The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#825: Simple Faith Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

Simple faith. Child-like faith. We must come to God with this same simplicity and sincerity. Just as a child can have complete faith in the protection and provision of their parents, so we must come to God with such faith. We must completely believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the he alone can save us from our sins.

Main Points:
1. Let’s think for a minute what characteristics little children possess when it comes to faith. They are innocent and sincere. They’re eager to learn. They are teachable, humble, trusting, open, simple, and spontaneous. They are unpretentious.

2. It’s my prayer that as adults, we could develop this assurance in God. As a child has assurance of the love of their parents, couldn’t we develop assurance of our Heavenly Father’s love? Couldn’t we find assurance of our salvation and forgiveness of sins? Could we also obtain assurance of God’s care, provision, and protection? Could we lay our head on our pillow at night with assurance in our hearts, knowing that if we passed in the night we have the promise of eternal life?

3. We spend our days stressed out, worried, anxious, afraid, frustrated, and even angry. Surely this is not God’s will for the lives of his children. Let’s come back to simple trust and childlike faith in a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 18:1-3 - “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#824: The Promise of God's Power May 31, 2023

Show notes

Whether it’s your coffee pot, your phone, your computer, or your car, power is necessary for each of these essentials to operate. It’s the same true in the Christian life. You need power. God does not intend for us to live powerless Christian lives. In fact, He promised to provide the power we need to live victorious over sin and to be effective in our calling and purpose.

Main Points:
1. After Jesus’ resurrection, He spent 40 days with His disciples. It was during these conversations he gave them their marching orders. It was His instructions for their lives, after He would ascend back to the Father. These instructions are found in Matthew 28:19-20, and we call them “The Great Commission.”

But before getting started, these Christ-followers would need power. The task God had for their lives was too large. In and of themselves, they would be incapable of obeying the command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations.
2. As much as they had already been prepared for their mission, there was still something missing. They needed God’s power. So do I. So do you.

3. Thankfully, God has promised to give us the Holy Spirit. This power of the Holy Spirit is not just for some Christians. It’s for every Christian, and it’s been promised. Our God is a promise-keeper.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Acts 1:8 - “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”

Luke 24:49 - “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:4-5 - “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#823: Jesus Died for Sinners May 29, 2023

Show notes

If you fully understand the gospel and what Jesus has done for us, you comprehend that He was not just executed 2,000 years ago by the Romans. You recognize that He willingly laid down his life as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus died for us. He took our place. With his death on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins, so we would not have to.

Main Points:
1. If God were not just, there would be no demand for his Son to suffer and die. And if God were not loving, there would be no willingness for his Son to suffer and die. But God is both just and loving. His love is willing to meet the demands of his justice.
2. There are no small sins. Here’s why: because God is not small. The seriousness of the insult rises with the dignity of the one insulted. The Creator of the universe is infinitely worthy of respect, and admiration and loyalty.
3. Since God is just, he does not sweep these sins under the rug of the universe. He feels a holy wrath against them. They deserve to be punished, and he has made this clear: “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23). To not punish us would be unjust. But here’s what is truly amazing…Jesus accepts God’s wrath on our behalf. Jesus doesn’t cancel God’s wrath, he absorbs it. He diverts is from us to himself.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Romans 5:6-8 - “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 - “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

1 Peter 2:24 - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#822: The Return of Christ May 26, 2023

Show notes

Knowledge of Christ’s return should not produce fear or anxiety in the heart of the believer. This truth should give us hope. It should cause us to be encouraged. What God has prepared for us is greater than anything this would could give us.

Main Points:
1. As we read the Bible, it is very clear, Jesus is coming back. While many scoff and disbelieve, it doesn’t change the truth of what Jesus has said. We don’t know when He is coming, but we do know He is coming soon.
2. In an increasingly chaotic world, what a hopeful thought that this could be the year Jesus returns. More comforting still is the anticipation that all who trust Him for salvation will be gathered together, relieved from this world’s suffering, sorrow, and fear. Best of all, we’ll be with the Lord forever!
3. Don’t give up hope. Don’t let go of your belief in the promise of Christ’s return. He said he would come back, and he will. When is Jesus coming back? He is coming back soon.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Acts 1:10-11 tells the story. “They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Revelation 22:20 - “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
2 Peter 3:4 - “They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

Matthew 24:44 - “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#821: Impossible Has Never Stopped God May 24, 2023

Show notes

The Bible is a book of miracles, from the beginning to the end. If you read through the Bible, you will be left with this amazing truth: God can do anything. There is no limit to his power. He is a miracle-working God. He specializes in doing what seems to be impossible to us.

Main Points:
1. Throughout scripture we see miracles of provision, miracles of healing, miracles of protection, miracles of deliverance, miracles of opportunity, and miracles of guidance and direction.
2. So, let me ask you, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord? It’s likely that today you are facing a situation in your life in which you need a miracle, most of us are. It seems impossible and feels discouraging, but again, is anything too hard for the Lord?
3. For many Christians, our struggle is not faith in God’s ability to perform miracles, but faith in his willingness. The result is that we have no expectation. Let’s renew our faith in God’s miraculous power. No matter what you are facing today, remember, the impossible has never stopped God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Genesis 18:14 - "Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
Luke 2:37 - “For with God, nothing will be impossible.”
Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#820: Greatness in the Small Things May 19, 2023

Show notes

Think about this: You might miss greater opportunities from God if you can’t be trusted to obey God in the small things. There is a powerful question embedded in this verse: Can you be trusted with obeying God in the small things? Will you seize the small opportunities God gives you, recognizing they truly make a difference?

