What It Really Means to Be a Child of God (You’ve Probably Missed This)
What if you’re not supposed to carry all of this on your own?
In today’s episode of The Disciples Journal, we’re digging into 1 John 3:1–2 and what it really means to be called a child of God. This isn’t just poetic language—it's a powerful truth that reshapes how you see your past, your worth, and your daily dependence on God.
We explore how your identity as God's child frees you from performance, striving, and self-reliance. You'll hear why God's design was never for you to carry the weight of life alone—and how the way He fathers us changes everything.
This episode is also part of a special June series that flows directly from my daily devotional podcast After God’s Heart, where we go even deeper every single morning. You can try it free for 7 days and experience what it means to walk with God—not just believe in Him.
Sign up for my daily devotional podcast today:
https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart
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14:10
Why God Doesn’t Want to Erase Your Past (and What He Does Instead)
What if God doesn’t want to erase your past… but redeem it?
In this first episode of our June series, Identity in Christ, I’m diving into 2 Corinthians 5:17—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.” But what does that actually mean for your everyday life? And what does it reveal about God’s heart?
We’re unpacking why your past doesn’t disqualify you, how God meets you in the darkest places, and why real transformation isn’t about pretending you’ve never messed up—it’s about knowing who’s holding your story now.
If this resonates with you, After God’s Heart, my daily devotional podcast on Patreon, is where we go even deeper into verses just like this—every single day. It's not about more information; it's about learning how to walk with God in real time and see His heart in every word of Scripture.
You can even try it out free for 7 days
Join After God's Heart Today:
https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart
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17:43
God Doesn’t Want Perfection—He Wants THIS | Part 6
Are you actually repenting… or just feeling bad?
In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I’m unpacking what true repentance really means—and why it’s more than just saying “I’m sorry.” We’re breaking down the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, what it means to “make room” for God in your life, and why repentance is ultimately about relationship, not religion.
From personal stories to powerful Scripture (Romans 2:4, Acts 26, 2 Corinthians 7:10), this episode challenges you to stop settling for half-hearted faith and start living in the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
Repentance is the response the gospel demands. And it’s not out of guilt—it’s a response to His kindness.
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19:25
Why You’ll Never Be “Good Enough” for God—and Why That’s Good News | Part 5
What if the only thing standing between you and God… is a simple yes?
In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I unpack what it means that Jesus offers us the gift of salvation and forgiveness—not something we earn, but something we receive. We dive into why God’s love isn’t based on performance, why your worth isn’t tied to what you do, and how the gospel flips everything we’ve been taught about value, acceptance, and grace. This one is for the weary, the striving, and the searching.
Join my daily devotional podcast here:
https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart
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22:34
Why the Resurrection of Jesus Changes Everything | Part 4
What if I told you the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s everything we stand on?
In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful lines of the gospel creed:“Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving He is the Son of God.”
We’ll look at why the resurrection is not just a comeback story—but confirmation that every claim Jesus made was true. I unpack what Scripture says in Romans 1:4 and 1 Corinthians 15:17, and why the resurrection isn’t optional for our faith—it’s foundational.
But more than that, I share how the resurrection changes what’s possible for us right now. Because He rose, you don’t have to stay stuck in your guilt, shame, or spiritual death. There’s new life available. Not just someday—today.
This is the turning point of history… and the starting point of hope. Let’s walk it out together.
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The Disciples Journal documents the everyday life of following Jesus, offering practical steps, insights, and encouragement to help you get closer to God. Join host Darin Starks as he shares personal stories, the experiences of others, and gospel-driven perspectives from the Bible, providing the guidance you need to walk with Jesus in your everyday life and stay focused on Him.
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