The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#496: Don't Abandon the Faith Dec 26, 2021

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The Big Idea:

When your faith is tested, when you face trials and difficulties what you do in that moment matters. What will you do when you are discouraged? What will you do when you face doubt. In those moments we don’t need to tear apart our faith, we need to press in to God like never before.

Main Points:

1. Living for Jesus in this life is filled with challenges. We battle our flesh, the world, and the devil. Scripture clearly calls for us to persevere through these difficulties and promises a reward to those who don’t give up.
2. I want to caution us against getting swept up in the popular idea that we need to unravel our faith in Jesus to make sure it is authentic and worth believing.
3. Repeatedly throughout scripture, God says to us that we are to hold not, to not give up our faith, and to persevere.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

James 1:12 says, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

1 Timothy 4:1 says, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith…”

2 Timothy 3:14 - “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it.”

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#495: The Light of Christmas Dec 25, 2021

Show notes

The Big Idea:

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas Day, I invite you into the light. I invite you to experience the wonder of the birth of the Savior. The same God who spoke light into existence at Creation has sent His Son as the light of the world.

Main Points:

1. From Creation, the Bible leads us through the story of humanity’s progression from the light of God’s perfection to the darkness of man’s fall and then through generations and centuries of waiting for the dawn of the day when the Messiah would bring the light of restoration.
2. Two thousand years ago, on what we now call the first Christmas, a light was born It was a truly wondrous night!
3. In a world full of darkness, Jesus is the light we are searching for. The greatest Christmas gift you could ever receive is a relationship with God. We discover it by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and confessing Him as Savior and Lord.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Genesis 1:3-5 - “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” And then “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day”
2 Corinthians 4:6 tells us, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

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#494: The Real Christmas Story Dec 24, 2021

Show notes

The Big Idea:

The Christmas narrative is in danger of being relegated to a sweet story that is just read once a year. Some of us have heard it so much that we’re no longer moved by the magnitude of the Majesty becoming a man. We must never forget that this is holy history that should be approached with awe and astonishment.

Main Points:

1. As we prepare for Christmas, sometimes I wonder if we have allowed the Savior to be stolen from our celebrations.
2. Let’s take time to focus on the implications of this timeless story. Let’s turn our hearts to the reality of a savior who was born so we could have a relationship with God.
3. Have you made room in your heart and life for Jesus? He is the best Christmas gift you could ever experience.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 2:1-7 - “At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them.”

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#493: Emmanuel, God With Us Dec 23, 2021

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The Big Idea:

What a revelation! What a promise! What a life-changing truth! We have a God who is with us. God is not distant. He has not isolated himself from his creation. No, he is Emmanuel, God with us.

Main Points:

1. Loneliness is not just our separation from one another (meaningful relationships), but ultimately our separation from God. Jesus has come to restore us to God. If we miss this truth, we miss everything about Christmas.
2. Before Jesus came, sin separated us from God. It prevented us from enjoying His presence. But, thanks to Christmas, when a human being like you or me…when someone admits that they are sinners—realizing that sin is what separates them from a relationship with our Holy God when they ask for forgiveness through faith in what Jesus did on the cross God gives it.
3. No matter what you are facing today, rest in the truth that you serve a God who is named, Emmanual. He is with you.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 1:23 - “Mary will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

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#492: The Definition of a Neighbor Dec 22, 2021

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The Big Idea:

How do we define our neighbors? Are our neighbors people we know and trust? Are they actual neighbors who live near us? Can anyone be a neighbor? What is Jesus getting at? The definition is very important because whoever our neighbor is, Jesus is calling for us to love them as we love ourselves. I mean, that’s asking a lot, isn’t it?

Main Points:

1. It’s natural to be selective in our neighboring. We only have so much time and capacity, so we argue honestly that we can’t help everyone. And that would be true.
2. If God is not the love of our lives, there is no way that we will truly love our neighbor as ourselves. Something happens when you experience the love of God and then begin to love God in return. You begin to love what God loves.
3. It’s such a powerful question: Who is my neighbor? Here’s where the answer lies: The neighbor we are called to love is often not the one we choose, but the one God chooses for us.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 10:27 - "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Luke 6:32-35 - “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…”
John 13:34 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

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#491: The God of Wonder Dec 21, 2021

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The Big Idea:

Our God is a God of wonder. He is so great, so powerful, and so creative, we cannot fully understand him with our finite minds. Yet, he engages with us on a personal level so that we can know him. How is this possible? He is a God of wonder.

