Growth for Today with Joel Norris
by Joel Norris // Franklin Road Baptist Church
When life feels overwhelming, distracting, and discouraging, this podcast helps you focus on Jesus, the truth of His Word, and the transformative power of His Gospel as you grow in Him.Watch new videos at https://YouTube.com/@GrowthforTodayFollow on Apple Podcast – https://apple.co/3HHZYvDFollow on Spotify – https://spotf.fi/uKc64IvLearn more at https://GrowthForToday.com
Episodes
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Jonah Wanted Judgment. God Chose Grace.
That question from Jonah chapter 4 still confronts believers today. Jonah wanted judgment, but God chose mercy. Instead of celebrating repentance, Jonah isolated himself and struggled with bitterness toward God’s plan.
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The Simplicity of Obedience to God
“The simplicity of obedience to God is better than the complexity of our own disobedience.” That idea captures the entire book of Jonah. Jonah complicated his life by running from God’s clear instruction. But when he finally obeyed, God used a simple message to completely change Nineveh.
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What If the Hard Thing in Your Life Was Prepared by God?
Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s mercy can meet us even in the middle of disobedience, frustration, and failure. Sometimes the very thing we would call a setback is the thing God is using to bring us back to Him.
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When God Uses Imperfect Moments to Reveal His Perfect Will
Storms in life are often seen as trials to survive, but they reveal something deeper. They are not meant to help you understand yourself better. They are meant to teach you about God.
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Finding Comfort in the Wrong Direction
Jonah is on a sinking ship, yet he sleeps. Around him, men cry out to their gods and throw everything overboard to survive. They search for answers everywhere, but not in the one place that can truly save them.
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Jonah Isn’t the Hero—God’s Grace Is
Sometimes storms reveal disobedience. Sometimes they serve a different purpose. But in every case, God uses them to draw you closer to Him.
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Faith That Endures: Trusting God When Life Feels Uncertain
Explore Romans 1:17 and what it means to live “from faith to faith.” They reflect on how God consistently reveals His righteousness through His faithfulness, both in Scripture and in everyday life. Even when His hand is not visible, His character remains constant.
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From Saving Faith to Living Faith: Don’t Miss the Middle
What actually lasts in this life? Most things break down. Our bodies weaken. Technology becomes outdated. Very little made by man stands the test of time. But the gospel of Jesus Christ perseveres because it comes from God. No matter what you face, the gospel continues pursuing and sustaining the...
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The Gospel Has Power—So Why Aren’t We Sharing It?
The phrase “to everyone” removes every boundary we try to create. Cultural differences, personal preferences, and pride often cause us to separate ourselves from others. But the gospel was never limited. It is not ours to decide who receives it. It is meant for people who are different from us,...
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Why the Gospel is for Everyone
The gospel is the power of God for everyone who believes. We must stop deciding who deserves to hear this message and start embracing God's universal love. Learn why His faithfulness and grace are for all people.
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Religion vs Relationship: Where Real Power Comes From
The gospel offers something different. It brings real power that transforms not just spiritual moments, but everyday life—how you lead, parent, work, and respond to others. When that power is present, it changes how you give grace, how you see people, and how bold you become in your faith.
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When Faith Feels Stuck: What Actually Changes Everything
We’ve all had that moment where nothing works, only to realize the power source isn’t connected. In our spiritual lives, we often do the same thing. We follow routines, check the boxes, and still feel exhausted, stagnant, or powerless.
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Your Life Is the Sermon: Preaching the Gospel Without a Pulpit
Romans 1:14–15 reminds believers that the gospel is not limited to a pulpit. Every Christian carries the responsibility to represent Christ in daily life. A life surrendered to the Lord becomes a visible message of what the gospel can do.
