The Hopeful Heretic Podcast

Banquets of the Kingdom: From Table Fellowship to Miraculous Feasts

The HHP Podcast | The Kingdom Banquet: Feeding the Multitudes (Matthew 14–15)
This week on the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke (Senior Pastor of HFF Church, Oklahoma City) continues our journey through the banquet imagery in the Gospel of Matthew. After looking at the Kingdom table in Matthew 9—where Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, sparking outrage from the religious leaders—we now turn to one of the most famous banquets of all: the feeding of the 5,000 and the 4,000 (Matthew 14–15).
These miraculous feedings were more than meals in the wilderness. They were living testimonies that Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, and the fulfillment of Israel’s long-awaited hope. Through breaking, blessing, and giving bread, Jesus not only fed hungry crowds but foreshadowed the communion table and revealed that the Kingdom of Heaven isn’t far off—it’s here, now, and available in Him.
Join us as we explore:🍞 Why the feedings were real, literal, and deeply symbolic🍞 How Matthew ties these miracles into the bigger banquet theme of the Kingdom🍞 Why Jesus satisfying physical hunger points to Him as the only One who can satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger
We may be right. We may be heretical. That’s for you to decide.
👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation as we talk all things Bible, church, and family.

Pressing Pause — Discovering the Gift of Sabbath | Podcast with Michael & Salah Hirsch

We’re breaking from our usual quick-hit HHP Podcast style to bring you a rich “table talk” conversation with long-time friends Michael & Selah Hirsch — authors of the brand-new book Pressing Pause, all about the beauty and gift of Sabbath.
This isn’t theory. For years, the Hirsch family lived life at full speed — leading organizations, raising four kids, running triathlons, and building businesses. But then God invited them into something they never expected: the rest, rhythm, and joy of Sabbath.
We talk about:
    - Their journey from nonstop busyness to Sabbath peace    - How our friendship played a role in their discovery    - The Jewish roots of Sabbath and the feasts    - Why rest can actually transform your Christian faith and family life
Whether you’re curious about Sabbath, hungry for a deeper walk with God, or just need permission to slow down, this episode will inspire and challenge you.
📚 Pressing Pause by Michael & Salah Hirsch – Available now at https://startsabbath.com/
🎙 Subscribe for more Bible, church, and family conversations.
#sabbath #sabbathday #sabbathkeeper #sabbathrest #theway #sabbathtruth #sabbathforchristians #christiansabbath #newbook #sabbathbook 

Banqueting with Sinners | Matthew 9 and the Radical Table of Jesus

Can you imagine getting invited to sit at the table with Jesus Himself—the Messiah—only to say… "I'm too busy"?
In this week’s episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke rewinds from Matthew 22 to Matthew 9:10–13 to explore a deeper layer of the banquet metaphor. This time, Jesus isn’t dining with kings or religious elites—but with tax collectors and sinners.
📖 What does it mean when the King of Heaven reclines at a table with the outcasts?Why were the “righteous” offended?And how often do we create our own spiritual hierarchies that push people away from the table of grace?
🕯️ We’ll discuss:
The historical and cultural meaning of reclining at a feast
The contrast between the Passover and Greek symposiums
Why Jesus’ choice of dinner companions shattered religious expectations
How self-righteousness still divides us today
The power of grace and restoration at the table of the Kingdom
This isn’t just about meals—it’s about mission. Jesus didn't come for those who think they have it all figured out. He came for those who know they need saving. And His table is open to them… and to us.
🙏 If this episode has blessed you, consider sharing it with someone who needs to know they’re invited too.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe | 📤 Share🌐 Support or find more content at https://hff.church📍 Join us for Saturday Church in Oklahoma City every Saturday at 10:30 AM.
#JesusAndSinners #Matthew9 #BanquetOfGrace #HHPPodcast #MessianicFaith #ChurchPodcast #KingdomOfHeaven #TaxCollectorsAndSinners #HFFChurchOKC

