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Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
"When the glory falls" versus "falling short of the glory"
It is important not to confuse the phrase with "falling short of the glory," which is a separate biblical concept from Romans 3:23. In that context, "falling short of the glory of God" refers to sin and the human failure to reflect God's perfect character. The saying "when the glory falls" is not about a personal failure but about a collective, supernatural experience of God's overwhelming presence
In Christian terminology, "when the glory falls" means the moment when the manifest presence of God becomes so powerful in a place or among a group of people that it is physically or spiritually tangible. It is often associated with intense worship, supernatural manifestations, and a profound sense of God's power and holiness.
Biblical roots
This phrase is inspired by multiple events in the Bible where God's presence was revealed in a powerful, undeniable way:
- The Tabernacle and Temple: In Exodus, after the Tabernacle was completed, the glory of the Lord appeared as a cloud and filled the tent, preventing Moses from entering. A similar event happened during the dedication of Solomon's Temple in 2 Chronicles, where God's glory was so overwhelming that the priests could not stand to minister.
- Pentecost: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit "fell" on the disciples in the form of wind and fire, an event that empowered them and marked the birth of the Church.
- Isaiah's vision: The prophet Isaiah had a vision where the train of the Lord's robe filled the temple, and the sound of the seraphim praising God shook the building.
Meaning in modern Christianity
The phrase is used today, particularly within Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations, to describe a highly anticipated moment during a church service or revival.
- Deep spiritual encounter: It signifies a moment of intense spiritual experience where people feel a profound sense of awe and reverence for God.
- Tangible power: Believers describe the experience as the "weight" or "heaviness" of God's presence, an overwhelming spiritual force.
- Manifestations: During these moments, physical and emotional reactions can occur. Some people may fall to the ground in worship, a phenomenon referred to as being "slain in the Spirit." Others may cry out, shake, or feel waves of heat or energy.
- Supernatural occurrences: For many, the "glory falling" is associated with miracles and healings, where people are healed in their seats without physical touch, as the presence of God moves through the room.
- Divine heist or kidnapping - its a takeover: It represents a shift from a human-led service to one in which God is taking control. In these moments, planned sermons or prayers may actually stop the flow as worship takes over and the Holy Spirit moves in unexpected ways.
But here is the kicker, it almost always happens in context of believers meeting together in worship or in church (doesn’t have to be a church building, but it is the church that gets together)
My point… what if you went to church not hoping worship is good, the preacher is good, the sermon keeps your attention, you see sally and Bill… what if you go to church to be the church - to pray, worship and expect the glory to fall.
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Paul pulled the trigger.
Stephen and the apostle Paul are up in heaven and are rejoicing before God the Father together as fellow family members in Christ. But Paul pulled the trigger. Stephen was one of the first on fire converts to Christianity. He was a miracle worker, a preacher and an amazing man who knew God personally. He was making an impact. But Paul pulled the trigger. The Jewish nation needed a man like Stephen who boldly preached weaving the Old Testament into the life of Christ with great revelation and conviction… and Jews were converting daily… and yet Paul pulled the trigger. The Church scattered because of the great persecution at the hands of those who killed Stephen. His martyrdom sent shockwaves through the new believers, many were hurt, had questions, many did not understand and the church ran into all corners of the earth… all because Paul pulled the trigger. I cannot quote a verse but my guess is much like today many hated those who killed Stephen and much like those who have reveled in the death of Charlie Kirk… as cold and as heartless as it truly is and was… Many reveled in the death of Stephen… even Paul the man who pulled the trigger. Yes I know there was no real trigger, Stephen was stoned, but more true than fiction Saul who later became Paul was the one who led the campaign. He was the power behind the trigger and in a real sense he did in fact pull the trigger. Not only on Stephen but on many of the converts he persecuted, tortured and killed - and again I would assume many had to deal with hate towards those who were the tormenters and abusers and afflicters.
