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376: A woman's powerful journey from religious extremism to authentic faith reveals the stark difference between controlling religion and true Christianity. Growing up in the Fraternal Society of St. Peter meant living under strict rules, complete isolation, and predetermined life paths. At 12 years old, she was told her only options were marriage or becoming a nun. The breaking point came when her parents blamed her for a sexual assault and prioritized their image over her safety. After carefully planning her escape, she rebuilt her life through physical distance, healthy relationships, and reconnecting with cut-off family members. Her story demonstrates that true faith offers freedom, love, and grace rather than manipulation, fear, and control.

Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.

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375: What happens when a stay-at-home dad with a decade of youth outreach experience decides to run for the Texas House? We sit down with District 50 candidate John Hash to map the road from everyday life to the state Capitol, translating committee-speak, ballot rules, and campaign realities into plain English. If you’ve ever wondered how bills are crafted, why fundraising expands staff power, or what a representative can actually change for local schools, this conversation gives you a clear window into the process.

If you care about Texas politics, public education, and the moral foundations behind policy, this episode will challenge and equip you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves local civics, and leave a review with the one change you’d make for Texas schools. Your feedback shapes what we tackle next.

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374: A 15-minute walk into a Venezuelan church changed everything. Manny grew up in Iran with loving, educated parents, a strict culture, and a head full of questions no one would answer. Kickboxing and Muay Thai gave him structure; wrestling shaped his base; but joy in worship—clapping, singing, smiling—gave him a first taste of freedom. That brief encounter set him on a path through Damascus, deep into Costa Rica, and eventually into a life built around language, resilience, and the mats. His perspective on freedom isn’t theoretical; it’s earned, layered, and fiercely protective.

If you crave a story that blends courage, immigration, entrepreneurship, and the quiet miracles that show up when you’re almost out of options, this one will stay with you. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review telling us: what does freedom feel like to you?

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373: What if your most generous years aren’t behind you, but right in front of you? We sit down with Jake Ridley, a faith-driven wealth advisor and church board treasurer, to unpack how a clear plan and a grounded theology of money can turn fear into purposeful action. From estate strategies that nudge giving upward today to the surprising reality that most retirees underspend, this conversation bridges spiritual conviction with practical tools.

If this episode challenged how you think about money and mission, share it with a friend, subscribe for more faith-and-finance conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s one step you’ll take this week toward intentional generosity?

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372: Pride shows up in strange outfits, and ours wore a white dress. We share how engagement exposed pride, how confession and forgiveness changed the room, and why gratitude lowers anxiety. Then we answer a listener’s question on the parable of the ten virgins and explain why oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and readiness. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs calm in the chaos, and leave a review to help others find these conversations.

Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.

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371: A throwaway line about “mutual submission” sparked a storm—and a much-needed deep dive. We open the Bible, sit with the tension, and then walk into the real-life mess of engagement, decision-making, and what loving leadership actually looks like when two strong people share a future. No formulas, no clichés, just a honest look at Ephesians 5 and how it plays out when feelings are high and stakes are higher.

If this conversation stretched you or gave you language for your own home, share it with a friend. Subscribe, leave a review to help others find the show, and text us your questions at 737-231-0605 so we can tackle them next.

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A Supreme Court fight, a crisis of conscience, and a hard look at justice—this conversation moves fast and cuts deep. We open with Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors and why the 10th Circuit’s framing of “harmful professional conduct” raises alarms for counselors who practice faith-informed talk therapy. Where does protected speech end and regulated treatment begin? We unpack why the distinction matters for pastors, parents, and practitioners who want to teach biblical sexual ethics without tripping legal wires.

Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.

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369: A simple question about “priests before the Law” opens a door into one of Scripture’s most fascinating arcs. We trace the roles of prophet, priest, and king before Sinai, explore Jethro’s surprising faithfulness, and sit with the mystery of Melchizedek—king of Salem, priest of God Most High—who foreshadows Jesus as our eternal priest‑king. Along the way, we show why tithing, sacrifice, prayer, and Sabbath rhythms didn’t start with Moses; they were clarified by the Law and fulfilled in Christ.

Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.

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368: A stadium filled with worship, national leaders in the room, and the gospel preached without flinching—some moments refuse to stay “cultural.” We unpack why Charlie Kirk's memorial became a spiritual inflection point and how it’s stirring unexpected courage, repentance, and renewed interest in church across the country. From claims of martyrdom to the evidence behind motive, we grapple with the costs of public truth-telling and the conviction that it’s better to face danger than to live afraid of speaking what’s true.

Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.

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Pastor Plek and guest co-host Ruben Campos from Lifeway navigate the challenging intersection of faith and politics in an increasingly polarized world. They explore how Christian leaders should respond to political violence, cultural controversies, and personal questions of faith in everyday life.

• Discussion of the Charlie Kirk assassination attempt and whether pastors should address political events from the pulpit
• Examination of how Christian leaders can maintain biblical truth while acknowledging political tensions
• Reflection on accusations of racism against public figures and how to evaluate such claims fairly
• Analysis of the relationship between religious belief and political engagement throughout scripture
• Exploration of how pastors can lead congregations through divisive political moments
• Discussion on whether "celebrity crushes" are compatible with Christian relationships and marriage
• Consideration of when admiration crosses into idolatry and objectification

Text your questions to us at 737-231-0605 or visit pastorplek.com. We talk faith, culture, and everything in between.

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