Grow Deeper: Recent Episodes
Bluff Park United Methodist Church
Welcome to Grow Deeper — a weekly podcast from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama, where pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio guide us in ways to grow in faith and in life.
Courage. Does anyone doubt that it is an essential part of being a Christian and part of God's people? But what do we think it takes to live up to that lofty standard? Is it easy? Is it always fun? I think you know the answer!
Look up. Look down. Look back. Look forward. Believe it or not that is how Jesus teaches us to pray. Join us this week as we listen to Jesus' teaching on prayer, and seek to be a people of prayer. A people believing what Jesus believes about his Heavenly Father, trusting that when we do our resilience will grow.
Resilient: Compassion - Rev. Ross FurioResearch shows that resilience is something we can build and grow in our lives, and we believe it is something we can build and grow in our faith. Join us this week as we begin our new series on how we can be a resilient people and a resilient church. No matter what 2024 might bring us, might our resilience enable us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
The Shepherds - Rev. Ross FurioWhat might it be like to be those shepherds watching the fields by night, only to be stunned with the sight and sound of a host of angels lighting up the night sky? Why does God often show up to these lowly folks? It's interesting how often this happens in scripture... perhaps it's really important? I think so, so pay attention!
Episode 92: Prepare The Way Of The Lord - Rev. Ross FurioWe are being called to wake up, because there is work to do in preparing for the arrival of Jesus. In the scriptures, John the Baptist is out preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus. His message is still relevant to us today as we prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child.Sermon Scripture Text: Mark 1:1-8"Prepare The Way Of The Lord" – S03E92 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#Preparation #JohnTheBaptist
Episode 94: Mary's Song – Rev. Ross FurioWhat would make you filled with joy? Really-what would it take? In today's message Pastor Ross talks about Mary's Song and what true joy looks like.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13"Drawing Toward One Another" – S03E93 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasional guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#advent #relationships #joy
Episode 93: Drawing Toward One Another – Billy RaineyAdvent, a word that means "the coming," invites us to consider ways in which we can recognize God's presence even in the midst of our seasons of waiting. The Apostle Paul and the Thessalonian church that he writes to in scripture knew quite well the experience of seeking God's presence in times of waiting as they faced persecutions and other great costs for their commitment to Christ. In today's sermon, we look to the the example of these first century Christians to perhaps glean ways in which we can make our Advent seasons less of a time of holiday burnout and more a time of slowing down enough to create more space for God to act, specifically in our communities and through our relationships.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13"Drawing Toward One Another" – S03E93 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasional guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#advent #relationships
Episode 92: Prepare The Way Of The Lord - Rev. Ross FurioWe are being called to wake up, because there is work to do in preparing for the arrival of Jesus. In the scriptures, John the Baptist is out preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus. His message is still relevant to us today as we prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child.Sermon Scripture Text: Mark 1:1-8"Prepare The Way Of The Lord" – S03E92 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#Preparation #JohnTheBaptist
Episode 91: Christ The King - Rev. Ross FurioAs a society, we are attracted to the language of royalty. At the end of the Christian year, we reflect on Jesus as our King - the King of Kings. When the prophet Isaiah talks about Jesus, he tells us that a very different kind of king is coming into our world. Today we reflect on what it means to bow down to Christ the King and how that will change us and our world.Sermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:1-7"Christ The King" – S03E91 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#ChristTheKing #KingOfKings
Episode 90: Thanks Be To God - Rev. Ross FurioAs we prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday we take time to reflect on the gratitude we have for all that God has done for us. Living in gratitude is good for our faith and it's even good for our health. Pastor Ross shares some key steps we can all take to live our lives from a place of gratitude.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 17:11-19"Thanks Be To God" – S03E90 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#gratitude #thanksgiving
Episode 89: Fuel For The Fire - Rev. Ross FurioMost of us know the feeling of running on fumes. It is particularly true during the holiday season as our lives get hectic with school, year-end business responsibilities, holiday activities, and more. Today's scripture reading reminds us that we keep ourselves prepared. We need to make sure not to let life drain us so badly that we don't have anything left when the Christ Child arrives in our midst.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 25:1-13"Fuel For The Fire" – S03E89 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#FuelForTheFire
Episode 88: Lessons and Promises – Rev. Quinten LochmannWhen God makes a call on our lives it can be scary. He pushes us outside our comfort zones. Jonah tried to run, but God brought him to Ninevah and transformed the people through him. Associate Pastor, Quinten Lochman, shares the call God has placed on his life.Sermon Scripture Text: Jonah 2:1-10"Lessons and Promises" – S03E88 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#jonah #godscall #promises
Episode 87: The Story that Binds Us – Billy RaineyStory-telling is an essential part of the human experience. Stories do more than recollect the past, they give us hope for the present, vision for the future, and bind us with others. This is particularly true of the story of the Kingdom of God prophesied by Isaiah, inaugurated by Christ, and lived into by the Church as we anticipate its consummation down the road where all will be fed, tears will be wiped away, and death will be no more. As we remember those saints who have gone before us, we do so knowing that this great story binds us together with them still.Sermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 25:6-9"The Story that Binds Us" – S03E87 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#AllSaintsSunday #Storytelling #saints #KingdomOfGod
Episode 86: Remembering The Saints – Rev. Ross FurioToday, we create intentional space to grieve and to remember the lives of those who have gone on to glory. None of us would be where we are today without the lives of those who have gone before us. We are literally surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. The question we consider today is how will we be remembered?Sermon Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:1-2"Remembering The Saints" – S03E86 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#AllSaintsSunday #cloudofwitnesses #saints
