The Heart of What We Believe

Pastor Alex Horton

Follow along with me as I discover what it means to be a follower of Christ, and learn to understand what the Bible teaches us. If you feel called to support the ministry, please go to www.theheartofwhatwebelieve.org/giving to donate!

  1. 35m ago

    Episode 119 - Matthew Wingo Interview - Turn Right Ministry

    From the Prodigal Son to a Life of Purpose Can God use your greatest mistakes for something good? What happens when a Christian walks away from the life God has called them to live? In this week's interview, Pastor Horton welcomes Matthew Wingo, author of Turn Right: The Pursuit of Noble Things and founder of Turn Right Ministry, for an honest and encouraging conversation about faith, sin, repentance, accountability, and the incredible grace of God. Matthew shares his testimony of growing up in the church, accepting Jesus Christ at seventeen, and later experiencing a seven-year season of spiritual struggle that he compares to the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Through divorce, personal loss, and difficult seasons of life, Matthew discovered the importance of surrendering everything to Christ and surrounding himself with faithful believers who could offer encouragement and accountability. In this interview, we discuss: Knowing about Jesus versus truly knowing Him The Prodigal Son and God's willingness to welcome us home How God can use our past mistakes for good Why spiritual isolation can be dangerous The importance of Christian brotherhood and accountability Confession, forgiveness, and loving correction Why we cannot overcome life's struggles through our own strength Matthew's book and the mission behind Turn Right Ministry Scriptures discussed:Luke 15:11–32 | Romans 8:1 | Isaiah 32:8 | Romans 15:18 | Proverbs 27:17 About our guest: Matthew Wingo is the founder of Turn Right Ministry and author of Turn Right: The Pursuit of Noble Things, a memoir sharing his personal experiences and the lessons God has taught him about pursuing a noble, Christ-centered life. Learn more about Matthew and his ministry:https://turnrightministry.org About The Heart of What We Believe: Our mission is to spread knowledge about what it means to be a Christian in today's world. Through sermons, Bible studies, devotionals, and conversations like this one, we seek to help others grow in their understanding of Scripture and their relationship with Jesus Christ. Visit our website:https://theheartofwhatwebelieve.org If this conversation encouraged you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Christian teachings, testimonies, and interviews. Share this video with someone who needs to hear that their past does not have to define their future. God bless!

  2. 3d ago

    Spiritual Harvest - Love that Never Fades

    What does it truly mean to love someone? Is love simply a feeling, an attraction, or something far greater? Welcome to Spiritual Harvest, a new sermon series from The Heart of What We Believe! Throughout this series, Pastor Horton will explore the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22–23, examining how the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and how we live out our faith. In this first message, we explore love—not merely as the world defines it, but as God demonstrates it. The world's understanding of love can often be conditional, temporary, or transactional. But God's love is different. It is patient, kind, self-sacrificing, and everlasting. Through Jesus Christ, we see the greatest demonstration of love: a Savior who gave His life for us while we were still sinners. Together, we'll explore what Scripture teaches us about loving our families, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies. We'll also discover why showing Christlike love doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can make the greatest difference. Scriptures explored in this message: Galatians 5:22–23 — The Fruit of the Spirit 1 John 4:7–12 — God Is Love 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 — The Characteristics of Love Romans 5:8 — Christ's Sacrificial Love John 13:34–35 — Love One Another Luke 6:27–36 — Loving Without Expecting Anything in Return The central message: Love is not a transaction. It is a relationship. And when we follow Christ, we are called to love others as He first loved us. As you go through this week, ask yourself: Am I loving others because of what they can do for me, or because Christ has called me to love them? Join us next week as we continue Spiritual Harvest by exploring patience and how it grows in our lives through the Holy Spirit. If this message encouraged you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear about God's everlasting love. 🌐 Learn more about our ministry: https://theheartofwhatwebelieve.org The Heart of What We Believe — Spreading knowledge about what it means to be a Christian in today's world.

  3. Oct 28

    Episode 117 - David Small Interview - Jungle Discipleship School

    Faith in a War Zone | David Small and the Jungle Discipleship School What does it mean to follow Jesus when doing so means stepping into danger, uncertainty, and even a war zone? This week, Pastor Horton welcomes missionary and author David Small, founder of the Jungle Discipleship School in Burma (Myanmar), for an inspiring conversation about faith, courage, love, and the importance of making disciples. After spending nearly a decade serving with the Free Burma Rangers, David followed God's calling to establish a discipleship school in the jungles of Burma. What began with hammocks, tarps, and a plot of jungle has grown into a ministry preparing young Christians to become leaders and share the Gospel with their communities. Throughout this interview, David shares: - Why Christians should not be led by comfort, fear, or pride, but by love. - The challenges of serving God in an active war zone. - How the Jungle Discipleship School equips young believers to become disciples who make disciples. - The importance of discipleship beyond the moment of salvation. - How faith, community, and mentorship can help people facing grief, trauma, and difficult circumstances. - How Christians around the world can support the work being done in Burma. David also discusses his book, Nameless Faceless People: 10 Years with the Free Burma Rangers, which shares experiences from his years of missionary service. Learn more about David's ministry: https://jds.asia Interested in supporting or serving with the Jungle Discipleship School? Visit the website above to learn more, connect with David, and explore opportunities to get involved. Join us for this powerful reminder that following Jesus is more than a single decision. It is a lifelong commitment to learning from Him, loving others, and making disciples. If this conversation encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe to help spread the Gospel and support Christian ministry around the world.

  4. Oct 25

    Episode 116 - The Faith Dichotomy - David - Faith vs Failure

    What happens when a man after God's own heart falls into terrible sin? Can someone who has made devastating mistakes truly find forgiveness? And can God still accomplish His purposes through a broken life? In this week's message from our Dichotomy of Faith series, we explore the extraordinary life of King David—a man remembered for his courage, faithfulness, and devotion to God, but also for his failures, deception, and abuse of authority. From David's victory over Goliath and his restraint toward King Saul to his sin involving Bathsheba and Uriah, we examine the highs and lows of his spiritual journey. Most importantly, we discover what David's repentance teaches us about God's mercy, the consequences of sin, and the possibility of redemption. In this message, we'll explore: - David's early faith and unwavering trust in God. - How temptation and unchecked sin led to devastating consequences. - The difference between genuine repentance and simply feeling guilty. - Why God's forgiveness doesn't always remove earthly consequences. - How God can bring good from evil without making evil good. - Why our worst chapter doesn't have to be the final chapter of our lives. David's story reminds us that even great faith does not make us immune to failure. But through genuine repentance and God's extraordinary grace, our failures do not have to define our future. Scripture of the Week — Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Whether you're struggling with past mistakes, seeking forgiveness, or simply looking to grow in your relationship with Christ, we invite you to join us as we discover the power of repentance and the enduring mercy of God. If this message encourages you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who needs a reminder of God's grace.

  5. Oct 21

    Episode 115 - Michael Masci Interview - Elite Artists Network

    This week, Pastor Horton welcomes musician and entertainer Michael Masci for a heartfelt conversation about faith, transformation, and the peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. For years, Michael struggled with the idea of Christianity, questioning belief in a God he could neither see nor touch. Despite the encouragement of his family, he resisted attending church and dismissed the faith that meant so much to those around him. But following an invitation to attend a church service, an extraordinary experience would forever change his perspective on God and his purpose in life. Throughout this interview, Michael shares his personal testimony of coming to Christ, the remarkable circumstances surrounding his conversion, and the transformation that followed. Together, Pastor Horton and Michael discuss how faith changes our response to life's difficulties, why following Christ does not guarantee an easy life, and how God can use even our most painful experiences to bring hope and encouragement to others. Their conversation also explores the importance of prayer, Christian fellowship, and the church as a community where believers can support one another through life's challenges. Whether you have followed Christ for decades, are just beginning your journey of faith, or are still searching for answers, this conversation offers an encouraging reminder that God's grace can reach us in unexpected ways. Michael is a professional musician and entertainer who, alongside his wife, operates an entertainment agency. He also shares musical performances and uplifting content through his online platforms. His website and Linktree provide information about his entertainment work and opportunities for professional musicians interested in performing aboard American Cruise Lines riverboats. Have you experienced a moment when God changed the direction of your life? We would love to hear your testimony! Share this interview with someone who may need encouragement, and join us for more conversations about faith, life, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Michael's Website: https://linktr.ee/eliteartistsnetwork

