What does it actually mean to be a person “after God’s own heart”?

In this special dialogue episode of The Collective Table, co-lead pastors Jason and Jenell Coker reflect on the conclusion of the Oceanside Sanctuary’s teaching series After God’s Own Heart, a seven-week exploration of the stories, failures, power, and faith of King David.

Together, Jason and Jenell revisit some of the questions that shaped the series: What does it mean to wrestle honestly with difficult passages of Scripture? How should we respond when biblical characters behave in deeply harmful ways? And what does it look like to interpret the Bible as a sacred text while still taking responsibility for how we understand and apply it?

Their conversation explores the David and Bathsheba story, the role of power and privilege, the importance of historical and cultural context, and the ways biblical stories can challenge us rather than simply give us easy answers. They also reflect on some of the ideas that didn't make it into the original sermons, including the literary patterns in the story of David and Goliath and the idea of leaving behind our “flocks,” our baggage, and the identities others have placed on us.

The episode ultimately turns the question back toward the listener: What does it mean for you to be a person after God's own heart? And what spiritual practices help you live into that pursuit?

The Collective Table celebrates the intersections of Jesus, justice, and joy and is produced by the Oceanside Sanctuary Church.

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• (00:00:00) - Welcome and Dialogue Sunday Introduction
• (00:01:12) - Reflecting on the David Sermon Series
• (00:08:19) - Wrestling with Scripture and Moral Interpretation
• (00:13:11) - Reconsidering David and Goliath's Story
• (00:18:02) - Leaving Things Behind: David's Literary Motif
• (00:20:30) - Teasing the Next Series on Spiritual Practices
• (00:22:46) - Small Group Discussion Question
• (00:24:49) - Sharing Community Responses via Facebook
• (00:26:25) - Congregation Shares Reflections on God's Heart
• (00:31:05) - Tara's Reflection on Biblical Interpretation
• (00:34:33) - Closing Thoughts on Faith and Culture Today