Followed By Mercy

You Cannot Outrun the Love of God: Finding Hope in Leviticus

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2339198/fan_mail/new] Some of the most exhausted people in the world are sitting in church pews, trying to follow a list of requirements they can never satisfy. Join Austin Gardner as he uncovers the gospel hidden in the Old Testament. This isn’t about behavior modification or trying harder; it’s about a Father who prepared a way home before his children ever left. Whether you're in a dark place or just soul-tired, this episode will remind you that God’s love is the foundation of your existence, not a response to your behavior. Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnr4HVuInKpwTE-Vybc-iLA], Substack [https://waustingardner.substack.com], Twitter, [https://twitter.com/waustingardner] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waustingardner/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/waustingardner/], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austingardner211/].

Exodus: Grace, Mercy, and a God Who Stays

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2339198/fan_mail/new] We often divide the Bible into two Gods: the "angry" God of the Old Testament and the "loving" God of the New. Austin Gardner is here to bridge that gap. In this episode of the Grace series, we look at the Book of Exodus not as a list of demands, but as a monument to God’s patience and provision. Whether it’s bitter water turning sweet or a covenant renewed after a massive failure, Exodus proves that God has always chosen rescue over requirements. Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnr4HVuInKpwTE-Vybc-iLA], Substack [https://waustingardner.substack.com], Twitter, [https://twitter.com/waustingardner] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waustingardner/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/waustingardner/], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austingardner211/].

The God of Genesis: Why Grace is Older than the Law

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2339198/fan_mail/new] "When did grace begin?" If you said Calvary or Pentecost, you might be missing the most beautiful part of the story. Join Austin Gardner as he journeys through the Book of Genesis to uncover the "God of Grace" who has been pursuing humanity since the foundation of the world. Through the stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Joseph, Austin reveals that God wasn’t a distant judge who later "softened up" when Jesus arrived. He has always been the Seeker, the Provider, and the one who binds Himself to promises even when we fail. If you’ve ever felt like you weren't "good enough" for God, this episode will turn your theology upside down and give you a place to truly rest. Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnr4HVuInKpwTE-Vybc-iLA], Substack [https://waustingardner.substack.com], Twitter, [https://twitter.com/waustingardner] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waustingardner/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/waustingardner/], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austingardner211/].

Who Wrote Your Story? Choosing God’s Truth Over Your Version

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2339198/fan_mail/new] The loudest voice in your life is usually the one inside your own head—but is it telling the truth? In this powerful message, Austin Gardner explores a fundamental reality: The story you believe determines the life you live. Drawing on the account of the twelve spies in Numbers and the famous story of the Prodigal Son, Austin illustrates how pain, betrayal, and shame can lead us to rewrite our history in ways God never intended. Whether you see yourself as a "grasshopper" in a land of giants or a "day laborer" unworthy of sonship, those are versions written by pain, not by the Father. The Gospel isn’t about trying to change God's mind about you; it’s about letting God change your mind about yourself. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The Grasshopper Complex: Why ten spies saw giants while two saw God—and how your perspective dictates your victory. * "Who Told You That?": A look at Genesis 3 and why we believe lies about our own inadequacy. * The Father’s Party: A fresh look at the Prodigal Son through the lens of the Father’s joy, rather than the son’s shame. * New Identity vs. Improved Old Story: Why 2 Corinthians 5:17 means your "junk" hasn't just been fixed—it's been passed away. * The Joseph Perspective: How to see the "evil intent" of others as the "good purpose" of God. Scripture References: * Numbers 13:33 * John 8:32 * Genesis 3:11 * Luke 15:11-32 * 2 Corinthians 5:17 * Ephesians 5:8 * Genesis 50:20 * Romans 12:2 waustingardner.com [https://waustingardner.com/] Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnr4HVuInKpwTE-Vybc-iLA], Substack [https://waustingardner.substack.com], Twitter, [https://twitter.com/waustingardner] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waustingardner/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/waustingardner/], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austingardner211/].

Learning a Person, Not a Religion: The Lifelong Discovery of Christ

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2339198/fan_mail/new] Most of us see Christianity as a journey to become something—to learn the rules, master the doctrine, and fix our behavior. But in Ephesians 4:20, Paul says something shocking: "You have not so learned Christ." In this episode, Austin Gardner explores the difference between learning about Jesus and actually learning Him. Using the beautiful analogy of a 50-year marriage, Austin shares how our walk with God isn't about graduation; it’s about orientation. It’s a lifelong process of hearing His voice and discovering that eternal life isn’t just a destination—it’s the intimacy of knowing the Father right now, even in the middle of cancer, trials, and "the mess." Key Takeaways: * Past Tense Grace: You have already "learned Christ"—it’s a finished work you can rest in. * Relationship > Ritual: Why knowing a person changes you more than studying a textbook ever could. * The Abiding Life: How to "hang out" with God instead of gritting your teeth to be "better." Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnr4HVuInKpwTE-Vybc-iLA], Substack [https://waustingardner.substack.com], Twitter, [https://twitter.com/waustingardner] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waustingardner/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/waustingardner/], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austingardner211/].