791. Steve Sarkisian | The Connecting Podcast Ep. 039
Feb 7, 2025
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Steve Sarkisian, co-founder and vice-president of Paul Tripp Ministries, shares his remarkable journey of redemption and transformation. He recounts how his marriage was nearly lost but was restored through biblical counseling. Steve discusses leaving behind immense wealth to dedicate his life to ministry. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the struggles of personal faith, and the ongoing battle with sin. His story serves as a powerful reminder of grace, perseverance, and the impact of divine love in relationships.
Steve Sarkisian's journey illustrates the transformative power of God's grace, leading him from potential divorce to partnership in ministry.
Paul Tripp reflects on John Calvin's profound influence on his faith, highlighting the relevance of historical theology for contemporary believers.
The importance of community and mentorship within the church is emphasized as vital for spiritual growth and accountability among believers.
Deep dives
Steve Sarkissian's Journey of Redemption
Steve Sarkissian shares his personal journey from the brink of divorce to finding restoration through the power of God and the influence of Paul Tripp. His life changed significantly after he met Paul, who offered biblical counseling that helped repair Steve's troubled marriage with his wife, Gail. Following his newfound faith, Steve turned his back on a potentially lucrative business career, choosing instead to co-found Paul Tripp Ministries in 2006. Steve's story exemplifies the transformative power of God's grace, highlighting that no one is beyond redemption.
Reflections on John Calvin's Impact
During a trip to Geneva, Paul Tripp reflects on John Calvin's deep influence on his understanding of Christianity. He narrates his emotional experience visiting key places associated with Calvin, illustrating how Calvin’s teachings have shaped his faith. Calvin wrote the 'Institutes of Christian Religion' at the age of 27, a work that profoundly impacted Christian theology and continues to be significant for believers today. Paul's emotional response to Calvin's legacy serves as a reminder of how God uses individuals throughout history to impact future generations.
The Experience of Suffering and God's Sovereignty
Paul Tripp discusses how his experiences, including a difficult cancer diagnosis, have led him to understand the sovereignty of God more deeply. Rather than fall into despair, Paul sees these trials as opportunities to witness God’s grace at work in his life and ministry. The process of unraveling and rebuilding, particularly amid pain and uncertainty, has afforded Paul a clearer perspective on God's faithfulness. It's a reminder that God often uses suffering to draw His people closer and to reveal His purpose.
The Role of the Church in Personal Transformation
The importance of community within the church is highlighted as both Steve and Paul emphasize the need for accountability and support in overcoming personal struggles. They discuss how genuine fellowship, which fosters open and honest conversations about sin, can lead to spiritual growth and accountability. This kind of community involvement offers a sanctuary where believers can encourage one another daily, combatting the deceitfulness of sin that may lead to hardened hearts. The role of mentorship within that community also becomes crucial, as seen in Paul and Steve's relationship.
The Power of God's Grace in Ministry
Throughout the episode, the central theme remains the power of God's grace in transforming lives and enabling impactful ministry. As Steve recounts his own transformation and partnership with Paul in ministry, he highlights how personal loss and struggle can become platforms for God’s glory. The emphasis is placed on influencing others through storytelling, not just doctrine, as they work to share the message of Christ’s love and redemption with the world. Their collective ministry aims to awaken others to the richness of God’s grace and his unwavering faithfulness.
If you have been blessed by anything that Paul Tripp and Paul Tripp Ministries has produced over the last two decades, it's largely because of the sacrifice of one man: Steve Sarkisian.
In the early 2000s, Steve's marriage was on the brink of divorce, and God used Paul during his days as a biblical counselor to restore Steve's relationship with Gail. Afterward, Steve walked away from tens of millions of dollars in personal fortune, sold his Rolls Royce, and helped co-found Paul Tripp Ministries in 2006.
This month's guest on The Connecting Podcast is our very own co-founder and vice-president of Paul Tripp Ministries. You'll be blessed and encouraged by his story of redemption!
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