The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#925: Happiness Vs. Joy Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Joy is different than happiness. It’s not circumstantial. 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.

Main Points:
1. Have you ever thought….I’ll be happy when _______________. I’ll be happy when I get married. Happy when I have a child. Happy when I own my own home. Happy when I retire. Happiness is elusive. It’s always at a distance and out of our reach.

2. Joy is given by God. It is a gift. A benefit of our salvation. A fruit of the Holy Spirit. Evidence that the Holy Spirit is in your life. The devil can’t take it away from you. People can’t take it away from you. You have to relinquish it. You can choose to live in the joy of the Lord at any moment, no matter what your circumstances.

3. How is this joy possible? If it sounds impossible, it may be that you’ve never truly experienced joy. How is it possible? Only through Jesus.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Timothy 4:7-8 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Nehemiah 8:10 - “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#924: Run Your Race Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

As Christians, we have a race to run. No, not a physical race, but a spiritual one. This Christian life will require commitment, dedication, and endurance. We cannot run it casually or aimlessly. We too, must give it all we have. We run for a crown that will last forever.

Main Points:
1. Marathon runners tell us that somewhere around mile 20, it’s common to hit a wall. The wall refers to a point during the race where a runner experiences a sudden and significant loss of energy and endurance, making it extremely challenging to maintain their pace or continue running.

2. I’ve seen Christians hit a wall too. They become discouraged. Church attendance becomes sporadic. They stop volunteering and serving in the ministries of the church. Their relationship with God and others begins to suffer.

3. Your running is not in vain. Your race is not in vain. Run the race God has set before you. Don’t become distracted along the way. Don’t allow yourself to get discouraged and quit. The prize will be worth it all. Remember, Jesus is the prize.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 - “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

James 1:12 - “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#923: The Holy Spirit and Deep Conviction Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

A conviction is a deeply held truth. It’s having assurance that what you believe is true. It’s believing a truth so much that it changes the way you life.

Main Points:
1. Let me ask you, “Do you have deep conviction about the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you thoroughly convinced the Word of God is true? Are you letting the scripture not only inform your life, but also change your life?”

2. As we grow in our faith, we aspire to be Christians who know what we believe. Our beliefs have stood the test of time. These truths have become deep convictions in our hearts. We know them to be true because God has revealed them to us in His Word and by His Spirit. Others may choose to believe other things, but we live with deep assurance of the truths of God.

3. Our faith is anchored in the steadfast character of God. He does not change. His Word is forever true. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Generations come and go. Seasons come and go, but the Word of God is the same forever.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Thessalonians 1:5 - “our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.”

Romans 14:5 - “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

Romans 4:21 - …fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#922: Putting Sin to Death Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

As we cling to Christ, we put to death our old life, our old ways, old sins, and old values. In this way, we are crucified with Christ. Our new life is found through faith in Christ.

Main Points:
1. I have often thought, “If Jesus would go to the cross for me if He would lay down his life as a sacrifice for me, is there anything I would not do for Him? If He would demonstrate His love for me in such an amazing way, there really is nothing I could give that would be a sacrifice. I will gladly live for Him. I will gladly serve Him.

2. It’s here that we recognize that we are not saved by doing good things. We do good things because we are saved. We live in obedience because God calls us to obedience. We serve and do good works because God asks us to do so. We are motivated by the great love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.

3. Hear the call of our savior to lay down your flesh, your carnal desires, and your worldly passions. Let them be crucified with Christ. Embrace the life that comes through faith in the resurrected Savior.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

In 2 Corinthians 5:15 - “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

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

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#921: The Image of God Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Regardless of the circumstances of your conception, you were created by God. You were created for purpose. Your life has meaning and value. Along with all of humanity, you deserve dignity and respect. Whether you receive these gifts from people around you or not, they are God’s gifts to you.

Main Points:
1. In the book of Genesis we read the triune God created man in His image, and after His likeness. We are the only part of creation that has this stamp on us. Animals, birds, livestock, and all the creatures that crawl upon the ground are not made in His image. No trees, mountains, stars, or oceans were made after His likeness.

2. To live the life God created and designed you to live, you must embrace the truth that you were created in the image of God. Your life is not an accident, a mistake, or an after-thought. Your life is important and you are here today because of the will of God.

