RUF Alabama Podcast: Recent Episodes
RUF Bama
Every year we take a week to honor our seniors and let them share the work of RUF in their lives. Though this podcast is uploading after commencement we hope it is a blessing to you and a testament to the work of the Lord through the ministry of RUF.
Thank you seniors for all of the ways you have blessed RUF with your time and talents. We love you, we miss you, and we pray that the Lord continues to do amazing things through you.
What does the Bible have to say about our work? Do Christians see work as good or bad? What does God have to say about rest and how does rest prepare us for our work? Davis dives into the Christian view of work in the last installment of our relationships series.
This week's scripture is Genesis 2:1-3, 1:27-28; Matthew 11:27-30; Philippians 1:6.
What is the church? Why does God give us the church? And where does it fit in to His plan for redemption? Daniel discusses these questions this week as he gives us a vision for the beauty of the church and urges us to love it despite its flaws.
This week's scripture is Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 1:7-10.
What does the Bible mean when it commands us to "honor our father and mother"? How can we do this well with parents who are also sinful and broken? How to we bring honor to parents that have hurt us? This week, Davis dives into the complex relationship with our parents.
This week's scripture is Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-4.
What is this thing we call dating? Why do we do it? Who should we be dating? What wisdom does the Bible have for figuring out when and how to date? These are the questions campus minister, Davis Sweatt, tackles this week.
Scriptures for this week ...
What is dating? 1 Timothy 5:1-3
Who do we date? Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 6:14-16
Why do we date? Proverbs 18:22; Ecclesiastes 4:9
When should we or shouldn't we date? Proverbs 25:24; 27:6
How do we date? 1 John 4:19; Isaiah 41:10
The world seems to view sex as either nothing or everything, but what does the Bible have to say? This week Davis explores that question to try and provide deeper understanding of this part of our created design.
This week's scripture is 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:9.
What does it mean to be a man? What are the characteristics of a Godly man? How can I grow into the man I am called to be? Davis tackles those questions in this week's talk on manhood.
This week's scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 & 1 Timothy 3:1-3.
Resource for talk: Brian Sorgenfrei
What do biblical grace and peace look like and how do they call us into greater reliance on Christ? Special guest, Rev. Benjie Slaton, speaks on the deeper meaning of grace and peace.
This week's scripture is Ephesians 1:1-2.
The book of Proverbs famously ends with a passage about the woman who fears the Lord. It is easy to read this passage as a list of achievements to check off before you are ready for marriage, but what if God is trying to show us something different? What if God is pointing us to what true beauty really looks like? What if true beauty is found not in accomplishments or validation from others, but in the fear of the Lord? This week Daniel explores these questions.
This week's scripture is Proverbs 31:10-31.
We all know the feeling of loneliness. The feeling you get when you walk into a place and you do not know anyone and no one knows you. It is a truly terrifying and anxiety inducing reality to be alone. So what is the solution? This week RUF Fellow, Cole, unpacks what the Bible teaches us about friendship.
This week's scripture is John 15:11-17.
What does God's will really look like? How do I know what He wants me to do? What if I make the wrong decision? Davis addresses these anxieties with a thoughtful look at the reality of God's will.
This week's text 1 Thessalonians 4:3a, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 13:21, Leviticus 18:5, Deuteronomy 29:29.
Source material: Matt Howell's "Relating to God's Will"; Kevin DeYoung "Just Do Something"
What does the life God calls us to look like? Why do we make excuses and run from it? What would it look like to surrender to God and live into His Kingdom? In our last episode of the semester Davis looks at the Parable of the Great Banquet to answer these questions.
This weeks scripture is Luke 14:12-24.
In our talk this week we look into the realities of grace and what happens when our pride collides with God's grace.
This weeks scripture is Matthew 20:1-16.
Sources: Brian Sorgenfrei, Matt Howell, & Tim Keller
What does it mean to live in the already and the not yet? How to we wait for the Lord? What are our marching orders? This week Daniel speaks to these questions as he looks at the parable of the ten minas.
This weeks scripture is Luke 19:11-27.
What does it mean when Jesus calls us to love our neighbors? What does a neighbor look like? Where do we find our neighbors? What motivates us to be a neighbor to others? In this weeks talk Davis explores these questions in detail as we look at the parable of the good samaritan.
This week's scripture is Luke 10:25-37.
How does God see me? How does he react to me in my sin? What does his love look like? In this weeks passage Davis explores the misconceptions we have surrounding the love of God.
This week's scripture is Luke 7:36-50.
What does the story of the centurion tell us about Jesus? What does Jesus's redemption look like? What life is Jesus inviting us to? These are the questions that RUF International Pastor, Fraser Perrett, explores in this weeks sermon.
The scripture this week is Matthew 8:5-13.
What does forgiveness really look like and how can you and I embrace and share the grace and forgiveness God shows us? These are the questions we look in to this week. Associate campus minister, Daniel Tortorici looks at the difficulty of forgiveness in this weeks message.
The scripture this week is Matthew 18:21-35.
When we think of the parable of the prodigal son, we often assume it is primarily a critique of the prodigal son. We believe that the paraple is teaching us how much God loves us, and that we should be less judgemental of others. But what if the main character is actually the older son, the son who stayed at home and did everything his father asked? How does that change the message?
This week Davis dives back in to the Parable of the Prodigal Son to find out.
This weeks scripture is Luke 15:25-32.
