The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#905: Becoming a Fruitful Christian Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Here’s an important spiritual truth: God wants your life to bear fruit. He wants you to be a blessing to others. An appropriate question right here would be, “What kind of fruit does God want my life to bear?”

Main Points:
1. In scripture we learn that Jesus is our source of life. He is our vine. If we are connected to him we have the life-giving power of God within us that make our lives fruitful. Yet, we also see that our Heavenly Father is the gardener and that he prunes the branches (that’s you and me) that bear fruit, so we will produce more fruit.

2. Pruning is essential for many types of gardening because the goal is to produce more flowers or more fruit.

3. God in his sovereignty knows what is keeping us from spiritual growth and bearing fruit. Sometimes there might even be good things in our lives, yet they are occupying our mind, our time, and our resources, and as a result, we are not growing spiritually.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 15:1-2 - ““I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. “

Galatians 5:22-23 - “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
James 1:2-4 - “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

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#904: Worship for an Audience of One Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

When we have a proper heart for worship we’ll see that worship is not for us. Worship is for God. We worship for an audience of ONE! He is the audience, we are not. As our hearts are directed in praise, adoration, gratitude, and love for God, in return we experience joy.

Main Points:
1. Do you have a heart for worship? Let me encourage you to include worship in your daily spiritual disciplines. Let it be a part of your daily time with the Lord. As you worship and honor the Lord, he is glorified, and you will be blessed.

2. Whether it’s a song or simply praise from your lips, worship exalts God in your life. When you choose to make Him your top priority, you will know His peace, His power, and His provision. His presence will be felt in your heart!

3. “True worship is not about the songs, the vocals, the band or the choir. All of those things contribute toward a great expression of worship but the essence of worship is when your heart and soul, the core of your being, connects with the Spirit of God.” - Darlene Zschech

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Revelation 4:11 – “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Psalm 95:6 - Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!”

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#903: the Bible is Inspired by the Holy Spirit Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

In the biblical sense inspiration is unique. God was the primary author of the Bible; He was the One who inspired the writers to speak truths. He was the initiator. God was the source, the writers were the recipients.

Main Points:
1. The Bible is the product of God himself. The ideas are not human thoughts but come from God’s will. We also need to understand though, that the writers of the Bible were not just writing machines. God did not punch them like keys on a keyboard. His Holy Spirit prompted their hearts and minds, but it is clear that each writer had a style of his own.

2. This phrase “carried along” is the same Greek word that Paul used in Acts 27 to describe the ship being driven along by a strong wind. It was no longer under the control of the sailors, but the wind. The sailors were active, but not in control. The human authors of scripture were active, but under the control of the Holy Spirit.

3. When we approach the Bible we can do so with confidence it is God’s inspired word.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Timothy 3:16 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”

1 Peter 1:21 - “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

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#902: Struggling to Believe Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

We want to believe, but sometimes faith is a struggle. When you have been through so much, when you are weary, and when it seems like options are few, it can be hard to believe.

Main Points:
1. It’s in those moments that I have to go back to God’s Word. This is where my faith is strengthened. I have to be reminded often of who God is, what he has already done, and what he has promised to do.

2. Use the measure of faith God has given you. Cry out to Him… “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Once again trust our great God to meet you in your time of difficulty and to give you the faith you need.

3. Maybe today it’s only a whisper, but let it out…. “Jesus, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.”

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Romans 10:17 - “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Mark 9:22-27 - “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”

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#901: Our Words Matter Oct 23, 2023

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 from 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 complete 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. We all know it’s a good idea to think before we speak. Oh how many times I wish I had paused to think before blurting something out.

3. “Will what I am about to say build others up according to their needs?” Will my words build up or will they tear down? Will my words meet a need in this person’s life? Will it encourage them, teach them, inspire them, and bless them?

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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#900: Jesus Gives Us A New Command Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Jesus said to his followers, “A new command I give you.” New? A new command? Do we need a new command? Jewish religious leaders had identified 613 distinct laws. Who could keep up? Do we really need another command? The current list of laws had been keeping them busy. Earlier in the Gospels, Jesus had reduced the list of laws to two commands: love God and love your neighbor. But now, Jesus gives his followers a new command. It’s found in John 13:34 - “A new command I give you: Love one another.”

Main Points:
1. According to Jesus, our love for others is the distinctive mark of Christianity. We are to be known for our love. Oh, how I wish this were true of today’s church. What a difference we could make!

