July 10, 2025 • 14 mins
Welcome to Pray.com's new podcast, the Heartbeat of Faith with Dr. Andrew Farley. Continue your exploration of the Bible in a Year with this series that delves into the profound nature of God the Holy Spirit, inviting you to journey deeper into your faith.
Sign up for free devotionals on each episode at https://www.HeartbeatOfFaith.com
In this episode of The Heartbeat of Faith Podcast, Dr. Andrew Farley delves deep into the biblical narratives of two iconic figures: Samson and Saul. Both men, one a brute by nature and the other a persecutor of Christians, represent the spectrum of sinners found in the Bible. Yet, each story showcases God's unfathomable ability to turn our mistakes and downfalls into remarkable stories of redemption and grace.
Through a combination of historical anecdotes and powerful scripture references, we are reminded that our imperfections are opportunities for God's grace to shine through. Dive deep into these tales of transformation, from sinners to saints, and discover how the heartbeat of faith resonates in every redeemed soul. Whether you are familiar with these stories or hearing them for the first time, this episode promises a refreshing perspective on God's unwavering love and transformative power.
Download the Pray.com app today to experience the vivid revelation of God's divine presence through cinematic storytelling, guided by the influence of the Holy Spirit.
For more encouragement in God's grace visit AndrewFarley.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray as far as the east is from
the west, So far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Like a father has compassion on his children, So Yahweh
has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows
how we are made. He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm one O three verses twelve through fourteen. God, you
(00:21):
are patient and abundant in grace. Not only have you
forgiven me for all my sins, but you continue to
walk with me and in me, so I don't repeat
my mistakes. Yet, even if I slip again, you do
not hold it against me. Thank you for your compassionate
heart toward me, as you keep no record of my wrongs.
(00:43):
Teach me to walk gracefully as a saint, powerfully and
dwelt by you in Jesus name. Amen, Thank you for
praying with me today. Now discover the profound intricacies of
scripture through pray dot COM's podcast The Heartbeat of Faith
with doc or Andrew Farley. Stay tuned after this quick
word from our sponsors. Does your money stretch as far
(01:06):
as it used to? Most likely know? Here's why it
took two hundred years for the US to print its
first five trillion dollars today. Washington has done that in
just three years. The problem every new dollar makes each
of your dollars worth less. Our sponsor, Birch Gold Group,
has helped tens of thousands of Americans protect their iras
(01:29):
or four oh one k's from the dollar's loss in
value with physical gold and silver. Now you can two
get a free info kit on gold right now by
texting the word heartbeat to nine eight nine eight nine eight.
With an A plus rating with the BBB, You're in
good hands with Birch Gold. So get your no cost,
(01:50):
no obligation infoKit now by texting heartbeat to the number
nine eight nine eight nine eight.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
There are two different types of people in this world,
sinners and saints. If you have Jesus Christ living in you,
that means you're no longer a sinner, but a saint
who sometimes sins. And yes, there is a difference.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and
that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,
not of works, that no one would boast Ephesians two
eight through nine.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Having an identity as a sinner would only make us hopeless,
but thank God, There's a savior who came to forgive
us and make us brand new creations at the very
core of our spiritual being. Hello, I'm doctor Andrew Farley
with today's episode of the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. As
(02:59):
we jarney through scripture, we discover a vast, interconnected network
of stories, prophecies, letters, and poems. Every piece of literature
within the Bible is connected to another in an intricate tapestry,
showing just how beautiful and multifaceted the Word of God
(03:19):
truly is. This year, our goal has been to go
beyond mere surface level readings of these pieces, delving deeper
into their meaning and seeing how they all reveal God's heart.
May our exploration enable us to understand and experience the
grandeur of God's Word and keep us tuned in to
(03:43):
the heartbeat of Faith. Today we dive deeper into the
Bible to discover who we are as human beings. What
is our purpose? Why are we here? What does the
Bible say about our place in the grand scheme of
God's story. Today we'll explore the beautiful reality that we
who are believers in Christ are no longer sinners, but
(04:06):
saints who sometimes sin and yes, there is a difference.
We are new creations, children of God who have a
new heart, a new spirit, and God's spirit living in us.
