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
The Bible is not a Buffet (Twisted Scripture 3 - Pastor Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:32
Discover why treating the Bible like a buffet—picking what we like and skipping what we don't—leads to spiritual malnourishment. This message explores how we often embrace comfortable passages like John 3:16 or 'do not j…
When God Doesn’t Make Sense (Twisted Scripture 3 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:54
Why are there so many different churches if there's just one Bible? This exploration of biblical interpretation reveals how different approaches to Scripture have created denominational distinctions. Discover the four co…
Are you reading the Bible wrong? (Twisted Scripture 2 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:45
Ever had a conversation get completely twisted because of a simple misunderstanding? Pastor Mike shares a hilarious story about telling his coworker he was becoming a "pastor”…only to realize his friend thought he meant…
When Heroes Fall (Noah Unedited 5 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
Discover how the Bible's unfiltered portrayal of Noah's shocking post-flood drunkenness offers profound wisdom for our spiritual journeys today. This message explores what happens when our spiritual heroes disappoint us…
Sin Survived the Flood (Noah Unedited Week 5 - Pastor Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:43
This powerful message reveals how even after 120 years of faithful obedience, Noah fell into drunkenness and family dysfunction. Discover the striking parallels between Noah's fall and Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, a…
God's Weapon Pointed at Himself (Noah Unedited 4 - Pastor Mike) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:23
Discover the profound biblical significance of the rainbow that goes beyond its modern cultural associations. After the devastating global flood, God established the rainbow as a covenant sign—a promise to never again de…
God Hung Up His Weapon For You (Noah Unedited 4 - Pastor Bill) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
Discover the profound biblical significance of the rainbow that goes far beyond what most people understand today. While our culture has assigned various meanings to this natural phenomenon, the original biblical meaning…