And what happened after the death, after the children scatter, after the pain… An unbelievable uprising happened, not in a nation- not at first any way, but an uprising in the heart of the man named Paul. In the heart of the man who pulled the trigger. God showed up… no he literally showed up and completely radicalized Paul. In one swift and sweeping and blinding light Paul came in contact with The God almighty. This man who was out to destroy a movement did not realize you could not destroy the son of Man- Jesus behind the movement. Paul became not just a force of supernatural power he became a wrecking ball the kingdom of darkness. He planted churches, he wrote letters, he traveled thousands of miles, he debated the best and the brightest minds and he fought for everyone to know Jesus. All this even after he pulled the trigger. I know we scream for justice in this world, and yes God is a God of justice… but his first concern for all mankind…even the shooters, is that they might know the power and forgiveness of who Christ is. That is might wreck them the same way it wrecked Paul. I pray for everyone involved from Charlies wife to his parents to friends and family and all the followers - but I also understand the power of redemption and so in that I also pray for the shooter. I pray God reaches into that dark black hole in his heart and In one swift and sweeping and blinding light reveals himself, The God almighty. I honestly think that is what Charlie would also want. That in all things it leads to glorifying God and helps reach those who do not know the love of Jesus Christ.
Lets pray
Lets pray for everyone involved
Lets love our enemies and pray
Lets believe God gets glorified and we pray
Yep… Paul pulled the trigger… but look what happened when people pray!
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Yesterdays podcast… wow, I am so rusty that I forgot to give the application at the end… If you were listening you were probably like… great story… but what about it?
God IS at the true center, but man is the Subject - the central focus of God’s dealings,
covenants,
redemption,
Salvation
And all of creation
1. Man as the Crown of Creation
- In Genesis 1, God creates everything else (light, land, plants, animals) in preparation for mankind.
- Man alone is made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:26–27), setting humanity apart with dignity, responsibility, and eternal purpose.
C.S. Lewis: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”
From The Weight of Glory. Lewis emphasizes the eternal significance and divine dignity of every human being.
2. The Fall of Man Brings the Central Problem
- The story of sin (Genesis 3) revolves around mankind’s choice.
- All of Scripture unfolds as God’s response to man’s fall — judgment, mercy, covenants, law, prophecy, and redemption.
3. God’s Covenants Are Made With Man
- Noah, Abraham, Moses, David — all receive covenants that are not just about them but about mankind’s destiny.
- Each covenant progressively points to how God will restore man to Himself.
4. The Law and Prophets Were Given for Man’s Guidance
- The Law was given to teach man holiness, reveal sin, and point toward the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24).
- The prophets consistently address man’s rebellion, calling him back to God.
5. Christ Took on Humanity for Man’s Salvation
- The Incarnation is God becoming man (John 1:14), placing mankind at the heart of redemption’s story.
- Jesus is called the “Son of Man” over 80 times, highlighting His role as the perfect representative of humanity.
When I was in 8th grade I remember understanding how important a play was when my coach who had no pads on went through the drills to show us.
6. The Cross Was for Man’s Redemption
- The central event of Scripture is the death and resurrection of Christ — entirely for the salvation of mankind (Romans 5:8).
- The cross demonstrates God’s love for man while satisfying His justice.
7. The Church Is Composed of Redeemed Men and Women
- The Church is the body and bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27).
- God’s plan is centered on transforming human lives into Christ’s image and using them for His mission.
8. The Holy Spirit Indwells Man
- God’s Spirit lives in believers, making man the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- This shows that the Bible’s story is not just about man being saved but about man becoming the very dwelling place of God.
9. Man Will Reign With Christ
- Revelation 5:10 says believers will “reign on the earth.”
- God’s original intent in Eden (dominion over creation) will be fully restored — man will rule with Christ in righteousness.
10. The Eternal State Is Focused on Man’s Fellowship With God
- The climax of the Bible’s story is Revelation 21–22, where redeemed humanity dwells with God forever:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” - Heaven and earth are renewed specifically for man to live in perfect fellowship with his Creator.
