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

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/]

Why Should I Give To The Church? | Ask A Pastor Ep. 14

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] Why does God ask His people to give? Is tithing still for Christians today? And if God owns everything already, why does our generosity matter? In this episode of Ask A Pastor, we tackle one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in the Christian life: Why should I give to the church? Looking at what Scripture actually teaches, we discover that giving isn't about funding an organization or earning God's favor. It's an act of worship that reveals where our trust truly lies. Together, we'll explore why everything we have belongs to God, how generosity transforms our hearts, why the local church depends on faithful financial partnership, and what the Bible really says about tithing under the New Covenant. We'll also discuss why God's blessings are never something we can manipulate, but are the overflow of a life surrendered to Him. Whether you've been faithfully giving for years, you're skeptical because of past experiences, or you're simply trying to understand what the Bible teaches, this conversation will encourage you to see generosity through the lens of the gospel. Because in the end, the greatest motivation for giving isn't obligation, it's that God gave first. Key Scriptures: Psalm 24:1, Proverbs 3:9–10, 2 Corinthians 8–9, 1 Corinthians 9:13–14, Matthew 6:21, Luke 6:38, Malachi 3:10, and more. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

Five Minutes Of Fire (Luke 6:46-49)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] What can God do through five minutes of faithful preaching? In this special service, five members of our Hope Church staff and internship team each took just five minutes to unpack God's Word, bringing powerful truth, personal insight, and practical application from Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:46–49. Featuring messages from AJ Shaw, Justin Tolley, DeAndra Barham, Georgia Hale, and Diesel Davis, this unique "Five Minutes of Fire" format reminds us that God's truth doesn't depend on the length of the message—it depends on the power of His Word. Jesus closes His sermon with a challenging question: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" He then paints the picture of two builders—one who builds on the solid foundation of obedience to Christ, and one who builds on shifting sand. The storms come to both, but only one foundation stands. Whether you're new to following Jesus or have walked with Him for years, these five short messages will encourage you to examine the foundation of your faith, put God's Word into practice, and build a life that remains unshaken when life's storms come. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]

What Happens After We Die, and How Should That Change the Way I Live Right Now?| Ask A Pastor Ep. 13

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/216325/fan_mail/new] What really happens after we die? It's one of the oldest and most important questions humanity has ever asked. Whether prompted by loss, illness, tragedy, or simply the reality of our own mortality, every person eventually wrestles with what comes next. In this episode of Ask A Pastor, we explore what the Bible teaches about eternity, heaven, judgment, and the hope we have because of Jesus Christ. Rather than relying on speculation or popular opinion, we look at the promises of Scripture and the resurrection of Jesus—the foundation of the Christian's hope. Together, we'll answer questions like: * What happens when we die? * Is heaven a real place? * Will everyone stand before God? * Why does eternity matter for the way we live today? * How does the gospel change our future and our present? You'll discover that death is not the end for those who trust in Christ, that heaven is ultimately about being with Jesus, and that an eternal perspective transforms our priorities, relationships, and purpose today. Most importantly, we'll consider the question that matters more than what happens after we die: What have we done with Jesus? If you've ever wondered about eternity or needed encouragement to live with greater purpose and hope, this conversation is for you. Key Scriptures: John 11, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4, Matthew 25, John 14, Revelation 21, Colossians 3, Matthew 6, Philippians 1, and John 3:16. Support the show [http://hopechurchcleburne.com/giving/]