The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#714: Finish Your Race Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

The Bible uses the metaphor of a marathon to illustrate the perseverance of the Christian life. It’s a picture we can understand. Today, you and I are still in our race. We are on a journey of serving Jesus. We have not finished it yet. We must keep going until we reach the end.

Main Points:

1. Let me encourage you today. Don’t let anything stop you from running this race. Don’t let anything trip you up or hinder you from reaching the finish line.
2. You and I can persevere to the end. We can finish the race God has given us. We can be faithful and live for Jesus until the end of our lives. We know this is possible because God has given us everything we need for a godly life.
3. Sometimes the race gets so hard that you aren’t sure if you can make it. Yet, we are encouraged by this truth that if others have persevered to the end, so can we.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

2 Peter 1:3 - “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
James 1:12 - “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

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#713: Our Motives Matter to God Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

We discover that God cares about the heart. God wants us to love Him, value Him, and esteem Him above all things. When we serve the Lord out of sincere hearts, wanting to please Him, and wanting to give Him the glory, he rewards us only a loving Heavenly Father can.

Main Points:

1. In Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount he speaks to the heart of what we do for God, not just what we do for God. We learn that it’s not just the act of serving God that pleases the Lord, but our motives matter to Him as well.
2. I believe this is one of the things that distinguishes Christianity from every other world religion. You see every world religion is about what you do. It’s about your work. Salvation is earned by your diligence to hard work and keeping rules.
3. In Christianity, it’s not that Jesus doesn’t care what we do, but he is more interested in those intentions that are hidden from human eyes. He’s after our hearts.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 6:1 - “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 - “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Psalm 26:2 - “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”

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#712: How Suffering Can Increase Our Testimony Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

Our personal suffering can increase our personal testimony for Christ. Our hard times can elevate our witness. Our difficulties can give us a larger and more receptive audience to whom we can influence for Christ.

Main Points:

1. Suffering, as a tool for advancing the gospel? No, I think I’ll pass. Yet, over and over again in Scripture, we see God redeeming suffering for His kingdom purposes.
2. Paul’s freedom and mobility were restricted, it was not a situation he would have chosen for himself. Yet, as he writes to the Philippians, Paul recognizes that his house arrest has actually advanced the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was allowed to have visitors to whom Paul boldly taught about Jesus.
3. These examples reveal God’s kingdom purposes being accomplished through suffering. While none of us want to go through hard times, we ask that God would use them for His glory. We ask that He would make our witness clear and bold for Christ. We ask that others would see our love for Jesus and that our suffering would present opportunities for people to hear the gospel message.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Philippians 1:12 - “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”

Acts 28:30-31 - “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”

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#711: Having Deep Conviction About What You Believe Oct 17, 2022

Show notes

As we grow in our faith, we aspire to be Christians who know what we believe. Our beliefs have stood the test of time. These truths have become deep convictions in our hearts. We know them to be true because God has revealed them to us in His Word and by His Spirit. Others may choose to believe other things, but we live with the deep assurance of the truths of God.

Main Points:

1. Let me ask you, “Do you have a deep conviction about the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you thoroughly convinced the Word of God is true? Are you letting the scripture not only inform your life but also change your life?”
2. Our faith is anchored in the steadfast character of God. He does not change. His Word is forever true. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Generations come and go. Seasons come and go, but the Word of God is the same forever.
3. You might be thinking, “Loren, why is it essential that we have a deep conviction about the Word of God?” It’s so common today for people to express the idea that they are open-minded. As if this is a virtue. They don’t want to seem dogmatic. They don’t want to appear rigid in their thinking and beliefs. But this is exactly what our enemy wants. Without conviction, we are prey to false teaching, idolatry, and falling away.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Thessalonians 1:5 - “our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.”

Romans 14:5 - “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”
Romans 4:21 - “…fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

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#710: Praying for Spiritual Protection Oct 14, 2022

Show notes

We have an adversary, and enemy, the devil who wants to attack our faith, bring confusion and discouragement and cause us to falter in our relationship with God. He doesn’t want us to be strong spiritually. He wants to do everything he can to hinder the spiritual growth of our families. He wants us to be ineffective in our work for the Lord.

