Homegrown Faith

Homegrown Faith

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Each week on Homegrown Faith pastors Jo Clark and Richard Sweatman talk together about God, the Bible, and the everyday life growing in faith in Jesus. Join them as they read God's word, grow together, and talk about what they're learning and doing in their Christian lives.Homegrown Faith is coming to you from Hunter Bible Church, in Newcastle Australia. We'd love to meet you and help you meet Jesus. Why not come and visit us? Check out www.hunterbiblechurch.org for more info.Reach Australia is a group of like-minded Christians who are on about seeing thousands of healthy, multiplying, evangelistic churches across Australia. For other great podcasts why not check out https://reachaustralia.com.au/reach-australia-podcast-network/

Richard Sweatman & Jo Clark

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    • Dec 7, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 147 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Homegrown Faith

    Final Episode: Christmas Outfits and God's Loving Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 21:23


    Jo and Richard record their final episode. Jo prepares for Christmas at the dog park and Richard updates everyone on the state of his grasses and lawn. Jo reflects on God's care from Psalm 121 and gives her tips for regular Bible reading. Jo and Richard give extra encouragement for Christian conversation, learning and reading. Lots of thanksgiving to finish.Psalm 121Truth for Life, Alistair BeggSupport the show

    Andy Words, Concrete and Thanksgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 17:56


    Richard quizzes Jo on 4 new youth words and their meaning. Jo explains her "Dale dug a hole" moment. Jo and Richard reflect with thanksgiving on some elements of the podcast.Psalm 111:2Support the show

    Airshow FOMO and God's Grace in Psalms

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 17:49


    Richard makes a last minute dash to the airshow and Jo meets some fellow kookaburra victims. Jo and Richard discuss Psalm 103 and Phillip Jensen's new book on the Holy Spirit. An announcement is made.Psalm 103The Coming of the Holy Spirit, Phillip D. JensenSupport the show

    Procrasti-cleaning and a Bible Double

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 18:46


    Richard finds a new enthusiasm for dusting and Jo comes under attack on her deck. Jo and Richard discuss body parts from 1 Cor 12 and God's light from Psalm 97.The Power of Cleaning: Daily Habits for the Heart and SoulPsalm 971 Cor 12Support the show

    The Spotlight Effect and God's Work in Us From Psalm 90

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 17:02


    Richard explains the spotlight effect after learning from a TikTok psychologist. Jo shares her love of Bible timeline cards. Jo and Richard discuss God's work in us from the last verse of Psalm 90 and on a new book by Peter Orr.Bible Timeline Cards from Visual UnitPsalm 90The Beginning of the Gospel: A Theology of Mark, Peter OrrSupport the show

    The Broken Hill Class System and The Life of Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 17:29


    Richard reports back from Broken Hill and Jo explores bird-saving window strategies. Richard discovers a a pleasing correspondence between his Old and New Testament readings. Jo receives a first rate gift and is refreshed by chapter 1.Genesis 1:6-81 Cor 12The Life of Faith, An Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Peter F. JensenSupport the show

    School Reunion Report and Finding Peace in Salem

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 17:52


    Jo has a face-palm moment after some yard work and Richard reports back after his 30 year school reunion. Jo digs into the meaning of Salem in Psalm 76 and Richard gets some parenting pointers from a highly relevant book.Psalm 76Doing Life With Your Adult Children, Jim BurnsSupport the show

    Dog Beach Etiquette and Why Mature Christians Need Encouragement

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 14:43


    Jo and Richard return after the break and share stories of MTS Recruit and adventures at the dog beach. Richard explains why even mature Christians need encouragement from 1 Thessalonians 3. Jo finds reasons to pause while reading Psalm 73.1 Thessalonians 3Psalm 73Support the show

    Cast Iron Cleaning, Psalm 65 and El Nino

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 16:09


     Jo and Richard discuss appropriate tradie hospitality and cleaning tips for cast iron. Jo explains why Psalm 65 is a comfort with El Nino on the way. Richard reads an extended quote from Gavin Ortland (not Dane) from his book on humility.Psalm 65Humility: the joy of self-forgetfulness, Gavin OrtlundSupport the show

    Broken Rissoles and Unmissable Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 17:23


    Richard gives the final soccer update after a thrilling grandfinal. Jo explains how to do church hospitality with garage dining and a cold pool. Richard shares wisdom from Proverbs 11 and Jo reviews Richard's (and Antony's) book about church.Proverbs 11Unmissable Church, Richard Sweatman and Antony BarracloughSupport the show

    Building Site Safety and Preaching Christ and his Blessings

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 17:30


    Jo gets a run down on building site safety and Richard's son prepares for his formal. Psalm 39 invites a deeper perspective on the brevity of life and Richard explains why he's reading 'The Whole Christ' for the second time. Psalm 39The Whole Christ, Sinclair FergusonSupport the show

    Teddy on the Loose and the One Blog Jo Reads

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 17:10


    Richard explains how journalling keeps him grounded and Teddy escapes. Jo and Richard discuss the inner life of Baruch and why a blog on law on religion is worth reading. Jeremiah 45Law and Religion Blog, Associate Professor Neil FosterSupport the show

    Escape Room and God's Covenant Enforcement Officers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 17:23


    Richard reports on a thrilling finish to a soccer final and Jo takes on an escape room. Jo points out some encouraging words from Psalm 38 and Richard explains why biblical prophets are like God's covenant enforcement officers.Psalm 38Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture, Christopher WatkinSupport the show

    Go the Matildas! Football, Jesus and Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 19:01


    Jo get's on the Women's World Cup bandwagon and Richard prepares himself for his 30 year school reunion. Jo and Richard and discuss love for Jesus and obedience from John 15 and some challenging teaching on money.John 15The Generosity Agenda, in Redeeming Money by Paul David TrippSupport the show

    Dog Parks and Preaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 16:44


    Richard finds an inspirational soccer coach and Jo reviews Australia's dog parks. Jo and Richard discuss God's glory from Exodus 16. Richard finds an author with swagger who's got a lot to say about preaching.Exodus 16Preaching with Purpose, Jay AdamsSupport the show

    Haircut Disaster and the Fear of God

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 17:32


    Jo and Richard return after a break with a tale of sour candy madness. Jo shares about a haircut disaster and how Exodus 9 highlights the fear of God. Richard finally finishes Augustine's City of God and makes a start with a new book.Exodus 9Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture, Christopher WatkinSupport the show

    Live Action Orchestra and the Indents of Thomas Manton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 17:29


    Jo visits the Opera House for some brilliant Zimmer music and Richard discovers a moving podcast. Jo shares her insights from Exodus 14 and Richard has another go at understanding Puritan Thomas Manton on forgivenessExodus 14Pray for EgyptThomas Manton; Exposition on the Lord's PrayerSupport the show

    Jo's Phone Adventure and Amazing Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 18:10


    Jo's phone goes for a ride and Richard devises a new attendance strategy for Growth Group. Richard and Jo discuss the power of God in Jeremiah 50 and the encouragement of John Newton.Jeremiah 50John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace. Jonathan AitkenSupport the show

    Live EDM and Exodus 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 17:22


    Richard goes to a real life EDM event and Jo chases down the post-reno finishing touches. Jo resists her speech path habits and reflects on Moses' ministry reluctance from Exodus 4. Richard digs into some Puritan writings on forgiveness.Exodus 4Thomas Manton; Exposition on the Lord's PrayerSupport the show

    Deep Fried Cheesy Balls and Words of Pure Silver

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 18:35


    Richard provides a tasty recipe and Teddy takes his first educational steps. Jo and Richard discuss the preciousness of God's words from Psalm 12 and Jo reviews a book without recommending it.Psalm 12Support the show

    A $60 Jango and Some Super-Concentrated Theology from Exodus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 19:27


    Richard's son starts his journey of FB marketplace and Jo discovers the happiest man on earth. Jo and Richard discuss an amazing paragraph from Exodus 6 and Richard shares some insights on Christian assurance.Exodus 6The Whole Christ, Sinclair FergusonSupport the show

    The 3-4-3 and the Pastors Wife

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 17:30


    Jo tries life in the sandpit and Richard employs two wing backs. Richard and Jo discuss hair products from Matthew 6 and how to be a great pastor's wife.HooplaMatthew 6The Pastor's Wife: Strengthened by Grace for a Life of Love, Gloria FurmanSupport the show

    Parent Teacher Speed Dating Style Interviews and a New Bible Reading Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 20:04


    Richard shares his strategy for parent teacher interviews and Jo provides a comprehensive weather report. Jo learns a new Bible reading method from her friend Emma and gains fresh insights from John 16. Richard discovers a fascinating book combining Scottish Church History and the doctrine of Grace.John 15:26-16The Whole Christ, Sinclair FergusonSupport the show

    Introducing Somebody New and Two Heart Messages from Psalms

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 16:58


    Jo introduces an addition to her home life and Richard finds that reference from last week. Richard and Jo discuss pouring your heart out to God and not setting your heart on riches from Psalm 62. Jo enjoys some twists and turns in the life of John Newton.Psalm 62John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, Jonathan AitkenSupport the show

    New Zealand Phrase Book and God's Sustaining Work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 16:18


    Richard shares 7 New Zealand phrases he learned in Auckland. Jo has some washing machine fails. Jo begins her Psalms journey and Richard notices a link to Augustine's City of God.Psalm 3City of God, AugustineSupport the show

    Shocking Algae and Newton's Amazing Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 15:54


    Richard gets around town on a folding bike and Jo prevails over the algae. Richard finds loads to think about in Isaiah 44 and Jo gets into some church history.Isaiah 44John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan AitkenSupport the show

    Noah and Paul's Missionary Letters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 16:46


    Jo and Richard break with tradition and jump straight into Bible discussion on 2 Peter 2. Richard describes the kanji for church and explains why he's picked up a book on 1 and 2 Timothy.2 Peter 2: 4-101 and 2 Timothy For You, Phillip JensenSupport the show

    Final Update and Sustainable Sacrifice

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 18:12


    Richard shares the news from the cricket final and Jo delights in some fiction. Jo and Richard discuss the challenge and comforts for ministry from 1 Timothy 4 and Jo is refreshed by a blog on sustainable sacrifice.2 Timothy 4Sustainable Sacrifice blog, Lionel WindsorZeal without burnout, Christopher AshSupport the show

    Growth Group Weekend Away and the Crown of Philippians 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 17:35


    Jo enjoys a weekend away with her Growth Group and Richard prepares for the cricket final. Jo and Richard discuss the affection and encouragement of Paul in Philippians 4 and further insights from Embracing ComplementarianismPhilippians 4Embracing Complementarianism, Graham Beynon and Jane TooherSupport the show

    Thanks for Aircon and Augustine's Musical Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 16:22


    Richard comes across a remarkable passage from Augustine and Jo braves Newcastle's bus system. Richard learns from the wonderful 1 Timothy 4 and Jo skills up in leading a large group.1 Timothy 4Leading Small Groups That Thrive: Five Shifts to Take Your Group to the Next Level, Ryan T. Hartwig, Courtney W. Davis, Jason A. SniffSupport the show

    Losing in Chess and Looking to the Interests of Others

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 18:30


    Jo makes the most of her pool and Richard loses in chess. Jo shares why Philippians 2 put her on the right track and Richard grows in his forgiving capacity thanks to a new book by Tim Keller.Philippians 2Forgive, Timothy KellerSupport the show

    Physical 100 and OTS with LHB

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 18:36


    Richard confesses a reality TV addiction and Jo gets close to nature. Richard and Jo discuss the shocking Bible study method of Jehoiakim and Jo goes deep into Ezra and Nehemiah with Old Testament Survey by LaSor, Hubbard and BushJeremiah 36Old Testament Survey. The Message, Form and Background of the Old Testament. Lasor, Hubbar, and BushSupport the show

    Fish Feeding and the City of God

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 17:10


    Richard spots some Streetfighter 2 action at Moore College and Jo communes with the fish. Jo embarks on some exilic / post exilic Bible study with Josie and Richard gets into Augustine's City of God.2 Chronicles 36The City of God, AugustineSupport the show

    A Different Kind of Park Run

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 17:29


    Jo is startled during tennis by a runner. Richard and his wife defeat the Empire. Richard is encouraged by Psalm 4 to pause, think and turn to God. Jo reviews another book on rest.Refresh: Embracinga Grace-Paced Life in a World of Endless Demands, David Murray and Shona MurrayPsalm 4Support the show

    2023 Season Return

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2023 18:21


    Jo and Richard return after a summer break to talk about life, the BIble and Christian reading. This week Jo takes on her fear of heights and Richard goes car racing. Jo shares encouragement from Colossians 1 and Richard gets help for his busy-ness.Colossians 1Busy, Ian CarmichaelSupport the show

    2022 Wrap-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 17:04


    Jo and Richard complete the sentence: "2022 was the year of ...." Jo reflects on the pros and cons of chronological Bible reading and Richard explains why he regularly reads the Bible and prays. Jo and Richard share their reading plans for the summer and say farewell until 2023.Deuteronomy 8Support the show

    Fantasy Football and Paul's Great Reversal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2022 18:11


    Richard gets caught up in World Cup Fantasy Football and Jo has a reptile loose in the house. Jo and Richard discuss Paul's radical chance of direction in Acts and some challenges from Lloyd-Jones about faith. Acts 9 Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-JonesSupport the show

    Death to Mosquitoes and Finding Joyful Contentment

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 17:18


    Richard takes on the neighbourhood mosquitoes with some unintended consequences. Jo makes a public service announcement to anyone planning renovations. Richard and Jo discuss Exodus idolatry in Ezekiel and the strategies for joyful Christian contentment.Ezekiel 20If Only, Finding Joyful Contentment in the Face of Lack and Longing by Jennie PollockCharles Spurgeon quote: look at final paragraphSupport the show

