The Problem with Self-Esteem (Everything Isn’t Fine 2 - Pastor Bill)

The Problem with Self-Esteem (Everything Isn’t Fine 2 - Pastor Bill)

Author: 922 Ministries February 2, 2026 Duration: 24:51

Are you struggling with where to find your value? In this installment of the "Everything Isn't Fine" series, we dive into the topic of self-worth and why relying on your feelings can be a deceiving guide. Since the late 19th century, "self-esteem" has been framed as a mathematical ratio of successes divided by expectations; however, this creates a fragile sense of worth that collapses when we fail to meet subjective standards.
In this sermon, "Infinite Worth: Finding Value Beyond Our Feelings," you will discover:
• The Struggle is Real: Pastor Bill shares honestly about his own battles with self-worth as a pastor and a parent, reminding us that these mental health challenges affect everyone, including those in leadership.
• The Failure of Feelings: We explore the cultural shift that has placed feelings, rather than God, as the determiner of human value—and why that shift leads to bitterness and isolation when life hits us hard.
• The Bad News of Romans 3: By nature and because of sin, we have "turned away" and become worthless, much like the ashes found in a common fire pit.
• The Good News of Infinite Value: Apart from our performance or the law, Christ has declared those who believe to be of infinite worth, justified and redeemed by His grace.
• A "Son of God in Waiting": Through a powerful object lesson, we learn that while we may eventually return to dust and ashes, those who trust in Jesus carry the promises of God and the hope of a glorified body.
It is time to swap out the devil's lies and negative self-talk for the promises of God that are proven by the empty tomb. Whether you feel like a "zero" today or are riding the high of a recent success, your true value is found in the fact that you were worth the very blood of Christ.
Watch to find out how to lift your head high and remember that in Christ, everything will be fine


Each week, the communities of St. Peter Lutheran and The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin, gather to explore faith, life, and scripture. This audio feed brings those weekly sermons directly to you, offering a consistent source of reflection and teaching grounded in Lutheran Christian tradition. You'll hear messages that connect ancient biblical wisdom to the realities of modern living, tackling topics from everyday relationships and personal struggles to the broader call to community and service. The voices from 922 Ministries-The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran aim to provide more than just information; they seek to foster a deeper understanding and a practical, resilient faith. Whether you're a long-time member, a spiritual seeker, or someone simply curious about a thoughtful perspective on Christianity, this podcast serves as an accessible way to engage with these teachings on your own schedule. It’s like having a regular, grounded conversation about what it means to live with purpose and hope, drawn directly from the heart of a Wisconsin ministry. Tune in for a straightforward, substantive addition to your weekly routine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

922 Ministries - The CORE & St. Peter Lutheran
Podcast Episodes
12th Annual Q&A Sunday Part 3 - Pastor Mike [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:50
Faith naturally involves questions, and the Bible provides clear answers for life's biggest concerns. Whether someone can be saved at the last moment, how to handle difficult family relationships, what to look for in a m…
12th Annual Q&A Sunday Part 2 - Pastor Mike [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
Christians face complex questions about sharing faith, medical ethics, suffering, and relationships that don't have simple answers. When approaching non-believing friends, it's important to lower expectations and lead wi…
12th Annual Q&A Sunday Part 1 - Pastor Mike [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:58
Christians today face complex questions about technology, relationships, and faith that require biblical wisdom rather than simple answers. From navigating AI's opportunities and dangers to understanding biblical grounds…
Fail-Proof Resolutions (Gospel Christmas 4 - Pastor Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:06
New Year resolutions fail 91% of the time, but there's a biblical approach that's actually fail-proof. This message explores Colossians 3:12 and reveals how to make lasting change from a foundation of grace rather than w…
From Homeless to Home (Christmas Day - Pastor Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:21
Discover the true meaning of Christmas and why it represents the most generous act in human history. This powerful message explores what it really means that God chose to dwell with humanity, leaving His heavenly home to…
The Ultimate Problem Solver (Christmas Eve - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:47
Are you struggling with problems that feel impossible to solve? This message explores three fundamental human struggles that persist despite all our modern advances: present pain, past shame, and future fear. Learn how t…
God Uses Ordinary People (Christmas Eve - Pastor Jared) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:27
Discover the true meaning of Christmas beyond cozy traditions and holiday feelings. This powerful message explores how American Christmas celebrations, influenced by poems like Twas the Night Before Christmas, can distra…
Jesus Never Left You (Gospel Christmas 3 - Pastor Michael) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Discover the profound truth about Jesus Christ's presence in our modern world and how it transforms our understanding of Christmas. This powerful message explores the universal human longing for connection and presence,…
Does Jesus Really Get You? (Gospel Christmas 2 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:36
Are you ready to move beyond the sanitized Christmas card version of Jesus and discover who he really is according to Scripture? This powerful message reveals three life-changing truths about the real Jesus that will tra…