Our Father's Heart

Drawing from Paul’s charge to the Corinthians, we explore why “many instructors but few fathers” still rings true, and how formation requires more than information. We walk through Scripture’s living chain of impartation: Abraham to Isaac and Jacob, Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, and Ruth with Naomi. These stories reveal a consistent pattern—clinging to presence, receiving correction, and being publicly commissioned—that transfers not just knowledge but weight, wisdom, and recognized authority. Along the way, we look at Jesus and the apostles as a family by adoption, with Peter, James, and John formed into pillars who could carry the early Church. Paul continues the model through Timothy, Titus, and Onesimus, showing how sons inherit ways, not merely words. Our conversation wrestles with a hard question: why does zeal so often outrun maturity? We suggest that independence without submission leaves believers gifted yet fragile. True fathering turns potential into fruit by aligning hearts to the Father’s will, shaping discernment, and blessing the next generation to go further—yes, even to receive a double portion. This isn’t about control or celebrity; it’s about a legacy that outlives a single life and strengthens the whole body. If you’re hungry for guidance that refines character and clarifies calling, this episode offers a roadmap grounded in Scripture and tested by time. Lean into leaders who love God’s glory more than their own, welcome correction that protects your future, and seek commissioning that serves the Church. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Change demands more than motivation; it requires renewal that begins at the heart and reshapes how we think, speak, and act. Trace that living rhythm through Scripture: seasons in Ecclesiastes, Sabbath rest for the land, and the sound of Jubilee that announces release and return. From there, we wrestle with Jesus’ promise and warning in John 15—pruning hurts, but it is how fruit multiplies—and we press into why so many of us resist the very shifts that make growth possible. Together we unpack the parable of new wine and new skins, confronting the hard truth that yesterday’s habits can’t carry today’s anointing. Paul’s guidance frames a pathway: put away bitterness and corrosive speech, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ. We also acknowledge an all-too-common trap that derails many: mistaking a past move of God for a permanent resting place. The river keeps flowing; comfort can turn into an eddy that spins us in circles while we think we’re moving forward. What does faithfulness look like on the ground? Prepare for the next season with simple, concrete steps. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Seek humble companions who still hunger for the living God and build small, sturdy communities where repentance comes quickly and obedience is normal. Renewal is not a one-time surge but a daily exchange: shed the old, receive the new, and stay light enough to move when the Spirit shifts like the wind. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Destiny is not a moving target; it’s a promise God set before time began. We walk through the tension between what’s guaranteed—resurrection, incorruption, immortality—and what’s required daily: surrender in trials, holiness in habits, and love that looks like Jesus in the open. The heart of the message is transformation from the inside out, shifting from the old man to the new man, empowered by His Spirit as we align our will to His. We unpack how trials function as a barometer of surrender, revealing whether we trust God when expectations collapse. Drawing on Paul, Peter, and John, we connect “Christ in you, the hope of glory” with a practical path: clothe yourself with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love. Peter’s growth ladder—faith to virtue to knowledge to self-control to perseverance to godliness to brotherly kindness to love—mirrors Paul’s call to put on Christ, showing how grace enables what effort alone cannot. Along the way, we contrast servant mindset with sonship, highlight the church’s role in equipping believers to reach the fullness of Christ, and return often to the assurance that God’s word stands even when circumstances shake. This conversation is honest and concrete: live quietly, mind your business, work with your hands, walk honestly before outsiders, and let peace rule your heart. We press on not because we have arrived, but because the Spirit strengthens each step. The trumpet will sound, and we shall be changed—yet our formation starts now. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

My destiny is not a solo quest. It's a shared goal that we all have in common. We're all moving toward becoming like Christ Jesus, the image of God. This is our destiny and this goal remains fixed while our roles shift with the seasons. That simple distinction—goal versus role—cuts through the confusion that makes purpose feel slippery and hard to grasp. From there, we get practical. We explore Paul’s framework for transformation: don’t conform to the world, be transformed by renewing your mind, and you’ll demonstrate what is good, acceptable, and perfect in the eyes of God. The path is concrete: put off the works of darkness, put on the armor of light; make no provision for the flesh; choose truth, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Whether Paul says “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” “put on the new self,” or “renew knowledge in the image of your Creator,” the call is the same—shed the old and dress for the life you were made to live. We also lean into the tension of faith: we are God’s children now, yet what we shall be hasn’t fully appeared. That “now and not yet” doesn’t paralyze us; it focuses us. Like runners pacing for a long race, we press toward the prize of the upward call, returning to the heart for renewal when we’re spent. Along the way we challenge the social divides that crowd our identity, pointing to Christ as all and in all, and elevate love as the bond of perfection that brings the whole life together. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