3. We were not made like God in appearance. The Bible says God is spirit. But the image of God we bear is his likeness and his character. We were created with the ability to discern right and wrong, to live righteous and holy lives, like God. We were created with minds that think and reason. Spiritually, we can relate, communicate, and have a relationship with God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Genesis 1:26-27 - “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Psalm 139:13-14 - “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#920: Careless Words Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

We might be tempted to think that careless and idle words don’t really matter, as long as they are spoken in private, or if they are spoken to someone who would agree with our sentiments. But that would not be true. Careless words do matter. They matter to God.

Main Points:
1. So what are careless words? Careless words are those expressions that are uttered without proper consideration or thoughtfulness, often they result in unintended consequences.

2. These words may be spoken hastily, impulsively, or without regard for their potential impact on others. Careless words can convey a lack of love and kindness, and they can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, or negative outcomes.

3. So, here’s how we can grow to become more like Jesus. Watch your words. Watch them in public and in private, and know that even if no one else hears them, our Heavenly Father certainly does. As we speak words of faith, encouragement, love, and inspiration, our hearts change. As we pray for new hearts that reflect Jesus, our words change. Let’s be quick to listen, and slow to speak.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 12:36 - “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak…”

Colossians 3:8 - “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

James 3:2 - “For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.”

Psalm 141:3 - “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#919: You Cannot Outgive God Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

I remember my Dad saying, “If God can get it through you, God will get it to you.” If God knows you and I can be trusted to be His channel of blessing through generosity, He will continue to provide the resources to do so. In other words, you cannot outlive God.

Main Points:
1. When it comes to generosity, I don’t believe the struggle for most people is greed. I think the bigger struggle is fear. We want to be generous. We know God is calling us as His children to live with generosity. But we battle with fear thinking that if we are generous, we won’t have enough for ourselves.

2. God is the owner of everything. We are just the managers of His resources. If He put it in our hands, or our bank account, it means He trusts us. I suppose a question to wrestle with is: Are we being trustworthy?

3. Are you living with the fear that if you are generous, you won’t have enough for yourself? Trust the promise of God that He will provide bread for food and seed for sowing.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 - “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Proverbs 11:25 - “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

918: Rejoice in the Lord Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Today, regardless of your present circumstances. You have a reason to rejoice. If you know Jesus, if your sins have been forgiven, if you have the presence of God in your life, and if you have the promise of eternal life, you have a reason to rejoice.

Main Points:
1. Anyone can rejoice when life is good, but to rejoice when life is hard is a deliberate act of faith. You are deciding that your trust and confidence in God is not circumstantial. Your faith in rooted in the character of God.

2. The reason we can rejoice at all times is because of the object of our rejoicing. Paul says we are to “rejoice in the Lord.” We don’t just rejoice. We don’t just celebrate. We don’t just throw a party. We have a reason to rejoice. We rejoice in the Lord.

3. Maybe you are out of the practice of rejoicing. You can get started again. Wherever you are begin to give God praise. Let his joy fill your heart as you reflect on his goodness.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Habakkuk 3:17-18 - “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#917: When We Become Discouraged Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

I believe some of you listening today are discouraged. You have lost your hope and confidence in God. But no matter what your visible circumstances might be, God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Today regain your hope in Him. Put your confidence in him. In God’s time and in His way, He will come through.

Main Points:
1. Instead of grumbling, instead of complaining, instead of becoming better and depressed, instead of giving up on God, let’s ask some better questions, What am I learning? How am I growing? How can God use this situation? What are my experiences teaching me? In what ways am I experiencing God that I haven’t before? What can I be grateful for?

2. Gratitude is the antidote to discouragement. Count your blessings. Even in the darkest days you can find something to be thankful for. When you invite gratitude in the front door of your heart, discouragement goes out the back. It’s hard to be grateful and discouraged at the same time.

3. As I think about the times I have been discouraged, I realize that just about every time, I became discouraged because I took my focus off of Jesus and put it on myself and my circumstances. I pray you won’t make the same mistake. Whatever you do, don’t throw away your confidence in God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Hebrews 10:35 - “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#916: Blessed to be a Blessing Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Why has the Lord blessed us with so much? Why has God been so generous to us? Why has He met our needs and so much more? The answer is, so that we will use the blessings we have been give to be a blessing to others.

Main Points:
1. God wants our lives to be a conduit or a channel of blessing to others. If God can get it through you, God will get it to you.

2. One of the fears that keep people from being generous is the thought that they will not have enough for themselves. Yet, if we are generous, God has promised to keep blessing us.

3. Where in your life is God calling you to be a blessing? Who has God put on your heart? Where is the Lord leading you to invest your resources, time, wisdom, and experience? Where can you use your spiritual gifts and talents to bless others?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Genesis 12:1-2 - “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected