In Week 3 of the Delivered series, the Grow Group Podcast team continues its study of Exodus, focusing on the early plagues and Pharaoh’s increasingly hardened heart. Through candid discussion, humor, and personal reflection, the group explores how each plague demonstrates God’s absolute authority over creation and the false gods of Egypt. They note that the plagues are not random acts of judgment but intentional, precise signs meant to reveal God’s power and call Pharaoh to obedience.

The conversation highlights recurring themes of stubbornness, partial obedience, and compromise masquerading as faith. Pharaoh’s repeated attempts to negotiate with God—rather than fully surrender—become a mirror for modern believers who may seek relief from hardship without true repentance. The group also reflects on God’s mercy, patience, and protection of Israel, contrasting it with Pharaoh’s self-centered leadership that causes suffering for others.

Personal stories and practical applications draw listeners into deeper reflection: how obedience or disobedience ripples outward, how faith can be reduced to convenience, and how God’s will—while straightforward—is often uncomfortable. The episode closes with prayer and encouragement to respond quickly and humbly when God’s direction is clear.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Delivered devotional guides are available on ⁠Amazon⁠.

00:00–02:00 – Welcome, introductions, and lighthearted banter

02:00–05:00 – Overview of the plagues (frogs, gnats, flies) and Pharaoh’s defiance

05:00–08:00 – God mocking Egyptian gods; creation reversed into judgment

08:00–11:00 – Pharaoh’s stubbornness and the limits of counterfeit power

11:00–14:00 – Separation between Egypt and Israel; light vs. darkness

14:00–17:00 – Compromise masquerading as obedience; partial faith exposed

17:00–19:30 – Modern parallels: bargaining with God and selective obedience

19:30–22:00 – Plague on livestock; God’s precise and surgical judgment

22:00–25:00 – Hardened hearts today and the cost of ignoring God’s will

25:00–28:30 – God’s mercy, patience, and confirming Pharaoh’s chosen path

28:30–31:30 – The plague of boils and escalation of judgment

31:30–34:30 – Authority of God over rulers, magicians, and false power

34:30–37:30 – Prayer requests and personal reflections

37:30–39:59 – Closing prayer, next week preview, and outro

In Week 2 of Delivered, the Grow Group team walks through Exodus 5–7, exploring what happens when obedience to God initially makes life harder instead of easier. Through honest conversation and personal stories, the group reflects on Moses’ leadership struggles, Israel’s discouragement, and Pharaoh’s resistance. They discuss how obedience often surfaces opposition, how God’s plan and God’s pace are not the same, and why faith is tested most when expectations go unmet.

The conversation highlights the danger of becoming comfortable in bondage, the fear of change, and the temptation to blame others when God’s work unfolds differently than expected. The group emphasizes maintaining faithfulness during delays, prioritizing personal consecration over circumstances, and trusting God’s long view rather than reacting to the moment. Listeners are encouraged to remain obedient, patient, and spiritually grounded, trusting that God is always working—even when progress feels slow.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Delivered devotional guides are available on ⁠Amazon⁠.

00:00–04:15 – Welcome, introductions, lighthearted conversation, and setting the stage for Week 2 in Exodus.

04:16–06:56 – Israel’s excitement turns to discouragement; leadership lessons from Moses facing unmet expectations.

06:57–08:49 – Why people struggle to trust God after seeing Him move; comfort in familiar bondage.

08:50–11:32 – Obedience to God and earthly consequences; when faithfulness creates resistance.

11:33–13:44 – Suffering while obeying God; God working in and through difficult people and situations.

13:45–15:18 – Trading short-term perspective for God’s long view; obedience often gets worse before better.

15:19–16:59 – God’s pruning process; patience vs. humility and spiritual growth through hardship.

17:00–19:27 – Identifying with Moses, Israel, and Pharaoh; God’s plan vs. God’s pace.

19:28–21:21 – Blame, cynicism, and frustration when God’s timing feels slow.

21:22–24:07 – Discussion of the plagues and God’s progressive demonstration of power.

24:08–26:12 – Faithfulness in delay; doing the next right thing under God’s direction.

26:13–27:50 – Consecration over circumstances; character shaping calling.

27:51–30:00 – God’s promises, Moses’ age, and encouragement that God’s calling is not limited by season of life.

30:01–33:16 – God equips the called; leadership, teamwork, and walking in present truth.

33:17–36:18 – God’s power vs. false power; staff to serpent and spiritual realities.

36:19–43:44 – Idols, worship, modern distractions, and putting anything before God.

43:45–47:24 – Prayer requests, closing prayer, and invitation to return for Week 3.

In Week 1 of Delivered, the Grow Group Podcast begins a 12-week journey through the book of Exodus, exploring God’s faithfulness to hear, see, and deliver His people. The group introduces the historical setting between Joseph and Moses, highlighting Israel’s growth, oppression, and long season of waiting. They discuss how God often allows discomfort to move His people toward His greater purposes and how discipline differs from punishment.

The conversation centers on the birth of Moses, the faith of his parents, the courage of the Hebrew midwives, and the sovereignty of God working alongside human obedience. The group reflects on themes of civil disobedience, reverence for God, and choosing righteousness when values collide. Through the imagery of the basket “pitched” like Noah’s ark, they connect God’s saving work in Exodus to the greater redemption found in Christ.

Practical applications emphasize open-handed faith, obedience without full understanding, and trusting God’s plan even when circumstances are unclear. The episode closes by affirming that no life is an accident, God is deeply concerned with our suffering, and worship is the natural response when we recognize His care and presence.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Delivered devotional guides are available on Amazon.

00:00–01:00 – Welcome and introduction to the Grow Group Podcast

01:00–03:10 – Overview of the Delivered devotional and the book of Exodus

03:10–07:15 – Lighthearted group banter and personal updates

07:15–10:00 – Historical gap between Joseph and Moses (350–400 years)

10:00–12:15 – Israel’s growth, fear of Pharaoh, and rise of oppression

12:15–15:20 – Forgetting God’s provision and the purpose behind hardship

15:20–16:50 – God’s greater redemptive plan and the coming Passover Lamb

16:50–21:55 – Hebrew midwives, fearing God, and righteous civil disobedience

21:55–25:10 – Birth of Moses and God’s sovereignty with human obedience

25:10–26:45 – The basket as an ark: God’s protection and saving grace

26:45–28:10 – Identity, worth, and being known by God before birth

28:10–30:45 – Faith with open hands and obedience without full blueprints

30:45–34:45 – Moses’ doubts, God’s patience, and using what’s in our hands

34:45–39:10 – Holy ground, reverence, and responding to God’s presence

39:10–40:25 – God’s concern for His people leads to worship

40:25–44:45 – Obedience, covenant faithfulness, and leadership responsibility

44:45–49:55 – Final reflections, prayer requests, and group prayer

49:55–51:35 – Devotional availability and closing remarks

In the final week of the Romans study, the group wraps up with both humor and heartfelt reflection. They highlight Paul’s shift from doctrine to action—Romans 12–16 as the picture of what a transformed life should look like. Romans 15:13 becomes the anchor: God is the source of hope, peace, and joy amid anxiety, cultural change, and uncertainty.

They connect today’s struggles with biblical moments like Habakkuk and Moses, showing how God uses unexpected circumstances to realign His people. Discussion moves into Romans 16, where Paul models humility through gratitude, honoring ordinary believers whose faithfulness helped build the early church. This becomes a challenge to practice gratitude intentionally, honor others, bear burdens, and accept people the way Christ accepts us—lovingly, truthfully, without condoning sin.

They explore prayer as “striving together,” the danger of self-righteousness, and the need to walk in the Spirit to truly love others. The episode ends with personal prayer requests, community concerns, and an encouragement to begin a “gratitude cycle” this week.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Victorious devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

00:00–02:12

Warm banter; life updates; humor about retirement, RV living, and backyard woes.

02:12–04:48

Confirming next week’s wrap-up; Romans overview—salvation (1–11) and transformed living (12–16).

04:48–06:18

Romans 15:13—choosing hope; God’s control amid culture shifts and elections.

06:18–08:10

Habakkuk and Moses—God using hardship to bring His people back in line with His purposes.

08:10–09:45

Early church growth; everyday believers fueling mission; modern parallels to a post-Christian culture.

09:45–12:03

Paul’s gratitude in Romans 16; humility; importance of thanking and honoring others.

12:03–14:47

Colossians 1—marks of spiritual maturity: fruit, endurance, patience, gratitude.

14:47–18:40

Good Christian misconceptions; Spirit-empowered living; endurance with circumstances and people.

18:40–21:45

Gratitude memories; Mr. Rogers reflection; humorous “holy kiss” tangent.

21:45–23:26

Romans 15:30—praying with urgency; striving together in the work of the gospel.

23:26–29:02

Bearing the weak; Christlike acceptance; confronting sin with grace, not condoning or condemning.

29:02–34:03

Church culture inconsistencies; dangers of self-righteousness; modern Phariseeism.

34:03–37:44

Four practices of gratitude: name blessings, lead with appreciation, honor others, start the gratitude cycle.

37:44–39:57

Prayer requests: patience, peace, healing, family needs.

39:57–45:13

Closing prayer; community tragedy; ministry resources; invitation to support Five Marks; preview of final episode.

In Week 11 of the Victorious series, the Grow Group dives into Romans 13–14, exploring how believers live out love and freedom in a world full of gray areas. After a lighthearted opening filled with stories about marriage humor and a nicotine-soaked Facebook Marketplace sofa, the conversation shifts toward how Christians discern right from wrong when Scripture isn’t explicit.

The group discusses Paul’s teaching on conscience, conviction, and Christian liberty—using his example of eating meat sacrificed to idols as a framework for modern decisions. They emphasize that mature faith balances personal freedom with responsibility, seeking to avoid causing others to stumble. Through topics like Halloween participation, holiday traditions, and cultural engagement, they unpack the principle that believers must discern whether to reject, receive, or redeem cultural practices based on their conscience and love for others.

Joey highlights that spiritual maturity means walking in grace rather than judgment—allowing God to shape each believer’s heart rather than enforcing uniformity. Quoting Romans 14:1–4 (The Message), Barry reminds the group to welcome differing perspectives at “God’s table” and let the Lord do the teaching. They caution against self-righteousness, division, and social media outrage, emphasizing that “being righteous” is more important than “being right.”

Joey closes by urging believers to live in forward motion—pressing on in faith, keeping eyes fixed on Christ’s return, and feeding the Spirit through Scripture, prayer, worship, and community. True victory, they agree, comes from a renewed mind and a heart anchored in love.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Victorious devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

00:00–03:00 | Playful intro: stories of marriage humor and buying a smoke-filled sofa set up a relaxed, relational tone.

03:00–05:30 | Introduction to Romans 13–14; key theme—loving God and others as the fulfillment of the law.

05:30–08:00 | Paul’s teaching on “meat sacrificed to idols” applied to modern life—freedom guided by conscience.

08:00–11:00 | Debate on Halloween and Christian participation: rejecting darkness, redeeming what’s good, avoiding judgment.

11:00–14:30 | Stories of cultural discernment and spiritual awareness—recognizing hidden influences without fear or superstition.

14:30–17:00 | Conversation on church traditions, holidays, and the lack of consistent rhythms in Protestant faith practice.

17:00–20:00 | Legalism and boycotts: the danger of overcorrecting and confusing conviction with control.

20:00–22:30 | Reading of Romans 14:1–4 (The Message)—welcome others who differ in faith; let God be the teacher.

22:30–25:30 | Modern example: a Florida church criticized online; handling disagreement with grace, not condemnation.

25:30–28:00 | Warning against dissension and self-righteousness—pursue righteousness, not just being “right.”

28:00–31:00 | Living forward: don’t dwell on the past; fix your eyes on Christ’s return and daily mission.

31:00–33:30 | Renewing the mind through worship, prayer, and Scripture; replacing negative thoughts with God’s truth.

33:30–38:30 | Joey’s five keys to victory: recognize the battle, stay alert, strengthen your soul, walk with others, and feed the Spirit while starving the flesh.

38:30–44:00 | Closing humor, family updates, and heartfelt prayer for wisdom, family, new babies, and ongoing ministry.

In this Grow Group Podcast episode, the team wraps up the Victorious series by moving from Romans 9–11 into the transformational call of Romans 12:1–2. The conversation begins lightheartedly—with talk of family, politics, and parenting—but quickly transitions into the rich theology of surrender, worship, and daily discipleship. The hosts explore Paul’s urging to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,” connecting it to practical renewal of the mind and the act of worship that extends far beyond Sunday services.

They discuss humility, trust in God’s timing, and joining His mission as essential steps toward spiritual maturity. The group emphasizes the danger of conforming to worldly molds—whether political, cultural, or personal—and unpacks how to remain set apart through intentional focus on Christ. Drawing on neuroscience and spiritual discipline, they note how consistent time in God’s Word rewires not just thinking but living.

Quiet time is reframed as a “date with Jesus”—a relational, worshipful space rather than a rushed routine. The episode builds toward the idea that true worship is whole-life surrender: every thought, action, and decision submitted to God’s will. The hosts close with humor, honest reflection, and heartfelt prayer—thanking God for His mercy and asking for wisdom to stay on the altar of surrender daily.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Victorious devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

00:00–02:00 | Lighthearted banter about community involvement, parenting adult children, and lessons in patience and prayer.

02:00–04:00 | Reflections on letting go of expectations, trusting God’s better plan, and avoiding attachment to personal visions of success.

04:00–06:00 | Humor about marriage and family life before transitioning to Romans 11’s doxology—acknowledging God’s unfathomable wisdom.

06:00–08:00 | Discussion: trusting God even when mysteries remain; surrender leads to true worship.

08:00–09:50 | Key takeaways: wear humility, trust God’s timing, join His mission, live as a mercy receiver/giver, and rest in sovereignty.

09:50–12:00 | Overview of Romans 9–11: God’s plan for Jews and Gentiles, salvation through faith, and God’s sovereign purpose.

12:00–14:30 | Transition to Romans 12:1–2; meaning of “renewing your mind” and the concept of spiritual metamorphosis.

14:30–17:00 | Practical discussion on forming godly habits; daily focus on Jesus; the role of Scripture in mind renewal.

17:00–19:30 | “Quiet time” defined as relational, not ritualistic—personal worship, prayer, and presence.

19:30–21:20 | Worship as whole-life surrender—our work, relationships, and choices as acts of devotion.

21:20–24:00 | How culture molds belief; resisting conformity through obedience and offering ourselves to God.

24:00–27:00 | Honest talk on hypocrisy, love, and genuine transformation; loving others as proof of renewal.

27:00–30:00 | Living out faith in the workplace—showing Christ through joy, patience, and authenticity rather than judgment.

30:00–33:00 | Practical obedience: start daily at the altar, refuse the world’s mold, and identify cultural pressures.

33:00–36:00 | Naming temptations (“name your no’s”); setting healthy spiritual boundaries and practicing “micro-surrenders.”

36:00–38:00 | Daily choice between self and Spirit; social media distractions; staying Christ-centered amid noise.

38:00–41:00 | Summary of Romans 12 as a “mountaintop” of Christian living; worship as lifestyle, humility, and service.

41:00–43:00 | Reflection on loving God versus loving people—true love for God produces love for others.

43:00–47:00 | Closing prayer requests for new babies, family transitions, and ministry growth.

47:00–48:30 | Final prayer and outro—encouragement to live surrendered and stay connected in community.

In this Week 9 episode of the Grow Group Podcast, the team explores Romans 11, diving into the mystery of God’s sovereignty, Israel’s role in salvation history, and the believer’s call to share the gospel. The discussion opens lightheartedly with talk about parenting adult children before transitioning to weightier topics—how God uses Israel and the Church in His redemptive plan, and how individual faith relates to His overall sovereignty.

The group unpacks Paul’s imagery of the olive tree—Israel as the natural branches and the Church as the wild branches grafted in—explaining that salvation has always come through faith, not lineage. They emphasize that while Israel as a nation has a unique place in God’s covenant plan, each individual must personally respond to Christ. From there, they discuss the tension between divine foreknowledge and human responsibility, concluding that God’s sovereignty never cancels our freedom to choose Him.

