Hope Church Podcast

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/]

Jesus didn’t wait for broken people to find Him—He stepped into their world and brought healing with Him. (Luke 6:6-19)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Jesus never waited for broken people to come find Him—He stepped directly into their pain, their struggles, and their desperation. In this powerful message from Luke 6, we see a Savior who consistently moved toward hurting people instead of away from them. Drawing from a recent mission trip to Kenya, this Pastor Krystal connects the ministry of Jesus to real moments experienced in villages, slums, schools, and medical clinics where people were searching for hope, healing, truth, and compassion. From the Kibera slums of Nairobi to rural Maasai communities and an Islamic girls school in Mombasa, one truth became undeniable: people don’t need a distant church—they need a present Savior. This message challenges the Church to move beyond comfort and into compassion, reminding us that ministry begins when we stop expecting people to come to us and start meeting them where they are. Jesus cared about the whole person—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and He still moves toward broken people today. If you feel exhausted, lonely, distant from God, or desperate for hope, this sermon is a reminder that Jesus is already stepping toward you. You do not have to clean yourself up first. You are not too far gone. Hope is found in Christ alone. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

What Does The Bible Say About Sex? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 8

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] In Episode 8 of the Ask A Pastor Podcast, we tackle one of the most talked-about—and most misunderstood—topics in today’s culture: sex. What does the Bible actually say about sex, purity, lust, pornography, marriage, singleness, and sexual brokenness? Is Christianity just about rules and restriction, or is there something deeper behind God’s design? In a world that treats sex as casual, Scripture reveals that sex is sacred, powerful, and deeply connected to covenant, intimacy, and worship. From Genesis to the words of Jesus, this episode explores how God created sex not to shame us, but to protect us, connect us, and point us toward something greater. We discuss: • Why sex was God’s idea from the beginning • Why the Bible places sex inside marriage • How lust and pornography shape the heart • The spiritual and emotional impact of sexual sin • God’s grace for people carrying shame, regret, addiction, or brokenness • Practical encouragement for both married couples and single Christians No matter your past, your struggle, or your questions, this conversation is centered on both truth and grace. Because Jesus doesn’t just expose brokenness—He restores people. God’s design for sex isn’t about restriction—it’s about redemption, protection, and covenant love. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Jesus never intended faith to feel crushing. In this message from Luke 6:1–5, we confront one of the biggest tensions people still wrestle with today: religion that controls people versus Jesus who restores people. The Pharisees had turned God’s gift of rest into a burden, and many people today still feel exhausted trying to “measure up” spiritually. But Jesus didn’t come to pile more pressure on your shoulders—He came to carry what’s crushing you. This sermon explores how legalism pushes people away from God, why mercy matters more than empty religion, and how true rest is only found in Christ. Whether you’ve felt judged by church culture, worn out by performance-based Christianity, or spiritually exhausted trying to be “good enough,” this message is a reminder that Jesus invites broken and weary people into freedom, grace, and rest. In this message, we discuss: * Why rules should never matter more than people * How compassion reflects the true heart of God * The danger of religion without grace * Why Jesus is more than part of your life—He is your life * How to let go of guilt, shame, pressure, and spiritual exhaustion Jesus didn’t come to create heavier burdens. He came to rescue people and lead them into true rest. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

Why Should I Go To Church? I Am The Church | Ask A Pastor Ep. 7

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] A lot of people today say, “I don’t need to go to church… I am the church.” And while there’s truth in that statement, Scripture shows us that following Jesus was never meant to happen in isolation. In Episode 7 of the Ask A Pastor Podcast, Pastor Todd Barham unpacks what the Bible really teaches about being the church, biblical community, and why gathering with other believers still matters. From Romans 12 and Hebrews 10 to the example of the early church in Acts 2, this conversation challenges the modern mindset of disconnected Christianity and reminds us that the Body of Christ only functions properly when it’s connected together. Whether you’ve experienced church hurt, struggled with organized religion, or questioned the importance of attending church, this episode offers biblical truth, encouragement, and practical wisdom for living out your faith in authentic community. You may be able to pray alone, worship alone, and read your Bible alone—but you cannot fully live out the New Testament alone. If you truly are the church… then live connected like the church. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]