It can be said ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS, BUT JESUS IS ALL ABOUT US/MANKIND!
Gen. 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
A.W. Tozer: “The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man.”
From The Pursuit of God.
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Did I fall off the wagon? Where have I been? Oh man, church and life has been just crazy. We are getting ready to do a major kick off for church and we are launching a new Discipleship program for the whole church and it is 80 weeks long and will repeat itself until I die or leave the church…
But I am back.
NFL news… Justin Herbert owns the chiefs, Aaron
Rodgers seems to still know how to throw the ball and so many other teams are just down to the wire… but my question is… the bengals… they are looking a little tired… I hope they can show up this season.
Anywhooo
Don’t forget my friends about The first step towards revival isn’t action, it's conviction.
Are you convicted, that God desires to have a worldwide great awakening?
If not could you please ask Him to give you His conviction.
Are you willing to Ask others to pray for a Worldwide Great Awakening. Your Church, friends, families, and even your enemies. Could you please share with them the website collectiveprayernetwork.org
Remember faith with out works is dead… the first work is that of prayer… make it happen, we need revival. Again please visit the website collectiveprayernetwork.org
In 1902 President Teddy Roosevelt went on a Bear Hunt and was not successful. One of his friends went out and found a wounded bear, tied it up to a tree and took the president out to shoot it. Teddy was completely offended by this and refused to shoot a wounded and tied up bear. When a cartoon came out about this story -
Inspiration:
Brooklyn candy maker Morris Michtom saw the cartoon and was inspired to create a stuffed fabric bear and called it Teddys Bear. He sold the bears in his candy shop. It became so popular that he started a toy company selling
AI suggests that as of today several billion dollars have been made from the Teddy Bear.
ITs all about Jesus - and he is the center of scripture… but make no mistake WE ARE THE MAIN SUBJECT!
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Absolutely — let’s build a complete definition of jealousy by pulling together the different angles from Scripture, psychology, and language:
Definition of Jealousy
1. General / Dictionary Sense
Jealousy is a feeling of resentment, bitterness, or insecurity that arises when we perceive a threat to something we value—such as a relationship, possession, status, or recognition.
It often involves fear of loss and resentment toward others who have what we desire.
2. Biblical Sense
The Bible uses jealousy in two distinct ways:
Sinful Human Jealousy (envy, rivalry):
* Wanting what someone else has.
* Resenting their success, blessings, or relationships.
* Leads to anger, strife, and destructive actions (James 3:16; Galatians 5:20).
Righteous Divine Jealousy (protective love):**
God’s passionate commitment to His people and His own glory.
Not born out of insecurity, but out of covenant love and holiness (Exodus 34:14; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
Like a husband’s rightful desire for his wife’s faithfulness.
3. Psychological Understanding - or breaking it down in the brain
Jealousy is often a complex emotion made up of:
Fear (of being replaced, overlooked, or abandoned).
Anger/resentment (toward the one we feel threatened by).
Insecurity (about our own worth or position).
Unlike envy (wanting what someone else has), jealousy often involves a triangular relationship: Me, the other person, and the rival/threat or appearance of what I lack.
4. Key Distinctions
Envy = “I want what you have.”
Jealousy = “I’m afraid you’ll take what I have” or “I resent you for threatening my place (i.e. I don’t measure up to you).”
God’s Jealousy = “I will not allow you to give your love to idols because I love you and know what’s best for you.”
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.
Jealousy keeps us from doing both.
Rejoice? But I don’t have that!
Mourn? No they deserve to suffer, because I have had to suffer.
But here is what is weird… when we rejoice over those who are succeeding, being blessed, hitting goals, achieving greatness… when we rejoice with them in that we are planting seeds of their success into our lives.
If we truly reap what we sow… then when we rejoice with others we in turn have just planted seeds-IN FAITH- for the day people will rejoice over our success.
So here is the power thought for the day. We don’t just sow money, time talents… we sow emotions. If the emotions we choose to sow are positive we will reap the benefits of that… but if they are negative towards people… well, I bet you can figure it out.