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More Than the Pulpit: Living and Preaching the Gospel Daily
When many people think about preaching the gospel, they immediately think about a pulpit or a public platform. Yet throughout the New Testament, the message of the gospel spreads through the daily lives of believers. If you have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, you are called to preach…
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The Place of the Gospel: Why Church Is About People, Not Buildings
A church is not defined by its building. The place of the gospel is wherever believers gather to know God, grow together, and show others His love. In this conversation from Romans 1:11–13, we explore why the church is meant to be a spiritual home where believers are strengthened, encouraged, and...
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From Fellowship to Mission: The Gospel in the Local Church
A church home is more than a building or a physical address. What makes a place feel like home is the people. The local church is a community where believers encourage one another, sharpen one another, and grow together in their relationship with God.
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Stop Praying for Comfort. Start Praying for God’s Will.
Too often, prayer becomes a way to test God. We pray for what we want. We ask for comfort, prosperity, or relief. But Paul models something different. He prays for a prosperous journey — by the will of God. He is not demanding his plan. He is surrendering to God’s.
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The Grace of God and the Prayer of the Gospel
Paul understands that God knows his heart. God knows the spirit of his prayers. And God is the one who has shown grace through the power of the gospel. When we come to prayer, it is important to know what we are praying for. But what is most important is to remind ourselves who we are praying to.
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Prioritize People Like Jesus Did | Becoming Unashamed in Romans 1
Why is it sometimes difficult to love others? We can be annoyed, frustrated, in a hurry, or focused on our own agenda. We can even treat people as a means to accomplish something instead of seeing them as created in the image of God. We may have a hundred reasons not to love someone, but we only...
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From Rules to Relationship: Living Unashamed for the Gospel
Have we started caring more about our perspective than the people we are called to reach? Do our schedules, programs, and preferences replace genuine love and service? The gospel calls us to reach people, not to make them look like us, but to point them to Jesus Christ.
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Unashamed: How the Gospel Changes You Every Day
When you understand that you have been placed into God’s family—not because of your works, but because of His goodness and grace—it changes how you see yourself and others. You were once on the outside looking in. Now, through Jesus Christ, you are called a saint. Not because of you, but because…
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Obedience to the Faith: How Grace Shapes Everyday Responses
“By whom we have received grace.” Grace is foundational to our understanding of the gospel. It is not something we earn by being good enough, spiritual enough, or disciplined enough. It is something God freely gives. The gospel begins with God moving toward us, not us climbing our way toward Him....
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Why Christians Lose Boldness—and How the Gospel Restores It
In this episode of the Growth for Today Podcast, we begin a new series focused on becoming unashamed of the gospel, rooted in Romans chapter 1. We explore how Paul’s identity was transformed by Christ, how the gospel doesn’t merely give us a purpose but becomes our purpose, and why boldness flows...
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Unashamed of the Gospel: Finding Purpose That Changes Everything
Using Romans 1:1–16, this message looks at how the Apostle Paul became unashamed—not through position or personality, but because the gospel had done a real work in him. Before Paul was a servant, an apostle, or separated unto the gospel, he was changed by meeting Jesus Christ. The gospel became...
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New Year Resolutions Fail, Try This Instead
New Year's is a time when we set goals and objectives, often summarized in resolutions. But for the child of God, there is good news: God wants to do something new in you that far outweighs any self-made resolution. As it says in Isaiah 43:19, "Behold, I will do a new thing."
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Replace Your Fear with Joy
Christmas often brings stress and anxiety, but the arrival of Jesus Christ offers the absolute answer to fear. Don't be consumed by the world's worries. God wants you to replace fear with joy, hope, and faith that He is in control.
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What Are We Thanking God For?
On a week set aside for national thanksgiving, we often look at the physical blessings in our lives. We thank God for our homes, our cars, and the prosperity of our country. These are good gifts from our good God, but it is vital to recall the most important gift: Jesus Christ and the grace of…
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Growing Your Heart for Missions
As American Christians, we know that countless people around the world still do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. How should we respond to this reality? How can we ensure they receive the gospel? This isn't just about abstract concepts; it’s about growing our hearts for missions and…
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Two Are Better Than One
God puts us in every position with a clear purpose. Discover the biblical secret to a strong Christian marriage and the power of becoming a threefold cord that is not quickly broken. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What specific action can your marriage take this week to impact someone else for God?…
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How to Build a Marriage That Will Impact Eternity
After finding your special someone, Christian couples talk about trips and retirement, but rarely discuss the life they are building for Christ's glory. Learn how to intentionally build your marriage and life on the secure Foundation of Jesus Christ to impact eternity and receive a...
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Stop Expecting Ultimate Completion from Your Spouse
Don't be guilty of putting a Christ-sized burden on your spouse. The goal is not to find completion in each other, but in Jesus alone. Learn how mutually pursuing God can draw you closer together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONSWhat Savior-sized burden have you been guilty of placing on your spouse?Name one...
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How the Gospel Transforms Your Christian Walk
Many Christians see the gospel as a one-time event for salvation. Learn how the powerful truths and principles of the gospel fuel your ongoing spiritual growth every single day. Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com
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A Tested Faith Is a Trusted Faith
Trials, temptations, and tribulations are a core part of spiritual growth. God uses these difficulties to strengthen your faith and produce Christian patience in your life. Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com
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Christian Community Accelerates Spiritual Growth
God uses your Christian community to help you grow in love, service, and faith. Stop trying to stand alone. You need the connection of other believers to stand firm. Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com
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A Simple Guide to a Deeper Prayer Life
The disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." And He did. We'll explore how we, too, can learn how to pray and experience true spiritual growth. Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com
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Spiritual Growth & The Word of God
The Word of God is our primary source for spiritual growth. Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." When we read God's Word, it reads us.Find more spiritual growth content at https://GrowthForToday.com
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Experiencing Perpetual Revival
Many see revival as a powerful, but temporary event. But what if it was something you could experience every single day? Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at FRBC.com/Revival Experiencing Perpetual Revival by Joel Norris Now mine…
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Revival is Not Up to You
Revival is not your responsibility. Our job is to simply put ourselves in a position where God is able to send a spiritual awakening. Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at FRBC.com/Revival Revival is Not Up to You by Joel Norris If my...
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Taking a Revival U-Turn
Revival isn't just a feeling—it's an intentional U-turn. When you turn and step toward God, He will step toward you. Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at FRBC.com/Revival Taking a Revival U-Turn by Joel Norris If my people, which are...
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Revival Prayer and Seeking God
We often treat prayer like a last resort, but what if it's the key to a true and deep revival? Revival isn’t just a short, two-minute prayer; it's a wrestling that changes you forever. Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Learn more at FRBC.com/Revival...
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The Ultimate Hindrance of Revival
If pride is truly the original sin, then humility is the path back to a close relationship with God. Discover why pride is the biggest roadblock to your spiritual growth and how a humble heart can lead to a powerful spiritual awakening. Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin…
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Revival Starts With You
Revival is not the world's responsibility; it is meant for us, God's people. Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. Revival Starts With You by Joel Norris If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and…
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A Revival of Desperation
Our world is facing some of the darkest days it has ever seen, but that means now is the perfect time for a heaven-sent revival. Discover why spiritual desperation is the starting point for a true awakening. Join us September 13–17 for Fall Tent Revival at Franklin Road Baptist Church. A Revival…
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Introducing Growth for Today
When life feels overwhelming, distracting, and discouraging, this podcast helps you focus on Jesus, the truth of His Word, and the transformative power of His Gospel as you grow in Him. Watch new videos at https://YouTube.com/@GrowthforToday Follow on Apple Podcast – https://apple.co/3HHZYvD…
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About this show
When life feels overwhelming, distracting, and discouraging, this podcast helps you focus on Jesus, the truth of His Word, and the transformative power of His Gospel as you grow in Him.Watch new videos at https://YouTube.com/@GrowthforTodayFollow on Apple Podcast – https://apple.co/3HHZYvDFollow on Spotify – https://spotf.fi/uKc64IvLearn more at https://GrowthForToday.com
Hosted by
Joel Norris // Franklin Road Baptist Church
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