When Jesus Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations (Luke 7:18-35)

When Jesus Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations (Luke 7:18-35)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] What do you do when Jesus doesn't meet your expectations? We all have moments when we expect God to move one way, but He works in a completely different way. Prayers seem unanswered. Doors remain closed. Healing doesn't come. In those moments, it's easy to wonder where God is and whether He's still working. In this message from Luke 7:18–35, we look at the surprising story of John the Baptist—a man who boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, yet later found himself sitting in prison, asking, "Are You the One?" Through John's honest questions, we discover that doubt isn't the opposite of faith; it's often an invitation to bring our questions directly to Jesus. This sermon explores how to trust Christ when life doesn't make sense, why one difficult season doesn't define your relationship with God, and how to avoid letting unmet expectations keep you from recognizing God's work. Whether you're walking through disappointment, confusion, or unanswered prayers, you'll be reminded that Jesus is still faithful—even when He works differently than you expected. In this message you'll discover: * Why it's okay to bring your doubts to Jesus. * How God sees the bigger picture beyond your current circumstances. * Why faith is trusting Jesus' character, not just His timing. * How unmet expectations can become opportunities for deeper trust. No matter what you're facing today, this message will encourage you to anchor your faith in who Jesus is rather than what you can currently see. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

Why Is Purity Culture Problematic in the Church? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 16

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] What happens when good biblical teaching gets mixed with fear, shame, and legalism? In this episode of Ask A Pastor, we explore the important difference between biblical purity and purity culture—and why that distinction matters. The Bible teaches that sexuality is God's good and beautiful design, created to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage. Yet many people have experienced messages that left them feeling ashamed, condemned, or defined by their past rather than by God's grace. Together, we'll examine what Scripture actually says about sexual purity, holiness, forgiveness, identity, and healing. We'll discuss why sex is a sacred gift—not something dirty or shameful—how the gospel offers hope to every sinner, why victims of abuse should never carry false shame, and how God's commands are designed to protect rather than restrict us. Most importantly, we'll discover that our identity is not found in our relationship status, sexual history, or ability to keep rules, but in Jesus Christ. Whether you've been hurt by purity culture, are wrestling with questions about biblical sexuality, or simply want a clearer understanding of God's heart, this conversation points us back to the perfect balance of grace and truth that Jesus demonstrated. Join us as we unpack how biblical purity isn't about earning God's love—it's about responding to the love and grace we've already received through Jesus Christ. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

When Jesus Walks Into Your Grief (Luke 7:11-17)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Life can change in an instant. A phone call, a diagnosis, a loss, or an unexpected conversation can leave us wondering how we'll ever move forward. In this message from Luke 7:11–17, Pastor Todd reminds us that when Jesus meets death, death loses. As Jesus encounters a grieving widow carrying the unimaginable weight of losing both her husband and her only son, we discover the heart of our Savior. Jesus sees the pain others overlook, moves toward the broken instead of away from them, and speaks life where everyone else sees only loss. His compassion is matched by His authority, proving that no situation is beyond His power to restore. Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a dream, your health, or your joy, this message is a powerful reminder that Jesus still steps into places of sorrow and brings hope. The same Savior who raised the widow's son is still able to revive what we've declared dead and turn our greatest heartbreaks into testimonies of His faithfulness. Join us as we're challenged to trust Jesus with our deepest grief, believe Him for the impossible, and share the story of what only He can do. Your testimony may be the invitation someone else needs to discover the hope found in Christ. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

Why Should I Trust the Bible, and How Do I Know Christianity Is True? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 15

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Can the Bible really be trusted? Is Christianity based on blind faith, or is there solid evidence to support its claims? In this episode of Ask A Pastor, Pastor Todd explores one of life's biggest questions by examining the historical reliability of Scripture and the evidence for the Christian faith. From eyewitness testimony and fulfilled prophecy to archaeology and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you'll discover that biblical faith isn't a leap into the dark—it's a response to compelling truth. Join us as we discuss why Christianity stands apart from every other belief system, why Jesus Himself trusted the Scriptures, and why everything ultimately hinges on the resurrection. Whether you're wrestling with doubts, exploring Christianity for the first time, or looking to strengthen your confidence in God's Word, this conversation will encourage you to investigate the evidence and take the next step toward Jesus. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why biblical faith is built on evidence—not blind belief. * How history and archaeology continue to affirm the reliability of Scripture. * Why Jesus' view of the Bible matters. * Why the resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. * How evidence leads us to faith, but faith calls us to follow Christ. No question is too difficult for God, and honest investigation has nothing to fear. We pray this episode strengthens your confidence in God's Word and points you to the Savior it reveals. If you have a question you'd like Pastor Todd to answer in a future episode, we'd love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and join us next time as we continue answering life's biggest questions through the truth of God's Word. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

The Power Of Faith (Luke 7:1-10)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] What kind of faith causes Jesus to stop and marvel? In this message from Luke 7:1–10, Pastor Todd explores the incredible story of the Roman centurion—a man whose faith amazed Jesus. While the miracle of healing is remarkable, the heart of this passage is about something even greater: trusting in the authority of Jesus. Discover how genuine faith pushes past barriers, depends on God's grace instead of personal worthiness, and trusts Jesus completely even without seeing immediate results. Whether you've walked with Christ for years or are just beginning to explore faith, this message is a powerful reminder that Jesus isn't looking for perfect people—He's looking for people who trust Him. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to place your total faith in God, this sermon will challenge and encourage you to move beyond excuses, abandon self-reliance, and confidently rest in the mercy and authority of Christ. In this message, you'll discover: * Why faith begins when your need becomes bigger than your excuses. * The difference between earning God's favor and receiving His grace. * What kind of faith amazes Jesus. * Why faith—not perfection—is the only qualification Jesus requires. Whether you're facing uncertainty, carrying a burden, or longing to trust God more deeply, this message will encourage you to ask: If Jesus looked at my faith today, what would He see? Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]