Shows
Hyde Park United MethodistThe Good, The Bad, The Healthy: Part 3, Anger // Pastor Justin LaRosa // May 11, 2025What if anger isn’t the issue, but how we channel it? Anger itself isn’t sinful. The key is being angry at the right things and directing it toward positive action, just as Jesus and the Bible show us. Reflection Questions:When you think about a time you felt deeply angry, what was the source of that anger—was it rooted in love and justice, or ego and fear? How can you tell the difference?How has anger shaped—or distorted—your relationships, either through denial, repression, or explosion? What would it look like to let...
2025-05-1222 minHyde Park United MethodistBeyond the Sermon: The Work of HealingIn this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho explore the Christus Victor atonement theory and its powerful message of liberation from sin, systems of evil, and spiritual forces. They discuss how this view of the cross offers a broader understanding of salvation and what it means to live out the hope of resurrection in everyday life. Join us as we unpack this compelling perspective and consider its impact on how we see Jesus' victory today.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
2025-04-1412 minHyde Park United MethodistConsequences of the Cross: Palm Sunday // Pastor Justin LaRosa // April 13, 2025The cross and resurrection give us victory over sin, evil, and oppression. This includes the suffering associated with addictions and other harmful hangups and behaviors. The Christus Victor atonement theory can help those on a recovery journey discover new power in Christ to overcome their hardships. Reflection Questions:1. Where do you feel powerless right now?2. Which of the ‘false palms’—things we trust in besides Christ—do you find yourself tempted to wave?3. How has community helped you experience freedom in Christ—or how do you hope it could?Find out more at HydePark...
2025-04-1420 minHyde Park United MethodistInspire: Part 2, Inspired to Love // Rev. Justin LaRosa // January 12, 2025Our capacity to love others comes from God’s lavish love for us and in us. God’s love within us then compels us to love others lavishly and unconditionally. Both components are essential. Remembrance of baptism. Justin preaching, Sally doing reaffirmation liturgy. Reflection Questions:1. How do stay near to Jesus Christ? What practices do you regularly engage in? What distances you from God, or currently blocks you from love?2. Reflect on your primary spiritual gift: How can you use your unique abilities to serve and love others, especially those in broken places, and grow closer...
2025-01-1319 minHyde Park United MethodistNot the End of the World: Skipping to the End, Part 2 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // November 10, 2024It may feel like the end is near, but we have to keep going.Reflection Questions:1. How have you attempted to stay grounded in your faith with unsettling news or alarming situation in today’s world? 2. How do you think modern-day predictions or claims about end times events impact people’s faith, both positively and negatively?3. How can you stand firm in your faith during difficult times, and how might you offer this to others?--Find out more at HydeParkUMC/org/NextSteps--
2024-11-1120 minHyde Park United MethodistLiving Impact: Built to Last, Part 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // September 22, 2024A natural and important follow-up to our 125th Anniversary Celebration is a season of recommitment to grow deeper as disciples, wider in our reach to others, and united in mission to love God and love all. This five-part series reviews the five-fold membership vow that each member took to become a part of this church. Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian. It connects us to God, raises our attention to the Holy Spirit, and unites us together.HydeParkUMC.org/nextstepsReflection Questions:1. Reflect and describe the first time you remember praying. 2. Ho...
2024-09-2318 minHyde Park United MethodistVoices of Inspiration, Part 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 14, 2024Howard Thurman was one of the greatest preachers, writers, and mystics of the 20th century. His book “Jesus and the Disinherited” was a landmark work that invited us to see Jesus on the side of the oppressed, and inspired us to work through non-violent means to bring justice and social change. Every day, Thurman read Psalm 139, as a source of strength and courage, and verses 13-18 capture the intimate relationship he sought to have with God. HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsReflection Questions:1. What group or person is it most difficult for you? How might you pract...
2024-07-1520 minHyde Park United MethodistHard to Believe, Part 5 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // June 23, 2024Prayer is the lifeblood of the disciple of Jesus. In his final days with the disciples, Mark told the disciples in Mark that their faith would allow them to pray with such conviction and confidence that whatever they asked for would be granted to them by God. But that belief carries an important precaution. Prayer is not a cosmic vending machine, that demands God to act on our own terms. Prayer is an act of vulnerability and obedience, in which we declare our dependence on God, and our willingness to decenter our own needs and desires. HydeParkUMC.o...