At salvation, God changed our core desires by taking out
our old spiritual heart and giving us a new one
(04:29):
that beats in rhythm with his. God cleaned house and
moved in as Christ took up residence inside of us forever.
What we enjoy today in Christ is somewhat different from
what Old Testament believers experienced. Take Samson, for example, who
is famous for his strength, but even more famous for
(04:52):
his struggles. For all his power, he could not master
the sinful desires that overtook him.
Speaker 4 (05:03):
Samson knew immediately that his wife had told them. His
anger boiled against them and her. If you had not
plowed with my heifer, you would have not found out
my riddle, Samson said. The beautiful bride he once craved,
now reduced to being.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Called a cow.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
God who was seeking an opportunity for Samson to war
against the oppressive Philistines, came upon Samson. He traveled to
the city of Ashkalan and slew thirty Philistine men. He
took their garments and fine linens and gave them to
those who had solved the riddle. Samson paid his debt,
(05:43):
but he did so with blood of the Philistine enemies.
Samson had won the battle, but he had lost the war.
His wife left him for his best man. Samson, alone
and frustrated, sat in his anger.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
He hurt.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
But God God was at work in his life. Although
he was a foolish brute, Samson would be used as
a tool of liberation for the Israelite people.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Samson was wild, unruly, and disobedient. He couldn't control his
carnal desires, and it was his ultimate downfall. Still, God
used Samson mightily to carry out his purpose as a
liberator of the nation of Israel. Samson is an excellent
example of an Old Testament believer who wanted to serve
(06:35):
God but couldn't experience consistent victory over temptation and sin.
In the New Testament, we also see a man overcome
with pride and sin who wrought havoc on God's people.
The man formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, dragged Christians
out into the street to be tortured, imprisoned, and executed.
(07:00):
But Paul did not end his story as a villain.
God met him, transformed him, and he became the apostle Paul.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
The darkness was draped heavily over the skies as Saul rode.
The stars were hidden by thick clouds. Saul's heart was
as black as the night. He was held bent on
destroying the followers of Jesus. He despised their gospel. It
was a direct threat to everything he had built his
life upon. Piety, holiness, and perfection. These were Saul's goals.
(07:37):
He desired power, He desired holiness. He desired for God
to approve of him because of his actions, not some
act of grace or mercy. Saul wanted to earn God's love.
Saul's horse rode violently into the cold, dark nothingness. The
road ahead of him was barely seen by a small
torch Saul held in his hand. Damascus was not too
(08:00):
far away. All of a sudden, Saul's torch snuffed out,
and his horse stopped abruptly. With his light removed, Saul
could see nothing. The silent and dark night was maddening.
Saul breathed heavily, trying to restore the flames on his torch,
to no avail. Then, like the night was being pierced
by a blade. A bright light cut through the blackness.
(08:23):
The jagged light surrounded him. Saul's eyes could barely stand
the brilliance around him. As the light rushed forward, Saul
was bucked off of his horse. He hit the ground
with force, and his horse ran away. A voice as
clear as can be spoke through the light Saul Saul.
The voice said, why are you persecuting me? Saul stood
(08:46):
to his feet, trying to see who dwelled behind the radiance.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
Who are you?
Speaker 4 (08:51):
He asked, with panic in his voice. Who is speaking?
The light danced in a hundred different directions like a
weaved tapestry. It is ye, Jesus, the one whom you
have persecuted. Why are you kicking against the goads? Why
do you deny who I have called you to be?
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Paul serves as an outstanding example of a life that
can be miraculously transformed by Jesus Christ. He was on
a mission to destroy the same church that he would
soon become a part of. How can it be that
someone trapped in so much darkness could find the light?
(09:32):
The answer is simple. Jesus appeared to Saul on the
road to Damascus, gave him eyes to finally see the
truth of the Gospel, and transformed him into a new
creation and dwelt by the Holy Spirit, and thus he
became the Apostle Paul. Paul eventually realized that no self
(09:55):
righteousness or religiosity could make God approve of him. Rightness
with God had to be a free gift. Paul's heart
needed to be exchanged, and it was. Having once been
a slave to sin, Paul was freed from sin's clutches
and given a new way to live from the power
(10:17):
of Jesus within. Paul, speaking from this intimate knowledge of grace,
said this in his letter to the Ephesians.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions
and sins in which you once walked, according to the
course of this world, according to the Prince of the
power of the air, the spirit who now works in
the children of disobedience.