The parable of the prodigal son presents us with two archetypes in the two sons we see. This week Davis explores the reality behind the actions of the first son, the "prodigal son." What would it have meant to take your inheritance early in his day? Why would he do that? How does he try to fix his mistakes? How does the father's love confound his son?
This week's scripture is Luke 15:1-2, 11-24.
What does it look like to live in the kingdom of God? Who are the people we should model ourselves after? How can we ever live up to the standard that God sets? Davis dives into these questions this week as we explore the parable of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector".
This weeks scripture is Luke 18:9-14.
Sources for this talk: Matt Howell, Sammy Rhodes, Tim Keller.
What does the kingdom of God look like? Why doesn't it feel like I thought it would? How can a kingdom be powerful without using military force? This week Davis tackles all this and more as he dives into the parable of the mustard seed. This weeks scripture is Luke 13:18-21.
This week we begin our series on the parables. Davis investigates the "Parable of the Sower" to answer the questions, "What is God's Kingdom like," and "How can we experience Him?"
This week's scripture is Mark 4:1-20.
Campus Minister, Davis Sweatt, welcomes students at the first large group of the fall by asking the question "What is RUF?" Why does RUF exist? What does it look like? How can you be a part of it? These are the questions Davis explores.
This weeks scripture is John 1:43-46.
RUF Staff discusses the main ways people approach the Bible and the posutres to take when reading if you want to get the most out of it.
RUF Staff talks about the few things you need to know before you open your Bible. Can you trust it? Is it the one we have the same as the ancient book? What's it's purpose?
RUF Staff discusses how good rhythms and routines lead to deeper life with God. A good kickstart to look ahead and actually plan to build a good relationship with God.
Three Bama alumni (and RUF) , Cole Jones (19'), Griffin Walker (20'), and Andrew Dunlap (21') discuss how sometimes finding solid friends is harder than expected in college, but what makes it worth it, and some practical ways to find it while also building a life centered on God.
For the last large group of the semseter our senoirs share the work the Lord has done in their lives at the University of Alabama. It is a great night to see and hear how the Lord has worked on campus. The seniors that shared are:
-Somerset Acosta -Rebekah Leventhal -Aiden Holt -AC Chapman -Brittany Grigorian -Jake McDonald -Johnny Foster -Lila Robertson -Fuller Weston -Ashley Stahl -Hamilton Chapman
This week Stewart rounds out our series on the ten commandments and his time with RUF Bama. His talk is a reminder of the mission of the Christian life, a mission he has exemplified in his time here at the University of Alabama.
This weeks passage is 1 Thesselonians 2:1-16.
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guest Rev. John Bourgeois join him to discuss the theme "Christianity Has More To Offer Than The Culture War!".
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guests Rev. Britton Wood and Rev. John Stone join him to discuss the theme "Theological Literacy Means Everything!!!".
What does it mean to envy? Why does God command against it? How does following this command set us free? Ministry Fellow, Cole Jones, answers these and other questions in this week's talk on the tenth commandment.
The scripture this week is Exodus 20:1-2, 17.
Resources:
“The Spirit of the Disciplines” by Richard Foster
“Rumours of a Better Country” by Marsh Moyle
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guests Preston Adair and Elle Shuford join him to discuss the theme "College Women are Legit".
RUF Bama Ministry Fellow Cole Jones has brought in three of the wisest women he knows to learn about friendship!
What does the Bible mean by the phrase "false witness"? Is this a command that really affects us today? If so, why and how? RUF Intern, Hunter Brooks, addresses this commandment in his talk this week.
This weeks scripture is Exodus 20:1-2, 16.
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guests Rev. Corey Savage and Rev. Ro Taylor join him to discuss the theme "The Church & Culture: An Invitation to Beloved Community".
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guests Rev. Russ Whitfield (a pastor in DC) join him to discuss the theme "Politics is a 'god'".
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guest Rev. Austin Braasch joins him to discuss the theme "What is a RUF Campus Minister?!".
What does it actually mean to steal? Why is it important not to steal? And how do we live out the heart of this law? Daniel speaks on these questions in this weeks talk on the eighth commandment.
This weeks scripture is Exodus 20:1-2, 15.
What does God mean when He says, "You shall not commit adultery"? Is this just an antiquated remnant of old Christian teaching or is it something else, a more beautiful way of life? How can we as Christians live into this high calling? Stewart dives into these questions in his talk on the seventh commandment.
This week's scripture is Exodus 20:1-2, 14.
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guests Rev. Sandy Willson and Rev. Mac Holt join him to discuss the theme "Men Are Dying To Be Men".
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special guests Rev. Brian Habig and Rev. Austin Braasch join him to discuss the theme "Social Awkwardness is our Greatest Fear".
What does God mean when he commands us to honor our father and mother? Why does he use the word honor, not love, obey, or something else? And what does it look like practically to honor your father and mother? Stewart explores these questions this week in his talk on the fifth commandment.
The scripture this week is Exodus 20:1-2, 12.
Special Series
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special Guests Chandler Anthony and James Madden join him to discuss the theme "Why Don't We Talk About Money?!".
What does it mean when the Bible says, "You shall not murder"? How have we broken that command and how might we seek to keep it? This week we step out of order on the ten commandments as Daniel discusses the sixth commandment.
This weeks scrib=pture is Exodus 20:1-2, 13.
Special Series
Campus Minister Stewart Swain reflects on 10 themes he has seen over his 10 years as the RUF Campus Minister at The University of Alabama. Special Guests Daniel Tortorici and Cole Jones join him to discuss the theme "(College) Students Do Not Feel Safe To Take Risks".
What does God mean when he commands us to "honor the Sabbath"? What even is the Sabbath, maybe more importantly what isn't the Sabbath? Stew tackles these questions this week in his talk on the fourth commandment.
The scripture for this week is Exodus 20:1-2, 8-11.
What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? Why does this commandment matter so deeply to us? And how does obeying this law actually actually draw us closer to God? Stew tackles all these questions this week in his talk on the third commandment.
The scripture this week is Exodus 20:1-2, 7.
As Christians we believe we live in the "already-not-yet", a period of time after Jesus has died to save us from sin, but before he has returned to complete His work of sanctification. So what do we do when we don't want to wait, why does God even make us wait, and how can we learn to wait on the Lord? Stewart addresses these questions this week as we look at the second commandment.
The scripture this week is Exodus 20:1-2, 4-6.
What does God mean when he says to have "no other gods"? How could believing this possibly make us feel more free? How can we possibly obey such a law? This week Stew suggests that in accepting God's good limits we might experience freedom. In living by God's law, we counterintuitively experience emancipation to live life to the fullest.
This week Stewart examines the story of the Ten Commandments. Who is this God that gives us the law? What part to we play in this story? And how does the law counterintuitively set us free? The scripture this week is Exodus 20:1-2.
As we begin our series on the Ten Commandments, Stewart starts by discussing the heart of the law. It is often easy for us to understand the law, but as Paul says, "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Rom. 7:15). So what happens when we truly surrender to God and His law?
The passage this week is Luke 10:25-37.
What makes glory so ... glorious? Stewart walks us through it in our last talk in the series of Revelation. This weeks scripture is Revelation 21.
What do we do with death? It is a big question, and this week Cole Jones speaks on it. How has Jesus taken care of our biggest problem? Like a cannonball found lodged in a tree trunk, what was supposed to end life is absorbed into life in eternity. The scripture tonight is Revelation 20.
As we begin to wrap up our series on the book of Revelation, Stewart looks at the wedding of Christ and his bride. How does God celebrate with us in that joyous time and what does it mean for us now? The passage this week is Revelation 19:1-10.
So what does all of the imagery in the book of Revelation mean? This week special guest, Rev. Ronnie Garcia of Denver Pres., joins us to preach on the book of Revelation. He takes a step back to consider what is happening in the book of Revelation and what it means for us. The scripture this week is Revelation 15: 1-3; 16: 14, 16, & 17.
Is spiritual warfare real, and if so what does it mean for our lives? This week, Daniel looks at three images from Revelation and what they mean for us. This weeks passage is Revelation 12.
This week, Daniel examines why God's judgement is good. Often we think of God's judgement as a negative but what happens when we reframe it and look at judgement as a merciful way of correction? The scripture this week is Revelation 8-9 and 11:15-19.
Apologies for the poor audio quality at the end, our mic died in the middle of the talk.
How do we handle the suffering of this world? Why do we feel so helpless? How does God respond? These questions are essential to grapple with as a Christian, and this week Stewart wrestles with them in his latest talk in our series on Revelation. This weeks' passage is Revelation 6-7.
Who secures our victory? How is that victory won? And so what? What does it mean to live in light of the truth in the book of Revelation. This week Stewart tackles these questions as he continues our series on Revelation. The scripture this week is Revelation 5.
Why do we worship God? How do we worship God with our lives? What is does it look like to live our lives in worship? Our intern, Hunter, speaks on worship this week as we look at Revelation 4. The scripture tonight is Revelation 4.
What does it mean to be lukewarm? What does it look like to be on fire for Christ? It can be so easy to put our Christianity in a box and forget about it throughout the week. This week Daniel speaks on the church in Laodicea and how God responds to a church that compartmentalizes their faith. This weeks text is Revelation 3:14-22.
This week, ministry fellow, Cole Jones, speaks on the importance of understanding where truth originates from, and how believing lies is harmful not just to us but also those around us. The scripture this week is Revelation 2:18-29.
This week Stewart looks at the second chapter of Revelation. Stew discusses how the Jesus through His revelation to John is critiquing and encouraging His church, and how Jesus does the same for us. This week's passage is Revelation 2:1-7.
Welcome back to the RUF Bama Podcast. This semester, we are working through the book of Revelation. This week Stewart preaches on the importance of reality, and how we as Christians view reality in light of this Revelation.
The scripture this week is Revelation 1.
This week we hear from our wonderful seniors as they share their testimonies, and the role that RUF has played in their lives. The seniors who talked are:
- Kayleigh Bicknell
- Maxwell Scharnowski
- Mary Claire Sides
- Alexis Rollins
- Phillip Varnedoe
- Maria Evola
- Emma Richardson
- AK Kuhn
- Sam Cowart
- Max Brown
- Jahee Kim
- Milo Sulipeck
- Annie Becker
- Adam Thorsland
- Ginny Gray
- William Lott
- Cole Herrington
- Elle Shuford
Please continue to keep them in your prayers.
To all the RUF seniors we love you and are so excited to see where the Lord takes you. Thank you for the love you have shown so many in RUF and across campus.
"Even in our goodbyes there is a blessing, for the sorrow of parting is a measure of the depth of the bond we have come to share in Christ...
O Spirit of God, be as present in our parting as you were in our gathering. Be present in our journeys. Be present in our days to come. Be present in our works and in our hearts. Be present in the bonds of our community, Lord Christ. Be ever at work among us and through us.
Amen."
"A Liturgy for Leavings" Every Moment Holy Volume 1 - Douglas McKelvey
Does God ask us to blindly trust Him? Why does it feel like God isn't here? Stewart tackles these and other questions this week as he investigates the lie that "If I Don't See/Feel God, I Don't Believe God." This weeks scripture is Malachi 3:13-4:6, 1:1-2, John 20:24-31, Luke 16:27-31, 1:16-19.
Whether in pride or shame we tend to have feelings about ourselves that don't line up with reality. So how does God speak to those feelings? This week Associate Campus Minister, Daniel Tortoricci, speaks on the book of Zechariah and looks at how God's power brings peace to Christians. This weeks scripture is Zechariah 3.
What does it mean when we say "college is the best four year of your life"? Does this fit with our understanding of God's promises? This week, Stewart looks to the book of Haggai to see God's promises to His people the Israelites. The scripture this week is Haggai 1:1-11, 2:6-9, 2:19-23.
What do I have to do for God to love me? When will I bee good enough? What is success in God's eyes? This week we take a break from the minor prophets to look at the gospel of Matthew. Intern Hunter Brooks examines the lie that "God Doesn't Want Me Yet." The Scripture tonight is Matthew 11:25-30.
This week, Stew brings a talk on the words of Zephaniah. Stew looks at God's love for His people in the midst of difficult circumstances. The scripture this week is Zephaniah 3:14-20.
What does a life of faith look like? How do we deal with the difficult situations we face? Stewart examines the lie that "Living by Faith is the Easier Way to Live." This week we look through the book of Habbakuk. Scriptures for tonight are Habakkuk 2:18, 1:1-4, 1:6, 1:12-17, 2:1, 2:2-4, & 3:16-19. Other passaages are Romans 1:17, Galations 3:11, Ephesians 2:8, & Hebrews 10:38-39.
Do we truly believe God is in control? Do we really trust that no matter the circumstance God is using the good, bad, and ugly to spread His kingdom? This week Daniel Tortorici continues our series in the minor prophets speaking about the lie that "God Can't." The passage this week is Nahum 1.
How do we know what God wants? Is there a blueprint for us to live our lives by? This week Stewart looks at Micah 6:6-8 to see God's instruction.
Do we really believe that God is enough for us? This week Assosciate Campus Minister, Daniel Tortoricci, turns to the book of Jonah to illustrate how God uses everything to complete His purposes. The scripture tonight is Jonah 3.
What does it mean to be truly joyful? What does biblical joy look like practically?
Rev. Chris Reed, RUF Associate Campus Minister at Howard University in DC, joins us at our 2024 Winter Retreat and brings a series titled "Philippians: Unshakable Joy". This is the fourth and final talk in that series. The scripture for this talk is Philippians 4:10-20.
What does it mean to be truly joyful? Are we trying to earn our salvation by our own good works?
Rev. Chris Reed, RUF Associate Campus Minister at Howard University in DC, joins us at our 2024 Winter Retreat and brings a series titled "Philippians: Unshakable Joy". This is the third talk in that series. The scripture for this talk is Philippians 3:1-11.
What does it mean to be truly joyful? How can we imitate Christ in our lives?
Rev. Chris Reed, RUF Associate Campus Minister at Howard University in DC, joins us at our 2024 Winter Retreat and brings a series titled "Philippians: Unshakable Joy". This is the second talk in that series. The scripture for this talk is Philippians 2:1-11.
What does it mean to be truly joyful? As we see God at work are we really rejoicing?
Rev. Chris Reed, RUF Associate Campus Minister at Howard University in DC, joins us at our 2024 Winter Retreat and brings a series titled "Philippians: Unshakable Joy". This is the first talk in that series. The scripture for this talk is Philippians 1:12-18.
This week Stewart examines our misconceptions of safety. Are we willing to surrender our lives to God even when it is scary and uncomfortable? The scripture this week is Obadiah 1:1-21.
Tonight, Stewart looks at the question of understanding God's word. If we believe only the poor can understand God, what does that do to our relationship with Him and the others around us? The passages tonight are from Amos 1:1-2, 2:4-8, 5:10-15, 21-24, 8:2
Stewart continues the series on the minor prophets in the book of Joel. In college it is easy to believe that we are completely free from responsibility, but this week we look at the lie that "God Doesn't Care What I Do."
Scripture excerpts tonight are Joel 1:1-3, 13-16, 2:1-2, 12-17, 27, & 3:17-21
In this semester's series Stewart walks through the minor prophets examining lies that Alabama students believe. The first lie we will be looking at is "I'm Not Married Yet". Passages tonight are from Hosea 1:1-5, 2:14-4:3, & 14:9.
Assosciate Campus Minister, Daniel Tortoricci, talks on the "forgiveness of sins." The passage this week is Psalm 103.
This week Stewart examines the way the body of Christ lives out life together in the church. The passage is Ephesians 4:1-6.
Associate Campus Minister, Daniel Tortorici, speaks on the part of the Apostles' Creed about the Holy Spirit. This week's passages are John 14:15-21 & 16:4b-15.
Stewart talks through the Apostles' Creed. Tonight we look at the phrase "from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead" through the words of 2 Peter 3:1-18.
Stewart brings a new talk in the Apostles' Creed series from Colossians 3:1-17 on "Where is Jesus?".
Joe brings his second of three talks from Fall Retreat. This one centers on sadness from Psalm 13.
Stewart talks about our emotions in a biblical context, and how they may manifest as sinful action.
Joe Johnson, RUF Campus Minister at Mississippi State, joins us at the Fall Retreat for a series on praying our emotions. The first sermon on fear is from Psalm 3.
Associate Campus Minister, Daniel Tortoricci, continues the series speaking on 1 Corinthinans 15:12-28 and what it tells us about the resurrection.
The Apostles Creed Series continues this week as Stewart wrestles with the question, "what does it mean to be human?" To answer that question we will turn to Matthew 5:1-12, often called the Sermon on the Mount.
Stewarts series on the Apostles Creed continues tonight as he teaches on Luke 1:26-38 and asks the question, "What is Greatness?"
Stewart continues examining the Apostles Creed bit by bit. This week he speaks on the phrase "in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth" through the lens of Acts 17:16-28.
Stewart ends his 2 part series on "When Expectations Meet Reality" by preaching on Luke 24:13-35. The passage forces us to ask ourselves what we do with unmet expectations, and describes how Jesus meets all the expectations set forth for himself throughout the scripture.
Tonight Stewart starts his two part series on "Taking Heart in a Tragic World." In part one Stewart talks on a section of the Upper Room Discourse in John 16.
Stewart closes his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14.
Stewart continues his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 9:1-12.
Our recording was started late tonight so we are missing the first part of the talk.
Stewart continues his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 7:1-25.
Special guest Pace Holdbrooks, youth pastor at Trinity Presbyterian here in Tuscaloosa, joins RUF to discuss reacting to corruption in positions of power. He teaches on Ecclesiastes 8:1-9.
Stewart continues his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Stewart continues his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Stewart continues his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26.
Stewart begins his series on Ecclesiastes "Living Aware of Our Death." Tonight is on Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 & 12:8-14.
Stewart preaches from Luke 13:18-30 in this short sermon from RUF's Lessons and Carols.
Stewart finishes his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 6:11-18.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 5:16-26.
**Note the opening illustration (YouTube video) can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjp1921KBsY
Pastor Elliott Everitt of First Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA guides us through the third of his three part series on joy, this one going through Philippians 4:10-13.
Pastor Elliott Everitt of First Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA guides us through the first of his three part series on joy, this one going through Philippians 4:1-9.
Pastor Elliott Everitt of First Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA guides us through the first of his three part series on joy, this one going through Philippians 3:1-12.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 5:1-15.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 4:8-20.
Guest speaker and former Bama student Cole Jones shares from Genesis 1:27 and Philippians 2:5-11.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 4:1-7.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 3:1-29.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 2:15-21.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 2:11-14.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 2:1-10.
Stewart continues his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 1:11-24 and much of the words come from Eugene Peterson’s commentary on Galatians, “Traveling Light”.
Stewart begins his series on Galatians, called “The Freedom You Want”. Tonight is on Galatians 1:1-10.
In this episode, we interview RUF Buddies Aubry Jantzi and Kaitlyn MacDonald. They tell us about their rowing days, their personality types and how social media can affect our walk with Christ.
This episode, we interview senior Sarah Hydinger, who will soon graduate and pass her music team management onto new hands. We discuss the best note-taking strategies, opinions on childhood pets, and Sarah’s journey through college with her faith and relationships.
In this episode, we meet the Race, Sex and Gender team of RUF. They share about their recent tour of the Montgomery Legacy Museum, their conversation with Pastor Greg Johnson, and what they are looking forward to for the future of their team.
In this interview, Wyatt introduces us to his friend “Light” Oluwabamigbe Oluwatayo, who immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria. Light recounts stories from his time in the States, including his role as a youth leader, how he met his fiancée, and spreading the Gospel while driving Uber.
In this interview, Wyatt introduces us to his friend “Light” Oluwabamigbe Oluwatayo, who immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria. Light recounts stories from his time in the States, including his role as a youth leader, how he met his fiancée, and spreading the Gospel while driving Uber.
This episode we hear from Summer Tennison about her transition from high school into college. She shares encouragement and wisdom about navigating the college experience while listening to God's plan.
In this episode, Stewart continues his series on relationships by tackling to topic of dating.
Today we talk to a well-known RUF duo, Matt Poirier and Trevor Russell. They give us a glimpse into what it's like to be a guy, and how important friendship is in the walks of life and faith.
(Stay tuned for special bonus content from the podcast team)!
In this week's episode, Stew discusses how singleness can be both a gift and a calling from God.
Join us as we interview the two student leaders of RUF City Team, Danny and Jaden. In this episode we get into what RUF is doing in the city of Tuscaloosa, and how you can get involved.
For this episode, we interview a fellow student involved in RUF, Katherine Keyton. We hear her unique perspective as she discussed her major, her family, and her faith.
In this week's sermon, guest speaker Daniel Tortorici discusses what our relationship to UA should look like from a godly perspective.
In this episode, we continue our series "Ministry Mindsets" in an interview with Richie Sessions, the RUF Minister at Vanderbilt University. We cover worship, "FOMO," and reform theology.
Why do we need friendship? How do we go about being a friend to others? These are just two of the many questions that Stewart addresses in this weeks sermon on friendship!
Stewart continues his series tonight by discussing what a true godly man looks like, and how to be a man who strives to be more like God.
