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Former athlete turned pastor Sam Gonzalez unpacks what it really means to surrender your life to God. From growing up in a broken household to placing identity in sports, Sam shares how faith became real — not just a routine.

✝️ Topics We Cover:

Finding identity beyond sports and statistics

The difference between belief and surrender

Healing father wounds through Christ

Wrestling with God (Genesis 32)

What 1 Corinthians 9 says about discipline and faith

Being forgiven even when you feel unworthy

Chapters:
00:00 – Meet Sam Gonzales
01:00 – Childhood, Faith, and a Divided Household
03:00 – Belief vs. Surrender to God
06:00 – First Encounter with the Holy Spirit
10:00 – Identity Crisis After Injury
13:00 – The Church Conference That Changed Everything
16:00 – Wrestling with Past, Forgiveness, and Identity
21:00 – Finding Peace Beyond Performance
24:00 – The High School Hockey Game That Changed Everything
30:00 – Dealing with Anger and Healing from Family Wounds
34:00 – The Power of Forgiveness in Christ
38:00 – Hebrews 10:14 and the Weight of Grace
41:00 – Why Church Isn't a Building — It’s the Relationship
45:00 – Genesis 32 & 1 Corinthians 9 Explained
48:00 – The Purpose Behind Kingdom Athletes Podcast
52:00 – Final Message to Anyone Struggling with Identity

🔗 Follow Sam Gonzales / Kingdom Athletes:
📺 YouTube — @TheKingdomAthletes
📸 Instagram — @thekingdomathletes
🎵 TikTok — @thekingdomathletes


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TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast
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Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com
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🎙️ Other ways to listen:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST


Podcast

#Conversations #PersonalDevelopment #Faith #Inspiration #StoryTelling #Podcast

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