---
✅ **Complete Definition (Combined):**
**Jealousy** is an intense emotional response that can be either sinful or righteous. In its sinful form, it is a self-centered resentment or hostility toward others because of their advantages, relationships, or blessings, often leading to strife and destruction. In its righteous form—used of God—it is His holy, protective zeal for the exclusive devotion of His people and the honor of His name, rooted not in insecurity but in perfect love and covenant faithfulness.
That’s a really thoughtful question. The Bible treats **jealousy** as dangerous and destructive, but the reason why depends on how the word is used in Scripture. Let’s break it down:
---
1. Jealousy as a Sin (Human Jealousy)**
Most often, the Bible speaks of jealousy in the sense of **envy, rivalry, or coveting what others have**. This is why it’s seen as evil:
It leads to division and strife.**
*“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”* (James 3:16)
Jealousy doesn’t just stay internal—it spills out into conflict and chaos.
It comes from pride and insecurity.**
Jealousy says, “What God gave me is not enough; I deserve what you have.” That challenges God’s wisdom and provision.
It destroys relationships.**
Cain killed Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:3–8). Saul tried to kill David because “Saul was very angry … ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:7–9).
It is linked with the “works of the flesh.”**
Galatians 5:20–21 lists jealousy along with fits of anger, rivalries, and envy as things that keep people from inheriting the kingdom of God.
2. God’s “Jealousy” (a Different Kind)**
At the same time, Scripture also describes God as *jealous* (Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24). But this isn’t the same as sinful human jealousy.
* God’s jealousy is about **protective love**. He won’t share His people with idols because He knows only He can satisfy them.
* It’s like a loving husband’s jealousy for his wife’s faithfulness—not rooted in insecurity, but in covenant love.
3. **Why Human Jealousy Is So Evil**
So the Bible condemns human jealousy because:
* It **springs from self-centeredness** rather than love.
* It **questions God’s goodness** and fairness.
* It **tears communities apart** instead of building them up.
* It is the **opposite of love**, which “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
In short: **God’s jealousy protects love, but our jealousy destroys it.**
Perfect — here are some of the clearest **biblical stories where jealousy led to disaster**:
---
### **1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3–8)**
* **What happened:** God accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. Cain became jealous and murdered his brother.
* **Lesson:** Jealousy escalated into anger, bitterness, and ultimately the first murder in human history.
---
### **2. Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37:3–28)**
* **What happened:** Jacob favored Joseph, giving him the “coat of many colors.” His brothers became jealous of his dreams and sold him into slavery.
* **Lesson:** Jealousy within a family destroyed trust and nearly killed Joseph.
---
### **3. Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16:1–35)**
* **What happened:** Korah and his followers were jealous of Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They challenged God’s choice and were swallowed up by the earth.
* **Lesson:** Jealousy against God’s appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself.
---
### **4. Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:6–16; 19:8–10)**
* **What happened:** After David killed Goliath, people praised him more than King Saul. Saul grew jealous and tried multiple times to kill David.
* **Lesson:** Jealousy blinded Saul to David’s loyalty and destroyed his kingship.
---
### **5. The Religious Leaders and Jesus (Mark 15:10; Matthew 27:18)**
* **What happened:** Pilate recognized that the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified **out of envy/jealousy.**
* **Lesson:** Jealousy of Jesus’ influence and authority led to the ultimate injustice—His crucifixion.
---
### **6. The Pharisees and the Apostles (Acts 5:17; 13:45)**
* **What happened:** The high priest and Sadducees were jealous of the apostles’ popularity and miracles, so they persecuted them. Later, the Jews in Antioch opposed Paul out of jealousy when Gentiles responded to the gospel.
* **Lesson:** Jealousy can oppose the very work of God.
---
📖 **Summary:**
In every case, jealousy:
* Drove people to **violence or betrayal**.
* **Blinded them** to God’s goodness.
* **Destroyed relationships** and communities.
---
Would you like me to also create a **contrast list of times where God’s “jealousy” was good and protective**, so you can see the difference more clearly?
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Walk
Just walk away
Walk this way
These boots are made for walking
Walk like an Egyptian
Walkin on the sun
I walk the line
I would walk 500 miles
But would you walk on by?
Thats where were going today.
Walk on the wild side
Don’t walk away Renee
Im walking on Sunshine
Walk on by - Dieon Warwick…
Luke 10
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God [c]with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
The Good Samaritan
30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, and they stripped him and [d]beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two [e]denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think [f]proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed compassion to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do [g]the same.”
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Have you heard the story about the man who
- Was a wrestler. 300 matches only lost one
- He fired guns at the white house
- He stood in front of live fire during a war
- He was a licensed bartender
- He was arrested for dueling
- He held seances where he worked
- He was accused of being to ugly for his job
- And he was our 16th President!
Abraham Lincoln.
Outwardly: Rough, awkward, poorly dressed frontier lawyer. Many thought he was too simple for leadership.
Inwardly: Brilliant thinker, deeply compassionate, and one of the greatest U.S. presidents who carried the weight of ending slavery.
He did so many great things in his life as president we often forget much about his life and his foibles!
- Psalm 51:17: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
- God's Power in Weakness:
God's strength is often made perfect in our weakness.- 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
- Examples in Scripture:
The Bible is filled with examples of flawed individuals used by God:- Moses, with a speech impediment and a past of murder.
- David, an adulterer and murderer.
- The Apostle Paul, a persecutor of Christians.
- The disciples, who frequently misunderstood Jesus and abandoned him during his crucifixion.
- God's Purpose Through Brokenness:
God can use our past experiences, even those of pain and brokenness, to bring comfort and healing to others.- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Wishy Washy… what a great way to describe people who do not live on a straight line… I can’t stand wishy washy people, they drive me crazy… Now I need to be careful when I talk about wishy washy people because well… Im one of them. And thats where were going today!
Why Does God use wishy washy people?
- Demonstrate his grace
His Grace is amazing saving us as sinners…
But its super amazing in forgiving us in our failures after salvation.
Stephen Glenn - Adopted kids. He adopted a 15 year old boy. He ran the car through the garage. Stephen came home the boy had packed his suitcase, sitting on the bed waiting to be dropped back off at the social workers office…
Stephen said to him: did you not think I knew days like this would happen. The boy doubted him… Stephen went to his study, got a letter out of his desk and had the boy read it. It said “I know you will blow it, But I adopted you because I love you, not because you will be perfect”.
His grace proves his redemption even in our failure and our foolishness.
Jesus restored Peter. - He may discipline but he never abandons us.
- He uses the foolish things to confound the wise.
It was said years ago NASA spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a pen that would write in space (no gravity made it almost impossible)
To show off to Russia they sent them a few… Russia returned them and said thanks but no thanks we use pencils.
Later The US sent a drill bit so small it could drill it could drill through the center of a stick pin… they sent it to the Chinese to see if they wanted to order any (and brag) China said, great job, but it tends to overheat so we added a feature to help with that… upon closer inspection they found a hole drilled straight through the center of it.
*You would never Pick Peter to change the world.
You would never pick David to defeat a Giant
You would never pick a stutter’er to be the greatest leader in the Bible
You would never choose a mass murderer to be the greatest evangelist
You would never pick a teenager to lead the NEW Church Plants
**WHAT WOULD YOU “NEVER” BE CALLED TO BE?
The best husband?
The best employee?
The most fulfilled and at peace?
The best marriage?
The best health?
The best soul winner?
The best healer?
The best author?
The best Teacher?
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Dropping the weights on my foot
1 Peter 1: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
Suffer grief GK LOO-PAY-OH = self inflicted grief… your own mistakes.
