May 16, 2025 • 39 mins
A seemingly innocuous sermon question shook Daniel Ochoa's religious foundation to its core: "What makes you think you're on that off-ramp to heaven?" Despite six years of faithful church attendance, Bible study, and involvement in church activities, Ochoa realized he had mistaken religious participation for salvation.
Daniel shares the pivotal conversation with his pastor that transformed his understanding of faith. "There's a cost to follow Jesus," his pastor explained—not just belief, but surrender of finances, time, reputation, even relationships. That night, Ochoa committed his life fully to Christ, marking the beginning of authentic discipleship characterized by hunger for God's Word and radical life changes.
This powerful testimony frames our discussion of Daniel's book, "Time is Running Out," which challenges readers to honestly examine whether they're in good standing with God. Using vivid analogies, Daniel explains that Christianity isn't like buying a diet book or joining CrossFit—it's meaningless without implementation and visible transformation. While clarifying he doesn't believe in works-based salvation, he emphasizes that true faith naturally produces fruit, demonstrating the Holy Spirit's presence.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn toward end times prophecy, with Daniel offering thought-provoking perspectives about Israel's 1948 establishment as a key prophetic marker. He expresses concern that many Christians remain unprepared for challenging times ahead, focusing exclusively on God's grace while ignoring accountability. Daniel believes demonic forces are actively dividing families and promoting self-centeredness—signs pointing to Christ's imminent return.
Beyond just information, this episode delivers a heartfelt call to spiritual vigilance. Discover why Daniel believes we're living in prophetic times and how you can prepare not just intellectually but spiritually for what's ahead. Check out his YouTube channel "Life on the Narrow Road" for deeper teaching on authentic faith and end times prophecy.
Are you merely attending church or truly following Jesus? Has your heart been transformed? As Daniel reminds us, the narrow path to heaven requires more than casual belief—it demands complete surrender. Time is indeed running out.
We have BIG plans at Foxhole Symphony and sure could use your financial support. Would you prayerfully consider a small monthly contribution to support us in our mission to catalyze transformation in the hearts of men? Support Our Mission
Find us at:
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Welcome to Foxhole Symphony, a podcast about the
transformational value of men inauthentic community.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
In our foxhole.
Men are equipped to buildrelationships that foster
belonging, accountability andgrowth.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Stop believing the lie that you can thrive in
isolation and instead join us onthe journey from broken to
whole.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Hello everyone.
They call me the Maestro and weare back in the foxhole where
we actively pursue belonging,accountability and growth
through authentic relationships.
No masks, no agendas, just ironsharpening.
Iron Mark and Steve are in thefoxhole today with a special
guest.
You know what time it is, getcomfortable, open your notes app
(00:49):
and let's get this symphonystarted, because time is running
out.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Hey, welcome back to Foxhole Symphony Podcast.
I'm Sarge here with my goodfriend, mark, in the foxhole
with a guest and excited to hearabout him.
So and I know you guys aregoing to be excited, mark, why
don't you kick us off?
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Sure, I'd be happy to Let me tell you about Daniel.
Today's guest in the foxhole isDaniel Ochoa, a dedicated Bible
teacher and author of the bookTime is Running Out.
With over 25 years ofexperience studying and teaching
God's Word, daniel's journeybegan with a powerful
realization about salvation,which led him to teach across
various church settings,including Stonebriar Church in
(01:30):
Frisco, texas.
An in-depth study of end timesprophecy inspired this book,
where he encourages readers tobe prepared and vigilant for
Christ's return.
Welcome, daniel.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
Welcome.
Thank you, Mark.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
That was uh an impressive introduction you know
it's funny, man, I the name ofthe book.
I mean it's awesome.
Uh, you know, mark and I are uhinvolved.
We've been involved for many,many years with a men's ministry
called marked men for christ,and um, mark's actually just
coming off a weekend up inPennsylvania and you know
(02:06):
there's a whole segment of thatweekend where this is the topic,
you know, where we talk aboutthe fact that time is running
out and so I'm excited.
I'm excited to hear what youhave to say and what you know,
what you've heard from the Lordand what's inspired this book.
Daniel, so welcome and great tohave you.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Well, thank you, I'm pleased to be here.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Cool, Tell us a little bit about your backstory
Before we deep dive the booktell us about Daniel.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
We'd love to hear it.
Well, I grew up in Lincoln Park, michigan.
I have two brothers, twosisters, and we grew up Catholic
.
My mother was Catholic.
My father wasn't really areligious man and you know, in
my late 20s I started going tochurch.
I bought me a Bible.
I was single and I reallythought, mark, that God was
(02:57):
pleased with me.
You know, here I'm looking atmyself, thinking you know,
here's a single guy in his 20sgoing to bed early on Saturday
so he could get up early forchurch.
And you know, I'd go to churchand I did this for about six
years.
I even got involved with Sundayschool class.
I got involved with churchactivities and I just thought I
was in good standing with God.
(03:17):
And then one Sunday morning, youknow, the preacher was talking
about the road to heaven andhell, and when he said the road
to heaven is very narrow andonly a few find it, mark, I
didn't hear anything.
After that I just pictured thiseight lane highway during the
middle of rush hour andeverybody on the eight lanes was
going to hell.
And then I pictured an off ramp.
It was, those were the peoplethat were going to heaven and I
(03:40):
thought to myself what makes youthink you're on that off ramp?
I mean it's got to be more toit.
I mean Jesus saying only a fewfind it.
I mean, if you were to put apercentage on that, what would
it be?
Three, five, seven percent?
And it just, it, just.
I mean I just kept hearing thisvoice.
Now, it wasn't a voice comingfrom anywhere, it's just my
(04:02):
myself, you know, talking tomyself.
But I kept hearing myselfsaying what makes you think
you're on that offering?
And I started looking aroundthe church and members that I
knew were on that offeringbecause of the sacrifices they
made and the way they wereliving their lives, and it
really haunted me.
And so, after the sermon wasover, I went to the pastor and
(04:22):
asked if we could have lunch andhe agreed to meet for lunch.
And we met about two days laterand he explained the gospel to
me.
But then he explained somethingelse that no one's ever
explained.
He told me he started talkingabout in the book of Matthew,
where Jesus talks about no onebuilds a tower without
considering the cost.
And he said there's a cost tofollow Jesus.
And I said what do you mean?
And he said there's a cost tofollow Jesus.
(04:43):
And I said what do you mean?
And he said look, here inAmerica we're fortunate that it
doesn't cost us our lives, butit is going to cost you your
finances.
It's going to definitely costyou your time.
It's going to cost you yourreputation.
It may even cost you yourfriends or family members.
And that really hit me and Ireally thought about it.
And after our discussion I wenthome and opened up the Bible
(05:07):
and started reading some thingsand that night I got on my knees
and I asked God into my lifeand I told him that I was fully
committed.
And that's when the light bulbwent off and that's when I
believe I was truly saved, isthat night when I really
understood what it meant tofollow Jesus, to follow Jesus.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
With that opportunity in your life and a chance to
really follow the Lord, you hadan awakening of sorts, right?
I don't mean to put words inyour mouth, but how did they so?
I know what the catalyst was.
How did it change your life?
What manifested itself afterthat time?
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Well, I think what changed was I started going to
church not just to gatherinformation.
I wanted to know how to live alife to please God.
So when I would hear a sermon,I would love to hear things that
talked about things that I wasdoing wrong and I knew I needed
to change that.
Because I wanted to change it,I wanted to live a life that
(06:02):
pleased God.
From that moment on, I mean, Ijust thought going to church
that I was okay, you know.
I thought, look, you know, eversince I was a little boy, if
you would ask me, you know, doyou believe in Jesus?
I would say yes, you know.
And did Jesus die for your sins?
Yes, but it never changed myheart.
And it was that moment thatchanged my heart that now I
(06:25):
wanted to follow Jesus and startliving for him and not for
myself.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Thank you.
It makes perfect sense.
Pastor or teacher, at least inchurch.
So many people?
Well, there are so manydivergent paths available to the
foot of the cross right.
There's one that works for me.
(06:52):
There's one that worked for you, sargent.
I think it's not formulaic, butwe believe there are certain
key things men need to do rightto enhance that journey.
Just enjoy each other's company, time with each other, honesty
with each other, accountabilitywith each other.
How do you manage that in yourlife?
Who are the people thatinfluence you as you're on your
(07:16):
unique journey with God?
Speaker 4 (07:18):
It was my pastor, it was.
You know I could go to him andI would go to him all the time.
And you know, I don't know ifhe got tired of me calling him
all the time, but you know Icould go to him and I would go
to him all the time.
You know, I don't know if hegot tired of me calling him all
the time, but you know I'd bereading the Bible and I would
have a question and you know Iwould call him and he would
answer it for me.
And you know, and it was alsogreat teachers, you know I was
so hungry for God's word.
(07:39):
Not only was I going to churchand listening to a sermon every
Sunday, but I was listening toother sermons.
I was listening to John Piper,chuck Swindoll, and you know men
like that, and I was listeningto their sermons every week
online and you know.
So I was getting three or foursermons a week and I had a job
where I would drive around, so Iwould have to go visit clients,
(08:01):
so it gave me a lot ofopportunity.
While I was in the car, insteadof listening to music, I was
listening to sermons.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
I get it.
Yeah, I do it with podcasts now.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
There are millions to choose from right.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Yeah.
So what changed for you, daniel?
You mentioned you know, likeyou know, you kind of started
following Jesus right and youknow you referenced the cost.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
And there is the cost is a cost to, you know, being a
disciple.
Um, what did that look like foryou?
Well, I mean, it made merealize that the road I was on
was a wrong road and I needed tochange everything that I was
doing.
And uh, you know and I alwayslike using the example of when I
was 18 years old I dated a girlthat you know, quickly, you
know, kind of fell in love withand when I could afford it, I
(08:55):
took her to a nice dinner.
We were about maybe a month anda half in her dating and you
know, I was only 18.
And you know, we went out todinner and she started asking me
questions about my future.
You know, where do I see myself, you know, 10 years from now?
How many kids do I want?
Do I want a dog?
What kind of house do Ienvision?
And nobody's ever asked mequestions like that.
(09:15):
I mean, it really caught me offguard.
But you know, I answered all ofthem the best I could and at
the end of it she said well, youknow, that's exactly what I
wanted for my life.
And I could tell that shereally liked me.
Now, and when I got home thatnight I laid in bed just
thinking what makes you thinkyou're going to get all the
things that you want and thiskind of mirrors.
(09:36):
You know my relationship withGod.
You know what makes you thinkyou're going to get it.
I was a high school dropout.
I was smoking pot and I justthought there's no way you're
going to be able to provide forher all those things unless you
start making changes.
And so about a week later Iwent and enlisted in the US Army
, and the reason I share thatstory is because that's kind of
(09:59):
what happened to me.
When I came to Christ, you know,I realized that I was on this
road, that there is no way I'mpleasing God with this road.
I got to change a lot of thingsabout my life and I started, I
started changing a lot of things.
I started, you know, hangingout with, or stopped hanging out
with, certain friends that Iknew I can't change if I'm
(10:20):
hanging out with these people,and so I stopped doing that.
I stopped watching some of theshows I was watching, you know,
and some of the music I waslistening to.
I started making a lot ofchanges in my life because I
just had this heart that Ireally wanted to please God.
And you know, when you read theBible, god's biggest desire for
(10:42):
our life is to be transformed tothe likeness of his son.
And you know, and that's what Iwant.
And you know, ever since I madethat change and I had that
hunger, I've witnessed hundredsof people.
In the last 30 years, you know,I've witnessed the people on
planes and stores.
You know everywhere and stores,you know everywhere.
(11:07):
And and the reason I do that isbecause when I found myself
thinking that I was in goodstanding with God and realized I
wasn't, I figured how manyother people are just like me?
And, uh, you know it, it becamea passion of mine and I believe
I have a gift for it, because Inever really offend people.
You know, maybe they may changethe conversation, but I've never
really offended anybody towhere they get angry or get
(11:28):
upset.
And I can't tell you how manyemails I received after a
conversation with a client thatI was with Because, like I said,
I was driving around visitingclients.
I can't tell you how manyemails I received saying, hey,
man, I really appreciated ourconversation the other day.
I just want you to know that mywife and I decided to start
(11:48):
going to church and we're evengoing to start going to Sunday
school class.
And, man, I would be praise God.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
So what's the, what's the main message?
That you know if we had morethan the three people that
listen to this podcast, you knowif it was, let's say, seven.
Or you know if we had more thanthe three people that listen to
this podcast, you know if itwas, let's say, seven.
Or you know 70,000, or maybe acouple million.
What is it you would want themto know?
Speaker 4 (12:20):
That you know.
Jesus said that no one will seethe kingdom of God unless
they're born again.
And you need to be born again.
And being born again is notjust an idea, it's not just a
feeling, it's actually a rebirth, and that's, I think, why he
used the born again.
It's about a new life andthat's what I try to get people
(12:42):
to understand that you give upyour old life and start living a
new life.
It doesn't mean it all changesovernight.
It's a process.
But look, I don't believe thatthe Holy Spirit enters any
person's body and then there'sno change, because that would
mean that the Holy Spirit failedto do its job, and we know that
can't be true.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Right.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
Now, for some people there's major changes right away
, but for others it's gradualchanges.
But if you don't see a change,and let me give you an example
let's say you had a friend ofyours that was 100 pounds
overweight and you met for lunchand when he sat down at
whatever restaurant you met at,he had a CrossFit shirt on and
(13:25):
you looked at him and thoughtCrossFit, and he said, yeah, I
just won CrossFit.
And you're like, oh, okay.
He said, yeah, I want to getinto shape.
You know, I want to make somechanges.
And you're like man, that'sgreat.
And then six months later youhaven't seen him.
But you, you meet again forlunch and he looks like he
gained weight.
Now, even though he's a memberof CrossFit, is he really doing
(13:49):
the CrossFit training?
No, and that's what I try toteach people.
You know, just because you go tochurch, just because you're a
member of church, doesn't meanyou're a Christian.
It's like buying a diet book.
You know, just because you buythe diet book doesn't mean
you're on a diet.
Just because you read the dietbook doesn't mean you're on a
diet.
You're not on a die until youstart taking what you're reading
and actually implementing inyour life, and that's how I look
(14:12):
at Christianity.
You're really not truly savedunless you read what you're
reading You're actuallyimplementing into your life.
Now, look, we're not going to beperfect and I don't want your
viewers to think that I believein work salvation, because I
(14:33):
don't.
I believe in election, and weare the people that don't even
work salvation at all.
But you know who?
Was it?
Not Paul James, wasn't it Jamesthat said works without faith
is dead and it's kind of.
You know, the way I like toexplain it is if you walk up to
an apple tree and you seedelicious apples, the apples is
not what gives the apple life.
The apples show that the treehas good life, and if the apples
(15:01):
were rotten, they didn't lookappealing.
Then you know the tree is sickand that's why Jesus said buy
their fruits.
You will know them.
It's because we're doing thethings that we're supposed to be
doing now.
You know, like I said, if we'renot going to be perfect, we're
going to mess up, and I mess upall the time.
But the difference is from myprevious self and now is I don't
(15:22):
like when I mess up, you know,I get on my knees and repent
when I do something that I knewI shouldn't have done and I wake
up the next morning, you know,with a different attitude,
wanting to, you know, wanting tocorrect what I did Not correct
it to, so I'm forgiven, butcorrect it to please God,
(15:42):
because I know what he did onthe cross.
He's already forgiven me, yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Yeah, I appreciate the clarification on on you know
the, the, the works,righteousness, and um, I think
that's really important,important to note, um, and and I
would agree with you that there, you know there should be,
there should be fruit.
Right, If we don't have, youknow, fruit in our lives, uh,
after making a decision to, tofollow Jesus, you know
(16:09):
something's off, something's offand um, you know.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
So, yeah, I mean, don't you think we live in a
culture today where Jesus is awatered down Jesus?
Speaker 2 (16:21):
Oh, I think, um, yeah , I think that that that's very
true in many, many respects,Absolutely.
Yeah, I would agree with that,yeah, I would agree with that
and really just, I mean, youknow, or just watered down
Christianity, we should bepretty intentional and have a
sense of intensity about ourfaith and about our walk.
If Jesus is more than a friend,he is God and our savior and if
(17:10):
, if we are, which we are calledto be his apprentice you know
his apprentices if we'reapprenticing with Jesus, um, you
know that requires time, thatrequires commitment, uh,
requires cost.
All right, I mean all thosethings you're talking about, and
(17:30):
I think that that is somethingthat unfortunately, probably
isn't even really talked aboutall that much.
And if it were, I think mostwould opt out.
Right, that's the wide road asopposed to the narrow path and
(17:51):
the narrow gate.
You know there's sacrificerequired, there's a cost.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Oh yeah, you know.
I think today too many churchesonly focus on God's grace
without ever talking about man'saccountability.
I've even heard pastors saydon't try, you're just going to
fail.
You know God has forgiven us.
You know if you try to pullyourself up from your own
bootstrap, you're just going tofail, and I don't like that
(18:17):
approach.
And here's why you know in anyrelationship, if you're in a
marriage, if you're and you'renot, you're in a failed marriage
.
Or you're in, you're a parent,you're a father or a mother and
you're in a failed marriage, oryou're a parent, you're a father
or a mother and you're notdoing a very good job and you
know it with your kids.
You can go see counseling andthe counselor is going to give
you advice on what to do toimprove either the marriage or
(18:40):
your parenthood relationshipwith your kids.
Now I've never heard of acounsel telling a couple don't
try, because neither one of youare going to do the things that
I recommend.
Perfectly no, actually, thecouple that actually sees
progress and improvement intheir marriage is the couple
(19:02):
that takes the things that thecounsel recommended and actually
implements it into theirmarriage.
And you know those are the onesthat see a difference in their
marriage, but it's the try-inthat shows that they love the
other person.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Yeah, there's a lot to there's a lot to be said, for
you know spiritual disciplines,for you know spiritual
disciplines, you know thedisciplines of prayer and
meditation, the discipline ofyou know reading the scriptures.
You know the disciplines.
And so I think yeah, I thinkit's a slippery slope we could
(19:39):
easily fall into the trap ofbehavior modification and say,
well, if I just change, you know, if I change this behavior, you
know these habits, which, um,not to say that there might not
be some that need to be changed,but you know, jesus, that's why
you want to change.
Speaker 4 (20:08):
It's kind of like being married to your spouse.
It's not working.
You love her.
You go see counseling and thecounselor tells you this is what
you need to be doing.
This is what you're doing wrong.
Well, if you truly love yourspouse, you're going to make
those changes.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
Yeah, there's a quote that I'm reminded of that I
think you're touching on here,and it's this it's not only are
we unable to will ourselves intoholy living, we can't think
ourselves into new ways ofliving, we live ourselves into
(20:45):
new ways of thinking.
So it's in the disciplines andit's in how we live, and it's in
, it's in the the, the behaviors, it's in our the love for, you
know, for others, you know, allthe things that we're called to
do.
It's in that that develop newways of thinking, new patterns
(21:09):
of thinking, which isChrist-like thinking, and, um,
so it's.
It's, it's sort of this flip on, you know, behavior
modification.
It's not about like, willingourselves to be or do better,
right, um, so anyway, I don'tknow if that, if that, makes
sense, but it kind of remindedme.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
I like that Sarge.
Oh, thanks yeah.
We live our way into a new wayof thinking Is that oh, thanks,
yeah, we live our way into a newway of thinking, is that?
Speaker 2 (21:27):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Hmm, yep, that's a good one.
Yep, yep.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Yeah, so, daniel, I've got a.
It's a tiny tangent but it'sprobably worthwhile given what
you've said so far.
You know, I feel there's aparadigm shift.
When you said we have a watereddown Jesus, I'm thinking about
my pool right, my foxhole has agroup of guys in it that are
full strength Jesus, right, and.
But there's a fairlyprecipitous drop-off outside of
(21:56):
that, in my opinion, in theculture in the world, and it's
very watered down.
So I agree with that.
But it made me think of justsome paradigms I've had in
looking at my life, just with myfamily, and how things change.
You know, we often I would saywe I often lament things aren't
what they used to be.
I remember growing up I'm 10, 12, 14 years old.
(22:20):
It's late 60s, early 70s.
Led Zeppelin and the Beatlesare out and my parents just
hated it.
They just hated that music,right.
And so I find myself today.
I do not like hip-hop, I'm notgood at that, right.
I think it's noisy and justdoesn't work for me, and so
that's my lament.
My parents had theirs, I havemine.
I often walk around thinkingabout and Sarge hears me say
(22:44):
this so often I refer to theworld as noisy and messy.
Today.
I find solace in the Word.
I find solace in the Bible, inmy friends, in Christian podcast
movies, the Bible Project,teaching there, because there's
peace there, it's quiet and Iwant to draw people there.
I try to convince people, menparticularly that immersion in
(23:10):
the word and that time spentwhat you're doing, listening to
multiple sermons each week justthe most valuable time versus
social media and other things.
So there's actually a questionhere.
Do you think that today theworld is it just another case of
(23:30):
?
I think it's noisy, you know,because I'm, you know, I'm 66
years old and I've gotten to apoint in my life where I don't
like noise that much.
Or is that really what's goingon out there?
Is there something differentabout it?
And I'm heading towards yourbook when you say time is
running out.
I'm wondering if it's justanother case of that
generational lamaze of you knowthings were always better, you
(23:54):
know, in the greatest generation.
What's your experience when itcomes to kind of the lens you
look at the world today versusyesterday and also tomorrow?
Speaker 4 (24:06):
Well, I think there's a lot of similarities between
you know when?
I was a kid and today.
But I think the difference isthere's a demonic force that's
heavily moving across this worldto take control and I really
see that demonic force and whatit's doing to our culture.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Can you go a little deeper with that?
Speaker 4 (24:32):
Yeah, I mean, you know, I just think people, you
know the demonic force issplitting up families.
It's putting people to wherethe only person they care about
is themselves.
They only care about.
You know, when you look atsocial media today, it's all
about me, it's all about mebeing successful, it's all about
(24:54):
how many likes I get.
I think that people reallywe're at a point in life now
where people don't care too muchabout other people anymore.
It's all about them.
And you know, and I think thedemonic force is uh destroying
families.
I think there's more divorcesin the church than there was
(25:16):
when I was a kid.
I mean, it's always been bad,uh, but I I think it's grown a
lot, and I just think that weare coming to the end times and
that's why the, the demonicforces is moving full force.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
I think they know it I'm presuming this type of
information is in your book.
Yes, yes, okay.
Well, let's talk about it.
Let's talk about your.
Your bio talks about beingprepared and vigilant for
christ's return, demonic forcescoming to the end times.
Let's play that out a littlebit.
Tell us what you're thinkingand more about what your book
(25:54):
includes.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
Well, you know, whenever I talk about end times,
you know the famous phraseeverybody always throws out is
no-noser day of the hour.
And look, I was in that camptoo, that's you know.
I used to throw that out allthe time and the funny thing is
(26:18):
is, including myself, most ofthe people that I talked to, I
would say all of them, everybodythat throws out that verse has
never studied in time.
It's just a verse that theylearned from their pastor or
from a friend and they saw theverse.
You know that's quoted inMatthew and they use it all the
time.
But that's quoted in Matthewand they use it all the time.
But that's not what Jesus meant.
And I think that Christians makethree mistakes when it comes to
end time stuff.
Number one is the seven-yeartribulation.
(26:41):
There is no seven-yeartribulation.
The Bible, there is not onemention of a seven-year
tribulation in the entire Bible,from Genesis to Revelation Not
one.
So tribulation has been aroundsince Jesus has been around.
All tribulation is is, you know, pressure put under Christians,
you know persecution underChristians because of Jesus.
(27:03):
That's tribulation.
So from the time Jesus wasaround to the midpoint of the
70th week of Daniel, the lastseven years, there's always been
tribulation.
But, like I said, jesus drewthe line and he called the
second half the greattribulation, where the great
tribulation is?
The entire world now beingpersecuted, christians being
(27:23):
persecuted.
So that's the difference.
Mistake number two is throwingout the line.
You know no one knows the dayof the hour.
Jesus.
You know no one knows the dayor the hour.
Jesus didn't say no one knowsthe day or the hour.
What he actually said is aboutthat day and hour.
No man knows, not even theangels, nor the son of man, only
the father.
So what he's actually saying isabout that day of his return,
(27:46):
that day and hour.
No one knows the exact time,which is true.
No one knows the exact time.
But here's the thing thatchanged everything.
So I'm going to throw this outto your listeners.
How does a God in his infinitewisdom keep everybody for 2,000
years from the time of Jesus,thinking that he could come at
(28:08):
any time, but then reveal it tothe generation when he does come
back?
And he was a genius?
Well, he is.
But I mean you don't the piecethat you're a prophecy.
There's a prophecy that, onceit's fulfilled, you have the key
piece to start putting thepieces together to know when
(28:30):
he's returned.
Well, you don't let thatprophecy be fulfilled until the
generation of his return, andthat prophecy is Israel becoming
a nation in 1948.
Without that piece, no one canfigure out when he's coming back
.
But now that that's happenedyou can figure it out.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Well, you've, you've.
There's a lot of a lot ofthought food there, an awful lot
, and this, obviously, youexplain this in in agonizing
detail in your book.
Yes, you also speak about this.
You said you did a video.
So is this just something youput out on YouTube?
Or?
Yeah, I have a YouTube channelcalled Life on the Narrow Road.
You also speak about this.
You said you did a video, so isthis just something you put out
on YouTube?
Or?
Speaker 4 (29:10):
Yeah, I have a YouTube channel called Life on
the Narrow Road.
You know, when I first startedthe channel, I wasn't going to
talk about end times.
I just wanted to talk about dosome Bible lessons and about
growing my relationship with God.
But I wasn't getting that manylikes and actually it was my son
that convinced me to start theYouTube channel.
I wasn't going to do it.
And my son said dad, you know,ever since I was a little kid,
(29:32):
everywhere we went, you wouldwitness the people.
He said I hated it.
He goes, I get it now, but as akid I hated it.
He said but you were born to dothis, so I decided to give it a
try and I told him.
I said you know, it's not goinglike I thought it would.
I said, maybe I need to do avideo about end times.
And he's like dad, really.
And I said, well, who knows?
And then he goes.
(29:52):
You know what I've been wrongabout a lot of things.
Dad, do one, I did one.
I got over 2,500 views and I'mlike, okay, this is what people
want.
So I started doing more andmore about end times stuff.
Speaker 1 (30:03):
How long have you been doing that?
Speaker 4 (30:06):
A year now.
Speaker 1 (30:07):
Interesting.
Do you have any idea what yourdemographic is?
Who's listening to that?
When you say that's what theywant, who's they?
The majority is 40 and above.
Okay, makes sense, daniel.
(30:31):
We need.
We need you talking about it.
We really do.
I mean, let's just be real.
There's a lot of voicesshouting at our kids, young
adults, you know, with a messagethat certainly doesn't have
anything to do with what'shappening in the Bible a long
time ago or today.
So I say hallelujah, you know,for anything that you can put
out there, and it sounds likeyou've done your Bible homework
and understand some of thedetails.
(30:51):
So I think it's a great thing.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
You know I told you I found a new church about a year
ago.
You know I did a lot ofsearching, you know was getting
kind of tired of visiting allthese churches, finally found a
church in Prosper, texas.
And you know, after I found thechurch I met the pastor and we
went out to lunch and we talkedabout end times.
And you know he listened to meand about a month and a half
(31:14):
later he called me up, said hewants to meet again, talk some
more.
And we talked some more andafter about the fourth lunch
he's on board.
Man, he says Dan, there's toomuch here.
And, matter of fact, on Sundayhe gave a sermon this past
Sunday for the first time he'stalking about look, you know, he
(31:35):
said there are over 600prophecies of Jesus.
He said did you know?
Only one third is about hisfirst coming.
Two thirds are about his secondcoming.
But we're always focused on hisfirst coming.
Nobody's paying attention tothe second.
He goes look, I've been payingattention and I'm seeing signs.
That's what he told thecongregation.
(31:55):
Now he did tell me that hethinks he's going to have me
start teaching classes on endtime.
(32:23):
Opportunity right In littlelittle prosper Texas.
What'd you say?
350 people, daniel, we're justso.
You know, we're big fans of theripple effect, where you drop a
pebble in the pond and thoseripples start going.
And you and I was telling him,you know, nobody wants to hear
this, they just want to be leftalone and live their life.
Why?
And everybody keeps saying now,you know, no one knows the day
or the hour, and I'm like, ok,when are we going to know?
You know, I mean, it's been2000 years.
When is the right time?
(32:43):
Another 500 years?
Then would you believe, anotherthousand years.
Then then would you believeAnother thousand years.
Then would you believe.
And the answer is it doesn'tmatter if we go 5,000 years.
Nobody wants their life to becut short.
That's the problem.
People want to just keep livingtheir life, doing what they
want or enjoying the lifethey're living, and they just
want to be left alone.
But you know, the problem is,you know, revelation tells us,
(33:06):
in the end times, brother willbetray brother and sister will
betray sister.
Why?
It's because they're notmentally prepared for what's
coming.
I mean, what's coming is bad.
Now the end is good, we knowthe end, we have the script.
So the ending is good, butgetting to the ending is going
(33:30):
to be bad.
Speaker 1 (33:30):
And what's between here and there?
Speaker 4 (33:32):
Yeah, yeah, and I can see people in a church
betraying each other to survivebecause they were never mentally
prepared.
And you know, the Bible alsotalks about God sending a great
delusion that's going to fooleverybody except the elect.
And he said, he says the elect,but then he says, if it was
(33:53):
possible, it's going to be sogreat that even the elect are
going to be thinking they'regoing to have to think about it
and then say no, this can't beright.
Speaker 2 (34:03):
I mean listen, it's a fascinating conversation.
We we, you know we don't talkabout it much.
Speaker 1 (34:09):
I mentioned that to.
Speaker 2 (34:09):
Daniel earlier.
I appreciate your heart, daniel, for people.
I mean, that's what I wouldlike to say.
I appreciate your heart forpeople, that your, your, your,
your heart is evident.
You know, behind the topic of,you know, time is running out
and the end the end is near, andso, out and the end, the end is
(34:33):
near, and so you know, um, it'snot a doesn't come across as a
scare tactic or fear mongeringor you know it.
It it does come across as youreally, you know, wanting the
best for people and life offaith.
You know, and to be intentionalabout that, to be aware, to be
(34:59):
alert, right To be alert, whichwe need to be, and I need to be
reminded of it daily, daily.
Speaker 4 (35:08):
And just so your listeners know, you know the
subtitle of the book is calledAm I Really in Good Standing
with God.
80% of the book is about thatit's about being in right
standing with God, and then 20%of the book is about end time.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (35:22):
But I go into much greater detail.
I give more scripture verses.
You know I use the Israelbecoming a nation in 1948 as the
key to being able to put allthe pieces together.
But I didn't even use any ofthe other parables Jesus talked
about.
But you can find those in mybook.
Speaker 1 (35:42):
Okay, awesome.
Well, we'd like to leave thedoor open a crack.
We often do with our guestsbecause I'm going to read your
book now.
There's enough, like I said,brain food there, and once I do,
I'm sure we'll have questions.
Maybe it could just be aconnection that we have via
email, but also having you backon the podcast is not out of the
question.
So we will look forward todoing that with you.
(36:03):
We thank you very much formaking time with us, our three
guests, as Sarge has pointed out, three listeners I'm sorry, not
guests teasing, it's Mark, meand the maestro.
Right, we listen to everyone,daniel, but, with that said,
very appreciative of your time,the investment you're making for
(36:29):
the kingdom, your community,I'm hoping your home as well.
It's grassroots informationthat people need to hear because
, yeah, it's just not on theradar, daniel, at least it's not
hanging, like sarge just said.
I just came back from a markedman phase one experience.
There were 75 guys there andsarge is right, there is.
There is a little talk aboutone less breath, but you've gone
at it from, I, I think, adifferent angle and being
(36:51):
prepared and vigilant are theright words.
We have to promote that more.
So thanks for that.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
Yeah, no problem, mark.
Steve, I want to thank you forhaving me here.
I mean, it's been a pleasure totalk about my book and you know
I just want to change people'sheart.
And look, the main thing.
People always ask me you know,what can I do to prepare?
And I said, look, the firstthing you got to do is make sure
your heart's right, because itdoesn't matter if you're
(37:18):
prepared, you know for what'scoming in.
Your heart's not right, it'snot going to matter.
Speaker 2 (37:23):
Yeah, amen.
So the book is Time is RunningOut, by Daniel Ochoa and the
YouTube channel.
Again, how can we find you onYouTube?
It is Life on the Narrow Road.
Life on the Narrow Road, loveit, awesome.
Speaker 1 (37:38):
Daniel, thank you very much, god bless you brother
.
Speaker 4 (37:40):
Peace, bye.
Speaker 3 (37:44):
Whatever you do, don't miss the off ramp.
As we lean into ourrelationships with God, with our
spouse, with our children, withour brothers and sisters in
Christ, with our neighbors, wefall down and grow, we fail and
(38:06):
learn.
We get broken down and getbuilt back up.
As we stay focused on Jesus, welearn how to move forward, we
learn how to stay on mission andwe learn how to be made new
Born again.
Time is running out, men.
(38:26):
Time is running out.
Lord, please continue to usethis podcast to impact the lives
of all who listen.
I ask that you would bring hopeand healing to each and every
one of them.
Meet them right where they areand reveal yourself to them like
only you can do.
In Jesus' name amen.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
If you enjoyed today's episode, please share it
and invite others to theFoxhole In Jesus' name.
Amen to social media networksby searching foxhole symphony or
visit foxholesymphonycom tomake it super easy to find us.
Drop us a line with feedback,questions, topic requests.
Who knows, maybe you'll be aguest on a future episode.
In the meantime, prepare tomove, embrace discomfort and
(39:21):
just be you.
Welcome to Foxhole Symphony, a podcast about the
transformational value of men inauthentic community.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
In our foxhole.
Men are equipped to buildrelationships that foster
belonging, accountability andgrowth.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Stop believing the lie that you can thrive in
isolation and instead join us onthe journey from broken to
whole.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Hello everyone.
They call me the Maestro and weare back in the foxhole where
we actively pursue belonging,accountability and growth
through authentic relationships.
No masks, no agendas, just ironsharpening.
Iron Mark and Steve are in thefoxhole today with a special
guest.
You know what time it is, getcomfortable, open your notes app
(00:49):
and let's get this symphonystarted, because time is running
out.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Hey, welcome back to Foxhole Symphony Podcast.
I'm Sarge here with my goodfriend, mark, in the foxhole
with a guest and excited to hearabout him.
So and I know you guys aregoing to be excited, mark, why
don't you kick us off?
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Sure, I'd be happy to Let me tell you about Daniel.
Today's guest in the foxhole isDaniel Ochoa, a dedicated Bible
teacher and author of the bookTime is Running Out.
With over 25 years ofexperience studying and teaching
God's Word, daniel's journeybegan with a powerful
realization about salvation,which led him to teach across
various church settings,including Stonebriar Church in
(01:30):
Frisco, texas.
An in-depth study of end timesprophecy inspired this book,
where he encourages readers tobe prepared and vigilant for
Christ's return.
Welcome, daniel.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
Welcome.
Thank you, Mark.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
That was uh an impressive introduction you know
it's funny, man, I the name ofthe book.
I mean it's awesome.
Uh, you know, mark and I are uhinvolved.
We've been involved for many,many years with a men's ministry
called marked men for christ,and um, mark's actually just
coming off a weekend up inPennsylvania and you know
(02:06):
there's a whole segment of thatweekend where this is the topic,
you know, where we talk aboutthe fact that time is running
out and so I'm excited.
I'm excited to hear what youhave to say and what you know,
what you've heard from the Lordand what's inspired this book.
Daniel, so welcome and great tohave you.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Well, thank you, I'm pleased to be here.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Cool, Tell us a little bit about your backstory
Before we deep dive the booktell us about Daniel.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
We'd love to hear it.
Well, I grew up in Lincoln Park, michigan.
I have two brothers, twosisters, and we grew up Catholic
.
My mother was Catholic.
My father wasn't really areligious man and you know, in
my late 20s I started going tochurch.
I bought me a Bible.
I was single and I reallythought, mark, that God was
(02:57):
pleased with me.
You know, here I'm looking atmyself, thinking you know,
here's a single guy in his 20sgoing to bed early on Saturday
so he could get up early forchurch.
And you know, I'd go to churchand I did this for about six
years.
I even got involved with Sundayschool class.
I got involved with churchactivities and I just thought I
was in good standing with God.
(03:17):
And then one Sunday morning, youknow, the preacher was talking
about the road to heaven andhell, and when he said the road
to heaven is very narrow andonly a few find it, mark, I
didn't hear anything.
After that I just pictured thiseight lane highway during the
middle of rush hour andeverybody on the eight lanes was
going to hell.
And then I pictured an off ramp.
It was, those were the peoplethat were going to heaven and I
(03:40):
thought to myself what makes youthink you're on that off ramp?
I mean it's got to be more toit.
I mean Jesus saying only a fewfind it.
I mean, if you were to put apercentage on that, what would
it be?
Three, five, seven percent?
And it just, it, just.
I mean I just kept hearing thisvoice.
Now, it wasn't a voice comingfrom anywhere, it's just my
(04:02):
myself, you know, talking tomyself.
But I kept hearing myselfsaying what makes you think
you're on that offering?
And I started looking aroundthe church and members that I
knew were on that offeringbecause of the sacrifices they
made and the way they wereliving their lives, and it
really haunted me.
And so, after the sermon wasover, I went to the pastor and
(04:22):
asked if we could have lunch andhe agreed to meet for lunch.
And we met about two days laterand he explained the gospel to
me.
But then he explained somethingelse that no one's ever
explained.
He told me he started talkingabout in the book of Matthew,
where Jesus talks about no onebuilds a tower without
considering the cost.
And he said there's a cost tofollow Jesus.
And I said what do you mean?
And he said there's a cost tofollow Jesus.
(04:43):
And I said what do you mean?
And he said look, here inAmerica we're fortunate that it
doesn't cost us our lives, butit is going to cost you your
finances.
It's going to definitely costyou your time.
It's going to cost you yourreputation.
It may even cost you yourfriends or family members.
And that really hit me and Ireally thought about it.
And after our discussion I wenthome and opened up the Bible
(05:07):
and started reading some thingsand that night I got on my knees
and I asked God into my lifeand I told him that I was fully
committed.
And that's when the light bulbwent off and that's when I
believe I was truly saved, isthat night when I really
understood what it meant tofollow Jesus, to follow Jesus.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
With that opportunity in your life and a chance to
really follow the Lord, you hadan awakening of sorts, right?
I don't mean to put words inyour mouth, but how did they so?
I know what the catalyst was.
How did it change your life?
What manifested itself afterthat time?
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Well, I think what changed was I started going to
church not just to gatherinformation.
I wanted to know how to live alife to please God.
So when I would hear a sermon,I would love to hear things that
talked about things that I wasdoing wrong and I knew I needed
to change that.
Because I wanted to change it,I wanted to live a life that
(06:02):
pleased God.
From that moment on, I mean, Ijust thought going to church
that I was okay, you know.
I thought, look, you know, eversince I was a little boy, if
you would ask me, you know, doyou believe in Jesus?
I would say yes, you know.
And did Jesus die for your sins?
Yes, but it never changed myheart.
And it was that moment thatchanged my heart that now I
(06:25):
wanted to follow Jesus and startliving for him and not for
myself.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Thank you.
It makes perfect sense.
Pastor or teacher, at least inchurch.
So many people?
Well, there are so manydivergent paths available to the
foot of the cross right.
There's one that works for me.
(06:52):
There's one that worked for you, sargent.
I think it's not formulaic, butwe believe there are certain
key things men need to do rightto enhance that journey.
Just enjoy each other's company, time with each other, honesty
with each other, accountabilitywith each other.
How do you manage that in yourlife?
Who are the people thatinfluence you as you're on your
(07:16):
unique journey with God?
Speaker 4 (07:18):
It was my pastor, it was.
You know I could go to him andI would go to him all the time.
And you know, I don't know ifhe got tired of me calling him
all the time, but you know Icould go to him and I would go
to him all the time.
You know, I don't know if hegot tired of me calling him all
the time, but you know I'd bereading the Bible and I would
have a question and you know Iwould call him and he would
answer it for me.
And you know, and it was alsogreat teachers, you know I was
so hungry for God's word.
(07:39):
Not only was I going to churchand listening to a sermon every
Sunday, but I was listening toother sermons.
I was listening to John Piper,chuck Swindoll, and you know men
like that, and I was listeningto their sermons every week
online and you know.
So I was getting three or foursermons a week and I had a job
where I would drive around, so Iwould have to go visit clients,
(08:01):
so it gave me a lot ofopportunity.
While I was in the car, insteadof listening to music, I was
listening to sermons.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
I get it.
Yeah, I do it with podcasts now.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
There are millions to choose from right.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Yeah.
So what changed for you, daniel?
You mentioned you know, likeyou know, you kind of started
following Jesus right and youknow you referenced the cost.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
And there is the cost is a cost to, you know, being a
disciple.
Um, what did that look like foryou?
Well, I mean, it made merealize that the road I was on
was a wrong road and I needed tochange everything that I was
doing.
And uh, you know and I alwayslike using the example of when I
was 18 years old I dated a girlthat you know, quickly, you
know, kind of fell in love withand when I could afford it, I
(08:55):
took her to a nice dinner.
We were about maybe a month anda half in her dating and you
know, I was only 18.
And you know, we went out todinner and she started asking me
questions about my future.
You know, where do I see myself, you know, 10 years from now?
How many kids do I want?
Do I want a dog?
What kind of house do Ienvision?
And nobody's ever asked mequestions like that.
(09:15):
I mean, it really caught me offguard.
But you know, I answered all ofthem the best I could and at
the end of it she said well, youknow, that's exactly what I
wanted for my life.
And I could tell that shereally liked me.
Now, and when I got home thatnight I laid in bed just
thinking what makes you thinkyou're going to get all the
things that you want and thiskind of mirrors.
(09:36):
You know my relationship withGod.
You know what makes you thinkyou're going to get it.
I was a high school dropout.
I was smoking pot and I justthought there's no way you're
going to be able to provide forher all those things unless you
start making changes.
And so about a week later Iwent and enlisted in the US Army
, and the reason I share thatstory is because that's kind of
(09:59):
what happened to me.
When I came to Christ, you know,I realized that I was on this
road, that there is no way I'mpleasing God with this road.
I got to change a lot of thingsabout my life and I started, I
started changing a lot of things.
I started, you know, hangingout with, or stopped hanging out
with, certain friends that Iknew I can't change if I'm
(10:20):
hanging out with these people,and so I stopped doing that.
I stopped watching some of theshows I was watching, you know,
and some of the music I waslistening to.
I started making a lot ofchanges in my life because I
just had this heart that Ireally wanted to please God.
And you know, when you read theBible, god's biggest desire for
(10:42):
our life is to be transformed tothe likeness of his son.
And you know, and that's what Iwant.
And you know, ever since I madethat change and I had that
hunger, I've witnessed hundredsof people.
In the last 30 years, you know,I've witnessed the people on
planes and stores.
You know everywhere and stores,you know everywhere.
(11:07):
And and the reason I do that isbecause when I found myself
thinking that I was in goodstanding with God and realized I
wasn't, I figured how manyother people are just like me?
And, uh, you know it, it becamea passion of mine and I believe
I have a gift for it, because Inever really offend people.
You know, maybe they may changethe conversation, but I've never
really offended anybody towhere they get angry or get
(11:28):
upset.
And I can't tell you how manyemails I received after a
conversation with a client thatI was with Because, like I said,
I was driving around visitingclients.
I can't tell you how manyemails I received saying, hey,
man, I really appreciated ourconversation the other day.
I just want you to know that mywife and I decided to start
(11:48):
going to church and we're evengoing to start going to Sunday
school class.
And, man, I would be praise God.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
So what's the, what's the main message?
That you know if we had morethan the three people that
listen to this podcast, you knowif it was, let's say, seven.
Or you know if we had more thanthe three people that listen to
this podcast, you know if itwas, let's say, seven.
Or you know 70,000, or maybe acouple million.
What is it you would want themto know?
Speaker 4 (12:20):
That you know.
Jesus said that no one will seethe kingdom of God unless
they're born again.
And you need to be born again.
And being born again is notjust an idea, it's not just a
feeling, it's actually a rebirth, and that's, I think, why he
used the born again.
It's about a new life andthat's what I try to get people
(12:42):
to understand that you give upyour old life and start living a
new life.
It doesn't mean it all changesovernight.
It's a process.
But look, I don't believe thatthe Holy Spirit enters any
person's body and then there'sno change, because that would
mean that the Holy Spirit failedto do its job, and we know that
can't be true.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Right.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
Now, for some people there's major changes right away
, but for others it's gradualchanges.
But if you don't see a change,and let me give you an example
let's say you had a friend ofyours that was 100 pounds
overweight and you met for lunchand when he sat down at
whatever restaurant you met at,he had a CrossFit shirt on and
(13:25):
you looked at him and thoughtCrossFit, and he said, yeah, I
just won CrossFit.
And you're like, oh, okay.
He said, yeah, I want to getinto shape.
You know, I want to make somechanges.
And you're like man, that'sgreat.
And then six months later youhaven't seen him.
But you, you meet again forlunch and he looks like he
gained weight.
Now, even though he's a memberof CrossFit, is he really doing
(13:49):
the CrossFit training?
No, and that's what I try toteach people.
You know, just because you go tochurch, just because you're a
member of church, doesn't meanyou're a Christian.
It's like buying a diet book.
You know, just because you buythe diet book doesn't mean
you're on a diet.
Just because you read the dietbook doesn't mean you're on a
diet.
You're not on a die until youstart taking what you're reading
and actually implementing inyour life, and that's how I look
(14:12):
at Christianity.
You're really not truly savedunless you read what you're
reading You're actuallyimplementing into your life.
Now, look, we're not going to beperfect and I don't want your
viewers to think that I believein work salvation, because I
(14:33):
don't.
I believe in election, and weare the people that don't even
work salvation at all.
But you know who?
Was it?
Not Paul James, wasn't it Jamesthat said works without faith
is dead and it's kind of.
You know, the way I like toexplain it is if you walk up to
an apple tree and you seedelicious apples, the apples is
not what gives the apple life.
The apples show that the treehas good life, and if the apples
(15:01):
were rotten, they didn't lookappealing.
Then you know the tree is sickand that's why Jesus said buy
their fruits.
You will know them.
It's because we're doing thethings that we're supposed to be
doing now.
You know, like I said, if we'renot going to be perfect, we're
going to mess up, and I mess upall the time.
But the difference is from myprevious self and now is I don't
(15:22):
like when I mess up, you know,I get on my knees and repent
when I do something that I knewI shouldn't have done and I wake
up the next morning, you know,with a different attitude,
wanting to, you know, wanting tocorrect what I did Not correct
it to, so I'm forgiven, butcorrect it to please God,
(15:42):
because I know what he did onthe cross.
He's already forgiven me, yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Yeah, I appreciate the clarification on on you know
the, the, the works,righteousness, and um, I think
that's really important,important to note, um, and and I
would agree with you that there, you know there should be,
there should be fruit.
Right, If we don't have, youknow, fruit in our lives, uh,
after making a decision to, tofollow Jesus, you know
(16:09):
something's off, something's offand um, you know.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
So, yeah, I mean, don't you think we live in a
culture today where Jesus is awatered down Jesus?
Speaker 2 (16:21):
Oh, I think, um, yeah , I think that that that's very
true in many, many respects,Absolutely.
Yeah, I would agree with that,yeah, I would agree with that
and really just, I mean, youknow, or just watered down
Christianity, we should bepretty intentional and have a
sense of intensity about ourfaith and about our walk.
If Jesus is more than a friend,he is God and our savior and if
(17:10):
, if we are, which we are calledto be his apprentice you know
his apprentices if we'reapprenticing with Jesus, um, you
know that requires time, thatrequires commitment, uh,
requires cost.
All right, I mean all thosethings you're talking about, and
(17:30):
I think that that is somethingthat unfortunately, probably
isn't even really talked aboutall that much.
And if it were, I think mostwould opt out.
Right, that's the wide road asopposed to the narrow path and
(17:51):
the narrow gate.
You know there's sacrificerequired, there's a cost.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Oh yeah, you know.
I think today too many churchesonly focus on God's grace
without ever talking about man'saccountability.
I've even heard pastors saydon't try, you're just going to
fail.
You know God has forgiven us.
You know if you try to pullyourself up from your own
bootstrap, you're just going tofail, and I don't like that
(18:17):
approach.
And here's why you know in anyrelationship, if you're in a
marriage, if you're and you'renot, you're in a failed marriage
.
Or you're in, you're a parent,you're a father or a mother and
you're in a failed marriage, oryou're a parent, you're a father
or a mother and you're notdoing a very good job and you
know it with your kids.
You can go see counseling andthe counselor is going to give
you advice on what to do toimprove either the marriage or
(18:40):
your parenthood relationshipwith your kids.
Now I've never heard of acounsel telling a couple don't
try, because neither one of youare going to do the things that
I recommend.
