The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#895: Our Goal: To be More Like Jesus Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Know this: God always has a next step for us. Until we see Jesus in glory, God is not finished with us. This work of on-going spiritual growth and development is called sanctification.

Main Points:
1. The word "sanctification" is rarely used in church and Christian circles anymore. I sometimes refer to it as a forgotten doctrine.

2. Sanctification is the work of God in our lives to call us away from sin, ungodliness, and wordiness, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable us to live holy and righteous lives that reflect Christ.

3. Salvation is a momentary act, bringing us from spiritual death to life. It is exclusively God's work. Sanctification is an ongoing process, it is dependent on God's ongoing work in our lives, but it also requires our continuous fight against sin.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 - “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.”

Romans 8:29 - *God is) “conforming us to the image of His son.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”

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#894: Thirst No More Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

Inside all of us there is a thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy. There is a thirst within us that only God can fill. We all have a spiritual thirst, but in Jesus this thirst can be quenched.

Main Points:
1. All of us have tried to satisfy our thirst. If a person is thirsty, they are going to search for water. It’s the same way with our spiritual thirst. We are all looking for a way to quench our thirst. We search for meaning and purpose through a person, through possessions, or by pursuing pleasure…only to find that our souls are still parched.

2. We experience this living water when we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It’s only then that we can experience the satisfaction of our thirst being quenched.

3. It’s time to take a long drink of cool water. Some of us have parched throats and dehydrated hearts. The living water from Jesus is free for the taking, regardless of who you are or what you’ve done. Do you have a deep dryness and a shriveled soul? It’s time to come thirsty, drink deeply and be fully satisfied.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 6:35 - Jesus says, “He who believes in me will never thirst.”

John 7:37-38 - : “‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’

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#893: Defining "The Gospel" Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

The gospel is the message of forgiveness for sin through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is essentially God’s rescue plan of redemption for those who will trust in His divine Son in order to be reconciled to a just and holy God. The essential content of this saving message is clearly laid out for us in the Bible.

Main Points:
1. The word “gospel” simply means good news. The word “gospel” appears 93 times in the New Testament. It is the good news concerning Christ and the way of salvation.

2. The gospel involves Jesus’ death on the cross as the sin offering to fulfill the Law’s righteous requirement. Here is the gospel message: Christ died for us. He took our place. He became our sin offering.

3. When Christ offered Himself at Calvary, that symbol became a reality for all who would believe. The work of atonement is finished now, and that’s good news. Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied the justice of a righteous and holy God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

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#892: The Promise of God's Provision Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Whatever you need, be assured that God has enough for you. He will supply what we need not according to our resources—which are limited and finite—but according to his riches in Christ—which are unlimited and infinite.

Main Points:
1. There are at least 169 verses in the Bible that refer to the ways God provides for us. These verses give us great confidence that God will meet our need. But there is one more truth that gives us complete assurance of God’s provision. Our Heavenly Father has held nothing back, He has even given us his son, Jesus.

2. God has not promised to provide for all of our wants, but he has promised to meet all of our needs. Like any good parent, God would never give us what He knows would harm us. His intent is to help us develop Christlikeness. Some of the things we want are not good for us. They may not be God’s will for us. So, out of his infinite knowledge, God knows what to provide and what not to provide.

3. Since there is no lack in God’s riches in glory, we should anticipate that there would be no lack in God’s supply.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Philippians 4:19 - “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 37:25 - “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.”

Romans 8:32 - “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”

Psalm 34:10 - “…those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

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#891: Help! I Need Patience Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Patience is the ability to accept delay or disappointment graciously. Our default reaction to delay and disappointment is often to respond with frustration and anger. Patience is the ability to allow God’s grace to control our personality so we can respond like God.

Main Points:
1. Patience is one of the character traits of Jesus. If we are to be like Jesus, we must grow in our ability and willingness to be patient.

2. We become more patient when we intentionally slow down. We become patient when we refuse to get frustrated and angry. We are patient when we accept that waiting on the Lord is a part of his plan for our lives. We grow in patience when we sacrifice our will and our plans to put others first.