Episode 85: Commitment Sunday – Rev. Ross FurioEverything that we have ultimately comes from God. The first step in good stewardship is realizing this truth. When we realize how generous God has been to us, it becomes natural to want to be generous in return. John Wesley had this realization in his life and grew into a life of amazing generosity.Sermon Scripture Text: Genesis 28:20-22"Commitment Sunday" – S03E85 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#Israelites #differencemakers #CommitmentSunday
Episode 84: Give Differently – Rev. Ross FurioHow many of us as kids sorted through our Halloween candy to gather up the best stuff for ourselves and then share the leftovers with others? In this message we explore what it means to give differently as followers of Christ and how that shift in generosity can transform us and our world.Sermon Scripture Text: Mark 12:41-44"Give Differently" – S03E84 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#Israelites #kingdomtide #differencemakers #GiveDifferently
Episode 83: Golden Images – Rev. Ross FurioWe all have things in our life that take up a lot of space - golden images that cast a big shadow. They may not be inherently bad, but they might also begin to take up more of our time, energy, and attention than they deserve. Keeping these golden images from crowding out our relationship with God opens us up to making a real difference in our world.Sermon Scripture Text: Daniel 4:1-3"Golden Images" – S03E83 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#Israelites #kingdomtide #differencemakers #GoldenImages
Episode 82: Difference Makers – Rev. Ross FurioWe are beginning a new sermon series focused on looking at ways that we, as a people, can be difference makers in our world. Step one is that you have to want to be a person who leaves this world at least a little better than you found it. But this often means being different than the people around us, and standing out can be scary. In what areas of your life do you feel like you are being faithful to God's calling? In what areas do you feel like you might be making some compromises? And, in what areas of your life are you just like everyone else around you? The answers to these questions can help you find the direction that God is calling you to make a difference. To make a difference you have to be different.Sermon Scripture Text: Daniel 1:1-8"Difference Makers" – S03E82 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week I share my Sunday sermon, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. I'm glad you've joined me on this journey.#Israelites #kingdomtide #differencemakers #beingdifferent
Episode 81: Promises of God - Rev. Stanley DavidsonScripture reminds us over and over that God is faithful and keeps his promises. Rev. Stanley Davidson shares 4 ways that we can learn to trust in the promises God makes to us and grow in our faith each day.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:9, Psalm 145:13, Joshua 21:45, Hebrews 10:23"Promises of God" – S03E81 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasional guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#PromisesOfGod #kingdomtide
Episode 80: Is The Lord Among Us? – Rev. Ross FurioWhen you set out on a journey and everything seems to be going wrong, you begin to wonder if you've made a huge mistake. The Israelites, wandering the desert without food or water wondered the same thing. But, God was with them and he is with us today. God is with us always.Sermon Scripture Text: Exodus 17:1-7"Is The Lord Among Us? " – S03E80 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#Israelites #kingdomtide #journey #isthelordamongus
Episode 79: Just As I Am – Rev. Ross FurioIn this final week of our Johnny Cash series we focus on Cash's embrace of his weaknesses at the end of his life, and his trust that the grace of Christ was enough for him. Perhaps it is enough for us as well.Sermon Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10"Just As I Am" – S03E79 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#JustAsIAm #kingdomtide #JohnnyCash
Episode 78: A Gracious God - Rev. Dr. Kay MutertFriendships give us an opportunity to experience and practice sharing the grace of God. We all need to make a conscious effort to create space in our lives to experience the scriptures and the God whom they reveal.Sermon Scripture Text: Psalm 103:8-13"A Gracious God" – S03E78 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#GraciousGod #kingdomtide
Episode 77: The Man in Black – Rev. Ross FurioThe Man in Black was more than just a persona for Johnny Cash, it was how he lived. Join us this week as we look at how this persona intersected with the life of Jesus.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 25:31-40"The Man in Black" – S03E77 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#TheManInBlack #kingdomtide #JohnnyCash
Episode 76: We're on a Mission From God - Rev. John MitchellWe are commanded by Jesus to reach out to the people that God places into our lives. Our mission is to minister to the people around us so that they might ask, "Are you Jesus?" So, how do we live up to this calling in our lives?Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 28:16-20"We're on a Mission From God" – S03E76 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. I'm pastor Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#MissionFromGod #kingdomtide
The Gospel According to Johnny Cash, in a lot of ways, is all about God's faithfulness.
We’re called to love our neighbors like we love ourselves. But what does loving ourselves look like when it is pleasing to God?
Episode 73: The Sinful Woman – Rev. Ross FurioSometimes you realize that you have done something wrong and there is no way to hide from it. You have to face your guilt. No matter what you have done, Jesus welcomes you. He always offers forgiveness.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 7:36-50"The Sinful Woman" – S03E73 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#SinfulWoman #kingdomtide #nameless #guilt
Episode 72: God is Faithful - Regan SandersSometimes you get very excited to try something new until the moment arrives and you find yourself terrified. When we are stepping out in faith, God promises he will help us through the fear. Our challenge is to not let the excitement of getting to the other side cause us to forget God's faithfulness in our moments of fear.Sermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 51:1-6"God is Faithful" – S03E72 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#GodIsFaithful #kingdomtide #fear #faithfulness
Episode 70: The Power of His-Story - Rev. Dr. Rick OwenChaos exists in this world and we have to be careful that it doesn't overwhelm us. God is very good at taking chaos and transforming it into something good. The Bible is the story of the family of God - a God who comes to us in the middle of our chaos and makes something good.Sermon Scripture Text: Exodus 3:1-12"The Power of His-Story" – S03E70 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#ThePowerOfHisStory #kingdomtide #chaos
Episode 71: The Adulterous Woman - Rev. Julie HollyThe religious leaders didn't care about the woman who was caught in adultery. They only wanted to use her to trap Jesus. They wanted him to get involved so they could catch him giving the wrong response. Instead, Jesus turned everything upside down. He brought the religious leaders low and extended forgiveness to this unnamed woman because he came to save the lost.Sermon Scripture Text: John 8:2-11"The Adulterous Woman" – S02E71 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#TheAdulterousWoman #nameless #kingdomtide
We have a choice to make, really it is a choice that we make everyday whether we realize it or not.
Ananias follows his call with faith and courage, and helps transform Saul into Paul – the most important leader in the early church.
Episode 67: Nameless: The Bleeding Woman – Rev. Ross Furio The bleeding woman might be nameless, but her story plays an important role in allowing us to see Christ’s healing power and compassion. She reaches out to Jesus, trusting that he can heal her, that he can make her whole. Are we doing the same? […]
Life and the world around us can be overwhelming. It’s easy to become immersed in narratives of desolation and hopelessness.
Join us as we allow the compassion of Christ to fill our cups and send us out to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our testimony is when we tell others of the ways and the times that God has touched our lives and made his presence know to us.
It's tempting to stand back and wag our finger at those who Jesus seems to speak against in the scriptures, but what if he's talking about us?
There are times that we find ourselves at a loss, not knowing what to say. The Holy Spirit steps in and prays for us when there are no words.
Has the storm around you become the storm within you? How do we find comfort and peace in the craziness of life?
God shows up in our world all the time and we need to pay attention so we can see the holy moments he is creating all around us.
Waiting is an ancient spiritual practice, and something that, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, will always find us.
Scripture tells us that we are created in the image of God, so that every time we look into someone’s face we are looking into the face of God.
Perhaps leftovers have something to teach us about finding the grace of God alive and at work in our day-to-day lives!
We all know what we should be doing, but sometimes it’s hard to make ourselves do it. But, through Jesus we become a new creation.
We usually have some sort of plan for our day each morning. But, nothing throws that plan into chaos like losing your keys.
Sometimes it is difficult to stand in the gap between being a follower of Jesus and a citizen in the world.
Habits are powerful, and they usually lead to some pretty big stuff. Reflect on the power of habits intersecting with our faith.
Even when it is difficult, we need to live out our Sunday morning faith in the world and open the door for others to learn about God through us.
There is no moment too small, routine, or ordinary for God to be a work, including the moment that we wake up.
Episode 50: A Father’s Only Son – Rev. Dr. Kevin Payne Father’s Day can be a mixed bag of emotions. Family can be a messy business. Most parents want to do a good job raising their children, but it’s not always an easy thing to do. Our children often become a reflection of us – […]
Sometimes Jesus resurrection grace comes to us in very subtle moments. If we are not listening for Jesus' voice, we can miss his call.
When we become more like Jesus we become people who care for our community and our world.
The story of creation in Genesis tells us about our human past, but it also tells us about who God created us to be.
Episode 46: Be Unbound - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneWhat does it mean to be a follower of Christ? Mary, Marth and Lazarus were all friends of of Jesus. The disciples knew him well. Yet, when Lazarus died, they did not believe he could help. Jesus raised Lazarus to show us what he had come among us to do - restore life and a right relationship with God. When Christ restores us, we must throw off the grave clothes and live life anew.Sermon Scripture Text: John 11:38-44"Be Unbound" – S03E46 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#BeUnbound #pentecost
Episode 45: The Kingdom is Open – Regan SandersJesus was and is the reconciliation between God and God’s creation, and is reconciling us to one another through the Spirit.Sermon Scripture Text: Acts 2:1-21"The Kingdom is Open" – S03E45 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#KingdomIsOpen #pentecost
Episode 44: Come, Holy Spirit - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneHappy birthday, church. On Pentecost, God's Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers and the church was born. This is the same Holy Spirit that is given to us today. You were not gifted the Holy Spirit to continue living life on your own. God has been holding the church in his hands since he founded it, and we are to live boldly knowing he continues to hold us. We are called, in the Spirit of God, to BE the church - the hands and feet of Jesus in this world.Sermon Scripture Text: Acts 2:1-21"Come, Holy Spirit" – S03E44 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#comeholyspirit #pentecost #holyspirit
Episode 43: Impatient Patience – Rev. Ross FurioJames challenges us to be a patient people at the end of his letter. In that challenge he makes one thing clear, the patience he is calling us towards, that God calls us towards, is an active patience, not a passive patience. Might we be a people confident in who God is, allowing us to be patient.Sermon Scripture Text: James 5:7-11"Impatient Patience" – S03E43 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#ImpatientPatience
Episode 42: The Greatest Education - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneWhen we graduate from school we find ourselves stepping into a whole new chapter of life. We are suddenly more responsible for ourselves with new opportunities all around us - good and bad. But the most important decision we have to make is what kind of person we want to be. God made every one of us and he wants us to remain in a relationship with him and each other and for us to go out and change the world!Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13"The Greatest Education" – S03E42 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#greatesteducation
Episode 41: Taming the Tongue – Rev. Ross FurioJames has a lot to say about how we are supposed to use our words as Christians. Everyone knows that words have the power to do good and to do harm, and how the tongue, though small, has the power to make someone's day and to tear someone down. This week we spend some time considering how we as Christians are called to use our words, specifically how we can use our words to produce good fruit.Sermon Scripture Text: James 3:1-12"Taming the Tongue" – S03E41 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#TamingTheTongue
Episode 40: Because I Said So - Tina HardyMothers sometimes find themselves facing difficult questions. Sometimes their response is, "because I said so." Many times they know what is right, even if we're not ready to accept the answer. Our relationship with God can follow a similar course. We come to God with our questions and then argue with the answers we receive - like Moses. Faith requires trust, and we are called to trust God and follow his leading.Sermon Scripture Text: Acts 17:22-31"Because I Said So" – S03E40 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#BecauseISaidSo
Episode 39: Faith Without Works….is Dead? – Rev. Ross FurioIs faith without works really dead? Listen in this week as we consider why we need the book of James, and what it might look like for us to be a people who are living out our faith. After all, faith without works is dead.Sermon Scripture Text: James 2:1-17"Faith Without Works….is Dead?" – S03E36 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#faithwithoutworks
Episode 38: Stone Cold Faith, Hope and Love - Rev. Dr. Rick OwenA stone cold faith is a faith that can not be broken. No matter how dark the circumstances of life, a stone cold faith is filled with hope and love because Jesus is there for us. Living this kind of faith fills our lives with hope and love, but it also has the power to break open the stone cold hearts of people who don't yet know the love of Christ.Sermon Scripture Text: Acts 7:55-60"Stone Cold Faith, Hope and Love" – S03E38 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#StoneColdFaith #Hope #Love
Episode 37: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus - Rev. Stanley DavidsonLife can quickly become overwhelming. When we let ourselves get distracted it is easy to loose our focus on Jesus. Jesus came out to his disciples in a storm, walking on water to the boat they were huddled in fear. Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk on the water as well. Peter stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus. But, when he lost his focus on Jesus, Peter began to sink. Rev. Stanley Davidson inspires us to keep our focus on Jesus.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 14:22-33"Keep Your Eyes on Jesus" – S03E37 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#walkingonwater #Epiphany #keepyoureyesonjesus
Episode 36: Pulled to the Present – Rev. Ross FurioThe story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead challenges us to get our focus out of the past and future and into the present. He pulls us into the present so that we don't miss what he is doing in our midst right now and what he is calling us to do. If we get stuck living in the past or dwelling on the future we can miss what is happening right in front of us in the now.Sermon Scripture Text: John 11:38-44"Pulled to the Present" – S03E36 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#PulledtothePresent #Lazarus
Episode 35: Walking with Jesus – Rev. Ross FurioThe story of Jesus coming alongside two of His followers on the road to Emmaus is one of the most well known moments in Jesus' life. Join us this week as we consider how we can see ourselves in the midst of this moment, where those who were once blind to the resurrection hope of Christ suddenly begin to proclaim it.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 24:13-35"Walking with Jesus" – S03E35 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#roadtoemmaus #walkingwithjesus
Episode 34: Love Your Neighbor - Rev. Stanley DavidsonWhen challenged to declare the most important commandment, Jesus said we should love God completely and love our neighbors like we love ourselves. Then he told the parable of the good Samaritan and transformed our understanding of who we consider to be a neighbor. Rev. Stanley shared stories of how we love others as a church and encouraged us to look for new ways to care for those around us - just as Jesus commanded.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 John 3:11-23"Love Your Neighbor" – S03E34 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#goodsamaritan #loveyourneighbor
Episode 33: Faith and Doubt – Rev. Ross FurioDoubt is something that is a part of our faith journey. All of us will at some point or another find ourselves in the midst of a season of doubt. The good news is that when faced with the most famous doubter of all time, Jesus responds with grace and tenderness. So much so that we can trust that no matter where we are in the midst of doubt, our next best step is to simply take it to Jesus.Sermon Scripture Text: John 20:19-31"Faith and Doubt" – S03E33 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#faith #doubt
Episode 32: Confirmed in Christ - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneIn baptism, God lays claim to us and begins working in our hearts and in our lives. But, when we become confirmed members of the church we profess our faith and respond to the love and grace that God has first extended to us. We also become full members of the of the universal church and commit ourselves to becoming active participants.Sermon Scripture Text: Romans 10:5-17"Confirmed in Christ" – S03E32 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#confirmation
Episode 31: I Have Seen the Lord – Rev. Ross FurioHear the good news friends, He is risen! Join us this week as we reflect on the story of folks stumbling upon the empty tomb, realizing that our Savior lives. He is risen indeed!Sermon Scripture Text: John 20:11-18"I Have Seen the Lord" – S03E31 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#eastersunday #salvation #resurrection #grace #redemption #seeingthelord
Episode 30: Salvation is Created - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneChrist is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Easter is the day that makes us right with God. We follow the painful journey of Holy Week because it leads us to Easter morning! Today, you are invited to become a child of God through the grace and redemption of the risen Christ.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 28:1-10"Salvation is Created" – S03E30 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#eastersunday #salvation #resurrection #grace #redemption
Episode 29: The King is Here – Rev. Ross FurioIf Jesus lived an unhurried life, shouldn't we seek to do the same? This Holy Week the challenge is to slow down, so that we might live like Jesus as we walk with Jesus to the cross. The hope is that when we stumble upon the empty tomb we might actually be ready.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 21:1-11"The King is Here" – S03E29 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #TheKingisHere
Episode 28: Casting our Coats - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneAs Jesus entered Jerusalem on the day we call Palm Sunday, people greeted him waving palm branches and casting their coats on the ground before him. That was an expensive garment, and most people would only own one. It was an important garment, offering protection and also indicating status. But, the people welcoming Jesus placed this important garment on the road in front of him. All of us need to lay down the most important things in our life before Jesus and welcome into our lives as our King.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 21:1-11"Casting our Coats" – S03E28 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #palmsunday #castingcoats
Episode 27: Foundation Is Everything – Rev. Ross FurioWho will we be? Will we be a people who build on the sand? Or a people who build on the rock, that firm foundation, who we know as Jesus Christ? One thing is for sure, the storms will come, and if we build on the sand our house will fall. Might we be a people who build on the rock, trusting that if we do our house will not fall!Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 7:24-27"Foundation Is Everything " – S03E27 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #foundations
Episode 26: The Solid Foundation - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneFor many of us, the foundation of our identity is 'what we do' or the 'family we are from.' That is a foundation of sand. The winds and the waves are coming. It's not a matter of if, but when they come. Our lives and our identities need to be firmly anchored on Christ to withstand them. If we see ourselves as followers of Christ first, our lives with be anchored to the rock!Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 7:24-27"The Solid Foundation" – S03E26 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #foundations #windsandwaves
Episode 25: How Much Does It Cost? – Rev. Ross FurioEverything has a cost, some things more than others. The question is really not how much does it cost, but rather is it worth what we have to pay. Following Jesus will cost us all sorts of things. It will cost us our pride, and ego, we will have to turn the other cheek, and love folks who we don't think deserve it. The question we are left with is this, is it worth it?Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 14:28-30"How Much Does It Cost? " – S03E25 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #cost #value
Episode 24: Under Construction - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneJesus Christ is still building His church, and through his grace he is calling us to together to do amazing things. However, accepting His grace is meant to change us and our actions. We are not the same once we become followers of Christ. It costs us something to follow Jesus, but the grace he gives us cost him everything.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 14:28-30"Under Construction" – S03E24 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #underconstruction
Episode 23: Share the Love – Regan SandersGod loves you, and your calling as a follower of Jesus is to share that love. Listen in as our youth pastor Regan Sanders shares a message with us as she wraps up Discovery Weekend.Sermon Scripture Text: Acts 2:42"Share the Love" – S03E23 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#sharethelove #discoveryweekend
Episode 22: Shaping and Joining the Wood - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneYou were not created by accident. The Master Builder has a plan for your life. Are you fighting God as he tries to get you ready to go somewhere he has planned for you? Sometimes we have to let go of something of things in our life so that God can lead us into the purpose that he has for our life.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 18:6-9"Shaping and Joining the Wood" – S03E22 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #repair #reclaim #transform #broken
Episode 21: Called By a Carpenter – Rev. Ross FurioJesus saw potential, promise, and purpose in people that had been deemed by their community as the mere scraps of the world. He saw people as only a carpenter could. There is good news in that for us today, as we realize that just like the woman at the well, we too are called by the carpenter.Sermon Scripture Text: John 4:1-42"Called By a Carpenter" – S03E21 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #calling
Episode 20: Building on Brokenness - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneWhen Jesus walked the Earth, wood was a scarce resource. Damaged and broken wood was still a valuable resource and part of the carpenter's work was to reclaimed those damaged pieces and transform them into something new and valuable. That is the heart of Jesus' ministry. The world was broken by sin and he came to reclaim it and transform it into something new.Sermon Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10"Building on Brokenness" – S03E20 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder #repair #reclaim #transform #broken
Episode 19: Just a Carpenter?” – Rev. Ross FurioJesus, of all things, was a carpenter when he walked the earth. Throughout the season of Lent we are going to lean into that part of his human identity, and what we will find is that Jesus saw people, lived life, and looked at ministry like a carpenter. Willing to use the scraps, always ready to repair and renew, and building to last. Join for this journey through the season of Lent!Sermon Scripture Text: Mark 6:1-6"Just a Carpenter?”" – S03E19 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsFromTheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder
Episode 18: The Master Builder - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneAs a carpenter, Jesus could have just snapped his fingers and said, "Let there be a table." But, instead, he takes a saw and labors over the wood - just like we would do. In Jesus, we have a master builder who is repairing and fixing for eternity those things that have been broken. He is making things new!Sermon Scripture Text: Colossians 1:15-23"The Master Builder" – S03E18 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LessonsfromtheCarpenter #lent #masterbuilder
Episode 17: A Holy Lent - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneFrom dust you came and to dust you shall return. Who in their right mind wants to say that to another person? It's an odd thing to do. But, on Ash Wednesday, we let a minister smear a cross of ashes on our forehead while saying those words to remind us that we are sinful, but that God breathed life into us and gave everything to redeem us.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 6:1-21"A Holy Lent" – S03E17 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#ashwednesday #ashestoashes #redemption
Episode 16: Yes or No - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneAt the top of the mountain something amazing happens. Peter, James and John were blessed with the chance to see Jesus in his full glory and they wanted to stay in that moment. But, the work was down in the valley and they had to leave the mountain top. God blesses us with mountain top experiences to prepare us to go back down in the valley and do the work of life.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 5:21-37"Yes or No" – S03E16 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#Jesus #moses #elijah #awe #wonder
Episode 15: Awe and Wonder – Rev. Ross FurioAt the top of the mountain something amazing happens. The voice of God declares that Jesus is the Son of God and that we should listen to him. Peter, James and John had the amazing fortune to witness this awe-inspiring moment. There is awe-inspiring evidence of our living God all around us if we only tune our attention to look for it.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 17:1-9"Awe and Wonder" – S03E15 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#Christ #moses #elijah #awe #wonder
Episode 14: Salt and Light – Rev. Ross FurioI wonder what would happen if we stopped just looking at the cross, and started to look through it? My guess is that we would be a people who begin to think a little more like Jesus. That is Paul's goal for us as we seek to be a people who are rooted in divine wisdom, rather than the wisdom of the world.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 5:13-16"Salt and Light" – S03E14 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#SaltAndLight #Christ #calling #community
Episode 13: We Don't Have To Do Life Alone - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneWhen you become a member of the 'body of Christ' your family instantly becomes a whole lot bigger. The members of your church become mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and more. You are not alone. The Holy Spirit has been sent to us to help us as we learn to live together as a family in the Love and Grace of Jesus Christ.Sermon Scripture Text: John 14:15-20"We Don't Have To Do Life Alone" – S03E13 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#family #Epiphany #HolySpirit #BodyOfChrist
Episode 12: The Wisdom of God – Rev. Ross FurioI wonder what would happen if we stopped just looking at the cross, and started to look through it? My guess is that we would be a people who begin to think a little more like Jesus. That is Paul's goal for us as we seek to be a people who are rooted in divine wisdom, rather than the wisdom of the world.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16"The Wisdom of God" – S03E12 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#Paul #Christ #division #wisdom #cross
Episode 11: The Shepherd Supplies - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneOur Sanctuary Choir leads the message today as they sing, "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need". Psalm 23 reminds us that we will always have a home with God. You are not a stranger or a guest, you are a child at home. No matter how our life is going at any moment, we always have a welcoming home in Christ and he will provide us with everything we need.Sermon Scripture Text: Psalm 23"The Shepherd Supplies" – S03E11 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#theshepherdsupplies #Epiphany
Episode 10: Pride That Doesn't Divide – Rev. Ross FurioPride Divides. You've felt this before. Pride, when we let it, puts us on an island, separating us not only from our neighbor, but also from our God. Paul, in his letter to the church in Corinth, is trying to get his readers to see this truth. But, he also hints at a pride that doesn't divide, a pride that actually draws us deeper in our faith, and closer to our neighbor. Join us this week as we consider what we as believers should be boasting about.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31"Pride That Doesn't Divide" – S03E10 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#Paul #Christ #division #christianunity #pride