Main Points:

1. It’s my experience that most Christians go throughout their day without much thought of spiritual warfare. I don’t believe we should expect a devil to be living under every rock, but the Bible is clear that you and I, as believers, are in a spiritual battle.
2. I’m guessing that everyone listening to this episode prays for God’s protection. I do too. Maybe in the mornings and evenings, you pray that God would watch over your family, protect them from harm, and keep them safe. We are praying for the physical protection of those we love. I certainly believe in God’s power to shield us from harm.
3. But while you pray for physical protection, do you also pray for spiritual protection?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 6:12 - “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Ephesians 6:10-11 - “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Ephesians 6:18 - “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
But while you pray for physical protection, do you also pray for spiritual protection? This is what the Apostle Paul is referring to in these verses. Why pray for spiritual protection? 1 Peter 5:8 - “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

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#709: How God Pursues Us With His Goodness Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

Here’s what I have come to believe. God has blessings planned for your future that you don’t even know about yet. God is actively initiating blessings. His blessings are not an afterthought. They are not the results of leftovers from someone else’s blessings. No God has designed plans to bless your life.

Main Points:

1. Have you ever experienced a blessing from God that you weren’t expecting? I’m sure you have. Maybe you thought, “Wow! I didn’t see that coming.
2. As you navigate these challenges of life, it’s here that you see the goodness and mercy of God. In sickness, he provides strength, peace, healing, and recovery. In the family, he provides forgiveness, restoration, peace, and guidance. In financial struggles, he makes a way where we couldn’t see a way.
3. Psalm 23 calls for faith and a belief in the goodness of God. Will we trust Him? Let’s choose to believe that his goodness and mercy are following us every day.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 23:6 - “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

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#708: Imitate God Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

We are being transformed, not just improved, not just reformed. The scripture says we are being transformed. We are being made new. We are being transformed into his image. In lifestyle and character, we are to be in the image of Jesus. This is why Ephesians 5:1 says we are to “imitate God in everything we do because we are his dear children.”

Main Points:

1. Without realizing it, every day, we who believe in Jesus are leaving an impression of Him on others. Not with brushes and paint, but with attitudes, actions, and relationships.
2. All of us are being transformed. We are not yet complete. We are not like Jesus in every area of our lives. We are in process. We are not who we used to be and we are not yet who we are going to be.
3. If we want to be like Jesus, we must spend time with Him. How else can we discover what He is like? In what other way could we learn his character? There is no other way.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Ephesians 5:1-2 - “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 - “We all . . . are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

John 15:4 - “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

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#707: Help! I'm Being Tempted Oct 07, 2022

Show notes

Here’s what I am learning: It’s easier to avoid temptation than it is to fight sin. If possible, we should avoid being in places where we know we will be tempted. But sometimes, temptation seems to come out of nowhere. What do we do?

Main Points:

1. We must deal with the temptation immediately. Don’t wait. Don’t linger. Don’t think about it. Don’t entertain the possibility. The longer you wait, the weaker you become.
2. This means that we take immediate action against those thoughts which would lead us away from God’s will for our lives. We cannot give place to thoughts of temptation. Let me say it again. The longer you wait, the weaker you become. We must become fierce in the battle against temptation.
3. Maybe as you listen to this episode, you acknowledge you’ve done a poor job in the battle against temptation. I get it. I’ve been there too. So, where can we find strength? We find strength in three things: God’s Word, God’s presence, and in community with other believers.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

2 Corinthians 10:5 - “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Peter 1:3 - “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him…”

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#706: God Cares About Your Emotional Health Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

I hope you’ll see this truth today. God cares about your emotional state. We’ve often been taught to hide our emotions. I know that I struggle to express my emotions in public. We’ve been taught to stifle them. Be strong. Don’t let anyone see what is going on inside. But God cares about our emotions.

Main Points:

1. Throughout Scripture we see men and women feeling and expressing emotion, but nowhere do we see it more than in the book of Psalms. David and the other Psalm writers openly bare their soul and their inner life. We get to see what’s happening on the inside, not just on the outside.
2. Did you know that God also feels emotion? We feel emotion because God feels emotion. Genesis tells us we were created in the image of God.
3. Not only can God bring healing to our physical bodies, He can also bring healing to our mental and emotional state. God cares about our whole being.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 77:1-4 - “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.”

Psalm 13:1-2 - “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?”

Ephesians 3:16 - “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…”

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#705: Keeping in Step with the Spirit Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

We keep in step with the Spirit by a continual surrendering of our lives to the will of God. His will is revealed to us in His Word. As we follow and obey the Word of God, we are walking by the Spirit. As we abide with Jesus through prayer and worship, our hearts stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.

Main Points:

1. In the New Testament book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul instructs us to keep up with the Holy Spirit. God is leading our lives. We have put Him in the driver’s seat. We have yielded the control of our lives to Him. In fact, we have made Him the Lord of our lives. Our job is to follow. We don’t know where we are to go or how we are to live, so we must follow.
2. As Christ followers we have given up being the master of our own lives because we have discovered a better master. We’ve discovered that following Jesus is worth it and there is no better life to live.
3. As you draw near to God, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you to walk in step with Him.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Galatians 5:24 - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

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