How Do We Push People Away From Religion and Towards God? (Luke 6:1-5)

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 12

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Why do bad things happen to good people? It's one of the most difficult and personal questions we face. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a devastating diagnosis, a broken relationship, or an unexpected tragedy, suffering has a way of leaving us searching for answers. In this episode of *Ask A Pastor*, Pastor Todd explores what the Bible says about pain, suffering, and God's presence in the middle of life's hardest moments. Looking at passages from Romans, Job, John, James, and the life of Jesus Himself, we discover that while Scripture doesn't always give us a simple explanation for suffering, it does give us something better—a God who walks with us through it. Join us as we discuss why suffering exists in a fallen world, why not all suffering is punishment, how God can use pain to shape our faith, and the hope we have because of Christ's victory over death.  If you've ever wrestled with questions about suffering, this conversation will encourage you to trust God's character even when you don't understand His plans. We may not always know the reason for our suffering, but we can trust the God who walks with us through it. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

Love Without Limits (Luke 6:27-36)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Loving people who love you is easy. Loving people who hurt you is something else entirely. In this week's message from Luke 6, Pastor Todd explores one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus: "Love your enemies." In a world that tells us to get even, hold grudges, and only give to those who deserve it, Jesus calls His followers to live differently. Discover what it means to love beyond feelings, extend grace when it's undeserved, and show mercy the same way God has shown mercy to us. Jesus didn't just teach enemy-love—He demonstrated it on the cross, praying for those who mocked, rejected, and crucified Him. This message will challenge you to ask some important questions: Who do you need to love this week? Are you giving people what they deserve or what God gave you? And when people watch how you respond to those who hurt you, do they see the heart of your Heavenly Father? The family resemblance of a believer is mercy. When we love the way Jesus loves, we point people to Him. Listen now and learn how Kingdom love changes everything. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

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/]