Episode 9: Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus - Rev. Stanley DavidsonLife can quickly become overwhelming. When we let ourselves get distracted it is easy to loose our focus on Jesus. Jesus came out to his disciples in a storm, walking on water to the boat they were huddled in fear. Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk on the water as well. Peter stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus. But, when he lost his focus on Jesus, Peter began to sink. Rev. Stanley Davidson inspires us to keep our focus on Jesus.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 14:22-33"Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus" – S03E9 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#walkingonwater #Epiphany #keepyoureyesonjesus
Episode 8: Apollos? Paul? Or Christ? – Rev. Ross FurioWhen Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth they were deeply divided. If we are honest with ourselves we find ourselves in a society that is deeply divided. These words from Paul are meant to remind the local church what unites them, and why it is much more powerful than anything that could divide them.Sermon Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17"Apollos? Paul? Or Christ?" – S03E8 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#Apollos #Paul #Christ #division #christianunity
Episode 7: The Beginning - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneWe see in this passage Jesus beginning his ministry. But, if we stop and think about it, it’s kind of an awkward way to begin. It begins in sorrow, as John the Baptizer has been arrested. He begins by simply calling ordinary people by just walking up to them and inviting them. Today Jesus still calls ordinary people. Today, Jesus’ ministry continues.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 4:12-23"The Beginning" – S03E7 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#thebeginning #Epiphany #calling
Episode 6: The Servant – Rev. Ross FurioAs we look at one of four servant songs that we find in book Isaiah, we remember that there are servants still among us today. Our job on Sundays like this is to remember that we are all called by God to be servants. To be people that are working to build up his Kingdom. Sometimes all we can do is listen for the call, work through the doubt, and embrace the vision that we receive from God.Sermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 49:1-7"The Servant" – S03E6 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#servant #ServantSong
Episode 5: The Lamb of God - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneToday we hear the cry of John the Baptizer concerning Jesus: “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” But what does that mean? How does Jesus take away the sin of the world? Of course, by his atoning death on the cross and the glorious resurrection, but it is more than that. Jesus came and lived among us and is coming again. Christmas, Lent, and Easter all fit together, and we could not have one without the other.Sermon Scripture Text: John 1:29-42"The Lamb of God" – S03E5 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#LambOfGod #Epiphany
Episode 4: Beloved – Rev. Ross FurioAt our baptisms we are reminded of who we are, specifically we are reminded of the name that God has given us, even though we don't deserve it and couldn't earn it. A beloved child of God. It is actually the name that Jesus is given as his baptism as well. Join us this week as we reflect on the importance of names, and remember what it is that God has named us.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 3:13-17"Beloved" – S03E4 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#baptism #jordanriver #baptismofthelord
Episode 3: Why Was Jesus Baptized? - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneThis Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. We remember Jesus’ baptism and remember our own. We reaffirm our vows and consider the commitment we have made as followers of Christ. We also wrestle with a question: If we are baptized because Jesus was baptized, then what does that mean? How do our understandings of baptism align with who Jesus is? In this sermon we will explore what we believe about baptism and why.Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 3:13-17"Why Was Jesus Baptized?" – S03E3 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#BaptismOfTheLord #baptism
Episode 2: How Should I Spend My Time? – Rev. Ross Furio"At the start of every new year we ask a version of this question, "How should I spend my time this year?" Though the list of meaningful things we could spend our time on feels never ending, the answer that we find in Scripture is really pretty simple. Join us this week as we consider what it is that Jesus calls us to spend our time on as people who seek to walk with Him."Sermon Scripture Text: 2 Kings 20:1-7"How Should I Spend My Time?" – S03E2 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#epiphany #howshouldispendmytime
Episode 1: What Shall I Give Him - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneEpiphany is when we celebrate the visit of the Magi to Jesus and ends the season of Christmas. We reflect on the gifts that they bring. Each gift is something more than the sum of its parts. Each gift symbolically represents to us to something about who the Christ-child is: gold as in tribute to a King; frankincense as is burned on the altar of incense at the Temple in worship of God; myrrh as a powerful perfume used in the burial of the dead. This begs the question for us, what is the perfect gift we can offer?Sermon Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12"What Shall I Give Him" – S03E1 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#WhatShallIGiveHim #magi #epiphany #ThePerfectGift
Episode 100: Christ Is Born Anyway – Rev. Ross FurioSometimes things do not go according to plan. Even when we are not prepared, Christ is born anyway. Whatever has happened in your life during the Advent season, Christ has come for you this Christmas. In the Christ Child: love is born, hope is born, joy is born, redemption is born for us!.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-20"Christ Is Born Anyway" – S02E100 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#ChristIsBorn #ChristmasEve #hope #joy #love #redemption
Episode 99: You're Invited - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneAt some point in our lives most of us will find ourselves in a moment where we pray, "God, hold me together." We don't know how we are going to make it through the challenges in our life. On Christmas we celebrate a God who comes down to us in the middle of everything happening in our lives and brings us the grace, love, and redemption we need.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-20"You're Invited" – S02E99 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#YouAreInvited #ChristmasEve
Episode 98: Coming Home to Love – Rev. Ross FurioThis week leading up to Christmas is when the rubber hits the road for our faith journey though this season of Advent. As we read and reflect on the story of Ahaz, and remember the story of Joseph, we have a choice to make. What are we going to believe in? What are we going to place our trust in? Our plan? Our power? Our wisdom? Or will we trust, will we believe, in this sign from God proving to us that he is with us.Sermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 7:10-16"Coming Home to Love" – S02E98 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#cominghome #love #Isaiah #Advent
Episode 97: There is Always Room - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneWe have to understand that scripture was not originally written in modern English. As such, there are times when words from ancient Greek are mistranslated. This is the issue in this passage. The word that has been translated as “inn” is actually the Gk. word “kataluma” which is a guest room, not a hotel. The beauty of the message of this passage has nothing to do with an innkeeper (in fact, there isn’t even a innkeeper mentioned!) Rather, it is a promise that even if the best we have to offer is a stable in the back yard, then God will take it and do something amazing with it in grace.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-7"There is Always Room" – S02E97 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#ThereIsAlwaysRoom #Advent
Episode 96: Coming Home to Joy – Rev. Ross FurioThe prophet Isaiah tells us "The wilderness shall rejoice," a message of hope to a people who desperately need it. This week in worship we meditated on what it might look like for us as a people of faith to come home to joy this season of Advent. After all, one day we too will rejoice in the coming of our King.Sermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 35:1-10"Coming Home to Joy" – S02E96 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#cominghome #joy #Isaiah #Advent
Episode 95: Coming Home to Hope – Rev. Ross Furio"A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse..." (Isaiah 11:1). These words have offered hope to communities of faith for the last 2 thousand years, and nothing has changed. Join us as we explore what this promise has meant to faithful people over the course of history, and what these words of hope fill us with today. May we be a people of hopeSermon Scripture Text: Isaiah 11:1-10"Coming Home to Hope" – S02E95 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#cominghome #hope #journey #advent
Episode 94: An Unexpected Journey - Rev. Dr. Kevin PayneThe Christmas season fills us with images of warm homecomings, full of family and fellowship. But, coming home can be difficult. In our passage today Joseph is journeying back to his hometown because of a Roman decree with Mary, his espoused. It is an arduous journey, and not exactly the setting for a Hallmark movie. However, there is a blessing in the journey, and a reason for the homecoming. Perhaps, we too, can “come home” this Christmas.Sermon Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-7"An Unexpected Journey" – S02E94 of Grow Deeper: A Bluff Park UMC PodcastWelcome to the Grow Deeper podcast. We’re pastors Kevin Payne and Ross Furio from Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover, Alabama. Each week we share our Sunday sermons, and occasion guest preachers, on the podcast to inspire and encourage you to grow in faith and in life. We're glad you've joined us on this journey.#AnUnexpectedJourney #Advent
The season of Advent has begun. The journey we are taking to the manger feels a lot like coming home after a long trip.
We use royal language to talk about Christ often, but what are we really saying when we call Jesus King?
Sometimes in order to say “yes” to God and God’s invitations to us we will need to say “no” to other things in our lives!
God casts a vision for a nearly unimaginable future, a future without weeping, a future of peace.
How do you want to be remembered? What kind of impact do you want to make? What legacy do you hope to leave?
All that we are has been inherited, as it was for those who came before us and who shared with us the faith they inherited.
Paul offers some practical, lifegiving, hope filled insight as to why we practice generosity, and how we can live our lives rooted in generosity.
How generous are we with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness? We are blessed to be a blessing!
Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God, but oftentimes we make it way more complicated than it needs to be.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus prayed to God the Father - for us.
How can we be a people who never stop living the great calling we have from Christ out in our community?
When we all work together as we have been called, individually as members and congregations across a community, God's work gets done.
God is calling us to ministry, we have to be grounded in our identity as the body of Christ to respond as a church community.
None of us are here by accident. Our different gifts, talents, personalities, experiences, and lives all contribute to make us who we are as a church.
At the Table of Grace we experience communion with God, with the saints who have gone before, and with each other - it is a gift from God.
In this message we consider how the bread of heaven Jesus talks about collides with our communion table right here today.
Rev. Stanley Davidson, Director of Children's Ministry at Bluff Park UMC leads us in a look at how we are expected to love one another as Christians!
How can we profess to love God, who we have not seen, if we can’t love our neighbors that we can see?
Everything that God does flows from a place of love, and every way that we experience God is rooted in that love.
Love is the primary attribute of God, out of which everything that God does emerges. In fact, the love is the very “stuff” that God is made of.
We are called to be a people who are willing to name our sin and to trust that we never have to face it alone.
We have an advocate, a defender, a paraclete in Christ. Christ makes intercession for us before the Father.
We are called to be a people who are willing to name our sin and to trust that we never have to face it alone.
There can be no “darkness” in God; i.e. no deceit, no breaking of promises, no evil. We can fully trust God because God is light.
Rahab is courageous because of her faith. She is willing to act with courage, and take risks. In other words, she does the next right thing.
Jesus came from the wrong side of town - Nazareth. If you never spend time with poor, sick, needy, and hurting people you might miss the chance to meet Jesus in our world.
How strong is our faithing when we know God is calling us to something that seems so impossible? Do we trust where God calls us?
What is holding you back? God desires to free us, but sometimes we have to climb out of the jar we've trapped ourselves inside.
Friends it's not about our imperfections, our doubts, or our shortcomings, it's about who God is and what God can do through us.
What happens when God is calling us to go back; to return to a place we have left - when God’s call is to face a fear, or revisit a hurt?
Abram and his nephew Lot faced a real crossroads when they realized they could no longer inhabit the same land.
What is impossible for us is possible for God. Do we trust that if God is calling us God also makes a way?
Who do we believe knows best how to run our lives, and how to run the world? Us or God?
It is of no profit for us to “store up for ourselves treasures” but forget to be “rich towards God.”
Who are we, and what is our work in this world? Both have to do with being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Praying is more than the act of bowing our heads, closing our eyes, and muttering some words to God. Prayer is a deeply relational act.
Life around us is constantly changing and there is so little we can control, but in 1st Corinthians Paul says that three things will remain...
When everything is a priority, then nothing is. Don’t allow the demands of the urgent to make us miss Christ sitting right in front of us.
We see both Jonah and the Ninevites respond to a call from God in very distinct ways. It forces us to ask ourselves, who will we be like?
God sees our hearts and cares about why we are doing what we are doing (or not doing.) God cares about the attitudes we have.
There's plenty of room for reflection as this part of Jonah's story challenges us to step out of the boat and go where God is leading.
We’re being brought together and sent into the world by the great “matchmaker,” who is at work sending us to divine appointments.
God won't call us to anything that he hasn't equipped us for, and he certainly won't ask us to go alone. Where are you being called?
Rev. Dr. Kay Mutert, BPUMC minister of care, preaches the Sunday Sermon at Bluff Park UMC.
