Digging In

In this episode, Brian highlights how the early church followed Jesus’ model by sending Paul and Barnabas out as a pair on their first missionary journey. He also discusses their later disagreement and separation before the second trip. Brian also teaches how we, like Paul and Silas, can find joy and sing hymns even in the midst of life’s prisons.

In this episode of Digging In Tony talks about the Kingdom of God on the move. Persecution leads to scattering, but the believers are preaching the Gospel wherever they go. Tony also points out how the Holy Spirit is also moving in the hearts and minds of both believers and not yet believers. He is preparing the way for the gospel to be preached and received.

In this week’s episode Simon points out how the tension between the Kingdom of God and the Empire system of this world is on full display.  He talks about the apostles Peter and John, and a deacon named Stephen, living out the Kingdom of God, bold and powerful in the Spirit, but also the increased opposition coming from the fearful, empire minded religious establishment. 

In this episode Ted transitions us from the end of Mark to the beginning of Acts. His main emphasis was in regard to the change in Peter. At the end of Mark, he's scared and denying Jesus, at the beginning of Acts, he's a bold and powerful preacher. What happened? How can Peter seemingly be two different men? This week's readings answer those questions. Teddy also issues a challenge, hopefully one...

In this week's episode Mickey talks about how Jesus and His ways are so different from what the people are accustomed to from their teachers, and also how different living in the Kingdom of God is from the ways of the world. Mickey also points out how fear is mentioned in this section and how it manifests when confusion and uncertainty are being experienced. He challenges us with a question: What...

In this episode Brian continues to help us figure out the answer to the question "Who is Jesus?" He points out how Jesus is unfazed by chaotic circumstances while others around Him are in a total panic. Brian asks if the same holds true for us when our circumstances feel out of control? Brian also talks about how Jesus continues to provide for the people He's with, giving them just what they need...

This year our Digging In podcast coincides with our Bible Reading Plan, The New Testament in a Year, which is accessible through the link below. Each week one of the UPI staff will teach on the upcoming week's readings. Our goal is to point things out, give you heads up on what to look for, raise some questions, but not to do all the work for you. We hope you enjoy these audio teachings.

Welcome back to our Digging In audio teaching. This year each episode will coincide with our reading plan which is accessible on our app and through a document download below. On January 1st, we will be starting with the Gospel according to Mark. Mark's gospel is what most believe to be a gathering and organizing of the eye witness testimony of the apostle Peter. His audience is the Roman world an...

We are putting a pause on releasing new episodes for the time being. However, if you are interested in other podcasts, here are some good ones we like: The Bible Project Shema Discipleship with Terry Evans Practicing the Way Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

In this week's episode, Simon, Tyler, and special guest AJ Graffanino discuss the well-known parable of the lost son. They talk about the important cultural relevance at the time and how this unveils the love of the Father, the role of repentance, and receiving sonship.

In this week's episode, Terry walks us through Luke 14. Jesus has been invited to a Sabbath meal at a Pharisee's house and takes this opportunity to teach everyone there about the kingdom way of doing things.

In this week's episode, Mickey teaches on the importance of consistent and persistent prayer. He shares potential hindrances, helpful resources, and different ways our staff approaches prayer.

In this week's episode, we converse about what is at the heart of our ministry - discipleship. Working through the outline developed by John Mark Comer, we navigate these chapters in Luke discussing what it means to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus would do if He were me.

In this week's episode, Tyler shares thoughts about what it means to be hearers and doers of God's word. He shares how it brings unity and intimacy with God and each other.

In this week's episode, Brian teaches about Jesus' approach to changing the course of history. Jesus intentionally handpicked each disciple to be with Him, to walk with Him and to work with Him. In doing so, he created in them the ability and charge to go and do the same. May we go and do the same.

In this week's episode, you get a sneak peak into an organic conversation that we have on our Digging In calls. We usually talk and record afterwards. However, Simon recorded without anyone knowing. So, here is a raw, real look at our conversations. Enjoy listening in as we discuss God's gift of repentance.

In this week's episode, our staff has a conversation surrounding the births of Jesus, John the Baptist and the church. The common denominator of them all was the Holy Spirit. Who is He? What is His role? What does that mean for us?

In this week's episode, Mickey teaches on the powerful story in which Jesus restores Peter. The scene transforms all of Peter's senses, to redeeming his betrayal and identity while calling him to something far greater.

In this episode, we let you in on our weekly conversation as we discuss the resurrection of Jesus and his immediate interaction with Mary Magdalene at the tomb. These weekly conversations are what informs and shapes the weekly messages that we put out on this podcast, and so we thought it might be cool to keep letting you in on those meetings.

In this week's episode, Tony leads a special conversation with a group of former players and beloved friends. They discuss Jesus' words on glory, unity and knowing the Father in this intimate prayer before Jesus' death. They share how this prayer can have and has had direct impact in our immediate world around us.

In this episode Tyler and David discuss one of Jesus' last encouraging words to his disciples. They consider what it means to remain connected to Jesus, to bear fruit and how to cultivate habits of abiding during the season.

In this episode, we try something new and let you in on our weekly conversation about what we are reading together in Scripture. These weekly conversations are what informs and shapes the weekly messages that we put out on this podcast, and so we thought it might be cool to just let you in on one of those meetings. This week we are in John 13-14 and Brian Hommel leads the rest of the team in a con...

In this week's episode, Simon Guehring talks about how Jesus' triumphal entry in John 12 ought to inform our expectations about Jesus. Simon reflects on this story and shares insights on what we can learn about the definition of success from Jesus' triumphal entry.

In this week's episode, Luke shares insight to hearing and following the voice of the Shepherd. He teaches two different ways to do this: through Scripture and God's people.

In this week's episode, Mickey shares a reflection on what is truth. He highlights how Jesus came as truth to give us truth, His Spirit and Word, to set us free from the lies of the enemy and to live in the reality of that truth.