The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#1,027: Waiting for the Harvest Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

As we serve the Lord in our various ministries, patience is required. Like a farmer, we till the soil, we plant the seed, and we water the seed. We get excited when we see a little shoot begin to appear. Yet, we must wait for the harvest.

Main Points:

1. Let me remind you of an important principle about the work of God: The harvest belongs to God. You and I have no power over the harvest. We are called to serve, love, work, obey, and use our gifts, talents, and time for God. He is the one that makes things grow. He is the one who produces the fruit.
2. We are responsible for our obedience to God. We must do what he asks us to do, but then leave the results to Him. Only the Holy Spirit can produce growth.
3. So, if you are serving God, if you are working hard if you have been obedient, and the results still haven’t come, it may be a matter of waiting on the right time and the right season. Be patient and remember the harvest is in God’s hands.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 - “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”

Galatians 6:9 - “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

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#1,026: Enduring Hard Things for Christ Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

We have a temptation to think that if we are living in God’s will that we won’t suffer, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, God, in His sovereignty, allows us to go through hardship as a part of his greater purpose.

Main Points:

1. Sometimes hardship is part of the growth and development of our faith and spiritual growth. Other times hardship is a part of the testimony and ministry God wants to give us.
2. God calls us to endure difficulties for his name's sake, knowing that His grace is sufficient and that he will be with us and sustain us through it all.
3. Ask God for the strength to endure whatever hardship you are facing so that your testimony for Christ will be evident to others.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - “have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, and I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

2 Timothy 2:3 - “You, therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 12:2 - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

2 Timothy 2:10 - “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”

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#1,025: What To Do When You are Weary Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

Unfortunately, one of the characteristics of humanity, even followers of Christ, is that our strength is exhaustible. We are not superhuman creatures. Our strength runs out and we face the common problem of weariness.

Main Points:

1. We’ve sometimes bought into a misunderstanding that for you and me to be strong we must have good conditions. However, it seems that most of our spiritual growth occurs when times are difficult. It’s in these hard times we learn God is faithful and dependable. It’s in these times we gain much-needed strength from the Lord.
2. What we decide to do in our times of weariness is critical. I’ve seen tired people, become discouraged, they fail to reach out for God’s strength, and eventually, they gave up on their faith – they quit. This is what the devil would like to have to happen to each of us.
3. While we must face the reality that all of us must deal with weariness, there is hope from the Scriptures of a deeper reality in which we can tap into the inexhaustible strength of God. It’s here that we discover a source of strength for those who trust in and wait upon the Lord.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Isaiah 40:31 - “…those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Psalm 27:14 - “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

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#1,024: Is Money the Root of all Evil? Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

The love of money is a heart issue. It’s called greed. Greed is one of the enemies of our hearts. Very quietly it slips in and begins to guide and direct our decisions. The Bible calls greed sin because it can lead us to push God out of our lives. Greed is dangerous because it blinds us to what is truly important.

Main Points:

1. The problem with the love of money is that it is never satisfied. When will you have enough? It doesn’t matter how much we possess, we still want more. The love of money can motivate any evil on this earth. There is no sin that cannot be committed for the sake of money.
2. Jesus identifies the love of money as a heart issue. Here is an important biblical truth: Satisfaction can only be found in Christ. Contentment can only be gained through a relationship with Jesus. Apart from living for Jesus, our hearts wander in search of fulfillment, only to never find it.
3. We rid ourselves of greed and materialism when we treasure Jesus above all things. He is our ultimate treasure. When we have Jesus we have everything we need. This is how we guard our hearts against the root of all evil.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Timothy 6:10 - “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Luke 12:34 - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

1 Timothy 6:6 – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

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#1,023: The Need for Spiritual Protection Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

We have an adversary, and enemy, the devil who wants to attack our faith, bring confusion and discouragement and cause us to falter in our relationship with God. He doesn’t want us to be strong spiritually. He wants to do everything he can to hinder the spiritual growth of our families. He wants us to be ineffective in our work for the Lord.

Main Points:

1. It’s my experience that most Christians go throughout their day without much thought of spiritual warfare. I don’t believe we should expect a devil to be living under every rock, but the Bible is clear that you and I, as believers, are in a spiritual battle.
2. I’m guessing that everyone listening to this episode prays for God’s protection. I do too. Maybe in the mornings and evenings, you pray that God would watch over your family, protect them from harm, and keep them safe. We are praying for the physical protection of those we love. I certainly believe in God’s power to shield us from harm.
3. But while you pray for physical protection, do you also pray for spiritual protection?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 6:12 - “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.”

