God Our Father or The Godfather? | FT Mark Machen | EP101

Description:Jess is joined by Pastor Mark Machen for a bold and necessary conversation about what it means to truly live freely in Christ. They challenge the religious routines we've grown comfortable with and ask the real questions—like, “Is it God our Father or the Godfather?” Mark shares the heart behind the upcoming Forever Healed Conference and reminds us that freedom comes through unlearning what God never intended for us to carry. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by tradition, this episode is your permission slip to walk free.Connect With Our Guest:Mark has been part of Life of Faith Church since 1987 and became Senior Pastor in 2011. He is passionate about equipping people through pastoring, mentoring, teaching and casting vision. Outside of church, Mark leads Harmony Technology Systems, an IT solutions company for business, and Forever Free, a ministry empowering people to find freedom in Christ. He also serves as an Executive Regional Leader with Andrew Wommack’s Association of Related Ministries International (A.R.M.I.). Born in Birmingham and now living in Moody, Mark and his wife, Jennifer, have three amazing children. He enjoys dad jokes and watching hummingbirds in his backyard.We would like for you to join us for the Forever Healed Conference located in Birmingham, AL April 23- 26. Act fast, space is limited. Support the Podcast:If you love what you hear on Jess Ask The Podcast and want to help us continue bringing you inspiring and insightful content, consider supporting us! Your contributions help us cover production costs, bring in amazing guests, and keep the podcast running smoothly.Ways to Support:Donate: You can sow a love seed by donating to our podcast. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a big difference. Donate via Cash App: $jessaskthepodcastShare: Spread the word! Share our episodes with friends, family, and on your social media. Your support helps us reach a wider audience.Engage: Follow us on social media, leave comments, and rate our podcast on your favorite platforms. Your engagement keeps our community vibrant and growing.Thank you for your support and for being part of the Jess Ask community!Podcast Network:BGTV Studios💥BGTV is a podcast studio of united voices coming together to spread the message of Jesus Christ💥https://linktr.ee/bgtvstudios?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareSponsors:This episode is sponsored by St. Rest #2 Country Kitchen – a cherished historical landmark in Chicago’s Black community, known for serving soul food with heart and heritage.Led by Head Chef Daniella Coffey, a second-generation owner, St. Rest #2 holds the title of the oldest soul food restaurant in Chicago. With every plate, Chef Daniella is preserving a powerful legacy—one rooted in family, flavor, and the love that’s been passed down through generations.Next time you’re in the Chicago area, do yourself a favor: stop by, grab a plate, and tell them your friends at the Jess Ask Podcast sent you.📍 Location: 727 E. 87th Street, Chicago, IL 60619Connect With Us:Show Host:Jessica S. SmithWebsite: https://www.jessicassmith.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejessicassmithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellojessicassmithShow Producer:Desiree DanielleWebsite: https://www.desireedanielle.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/desireedanie11e/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desireedanie11eMusic Producer:@kingchosen46 on IG & YouTubeTGFAD by King Chosen streaming on:YouTubeApple MusicSpotifyJess Ask The Podcast is the safe space where transparency meets transformation. Host Jessica S. Smith creates space for honest conversations about faith, purpose, personal growth, and the real journey behind success.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.  JOIN THE SAFE SPACE — PATREON COMMUNITY  The Safe Space is a Patreon-only community for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Biblical wisdom. Real accountability. People who get it.➡️ Join here: patreon.com/JessAsk  SUPPORT THE PODCAST  ✔ Sow a love seed via Cash App: $jessaskthepodcast✔ Share this episode with someone who needs it✔ Subscribe, like & comment — it helps us reach more people  PODCAST CREDITS  Host: Jessica S. Smith | jessicassmith.com | @thejessicassmithProducer: Desiree Danielle | desireedanielle.com | @desireedanie11eMusic: King Chosen | @kingchosen46Network: BGTV Studios | bgtvstudios.com