In this episode of Destiny Awaits, Andrea and Michael dive into Matthew 6 and explore what Jesus meant when He warned against performing righteousness for the approval of others. They discuss the difference between living out authentic faith versus falling into religious performance—where acts of giving, prayer, and fasting become more about external recognition than genuine devotion.

Andrea shares insights from her book The Journey on the importance of heart intentions, and they reflect on personal experiences of evangelism, spiritual growth, and the dangers of hypocrisy in both ministry and social media. Together, they challenge listeners to evaluate their own motives, encouraging a faith that is real, intimate, and rooted in relationship with God rather than outward appearances.

Join the conversation and be encouraged to live from a place of sincerity, not showmanship.

🔹 Topics Covered:

• Moving from external rituals to internal transformation
• The true meaning of hypocrisy in Scripture
• The temptation of religious performance and virtue signaling
• Practical ways to check our heart intentions in daily life
• Encouragement for personal prayer and deepening relationship with God

📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

💬 What are your thoughts on today’s episode? Let us know in the comments!

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Did Jesus really tell us to be perfect? In this episode, we take a deep dive into Matthew 5:48 and challenge the traditional translation of the word "perfect." What if Jesus wasn’t calling us to flawlessness but instead inviting us into wholeness and maturity? We explore the Greek and Hebrew meanings behind teleios and tamim, uncovering a message that could change how you view your faith journey.

Join us as we break down misconceptions, discuss how this verse has led to unrealistic expectations for many Christians, and offer a fresh, freeing perspective on what Jesus truly meant. Plus, a look ahead to our next discussion on hypocrisy in Matthew 6.

🔹 Brought to you by our sponsor, Paper Crown Media—helping aspiring authors bring their stories to life. Visit www.papercrownmedia.com to learn more.
🔹 Next episode preview: What does the Bible really say about hypocrisy?

📢 Don't forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts! Do you agree with our take? Let’s continue the conversation.

#FaithJourney #BiblicalTruth #JesusSpeaks #BibleStudy #SpiritualGrowth #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianPodcast

Loving our neighbor sounds simple—until that neighbor is difficult, unkind, or even an enemy. In this episode, Andrea and Mike dive deep into Jesus’ command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as part of His powerful Sermon on the Mount. What does it really mean to love those who don’t love us back? How do we honor others while still setting healthy boundaries?

This conversation is both challenging and eye-opening, offering biblical insight and practical wisdom on what true love looks like in action. Plus, we introduce a key Hebrew concept that changes the way we understand love—not as a feeling, but as a commitment to action.

And we’re not done yet! Next week, we’ll continue this discussion and explore what it means to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.

🌟 Listen in and be encouraged! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and connect with us for more conversations on faith, identity, and purpose.

📖 Mentioned in this episode:
➡ The Journey by Andrea John – https://amzn.to/3ERPOGQ

In this special solo episode, Andrea John takes a moment to share her heart, the mission behindDestiny Awaits, and exciting updates for the podcast and beyond. With a growing audience of new listeners, Andrea opens up about why this podcast exists, the vision for the future, and how you can be a part of this journey.

She also introducesVoices of Domestic Abuse andMicah’s Law Florida Project—an initiative dedicated to advocacy, legislative reform, and education for domestic abuse victims. As someone who has walked the road of survival, Andrea is stepping into the role of being a voice for the voiceless, working to push for real change.

Plus, hear about some behind-the-scenes insights into the production ofDestiny Awaits, why consistency matters, and an exciting announcement about a new podcast,Breaking Free from Abuse.

This is an episode about passion, purpose, and stepping into the calling God has placed on Andrea’s life. If you've been impacted byDestiny Awaits, or want to know how to get involved, this episode is for you!

🔹Subscribe & Stay Connected
🔹Join the conversation in the comments
🔹Sign up for the Voices of Domestic Abuse Initiative atAndreaJohn.com

Let’s continue this journey together!

In this special episode of Destiny Awaits, we’re stepping away from our Jesus Speaks series to share something deeply personal and incredibly important—domestic abuse.

As a survivor myself, I know what it’s like to feel trapped, to wonder if things will ever change, and to question whether freedom is even possible. But I also know the power of breaking free, reclaiming your life, and stepping into healing.

Today, I’m reading an excerpt from Breaking Free, my novella that tells the story of Sarah, a woman who finds the courage to escape an abusive relationship for the sake of her daughters. While Sarah’s story is fictional, the emotions, struggles, and triumphs are real—and they reflect the lived experiences of so many.

This episode is more than just a reading. It’s a call to awareness, a voice for those who feel unheard, and an invitation to be part of the conversation. Domestic abuse is a silent epidemic, and it’s time we bring it into the light. That’s why I’m actively working in Florida to strengthen domestic abuse laws and create resources for law enforcement and survivors.

If this story resonates with you or if you want to be part of the change, I’d love to hear from you.

⚠ Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of domestic abuse, including emotional and physical abuse. If these topics are distressing, please listen with care. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, resources for help and support are linked in the show notes.

💜 Listen now and share this episode with someone who might need it.
📖 Get your copy of Breaking Free on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hg6juD
📢 Join the conversation and advocacy efforts: [email protected]

💜 If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your country’s emergency number.

📢 Know someone who needs help? Share these resources. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse.

📞 Emergency Help & Hotlines (U.S.)🌎 International Hotlines🏠 Finding a Safe Place⚖️ Legal Help & Protection Orders💜 Healing & Support for Survivors

#BreakingFree #DomesticAbuseAwareness #SurvivorStories #HopeAndHealing #DestinyAwaitsPodcast #domesticviolence #dv #abusesurvivors

In this bonus episode, Andrea shares an unfiltered conversation with Mike as a sneak peek into their upcoming podcast, Anything and Everything Uncensored. Together, they dive into “Fingerhut Theology,” church culture, and why so many people miss the truth when it comes to faith and scripture.