  6. Oct 18

    Episode 114 - The Faith Dichotomy - Samson - Strength vs Self Control

    What happens when the strongest man in the world cannot control his own desires? Samson was a man blessed by God with extraordinary physical strength. He defeated powerful enemies, accomplished incredible feats, and was chosen for a purpose before he was even born. Yet despite his strength, Samson struggled with something far more difficult to overcome: his own desires. In this week's message, Pastor Horton continues the Faith Dichotomy series by exploring the life of Samson in Judges 13–16. From his miraculous birth and dedication to God to his struggles with anger, temptation, and betrayal, Samson's story reveals the dangers of allowing our desires to overcome our wisdom. Even after losing his strength, his sight, and his freedom, Samson's story was not finished. In his final moments, he turned once again to the true source of his strength: God. Through Samson's victories and failures, we're reminded that true strength isn't simply about what we can accomplish, but about recognizing who gives us the strength to accomplish it. Join us as we explore the importance of self-control, the dangers of complacency, and the necessity of relying on God rather than ourselves. 📖 Scripture: Judges 13–16📖 Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 16:32✝️ Series: Faith Dichotomy If this message encourages you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing God's Word. Follow or subscribe for more sermons, devotionals, and Bible studies from The Heart of What We Believe. Next Week: David — The Conclusion of the Faith Dichotomy Series #Samson #FaithDichotomy #ChristianSermon #SelfControl #StrengthInGod #Judges16 #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #TrustInGod #TheHeartOfWhatWeBelieve #PastorHorton

  7. Oct 14

    Episode 113 - John Ruggiero Interview - Re-Forming: Transformation Through Reconstruction

    Can you study the Bible for 30 years and still struggle to experience real spiritual transformation? This week on The Heart of What We Believe, Pastor Horton sits down with author John V. Ruggiero to explore what it truly means to know Jesus Christ, overcome recurring sin, and experience lasting spiritual change. After decades of studying Scripture, John realized that biblical knowledge alone had not transformed his life. Through his personal testimony, he shares how learning to abide in Christ changed his understanding of faith, sin, and the relationship between knowledge and spiritual growth. Together, we discuss the difference between knowing about Jesus and developing a personal relationship with Him, the struggle against habitual sin, the meaning of Romans 7, and the importance of loving Christ with genuine passion. John also introduces his book, *Re-Forming: Transformation Through Reconstruction*, which explores his understanding of how sin develops within us and how Christ can bring lasting spiritual renewal. **📖 Explore John's Book:** *Re-Forming: Transformation Through Reconstruction* by John V. Ruggiero Amazon: https://a.co/d/0h0VVP8m Author's Website: https://re-forming.online **Scripture to Reflect On:** John 5:39–40 — Jesus reminds us that Scripture testifies about Him and calls us to come to Him for life. **Join the Conversation!** What's one way your relationship with Jesus has transformed your life? Share your experience in the comments below! We'd love to hear your testimony. If this conversation encouraged you, please like the video, subscribe to The Heart of What We Believe, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message. Our mission is to spread knowledge about what it means to be a Christian in today's world.

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Follow along with me as I discover what it means to be a follower of Christ, and learn to understand what the Bible teaches us. If you feel called to support the ministry, please go to www.theheartofwhatwebelieve.org/giving to donate!