In this episode, we meet two new members and reconnect with some podcast veterans. In Part Two, three new people will introduce themselves.
Stewart continues his relationship series with a sermon on "Identity."
Recorded on February 9, 2022.
Today we’re kicking off our “Ministry Mindsets” series, interviewing friends of Stewart's who are pastors of other campus ministries. In this interview, we talk with John Meinen, the founder of the University of Vermont’s RUF. John tells us about his journey to Christianity, response to different cultures, and ministry during the pandemic.
Stewart's friend and Plum Grove Baptist Executive pastor, Corey Savage, continues the series on relationships with a talk from Mark 1: 29-39. Recorded on February 2, 2022
Stewart continues his relationship series with a discussion of intimacy from Matthew 1:23.
Recorded January 26, 2022.
Stewart continues this semester's series on relationships with a passage from Genesis 3:18-19.
Recorded on January 19, 2022.
Stewart kicks off this semester's series on relationships with passages from Genesis 1:26-31 and Psalm 8. Recorded on January 12, 2022.
Abigail Anderson joins the podcast for deep conversation reflecting on the college experience and how God uses it to work on us.
For yet another spectacular double-guest episode, the RUF podcast bros are joined by Maria Evola and Cindy Hayes. Enjoy!
Session four from the 2021 RUF Fall Retreat.
Speaker: Austin Braasch, Arkansas State.
Passage: 1 Peter 1:1-9
Session three from the 2021 RUF Fall Retreat.
Speaker: Austin Braasch, Arkansas State.
Passage: Galatians 2:11-14
Session two from the 2021 RUF Fall Retreat.
Speaker: Austin Braasch, Arkansas State.
Passage: Luke 19:1-10
Session one from the 2021 RUF Fall Retreat.
Speaker: Austin Braasch, Arkansas State.
Passage: Luke 18:18-30
We pray because we love God and we want to have a personal relationship with him. We pray so that we may know God more fully and so that we may know ourselves more fully. We pray to be conformed to His image, and become more like him. Lastly we pray out of gratitude for God’s Grace and Mercy.
The RUF prayer guide is a project to unite students in prayer together. Access the prayer guide here!
Listen in to RUF's biggest podcast yet! Joined by not one but two fantastic guests, Caroline Lovelace and Kathryn Haynes, the team behind the RUF podcast invites you to listen to this freewheeling conversation of life, faith, and thrifting. And who knows, there might even be a cameo appearance by a beloved musician from Liverpool as well...
Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation with Creative Team leader Maslin Brown!
(For those who would like to learn more about "Sketchnotes," check out Mike Rohde's website.)
Today Wilson and Harrison step up to host their first episode of the podcast, interviewing none other the iconic Wyatt Eichholz and Caleb Ray. Topics include biblical theology and bad jokes (mostly from Harrison).
Introducing Harrison Gorham and Wilson Pate, two newly-minted member of the RUF Podcast team! Enjoy a wide-ranging discussion covering book recommendations, RUF retreats, and breakfast cereal tier lists.
Josh Butler joins Wyatt and Caleb for what will likely be the final regular episode of this season of the RUF Alabama podcast. Give it a listen!
If you have any feedback for how we can improve the next season, drop us a line at the Instagram page: @rufbama
On this episode of the RUF Podcast, Wyatt and Caleb are joined by Daniel Milligan. Enjoy!
In a special Double Feature episode, guests Aidan Creel and Harrison Gorham join Wyatt and Caleb to discuss all things RUF, including the upcoming summer retreat!
Matthew 7:1-6
Stewart shares teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount about judging others. Listen in to this sermon from this semester's series, "The Good Life."
From March 10, 2021
Guest sermon by Rev. Les Newsom
Les shares on Jesus' teaching from the Sermon on the Mount about anxiety.
From March 3, 2021
Matthew 6:19-24
Listen as Stewart shares Jesus' teaching on the dilemma of trying to serve two masters.
From February 24, 2021
On this special episode of the RUF Podcast, Paster Mitch Haubert of Brent Presbyterian joins Wyatt and Caleb to share about JUMPSTART Alabama. Listen in to learn more about this incredible ministry and how the service project from earlier this month fits into the Lord's plan to change lives in the prison system.
To learn more about JUMPSTART, visit: https://www.jumpstartvision.org/alabama/.
Check out JUMPSTART on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gC992NLoNVs
Contact Mitch at amynmitch05@gmail.com
Matthew 6:16-18
Listen as Stewart discusses the Practice, Problem, and Purpose of Fasting.
From February 17, 2021
This week, Caleb and Wyatt are joined by...themselves. Check out this special edition of the RUF Podcast where, in a shocking turn of events, the interviewers are now the guests!
This week in the sermon on the mount Jesus addresses retaliation and how we are to treat our enemies. Who are your enemies and how will you treat them like your neighbors?
From Wednesday, Jan 27, 2021.
We continue our series “Sinners Welcome” through the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon we talk about marriage and divorce - as well as briefly touching on oaths. Matthew 5:31-37.
From Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
This is MLKs Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Read aloud by the RUF Alabama staff in its original form and contains sensitive language. We hope you will take the time to listen to this letter and reflect on it with God.
In Jesus’ first recorded sermon - the Sermon on the Mount - he talks about the things he wants to talk about including lust. Listen for more!
Shout out to my good friend and RUF campus minister Robert Cunningham as some of these words are his What do you follow? What is your authority? What is your relationship like with the Bible? ... and what is Jesus’ relationship with the Bible? Listen for more.