Perfectly no, actually, thecouple that actually sees
progress and improvement intheir marriage is the couple
(19:02):
that takes the things that thecounsel recommended and actually
implements it into theirmarriage.
And you know those are the onesthat see a difference in their
marriage, but it's the try-inthat shows that they love the
other person.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Yeah, there's a lot to there's a lot to be said, for
you know spiritual disciplines,for you know spiritual
disciplines, you know thedisciplines of prayer and
meditation, the discipline ofyou know reading the scriptures.
You know the disciplines.
And so I think yeah, I thinkit's a slippery slope we could
(19:39):
easily fall into the trap ofbehavior modification and say,
well, if I just change, you know, if I change this behavior, you
know these habits, which, um,not to say that there might not
be some that need to be changed,but you know, jesus, that's why
you want to change.
Speaker 4 (20:08):
It's kind of like being married to your spouse.
It's not working.
You love her.
You go see counseling and thecounselor tells you this is what
you need to be doing.
This is what you're doing wrong.
Well, if you truly love yourspouse, you're going to make
those changes.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
Yeah, there's a quote that I'm reminded of that I
think you're touching on here,and it's this it's not only are
we unable to will ourselves intoholy living, we can't think
ourselves into new ways ofliving, we live ourselves into
(20:45):
new ways of thinking.
So it's in the disciplines andit's in how we live, and it's in
, it's in the the, the behaviors, it's in our the love for, you
know, for others, you know, allthe things that we're called to
do.
It's in that that develop newways of thinking, new patterns
(21:09):
of thinking, which isChrist-like thinking, and, um,
so it's.
It's, it's sort of this flip on, you know, behavior
modification.
It's not about like, willingourselves to be or do better,
right, um, so anyway, I don'tknow if that, if that, makes
sense, but it kind of remindedme.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
I like that Sarge.
Oh, thanks yeah.
We live our way into a new wayof thinking Is that oh, thanks,
yeah, we live our way into a newway of thinking, is that?
Speaker 2 (21:27):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Hmm, yep, that's a good one.
Yep, yep.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Yeah, so, daniel, I've got a.
It's a tiny tangent but it'sprobably worthwhile given what
you've said so far.
You know, I feel there's aparadigm shift.
When you said we have a watereddown Jesus, I'm thinking about
my pool right, my foxhole has agroup of guys in it that are
full strength Jesus, right, and.
But there's a fairlyprecipitous drop-off outside of
(21:56):
that, in my opinion, in theculture in the world, and it's
very watered down.
So I agree with that.
But it made me think of justsome paradigms I've had in
looking at my life, just with myfamily, and how things change.
You know, we often I would saywe I often lament things aren't
what they used to be.
I remember growing up I'm 10, 12, 14 years old.
(22:20):
It's late 60s, early 70s.
Led Zeppelin and the Beatlesare out and my parents just
hated it.
They just hated that music,right.
And so I find myself today.
I do not like hip-hop, I'm notgood at that, right.
I think it's noisy and justdoesn't work for me, and so
that's my lament.
My parents had theirs, I havemine.
I often walk around thinkingabout and Sarge hears me say
(22:44):
this so often I refer to theworld as noisy and messy.
Today.
I find solace in the Word.
I find solace in the Bible, inmy friends, in Christian podcast
movies, the Bible Project,teaching there, because there's
peace there, it's quiet and Iwant to draw people there.
I try to convince people, menparticularly that immersion in
(23:10):
the word and that time spentwhat you're doing, listening to
multiple sermons each week justthe most valuable time versus
social media and other things.
So there's actually a questionhere.
Do you think that today theworld is it just another case of
(23:30):
?
I think it's noisy, you know,because I'm, you know, I'm 66
years old and I've gotten to apoint in my life where I don't
like noise that much.
Or is that really what's goingon out there?
Is there something differentabout it?
And I'm heading towards yourbook when you say time is
running out.
I'm wondering if it's justanother case of that
generational lamaze of you knowthings were always better, you
(23:54):
know, in the greatest generation.
What's your experience when itcomes to kind of the lens you
look at the world today versusyesterday and also tomorrow?
Speaker 4 (24:06):
Well, I think there's a lot of similarities between
you know when?
I was a kid and today.
But I think the difference isthere's a demonic force that's
heavily moving across this worldto take control and I really
see that demonic force and whatit's doing to our culture.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Can you go a little deeper with that?
Speaker 4 (24:32):
Yeah, I mean, you know, I just think people, you
know the demonic force issplitting up families.
It's putting people to wherethe only person they care about
is themselves.
They only care about.
You know, when you look atsocial media today, it's all
about me, it's all about mebeing successful, it's all about
(24:54):
how many likes I get.
I think that people reallywe're at a point in life now
where people don't care too muchabout other people anymore.
It's all about them.
And you know, and I think thedemonic force is uh destroying
families.
I think there's more divorcesin the church than there was
(25:16):
when I was a kid.
I mean, it's always been bad,uh, but I I think it's grown a
lot, and I just think that weare coming to the end times and
that's why the, the demonicforces is moving full force.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
I think they know it I'm presuming this type of
information is in your book.
Yes, yes, okay.
Well, let's talk about it.
Let's talk about your.
Your bio talks about beingprepared and vigilant for
christ's return, demonic forcescoming to the end times.
Let's play that out a littlebit.
Tell us what you're thinkingand more about what your book
(25:54):
includes.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
Well, you know, whenever I talk about end times,
you know the famous phraseeverybody always throws out is
no-noser day of the hour.
And look, I was in that camptoo, that's you know.
I used to throw that out allthe time and the funny thing is
(26:18):
is, including myself, most ofthe people that I talked to, I
would say all of them, everybodythat throws out that verse has
never studied in time.
It's just a verse that theylearned from their pastor or
from a friend and they saw theverse.
You know that's quoted inMatthew and they use it all the
time.
But that's quoted in Matthewand they use it all the time.
But that's not what Jesus meant.
And I think that Christians makethree mistakes when it comes to
end time stuff.
Number one is the seven-yeartribulation.
(26:41):
There is no seven-yeartribulation.
The Bible, there is not onemention of a seven-year
tribulation in the entire Bible,from Genesis to Revelation Not
one.
So tribulation has been aroundsince Jesus has been around.
All tribulation is is, you know, pressure put under Christians,
you know persecution underChristians because of Jesus.
(27:03):
That's tribulation.
So from the time Jesus wasaround to the midpoint of the
70th week of Daniel, the lastseven years, there's always been
tribulation.
But, like I said, jesus drewthe line and he called the
second half the greattribulation, where the great
tribulation is?
The entire world now beingpersecuted, christians being
(27:23):
persecuted.
So that's the difference.
Mistake number two is throwingout the line.
You know no one knows the dayof the hour.
Jesus.
You know no one knows the dayor the hour.
Jesus didn't say no one knowsthe day or the hour.
What he actually said is aboutthat day and hour.
No man knows, not even theangels, nor the son of man, only
the father.
So what he's actually saying isabout that day of his return,
(27:46):
that day and hour.
No one knows the exact time,which is true.
No one knows the exact time.
But here's the thing thatchanged everything.
So I'm going to throw this outto your listeners.
How does a God in his infinitewisdom keep everybody for 2,000
years from the time of Jesus,thinking that he could come at
(28:08):
any time, but then reveal it tothe generation when he does come
back?
And he was a genius?
Well, he is.
But I mean you don't the piecethat you're a prophecy.
There's a prophecy that, onceit's fulfilled, you have the key
piece to start putting thepieces together to know when
(28:30):
he's returned.
Well, you don't let thatprophecy be fulfilled until the
generation of his return, andthat prophecy is Israel becoming
a nation in 1948.
Without that piece, no one canfigure out when he's coming back
.
But now that that's happenedyou can figure it out.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Well, you've, you've.
There's a lot of a lot ofthought food there, an awful lot
, and this, obviously, youexplain this in in agonizing
detail in your book.
Yes, you also speak about this.
You said you did a video.
So is this just something youput out on YouTube?
Or?
Yeah, I have a YouTube channelcalled Life on the Narrow Road.
You also speak about this.
You said you did a video, so isthis just something you put out
on YouTube?
Or?
Speaker 4 (29:10):
Yeah, I have a YouTube channel called Life on
the Narrow Road.
You know, when I first startedthe channel, I wasn't going to
talk about end times.
I just wanted to talk about dosome Bible lessons and about
growing my relationship with God.