What if the wilderness you’re trying to avoid is the very place God plans to make you exactly what He's called you to be? We reflect on a practical, yet deeper look at walking in the Spirit, not as a rare retreat but as a moment by moment way of life. The thread runs through loss, intercession, and an unmistakable peace, showing how encounters with God shift faith from borrowed belief to living conviction. Across the conversation, we contrast head knowledge with heart intimacy and explore how they belong together. You’ll hear how “Arabia” happens in the middle of bills, jobs, and grief, and how maturity is measured by mercy as much as mastery. We break down a simple learning pyramid to explain why teaching others locks truth into your bones, then get concrete with study tactics you can use today: make your own concordance as the Spirit connects verses, outline books to see the big picture, capture jump-out verses for meditation, and adopt study methods that fit your wiring. A clear Scripture chain ties Word, flesh, and fullness to confess Jesus as God manifested in the flesh, illustrating how doctrine can deepen worship instead of replacing it. We also press into a vital balance: the kingdom of God does not arrive in words only but in power. Study feeds accuracy; presence fuels authority. Stories of prayer, guidance, and gentle correction reveal how anointing rests on obedience and how clarity grows with every returned trip to His Heart. If you’ve felt stuck between information and transformation, this is your nudge to seek the things above, own the Word for yourself, and then share it until it sings. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

A persecutor becomes a herald of grace, and the catalyst for change was not better teaching but a blazing revelation of Jesus Christ. We walk through Paul’s story—from Saul’s elite training and fierce zeal to the Light on the Damascus road—and then step into the silence of Arabia, where God dismantled a lifetime of tradition and rebuilt a life in the Spirit. Along the way, we explore what wilderness can do for us: expose idols, retrain the conscience through meditation, and make room for a new identity that cannot coexist with the old. I share how surrender gets tangible when love confronts what we cling to; for me it was getting rid of comics because it held a piece of my heart. That concrete act set up a deeper lesson in Romans 8: the law is holy, but we are weak; the Spirit is present, and He is strong. We trace the move from schoolmaster to sonship, from duty to delight, and from obligation to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. If you’ve ever tried to white-knuckle your way into holiness, you’ll hear why revelation, repentance, and the Spirit’s indwelling presence are the nonnegotiables of real transformation. You’ll leave with a simple framework to practice today: seek revelation in Scripture, embrace your Arabia of quiet and wrestling, meditate to train your conscience, walk by the Spirit’s guidance, and act against your idols with decisive steps. This is a candid, practical, and hope-filled invitation to become who God calls you to be—free, focused, and led by His voice. What’s your Arabia, and what idol is God asking you to lay down? "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

The greatest threat to your soul isn’t the sin you see in others, but the grudge you refuse to release. We open with Paul’s warning in Romans 2 about judging while doing the same things, then move straight into Jesus’ hard line on forgiveness: if we will not forgive, we will not be forgiven. The parable of the unforgiving servant becomes the lens—an unpayable debt erased, a peer throttled over pennies, and a king who hands the merciless to the tormentors. Mercy is not optional; it’s the shape of a heart that understands grace. From there, we press into a contested question: can someone fall away after truly knowing Christ? Hebrews 6 and 10 paint a sobering picture of willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth—treating Christ’s blood as common and insulting the Spirit of grace. Peter adds his own warning with the dog and sow proverb, exposing the tragedy of returning to what Christ delivered us from. This isn’t about tripping in weakness; it’s about choosing rebellion with eyes open, and it confronts a shallow view of “eternal security.” We also frame judgment through Jesus’ sheep and goats: works as evidence of allegiance, not currency to buy heaven. Feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, visiting prisoners—these acts reveal whether love has taken root. With Revelation 20’s great white throne in view, and Paul’s list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5, the call is pointed: be washed, be sanctified, and walk in the Spirit. Release grudges, refuse presumption, and endure in obedience. If you’ve been forgiven much, forgive much—then keep walking with a childlike heart that holds fast to Jesus. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Though Hebrews 6 unpacks six core principles—repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment—that trace the believer’s life from new birth to final destiny, we hone in our focus on Eternal Judgment. We press into the hard but hopeful truth: judgment begins in the house of God. Ezekiel 34 confronts shepherds who feed themselves while neglecting the weak, and that pattern still speaks today. Then we follow Jesus’ strategy in Matthew 10: seek the “worthy,” let peace rest where the message is received, and shake the dust where it is not. Worthiness is not status; it’s reception. As Christ later pronounces woes on cities that witnessed miracles yet refused to repent, the stakes become clear—greater light brings greater responsibility. Rejecting the messenger means rejecting the One who sent him, and reception brings the first blessing of peace and hope. We also hold up a mirror to our religious reflexes. Jesus names the Pharisees’ hypocrisy: heavy burdens, polished appearances, fixation on tithes while ignoring justice, mercy, and faith. That indictment challenges modern church culture to lift burdens, prioritize the wounded, and keep the weightier matters central. The call is simple and searching: preach the gospel, discern hunger, invest where the word is received, and move on without rancor. For every listener wrestling with spiritual leadership, mission, and endurance, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and a path toward the resurrection of the just. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

