every issue and every social issue, I’m telling you, it’s a dead end. The only thing that speaks to hearts…is the eternal Word of God.” (58:00)

8. Costly and Courageous Witness

• Auschwitz Escape Story: Recounted the story of Ellie, a Jewish woman whose classmate (now a Nazi guard) risked his life for her, urging her to seek why Jesus makes life worth living. Ellie later found Christ as a result (52:00–57:00).
  • Quote:

    “Ask, ‘Why does Jesus Christ make life worth living?’ Promise me, Ellie—He’s the only reason to live.” (56:30)

9. Jesus Speaks to the Heart of the Matter

• Rich Young Ruler: Analyzed Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler (Mark 10), showing that when eternal truth confronts comfort and self-defined goodness, people must decide if Jesus is truly God and worth following (62:00–68:00).
  • Quote:

    “It was all going great until the good teacher became God.” (67:00)

  • Quote:

    “Everybody loves Jesus until he has something to say about our life.” (69:00)

10. The Call to the Narrow Road

• C.S. Lewis on Desire: If nothing in this world satisfies, perhaps we were made for another world (74:00).
  • Quote:

    “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the only explanation is, I was made for another world.” (74:40)

Memorable Moments & Impactful Quotes

• On Preaching Truth Even When It Might Offend:

  “Truth is the only language that that part of the heart hears. It has to hear truth.” (86:30)

• On Eternity’s Importance:

  “Eternity is too long to be wrong.” (79:00, 81:40)

• On Jesus’ Call:

  “Whatever Jesus says—He is good, He is God, and He is in charge of my life.” (80:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• International Greeting and Vision – 01:40–14:00
• Fighting for Souls and Prayer – 10:00–15:00
• Helen Keller Story and the Language of Eternity – 15:00–21:00
• Boombox Forgiveness Story – 24:00–28:30
• Stuttering Pastor Testimony – 30:00–35:00
• The Need for Eternal Truth – 39:00–42:00
• Israel as an Eternal Covenant – 47:30–49:30
• Auschwitz Escape and Jesus as Life’s Purpose – 52:00–57:00
• Rich Young Ruler and Deep Challenge – 62:00–69:30
• C.S. Lewis and the Call to Another World – 74:00–75:00
• Call to Salvation and Prayer – 79:00–87:00

Conclusion & Call to Action

In a powerful closing, Pastor Tim issues an invitation for listeners to move from the “wide road” to the “narrow road”—from living for temporary values to embracing eternity by being “born again.” He reminds everyone that only Jesus, who is both good and God, can lead us home, and responds to hands raised in the congregation with personal warmth and prayer.

“He has put eternity in every one of our hearts...Truth is the only language that that part of the heart hears.” (86:00)

Final Reflection

Pastor Tim’s message is a clarion call for both believers and seekers: The yearning for eternity lies in every heart, waiting for an eternal Word—and that Word is Jesus. "Eternity is too long to be wrong."

This summary captures the heart, depth, and global soul of Pastor Tim Dilena’s message. For more information or to connect further, visit tsc.nyc.