In this deep-dive episode, Thomas Proffitt welcomes Mike Phillips to discuss the messy, beautiful reality of a life lived for Christ. Mike shares his powerful testimony of loss, military service, and finding a "decision-based" love that changed everything. We also talk about the "Hero Complex" that many creatives face and how to find true worth when the world says you have none.
00:00:00- The Trap of Finding Worth in Solving Other People's Problems
00:01:18- Introduction to Mike Phillips and Movie Maker Ministry
00:02:53- Mike’s Testimony: Growing up Catholic and Questioning Faith
00:04:12- Dealing with Loss and Hating God
00:05:47- Enlisting in the Marine Corps and Rediscovering Faith
00:10:03- Redefining Love: A Feeling vs. A Decision
00:12:07- The Breaking Point and Returning to Faith
00:15:23- God's Will vs. Free Will in Relationships
00:18:25- How Pursuing God Aligns Your Heart’s Desires
00:20:05- Moving from Fear of Hell to Relationship Out of Love
00:23:51- The Relieving (and Terrifying) First Steps of Faith
00:28:30- The "Pulp Fiction" Fake Bible Verse and Divine Synchronicity
00:32:20- Wrestling with God: The Example of Job
00:37:21- Why Stoicism Fails Where the Bible Succeeds
00:40:49- Evolution of a Prayer Life: From Self-Centered to Perspective-Seeking
00:44:20- Prayer is Communication, Not a Vending Machine
00:48:15- Approaching God with Humility and Sufficient Grace
00:52:55- Finding Peace in God's Plan During Heartbreak
00:58:57- Sanctification: Being Pulled Out of Darkness
01:04:13- The Importance of Marital Counseling and Rebuilding Trust
01:07:45- The Power and Freedom of Forgiveness
01:14:42- Overcoming Pride in the Faith Journey
01:19:03- Learning to Listen to the Holy Spirit Through Others
01:21:00- God as a Father: Learning Through Consequences
01:26:04- The Author/Character Metaphor for God's Sovereignty
01:30:15- Out-Sacrificing Your Partner in Relationships
01:34:42- Seeking Wisdom to Serve God's People
01:37:38- Knowledge, Wisdom, and Discernment
01:43:23- God's Sympathy for Our Pain and Sacrifice
01:47:04- Healthy Boundaries vs. Self-Sacrifice
01:54:51- Serving Authority and Honoring God in Society
01:58:46- The Importance of Church Community Over a Building
02:04:24- Spiritual Warfare and Training in the "Dojo" of Church
02:09:15- Falling Back on Your Spiritual Training Under Fire
02:21:34- How God Uses Our Past Evils for Future Good
02:30:16- The "Hero Complex" vs. Finding Worth in Christ
02:43:07- Is Filmmaking a Waste? Using Art to Glorify God
02:53:25- Taking Orders: Surrendering Your Mission to God
03:02:01- Redemption Arcs in Media: Red Dead Redemption and Star Wars
03:10:11- Starting Before You're Ready: Making a Feature Film
03:22:30- Parenting Advice: Getting Punched in the Face
03:30:45- Don't Judge Christianity Based on Christians
03:33:40- Closing Fellowships and Final Prayer
Full YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/X__xefF-b-4