Consider these two foundational truths that we believe as Christians. Jesus is with us, no matter where we are, and Jesus is enough!
God reaches out first with his grace, and we can be a people who are living in that grace.
In Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Spirit and the birth of the church, but we also discover the mission of that church.
We can try to be prepared for everything, but at some point, we will have to learn to face the future we get instead of the one we prepared for.
Christians disagree with one another. Paul calls us to lead with love as engage with one another in moments of disagreement.
Change is not good or bad. It is inevitable. How we deal with change is part of our witness as Christians.
This parable forces us to see, no matter how uncomfortable it might make us, that God is a God of grace.
Maybe our jockeying for position in the church is irrelevant since we serve a God who is ready to bring us all into the family as equals.
This parable begins with an abundant gift, and ends with anger when the master doesn't think his gift has been used wisely.
God provides us with resources and calls us to be good stewards of them. This requires us to live out of faith and hope.
Our neighbors are more than just the people who live very near to us, they are anyone in need in front of us, wherever we may find ourselves.
Preaching on the story of the Good Samaritan this Sunday in Traditional Worship at Bluff Park UMC is Rev. Julie Holly.
In this challenging parable, Jesus wants us to consider what God's forgiveness should do to our lives and our hearts!
What do we do with the threat of being judged for how we withhold mercy from others? Jesus confronts us with a difficult parable.
Mustard Seed Faith may start small, but it grows into a powerful force within our own hearts and has a growing impact on the world.
A mustard seed is small, but it can grow into a sprawling bush. God is in charge of the faith growing within us, no matter how small it begins.
Even as we celebrate God giving us new life through Jesus, we are called also to participate in sharing the grace we receive.
Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb and alerted the disciples. Mary comes back and encounters the risen Christ.
We reflect on those thirsts of the soul, and give thanks for the living water we have in Jesus.
Jesus speaks from the cross and we find the charge for the first community of Christian believers to exist post resurrection.
A church is a gathering of followers who worship together and who take care of one another. Jesus created a family and the church!
JT tells the story of Daniel's friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and reminds us that God is always with us no matter what.
Our God knows what it means to suffer and to feel forsaken. No matter what we may feel in this life, God has walked in our shoes.
No matter who you are, we are all remembered by Jesus. And we can have the gift of God's presence and hope today.
Jesus doesn't deserve what is happening to him, while the criminal is reaping what he sowed. Jesus offers him hope!
We are all in need of forgiveness and we are also called to be a people that forgive like Jesus.
What does forgiveness look like and why is it so very important for us to live with intentionality?
Jesus encounter a bunch of folks who are grieving and weeping - and he wept. Emmanuel, God with us, even in the weeping.
Raising Lazarus from the dead invites us to believe that the impossible is possible when God is at work and when Jesus is with us.
Jesus healed a blind man and he told his story to others. Are we willing to tell our own stories of how Christ has transformed our lives?
Jesus restores the blind man's sight, but people around him, Pharisees and the man's parents, do not "see" the miracle. Do you see the signs of Jesus at work?
Regardless of what you are facing, whether it is a big storm or a small storm, Jesus is there in the boat to calm the storm and get you to the other side.
Regardless of what you are facing, whether it is a big storm or a small storm, Jesus is there in the boat to calm the storm and get you to the other side.
What are the needs of others in our community and what do we have that can make a difference?
What are the needs of others in our community and what do we have that can make a difference?
He sought to be healed for 38 years and no one would help him get to the pool. Do you want to be healed?
He sought to be healed for 38 years and no one would help him get to the pool. Jesus came on a sabbath and healed him.
Jesus is approached by a royal official with a sick son. He heals him from a distance speaking only words and the son is healed.
Jesus is approached by a royal official with a sick son. He heals him from a distance speaking only words and the son is healed.
When the wine runs out at the multiday wedding feast, Jesus turns six large jars of water into wine.
When the wine runs out at the multiday wedding feast, Jesus turns six large jars of water into wine.
John the Baptist's report of what happened at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River to help us set the stage for how Jesus was revealed to John.
John the Baptist's report of what happened at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River to help us set the stage for how Jesus was revealed to John.
Explore how we can share our own stories and demonstrate vulnerability as we set our own lives as an example for others to follow on the pathway to deeper growth.
It's all too easy to lose momentum, or even get lost along the way, trying to lead others. Paul recommends that Timothy stay grounded so that he can serve faithfully and effectively. How can remaining grounded help us as we seek to grow deeper?
Jonah's anger prevents him from growing and seeing the truth about himself. God asks Jonah the question that we need to ask ourselves: "Is it right for you to be angry?"
Jonah shows up in Nineveh, but he doesn’t seem to do or say all that God asked of him. Are we sometimes like Jonah - doing the bare minimum of what God asks us to do?
Jonah flees from God’s call only to find himself causing harm to others in the process. Turning around can not only bring us closer to God’s will for our lives, but it can also bring blessings to others.
At first Jonah runs away from the very opportunity to grow in his understanding of God and in his service to God. Explore why Jonah fled and why God desires to see him in the first place.
Ready, aim, fire! It's time to to start building new habits. Starting growth-oriented habits often means saying no to old, unproductive habits. But, there is also a need to continually evaluate if our habits are moving us towards personal and spiritual growth.
Habits are the key! Goals orient us towards our destination, while habits are the small practices that get us from point A to point B. Without habits, goals are just dreams, and growth becomes harder to achieve.
Explore the steps of a Growth Plan of Attack (GPA) by looking at the Old Testament prophets as guides to honestly evaluating where we are now as well as dreaming about how and where we want or need to grow.
Taking your first step towards growth - even when you don't know where to start. You don't have to design a complex growth plan in order to start a journey towards important changes in your life.
This auto-biographical episode gives insight into Mike and Ross encountered opportunities for growing deeper in their own lives through seasons of being still, being confronted by pain, and in times of willingly moving forward out of love.
Mike and Ross talk about how they have missed the mark in helping everyone grow, they talk about a possible road map to growth, and how we can all be a people that are intentionally continuing to grow deeper in faith.