But I wasn't getting that manylikes and actually it was my son
that convinced me to start theYouTube channel.
I wasn't going to do it.
And my son said dad, you know,ever since I was a little kid,
(29:32):
everywhere we went, you wouldwitness the people.
He said I hated it.
He goes, I get it now, but as akid I hated it.
He said but you were born to dothis, so I decided to give it a
try and I told him.
I said you know, it's not goinglike I thought it would.
I said, maybe I need to do avideo about end times.
And he's like dad, really.
And I said, well, who knows?
And then he goes.
(29:52):
You know what I've been wrongabout a lot of things.
Dad, do one, I did one.
I got over 2,500 views and I'mlike, okay, this is what people
want.
So I started doing more andmore about end times stuff.
Speaker 1 (30:03):
How long have you been doing that?
Speaker 4 (30:06):
A year now.
Speaker 1 (30:07):
Interesting.
Do you have any idea what yourdemographic is?
Who's listening to that?
When you say that's what theywant, who's they?
The majority is 40 and above.
Okay, makes sense, daniel.
(30:31):
We need.
We need you talking about it.
We really do.
I mean, let's just be real.
There's a lot of voicesshouting at our kids, young
adults, you know, with a messagethat certainly doesn't have
anything to do with what'shappening in the Bible a long
time ago or today.
So I say hallelujah, you know,for anything that you can put
out there, and it sounds likeyou've done your Bible homework
and understand some of thedetails.
(30:51):
So I think it's a great thing.
Speaker 4 (30:53):
You know I told you I found a new church about a year
ago.
You know I did a lot ofsearching, you know was getting
kind of tired of visiting allthese churches, finally found a
church in Prosper, texas.
And you know, after I found thechurch I met the pastor and we
went out to lunch and we talkedabout end times.
And you know he listened to meand about a month and a half
(31:14):
later he called me up, said hewants to meet again, talk some
more.
And we talked some more andafter about the fourth lunch
he's on board.
Man, he says Dan, there's toomuch here.
And, matter of fact, on Sundayhe gave a sermon this past
Sunday for the first time he'stalking about look, you know, he
(31:35):
said there are over 600prophecies of Jesus.
He said did you know?
Only one third is about hisfirst coming.
Two thirds are about his secondcoming.
But we're always focused on hisfirst coming.
Nobody's paying attention tothe second.
He goes look, I've been payingattention and I'm seeing signs.
That's what he told thecongregation.
(31:55):
Now he did tell me that hethinks he's going to have me
start teaching classes on endtime.
(32:23):
Opportunity right In littlelittle prosper Texas.
What'd you say?
350 people, daniel, we're justso.
You know, we're big fans of theripple effect, where you drop a
pebble in the pond and thoseripples start going.
And you and I was telling him,you know, nobody wants to hear
this, they just want to be leftalone and live their life.
Why?
And everybody keeps saying now,you know, no one knows the day
or the hour, and I'm like, ok,when are we going to know?
You know, I mean, it's been2000 years.
When is the right time?
(32:43):
Another 500 years?
Then would you believe, anotherthousand years.
Then then would you believeAnother thousand years.
Then would you believe.
And the answer is it doesn'tmatter if we go 5,000 years.
Nobody wants their life to becut short.
That's the problem.
People want to just keep livingtheir life, doing what they
want or enjoying the lifethey're living, and they just
want to be left alone.
But you know, the problem is,you know, revelation tells us,
(33:06):
in the end times, brother willbetray brother and sister will
betray sister.
Why?
It's because they're notmentally prepared for what's
coming.
I mean, what's coming is bad.
Now the end is good, we knowthe end, we have the script.
So the ending is good, butgetting to the ending is going
(33:30):
to be bad.
Speaker 1 (33:30):
And what's between here and there?
Speaker 4 (33:32):
Yeah, yeah, and I can see people in a church
betraying each other to survivebecause they were never mentally
prepared.
And you know, the Bible alsotalks about God sending a great
delusion that's going to fooleverybody except the elect.
And he said, he says the elect,but then he says, if it was
(33:53):
possible, it's going to be sogreat that even the elect are
going to be thinking they'regoing to have to think about it
and then say no, this can't beright.
Speaker 2 (34:03):
I mean listen, it's a fascinating conversation.
We we, you know we don't talkabout it much.
Speaker 1 (34:09):
I mentioned that to.
Speaker 2 (34:09):
Daniel earlier.
I appreciate your heart, daniel, for people.
I mean, that's what I wouldlike to say.
I appreciate your heart forpeople, that your, your, your,
your heart is evident.
You know, behind the topic of,you know, time is running out
and the end the end is near, andso, out and the end, the end is
(34:33):
near, and so you know, um, it'snot a doesn't come across as a
scare tactic or fear mongeringor you know it.
It it does come across as youreally, you know, wanting the
best for people and life offaith.
You know, and to be intentionalabout that, to be aware, to be
(34:59):
alert, right To be alert, whichwe need to be, and I need to be
reminded of it daily, daily.
Speaker 4 (35:08):
And just so your listeners know, you know the
subtitle of the book is calledAm I Really in Good Standing
with God.
80% of the book is about thatit's about being in right
standing with God, and then 20%of the book is about end time.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (35:22):
But I go into much greater detail.
I give more scripture verses.
You know I use the Israelbecoming a nation in 1948 as the
key to being able to put allthe pieces together.
But I didn't even use any ofthe other parables Jesus talked
about.
But you can find those in mybook.
Speaker 1 (35:42):
Okay, awesome.
Well, we'd like to leave thedoor open a crack.
We often do with our guestsbecause I'm going to read your
book now.
There's enough, like I said,brain food there, and once I do,
I'm sure we'll have questions.
Maybe it could just be aconnection that we have via
email, but also having you backon the podcast is not out of the
question.
So we will look forward todoing that with you.
(36:03):
We thank you very much formaking time with us, our three
guests, as Sarge has pointed out, three listeners I'm sorry, not
guests teasing, it's Mark, meand the maestro.
Right, we listen to everyone,daniel, but, with that said,
very appreciative of your time,the investment you're making for
(36:29):
the kingdom, your community,I'm hoping your home as well.
It's grassroots informationthat people need to hear because
, yeah, it's just not on theradar, daniel, at least it's not
hanging, like sarge just said.
I just came back from a markedman phase one experience.
There were 75 guys there andsarge is right, there is.
There is a little talk aboutone less breath, but you've gone
at it from, I, I think, adifferent angle and being
(36:51):
prepared and vigilant are theright words.
We have to promote that more.
So thanks for that.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
Yeah, no problem, mark.
Steve, I want to thank you forhaving me here.
I mean, it's been a pleasure totalk about my book and you know
I just want to change people'sheart.
And look, the main thing.
People always ask me you know,what can I do to prepare?
And I said, look, the firstthing you got to do is make sure
your heart's right, because itdoesn't matter if you're
(37:18):
prepared, you know for what'scoming in.
Your heart's not right, it'snot going to matter.
Speaker 2 (37:23):
Yeah, amen.
So the book is Time is RunningOut, by Daniel Ochoa and the
YouTube channel.
Again, how can we find you onYouTube?
It is Life on the Narrow Road.
Life on the Narrow Road, loveit, awesome.
Speaker 1 (37:38):
Daniel, thank you very much, god bless you brother
.
Speaker 4 (37:40):
Peace, bye.
Speaker 3 (37:44):
Whatever you do, don't miss the off ramp.
As we lean into ourrelationships with God, with our
spouse, with our children, withour brothers and sisters in
Christ, with our neighbors, wefall down and grow, we fail and
(38:06):
learn.
We get broken down and getbuilt back up.
As we stay focused on Jesus, welearn how to move forward, we
learn how to stay on mission andwe learn how to be made new
Born again.
Time is running out, men.
(38:26):
Time is running out.
Lord, please continue to usethis podcast to impact the lives
of all who listen.
I ask that you would bring hopeand healing to each and every
one of them.
Meet them right where they areand reveal yourself to them like
only you can do.
In Jesus' name amen.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
If you enjoyed today's episode, please share it
and invite others to theFoxhole In Jesus' name.
Amen to social media networksby searching foxhole symphony or
visit foxholesymphonycom tomake it super easy to find us.
Drop us a line with feedback,questions, topic requests.
Who knows, maybe you'll be aguest on a future episode.
In the meantime, prepare tomove, embrace discomfort and
(39:21):
just be you.
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