Main Points:

1. Think about this: God is without limits. What an amazing thought that is! God has no limits. We are limited in every aspect. We are limited in time, resources, strength, and ability, but God has no limits.
2. In light of the wonder of God, how are we to respond? Worship. The only way we could possibly respond to a God this vast, this powerful, and this awesome is worship.
3. A God so awesome, so powerful, so creative, so loving, and so full of wonder is worthy and deserving of our worship, devotion, and obedience.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 147:4 - “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Exodus 15:11 - “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
Jeremiah 10:6 - “No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.”

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#490: Great Joy For All The People Dec 20, 2021

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The Big Idea:

Joy is given by God. It is a gift, a benefit of our salvation, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Joy is evidence that the Holy Spirit is in your life. It is not an emotion. It cannot be taken away from you, but you can relinquish it. You can choose to live in the joy of the Lord at any moment, no matter what your circumstances.

Main Points:

1. Joy in the Biblical context, is not an emotion. Joy is an attitude of the heart. It is not necessarily based on something positive happening. Joy is something that lasts; happiness is something that is temporary. When happiness fades away, joy remains. Joy is something God deposits into us through the Holy Spirit.
2. I want you to see the difference between happiness and joy. And if you know Jesus as your savior, you have a reason to rejoice in any circumstance.
3. Problems can interrupt our happiness, but problems are powerless to take away our joy.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 2:10 - "But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Psalm 51:12 - "Restore to me the joy of your salvation…”

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#489: Which Shoes are You Wearing? Dec 19, 2021

Show notes

The Big Idea:

In this spiritual battle, we need something that will give us stability. We need something to stand on. What are you standing on? What anchors your life? What gives you stability in the ups and downs of life? What is your foundation?

Main Points:

1. In Ephesians chapter 6, the Bible teaches us that we too are in a battle. It’s also a fierce, spiritual battle. We too, face an enemy who wants to destroy us.
2. Many do not believe they have ever encountered demons or spiritual darkness, but they are real. They just appear today in more subtle ways. Satan is not after your recognition. He’s after your destruction. Your faith, your hope, your sanity, your peace of mind, your encouragement, your family.
3. Paul says to put on your feet the “readiness” of the gospel. The word gospel means “good news.” He’s talking about peace. Jesus Christ provides us with a peace that Satan cannot give, and that Satan cannot take away. It is a peace that enables us to stand firm, regardless of what is happening around us.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 6:10-12 - “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

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#488: Living with an Eternal Perspective Dec 18, 2021

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The Big Idea:

As Christ-followers we are called to live with an eternal perspective. We live our lives with Heaven in view. We submit to God’s will and his purpose for our lives, which is always about the Kingdom of God.

Main Points:

1. The challenge, of course, is that we live in this natural, earthly world. It’s what we see, what we know, and what we experience. But the Bible teaches us that this life is not the end. This life is about preparation for an eternity with our Heavenly Father.
2. If my life is lived only for myself, it is natural that I would live for happiness, pleasure, and fun. I would only seek to fulfill my passions and my interests.
3. An eternal perspective points us to what is lasting and to what is free from earthly distractions. An eternal perspective affects our priorities and our actions. This perspective determines who and what we live for. To make your life count, to make it matter, we must live for eternity.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Colossians 3:2 - “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 - “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Jeremiah 10:23 - “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”

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#487: Being Close to Jesus Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

The Big Idea:

Let me ask you, “How close are you to God? Was there a time when you were closer than you are right now?” You can decide today to be intentional about your relationship with him. Pursue Him. Read his word. Make God a priority in your life. I know God will reward your seeking with more of himself.

Main Points:

1. When it comes to being close to Jesus, there are degrees of relationship. Like any relationship, your relationship with God can be closer than it is right now.
2. For some, it’s hard for them to imagine being close to God. God seems distant, unapproachable, and unknowable. But the Bible is clear in its message that God wants to be close to us.
3. Being closer to Jesus comes from pursuing Him.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 2:13 - “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”
James 4:8 says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

Psalm 145:18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

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