The Danger of Getting Everything You Want (Luke 6:24-26)

Can Women Be Pastors? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 11

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Can women be pastors? It’s a question Christians have debated for generations, and one that often sparks strong opinions on both sides. In this episode of Ask A Pastor, Pastor Todd takes an honest, Scripture-centered look at one of the most discussed topics in the Church today. Starting with Pentecost and God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on “sons and daughters,” this episode explores what the Bible says about calling, spiritual gifts, leadership, and the role of women in ministry. From Deborah, Miriam, and Huldah in the Old Testament to Priscilla, Phoebe, Anna, and Junia in the New Testament, Pastor Todd examines the many women God used to lead, teach, prophesy, and advance His kingdom. What about the passages that seem to restrict women in ministry? How should we understand Paul’s words in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians? And what can we learn from the fruit of women who have faithfully served, preached, planted churches, and led others to Christ throughout church history? Whether you agree, disagree, or are still wrestling with the question, this conversation seeks to approach the topic with biblical integrity, humility, and a desire to follow wherever God leads. Join us as we explore what Scripture teaches about calling, gifting, and the work of the Holy Spirit—and ask an important question: If God has called someone, who are we to stand in the way? Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

The Danger of Getting Everything You Want (Luke 6:24-26)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] In a world that equates blessing with wealth, comfort, popularity, and success, Jesus offers a radically different perspective. In this powerful message from Luke 6, we continue exploring Jesus’ upside-down kingdom as He warns against the dangers of trusting in the very things our culture celebrates. While the world says, “Get more, enjoy more, be admired by more people,” Jesus reveals how comfort, self-sufficiency, endless consumption, shallow entertainment, and the pursuit of approval can slowly pull our hearts away from God. Jesus isn’t condemning money, joy, or success. He’s exposing the danger of allowing temporary things to become ultimate things. The greatest threat to your faith may not be hardship—it may be comfort without dependence on God. In this sermon, we’ll examine: • Why wealth can become a false messiah • How a full life can still leave your soul empty • Why temporary pleasures can never solve eternal problems • The danger of seeking the approval of people more than the approval of God If you've ever wondered whether comfort is strengthening or weakening your faith, this message will challenge you to look beyond temporary blessings and rediscover your need for Christ. Join us as we ask some important questions: What have I been depending on more than God lately? Has comfort made me spiritually complacent? Am I living for God’s approval or everyone else’s? This message will encourage you to trade self-reliance for dependence on Jesus and find the lasting joy that only He can provide. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

Blessed In My Brokeness (Luke 6:20-23)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] In a world that measures blessing by wealth, comfort, success, and popularity, Jesus offers a completely different perspective. In Luke 6, Jesus declares that the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the persecuted are blessed—not because their circumstances are easy, but because God's Kingdom operates differently than the world. In this message, Blessed In My Brokenness, we explore one of Jesus’ most challenging and encouraging teachings: true blessing is not determined by what you have, but by your relationship with God. Through pain, loss, weakness, and hardship, Jesus reveals that God often does His deepest work in the lives of those who have come to the end of themselves. Whether you're walking through a season of struggle, carrying grief, searching for fulfillment, or facing opposition for your faith, this message will remind you that your brokenness is not evidence of God's absence—it may be the very place where He wants to meet you. Join us as we discover how God's Kingdom turns the world's definition of blessing upside down and learn why our greatest need often becomes the doorway to God's greatest work. Scripture: Luke 6:20-23 Key Takeaways: • God often does His deepest work in people who have run out of everything except Him. • The world can entertain your flesh, but only Jesus can satisfy your soul. • God doesn't ignore your tears—He redeems them. • Faithfulness to Jesus matters more than the approval of people. Transformational Questions: 1. What if your brokenness is the very place God wants to meet you? 2. What are you feeding more—your flesh or your spirit? 3. Are you living for the approval of Heaven or the applause of people? Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

What does it really mean to be saved and how can I be sure I am? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 10

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] What does it actually mean to be saved? And how can you know for certain that you belong to Jesus? In this episode of Ask A Pastor, we tackle one of the most important and personal questions a person can ask: "Am I really saved?" Whether you've struggled with doubt after a difficult season, wondered if your faith is genuine, or questioned whether you're doing enough to earn God's acceptance, this conversation is for you. Together, we'll explore what the Bible teaches about salvation, how someone receives salvation through faith in Christ, and where true assurance comes from. You'll discover why salvation is a gift of God's grace, why your confidence should rest in God's promises rather than your emotions, and what Scripture says are the evidences of genuine faith. We'll discuss: * What it means to be saved according to the Bible * How salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus * Why Christianity is different from every other religion * Three biblical signs of genuine salvation * How to handle doubts and questions about your faith * The freedom and confidence that come from assurance in Christ If you've ever wondered whether you're truly saved or how you can know you have eternal life, this episode will point you back to the finished work of Jesus and the promises of God's Word. Key Takeaway: The strongest evidence of salvation isn't that you never struggle with doubt—it's that you keep running back to Jesus when you do. If you have a question you'd like answered in a future episode of Ask A Pastor, we'd love to hear from you. Until next time, keep seeking Jesus, keep growing in your faith, and keep trusting the One who saves. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

How Do I Hear God’s Voice and How Do I Know It’s Actually Him? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 9

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] In Episode 9 of the Ask A Pastor Podcast, we tackle one of the most common and personal questions believers ask: “How do I hear God’s voice… and how do I know it’s actually Him?” In a world filled with noise, distractions, opinions, and constant stimulation, many Christians struggle to discern whether God is speaking or if it’s just their own thoughts and emotions. But Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.” So what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode, we explore how God primarily speaks through His Word, how His voice reflects His character, and why discernment grows through relationship, prayer, obedience, and spiritual maturity. We also discuss the difference between conviction and condemnation, practical ways to quiet the noise of life, and important questions to ask when seeking God’s direction. Whether you’ve felt spiritually frustrated, uncertain about God’s leading, or simply want to grow closer to Him, this conversation will encourage you to lean into a deeper relationship with the God who still speaks today. God’s voice becomes clearest to those who consistently stay close enough to hear Him. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]