3. Patience can be developed by two things: prayer and practice. As we pray for this character trait, God is gracious and generous. We then intentionally practice growing to be more like Jesus. Consider today how you can become more patient.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 145:8 - “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”

Romans 12:12 - “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 - “Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”
Proverbs 16:32 - “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”

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#890: How to Encourage Others Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever had an encourager in your life, someone that whenever you were around them, you found your spirit lifted? This is the kind of person I want to be. I want to be an encourager.

Main Points:
1. You never know the impact of your kindness, your love, and your words of encouragement. I believe people around you today are desperate for encouragement. Everyone around you is fighting a battle you know nothing about. What a difference you could make in someone’s life by encouraging them to trust the Lord, to keep believing, and to not give up.

2. What a difference you could make by encouraging someone to obey God, to step out in faith, and to let God use their lives.

3. I believe every believer has a ministry. Don’t overlook the importance of being an encourager. It costs you nothing but your love, your kindness, and your time.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - “encourage one another and build each other up.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 - “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

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#889: We are Waiting for Jesus to Come Back Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

For 2,000 years there has been a promise that believers like you and me have held onto. It’s a promise made to us by Jesus. It gives us comfort in our suffering. It gives us peace in our confusion. This promise gives us joy in the midst of sorrow. It is the promise of Christ’s return.

Main Points:
1. As believers, we are to wait. We don’t like waiting, but as we wait we trust God’s timing. God alone knows when the right time is for the return of Jesus. So, we ask God for the patience to wait.

2. It’s important to see that this “waiting” God asks us to do is not passive. Our waiting on the return of Christ is not the same as waiting in a waiting room. We do not sit idly by, wasting time, waiting for Jesus to come back.

3. The apostles understood that Jesus’ imminent return meant they must busy themselves with God’s work. They lived life to the fullest, as if every day were their last. We, too, should view every day as a gift and use it to glorify God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 14:3 - “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Philippians 3:20 - “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…”

Titus 2:13 - “…we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 3:11-12 - “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God.”

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#888: Pray Continually Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

As Christians, prayer is always a whisper away. Prayer is communication with God, and we can live each minute of the day in a constant, flowing, conversation with God. You don’t need a special appointment to talk with God. You can do so, anywhere, and at anytime.

Main Points:
1. What a blessing it is for you and I to have such access to God. It’s truly amazing. The God of the universe, the God who has such power that He spoke and the world came into existence, this God gives you and audience. This God welcomes you into His presence. This God loves you and wants to hear from you.

2. To pray without ceasing is find ourselves, like Paul, breaking into prayer spontaneously. Prayer invades the hours after morning devotions as we turn every burden into “Help me,” every pleasure into “Thank you,” every temptation into “Deliver me,” and every opportunity for obedience into “Strengthen me.” Prayer is more than a time slot in our schedule; it is the response of our hearts to God.

3. With so much on our minds and so much going on in our lives, let’s be constant in prayer. May prayer ever be on our lips.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Romans 12:12- “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

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#887: Made in God's Image and Likeness Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

You were created to enjoy God and reflect His glory. Accept your God-given identity. You were created in His image. This truth sets us free.

Main Points:
1. It is essential that you hear this message way down deep in your soul. 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.

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.”

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#886: Today's Opportunities Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

Today God will give you opportunity. I believe it happens everyday. God gives you and me opportunities to serve Him through our witness, acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and steps of faith.

Main Points:
1. So often we miss these opportunities to serve God because they are small. We don’t recognize them as a chance to be a blessing to someone because, after all, it’s such a small thing. Instead, we are looking the big things. We are looking for open doors that are larger, more influential, and more notable. Yet, the great things done for God are really small things done with faithfulness.

2. Imagine a lifetime of being faithful to serve others, to encourage the discouraged, to pray for someone in need, to courageously share your faith, to feed the hungry, and to reach out to someone who is lonely. The cumulative impact of consistent small opportunities is staggering.

3. I’m confident that today God will give you an opportunity. Will you see it? Will you obey? Will you take a step of faith? Take the opportunity and let God use your life.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 5:15-16 - “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

Matthew 20:26-28 - “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Luke 16:10 - “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

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