Ever Had a Moment You Couldn’t Explain? | Beyond The Sermon

Ever Had a Moment You Couldn’t Explain? | Beyond The Sermon

This week Mat Hotho returns to Beyond the Sermon to sit down with Pastor Magrey deVega and unpack the idea of “positive disintegration” — the moments in life that shake us, challenge us, and ultimately shape us. Together, they reflect on childhood fears, experiences of the Holy Spirit, and why spiritual growth often begins with discomfort, uncertainty, and learning to trust that everything will be okay. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

On The Edge: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // May 10, 2026

Just as last week’s text provided proof of the presence of God the Father, this week’s text shows us evidence of the Holy Spirit. It is through our love of one another and our commitment to Jesus’ commandments that we see the work of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit, who advocates on our behalf, that we are empowered to do what God asks of us. When we fulfill God’s call, we demonstrate the reality of the Holy Spirit, alive and well in the world.   Reflection Questions: 1. When have loneliness or fear opened you to deeper trust in God? 2. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit comforting or guiding your life? 3. What helps you remember that you are never spiritually orphaned or alone? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Why Faith Feels So Uncertain Sometimes | Beyond The Sermon

John Barolo, Discipleship Director, and Pastor Magrey deVega sit down to unpack this week’s sermon on Philip’s question, “Just show us God.” Together, they explore doubt, deconstruction, and what it really looks like to experience God—not in big, dramatic moments, but in the ordinary, everyday rhythms of life. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

On The Edge: Part 4 // Pastor Magrey deVega // May 3, 2026

Phillip speaks for all of us in wanting to see tangible proof of God’s presence. Clearly, if God were as plainly visible and audible as God appeared to be throughout the Bible, there would be very little cause for atheism and agnosticism today. Nonetheless, Jesus gives Phillip an intriguing response: If you’re looking for evidence of God, look at the life and teachings of Jesus himself. He and the father were one. Likewise, if we are looking for the presence of God today, we can embody that presence through our own faithful living and adherence to God’s commands.    Reflection Questions: 1. Where are you longing to see evidence of God in difficult times? 2. How might your actions become visible signs of God’s presence to others? 3. What need around you is inviting you to do the work of Jesus? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Gap Between Hearing God and Following Him | Beyond the Sermon

Michael Dougherty and Pastor Magrey deVega sit down to unpack this week’s sermon, exploring the image of the Good Shepherd, the challenge of silencing competing voices, and what it really means to listen and obey. From sacred music to daily spiritual rhythms, they reflect on how we discern God’s voice in the middle of noise, comparison, and real life. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps