You're Not Weak, You're Just in Control. Here's Why That's the Problem
APOC Ministry
The Grain of Wheat Principle
Eric introduces John 12:24: surrender (dying to self) leads to fruitfulness, not clinging to personal control.
Are you doing all the right things, working hard, staying committed, putting in the effort, but still not getting the results you know you should have? The problem might not be your effort. It might be your need to be in control.
In this message, Pastor Eric Thomas delivers one of the most raw and personal sermons of the Royal Airlines series, a message about what's really standing between you and everything God has for you.
The formula is simple: surrender. Not weakness, surrender. Because the same way you board a plane and hand your life to a pilot you've never met, God is asking you to trust Him with everything you've been white-knuckling on your own.
Pastor Eric shares the real story behind his books, from selling 5,000 copies while fighting for control, to 300,000 copies the moment he surrendered the process. Then going back to control. Then failing again. The full cycle — nothing held back.
In this message you'll discover:
Why motion without progress is a sign you're in control — not God
The real reason control feels safe — and why it's actually destroying you
Why control is a spiritual problem, not just a personality trait
How the book story reveals a pattern that shows up in your relationships, finances, and family
What it actually looks like to surrender — not as a feeling, but as a decision
The formula: unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it remains alone
Chapters:
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Welcome: The Gift of Today
- 00:00:40 The Formula: Getting on the Same Page With God
- 00:04:43 The Plane Illustration: Total Surrender at 35,000 Feet
- 00:10:09 Motion Without Progress: Why You're Stuck
- 00:15:22 John 12:24 - Unless a Grain of Wheat Dies
- 00:16:05 We Don't Want Control Because We're Strong, We Want It Because We're Scared
- 00:18:11 The Book Story: From 5,000 to 300,000 Copies
- 00:22:00 Control Is Satanic: The Spirit of Lucifer
- 00:27:09 The Business Lesson: Letting Dede In
- 00:38:19 The Cross: Complete Surrender
- 00:40:35 The Huntsville Story: Obedience Over Feelings
- 00:44:01 How Do You Feel: I Don't Feel Nothing
- 00:45:19 Altar Call: Time to Die to Control
📖 Scriptures Referenced:
Jeremiah 29:11 — For I know the plans I have for you
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies
Proverbs 3:5–6 — Lean not unto your own understanding
Joshua 1:3 — Every place the sole of your foot shall tread
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About A Place of Change Ministry
Formed in 2008, A Place of Change Ministry (APOC) is built on the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. We are a church for the unchurched — a welcoming home for those outside the mainstream of traditional worship. One thing visitors say time and time again: "Nobody does love like APOC."
📍 Grand Ledge, MI · Virtual Services: Saturdays at 11AM EST
🌐 www.apocministry.org
📧 info@apocministry.org
Connect with APOC:
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