The Banquet Is Ready | Matthew 22 & the Kingdom Invitation

What does a banquet have to do with the Kingdom of Heaven?
In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke explores the powerful imagery of the banquet throughout Scripture—especially in Matthew 22, where Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast. This isn't just about food, fellowship, or fun. It’s about the radical invitation of the Gospel, the seriousness of sacred space, and the glory of entering God's Kingdom on His terms—not ours.
🕯️ We’ll explore:
Why many rejected the King’s invitation
What it means to show up “unprepared”
How the banquet reveals the heart of the Gospel
The cultural context of feasting and its eternal implications
How this connects to the Messianic understanding of God’s feasts
Whether you’ve studied Matthew for years or you're just starting, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and hopefully deepen your understanding of what it truly means to be invited to God’s table.
🔔 Subscribe for more Bible deep-dives, church & family discussions, and cultural commentary rooted in Scripture.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 📤 Share with a friend🌐 Learn more or support the ministry: https://hff.church
🕍 Join us for Saturday Church in Oklahoma City — every Saturday at 10:30 AM.
#BanquetParable #Matthew22 #KingdomOfHeaven #WeddingFeast #JesusIsKing #BiblePodcast #MessianicFaith #HHPPodcast #HFFChurchOKC

Comfort Is the Enemy: Rediscovering Radical Faith in a Soft Culture

We don’t need more fans of Jesus—we need people on mission with Jesus.
In today’s episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Franke (Senior Pastor at HFF Church in OKC) gets real about the tension many modern believers feel: how do we actually follow Jesus in a culture built on comfort, convenience, and self-promotion?
We’re asking the hard questions:🔹 What does true discipleship look like in today’s world?🔹 Are we building brands… or building the Kingdom?🔹 Has our faith become admiration from a distance rather than boots-on-the-ground obedience?
From foxes and nests to American Christianity and TikTok theology, this episode unpacks the urgent need for believers to move beyond safe religion and step into radical obedience.
🎯 Topics include:
The difference between fans and followers
How comfort has become the counterfeit calling
The cost of Kingdom living in modern culture
Living on mission—right where you are
What it means to apprentice Jesus in daily life
It’s time to stop asking, “What’s my purpose?” and start asking, “What does obedience look like today?”
📍 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe!💻 Want to support the podcast or dive into more resources? Visit https://hff.church🕊️ Join us in person every Saturday at 10:30 AM in OKC!
#HHPPodcast #KingdomOnMission #21stCenturyFaith #RadicalDiscipleship #ApprenticeJesus #ComfortVsCalling #JesusIsKing #KingdomInAction #HFFChurch #FaithInTheRealWorld #ChristianityInCulture #DieToSelf #ObedientFaith

Comfort vs. Calling: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”Simple words. Profound truth.
In this episode of the HHP Podcast, Pastor Chris Frankie (Senior Pastor of HFF Church in OKC) dives deep into one of Jesus’ most poetic and challenging statements from Matthew 8:20. What seems like a soft metaphor becomes a direct confrontation with our desire for comfort, control, and stability.
🔹 What does it really mean to follow Jesus?🔹 Are we willing to walk a road that offers no earthly refuge?🔹 Are we apprenticing Jesus—or something else?
This isn't just about ancient foxes and birds—this is about the uncomfortable call to live a life on mission, just like our Messiah. Discipleship comes at a cost, and Jesus never hides the price.
🔥 Join us as we unpack themes of:
Self-denial and mission
The tension between comfort and calling
The divinity and humanity of the Son of Man
What it means to truly apprentice the Rabbi from Nazareth
Whether you're in the church, the messianic world, or just wrestling with Scripture—you're invited to listen, reflect, and decide:Are you part of the crowd… or truly following?
📍 Like, share, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date.💻 For resources, blogs, and how to support this podcast, visit https://hff.church🕊️ Join us in person every Saturday at 10:30 AM in OKC!
#HHPPodcast #Matthew8 #JesusWords #CostOfDiscipleship #FoxesHaveHoles #MessianicTeaching #KingdomInAction #FollowJesus #ApprenticingTheRabbi #SonOfMan #ChurchPodcast #TorahAndMessiah #BibleTeaching #HFFChurch

Yeah I'm Not Really Into Cancel Culture!!!! 🙌

In a world quick to cancel and slow to forgive, Jesus' words in Matthew 7:1 hit home harder than ever:“Judge not, that you be not judged.”
This episode unpacks what Jesus actually meant—not a call to ignore truth, but a warning against hypocrisy, harshness, and self-righteousness.
🔥 What you’ll hear:✅ Why cancel culture clashes with Kingdom culture✅ How to correct with compassion instead of condemnation✅ Why self-examination must come before confrontation✅ How judgment done right restores, not shames✅ How the Church can heal from—and avoid—“church hurt”
💡 “Truth without grace will crush. Grace without truth will deceive. Jesus calls us to both.”
✝️ Let’s learn to judge less, love more, and grow together in the ways of Jesus.
📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit hff.church#HHPpodcast #Matthew7 #KingdomCulture #GraceAndTruth #CancelCulture #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #JesusWords #JudgeNot #ChurchHurt #SelfExamination #SpeakLife

In Jesus's Name Isn't a Blank Check 🔥

We’ve all heard it: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it.” But what does that really mean?
In this episode, Pastor Chris dives deep into John 14:13–14 to dismantle the myth of a "vending machine God" and explore what it truly means to pray in alignment with Jesus' character, mission, and Kingdom.
✅ Why prayer is not about personal gain✅ How culture has warped our view of blessing✅ What holiness actually means in a chaotic world✅ Why your prayers must glorify God—not yourself
🙏 Jesus still answers prayers—but not on our terms. Real prayer is relational, purposeful, and always rooted in surrender.
🔗 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit hff.church💬 Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
#KingdomOverComfort #InJesusName #HHPpodcast #FaithOverFeeling #PrayerLife #BibleTruth #JesusStillAnswers #OnMissionWithJesus #HolinessMatters #podcast #churchpodcast #bibleverseincontext #shortsermon 

Taking Back Your Life and Overcoming Temptations – 1 Corinthians 10:1

Temptation is real. But so is God's faithfulness.
In this episode, we unpack one of the most hope-filled promises in Scripture: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man…” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Whether you’re wrestling with sin, stress, or spiritual discouragement, this verse reminds you that you're not alone—and you’re never without a way out.
🔍 We’ll explore:
Why your struggle isn’t unique—and that’s good news
How God stays faithful even in your weakest moments
What it really means to “not be tempted beyond what you can bear”
How to recognize and take the way of escape when it appears
💡 Bottom Line:Temptation doesn’t define you—your response does. And through God’s strength, you’re not just called to endure, but empowered to overcome.
📲 Don’t miss this practical, grace-filled episode that will equip you to fight temptation in a world full of it—with courage, clarity, and confidence in God’s faithfulness.
#OvercomeTemptation #1Corinthians1013 #GodIsFaithful #FaithInTheStruggle #BiblePodcast #ChristianEncouragement #WayOfEscape #YouAreNotAlone #fightaddictions #recovery #sevendeadlysins #

"Do not Judge" - The Real Meaning of Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge”—one of the most quoted verses in the Bible, and also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we dive deep into Matthew 7:1–5 to uncover what Jesus really meant.
This isn’t a call to abandon discernment—it’s a challenge to abandon hypocrisy.
✅ What you’ll learn:
The difference between righteous and unrighteous judgment
Why context matters when interpreting Scripture
How to lead with humility rather than condemnation
How Jesus’ teaching applies to cancel culture, online outrage, and church disagreements
From planks and specks to social media and real-world relationships, this conversation will challenge you to examine your heart, not just others’ actions.
💡 “Judging isn’t the problem—hypocritical judging is.”
Tune in and discover how to walk in grace, truth, and accountability.
#Podcast #Matthew7 #BiblicalJudgment #JesusSaid #ChristianLiving #GraceAndTruth #CancelCulture #DiscernmentNotCondemnation #podcast #biblecontext #SocialMediaProphets