The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#855: Why You Should Read the Old Testament Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Without reading the Old Testament we cannot see the full plan God has for His people. Don’t just read half of the story. Read the beginning. Discover what God has said and what He is doing in the lives of those who will trust Him.

Main Points:
1. The practice of neglecting to read the Old Testament is not unusual. With the exception of the books of Psalms and Proverbs, many Christians do not read much of the Old Testament.

2. We must come to realize that we cannot fully understand the New Testament without the Old Testament. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

3. When we read the stories of the men and women of Old who trusted God, who believed in His promise, and who were faithful in times of difficulty, it teaches us perseverance. When we see the faithfulness of people like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Daniel, we are encouraged that we too can remain faithful to God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Matthew 5:17-18 - ““Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”

Romans 15:4 - “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”

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#854: Hope for the Hopeless Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

The hopeless can begin to experience hope when they turn their attention back to God. We choose to believe before our situation changes. Anyone can believe in God after He works a miracle, but faith is to be exercised before the prayer is answered.

Main Points:
1. Have you ever felt hopeless? As you looked at your options and considered the future, there seemed to be no hope. It’s a terrible emotion to feel and experience.

2. It sounds overly simplistic, but with God, there is always hope. Ultimately, for the believer, we have the promise of eternal life. This life is not all there is. We will spend forever in the glory and majesty of our Savior. But while this promise awaits us, life here on earth can be difficult. It can feel as if we can’t take it anymore. We feel hopeless.

3. Hope is the reservoir from which we draw the strength to keep going. Hope is what clears your head and keeps your eyes focused on the right things when trials weigh upon your soul. It is biblical hope that makes the difference.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 25:3 - “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…”

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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#853: Making a Decision to Follow Christ Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

The most important decision any of us will make is the decision to place our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. All other decisions pale in comparison. Why? Because this decision has eternal implications. Placing our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection for our sins provides us with forgiveness of our sins, and gives us the promise of eternal life.

Main Points:
1. While many have knowledge about Jesus, they have yet to believe. They still haven’t decided to make Him their Savior and Lord. They are living in a place of indecision. I’ve heard people say, “I’m not ready yet. Maybe someday I’ll become a Christian.”

2. We must see that indecision is really a decision. Failing to act, is actually an action. We don’t know what the future holds. We have no promise of tomorrow. But we do have this moment and this opportunity to decide to follow Jesus. We cannot postpone life’s most important decision.

3. Listen again to the powerful words from Joshua. “Choose today whom you will serve.” I believe this is a word from the Lord to you and me today. Choose whom you will serve. Make a decision. Place your faith in God. Settle the issue. Move forward as aß Christ-follower whose mind is made up.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Joshua 24:14-15 - “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Matthew 6:24 - ““No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

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#852: Do You Have Courageous Faith? Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Faith requires courage. Faith is not something that we hold in our hearts and minds. True faith is something that is lived out. Faith calls us to action and this requires courage.

Main Points:
1. God’s desire is for you and me to demonstrate courageous faith? Anyone can have a timid or fearful faith. Anyone can have faith in isolation. But will we live our faith out loud and in public? Will we be courageous?

2. Our current culture has convinced many Christians to keep their faith in Christ personal and quiet. We’ve been told it is rude, unkind, and obnoxious to tell others what about your Christian faith. We must recognize this is a tactic of Satan to silence the witness of Christians about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Remember, God has given us good news to share.

3. Pray and ask God where you can demonstrate courageous faith in your life today.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Psalm 27:14 - “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Joshua 1:9 - “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Luke 9:26 - “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”

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#851: Reading the Bible in Context Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

When you study a verse from the Bible, it can only mean what it means in the context of the surrounding verses. It can only mean what it means in the context of the chapter, the book, and even the whole Bible. When we struggle to understand a particular verse, we should immediately read the verses that come before and after it.

Main Points:
1. One of the critical tools needed to interpret and understand scripture appropriately is context. We must ask, “What is the context in which the verse or the passage was written?” It’s helpful to learn about the author, the audience, the setting, and the culture. It’s also essential to use the theme of the surrounding verses and even the whole chapter to determine the meaning of a particular verse.

2. Having these practices in place as we study scripture, we protect ourselves from cherry-picking verses to make them say what we want them to say. One of the great errors of Bible interpretation has been the forcing of scripture to fit a preconceived viewpoint. This is how cults are sometimes formed.