So many of the words in this sermon are wither from Mike Ford or John Bourgeois Do you ever wander what you are made for? How are Christians called to be in this world? Listen for more on God's purpose and your purpose.
RUF worship leader Sarah Hydinger joins Wyatt and Caleb on this episode of the RUF weekly podcast.
Thanks so much to my friend Simon Stokes for many of these words are his Do we experience persecution in America? What is persecution? What does it mean for college students in Bama? Listen for more.
This week, RUF's Andrew Dunlap joins Wyatt on the podcast.
To learn more about Dunlap's trip to Israel, check out https://passagesisrael.org.
Faith is not about us, how much we have, it is about empty hands and clinging to Christ. Listen for more from Kevin Teasley.
RUF intern Lizzie Smith joins Caleb and Wyatt to talk about her move from Texas to Tuscaloosa and her role on the RUF Alabama staff.
Special thanks to Scott Sauls, Scot McKnight, Tanner Crum, and Simon Stokes for a lot of the words I say belong first to them
We desperately crave peace. But do we really know what it is? What does it mean to be a peacemaker in our times of uncertainty? Listen for more.
RUF Intern Katie Halsey joins Wyatt this week to discuss the life of an intern, the top Christian authors, and a road trip gone horribly wrong.
September 30, 2020.
Week 6 of our series, "Hope in a Pandemic: Where is God?"
What if purity is more about union than separation? Listen for more.
Who are the merciful, what blocks us from mercy, and how do we become merciful? Listen for more! Many words in this sermon belong to Simon Stokes, Tim Keller, and Scott Sauls
What do you hunger and thirst for? Why are our lives poorer off when we look to anyone or anything but God for our righteousness? Listen for more. Thanks to Simon Stokes and Sinclair Ferguson for the help on this one.
September 14, 2020
The first episode of RUF Alabama's bonus podcast content. This week features a Question and Response from Stewart as he delves deeper into the topics from Week 3's sermon.
Make sure to stay tune for more sermons and exclusive bonus content!
September 9, 2020 Week 3 of our series, "Hope in a Pandemic: Where is God?" What does meekness mean and what does it mean for a college student for me? Come and listen.
September 2, 2020
Week 2 of our “Hope in a Pandemic: Where is God?” series.
Jesus blesses those who mourn and promises comfort through sadness. So why do we resist it and how can we participate in what Jesus is doing? Listen to find out more.
From August 26, 2020
Week 1 of Series: “Hope in a Pandemic: Where is God?”
What does it mean to be poor in Spirit? What does it mean to be blessed? And what does all this have to do with UA students living in 2020? Listen to find out.
Stewart Swain welcomes his area coordinator, Britton Wood, to talk about meekness and ambition, looking at The Sermon on the Mount, and specifically the Beatitudes.
Stewart talks with John Bourgeois, the RUF Wake Forest campus minister, about "a rule of life" and ordering our days.
Stewart goes live on Instagram during this time of quarantine, preaching from Jonah 4 and asking the question, "Does God Exist or Do We Exist for God?
Stewart Swain talks with Jamie Spradley, one of the Samford RUF interns, who contracted coronavirus.
In our first virtual large group, Stewart preaches from Jonah 3, and specifically relates it to our lives in the time of COVID-19.
Stewart preaches from Jonah 1:17-2:10, distinguishing between the false, cheap grace we try to cling to and the costly grace that God gives to us.
Stewart preaches from Jonah 1:4-16 on the storm that comes upon the ship Jonah boarded as he ran away from Ninevah and God's call. Stewart considers the character and actions of God in this story and the character and actions of God in this story.
Chris Ammen talks about biblical manhood and Carrie Jussely shares on biblical womanhood.
Stewart preaches from Ruth 4 about Redemption--the accomplishment, the application, and the advancement of Christ's Redemption.
From 2020 Southeast Regional Conference: Stewart talks about how change works and what it has to do with you. If you feel stuck with God--this is for you.
Stewart preaches from the book of Ruth about the provision of love--how love plans, risks, and waits.
Stewart preaches from the second chapter of Ruth about the power of love--how love helps, protects, and creates.
[Note: this recording stops about two-thirds of the way through due to technical difficulties]
Ruth 1:19-22
How are Naomi and Ruth received?
How do Naomi and Ruth react?
Where is the hope?
John 17:1-5
Why is Knowing God so important for each of us?
How can we know God?
How do we continue to know God?
Stewart looks at Ruth 1:1-5
What is Naomi's Dream?
Why Does Naomi's Dream Matter to Us?
How Do We Live When Our Dreams Die?
What is God's story for you?
What is shame's story for you?
How do you live into God's story?
What is the purpose of Jesus' anger?
What is the purpose of our anger?
How do we live in the freedom of Jesus' anger?
The Lie: "Jesus doesn't remember my name."
The Truth: Jesus remembers your name.
How do we live into this Truth? Receive the intimate personal relationship and tell others!
The Lie: "Respecting authority means agreeing with that authority."
The Truth: God has all ultimate authority and he uses it to bring us in.
How do we live into this truth? Put all other authority other than God in its proper place.
The Lie: "We would have treated Jesus differently."
The Truth: Jesus had to suffer for the guilty to go free.
How do we live into this truth? Mourn your sin, receive your Savior, and accept your powerlessness.
The Lie: "God loves Jesus more than you."
The Truth: God loves you as much as He loves Jesus and others.