This candid discussion is full of raw, thought-provoking moments that challenge the status quo and invite listeners to think deeper about what they believe and why. If you’re ready for honest opinions, bold questions, and a glimpse of what’s to come, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Follow Destiny Awaits for more conversations on faith, purpose, and identity—and stay tuned for the launch of Anything and Everything Uncensored!

#FaithUnfiltered #DestinyAwaits #PodcastSneakPeek #AnythingAndEverything

Turn the other cheek." It's one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus, but have we been interpreting it wrong? In this episode, Andrea and Michael dive into the deeper cultural and historical context of Matthew 5:38-42, unpacking what Jesus really meant about nonviolence, justice, and standing up for yourself. Is it about being a doormat, or is it a call to break the cycle of revenge while asserting your dignity?

Join us as we explore the principles of Shalom, the power of creative resistance, and what it truly means to reflect God's love and justice in the face of adversity. We’ll also share some thought-provoking insights from the Bible Project that helped shape this discussion.

👉 Check out the Bible Project episode here:

Don't forget to like, share, and comment! Your engagement helps spread this conversation to those who need it most.

#DestinyAwaits #TurnTheOtherCheek #SermonOnTheMount

In this episode of Destiny Awaits, Andrea and Michael John continue their exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Jesus' teaching about oaths in Matthew 5:33-37. They discuss the historical context behind oaths, the manipulation they enabled, and how Jesus calls His followers to live with integrity and honesty. The conversation also delves into modern-day applications of this teaching, highlighting the importance of letting your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on living truthfully in a world where manipulation is often disguised as honesty.

This episode is in honor and memory of Mica Francis. #JusticeForMica

Episode Sponsor: Written Inspired – Check out their merchandise at writteninspired.com

In this deeply engaging episode of the Destiny Awaits Podcast, Andrea and Michael John tackle the often controversial topics of marriage, divorce, and covenant through the lens of scripture. Starting with the Sermon on the Mount, they explore Jesus’ teachings on divorce, contextualizing them with cultural and historical insights. We discuss key biblical passages, including Genesis, Deuteronomy, Malachi, and the New Testament, to unpack the significance of marriage as a covenant and what breaking it entails.

Andrea shares her personal story of navigating an abusive relationship and the spiritual revelations that gave her peace and clarity about divorce. Mike shares a time where they were condemned to hell for being remarried. They also discuss the challenges of interpreting scripture in modern contexts, the power dynamics in biblical marriages, and how love, honor, and mutual submission reflect God's covenant with humanity.

Listeners will gain fresh perspectives on covenant loyalty, the complexities of divorce, and how to apply biblical truths to modern-day relationships.

Episode Highlights

1. ​ Introduction

• ​ Exploring the topic of divorce as discussed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
• ​ What is marriage? Genesis 1-2
• ​ What is divorce? Deuteronomy 4:1-4
• ​ Marriage as a covenant reflecting God’s relationship with humanity. Ephesians 4

1. ​ Scriptural Foundation & Historical Context

o Matthew 5:31-32 and Matthew 19: Jesus' teaching on divorce.

o Historical context of divorce in Deuteronomy and Jewish cultural debates.

o The three Jewish perspectives on "indecent matter" in Deuteronomy:

 Shammai: Conservative view—divorce only for sexual immorality.

 Hillel: Liberal view—any dissatisfaction could justify divorce.

 Akiba: Aesthetic dissatisfaction (finding a more attractive partner).

o Role of women in ancient society: rights, value, and survival challenges post-divorce.

1. ​ Personal Reflection

• ​ Andrea shares her journey through abuse and understanding divorce as covenant breaking.
• ​ Mike shares a story about receiving condemnation for being remarried
• ​ Abuse, abandonment, and adultery as violations of the marriage covenant.

1. ​ Theological Context

• ​ Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians 7: marriage, divorce, and the cultural crisis of 70 AD.
• ​ Marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5).
• ​ Addressing legalism and the heart of the matter in relationships.

1. ​ Practical Takeaways

• ​ Importance of understanding cultural and historical context in interpreting scripture.
• ​ Encouragement for those navigating divorce, emphasizing God’s love, grace, and forgiveness

Key Scriptures Referenced

• ​ Matthew 5:31-32
• ​ Matthew 19:1-12
• ​ Deuteronomy 24:1-4
• ​ Ephesians 5
• ​ 1 Corinthians 7
• ​ Jeremiah 3:8-10

Extrabiblical Resources Mentioned

• ​ Mishnah, specifically Gitten 9:10
• ​ Writings of Josephus.

o Antiquities 15.259

o Life of Flavius Josephus

Call to Action

• ​ Don’t forget to subscribe, like, comment, and review the podcast to help us reach more people.
• ​ Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this week’s episode!

Links

• ​ In His Image Book: https://amzn.to/3BZy3ob
• ​ The Journey: An Interactive Bible Study: https://amzn.to/40a99u2
• ​ Facebook Page: @journeywithandreajohn
• ​ Instagram: @thejourneywithandrea

• Disclaimer: all accounts in this episode are alleged and from our personal point of view. It is our story, from our perspective.

In this compelling episode of Destiny Awaits, Andrea and Mike dive deep into Jesus’ transformative words from the Sermon on the Mount. What does it truly mean to lust? How does it connect to valuing ourselves and others? We explore the roots of desire, the cultural missteps around sexualization, and the powerful call to live with intention and integrity.

Get ready for an eye-opening discussion on identity, purpose, and honoring the image of God in one another.

🎧 Don't miss this thought-provoking episode!