The MemoPOD by Peter Heck

Friday. That’s the day I’m planning on letting you all know what’s changing and what’s coming. I can’t wait to fill you all in and get it started next Monday! In the meantime, here’s this week’s Bible teaching clip that comes from the first message of a new series I started this last Sunday. This stuff never ceases to blow me away. Christ Crucified - it’s what we preach, it’s what we believe, and it’s what God has told us it has always been…even from the beginning of time. Check this out!Also, if you want to jump in as a paid subscriber (which would have let you know that something big was coming well in advance), give us a shot right here (it’s a great time to join!):If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

We have limits as humans. We can’t do everything good, think about everything that needs to be thought of, speak out on everything that needs to be addressed, take a stand on everything that needs defended. The important thing to remember is that our limits are God-given. He never expected us to do all those things. That’s not what is required of a “good” believer, no matter what we’ve done in the internet age to try to convince ourselves otherwise. In this final clip I’ll share from my sermon two weeks ago, I talk about our limits and what it takes to please God. This clip is a little longer than normal because it includes that 90 second clip from the youth event I wrote about a couple weeks ago.We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help disciple those wanting to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I have bizarre memories from my childhood. Just random things that you wouldn’t ordinarily think a person would remember. Creating tunnels through the tall grass near the back fence of our side yard, carving a small hole in the bark of a perfect sitting branch in the backyard tree, and then this one that I talk about in this clip. At least with this one, there’s a spiritual application I think can help us. (Incidentally, I’m out of the pulpit at Jerome for 2 weeks, so this week and next week’s clips will be pulled from the last sermon I gave there…just didn’t want you to think I wore the same outfit three weeks in a row.)We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help disciple those wanting to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

One of the reasons I believe we struggle so badly worrying about whether or not our mortal, sinful lives can ever truly please an immortal, utterly perfect God is this: while we are very good at understanding and seeing God as our eternal Judge, we are usually pretty poor at understanding and seeing God as our heavenly Father. In other words, we can easily picture ourselves in God’s courtroom, but we struggle mightily picturing ourselves standing in His living room. That’s what I tried to illuminate in this clip.We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help disciple those wanting to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever read the Sermon on the Mount, I’d be shocked if you could say you never experienced discouragement. Not because you find Jesus off-putting, of course, but because you realize just how difficult it is to faithfully follow His teaching. It can make you feel an immense burden of guilt, thinking there’s no way you’re on the path to hearing, “Well done.” But there is some powerful text in those pages of Matthew 5-7 that should encourage us. I spent this week trying to draw those out, and here’s a portion of it. We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help disciple those wanting to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

One of the biggest burdens I carry as a believer is the nagging guilt that I need to be reading my Bible more. Don’t get me wrong, I make an effort, but life gets in the way. I know that speaks poorly for my priorities, but there’s no sense in pretending I don’t want to do better in that way. This last week, we looked to lift that burden by transforming the study of God’s word into the joy that it should be for all of us. And it starts with letting go of the check boxes. Take a listen to this clip and see if it can help you.We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help disciple those wanting to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

We are rich. An independent review I saw concluded that the poorest Americans have higher incomes than 95% of all people who have ever lived. So how can we hear all the warnings in Scripture about the dangers of wealth and the great difficulty a rich person has getting into heaven without becoming paralyzed with fear? That was the subject of this week’s message that I shared with the congregation, which included this little analogy about my glorious piece of classroom pottery. We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help disciple those wanting to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Is the Great Commission for us? As in, personally? It clearly states that new disciples of Jesus (which we once were) are commanded to go and make more disciples. And it clearly states that this mission is to extend to the “end of the age,” which includes now. So does that then mean we’re supposed to sell all we have and head out to take Christ’s name and His gospel to the nations? Are we all to be missionaries to be faithful Christians? What does that Bible actually teach? This clip hopefully helps answer that question.We publish these message clips every week in an effort to help us all grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

False humility about our pursuit of righteousness isn’t a way to bless God. Consider what it says to those around us when the Holy Spirit has been at work in our lives, transforming us and conforming us to the will of Father, for 10, 20, or 30 years, and all we testify to is how miserable of sinners we are. Our boasting should be in the cross of Christ! The grace that saves us also changes us, and that’s something the world should know we recognize and celebrate! Take a look at this clip.We publish these message snippets every week in an effort to help us all grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

