The Hopeful Heretic Podcast

HFF.church
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Talking all things Bible, Church, Family, and Jesus every Tuesday. It may be right? It may be heretical? That’s for you to decide. HHP is sponsored by hff.church

  1. 4d ago

    When You’re Anxious and Still Trusting God

    Can we stop telling Christians, “If you really trusted God, you wouldn’t feel anxious”? Because when anxiety shows up, that belief creates two problems: You’re anxious. And now you feel guilty for being anxious. In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke challenges the damaging idea that anxiety automatically means weak faith and explores what the Bible actually shows us about fear, anxiety, emotional distress, counseling, rest, prayer, and trusting Jesus. Scripture is filled with faithful people who experienced very real human emotions. David experienced fear. Elijah became exhausted and overwhelmed. Jeremiah carried deep sorrow. Paul described being pressed beyond his own strength. And in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” These aren’t stories about faithless people. They are stories about faithful people experiencing real distress. Faith is not the absence of emotion. Faith is what you do with the emotion. David says in Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Notice what he says. When I am afraid. Fear was present. Trust was also present. Those two realities can exist at the same time. You can be afraid and still trust Jesus. You can struggle with anxiety and still trust Jesus. You can sit in a counselor’s office and still trust Jesus. You can take practical steps toward emotional and mental health while still having genuine faith. In this episode, we discuss: • Does anxiety mean you don’t trust God? • Why Christians should stop shaming people for anxiety • The difference between feeling fear and being ruled by fear • What David teaches us about fear and trust • Elijah’s exhaustion and God’s response in 1 Kings 19 • Why rest, food, community, and physical health matter spiritually • Prayer and professional counseling • Why counseling and trusting Jesus are not enemies • Emotional health and Christian discipleship • Bringing anxious thoughts honestly before God • Why your nervous system is not a spiritual scoreboard • How faith operates in the middle of fear • Trusting Jesus when you cannot control the future One of the most revealing moments happens in 1 Kings 19. Elijah is afraid, isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. And before God gives him another assignment, Elijah sleeps. He eats. He drinks. He rests. Then comes the conversation. Sometimes we’re trying to cast out what actually needs rest. Sometimes we’re condemning something that requires healing. Sometimes we need prayer. Sometimes we need repentance. Sometimes we need sleep. Sometimes we need wise professional help. And sometimes God uses several of those things together. Christian faith does not require pretending the storm doesn’t exist. Faith means knowing who is with you in the storm. Maybe faith isn’t standing on the mountaintop declaring, “I’ve never been afraid.” Maybe sometimes faith sounds like: “Jesus, I am afraid—but I am still here, and I am still choosing to trust You.” Your anxiety is not proof that God has abandoned you. Your racing thoughts do not prevent Jesus from drawing near. Your emotions are not a scoreboard measuring how spiritual you are. The goal isn’t to pretend anxiety never exists. The goal is to refuse to let anxiety become your master. Bring it to Jesus. Bring the fear. Bring the uncertainty. Bring the future you keep imagining. Bring the thoughts you cannot seem to shut off. And keep returning to what is true: Jesus is faithful. Jesus is present. Jesus is not surprised. And the future was never yours to control. Faith is not pretending the storm doesn’t exist. Faith is knowing who controls the storm. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HHP Podcast. 🎙️ HHP Podcast — Bible. Church. Family. We may be right. We may be heretical. That’s for you to decide. 🌐 More podcasts, sermons, blogs, and biblical resources: hff.church ⛪ Looking for a church home in Oklahoma City? Join HFF Church for Saturday Church every Saturday at 10:30 AM. #ChristianAnxiety #AnxietyAndFaith #MentalHealthAndFaith #TrustGod #ChristianMentalHealth #FaithOverFear #ChristianCounseling #BiblicalAnxiety #JesusAndAnxiety #Psalm56 #Elijah #ChristianPodcast #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #HHPPodcast #HFFChurch

  2. Sep 22

    When Friction Becomes Fire: How to Handle Offense Biblically

    In a world trained by cancel culture, our instinct is often to cut people off, tell our side of the story, gather people who agree with us, and walk away convinced that we were the faithful ones. But Jesus gives us a different way. Matthew 18 is not about proving you’re right. It’s about winning your brother. In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke explores what biblical conflict resolution actually looks like and why protecting covenant relationships may be one of the most overlooked forms of spiritual warfare in the modern church. Jesus says in Matthew 18:15: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.” Notice the goal. Not humiliation. Not exposure. Not winning the argument. Not building a case against somebody. Winning your brother. Most church conflicts do not begin with one massive explosion. They begin with small offenses, misunderstandings, wounded pride, assumptions, harsh words, and unresolved resentment. Then friction becomes fire. And in a culture fueled by outrage, public confrontation, gossip, and tribal loyalty, Christians can easily adopt the world’s methods while believing we are defending righteousness. But Scripture gives us a better blueprint. In this episode, we discuss: • What Matthew 18 actually teaches about conflict • Why Matthew 18 is more than a “church discipline” passage • The biblical goal of reconciliation and restoration • Why you should go directly to the person first • How gossip turns friction into division • Why being right is not the same as being righteous • What Leviticus 19 teaches about confronting conflict • The relationship between truth, correction, mercy, and love • Why resentment should not be buried or weaponized • How pride prevents reconciliation • Why witnesses are meant to protect truth, not simply strengthen your side • The danger of turning every disagreement into a loyalty test • Why church unity requires humility • How covenant relationships become a form of spiritual warfare Leviticus 19:17–18 gives the same biblical pattern: Do not harbor hatred. Address the issue directly. Do not take revenge. Do not hold a grudge. Love your neighbor as yourself. That is the balance: Truth without revenge. Honesty without hatred. Correction without contempt. Sometimes reconciliation requires the humility to admit: “I misunderstood you.” “I may have remembered that differently.” “You hurt me.” “I was wrong.” “I want peace more than I want to win.” That kind of humility is harder than walking away. Matthew 18 calls believers to something deeper than protecting their reputation. It calls us to protect the body of Christ. The world says: Protect your image. Jesus says: Pursue your brother. The world says: Cut them off. Jesus says: Go to them. The world teaches us how to win arguments. Jesus teaches us how to fight for people. Real spiritual warfare is not always dramatic. Sometimes it looks like refusing to gossip. Having the uncomfortable conversation. Laying down your pride. Choosing forgiveness. Seeking truth. And fighting to preserve the unity Jesus gave His life to create. The goal isn’t to prove you were right. The goal is to win your brother. If this episode challenged or encouraged you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HHP Podcast. 🎙️ HHP Podcast — Bible. Church. Family. We may be right. We may be heretical. That’s for you to decide. 🌐 More podcasts, sermons, blogs, and biblical resources: hff.church ⛪ Looking for a church home in Oklahoma City? Join HFF Church for Saturday Church every Saturday at 10:30 AM. #Matthew18 #ChurchConflict #BiblicalConflictResolution #ChristianReconciliation #ChurchUnity #Forgiveness #ChurchHurt #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianCommunity #Gossip #BiblicalForgiveness #LoveYourNeighbor #HHPpodcast #HFFChurch

  3. Sep 15

    I No Longer Trust My Spouse, Broken Marriages

    How do you rebuild trust in a Christian marriage after betrayal, dishonesty, broken promises, or deep disappointment? In this episode, we walk through simple, practical, biblical steps for restoring trust in marriage—including honesty, repentance, consistency, listening, forgiveness, prayer, and seeking wise counsel. If your marriage feels wounded or disconnected, these Christ-centered principles can help you begin rebuilding a healthier, stronger relationship one faithful step at a time. #ChristianMarriage #MarriageAdvice #BiblicalMarriage #RebuildingTrust #ChristianRelationships #MarriageRestoration #FaithAndMarriage

  4. Sep 8

    Hopeful Heretic: Why the Biblical Feasts Still Matter

    Are you actually living like Jesus is coming back? That is the question at the heart of the Feast of Trumpets, or Yom Teruah. In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke explores why this ancient biblical feast still matters for Christians today—and why its message may be more relevant than ever in a world filled with noise, notifications, distractions, and spiritual apathy. Paul writes in Colossians 2:16–17 that the biblical festivals are shadows of things to come, while the substance belongs to Christ. A shadow is not worthless. A shadow tells you Someone is coming. And the Feast of Trumpets points beyond itself to King Jesus. The biblical feasts are not merely “Jewish holidays.” Leviticus 23 calls them the appointed times of the Lord. They create rhythms of remembrance, repentance, rejoicing, expectation, and worship that continually call God’s people back to what truly matters. For Christians, Yom Teruah asks a deeply uncomfortable question: Do we confess that Jesus is returning while living as though this world is permanent? We build kingdoms. We chase influence. We accumulate possessions. We hold grudges. We obsess over temporary things. And then the trumpet sounds: Wake up. Romans 13:11 says: “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” The message of the trumpet is not fear. It is readiness. In this episode, we discuss: • Why the biblical feasts still matter for Christians • What Colossians 2 means by “shadows” pointing to Christ • Why Yom Teruah is called an appointed time of the Lord • The value of biblical rhythms and yearly remembrance • Why Christians should regularly examine whether they are living expectantly • Romans 13 and the command to wake from spiritual slumber • The danger of spiritual apathy and complacency • Why the return of Jesus should reshape our priorities • Holding the world loosely while loving people deeply • Forgiving quickly and living faithfully • Why biblical faith is an expectant faith • The final trumpet and the return of King Jesus Yom Teruah reminds us that Christianity is not primarily waiting for an event. We are waiting for Someone. Jesus conquered death. Jesus reigns. Jesus is coming again. And when that final trumpet sounds, it will not be another rehearsal. The King will have arrived. So wake up. Be ready. Live faithfully. Hold temporary things loosely. Love deeply. Forgive quickly. Preach the gospel. And keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Because one day the trumpet will sound—and every temporary kingdom will give way to the Kingdom of God. If this episode challenged or encouraged you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HHP Podcast. 🎙️ HHP Podcast — Bible. Church. Family. We may be right. We may be heretical. That’s for you to decide. 🌐 More podcasts, sermons, blogs, and biblical resources: hff.church ⛪ Looking for a church home in Oklahoma City? Join HFF Church for Saturday Church every Saturday at 10:30 AM. #YomTeruah #FeastOfTrumpets #BiblicalFeasts #JesusIsComing #SecondComing #ReturnOfJesus #ChristianPodcast #BibleProphecy #Colossians2 #Romans13 #HebrewRoots #MessianicChristian #WakeUpChurch #ChristianLiving #KingJesus #HHPpodcast #HFFChurch

  5. Sep 1

    What the Bible Doesn’t Say About the Feast of Trumpets

    What does an ancient biblical feast involving trumpets have to do with Christians living in the 21st century? More than you might think. In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke explores the Feast of Trumpets, also known as Yom Teruah, and why this biblical appointed time still carries a powerful message for followers of Jesus today. Found in Leviticus 23:23–25, Yom Teruah is surprisingly mysterious. Unlike Passover, Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, or Tabernacles, Scripture gives very little explanation about exactly what Israel was supposed to commemorate. God essentially says: Stop. Rest. Gather. Sound the trumpet. And throughout Scripture, trumpets are never meaningless background noise. They announce the presence of God. They call people to assemble. They warn of danger. They prepare people for battle. They announce kings. And they signal that something significant is about to happen. At Mount Sinai, Exodus 19 describes the sound of the trumpet growing louder as God descended upon the mountain. Then the New Testament takes that imagery and points us toward the return of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says: “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven… with the trumpet call of God.” And 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 says that at the last trumpet, the dead will be raised and the people of God will be transformed. That makes the Feast of Trumpets much more than an ancient Israelite observance. It becomes a powerful biblical picture of the Christian hope: Jesus came once. Jesus is coming again. In this episode, we discuss: • What Yom Teruah means in Leviticus 23 • Why the Bible gives so little explanation about the Feast of Trumpets • The significance of the shofar throughout Scripture • Trumpets at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19 • The trumpet and the return of Jesus • 1 Thessalonians 4 and the coming of the Lord • 1 Corinthians 15 and the resurrection at the last trumpet • How the biblical feasts point toward Jesus • Christ as our Passover Lamb • Why Christianity is about more than “going to heaven when you die” • The resurrection of the dead and restoration of creation • Whether Christians are required to keep the biblical feasts • What Paul meant when he called the festivals “shadows” in Colossians 2 Christians are not saved by keeping a feast correctly. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But there is a massive difference between saying: “I don’t have to observe this in order to be saved” and saying: “This has nothing to teach me.” Paul tells us in Colossians 2:16–17 that the biblical festivals are a shadow of things to come, while the substance belongs to Christ. A shadow isn’t worthless. A shadow tells you Someone is coming. And Yom Teruah points us toward the return of the King. Christianity is not merely about escaping earth and going to heaven. It is about the return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, the restoration of creation, and the reign of Messiah. The trumpet is still pointing forward. The King is coming. If this episode challenged or encouraged you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HHP Podcast. 🎙️ HHP Podcast — Bible. Church. Family. We may be right. We may be heretical. That’s for you to decide. 🌐 More podcasts, sermons, blogs, and biblical resources: hff.church ⛪ Looking for a church home in Oklahoma City? Join HFF Church for Saturday Church every Saturday at 10:30 AM. #FeastOfTrumpets #YomTeruah #BiblicalFeasts #JesusIsComing #SecondComing #ReturnOfJesus #Shofar #ChristianPodcast #HebrewRoots #MessianicChristian #BibleProphecy #Resurrection #Leviticus23 #1Thessalonians4 #1Corinthians15 #HHPpodcast #HFFChurch

  6. Aug 25

    Can A Broken Marriage Be Restored?