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. Think about what is missed when we miss our opportunities. Others miss experiencing the blessing of your contribution in their life. They miss your prayers, your encouragement, your witness, and your wisdom. But you also miss out. You miss the joy experienced when we step into these God-opportunities. You miss the fulfillment that comes when we serve the Lord. And you miss the will of God for 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.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#819: We Cannot Forget May 16, 2023

Show notes

Memories are important, especially when it comes to remembering what God has done for us. If you are like me, you tend to have selective memory. When facing a hardship or a difficult season, I’m laser-focused on what I am going through at the moment. It can be hard to remember God’s past faithfulness.

Main Points:
1. As you look back over your life and your journey as a follower of Jesus, I’m confident you can see evidence of God’s faithfulness. There were time when God protected you, provided for you, healed you, and encouraged you. There were times when God gave you strength, wisdom, peace, guidance, and joy.
2. I want to invite you to take a walk down memory lane. Perhaps even grab a piece of paper and a pen to write down the memories you have of God’s faithfulness.
3. Over the course of your life people come and go. You met people years ago that now you have forgotten. But God is not someone who comes and goes. God is constant. He is faithful. He has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. He does not want to be forgotten. Because of His faithfulness, He is worthy of your praise and worship.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 77:11-12 - "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”

Psalm 103:2-5 - “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 78:10-11 - “They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#818: Not Found in the New Testament May 15, 2023

Show notes

The New Testament is filled with “one another” statements. These are biblical instructions for how Christians are to act towards each other. As we read the New Testament, we come across commands like: love another, accept one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, and the list goes on. One count says there are 59 distinct “one another” statements in the New Testament.

While this is an amazing and inspiring list, we should also avoid the "one another's" that are not in scripture, such as: criticize one another, be judgmental of one another, point out one another's faults, condemn one another, be critical of one another, etc.

Main Points:
1. According to Jesus, our love for others is the distinctive mark of Christianity. We are to be known for our love.
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 according to Jesus, the identifying mark of His followers is to love them with the same love we have received from God.
3. Like all spiritual disciplines, this takes intentionality. Who can you love today. How can you show it? How can you demonstrate it?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 7:3-5 - ““And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

Philippians 2:12 - “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”
John 13:35 - “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#817: Partnering with Jesus May 12, 2023

Show notes

A prayer request by Jesus. Think about it. There was something so heavy on the heart of our savior that he would ask us to partner with him in prayer. 2,000 years later, I believe it’s still the will of God that we lift this need up to the Lord in prayer.

Main Points:
1. As Jesus speaks about the lost, those who have not put their faith in God, he uses the metaphor of a field of crops that are ripe and ready to be harvested. He said the harvest is plentiful. There are many who would come into the kingdom of God, yet there is one obstacle. The workers are few. Jesus warned us that opportunities to meet human need and bring people into His kingdom may be wasted because of a shortage of laborers. It’s here that Jesus gives us his prayer request. Since the harvest belongs to the Lord, we are to pray to Him and ask him to send more workers into his harvest field.
2. There is an urgency in the heart of Jesus. As he sees the need, he knows that time is of the essence. A harvest will not always be ready. Eventually, a missed harvest will spoil, its fruit will rot. There is a need for laborers and the need is now.
3. Let’s pray for more laborers and more workers in God’s harvest. Are you actively doing this? Let’s pray for God to speak to his church and that more and more would step up and actively involve themselves in reaching the lost,

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 9:37-38 - “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#816: God's Word on Your Heart May 11, 2023

Show notes

Imagine this! God promises stability, fruitfulness, and prosperity for memorizing and meditating on the Word of God. Here’s why. Scripture memorization keeps our hearts and minds set on God. When we are daily memorizing and meditating on scripture, our thoughts are on God. God’s Word transforms our thought process and as a result we make God honoring decisions with our lives.

Main Points:
1. Scripture memorization gives us the tools we need to fight temptation. In Luke chapter four, Jesus quoted scripture three times as he resisted Satan’s temptations. You and I can do the same thing.
2. When the topic of scripture memorization comes up, often people will tell me, “Loren, I just can’t memorize scripture. My memory isn’t what it used to be.” Some people are good at it, others are not.” But think about this. God will not ask us to do something that he will not also empower us to do. I believe the Holy Spirit will give us the strength and ability to memorize Bible verses, one at a time.
3. You can begin memorizing scripture right now. Select a verse that you find helpful and meaningful and begin to read it aloud, write it down, and quote it. Imagine memorizing a verse each week. In one year you would have 52 verses in your heart. I believe it would be life-changing.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 1:2-3 - “blessed is the person whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
Joshua 1:8 - “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Colossians 3:16 - "...let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected