The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#915: The Decision to Forgive Nov 20, 2023

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Forgiveness is a decision you make to refuse to live in the past. It’s a conscious choice to relate others from their sins against you, so that you can be set free. It doesn’t deny the pain or change the past, but it does break the bitterness that holds you to the wounds of the past. Forgiveness allows you to let go and move on. You offer this forgiveness freely because God has forgiven you freely.

Main Points:
1. Our forgiveness of others is a response to the forgiveness we have received. If God can forgive me, he can enable me to forgive others.

2. As Christians, we must see that the grace that offers us God’s forgiveness, enables us to forgive others when they sin against us.

3. Christianity is a religion of forgiveness and healing. It is about God’s forgiveness of us, and our forgiveness of others. Both types of forgiveness are miracles and examples of how Jesus changes lives.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 18:21 - “He came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Ephesians 4:32 - “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

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#914: Is it Okay for a Christian to Get Angry? Nov 17, 2023

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Anger is a God-given emotional response that is usually tied to a goal, a value, or an expectation. It usually ignites when we feel invalidated, disrespected, or rejected. We express anger, depending on our personality, in two ways: by exploding or imploding.

Main Points:
1. There is one form of anger that we might call “righteous anger.” This is anger directed at injustice. It is anger at acts that violate the gospel or at things that offend God. Anger at racism, anger at prejudice, anger at how the devil is destroying lives, or anger at the poverty of children and it inspires someone to make a difference.

2. But let’s be honest for a minute. The vast majority of anger does not fall into the category of righteous indignation. I would guess that most of our anger is the result of having our own interests violated in one way or another.

3. Anger does not cultivate a proper environment in which the word of God can grow and mature. Anger blocks out the movement of God. Anger closes and hardens your heart so that, pretty soon, nothing else can take root. If you are spending so much time and energy on your anger, it is impossible to be attentive to the Word.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 4:26 – “In your anger do not sin.”

James 1:19-20 - “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9 - “Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.”

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#913: Divine Healing Nov 16, 2023

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I truly believe God still heals the sick. I’m aware there are those who do not believe God heals the sick today. Some say miracles only occurred in the New Testament times. Some say healings are only coincidences, but it’s amazing how many coincidences we have when we pray.

Main Points:
1. Divine healing is a gift of God’s grace for all. Just as salvation comes to us by God’s grace, healing does as well. We do not deserve it and cannot earn it. In the NT people did not view healing as a right, but an act of God’s grace. We are in no position to demand God to give us healing.

2. In the church today there is a lot of false teaching about healing. What the Bible teaches us is that healing occurs according to the will of God. There is no magic formula. God is concerned about our needs. We bring them to him. We pray. But God is the healer.

3. We see in Scripture that it is God’s will for us to pray for the sick. We pray for them in the name of Jesus and we understand it is the Lord who brings the healing, not us. We do not have the power to heal, but God does.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

James 5:13-15 - “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

Isaiah 53:5 - “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”

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#912: The Struggle with our Surrender to God Nov 14, 2023

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As I think about surrender, I’m reminded of how much of a struggle it can be for us. After all, surrender feels like losing. No one wants to raise the white flag of surrender.

Main Points:
1. We must see that everything we need is on the other side of surrendering our life to Jesus. As long as we are resistant and focused on ourselves, we’ll miss out on what God could have done in and through our lives.

2. In prayer, let’s search our hearts today and listen for the Holy Spirit to address those areas of our own lives that we may not have surrendered to God.

3. Let’s experience the joy of a life fully surrendered to God. May we be able to truly say, “All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.”

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Mark 10:17-22 - “As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”

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#911: Swimming Against the Culture Nov 13, 2023

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Today, you and I live in the river of a rapidly moving culture. It’s a culture that is rapidly moving away from truth, righteousness, and morality. It’s a culture as the Bible defines that “does what is right in its own eyes.” As a Christian, who has been called by God and identified by God, you have to swim. With the power of the Holy Spirit, you can swim against this culture. You don’t have to get swept away.

Main Points:
1. The New Testament teaches us that while we are in the world, we are not of the world. We live in this present world, but we do not embrace the values of a world that is rapidly moving away from biblical values. What do we do? We swim. We swim against this fast-moving current.

2. So, how do we swim? First, we swim by ensuring that our hearts and minds are filled with the Word of God. This is essential. Without knowing the truth, we won’t know which values to embrace and which ones to reject. Knowing truth is vital. Let’s make sure that every single day we are spending time in God’s Word. Read it, memorize it, meditate on it, and obey it.

3. Next, develop strong biblical convictions. In other words, know what you believe. Where do you stand? What strongly held beliefs have you developed based on what the Bible has to say? Biblical convictions help us know where the lines are that we will not cross. These convictions are not simply an opinion, idea, or viewpoint. They are deeply held beliefs that impact our lifestyle.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Romans 12:2 - “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

1 John 2:15 - “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

1 Peter 3:15-16 - “if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way…”

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#910: How to Begin Studying the Bible Nov 10, 2023

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The need for careful and diligent study of the Bible has never been more important than it is today. There is an all out attack on the authority of God’s Word and as believers we need to know what the Word says and how to articulate it to others. This requires the study of God’s Word.

Main Points:
1. First, purposefully set aside some time to study. Without an appointment with God, it’s not likely you and I will find the time. Decide when and where you will study the Bible.

2. Decide what you will study. There is no right or wrong place to get started. You might want to begin to work your way through a book of the Bible, or you might want to study a particular topic such as: wisdom, the presence of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, or dealing with temptation.

3. Learn to ask questions from the text. Like a detective, you are investigating the text. Move slowly, carefully, and deliberately. Look for the plain teaching of Scripture. Discover what it clearly says and don’t be tempted to look for obscure and hidden meanings.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Timothy 2:15 - “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Hebrews 4:12 - “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

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909: The Posture of Your Heart Nov 07, 2023

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Which physical posture of prayer is the right one for you? I would say, none of them. Rather than external positioning, the Bible emphasizes the posture of the heart. Whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down, the important thing is that your heart is bowed in submission to the lordship of Christ. False religions place an emphasis on external behavior, while true Christianity is concerned with the heart.

Main Points:
1. True prayer is characterized by the posture of the heart, not the physical posture of the person praying.

2. We approach God in prayer with an attitude of reverence. We recognize He is God, we are not. Jesus said we are to pray to “our Father, who is in Heaven, hallowed be his name.” This means “holy is God’s name.” God is not the “man upstairs.” He is not the “big guy in the sky.” He is our Heavenly Father and we approach him with reverence.

3. As you pray today, it may be that you’ll sense God leading you to a particular posture of prayer. Maybe you’ll kneel, stand, or even lift your hands. Whichever posture of prayer you choose, don’t forget about the posture of your heart.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 3:14 - “For this reason, I kneel before the Father.”
Psalm 95:6 - “Come, let us worship and bow down,Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Hebrews 12:28 - “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

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#908: God Cares About Your Loneliness Nov 06, 2023

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Perhaps you feel down today, thinking all your hope is gone, that even God has abandoned you. Yes, you may feel those things, but that doesn’t mean your feelings are true. The God of Heaven knows what you are feeling. He understands the pressure you are feeling. Most of all, He is there. He cares and He is with you.

Main Points:
1. One of the most difficult emotions we experience is loneliness. No one is immune from it.

2. In your loneliness, stand on this great truth from Scripture. God is with you. In fact he has promised to always be with you.

3. If you are lonely, today I want you to begin to remember the Lord. Remember his faithfulness. Remember what he has done. Remember how God has met your needs. Remember that he will never leave you or forsake you.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Hebrews 13:5 - “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Isaiah 43:2 - “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Psalm 27:10 - "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.”

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#907: Your Value to God Nov 02, 2023

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You are God’s greatest investment! In nothing has God invested more than in you. Think about it for a minute. God permitted his only son, Jesus Christ to become a man, and to endure the worst that evil could conspire. He allowed him to become your sacrifice, to pay your penalty, and your death sentence.

Main Points:
1. We live in a culture where self worth is calculated by a simple equation: performance plus the opinion of others.

2. As disciples, we are to die to our old labels, the opinions of others, and the lies we used to believe. We now live for Christ and Christ lives in us.

3. The opinion of others makes no difference in your self-worth. Because who you are, with Jesus, matters more than what other people tell you about yourself. Because you are made in His image, He is the one who determines your self-worth.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

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

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#906: God's Character Does Not Change Nov 01, 2023

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The Bible teaches us that God is faithful. This means God is always reliable, all of the time. He does not fail or forget. He always keeps his word. His character is consistent and He never changes.

Main Points:
1. Think about the implications of this wonderful truth. If God never changes, his love never changes. His grace never changes. His forgiveness never changes. His power and his presence never change. His ability never changes.

2. For us change is inevitable because we're not perfect so therefore we need to improve. We need to change for the better. But for God it's unnecessary to change because you can't improve upon perfection. The moment God changes he ceases to be God. Therefore, God can't change because it would go against his nature.

3. If you are struggling to trust God, be assured of his character. There is no one like God. He does not change. He will be faithful in your life.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

Psalm 119:89-90 - “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations.”

Malachi 3:6, "I the Lord do not change."
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.”

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