    Can a broken marriage really be restored? In this episode, we share practical, biblical steps for repairing a struggling Christian marriage and rebuilding connection, communication, trust, and friendship. Learn how to stop fighting against each other, take responsibility for your own actions, communicate without destroying one another, serve your spouse, rebuild friendship, and invite Jesus into the healing process. If your marriage feels distant, wounded, or stuck, these Christ-centered principles can help you begin moving toward restoration. #ChristianMarriage #MarriageRestoration #BiblicalMarriage #MarriageAdvice #ChristianRelationships #SaveYourMarriage #MarriageHelp #FaithAndMarriage

  7. Aug 18

    Before You Give Up on Your Marriage!

    Thinking about giving up on your marriage? Before you throw in the towel, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical Christian marriage advice for spouses who feel exhausted, hurt, disconnected, or ready to walk away. We talk about the difference between being done and being depleted, how to recognize what can still be repaired, the importance of honest conversations, repentance, wise counsel, prayer, and giving God room to restore what feels broken. If your marriage is struggling and you are wondering whether there is still hope, this episode is for you. #ChristianMarriage #MarriageHelp #MarriageRestoration #BiblicalMarriage #ChristianRelationships #SaveYourMarriage #MarriageAdvice #FaithAndMarriage

  8. Aug 11

    Proverbs Says Fear of Man Is a Trap—Most Christians Are Caught in It Part 1

    What if one of the biggest things keeping Christians from living freely isn’t addiction, sin, or failure—but the fear of what other people think? In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke explores the biblical truth behind the powerful idea found in The Courage to Be Disliked: if you want to live freely, you have to become willing to be misunderstood, criticized, rejected, and even disliked. Our culture trains us to crave approval. Social media measures acceptance in likes, follows, shares, and comments. But Scripture asks a harder question: Are you living for the approval of people—or the approval of God? Galatians 1:10 says: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” In this episode, we discuss: • The connection between people-pleasing and anxiety • Why other people’s opinions can become a prison • What The Courage to Be Disliked gets right from a biblical perspective • Alfred Adler’s idea of the “separation of tasks” • How Jesus handled rejection and criticism • Why boundaries are sometimes necessary for obedience • The difference between being teachable and being controlled • Why following Jesus may cause people to misunderstand you • Finding your identity in Christ instead of public opinion • How fear of disappointing others can quietly control your calling Jesus never promised universal approval. In John 15:18, He told His disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” That doesn’t mean Christians should intentionally offend people or become arrogant. The goal isn’t to make people dislike you. The goal is to become so secure in Christ that their approval no longer determines your obedience. Even Jesus watched people walk away after difficult teachings in John 6:66. He didn’t change His mission simply to keep the crowd. Maybe the question we need to ask is this: How much of your life is being shaped by obedience to God—and how much is being shaped by your fear of disappointing people? This is Part 1 of our conversation on having the courage to be disliked. If this episode challenged or encouraged you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the HHP Podcast. 🎙️ HHP Podcast — Bible. Church. Family. We may be right. We may be heretical. That’s for you to decide. 🌐 More sermons, podcasts, blogs, and resources: hff.church ⛪ Looking for a church home in Oklahoma City? Join HFF Church for Saturday Church every Saturday at 10:30 AM. #CourageToBeDisliked #PeoplePleasing #ChristianPodcast #IdentityInChrist #ChristianAnxiety #FearOfRejection #ChristianFreedom #BiblicalTruth #FollowingJesus #ChristianBoundaries #ApprovalOfGod #FaithOverFear #HHPPodcast #HFFChurch #OklahomaCityChurch

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Talking all things Bible, Church, Family, and Jesus every Tuesday. It may be right? It may be heretical? That’s for you to decide. HHP is sponsored by hff.church

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  • Creator
    HFF.church
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Hopeful Heretic Podcast