2024-06-2418 minHyde Park United MethodistLife's Highs & Lows, Part 6 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // May 12, 2024Walking was the most common form of transport in both the Ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman World. Roads were important facets of the landscape; they enhanced travel, promoted safety and commerce, and improved connections between communities. Many biblical references use the image of a road or path as a metaphor for the faithful life. Discipleship is about taking the journey, one step at a time.HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsReflection Questions:1. What landscape are you currently in?2. What does setting God’s ordinances before you look like in your life?3. Ho...
2024-05-1318 minHyde Park United MethodistIn the Shadow of the Cross, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // March 10, 2024This all-too-familiar story from John 3 captures the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, who came to Jesus at night. It is in the midst of their conversation about being born again that Jesus says the iconic words of John 3:16. Just as Nicodemus came to Jesus in the dark, out of fear of his reputation and a sense of self-preservation, Jesus comes to meet us and shine the light of love and forgiveness.HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsHydeParkUMC.org/EasterReflection Questions:1. What does being born from above or born again mean to you?2...
2024-03-1119 min
The Throw InInterview with Tony - Aspire & GloWe get a chance to interview the owner of a local growing business in Tony who is the owner of Aspire & Glo found in Northern Kentucky off of the Buttermilk Pike exit on the 75 in the same lot as LaRosa's. We talk about the unique product line he provides and the compared prices that he beats against competitors. We also discuss the growth of the business and what he is looking to accomplish moving forward.Support our good friend and his store by visiting www.Aspire-Glo.com and shop. You can also check out one of his locations...
2024-02-0328 minHyde Park United MethodistChrist the King Sunday // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // November 26, 2023Calling Jesus Lord is not just a statement we make; it is a life we choose to live. He is the pre-eminent expression of God’s full character and behavior. In him, we discover our truest purpose and meaning in life, and to him, we are called to be obedient and faithful.
2023-11-2317 min
Gray Memorial United Methodist Church SermonsA Disciples' Path (by Rev. Beth Demme)Inspired by the book and workbook by Rev. James Harnish and Rev. Justin LaRosa, we look at what it means to be a disciple. What do we mean when we say our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world? What does it mean to be a Wesleyan follower of Christ?Sermon by Rev. Beth DemmeFor more information, visit www.graymumc.org
2023-10-0825 min
LAB the PodcastJustin LaRosaSometimes beauty is seen most brilliantly in the places where tears fall. That is the case with the work Reverend Justin LaRosa is doing through the Portico, a cutting edge initiative in the oldest church in downtown Tampa. Justin LaRosa is a Minister with Hyde Park United Methodist Church and the Director and Minister of the Portico. Reverend LaRosa joins LAB the Podcast to share the story of the Portico and talk about living with our vision out. Support the show
2023-09-2250 minHyde Park United MethodistTruth & Love, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // August 13, 2023There may be many causes of fear in our lives, but in many cases, the greatest and most reliable antidote is the love of God, for “perfect love casts out fear.”HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsReflection Questions:1. What would your life look like if you more fully abided in God’s love? How would your family, community, co-workers, church, people in the community know?2. Where do you have fear? How can love enter into it?3. How might you live love without fear this week?
2023-08-1417 minHyde Park United MethodistTruth & Love, Part 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 23, 2023Just as the sun is the source of life and energy for all creation, so is Jesus the source of love and goodness for all humanity.HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsReflection Questions:1. What animal terrifies you?2. What in your life needs the Light? How are you blocking the Light?3. How do you confess and when was the last time?4. In what ways will you walk in the Light this week?
2023-07-2419 minHyde Park United MethodistLove Conquers All, Part 5 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // May 14, 2023A love that forgives actively repairs broken relationships by “turning down the temperature” of heated conflict, and seeking to move forward, rather than live in the past.HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsReflection Questions:1. Is it more difficult to forgive others or yourself?2. Why do you think Jesus commands forgiveness?3. How might you love others this week?
2023-05-1519 minHyde Park United MethodistThe Seven, Part 6 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // February 12, 2023We are made in God’s image, which means we are meant to be in connection and relationship with God and one another. We are therefore called to acts of reconciliation and love.Reflection Questions:1. How do you witness human beings’ capacity for goodness? For evil?2. Where do you need to experience the grace of God in your life?3. To whom or where can you extend grace this week?