In our pursuit of holiness and righteousness it’s easy to get discouraged. Discouraged not only because we fail so often, but also because even when we “succeed,” we seem to be increasingly aware of our many flaws and faults. Before Christ, we were pretty convinced we were “good” people. With Christ, we seem overly conscious of how bad we are. Here’s why that’s actually a great thing!We publish these clips every week in an effort to help us all grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

The message of Scripture fits together perfectly – only God’s grace can save us from our sins, and that grace also changes us to mortify and despise that sin. He gave us His Son to redeem us and then gave us His Spirit to transform us into His image. It’s compelling and unimaginable in every sense, which is the message of this short clip.We publish these every week in an effort to help us all grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support our ministry, I’d be honored if you’d consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

We are launching into a new study that is intended to encourage you in your Christian walk. Conviction and Godly guilt are good things. But Satan tries desperately to turn conviction into depression, guilt into condemnation and discouragement. We often feel like failures in the eyes of God, when He is telling us otherwise. Here’s a clip to introduce where we’re going.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

There are so many people still running from the truth of the incarnation, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They’re tripped up by pride and miracles. If you don’t see that connection, understand that miracles of God are ONLY a hang-up for those too prideful to acknowledge there could be something greater than their own mind, own intelligence, own understanding, happening out there. I talked about that point in this clip I want you to see.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group. And this is the last week (until January 10th) that you can upgrade to paid at 30% off the annual price:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a profound connection between Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, and the Christmas story found in Luke 2. Seriously. And the connection speaks to a large group of us who feel unworthy of the gift God gave us 2,000 years ago. I tried my best to illuminate that parallel in this clip I’m sending you today. Excited to start the new year and our new sermon series, but I didn’t want you to miss this.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group. And right now until January 10th, you can upgrade to paid at 30% off the annual price:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

It’s the time of year when a lot of myths and fun stories are told, all with the intent of inspiring hope and goodwill. So how can we know that the stories in the gospels are not the same? How do we know these things really happened. That was the topic I discussed this last week, and in this clip I wanted to focus specifically on the claim that the gospel writers had an agenda, so they can’t really be trusted. I agree they had an agenda, but to say that destroys their believability makes no sense. Take a look.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

The Apostle Paul told us to follow his example as he follows the example of Jesus. That’s certainly intimidating when I consider how recklessly abandoned to the cause of Christ he lived. But I think this might be helpful. Sometimes we forget that the “book” of Romans was a letter – without chapter and verse separations. When you remove those and look at what Paul said right before his call for us to be living sacrifices, it’s so insightful. Take a look.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a real temptation for us as Christians to believe that we have been sent out to conquer the world so Jesus can reign. That isn’t true. We’ve been sent out to tell the world that Jesus already reigns. This week I wanted to share a portion of an article I read not long ago about how we as Christians should be conquerors not doormats. I get the intent, but I think it missed the mark. I hope you’ll listen and I trust if what I’m saying is accurate to the Word, you will be encouraged.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

There was only one person in the world who could have ever looked at the cup of God’s wrath sitting before humanity and said, “It isn’t fair for me to have to drink that.” And it so happens to be the very Person who picked it up and willingly drank it. This week, I dove into what a “cup-drinking life” looks like, where, for the glory of God and the good of others, we make ourselves like Jesus, walk the way of the cross, and identify in suffering – even when it’s not fair.We publish these clips every week in an effort for all of us to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider being part of our paid subscriber group:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

It’s a passage of Scripture, a teaching of Jesus I think we often overlook. And even when we read it, I’m guessing many of us misread or misunderstand it. After casting out a mute demon, Jesus offered an example of a strong man guarding his home that automatically makes me think of things like our “stand your ground” laws. I mistakenly believe that the strong man Jesus refers to is the good guy. And the stronger man is the thief and robber. That isn’t what Jesus was teaching, as we discussed this week. Take a look!We do these clips every week in an effort to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider joining our paid subscriber group:THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I’m a keeper and a faker. I’m guessing there are times you’ve struggled with being one too. We’re dealing with someone who is either sinning or dealing with some kind of conflict and we simply say what they want to hear, we nod and agree, we even participate in their gossip or justifications. We do that because it’s easier, and because it is what is best for us – keep everyone happy and thinking I’m on their side. But Jesus tells us to be on the side of peace, and to work actively to bring it about in every situation. I dug into that convicting truth this week and wanted to send you this clip.We do these clips every week in an effort to grow deeper in the word and closer to Christ. If you’d like to join us and support the ministry, we’d love for you to consider joining our paid subscriber group:THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Our entire country is talking about the election. The world is talking about the election. As God’s people, let’s make sure we are also talking about the Gospel. It’s all that will save us. And man, we don’t deserve it. This last week, I spoke about Christ being the currency that paid our ransom, freeing us. And now we have the privilege to imitate Him, spending ourselves to free others. But we’re pretty good at finding reasons why we can’t do so – people will abuse that freedom we seek to bring them, after all. I hope this clip can be an encouragement to you.If you’re interested in knowing the Word better, we do this each week. Would you consider helping us grow…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I started a new series this last week and personally, I was totally unprepared for the way I would feel when I got done with the opening message. Do you ever get the uncomfortable feeling that you’re just doing it all the wrong way? Even though you know that’s an overreaction, you still get that disconcerting sensation that you’ve really missed the boat on how you’re supposed to be living your life? That’s how I felt when I came to grips with the fact that I would define my life with words like “contentment” and “comfort” rather than “sacrifice.” Take a look at this clip and maybe you’ll feel uncomfortable too! : ) If you’re interested in knowing the Word better, we do this each week. Would you consider helping us grow…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Most churched kids grew up hearing that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for homosexuality, or at least for sexual depravity. I got a question this week to wind up our “You Asked For It” series that challenged that. Doesn’t Scripture teach that Sodom was wiped out for inhospitality and being cruel to strangers? I jumped into that and then went on to a fuller conversation about what we do with the information. It’s one thing to know, it’s another to respond accordingly.If you’re interested in knowing the Word better, we do this each week. Would you consider helping us grow…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

It’s said 100 times a day at least. “I love Jesus, but I’m not into organized religion.” If Christ’s church is “organized religion,” let’s remember that He is the one who organized it. He bought it with His blood. He chose to analogize the church as His bride. The flippant disregard so many supposed believers direct towards something so precious to Him, is far from a demonstration of love towards Him. That’s why I spent this last week addressing how we believers should regard the church. Would love to know your thoughts.If you’re interested in knowing the Word better, we do this each week. Would you consider helping us grow…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Last week I received more response to the Bible teaching clip than normal, and I think it’s because it had to do with the very real struggles that come in our marriages as Christians. It made me realize I wanted to share one more section of that message with you that I’m hoping is both convicting and encouraging. We idolize this mythical notion of “happiness” and even spiritualize it, saying in the midst of a troubled marriage things like, “God would want me to be happy.” No, God wants us to be obedient. He also wants us to realize what marriage is – a mirror. Don’t bust the mirror.Please take a look at this short segment and, if you’re interested in digging deeper into the Word each week, would you consider this…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Some people struggle believing that Satan is real, and that he has it in for us. I get that. The supernatural isn’t easy to grasp or even pay attention to when you’re consumed with your day-to-day lives. That’s the famous line, after all: Satan’s greatest trick was convincing the world he wasn’t real. But he is real, and he hates God, and therefore is trying to deprive God of all the glory that is due him. And what better way to do that than tear apart the institution that God designed to represent Christ and the church?Also, if you’re interested in digging deeper into the Word each week, and helping this ministry grow in the process, would you consider this…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I know Hallmark makes a lot of money off of it, but Romans 8:28 – the remarkable promise in God’s Word that He will work all things together for good – is not sentimentality or a divine version of the “every cloud has a silver lining” catchphrase. No, this is a powerful statement about the sovereignty of God and the power of the One who sits at the right hand of the Father. I did my best to bring that out in the message this week and would love for you to take a look at this clip to get a taste of what I mean.Also, if you’re interested in digging deeper into the Word each week, and helping this ministry grow in the process, would you consider this…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

There is an eternal justice. In one sense we are very thankful for it, and in another sense it should terrify us. I explain what I mean by that in this clip, but also try to illuminate how the words of Romans 2 perfectly describe the human condition as we attempt to escape this burdensome awareness that we are law-breakers who deserve to be judged. Outside of Christ, we are. In Christ, we have an Advocate. I think you’ll appreciate this clip even if I’m not describing it well here, so take a look!And if you’re interested in digging deeper yourself, and helping us grow in the process, consider this…THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

