Ep17: Jose Saenz

Apr 18, 2024

Jose Saenz, Young Adults Director at Cielo Vista Church in El Paso, shares his personal journey from addiction to authentic faith. He reflects on the transformative power of confession and the importance of a heartfelt connection with Jesus. Jose emphasizes the balance between serving Christ and truly cherishing His presence, illustrated by the story of Mary and Martha. The conversation also touches on the significance of personal testimonies, spiritual growth through youth ministry, and the dreams of exploring cultural landscapes while raising a family.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Journey of Faith and Transformation

02:32 • 32min

Dreams of Adventure and Spiritual Growth

34:56 • 3min

The Future of Church Giving: Online vs. Offering Plates

38:14 • 3min

Spiritual Growth through Youth and Cultural Engagement

41:19 • 3min

Reflections on Faith and Bible Translations

44:16 • 3min

Have you ever been struck by the profound impact that a moment of confession can have on a person's life? Jose Saenz, Young Adults Director at Cielo Vista Church, joins us to recount his gripping journey from outward religious conformity to true inward transformation. Through his candid sharing, we navigate the treacherous waters of grief and addiction, and witness the redemptive power of faith in action. His story serves as a testament to the life-changing potential of spiritual awakening, shaped by mentors and a pivotal engagement with scripture.

Embarking on a quest for authentic faith, this episode uncovers the delicate balance between serving Christ and cherishing His presence, using the biblical tale of Mary and Martha as a guiding reference. We explore the all-too-common pitfall of allowing even the noblest of pursuits to unintentionally morph into idols. Alongside personal anecdotes from seminary experiences and wisdom from a supportive father, we reflect on the importance of maintaining a heartfelt connection with Jesus amidst our intellectual and servile endeavors.

Capping off our soul-stirring conversation, we dive into the essence of calling and the crafting of personal values, all the while pondering life's ultimate experiences, from the dream of raising a faithful family to the longing for cultural exploration in the Irish landscape. We underscore the importance of sharing personal testimonies within the Christian faith. The message is clear: embrace the full commitment to a Christian life, heeding the promises and warnings that scripture lays before us for a truly enriching journey in faith.

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