3. As you read God’s Word today, look for the context which will give you the broader meaning of the text.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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#850: Why Forgiveness is Essential Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Forgiveness is a decision you make to refuse to live in the past. It’s a conscious choice to release 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. If there is anything that threatens to destroy our relationships, it is bitterness and unforgiveness. Wounds hurt deeply. Words spoken are impossible to forget. It seems that our natural, human tendency is to hold onto the offense. Unforgiveness isolates us from the offender and enables the relationship to fracture and break apart. This is not God’s will.

2. You and I need God’s forgiveness, yet if we withhold our own forgiveness, God will not forgive us. What a sobering thought!

3. With God’s help, let today be the day you forgive. Don’t hold the offense any longer. Walk out of the prison of offense and let your heart be free.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 6:14-15 - “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

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#849: Live Like Jesus is Coming Back Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

I believe in the imminent return of Christ, meaning I believe Jesus could come back at any time. Today could be the day of Christ’s return. Today could be the day of the rapture of the church. Are you ready for Jesus to come back? Are you living like Jesus is coming back today?

Main Points:
1. Let me remind you that Jesus is indeed coming back. Scripture foretold the birth of Jesus, and it was fulfilled. The Bible described the death and resurrection of Christ, and it happened as the prophecy foretold. Likewise, the Scripture has promised the return of Jesus. The God who has spoken will fulfill His Word.

2. So, what does it mean to live like Jesus is coming back? It means being prepared. It means living with our hearts on God and his will for our lives. It means being focused on the work He has called us to do. Living like Jesus is coming back at any time causes us to live sober lives. It calls us to live in holiness and righteousness.

3. Jesus is coming back, and He is coming back soon. Are you ready? Are you prepared? Are you busy serving Him and fulfilling His purpose for your life?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 14:2-4 - “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Revelation 22:20 - “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

1 Thessalonians 5:2 - “…the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.”

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#848: When God Stands Beside You Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Receive this truth: God is standing beside you. He is there. Can you acknowledge His presence? Everything you need He will provide. Repeatedly in the Bible, He promises that He will be with us.

Main Points:
1. When everyone leaves when you feel abandoned, and when there is no one else around, God will remain present in your life. In fact, He has promised in Scripture that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.

2. What I love about the Bible is the real-life stories of people who faced all kinds of difficulties and adversity. We learn of their struggles, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But we also see God at work in their lives. We learn of God’s faithfulness. We see God’s compassion, wisdom, and guidance. We discover He is a God who loves His people and who will never abandon them.

3. There is nothing you are facing that God cannot handle. There is no need in your life God cannot meet. There are no problems that God cannot solve. The eternal God is standing beside you right now.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Timothy 4:16-17 - “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”

Isaiah 41:10 - “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 - “ Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

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#847: Do Not Love The World Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Loving the world will result in losing our first love. When this happens we begin to buy into the world’s value systems and eventually, our lives do not reflect Christ, they will reflect the world.

Main Points:
1. When we meet Christ, one thing that fundamentally changes is what we love. Before we met Jesus, our primary love was ourselves, but we also loved the things of this present world. But when we met Jesus things began to change. We discovered a better love.

2. Loving the world means being devoted to the world’s treasures, philosophies, and priorities. God tells His children to set their priorities according to His eternal value system. We are to “seek first” God’s kingdom and righteousness.

3. The problem with loving the world is that it conflicts with what is to be our first love. Jesus is to be our first love. Why? He alone is worthy of such love and devotion. In Revelation chapter two, we learn the Ephesian church was commended for their hard work and perseverance, yet they were warned because they had lost their first love.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 John 2:15 - “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.”

Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

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#846: What Does God See? Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

Think about this truth: God knows absolutely everything about you and he loves you. You are fully and completely known, and yet you are loved.

Main Points:
1. Our relationship with God is like no other. In our relationships with people, there may be a thousand things they don’t know about you, especially as it is related to the heart. Your friend doesn’t know your thoughts, your desires, your motives, and your feelings, but God does.

2. How does this knowledge make you feel? If we are not in a right relationship with God, it might make us feel afraid. But for those walking daily with Jesus, the thought of an all-seeing and all-knowing God gives us peace and assurance. There is nothing I am facing that God is unaware of. What a blessing that is to our lives!

3. Because God knows everything about us, he can guide and direct our steps. In life, we are often confused and disoriented. We don’t know the best way forward. We don’t know which steps to take, but since God already knows, he can carefully guide us to the right decisions.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Proverbs 15:3 - “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

Hebrews 4:13 - “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Jeremiah 23:24 - “Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.”

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