As the conversation deepens, the hosts highlight the beauty of evangelism through personal stories and spiritual conversations. They challenge listeners to reflect on how often they share their faith, stressing that evangelism is an overflow of love for God rather than duty. The episode closes with a rich theological reflection on logos and rhema—the written Word and the revealed Word—showing how believers need both Scripture and the Spirit to stay “in tune” with God. A time of prayer wraps up the discussion, focusing on wisdom, healing, and trust in God’s guidance.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Victorious devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

00:00–02:25 | Opening Banter

The team jokes about parenting adult children and life transitions before diving into Week 9 of Victorious.

02:25–04:45 | Introducing Romans 11

They preview challenging themes—God’s sovereignty, Israel’s role, and the “wild olive tree” metaphor.

04:45–07:20 | God’s Covenant Plan

Discussion on how salvation, once tied to Israel, was extended to all believers through faith and the birth of the Church.

07:20–09:13 | Prophecy & Restoration

The group connects Israel’s future restoration, Daniel’s prophecy, and the rapture to God’s redemptive timeline.

09:13–12:54 | Who Is Israel?

They contrast physical and spiritual Israel, concluding true belonging is through faith, not heritage.

12:54–15:30 | Word Pictures & Translation

Reflection on how Hebrew and Greek imagery shape Scripture’s depth and interpretation.

15:30–18:47 | Sovereignty & Free Will

Exploring how God’s foreknowledge coexists with human responsibility, using Israel’s “spirit of stupor” passage.

18:47–24:31 | God’s Plan Through History

Stories of Pharaoh, Joseph, and the Samaritans show how God uses flawed people to fulfill redemption.

24:32–32:11 | Sharing the Gospel

Reading Romans 10:15, they urge believers to witness boldly; Julius shares a heartfelt workplace testimony.

32:11–35:43 | Everyday Conversations

Examples of faith encounters across cultures emphasize meeting people where they are.

35:43–42:44 | Logos & Rhema

They unpack how Scripture (logos) and revelation (rhema) work together to guide believers.

42:44–46:08 | Closing & Prayer

Requests for wisdom, healing, and faith as the team wraps with gratitude and hope for week 10.

In this episode, the Grow Group team dives deep into Romans 9–10, unpacking themes of God’s sovereignty, election, and human responsibility. The group opens with lighthearted banter before moving into a rich discussion on salvation by grace, divine foreknowledge, and free will. They explore the long-debated tension between God’s predestination and our faith response, emphasizing that while God knows who will be saved, He does not force that decision—each person must respond to His grace through faith in Christ.

Using illustrations from Scripture and everyday life, they clarify that election in Scripture often refers to purpose, not favoritism—Israel and individuals like Jacob or Mary were “chosen” for specific roles, not exclusive salvation. Ephesians 1 becomes a central focus as they examine how believers are “chosen in Christ” for holiness, adoption, and to bring God glory. The team also discusses limited free will within God’s sovereignty, emphasizing our responsibility to believe and share the gospel.

The conversation transitions to mission and discipleship, encouraging listeners to be active witnesses both locally and globally, as “beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” They close with personal prayer requests, ministry updates, and news of Joey’s new book project It Matters, highlighting the impact of Five Marks Ministries and the importance of giving and serving to spread the gospel worldwide.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Victorious devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

00:00–02:40 Friendly banter about life and family.

02:41–06:23 Transition into Romans 9 and God’s sovereignty.

06:24–10:07 Debate over foreknowledge vs. predestination.

10:08–13:35 Examples of election for purpose (Esau, Jacob, Mary).

13:36–18:23 Ephesians 1 explored—chosen for holiness and adoption.

18:24–22:42 Salvation’s plan, purchase, and preservation.

22:43–28:31 Evangelism and responsibility in sharing faith.

28:32–31:28 Grace and confession lead to salvation.

31:29–35:31 Mission and discipleship encouragement.

35:32–39:56 Prayers for families and new projects (It Matters).

39:57–45:45 Ministry updates and closing prayer.