Pastor Levi Rusko of Fresh Life Church encouraged young believers at this year's Passion Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, that earthly success pales in comparison. Compare To the eternal treasure found in a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. Rusko, who opened this week's series of messages at Passion 2025, began his sermon by using the story of Alexander the Great as an example. wonderful Achievements and successes end in despair and dissatisfaction.
“At the age of 32, at the height of his success, Alexander the Great burst into tears,” Rusko said.
Rusko describes Alexander's journey, starting with his accession to the Macedonian throne at the age of 20, to his conquest of the Persian Empire, earning the titles of “King of Kings” and “Son of God,” and finally reaching the throne. Recorded rapid ascension. Late 20s. By the time he was 32, he ruled an empire covering 2 million square miles.
Rusko noted how Bible prophecy ties into Alexander's life., Christian Posst reported.
“Three hundred years before he was born, the Book of Daniel foretold his coming,” Rusko said, adding that Daniel chapters 2, 8 and 11, which some scholars believe represent Alexander's conquests, Mentioned the vision of the chapter.
Despite his success, Alexander's kingdom eventually split upand his heirs was killed After his untimely death.
“This is a warning to all of us,” Rusko warned. “You can conquer the world, but if your identity is rooted in anything other than God, it will leave you empty.”
He explained that this was because Alexander the Great suffered from a feeling of emptiness.
He wept as he realized that there were infinite worlds and that he could rule only one. He also I cried Out of regret for killing his best friend in a fit of rage. Despite having everything, Alexander was deeply dissatisfied. ”
Mr. Rusko also shared his own experience of having a midlife crisis in his late 30s and encouraged attendees to see such struggles as opportunities and strengthen their dependence on God.
“I felt like I was peeling away,” he said of sleepless nights, panic attacks and lack of motivation. “I didn't want to call it a midlife crisis, because that's what it felt like.” So Cliché. But the truth is, I was grappling with the same question that Alexander faced. “What’s next?” What’s my purpose? What should I do with the life I have left? ”
“Be kind to yourself,” he added. “You've never been here before. Wilderness seasons in our lives are often God's way of preparing us for greater things.”
To quote the parable of Matthew 13:14Rusky achieved his breakthrough through this passage where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure worth sacrificing everything for.
“This passage became my anchor,” he said. “It reminded me that life is not about accumulating accomplishments or wealth, but about continuing to give everything to Christ to reveal the treasures of God’s kingdom.”
He argued that a person's identity is ultimately found in Christ and not in anything earthly, such as money, possessions, or relationships. because it is Everything will disappear.
When you fixate on something you can never do, be taken away – the love of God, the hope of the gospel – you are steadfast,” Rusko said.
Rusko outlined a practical framework for living life lived well in 3 Steps: Create a container, fill it with things you value, and ultimately dedicate it to the glory of God. He used the story of his father, who died of cancer last year, as an example of this practical framework.
“My father dedicated his life to building containers. career in radioI fill it with family and service, and in the end I give it all to the glory of God,” Rusko said.
“This is the rhythm of a fulfilling life,” Rusko says. “But the enemy wants to distract you. He tries to tempt you to skip the first step and fill your life with empty successes. He will persuade you to save and never give. ”
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At the end, the pastor told the audience that life is like “steam.” that that should live With eternal meaning.
“Live today, remembering the day you stand before God. Make your own vessel, fill it with precious treasures, and be ready to give it all,” he said.
Passion 2025, which started from January 2nd to 4th, will run from January 6th to 8th, and will feature founder Louie Giglio, Sadie Robertson Huff, Jackie Hill Perry, Jonathan Pokulda, and more. did. The theme of this year's conference is “for his fame. ”
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Photo provided by: ©YouTube/passion
First publication date is January 8, 2025.