The Christian faith is entirely rational. That simple fact has helped me immensely as I’ve grown in my relationship with Christ. The assurance that comes from the evidence is incredibly comforting when dealing with supernatural realities that I can never fully understand. I wanted to bring that out in the sermon this last week, and luckily I got some help in illustrating it from the unlikeliest of sources – the culture’s “leading atheist.”THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Satan is so good at discouraging us. He lies to us and fills our heads and hearts with doubts. Doubts about God’s love for us, doubts about Christ’s finished work on our behalf, doubts about our own ability to persevere in the faith. The next time he starts working on you again, I’m begging you to remember the scene in Gethsemane. That’s where we focused this morning, and I wanted to share with you a portion of it here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I wish all of the Bible’s popular English translations used the most accurate terminology when describing Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus. They say that Jesus was “deeply moved.” But the original Greek says something completely different. I tried to bring that out in this clip, as well as explain what it means for us. This is really moving to me, and I hope it will be for you too.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Satan doesn’t attack us through spectacular, scary assaults of supernatural aggression. At least not 99% of the time. He does the same thing He attempted to do to Jesus on the mountain of temptation. It’s always the same: introduce doubts. In this clip I tried to demonstrate the frightening similarity between his temptations of Jesus and what he is doing to us with things like sexuality today. This isn’t fun to watch, but I think it’s important for us.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I can’t say I’d ever noticed before, but the temptation of Jesus occurs immediately after His baptism. Right after God declares that He is perfectly pleased with His Son, the Spirit of God leads Jesus into the wilderness into the clutches of Satan. There are lessons there for us that I tried to bring out this week. Here’s a clip that provides one. Hope it’s a blessing!THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I’m a little ashamed this week that my “Bible teaching“ doesn’t include any scripture reference. Therefore, I’m not technically teaching the Bible in this Bible teaching clip. But, I wanted to share this observation with you, which, of course, is rooted in the truth of scripture! Specifically, Psalm 19:1 and Psalm 92:4. Take a look at those, and this clip!THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

The short conversation Jesus has with Nathanael at the end of John 1 is loaded with meaning you may have missed. I’m telling you, there’s NO WAY some man or group of men could have come up with all these interlocking passages, meanings, and verses. Jesus uses language here that goes ALL the way back into Genesis – and I bet you’ve missed it. Check this out…and believe!THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve read the story a hundred times. And each time I thought of it as little more than a simplistic miracle, done more as a favor to help out family friends than anything. But John writes that Jesus turning water into wine was a “sign” of what was to come in His ministry. That means there’s something deeper here. And this may just blow your mind. No way some group of men just concocted this.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

As we get ready to start our summer series “Red Letter Summer” (the red letters in the Bible are the actual words of Jesus), we had to start with Christ’s earthly mother, Mary, and her reaction to the voice of God when it came to her. He spoke to her through an angel; He will be speaking to us through His faithfully preserved Word. May we respond as Mary did – with reason, full expression of doubt, and total, unconditional surrender.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Somewhere around 124 million people watched the Super Bowl and saw the “He Gets Us” ad that presented Jesus as a good man and moral teacher. There’s a better version of the ad that you need to see and we need to take to the streets. I used that to help culminate our Fatal Attractions series. I can’t see this and not be moved, and I’m hoping the same will be true for you.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

So I really thought I’d have this week off from conviction. We all believe that we are the busiest people on the planet – and so I knew with as busy as I am I can’t have a problem with sloth. Except, sloth really doesn’t have anything to do with that. It has everything to do with passing (for whatever reason) on doing things that matter – godly things, eternal things. Take a look at one example of what I’m talking about in this clip.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

We know how dangerous and sinful anger can be. But we also know that Jesus was angry, that God the Father gets angry, and that biblical authors from Paul to David tell us that we will be angry, but not to sin when we are. So what’s a good question to start with in discerning between righteous and sinful anger? That’s what I tried to offer in this clip.Don’t forget our current subscription special running for 2 more days!30% off annual price of subscription, 20% off monthly price for new subscribers!Just type your email address in here and follow the prompts:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Just a heads up to all our original paid subscribers, many of you are going to have your subscription renew this month or the start of next. Don’t want you to be surprised by it. Email me ([email protected]) if you have ANY questions.If there’s one “deadly sin” that fits firmly in our blind spot, it has to be that of gluttony. We either don’t consider it a sin, we ignore it, or we just wrongly equate it with obesity and choose not to deal with it. But the Bible contains a lot of warnings against what this sin is and does, and we’d be wise to understand and respond accordingly. This clip points in that direction. Hope it’s a blessing.Don’t forget our current subscription special running through May!30% off annual price of subscription, 20% off monthly price for new subscribers!Just type your email address in here and follow the prompts:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Just a heads up to all our original paid subscribers, most of you are going to have your subscription renew this month some time. Don’t want you to be surprised by it. Email me ([email protected]) if you have ANY questions.I was in a different pulpit this last week, so I’m including one more clip from my envy message I’d like you to consider. This is a challenge to me – asking myself whether I can actually celebrate with other people. Even if you think you can, take a listen to this and consider the lesson Jesus gives in this parable.Don’t forget our current subscription special running through May!30% off annual price of subscription, 20% off monthly price for new subscribers!Just type your email address in here and follow the prompts:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

If you asked most people what envy is, they’d give you a one word definition: jealousy. But how can that be right if God describes Himself as a “jealous God,” and even says His name is “Jealous,” while at the same time declaring that envy is one of the things He hates the most? The answer is that those words are not the same, as I try to articulate here. As always, the Bible gives us a better way to understand and define our terms.Don’t forget our current subscription special running through May!30% off annual price of subscription, 20% off monthly price!Just type your email address in here and follow the prompts:If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

The story of the woman caught in adultery, thrown at Jesus’ feet, never ceases to amaze me. What composure, what wisdom, what compassion. And yet, I’ve never been as overwhelmed by the end of the story as much as I am right now. I highlighted that in a very difficult message on lust this last week. I’d encourage you to watch the whole thing (linked below), but here’s a small clip. (Also want to welcome our new title sponsor for our Bible teaching clips, Homefront Family Services! You’ll see who they are in the short pitch at the start of the clip).If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Whenever I try to understand greed, I’m confused. I am constantly asking myself questions whether me purchasing this, or spending money on that, is greed. After all, I don’t need everything I buy, and obviously that money could be spent on those less fortunate. So is that greed? Biblically, I believe there are certain questions we can ask ourselves that will help us identify if we are struggling with this deadly sin or not. Here are a few of them I hope can help you.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Pride is an ugly thing. In fact, it’s the ugliest of things. Scripture tells us that it is the source of all other sin. And, in fact, we know that it is the original sin of Satan himself. It’s what he committed against the Father, and then upon being cast down to earth, it was the sin he seeded into humanity into the Garden of Eden. Why do that to us? There’s a simple and terrifying answer that I try to explain in this clip.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

We started our new series, “Fatal Attractions” this last Sunday with a discussion about sin. I acknowledged that sin isn’t a topic that we like to discuss or that makes people very comfortable. In fact, religious people especially like to avoid any acknowledgement of our sins because it embarrasses us – we’re supposed to be different than the “sinners.” But taking that approach doesn’t help anyone, especially us. It takes a courageous person to own up to the sin in our lives, and we can because of what Christ has done! That’s what I was trying to highlight in this clip.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve always read the account of “doubting Thomas” the same way for years - Jesus telling His followers that they shouldn’t doubt Him and His resurrection. I don’t read it that way anymore. This account is much bigger than that, and it’s far more fundamental to the foundation of what Christianity is. Take a look and be encouraged - we serve a resurrected King!If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

I was out of the pulpit this last Sunday, with my family on vacation. So for this week I’m going back to the message I preached on the parable of the prodigal son a couple weeks ago. I got such encouraging feedback from so many of you that I thought I’d share one more clip from it - this one focusing on conveying to a great many of us exactly what the implications of this account are for us. I hope you’ll be encouraged by this!If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe

Growing up, the account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee was one of my favorites. But not until this last week did I notice this part of the story, and it’s eye-opening to me. And beyond just that, there’s a very convicting reality in the exchange Jesus has with His disciples after He performs His miracle. Take a look and let me know your thoughts.If you’re interested in seeing the full message, you can do so here.THE MEMO by Peter Heck is a reader-supported publication. To receive weekly written posts, full podcasts, and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peterheck.substack.com/subscribe