What happens after you’ve been saved? How do you stop allowing your past to define you and begin truly walking in the freedom Christ has given you? In this episode of Fearless with Mark & Amber, we’re joined by Sarina Tarantino from San Jose Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida, for a conversation about testimony, discipleship, biblical truth, parenting, the Church, and what it means to live out our identity in Christ. Sarina shares how hearing our testimony challenged her to reconsider the way she viewed her own past—and the importance of allowing our children to see not a picture of perfection, but a picture of what Jesus Christ can do in a surrendered life. We also talk about something the Church desperately needs to recover: following Christ is not a spectator sport. Pastors are called to equip the saints, but we are the saints. Every believer has a role in sharing the Gospel, discipling others, serving the Body of Christ, and faithfully stewarding the people God has placed in their lives. And none of us can outsource our relationship with God. Good preaching, Christian podcasts, conferences, and biblical teachers can encourage us, but they cannot replace personally opening the Word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. Later in the conversation, we discuss why confronting difficult cultural realities matters, what Sarina learned after watching the Fearless Features documentaries, and why knowing the truth equips Christians to stand rather than live in fear. Finally, we share more about our upcoming September 12 event in Jacksonville, Florida, where Mark and Amber will share their personal testimonies and talk about marriage, family, discipleship, identity in Christ, prodigals, and finding freedom from the things that once held us captive. Because your past may be part of your story—but Jesus gets the final word. LINKS & RESOURCES September 12 Jacksonville, FL Event / Registration:
https://bit.ly/4zfvFCC Watch Fearless Features films:
https://www.fearlessfeatures.org/films Partner with Fearless Features:
https://donorbox.org/fearless_features Compromised by Mark Archer:
https://a.co/d/0d0ZvARg 00:00 – Welcome to Fearless with Mark & Amber
06:07 – Should parents tell their children about their past?
10:21 – Once you know, what responsibility do you have?
14:40 – Christ sets us free to help others find freedom
19:11 – From rescued to sent: getting back into the mission
23:37 – One Body, many parts
24:29 – Childcare & important event information
27:17 – Helping hurting people see that Jesus really is the answer
29:44 – Your past doesn't have to keep you captive
30:11 – Final encouragement SUBSCRIBE and share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded that their past does not disqualify them from being used by God. Until next time, march on, saints—and be filled with the Spirit.
