The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#955: Focused on Jesus Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

The scripture likens the Christian life to a race that is to be finished. We must keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s the only way we will finish this race. We must not become distracted and lose our focus.

Main Points:
1. It’s so easy to become distracted and to turn our eyes to other things. Whether it’s other people, mistakes or failures, or simply the cares of life, we are tempted to look away from Jesus. We don’t usually do this intentionally, we just become distracted.

2. We cannot run this race aimlessly. We cannot run in a casual, pointless way. Our Savior has marked out this race for us. We keep our eyes on Jesus and off of the world as we stay in His Word, in worship, and in prayer. We stay focused on Jesus as we seek to do His will.

3. Where is your focus today? Is it others? Is it on your problems? Is it on the cares of life? Let’s intentionally turn our eyes on Jesus, the one who can give us the strength to finish our race.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.”

Colossians 3:1 - “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

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#954: Reaching the Next Generation Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Every generation has the responsibility to pass their faith to the next generation. This requires diligent training and discipleship.

Main Points:
1. For those of you who are parents, let me ask you to consider something: What are you actively teaching your children? Are you consistently discipling your own children? Do they see a commitment in your life to serving God?

2. I recognize that it doesn’t happen by accident. If my children live for Jesus, it will happen because I’m intentional in teaching them by word and example. I do recognize that every child must have their own encounter with Jesus. They will make their own decision about what they believe about God. But as a parent, I’m going to give God every opportunity I can to work in their hearts and lives.

3. We cannot let our faith die in our generation, but that is exactly what will happen if we do not accept and commit to the responsibility to raise up another generation of Christ-followers.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 78:4 - “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Psalm 71:17-18 - "O God, You have taught me from my youth; and until now I have proclaimed Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I have proclaimed Your strength to this generation, and Your power to everyone who is to come.”

Psalm 145:4 - “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”

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#953: No Word From God Will Ever Fail Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

You and I have a truth we can hold onto today: God is a promise-keeper. He will not fail. What He has said, He will do. What He has promised, He will perform.

Main Points:
1. Let this truth be an encouragement in your life today. No word from God ever fails. No matter your current circumstances, God's Word remains unshakable. In times of uncertainty, when others may question the reliability of God’s promises, as believers we can find comfort and assurance in the unchanging nature of God's Word.

2. Some of God’s promises come to pass quickly, even overnight. Others stretch over long periods of time. Waiting on God is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it’s even painful. As finite humans, it’s difficult to understand the timing of a sovereign God. Yet, we live by faith. We trust a God who has proven himself to be true to His Word time and time again.

3. Be encouraged by the truth that no word from God will ever fail.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 1:37, "For no word from God will ever fail."

Joshua 21:43-45 - “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”

1 Kings 8:56“ - Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant”

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#952: Effective Prayer Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

It seems that when we are in right relationship with God, through the blood of Jesus, and we are pursuing a righteous lifestyle, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God say your prayers will be powerful and effective.

Main Points:
1. The word “righteous” – being in a right relationship with God. We are intimidated by this. The word “righteous” scares us because we know our own tendency to sin, but we need to understand that we receive our “righteousness” from Christ. Romans says, “our own righteousness is like filthy rags.”

2. While we cannot earn our righteous standing, we seek after a righteous lifestyle in a practical way. We pursue righteousness when we pursue the character of Christ and desire holiness more than fleshly indulgence. We avoid the temptation to become self-righteous when we understand that true righteousness begins with godly humility.

3. Remember, righteousness cannot be achieved apart from receiving the grace of God, but once we are saved, we are called to live a righteous life. As we do, God will honor our prayers with His response.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18 NLT)

“If a man shut his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13)

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7)

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)

”The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

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#951: Why Do We Suffer? Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Why do we suffer? You and I have lived long enough to see and experience suffering. It comes to us all. Suffering is no respecter of persons. There is coming a day when all suffering will cease. When we are in the eternal presence of our God. He will wipe away all tears. But for now, suffering is a part of our human existence.

Main Points:
1. Suffering exists for several reasons. The first of which is that we live in a fallen world that is corrupted by sin. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, sin entered the world and that started all of the pollution, chaos, and downgrading that's been taking place ever since.

2. Sometimes suffering is caused by our own sins and mistakes. Occasionally, suffering is the work of Satan. Other times, though we don't like to admit it, suffering occurs because of the will of God.

3. We must understand that God knew the trials were coming into our lives. He allowed them for His purpose. He is using them to teach us. He is drawing us close. He is deepening our faith and character. He is preparing us for something eternal.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Peter 5:10 - “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

1 Peter 5:8 "Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him. Stand firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”
1 Peter 4:19 - “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

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.”

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#950: Be a Reflection of Christ Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

When we place our faith in Jesus, we do so because we have been exposed to his light. We are changed and impacted by the truth of His Word and His presence. Prior to our relationship with Christ we lived in darkness and sin, but the light has now changed us.

Main Points:
1. As a result of our encounter with the light of the world, we are now to be a reflection of this light to others. Just as the moon is a reflection of the sun’s light, we are to reflect the light of Jesus.

2. Jesus said He is the light of the world. Now he’s saying you and I are the light of the world. He has given us His light to carry into a dark world. Everywhere we go, we should bring illumination because of the light of Jesus within us.

3. As you go about your day, consider the impact of your words and actions on those around you. Are you allowing the light of Jesus to shine through you? Whether at home, work, or in your community, let His light be evident in your interactions. Be intentional about spreading His hope and truth.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 8:12 - “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Matthew 5:14-15 - “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

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#949: Is Anything Hindering Your Walk With Christ? Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Pray and ask God to search your heart. As the Lord reveals things that are hindering your spiritual growth, be willing to throw them off so that nothing slows you down.

Main Points:
1. I must ask the Lord to show me if there is anything in my life that is hindering my relationship with Christ. Is there anything that is hindering me? Is there anything slowing me down and impeding my spiritual growth.

2. What burdens are you carrying today? Is there anything slowing you down? I think of doubts, fears, worries, sins, and distractions that hinder our progress. These hinderances could be people in our lives that not influencing us towards godliness. It could be good things like work, hobbies, or things we enjoy that are not sinful, yet they have become distractions that keep us from growing in Christ.

3. Paul said that we are to put off the old self and put on the new self. We are letting go of old sins, attitude, habits, sinful patterns of living. In Christ we are putting on the new self that exemplifies righteousness and holiness. As we pursue godliness, this is a work of the Spirit and a process that will continue in our lives until we meet Jesus face to face.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Psalm 139:23-24 - “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Ephesians 4:22-25 - “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

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#948: The Foolishness of Preaching Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

God, in His infinite wisdom, uses what the world considers foolish—the preaching of the cross—to confound the wise. The power of salvation is not found in human wisdom or eloquence, but in the message of Christ's sacrificial love.

Main Points:
1. To an unsaved world, the salvation that God offers us through Christ, seems incomprehensible to those who haven’t experienced it. It sounds like “foolishness” to say that salvation could come through a cross—a death marked by weakness, defeat, and humiliation. Yet this “foolishness” was the salvation that Paul preached!

2. God took something shameful and weak—death on a cross—and made it the foundation of wisdom and power. God does the unimaginable. Later in verse 27, Paul would say that God chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise.

3. The simple message of the Gospel, though considered foolish by the world, carries the power to transform lives and bring about salvation.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 - “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

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#947: How God Defines Greatness Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Greatness in the kingdom of God, is rooted in humility and sacrificial service. So, we see that greatness is achievable for all of us. It’s not dependent on your title, position, location, influence, or anything else. Greatness is achieved when we serve others. All of us can do this today.

Main Points:
1. Our culture sees greatness as record-breaking achievements, success, influence, power, position, fame, and notoriety. But God sees it differently.

2. Consider this: Jesus, the Son of God, the King of Kings, chose to serve rather than be served. In a culture that revered positions of authority, Jesus shattered expectations by washing the disciples' feet and living a life marked by humility and selflessness.

3. Whether in the workplace, our families, or communities, let us remember the example set by the ultimate servant-leader, Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect His humility, compassion, and commitment to serving others.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Mark 10:35-37 - “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

Mark 10:42-25 - “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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#946: God Never Changes Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

If there is anything constant about the world we live in, it is that things are going to change. We may not like it, we may not want to embrace the change, but nothing in this life is static. Except God.

Main Points:
1. Think about it. God’s love never changes. His character will not change. His power, strength, and abilities never change. His knowledge, understanding, and wisdom cannot change. His love, grace, and mercy will never change. His Word and His truth cannot change.

2. The truth that God never changes brings comfort and encouragement to our lives. What God has promised, He will do. God will never change His mind. He will never compromise His character. He will always stay true to who He is. He will always be holy, righteous, and pure.

3. The truth that God never changes also reminds us that the instructions and commands in His Word never change. What God has said about obedience and holy living doesn’t change, even though it doesn’t make sense to our culture.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Isaiah 40:8 - “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Malachi 3:6 - “For I the Lord do not change…”

Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”
Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

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