Ephesians 6:10-11 - “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.”

Ephesians 6:18 - “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
But while you pray for physical protection, do you also pray for spiritual protection? This is what the Apostle Paul is referring to in these verses. Why pray for spiritual protection? 1 Peter 5:8 - “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

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#1,022: Walking in the Spirit Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

We keep in step with the Spirit by a continual surrendering of our lives to the will of God. His will is revealed to us in His Word. As we follow and obey the Word of God, we are walking by the Spirit. As we abide with Jesus through prayer and worship, our hearts stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.

Main Points:

1. In the New Testament book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul instructs us to keep up with the Holy Spirit. God is leading our lives. We have put Him in the driver’s seat. We have yielded the control of our lives to Him. We have made Him the Lord of our lives. Our job is to follow. We don’t know where we are to go or how we are to live, so we must follow.
2. As Christ's followers we have given up being the master of our own lives because we have discovered a better master. We’ve discovered that following Jesus is worth it and there is no better life to live.
3. As you draw near to God, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you to walk in step with Him.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Galatians 5:24 - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

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#1,021: Repentance is Still a Necessity Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

The Bible teaches us that repentance brings the refreshing of the Lord into our lives. Do you need to be refreshed and revitalized? Is it because you are carrying the weight of sin and need to come to the Lord with repentance?

Main Points:

1. Sin is a burden to carry. It’s a heavy weight to bear. We’ve all felt the load of grief and weariness that sin makes us carry.
2. A critical part of our salvation is God’s call for us to repent of our sins. We hear a lot today about putting our faith in Jesus, but we must see that the Bible also calls us to repent of our sins. The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.
3. There is no peace, like the peace of knowing that your sins are forgiven and that you are in right relationship with God. You can find the serenity and tranquility of God’s presence when you know there is nothing between you and God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 38:3-4 - “…there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.”

Acts 3:19 - “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…”

1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

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#1,020: Remembering the Power of our Words Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Our words have the power to build up and the power to tear down. You and I have likely been on the receiving and giving end of both. You can remember words spoken years ago that encouraged and inspired you. You can probably also remember words that brought deep pain and suffering.

Main Points:

1. Throughout the day, I’ll have the opportunity to speak to a lot of people. I’ll speak with my family, church members, and staff, people in the marketplace, and even strangers. I’ll also have the opportunity to use my words in emails, text messages, and on social media. I want to remember that my words have power. I want to use the voice God has given me to bless, encourage, and uplift others.
2. If our vocabulary, our conversations, and our reactions to others are unwholesome, our hearts are not right with God. Our words can reveal our spiritual condition.
3. We are to ask the question: “Will what I am about to say benefit those who listen?” In other words, is it necessary? Do they need to hear it? Does it concern them? Will they benefit from hearing these words? If not, I should keep silent.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 19:14 - “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Luke 6:45 - “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

James 3:9-10 - “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

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#1,019: The Command to Love One Another Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

The identifying mark of Christ's followers is not in how we vote, what we wear, or the causes we embrace. Scripture may inform God’s desires in all of those things, but according to Jesus, the identifying mark of His followers is to love them with the same love we have received from God.

Main Points:

1. In the New Testament, as Jesus was preparing His disciples for his departure and their ministry that would follow, he gave them something new. A new idea. A new concept. A new way of living.
2. They weren’t to just love others, as they were so determined. You see, we can be very selective in our love for others. We love some a lot, we love others a little, and with some, we might just go through the motions.
3. Jesus said, “Love as I loved you.” These disciples would think back over the three years they had spent with Jesus. They experienced love, acceptance, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. This love they had received, they were to emulate. They were to give it to others.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 13:34-35 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

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#1,018: The Holy Spirit is a Gift Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

The God we serve is a gift-giver. He loves to give gifts to His children, but not just any gifts. He always gives good gifts. He will never give you a gift you don’t need and can’t use. He knows what we need better than we do.

Main Points:

1. In Several places in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is called a gift. To be filled with the presence and power of God is an incredible gift.
2. I’ve seen people be hesitant and even afraid of the Holy Spirit. Let’s trust the character of our good Heavenly Father. He knows what we need and has wonderful gifts to give us, including the gift of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Spirit is given to empower believers to be a witness for Christ. The task of evangelism we are called to cannot be accomplished in our strength alone. We need a power greater than our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Acts 2:38 - “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:45 - “And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”

Joel 2:28-29 - “ I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”

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