Trials GK PI-ROS-MOS Temptations and testing
Verse 2
7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine
**LITERALLY MEANS the handler of your faith is genuine! GODS CHARACTER WILL BE PROVEN AS HE WALKS YOU THROUGH YOUR MISTAKES AND HANG UPS AND POOR CHOICES.
When a blacksmith heats a piece of metal…
When a blacksmith heats and rapidly cools (quenches) metal, they are performing heat treatment, a process that dramatically changes the metal's properties by altering its internal crystal structure to increase its hardness, strength, and wear resistance. Heating the metal allows its atoms to rearrange, and rapid cooling locks them into a distorted, more rigid structure, making the metal harder and more difficult to deform.
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
- Heating: The metal is heated to a high temperature, causing its atoms to become more mobile. This makes the metal softer, more ductile (able to be stretched), and allows for its structure to change to a different phase, such as austenite in steel.
- Rapid Cooling (Quenching): The hot metal is then quickly cooled, often in water, oil, or brine. This rapid cooling prevents the atoms from fully reforming into their softer, original state and instead traps them in a strained, highly ordered crystalline structure called martensite in the case of steel.
- Increased Hardness and Strength: The trapped carbon atoms and internal strains within the martensitic structure create a very hard and strong material that resists deformation.
- Potential for Brittleness: The rapid cooling can also introduce internal tensions and make the metal more brittle, a state that can be refined by subsequent processes like tempering.
- Tempering (Optional): To reduce brittleness and create a balance of hardness and toughness, a blacksmith may then reheat the metal to a lower temperature and cool it more slowly in a process called tempering. This results in a tool that is both hard and less likely to snap under stress.
Great question. Growth in Christ is not a straight upward line but more like a lifelong journey of transformation—sometimes marked by leaps forward, sometimes by setbacks, but always under God’s grace. The Bible describes this process as **sanctification**—being made more like Jesus through the Spirit’s work. Here’s how that process unfolds, including the reality of ongoing failure:
Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Robin: EVERYTHING WAS HOLY….
What are five things no one would know about Burt Ward who played Robin in the TV show Batman?
### 1. **A Speed-Reading Sensation**
Before hitting the big time, young Burt became an accomplished speed-reader. He was tested before the American Medical Society in Beverly Hills and clocked a staggering **30,000 words per minute with 90% comprehension**—far beyond average reading speeds. ([Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1], [TV Banter][2])
---
### 2. **World’s Youngest Professional Ice Skater**
At just **two years old**, Burt was featured in the magazine *Strange as It Seems* as the **world’s youngest professional ice skater**, thanks to a traveling ice show owned by his father. ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])
---
### 3. **He Did (Most of) His Own Dangerous Stunts**
Unlike many stars, Burt performed most of his own stunts, even though his face made using a stunt double difficult. This led to multiple emergency room visits—**dozens**, he says—due to injuries from stunts like being tied to a table with a real buzz saw inches away or suspended above Bengal tigers. ([Wikipedia][3], [Express][4])
A Reddit user humorously shared one of Burt’s more wild stories, recalling how during one stunt he was flung from the Batmobile when the door unexpectedly opened—and cracked an arm. ([Reddit][5])
---
### 4. **Musical Collaborations with Frank Zappa**
During *Batman*’s peak, Burt recorded several tracks produced by Tom Wilson and arranged by Frank Zappa. Notably, he released a single featuring "Boy Wonder, I Love You" (written by Zappa) and a cover of "Orange Colored Sky." ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])
---
### 5. **Rescue Work for Giant-Breed Dogs**
Beyond Hollywood, Burt—and his wife Tracy—devoted themselves to canine welfare. In **1994**, they founded *Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions*, significantly impacting the lives of giant-breed dogs. Their nonprofit has facilitated **over 15,500 adoptions** and often houses around **50 dogs at home** awaiting forever families. ([Wikipedia][3], [People.com][6]) Additionally, their company *Gentle Giants* produces natural pet food aimed at boosting pets’ longevity and wellbeing. ([People.com][6])
---
### Bonus Tidbits:
* Burt actually chose his own stage name: swapping “Gervis” for *Ward* (his mother’s maiden name) and altering “Bert” to “Burt” because it had more punch. ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])
* He holds a **Guinness World Record** for portraying the same live-action superhero in the most episodes (120 as Robin). ([Facts.net][7], [The Famous People][8])
* In **2020**, Burt received a star on the **Hollywood Walk of Fame**—a fitting tribute to the iconic Boy Wonder. ([Hollywood Walk of Fame][9])
To understand the deep meaning of redemption in Greek scripture, it is essential to explore the key terms used by New Testament writers, primarily agorazō and its cognates (exagorazō), and lytron with its related forms (apolytrōsis, lytrōsis). These words paint a picture of redemption as a decisive, costly, and legally binding rescue from the slavery of sin and its consequences.
Key Greek words for redemption
Agorazō (ἀγοράζω) and exagorazō (ἐξαγοράζω)
The verb agorazō means "to buy or purchase" and is derived from agora, the Greek marketplace or slave market. The related verb exagorazō, which means "to buy out or buy from," intensifies this meaning.
- Bought at a price: The use of agorazō emphasizes that humanity was on the auction block of sin but has been purchased by Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:20, "For you were bought with a price" (ēgorasthēte timēs), underscoring the high cost of this purchase.
- Freedom from the Law: The more intensive term exagorazō highlights a targeted purchase designed to remove something or someone from their previous state. For example, Galatians 4:5 says Christ came to "redeem those who were under the law" (exagorazō tous hupo nomon). This signifies not just a general purchase but a deliberate act of freeing people from the curse and bondage of the Law.
Lytron (λύτρον), apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις), and lytrōsis (λύτρωσις)
This cluster of words emphasizes the idea of a ransom payment that brings about release.
- Lytron (ransom price): Lytron specifically refers to the monetary price paid to free a slave or captive. In Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45, Jesus says he came "to give his life as a ransom (lytron) for many," directly comparing his death to a payment made to secure the freedom of others.
- Apolytrōsis (completed redemption): The preposition apo is an intensifier, making apolytrōsis a "stronger form" of the word that denotes a complete and finalized liberation. This is the word used when describing the future, full redemption of believers' bodies at the resurrection (Romans 8:23) and the day of ultimate redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
- Lytrōsis (the experience of release): This noun refers to the deliverance or liberation that results from the payment of a ransom. Hebrews 9:12 explains that Christ "obtained eternal redemption (lytrōsis) for us".
The holistic and progressive nature of redemption
The deep meaning of redemption in the Greek New Testament moves beyond a simple, one-time transaction to a multi-faceted and progressive work of God.
Past: An accomplished fact
- The price for sin has been paid through Christ's death on the cross, accomplishing a decisive and objective redemption for all believers.
- The sacrifice of Christ is the ultimate ransom (lytron), securing our justification and the forgiveness of sins (Romans 3:24).
Present: An ongoing reality
- The power of redemption is at work in believers' lives, delivering them from sin's power and purifying them to be a people for God's possession (Titus 2:14).
- As part of this transformation, believers are no longer slaves to sin but bondservants of righteousness (Romans 6:18).
Future: A complete deliverance
- Redemption is not yet fully realized. Believers "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:23).
- The final stage of redemption will be the complete liberation from corruption and the resurrection of our bodies when Christ returns (Luke 21:28).
A covenantal and communal significance
Understanding the Greek word for redemption also brings with it significant implications for our relationship with God and others.
A treasured possession (peripoiēsis)
- 1 Peter 2:9 refers to believers as "a people for his own possession (peripoiēsis)." The Greek term highlights that God did not simply purchase us to release us, but to acquire and preserve us as his treasured property.
- This identity echoes the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's segullah, his special, prized possession.
Motivating holiness - HOLY MOTIVATION BATMAN
- The knowledge that we belong to God motivates believers to live holy lives and not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
- The infinite cost of our redemption, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19), calls believers to live not for themselves but for Christ.