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

3. How can we do this? It begins with experiencing the love of God and letting it transform your heart. I believe this is a life-long, on-going process. For the rest of our lives we will experience the love of God and learn from it.

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.”

John 13:35 - “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

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#899: God Has Given You an Identity Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you are a child of God. This is your God-given identity and purpose. You are to live for God and his glory. You are to fulfill His purpose for your life. There is no higher calling and no greater joy than to live for God.

Main Points:
1. For the Christian, identity shouldn’t be an issue. The Bible makes it very clear. We have been created in the image of God. Jesus paid for my sins on the cross, verifying my worth to God. The Bible says I have been called, chosen, accepted, forgiven, and redeemed. I am a child of God and my name is written in Heaven.

2. Satan, our culture, and the world around us are all competing with God to give you a new identity. The world says, You are nothing unless… You are nothing until…

3. Your identity, value, and worth, have all been established by God. Rest in your God-given identity as a child of God. Reject worldly labels. Your identity was purchased at the cross. Walk in it today.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“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.” (Galatians 2:20)

Hebrews 11:24-26 - “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”

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#898: God is Listening to your Prayers Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Does God hear our prayers? Does He hear every prayer? More importantly, I want to know, does he hear my prayer. According to the Bible, God hears everything, including prayers. He is God. Nothing gets by Him. Nothing escapes the eyes and ears of God.

Main Points:
1. God wants us to pray. He created prayer as means by which we can communicate with Him and enjoy Him. Through prayer we confess our sins, we ask Him to meet our needs, we intercede for the needs of others, and we align our will with His will.

2. While we can be very confident that God hears every prayer, as a loving Heavenly Father, He doesn’t always answer the way we think He should. Just like a good parent doesn’t give their children everything they want, our Heavenly Father does what is best for us. Sometimes His answer is yes, or no, or not yet.

3. Stop and think about it for a moment. What an incredible blessing we have received. The God of eternity, our creator, hears our every prayer. He is listening. If you prayed today, God heard every word. I believe our loving Heavenly Father hears, and is moved by our faith. He will respond according to His will.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Listen to the powerful words of Psalm 139:1-4 - “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”

1 John 5:14 - “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

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#897: Standing Firm in your Relationship With Jesus Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

Hear this word from the Lord today: Stand firm in the faith. Don’t let anything or anyone persuade you to turn away from Jesus. You have come too far to turn back now. Stand firm in the faith.

Main Points:
1. Do you know someone who has abandoned their faith in Jesus? So do I. My heart breaks for those who once believed in Jesus and trusted His Word. They worshipped right along side us as we gathered Sunday mornings. We served together in the work of the Lord. But along the way, something happened. Today they are no longer walking with Christ.

2. I woke up this morning with a burden to pray for my friends who are no longer serving Jesus. I pray their faith will be rekindled. I pray they will feel God’s presence and long for the joy of knowing and serving Him. I pray the emptiness of a life without God, will once again be satisfied by the overwhelming peace of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. Let me encourage you to remain humble before God. Recognize how much you need the Lord. Stay close to him. If we become arrogant about our faith, or if we become neglectful and irresponsible concerning our relationship with God, we are in danger of falling.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Corinthians 10:12 - “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

1 Corinthians 16:13 - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

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#896: The Holy Spirit is our Comforter Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

The Holy Spirit does many things. Scripture teaches us that the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, he teaches us, guides us into all truth, he sanctifies us, he empowers us to be a witness, he anoints us, he brings things to our remembrance, but He is also our comforter.

Main Points:
1. In John 14:16 Jesus promises His followers that He would send "The Comforter." I’m struck by these words from the King James Version. The Holy Spirit is described as “another comforter.” How much comfort the disciples much have received by being with Jesus on a daily basis. But He wanted them to know that another comforter was coming that would always be with them. Other Bible translations use the words helper, teacher, advocate, and counselor.

2. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the Holy Spirit will be your comforter. When you are afraid, anxious, and worried, the Holy Spirit is there to provide comfort. When you are nervous and uncertain about the future, recognize the Holy Spirit is present to comfort you. When you are upset, disappointed, and angry, the Holy Spirit is right there to bring comfort.

3. What brings us comfort is the recognition that we are not alone. Jesus said this comforter would “abide with you forever.” We don’t face the trials of life by ourselves. He is with us. What a blessing to have God in our lives. Everyday we can feel his presence. Everyday, regardless of our circumstances, we can rely on the strength and comfort He provides.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 14:16 - “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”

Acts 9:31 - “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.”

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 - “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

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