What if the problem isn’t your limits, but how you handle them? We explore a different kind of freedom: the kind that serves, restrains itself for others, and returns to the heart for renewal before going out again. From hidden bitterness to budget choices, from envy of public gifts to neglect of quiet callings, we trace how small, unexamined habits shape big spiritual outcomes. We dig into Romans 14’s vision of the kingdom—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—and why love sometimes means limiting your liberty. The parable of the talents gets practical here: God isn’t stingy; he’s wise. He increases responsibility when we’re trustworthy with small things. You’ll hear a real-world story of walking away from a lucrative role that conflicted with conscience, and a candid look at why transparency is rare in church life: accountability makes us honest, and honesty makes us change. We also draw sharp parallels between political and religious cultures that promise liberty while practicing control, and why knowing our core texts—Scripture for the church, the Constitution for citizens—matters for resisting manipulation. This conversation is a call to own your decisions, tell the truth about your capacity, and practice your actual gifts rather than coveting someone else’s platform. If you’re asking for “more,” start by stewarding what’s already in your hands. With great liberty comes great responsibility—use it to edify others, not to indulge yourself. If this resonates, share it with a friend who needs a nudge toward faithful stewardship, and leave a rating to help others find the show. Subscribe for more candid, Scripture-centered conversations that strengthen your walk. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

True freedom isn’t about getting more options for oneself, but becoming free from the bondage of sin to walk in righteousness. We trace a bold, honest line from Eden’s wide-open garden to Paul’s gritty vision of liberty that chooses service for the sake of others. Along the way, we examine how one boundary tested trust, how the fall revealed our tendency to use freedom poorly, and how the Spirit leads us out of bondage into a life where righteousness is not a burden but a joy. We talk through Genesis and the original scope of human freedom: real work, real dominion, and only one restriction. That context changes how we read our choices today. Rather than chasing loopholes or cloaking compromise in spiritual language, we ask how to live in freedom publicly—submitting to rightful authority, practicing integrity, and letting our conduct silence ignorance. Paul’s words come alive: “Though I am free, I made myself a servant to all.” Freedom becomes a mission. It is the power to become “all things to all people” to win some, not to perform for approval, but to love people toward hope of Jesus Christ. We also address quieter battles: envy masked as disappointment, the habit of hiding our gifts, and the fatigue in the test of waiting while others seem to flourish. Galatians reframes our identity—the free children of promise, led by the Spirit, called to stand fast and resist the yoke of bondage. Romans reminds us that freedom has a direction: away from sin, toward holiness. If your heart needs a reset on what liberty looks like in practice—clear allegiance, steady character, and generous service—this conversation will meet you where you are and point you forward. If this resonates, share it with a friend, follow for more, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your voice helps this message of true freedom reach someone who needs it today. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Ever feel like modern Christianity is a buffet—plenty of options, little clarity on what truly matters? We step back from the noise and follow a trail the apostles left in plain sight, moving from belief to obedience with the Book of Acts as our map. Instead of debating labels and church traditions, we ask what Peter and Paul actually expected when they warned about not obeying the gospel, and we test our assumptions against the first-century church. We begin with a clear definition of the gospel and a harder question: what does obeying that gospel look like? From Jerusalem to Samaria to the uttermost parts of the world, four scenes show a single, consistent response: repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, Peter’s answer to “What shall we do?” is direct and practical. In Acts 8, Samaritans believe, are baptized, and receive the Spirit through the apostles’ hands. In Acts 10, the Spirit falls on Cornelius’ household before baptism, proving God welcomes the Gentiles—and Peter immediately commands water baptism. In Acts 19, Paul meets sincere "apparent" disciples, re-baptizes them in Jesus’ name, and lays his hands on them to receive the Spirit. Different places, cultures, and sequences—but one common obedience to the gospel of the kingdom. Along the way, we confront how well-meant advice and inherited customs can drift from Scripture. We offer simple questions that cut through confusion: Did you receive the Holy Spirit? Into what were you baptized? The goal is not to win an argument; it is to recover unity around the doctrine of the apostles and invite honest, Scripture-first obedience. If you’ve questioned why there are over 45,000 denominations, hopefully this podcast will simplify why it is so and why it was not meant to be. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Repentance stands as one of Christianity's most profoundly misinterpreted concepts. While many reduce it to mere apologies or expressions of regret, its true essence runs much deeper – it's about a fundamental transformation that redirects our entire life trajectory toward God. "Change is the key," the teaching emphasizes. "Not saying 'I'm sorry.'" When someone repeatedly offends while continually apologizing, what we truly desire isn't their verbal remorse but for the hurtful behavior to stop completely. Similarly, God seeks not our words of apology but our transformed hearts and actions that demonstrate a genuine turning from sin toward righteousness. The message unveils three powerful catalysts that spark authentic repentance: conviction (that heart-piercing awareness of wrongdoing), experiencing God's goodness (His patience that gives us time to change rather than facing immediate judgment), and godly sorrow (a deep grief that produces lasting transformation rather than temporary emotional distress). Through the lens of 2 Corinthians 7, we discover how "godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation," while "the sorrow of the world produces death" – a profound distinction that separates true heart change from superficial regret. The parable of the sower beautifully illustrates various heart responses to God's word. Some hearts resemble wayside soil where understanding never takes root, others like stony ground where initial enthusiasm quickly withers under pressure, and still others like thorny ground where worldly concerns choke spiritual growth. Only the well-prepared heart – tilled through genuine repentance – produces the abundant fruit God desires. As James 1:22 reminds us, blessing comes not to those who merely hear God's word, but to those who consistently act upon it. Ready for real transformation? Examine those areas of your life you've been avoiding and make the changes you know deep down are necessary. True repentance isn't just feeling sorry – it's about becoming the person God created you to be. This is the way. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Grace demands a response. Throughout scripture, we see a consistent pattern: God initiates relationship through grace, but always includes requirements and expectations. This episode challenges popular notions of unconditional grace by examining the lives of Adam and Abraham to reveal God's true relational pattern. We explore how Abraham, the father of faith, demonstrated his belief not through mere mental assent but through immediate and complete obedience. When God commanded him to leave his homeland, circumcise his household, or even sacrifice his son, Abraham responded without hesitation. This pattern reveals the true nature of biblical faith—belief that produces action. Through powerful metaphors like circumcision and breaking up fallow ground, scripture shows that spiritual transformation requires both our effort and God's power. We must take responsibility for preparing our hearts, while God completes the transformation. This understanding explains why many believers reach spiritual "ceilings" in their growth—they respond to initial gospel demands but refuse to repent in other areas of life. The conditional nature of God's promises isn't a limitation of His love but an expression of His wisdom. Like a good parent who doesn't enable destructive behavior, God establishes boundaries that lead to life. By understanding this pattern, we can break through our spiritual ceilings and experience the fullness of our relationship with God. What area of resistance might be preventing your spiritual growth? Ready to break up the fallow ground in your own heart? "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

This profound exploration of adversity's revealing power cuts straight to the heart of spiritual maturity. Most of us have heard the saying that adversity builds character, but that's not entirely accurate. Adversity reveals character—exposing what's already within us when pressure is applied. Like sweat that exudes from our pores during intense exercise, our true nature emerges during difficult times. And this revelation isn't for God's benefit (He already knows what's in our hearts), but for our own understanding of who we truly are. Through powerful biblical examples—from the wilderness-wandering Israelites who revealed their unbelief when tested, to Job who blessed God even after losing everything, to Hannah who turned to prayer rather than bitterness when persecuted—we see how responses to adversity determine spiritual outcomes. Most powerfully, we see Jesus himself, who "learned obedience through what he suffered" and became the prototype for all believers. The message becomes crystal clear: God's testing process isn't punishment but revelation. When He tries the reins and hearts of His people, He's allowing them to see what they're made of—and to grow through that knowledge. The trials we face today are preparing us for glory, for the day when Christ will be "glorified in His saints." As one character wisely observed in a movie, "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." Are you being squeezed by adverse circumstances right now? Don't waste your adversity. Understand that your response reveals your spiritual condition more honestly than any words spoken in times of ease. And take courage—Christ has overcome the world, and through Him, so can you. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

The profound mystery of Christ's redemptive sacrifice unfolds through an illuminating study of Isaiah's ancient prophecy. Isaiah's vivid portrayal of the Messiah as "a tender plant" and "a root out of dry ground" reveals both Christ's divine origin and human nature. Though possessing no extraordinary appearance to attract followers, His mission carried an extraordinary purpose. The prophecy details how He would be "despised and rejected," with people turning away as they might avoid an unpleasant stranger—a heartbreaking foretelling of humanity's response to divine love. What makes Christ's sacrifice truly remarkable is its voluntary nature. Scripture emphasizes that "he poured out his soul unto death" willingly, bearing "our griefs," "wounded for our transgressions," and "bruised for our iniquities." This wasn't reluctant martyrdom but a deliberate choice made with full awareness of its cost. The magnitude becomes staggering when we consider its scope—not merely for believers but "the sins of the whole world." Through exploring Hebrews, we contrast the temporary Levitical priesthood with Christ's eternal priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek." Unlike temple priests offering repeated sacrifices, Jesus made one perfect sacrifice "once for all." His perfection—being "holy, harmless, undefiled"—made Him the only suitable sacrifice, establishing a "continual and perpetual intercessor" for believers. Our response to this sacrifice should be overwhelming gratitude, compelling righteous living. To continue in willful sin after understanding Christ's work is to "trample on His blood." Yet for those who stumble, genuine confession and repentance bring cleansing through His blood—covering not just past sins but future failures of the truly repentant heart. The choice remains simple: accept Christ's payment and live accordingly, or reject it and face judgment. The magnitude of His sacrifice demands nothing less than complete devotion. How will you respond to the one who willingly bore the weight of all humanity's sin? "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

This message uncovers how Samuel—standing between God and a people who had rejected divine leadership—prefigured Christ's ultimate mediatorial role. The heart of intercession beats powerfully in Samuel's declaration: "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." This commitment to persistent prayer and teaching "the good and right way" reveals the eternal nature of Christ's intercession for believers. Through Isaiah's prophetic lens, we discover Jesus hidden in the symbolic names and imagery. Eliakim ("God raises") and the "nail fastened in a sure place" point to Christ's unique ministry and sacrifice. When God searched the earth for an intercessor and found none, "His own arm brought salvation"—He himself entered human history to accomplish what no mere human could. This message illuminates Christ's two-fold ministry: first coming in righteousness to save the unrighteous, then returning to execute judgment. Just as Israel was delivered from Egypt before taking the Promised Land, Christ established salvation before his eventual return to establish justice. Most powerfully, we see how God's covenant extends through generations—His Spirit and words remaining in the mouths of believers and their spiritual offspring. The promise is "for you and for your children and all that are afar off," creating an unbroken chain of faith through time. Discover how these interconnected prophecies reveal the magnificent continuity of God's redemptive plan—a plan that began before creation and continues to unfold through Christ's body today. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

There seems to be a discrepancy between Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 to baptize "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" and the apostles' consistent practice of baptizing "in the name of Jesus Christ" throughout the book of Acts. This compelling episode dives deep into this fascinating enigma, examining what Jesus truly meant when addressing His disciples before ascending to heaven. Through careful biblical analysis, we explore the possibility that Jesus wasn't dictating specific words to say during baptism but rather instructing His followers on what to do with proper spiritual authority. If the disciples who walked with Jesus himself baptized differently than many churches practice today, shouldn't we take notice? The significance of the name of Jesus emerges as a central theme throughout scripture. From Old Testament declarations that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower" to Peter's bold assertion that "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," we trace how the power and authority in Jesus' name was understood and applied by early believers. We also examine fascinating historical evidence showing how baptismal practices evolved over the first few centuries of Christianity, culminating in formalized changes at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This raises profound questions about whether modern practices reflect apostolic teaching or later theological developments. Whether you've been baptized, are considering baptism, or simply want to deepen your understanding of biblical practices, this episode will challenge you to look beyond tradition to the patterns established by Jesus and His apostles. Study the scriptures for yourself and let the primary source material guide your understanding rather than merely accepting inherited traditions. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Today, joins us as we explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of Christian tradition – baptism as practiced in the early church versus how it's commonly performed today. This podcast will critically examine the baptismal formula practiced today (supposedly supported by Matthew 28:19) and comparing it with actual apostolic practice. In this thought-provoking episode, we introduce the concept of "The 2819 Project", drawing a parallel to how the controversial 1619 Project attempted to reframe American history. Present-day orthodoxy of baptism has similarly obscured biblical precedent. Through meticulous scriptural analysis, we discover a striking discrepancy: while Matthew records Jesus commanding baptism "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," parallel passages in Mark and Luke use language "in my name" or "in His name". Even more compelling is the book of Acts, which consistently shows the apostles baptizing "in the name of Jesus Christ", with no recorded instances of what has become known today as the trinitarian formula. This creates a theological dilemma, particularly for those who elevate Jesus' direct words (in red letters) above the rest of Scripture. Were the apostles disobedient to Jesus' command, or have we somehow misunderstood? Historical research suggests that the trinitarian formula didn't become standard practice until the fourth century, primarily through Roman Catholic codification. The episode challenges listeners to approach Scripture holistically, remembering Paul's words that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" – not just the red letters. By examining these baptismal accounts without preconceived notions, we gain fresh insight into early church practices that might reshape our understanding of this sacred ordinance. This podcast might affect your view of baptism and biblical interpretation. Join us as we seek truth together, following the crumb trail testimonies found in the Word of God. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

In this revelatory teaching, we journey through 1 Samuel to uncover what happens when the glory of God departs from leadership while the structure remains intact. The biblical account of Saul and David unveils a terrifying spiritual reality: God can reject a leader while allowing them to continue functioning in position. Saul's reign exemplifies how fear-driven decisions lead to spiritual bankruptcy, even as outward victories continue. This creates "The Church of Ichabod"—where the glory has departed but operations continue without anyone noticing the difference. What makes this message particularly gripping is the contrast between fear and faith. While Saul and his army trembled before Goliath, young David ran toward the battle. While established leadership sought safety in numbers, Jonathan and his armor bearer demonstrated that "nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." Their radical faith initiatives triggered divine intervention—even causing the earth to tremble. Most sobering is the realization that success doesn't equal approval. Saul won numerous military victories after God had already rejected him, creating a dangerous self-deception where repentance seemed unnecessary. The message serves as a warning against interpreting success as divine endorsement while ignoring clear prophetic correction. For those facing challenging church environments, David's example offers wisdom—faithfully serving where God has placed you until clearly directed elsewhere. His respect for established authority balanced with his courage to follow divine leading models how believers should navigate complex spiritual territories today. Has the glory departed from the place where you serve? Are you measuring your spiritual condition by outward success rather than inward obedience? This message will challenge your understanding of victory, rebellion, and what it truly means to have God's presence in your life and ministry. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

What blocks us from hearing God clearly? We examine how our thought life becomes the primary battlefield where the enemy plants "poison pills" of deception wrapped in partial truths. The distinction becomes crystal clear: when God speaks, peace follows—even in urgency—while the enemy's voice brings anxiety and apprehension. Many believers struggle with divine communication because they've created a buffet-style approach to Scripture, embracing comfortable passages while disregarding challenging ones. This selective obedience severely limits spiritual hearing and stunts growth. Through powerful testimonies and biblical examples, we demonstrate how God speaks most clearly to those with humble, teachable hearts. The episode offers practical guidance for developing spiritual discernment, highlighting the crucial role of spiritual mentors and community. Like Samuel who needed Eli's guidance to recognize God's voice, we often require mature believers to help navigate our spiritual journey. This requires humility—something our individualistic culture often discourages. Perhaps most importantly, we reveal the circular relationship between hearing and obeying: God speaks to those willing to act on what they hear, creating a positive cycle that increases spiritual sensitivity over time. God is more interested in developing your character than changing your circumstances, speaking into today's challenges to prepare you for tomorrow's calling. "Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response" Support the show Thank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms: Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/ Website: ourfathersheart.org Podcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/share Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheart YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheart May God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!