How to live into this truth: Receive and rest in God's love so that the world may believe that Jesus has been sent.
The Lie: "The University of Alabama is too spiritually dark for Jesus."
The Truth: What is impossible for us is easy for God: He is the light, and the darkness cannot overcome His presence.
How to live in this truth: Recognize and live by the light in us: The Holy Spirit.
The Lie: "Be or do--which does God care most about?"
The Truth: Christianity is about both being and doing.
How do we live into this truth? Surrender, receive pruning, and participate in God's kingdom in your normal life.
The Lie: "Jesus' peace is about escaping the world"
The Truth: Jesus' peace for your life in this world and the world to come
Living in this truth: Bring all your anxieties to Him and receive His blessings
What is the lie and why do we believe it? "Faith in Jesus means faith in ideas."
What is the truth and why is it better? Faith in Jesus means faith in a person.
How do we live in this truth?
Several of our seniors speak about their experience in undergrad. Listen to how the Lord has worked, and is continuing to work, in these student's lives.
Stewart finishes this series on Revelation in chapters 21 and 22. He shows us that Hope is all you need, that Hope is not in heaven, and that hope is not an "if" but a "when."
Stewart looks at Luke 24:13-35 and talks about unmet expectations, right expectations, and how Jesus defies expectations.
Stewart preaches on Revelation 19:1-19, where we see the marriage supper of the Lamb. The Church's marriage to Christ is both a promise and a party. We have cause for both comfort and celebration.
Britton preaches on Genesis 12:1-3, the call of Abraham. We, as a community, are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. We are to bless as far as the curse is found. We are to give our entire selves to this blessing.
Joey speaks on Revelation 12.
Christ has won the war. Evil has already been defeated. Yet, we still experience suffering and sin and death. These are the aftermath effects of this war. So, how do we hope in Christ for the future and in the present as we suffer after Christ's victory?
Corey Savage preaches on Revelation 10-11
Why witness?
The struggle of witness.
The reward of witness.
Revelation 4
What is worship? How do we worship God? How do we join in on this heavenly worship?
Revelation 2:1-7
Jesus knows the Church, and Jesus loves the Church. What does it look like for Jesus to know and love the Church, and what does that mean for us?
"Much anger towards the church and most disappointments in the church are because of failed expectations. We expect a disciplined army of committed men and women who courageously lay siege to the worldly powers; instead we find some people who are more concerned with getting rid of the crabgrass in their lawns...There must be no idealization of the church...At such times it is more important to examine and change our expectations than to change the church..." -Eugene Peterson
Revelation 1
What is reality? What Jesus says and who Jesus is.
Why do we not live in reality? The seduction of the empire.
How do we live in reality? We see Jesus.
Hope is real. Life is also tragic. So how do we find hope in the midst of the tragedy? Listen for more about how hope and hurt blend together - John 11
You cannot win situations that are a part of life. How do we learn to lose well? Listen for more - John 10
You hunger for and you need. Jesus both gives the bread of life AND is the bread of life. Listen for more - John 6
It is a tough question. Jesus asks it and I'm not sure if we do. And yet he still heals us. What does he heal us from? And what does he heal us for? Listen to find out.
The claims Jesus makes are outlandish. He claims to take our shame, reform our life, satisfy our desires, and love us. Listen for more.
What does it mean to be more than a breathing person and why do we choose not to live? Listen for more on how to fully live.
Knowing God, knowing the true story of the world, and knowing one another. Listen for more on what Christianity and RUF at Alabama are about.
You can thrive without being married. Listen for more on why singleness can actually be a good gift.
How can Christian's think about dating? How does it affect how, when, and who we date? Listen for more.
What does it mean to truly be a man? What does the Bible say about that question compared to society? Stewart addresses the stigmas surrounding what it means to be a man and how God intended manhood to be.
Special guest speaker Chandler Rowlen is the Pastor of Student Ministries at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa.
What does it mean to be a woman? How does the Bible speak into that question? Listen to be encouraged and challenged on what it means to be a woman and what a man should be looking for in a woman.
Who identifies with you? Hear about an identity that doesn't crush you or exclude others.
Does the Bible make more sense of life than anything else? Listen to hear about the reason for the mess of relationships as we dig into insecurity, shame, blame, selfishness, and hope for those of us who live in these things. This week's sermon comes from Genesis 3. Also, testimony from student Cole Jones.
Have you ever been lonely or know a student who is? Not only is loneliness not something to be ashamed of, it is a gift in where we realize we were made to be known. Listen for more on how you cannot know yourself by yourself, know some of us need to quit things in our life, and how only being known heals our deepest longings. Genesis 1:26-31 & Psalm 8 are our basis for this sermon.
The only thing worse than not attaining your dreams is reaching them and realizing you want more. If you long for more, you are normal. Come hear who you are made for. From Exodus 20:17 - “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Do you care about your reputation? Do you believe that Jesus could love you if he fully knew you? Listen to this sermon on Exodus 20:16
Have you ever wondered what it means to be generous? Are you a thief? From Exodus 20:15 - "You shall not steal."
In honor of the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation, we discuss what it is, how and why it happened, and its implications for today.
A message from guest speaker Chandler Rowlan. Chandler is the Pastor of Student Ministries at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Chandler's message comes from Mark 9:14-29.
A message from guest speaker Kurt Cooper. Kurt is the Youth Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Kurt's message comes from Exodus 20:12.
From Exodus 20:8-11 -- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.