Speaker 4 (10:44):
We also all once.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing
the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and
were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
But God, being rich in mercy for his great love
with which he loved us even when we were dead,
(11:06):
through our trespasses made us alive together with Christ. By grace,
you have been saved and raised us up with Him
and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly places.
In Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come, he
might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness
(11:29):
toward us. In Christ Jesus, for by grace you have
been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It
is the gift of God, not of works, that no
one would boast, for we are His workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus, for good works which God prepared before that
(11:52):
we would walk in them. Ephesians two one through ten.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
There are two different types of people in this world,
sinners and saints. And if you're in Jesus Christ, you're
no longer a sinner at the core, but a saint
who sometimes sins. You have a new heart, a new nature,
and the spirit of God himself living in you. You
were once dead in your sins, but now you've been
(12:22):
made alive together with Christ. So are you bad or good?
If you're in Christ, you're a good tree that bears
good fruit. We just saw in Ephesians too, that you've
been recreated in Christ, Jesus for good works. How did
God accomplish this by giving you a new nature, a
(12:45):
good nature, and a new heart, a good heart. Think
about it. Good works can't come from someone who's by
nature bad. God had to make you good in Jesus
Christ in order for you to bear good fruit. In fact,
Romani says you became obedient from the heart, at the
(13:08):
deepest level of your spiritual being. You are obedient. You
want what God wants. In tewod Corinthians thirteen, the apostle
Paul asks a question, does Jesus Christ live in you?
For Paul, this is the litmus test of a real Christian.
(13:29):
It's not about how often you go to church or
how many great things you've done. It's about whether or
not Jesus Christ actually lives in you. And if you've
believed in his death and resurrection and opened your heart
to him, that's exactly how you went from being a
sinner to a saint who sometimes sins. And yes, there
(13:54):
is a dramatic difference. Now you can be used by
God for epic and fantastic purposes. And now that you're
totally forgiven, past, present, and future, your struggles are no
longer things to be ashamed of, but rather an opportunity
for you to put even more confidence in the love
(14:17):
and grace of Jesus Christ. Thank you for listening to
today's Heartbeat of Faith podcast. If you enjoyed today's episodes
or learn something new about the Bible, share it with
a friend or family member, and download Theprey dot com
app to engage with the Bible in new and exciting ways.
(14:40):
And remember, for more encouragement in God's grace, visit Andrewfarley
dot org. That's Andrew Farley dot org.
Let us pray as far as the east is from
the west, So far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Like a father has compassion on his children, So Yahweh
has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows
how we are made. He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm one O three verses twelve through fourteen. God, you
(00:21):
are patient and abundant in grace. Not only have you
forgiven me for all my sins, but you continue to
walk with me and in me, so I don't repeat
my mistakes. Yet, even if I slip again, you do
not hold it against me. Thank you for your compassionate
heart toward me, as you keep no record of my wrongs.
(00:43):
Teach me to walk gracefully as a saint, powerfully and
dwelt by you in Jesus name. Amen, Thank you for
praying with me today. Now discover the profound intricacies of
scripture through pray dot COM's podcast The Heartbeat of Faith
with doc or Andrew Farley. Stay tuned after this quick
word from our sponsors. Does your money stretch as far
(01:06):
as it used to? Most likely know? Here's why it
took two hundred years for the US to print its
first five trillion dollars today. Washington has done that in
just three years. The problem every new dollar makes each
of your dollars worth less. Our sponsor, Birch Gold Group,
has helped tens of thousands of Americans protect their iras
(01:29):
or four oh one k's from the dollar's loss in
value with physical gold and silver. Now you can two
get a free info kit on gold right now by
texting the word heartbeat to nine eight nine eight nine eight.
With an A plus rating with the BBB, You're in
good hands with Birch Gold. So get your no cost,
(01:50):
no obligation infoKit now by texting heartbeat to the number
nine eight nine eight nine eight.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
There are two different types of people in this world,
sinners and saints. If you have Jesus Christ living in you,
that means you're no longer a sinner, but a saint
who sometimes sins. And yes, there is a difference.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and
that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,
not of works, that no one would boast Ephesians two
eight through nine.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Having an identity as a sinner would only make us hopeless,
but thank God, There's a savior who came to forgive
us and make us brand new creations at the very
core of our spiritual being. Hello, I'm doctor Andrew Farley
with today's episode of the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. As
(02:59):
we jarney through scripture, we discover a vast, interconnected network
of stories, prophecies, letters, and poems. Every piece of literature
within the Bible is connected to another in an intricate tapestry,
showing just how beautiful and multifaceted the Word of God
(03:19):
truly is. This year, our goal has been to go
beyond mere surface level readings of these pieces, delving deeper
into their meaning and seeing how they all reveal God's heart.
May our exploration enable us to understand and experience the
grandeur of God's Word and keep us tuned in to
(03:43):
the heartbeat of Faith. Today we dive deeper into the
Bible to discover who we are as human beings. What
is our purpose? Why are we here? What does the
Bible say about our place in the grand scheme of
God's story. Today we'll explore the beautiful reality that we
who are believers in Christ are no longer sinners, but
(04:06):
saints who sometimes sin and yes, there is a difference.
We are new creations, children of God who have a
new heart, a new spirit, and God's spirit living in us.
At salvation, God changed our core desires by taking out
our old spiritual heart and giving us a new one
(04:29):
that beats in rhythm with his. God cleaned house and
moved in as Christ took up residence inside of us forever.
What we enjoy today in Christ is somewhat different from
what Old Testament believers experienced. Take Samson, for example, who
is famous for his strength, but even more famous for
(04:52):
his struggles. For all his power, he could not master
the sinful desires that overtook him.
Speaker 4 (05:03):
Samson knew immediately that his wife had told them. His
anger boiled against them and her. If you had not
plowed with my heifer, you would have not found out
my riddle, Samson said. The beautiful bride he once craved,
now reduced to being.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Called a cow.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
God who was seeking an opportunity for Samson to war
against the oppressive Philistines, came upon Samson. He traveled to
the city of Ashkalan and slew thirty Philistine men. He
took their garments and fine linens and gave them to
those who had solved the riddle. Samson paid his debt,
(05:43):
but he did so with blood of the Philistine enemies.
Samson had won the battle, but he had lost the war.
His wife left him for his best man. Samson, alone
and frustrated, sat in his anger.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
He hurt.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
But God God was at work in his life. Although
he was a foolish brute, Samson would be used as
a tool of liberation for the Israelite people.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Samson was wild, unruly, and disobedient. He couldn't control his
carnal desires, and it was his ultimate downfall. Still, God
used Samson mightily to carry out his purpose as a
liberator of the nation of Israel. Samson is an excellent
example of an Old Testament believer who wanted to serve
(06:35):
God but couldn't experience consistent victory over temptation and sin.
In the New Testament, we also see a man overcome
with pride and sin who wrought havoc on God's people.
The man formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, dragged Christians
out into the street to be tortured, imprisoned, and executed.
(07:00):
But Paul did not end his story as a villain.
God met him, transformed him, and he became the apostle Paul.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
The darkness was draped heavily over the skies as Saul rode.
The stars were hidden by thick clouds. Saul's heart was
as black as the night. He was held bent on
destroying the followers of Jesus. He despised their gospel. It
was a direct threat to everything he had built his
life upon. Piety, holiness, and perfection. These were Saul's goals.
(07:37):
He desired power, He desired holiness. He desired for God
to approve of him because of his actions, not some
act of grace or mercy. Saul wanted to earn God's love.
Saul's horse rode violently into the cold, dark nothingness. The
road ahead of him was barely seen by a small
torch Saul held in his hand. Damascus was not too
(08:00):
far away. All of a sudden, Saul's torch snuffed out,
and his horse stopped abruptly. With his light removed, Saul
could see nothing. The silent and dark night was maddening.
Saul breathed heavily, trying to restore the flames on his torch,
to no avail. Then, like the night was being pierced
by a blade. A bright light cut through the blackness.
(08:23):
The jagged light surrounded him. Saul's eyes could barely stand
the brilliance around him. As the light rushed forward, Saul
was bucked off of his horse. He hit the ground
with force, and his horse ran away. A voice as
clear as can be spoke through the light Saul Saul.
The voice said, why are you persecuting me? Saul stood
(08:46):
to his feet, trying to see who dwelled behind the radiance.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
Who are you?
Speaker 4 (08:51):
He asked, with panic in his voice. Who is speaking?
The light danced in a hundred different directions like a
weaved tapestry. It is ye, Jesus, the one whom you
have persecuted. Why are you kicking against the goads? Why
do you deny who I have called you to be?
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Paul serves as an outstanding example of a life that
can be miraculously transformed by Jesus Christ. He was on
a mission to destroy the same church that he would
soon become a part of. How can it be that
someone trapped in so much darkness could find the light?
(09:32):
The answer is simple. Jesus appeared to Saul on the
road to Damascus, gave him eyes to finally see the
truth of the Gospel, and transformed him into a new
creation and dwelt by the Holy Spirit, and thus he
became the Apostle Paul. Paul eventually realized that no self
(09:55):
righteousness or religiosity could make God approve of him. Rightness
with God had to be a free gift. Paul's heart
needed to be exchanged, and it was. Having once been
a slave to sin, Paul was freed from sin's clutches
and given a new way to live from the power
(10:17):
of Jesus within. Paul, speaking from this intimate knowledge of grace,
said this in his letter to the Ephesians.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions
and sins in which you once walked, according to the
course of this world, according to the Prince of the
power of the air, the spirit who now works in
the children of disobedience.
Speaker 4 (10:44):
We also all once.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing
the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and
were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
But God, being rich in mercy for his great love
with which he loved us even when we were dead,
(11:06):
through our trespasses made us alive together with Christ. By grace,
you have been saved and raised us up with Him
and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly places.
In Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come, he
might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness
(11:29):
toward us. In Christ Jesus, for by grace you have
been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It
is the gift of God, not of works, that no
one would boast, for we are His workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus, for good works which God prepared before that
(11:52):
we would walk in them. Ephesians two one through ten.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
There are two different types of people in this world,
sinners and saints. And if you're in Jesus Christ, you're
no longer a sinner at the core, but a saint
who sometimes sins. You have a new heart, a new nature,
and the spirit of God himself living in you. You
were once dead in your sins, but now you've been
(12:22):
made alive together with Christ. So are you bad or good?
If you're in Christ, you're a good tree that bears
good fruit. We just saw in Ephesians too, that you've
been recreated in Christ, Jesus for good works. How did
God accomplish this by giving you a new nature, a
(12:45):
good nature, and a new heart, a good heart. Think
about it. Good works can't come from someone who's by
nature bad. God had to make you good in Jesus
Christ in order for you to bear good fruit. In fact,
Romani says you became obedient from the heart, at the
(13:08):
deepest level of your spiritual being. You are obedient. You
want what God wants. In tewod Corinthians thirteen, the apostle
Paul asks a question, does Jesus Christ live in you?
For Paul, this is the litmus test of a real Christian.
(13:29):
It's not about how often you go to church or
how many great things you've done. It's about whether or
not Jesus Christ actually lives in you. And if you've
believed in his death and resurrection and opened your heart
to him, that's exactly how you went from being a
sinner to a saint who sometimes sins. And yes, there
(13:54):
is a dramatic difference. Now you can be used by
God for epic and fantastic purposes. And now that you're
totally forgiven, past, present, and future, your struggles are no
longer things to be ashamed of, but rather an opportunity
for you to put even more confidence in the love
(14:17):
and grace of Jesus Christ. Thank you for listening to
today's Heartbeat of Faith podcast. If you enjoyed today's episodes
or learn something new about the Bible, share it with
a friend or family member, and download Theprey dot com
app to engage with the Bible in new and exciting ways.
(14:40):
And remember, for more encouragement in God's grace, visit Andrewfarley
dot org. That's Andrew Farley dot org.
Host
Andrew Farley
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.