2023-02-1313 minHyde Park United MethodistThe Seven, Part 2 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // January 15, 2023 The Bible tells us that the sky declares the glory of God; their voice ringing out throughout all of the Earth. If you are feeling lost or lonely, look up. Sense God’s presence in the vastness of the sky.Reflection Questions:1. What song connects you to the sky?2. How do you answer Einstein’s question?3. In what ways will you look for God’s work this week? How will you look for Jesus?
2023-01-1613 minHyde Park United MethodistSongs For the Waiting, Part 2 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // December 4, 2022“But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact pleases You.”- Thomas MertonIn the 2nd week of our advent series, we discuss the song "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light." How does one exactly become a Child of the Light and what does that mean for us and how we effect those around us? The world we live in is filled with suffering, despair, and darkness. But just as Jesus came to Earth to be a light to the world, so to can we who the love...
2022-12-0511 minHyde Park United MethodistLiving With Gratitude, Part 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // October 30, 2022Living with Gratitude means opening our heart to wonder, awe, and an awareness of God’s blessings in our lives, both great and small. Diana Butler Bass describes this first quadrant of gratitude as Personal/Emotional: “If you emphasize me and emotions, you are probably attuned to the inner dimensions of awe, surprise, and appreciation and have strong feelings when someone helps you, serves you, or gives you a gift. You define gratitude in terms of delight, joy, or surprise.”
2022-10-3117 minHyde Park United MethodistHyde Park At The Movies, Part 6 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 31, 2022In Top Gun: Maverick, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell confronts his regrets about his past and the consequences of his action and inaction. It's not unlike the disciple Peter confronting his denial and betrayal of Jesus.
2022-08-0115 minHyde Park United MethodistHyde Park At The Movies, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 17, 2022The book of Ephesians is Paul’s clearest and greatest appeal to unity in Christ, despite all the forces that would otherwise tear us apart. Ever since the Tower of Babel, human beings have been proliferating in their diversity, and gathering in camps and tribes that often become at odds with each other. The Christians of Ephesus were tempted to allow their differences with one another compromise their unity and their common witness to the world. The prevalent use of the word “one” in this scripture passage underscores Paul’s call for Christians to be one together.
2022-07-1816 minHyde Park United MethodistHyde Park At The Movies, Part 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 10, 2022The classic comic book character Batman embodies the spirit of vengeance and retribution. He is deemed a vigilante by the general public, and during the most recent film “The Batman,” declares, “I am vengeance.” In many ways, Batman represents our base instincts to seek revenge on others, which must be tempered by a commitment to love, and to a justice that is forged by peace and forgiveness.
2022-07-1111 min
Redemption RadioEpisode 15: Justin LaRosaRev. Justin LaRosa is my pastor! When I got released from prison in 2018, Justin was one of the first people I turned to who became an important part of my support system. As Director of the Portico (the downtown Tampa location of Hyde Park United Methodist Church), Justin is a faith advisor for many souls and has walked with me throughout my journey to criminal justice reform. This episode will showcase an intimate conversation between a returning citizen and his pastor. Justin and Thad discuss their work together, starting in homeless ministry and including their c...
2022-06-1349 minHyde Park United MethodistRise, Part 6 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // May 29, 2022The 12 Steps have helped people overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups. These steps help us do the work of self-examination that leads to a deeper relationship with God and with others. In many ways it is a form of discipleship where we grow and are changed through practices. This week we conclude our series with Steps 10, 11, and 12. How can we abide in Christ by practicing perseverance, integrity, and service?
2022-05-3012 minHyde Park United MethodistRise, Part 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // April 24, 2022The 12 Steps have helped people overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups. These steps help us do the work of self-examination that leads to a deeper relationship with God and with others. In many ways it is a form of discipleship where we grow and are changed through practices. Discover how the first step—admitting you are powerless—resonates with the story of God and Jesus found in the Bible and in the life of an early Christ follower named Paul.
2022-04-2509 minHyde Park United MethodistOverflowing, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // March 27, 2022The word “prodigal” is commonly used to describe the son who squanders his inheritance. Yet, this parable invites us to consider how God’s grace is also prodigal—extravagant, lavish, illogical. This parable disrupts and expands our definitions of grace. Once again, grace is not earned. After wasting his resources, the younger son becomes destitute and returns home to his father, saying, “I am no longer worthy.” His father, instead, greets him with a celebration and the fatted calf. The older son, in contrast, has done everything “right”—he’s tried to perform, work hard, check all the boxes—but he forgets how to...