    Webtoons and the Betrayal of Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 18:40


    Jo finds herself with a song from Gladiator in her head and Richard discovers Webtoons. Richard and Jo discuss the betrayal of Jesus from Matthew 26 and Richard explains why talking to yourself is better than listening to yourself.Matthew 26:1-5Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-JonesSupport the show

    Maidenhair Mortality and Hearts of Stone and Flesh

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 17:38


    Jo confesses her inability to keep a certain type of fern alive and carollers visit Richard's Growth Group. Richard finds encouragement as he comes across a famous Ezekiel passage and Jo explains why the staff "Deep Dive" is so good.Ezekiel 36John 13Support the show

    Rat Catching and Asaph the Prophet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 18:33


    Richard achieves something this week and Jo discovers Asaph's prophecy about Jesus. Richard recommends a new book to help us fight for our pastors.Matthew 13:35Fight For Your PastorSupport the show

    Losing Money and How not to be First

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 17:09


    Richard admits to coaching cricket and Jo has the rare experience of losing something. Richard is challenged by 3 John not to be first and Jo reflects on Claire Smith's words on God's plan for the church and for men and women.3 JohnGod's Good Design, Dr Claire SmithSupport the show

    Andy Words and Nehemiah's Prayer to the Great God of Heaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 20:06


    Jo learns some new youth words and explains why theatre is worth going to. Jo and Richard discuss Nehemiah's prayer and the dangers of Liberal Theology.Nehemiah 1Against Liberal Theology, Roger E. OlsonSupport the show

    The Ultimate Reading Space and Embracing Complementarianism

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 17:38


    Richard finds the ultimate reading space and Jo bravely goes on an adventure. Richard shows from Proverbs why we need to direct our heart rather than listen to them and Jo finds her preconceptions challenged by a brand new book.Proverbs 2Embracing ComplementarianismSupport the show

    A Surprise Visitor and When Priests Go Bad

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 16:59


    Richard gets a surprise visitor and Jo has a big day with a caulking gun. Jo discovers some ungodly priests in Ezekiel and Richard admits a theological weakness.Ezekiel 22Gospel Coalition Australia Article Series: The Ordered GodheadSupport the show

    Dog show and Singing About Jesus our Boss

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 14:01


    Jo visits a dog show and Richard gets a notification from the family accountability software. Richard is challenged by Psalm 97:10 to hate evil and Jo takes joy and encouragement from a kids song with amazing guitar riffs.Psalm 97:10Knowing Jesus as my boss, Ben PakulaMTS Recruit ConferenceSupport the show

    Whale Watching and Dealing with Anger

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 17:35


    Richard gives a grand final update for the Lorikeets and Jo searches for whales. Jo and Richard discuss the "where" of Jesus' temptation and Richard shares the four causes of anger from a recent book.Luke 4The Heart of Anger: How the Bible Transforms Anger in Our Understanding and Experience | CrosswayReach Australia Humility in MinistrySupport the show

    Jo and Richard Celebrate 100 Episodes of HomeGrown Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 16:04


    HomeGrown Faith was born during the first Covid lockdowns in 2020 and now in 2022 we celebrate 100 episodes. That means 100 funny stories (times 2) and 100 Bible reflections and 100 reading/listening experiences.This week Jo and Richard reflect on the experience and the many things to be thankful for.James 1:17Gentle and Lowly, Dane OrtlundConfronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlinSupport the show

    Tradie Chats and Charles Simeon's Conversion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 16:20


    Jo masters tradie chats and the Lorikeets head into finals. Jo discovers the deceitfulness of the heart from Jeremiah and Richard explains how a Christian book led Charles Simeon to Christ.Jeremiah 17:9-10 Cambridge and the Evangelical Succession, Sir Marcus Loane Support the show

    A New Kind of Phone Booth and Being Thankful at All Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 16:11


    Richard tries out a BYO phone booth and Jo pauses on some tricky home maintenance. Richard is in awe of Jeremiah 31:20 and Jo makes a note in the margin of her book. Our 100th episode is coming up! Please send stories of how HGF has encourage you to homegrownfaith@hunterbiblechurch.orgJeremiah 31:20If Only, Jennie PollockSupport the show

    Facebook Marketplace Scams and Wayne Grudem

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 17:06


    Richard's Growth Group fixes a door and Jo dodges a FB Marketplace scam. Jo reaches Micah in chronological Bible reading and Richard shares his love for weekly systematic theology.Micah 1Systematic Theology, Second Edition. Wayne GrudemSupport the show

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