Mosaic - Erwin McManus

What does it mean to be human? Among the millions of species on Earth, only humans have the ability to question their existence, wrestle with identity, and struggle to live with intention. Unlike animals that instinctively fulfill their roles, we face a unique challenge—we can live outside of our purpose. We are the only species that seeks meaning, longs for more, and feels the weight of the gap between who we are and who we were meant to be. This podcast is an invitation to explore that tension, to ask the hard questions about faith, purpose, and what makes us distinct in creation.

Whether faith is the foundation of your life or an idea you occasionally consider, this conversation is for you. Faith is not just a religious construct; it is woven into the fabric of our existence, shaping the way we hope, dream, and create. We’ll explore how faith is not about making us superhuman, but about making us fully human. Through stories, reflections, and deep dives into scripture, we’ll unpack how faith restores our true intention, how hope anchors us in the future, and how our unique ability to imagine and build the world ahead is a reflection of something greater than ourselves.

We were not made to simply exist; we were designed to create, to build, and to shape the future. This podcast is about reclaiming the essence of what it means to be human, understanding that we were made in the image of a Creator who calls us to live with purpose. Together, we’ll uncover how to break free from the limitations we place on ourselves and step into a life of intention, courage, and faith. If you’re ready to rediscover what it means to be fully alive, this is the conversation for you.

Welcome to Mosaic NYC! As we step into this new series, Humans: What Makes Us Us?, we’re diving into the fundamental question of identity—what it means to be human and why we so often struggle with who we are.The Bible is not just the story of God; it’s the story of us in relationship with Him. While we are made from dust, we are also filled with breath—divine, eternal breath. Yet, in a world where every other species instinctively knows how to be what they are, humans often find themselves in an identity crisis, searching for meaning, significance, and belonging.Through this series, we’ll explore what it means to be created in the image of God and how Jesus came to not only reveal who God is but also to restore who we are meant to be.If today’s message spoke to you, let us know in the comments. If you’re ready to step into faith and invite Jesus into your life, we’d love to connect with you.

In this week's episode form the archives Pastor Erwin explores the idea that Jesus actually makes sense—not because He answers every question, but because He brings clarity to life's complexities. We often believe we already understand life, measuring it by success, wealth, or relationships. Yet, Jesus challenges that perspective, offering a life we don’t even realize we’re missing—one filled with meaning beyond temporary highs. His teachings remind us that life isn't just about existence but about discovering the depth and purpose we were created for.

Beyond life, Jesus also makes sense when it comes to love—something we all long for but often struggle to sustain. We chase moments of deep connection, only to find that human love can be unpredictable and fleeting. Jesus reveals a love that isn’t dependent on circumstances, one that is constant and transformative. The same applies to meaning—we assign significance to things like power, money, and fame, only to realize they don’t truly satisfy. Jesus presents a different equation: “What does it profit to gain the whole world but lose yourself?” His words expose our tendency to seek fulfillment in what ultimately leaves us empty.

In the end, everything—our ambitions, relationships, and pursuits—only finds its true purpose when Jesus helps us bring the pieces together. He doesn’t call us to abandon our passions but to see them through a different lens, one where we live fully, love deeply, and find meaning beyond ourselves. The search for truth and purpose isn’t over—it’s an ongoing journey of asking, seeking, and discovering that Jesus truly makes sense.

In this episode from the archives, Pastor Erwin McManus shares his unexpected journey from skepticism to faith, his conviction to plant roots in Los Angeles, and the challenges of building a church that embraces the outsider. With raw honesty, he recounts battles fought—not just against societal norms, but within the church itself—while casting a bold vision for the next 20 years. This episode is more than a celebration; it's a rallying cry to step into the unknown, to embrace the giants ahead, and to be architects of a world where creativity and spirituality collide. If you’ve ever wrestled with your calling, struggled to fit into traditional faith structures, or dreamed of making an impact, this is a must-listen. The future is ours to create.

We humans are designed for risk. When we're risking with intention, we're living our lives for something bigger than ourselves. In Matthew, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as like treasure hidden in a field. It comes only when we're willing to risk everything for it.

In the Beatitudes, when Jesus says, blessed are, he's actually saying happy are. He actually addresses negative emotions like mourning, sorrow, brokenness. The happiest people in the world embrace their sadness. It is about celebrating life all the time. The happiest people in the world are the ones who have a reason to suffer. The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name. We are designed for adventure. If you begin to make choices where you're adverse, then you're not happy.

During a time of tragic loss with the fires raging in Los Angeles,

Happy new year. 2025 is already the best year of our lives. Let all the belief in this room seep into your soul. God is ready to do something extraordinary in your life. Let's pray together.

Jesus says anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate is a thief and a robber. Sheep can hear their shepherd's voice and they follow. This is the singular defining characteristic of someone who belongs to God. Can you develop the ability to hear God's voice? If you're going to learn how to hear God's voice, you need to realize your inner world is voice activated. Have you ever found yourself just talking and talking to yourself? And the people whose lives are healthier are the ones who make sure that the voices that are activated in their soul are ones that make them the best version of themselves. Jesus says there is a thief that wants to steal your life. He activates his voice inside of your soul. The voices that are fighting for you are actually two voices. One voice is calling you to life, and one voice is called you to death. 2025 is the year that you pay attention to the voice, voice of God. When you hear God speaking, you act. Here's small ways. When an action to do good is activated in your heart, just do it.