2022-03-2814 minHyde Park United MethodistResiliency, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // February 20, 2022In the pivotal eighth chapter of Nehemiah, we come to realize that the rebuilding of the bricks and mortar of the wall was not the only renovation project God intended for the people. In fact, it was not the most important one. God was more interested in a rebuilding of the hearts of the people, and a renewed commitment to faithfulness and integrity. The reformer Ezra stood at the WaterGate and began to read to the people the law of Moses, the sacred scripture of their ancestors, and called them to repentance. We cannot have a resilient f...
2022-02-2113 minHyde Park United MethodistAll The Good, Part 2 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // December 5, 2021The story of Zechariah—and his song in Luke 1:67-80—pray for a coming time of peace, when God will send a savior to the Israelites. This Christmas season it can be hard to feel at peace with all the to-dos and the busyness that comes with the season. Find out ways to discover peace this season.
2021-12-0615 minHyde Park United MethodistAll In Together, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // November 14, 2021We know these are tough times for a lot of people. Many families are living with economic uncertainty. Affordable housing is hard to come by, and the “poor we have always among us,” as Jesus said. But such times are not new to the people of God, who throughout history have been called to focus less on their own needs and more on making an impact through their generosity and love. This Sunday is Commitment Sunday, in which we give in gratitude for God’s goodness and in celebration of the impact of this church. But most importa...
2021-11-1513 minHyde Park United MethodistAll In, Part 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // October 3, 2021Paul’s letter to the Philippians tells us that whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God. Every action, every moment of rest, every initiative we take, ought to be done through the filter of loving God and others. To do otherwise is to miss the mark, and it might even mean sin. The beauty of the Great Commandment is that it understands that none of these four aspects of our being (heart, soul, mind, and strength) can be offered to God in isolation. To give God our whole activity, it requires a matter of th...
2021-10-0413 minHyde Park United MethodistQuestions Jesus Asked, Week 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // August 15, 2021In Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount, he offers the same teaching as that in Matthew: Do not worry. God’s got this. If God is able to care for the flowers and the birds, who do not worry one day to the next about their provision and security, “how much more” does God care about us? It is the promise within that famous equivocation that we often take for granted. Flowers and birds might not worry because they are not conscious of the choice they have to make not to worry. We, however, have a choice...
2021-08-1516 minHyde Park United MethodistQuestions Jesus Asked, Week 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // August 1, 2021The Transfiguration of Jesus serves as the hinge or pivot point in Mark’s gospel. There are the teachings and miracles of Jesus that take place before then, followed by the predictions of Jesus’ death and promise of resurrection that take place after. Directly preceding the Transfiguration is an important conversation between Jesus and the disciples, whom Jesus asks about public opinion. Only Peter appears to answer the question correctly: “You are the Messiah.” That response is the key in Mark to understanding fully what Jesus came to earth to do, and is the gateway to eternal life. It is also...
2021-08-0114 minHyde Park United MethodistA New Creation, Week 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // April 25, 2021Despite all that grips us with fear and grief, we can take solace in Jesus, who serves as our “Good Shepherd.” Together, we’ll learn how to hear his voice and lean into his comfort and protection to face all that threatens us.
2021-04-2511 minHyde Park United MethodistThe Greatest Sermon Ever, Week 5 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Feb. 7, 2021We are consumed with worry about things that, in light of eternity, really do not matter. Once we release our priorities to God, we are more easily able to release our worries to God. Therein likes the power of something like the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer, which puts into proper perspective who we are, to whom we belong, and all that we have.
2021-02-0714 minHyde Park United MethodistLiving Christmas, Week 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Dec. 13, 2020Living with joy means seeing suffering and tribulation as opportunities, not simply as challenges. Hardship happens to all of us. What should distinguish us as followers of Jesus is our response to that suffering, and James offers some surprising advice: consider suffering as an opportunity for joy. How? Because hardship can make us stronger.
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The Bible Project 2020Episode 23 // Lectio Divina and the Psalms (Psalms 46–72) // Rev. Justin LaRosaToday we are joined by the Rev. Justin LaRosa, minister of The Portico—the downtown location of Hyde Park United Methodist. Justin shares how the Psalms can be a source of calm and meditation, leading us through the practice of Lectio Divina. Enjoy!Learn more about The Bible Project 2020. Join our Facebook discussion group. *Facebook account required. #HydeParkUMC
2020-05-1119 min2020-03-0918 min2020-03-0124 min2020-02-1718 min2020-02-0224 min2020-01-2623 min2020-01-2015 min2020-01-1323 min2019-12-2818 min2019-12-1618 min2019-12-0919 min2019-11-2528 min2019-11-1725 min2019-11-1125 min2019-11-0420 min2019-10-0819 min2019-10-0132 min2019-09-2224 min2019-09-1521 min2019-09-0823 min2019-08-2522 minHyde Park United MethodistFaith at the Movies, Won't You be my Neighbor? // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 28, 2019
2019-07-2824 minHyde Park United MethodistThat's Not in the Bible, Week 3 // the Rev. Justin LaRosa // June 30, 2019
2019-07-0124 min
Y Combinator Startup Podcast#132 - Dan Hockenmaier and Gustaf AlströmerDan Hockenmaier is the founder of the growth strategy firm Basis One. Prior to Basis One he was the Director of Growth Marketing at Thumbtack. You can learn more at BasisOne.com.Gustaf Alströmer is a Partner at YC. Prior to YC he was the Product Lead for Growth at Airbnb.You can find Dan on Twitter @danhockenmaier and Gustaf is @gustaf.The YC podcast is hosted by Craig Cannon.Y Combinator invests a small amount of money ($150k) in a large number of startups (recently 200), twice a year.
2019-06-261h 01Hyde Park United MethodistThat's Not in the Bible, Week 2 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // June 23, 2019
2019-06-2327 minHyde Park United MethodistThat's Not in the Bible, Week 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // June 16, 2019
2019-06-1622 min2019-06-0920 min2019-06-0225 min2019-05-2629 min2019-05-1921 min2019-05-1423 min2019-04-2121 min2019-04-0826 min2019-04-0127 min2019-03-1327 min2019-02-1822 min2019-02-1123 min2019-02-0427 min2019-01-2825 min2019-01-1326 minHyde Park United MethodistThe Hometown Boy // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Jan. 6, 2019“The Hometown Boy” Luke 4:14-30
2019-01-0637 minHyde Park United MethodistEveryday Faith, Week 5 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Sept. 23, 2018 [Magnolia]
2018-09-2324 minHyde Park United MethodistEveryday Faith, Week 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Sept. 16, 2018“The Good Life” James 3:13-4:3
2018-09-1625 minHyde Park United MethodistEveryday Faith, Week 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Sept. 9, 2018“My Big Fat Mouth”
James 3:1-12
2018-09-1126 minHyde Park United MethodistEveryday Faith, Week 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Aug. 26, 2018 (Chapel)
2018-08-2626 minHyde Park United MethodistNo Longer Strangers, Week 6 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // Aug. 19, 2018
“Known By Light” Ephesians 5:6-14
2018-08-1923 minHyde Park United MethodistNo Longer Strangers, Week 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // July 15, 2018 (Magnolia)
2018-07-1721 minHyde Park United MethodistWe Believe, Week 4 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // June 24, 2018 (Magnolia)We Believe in the Church: Why Be a Part of It?
Ephesians 4:1-4
2018-06-2624 minHyde Park United MethodistWe Believe, Week 1 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // June 3, 2018 (Magnolia)“I Believe in God: A Friend in High Places” Genesis 1:1-5, Revelation 4:11
2018-06-0621 minHyde Park United MethodistBig Moments, Week 3 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // May 27, 2018"The Commencement Day of the Church” Acts 2:1-13
2018-05-2926 min2018-05-1422 minHyde Park United MethodistHoly Humor Sunday (Rev. Justin LaRosa)The Rev. Justin LaRosa preaches from Luke 24: 1-12.
2018-04-0813 minHyde Park United MethodistJesus The Preacher (Rev. Justin LaRosa)The Rev. Justin LaRosa preaches from Luke 4:14-21
2018-01-2126 minHyde Park United MethodistCourage (The Rev. Justin LaRosa)The Rev. Justin LaRosa preaches from Revelation 5:1-14
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