If you and I had been asked what God desires most from our lives, we might have been tempted to say worship. And while God is worthy and deserving of our worship, it’s obedience God desires most.

Main Points:

1. We cannot rationalize our acts of obedience to God. Our obedience to God and His Word is not something we do if it seems logical.

2. God desires obedience. When we surrender our lives in complete obedience, we honor God for who He truly is. We also put ourselves in a place where we can receive the blessings of God. The obedient life is the blessed life.

3. Search your heart. Are you offering God partial obedience? Let’s fully surrender our lives to God’s authority.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Samuel 15:9 - “But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good.”

1 Samuel 15:14 - “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

1 Samuel 15:22 - “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We must realize that the goal of the Christian life is not behavior modification. The goal is not to just become a better person. We must be born again. We must know God in a personal way.

Main Points:

1. Nicodemus was pursuing salvation through his own efforts. He was trying to be a good person. He was trying to do all the right things. But on this night, he learns that salvation can only come when we are born again. You have been born physically, but you can have a spiritual birth when you place your faith in Jesus.

2. If you and I had lived in this time, it’s likely we would have thought Nicodemus was a godly man. We would have thought, surely, Nicodemus is going to Heaven, look how religious he is.

3. Religion and good behavior isn’t what saves us. Jesus said, “You must be born again.”

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 3:2 - “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

John 3:3 - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

What does it mean to be bold? The dictionary defines the word bold as “a characteristic of confidence and courage.” I believe God is calling for you and me to live our faith out loud with confidence and courage. How else will the world around us know the difference Jesus has made in our lives?

Main Points:

1. Pastor and Author Craig Groeschel wrote, “Sometimes we function as ‘Christian Atheists.’ We believe in God, we just live as though he does not exist.”

2. We’ve been told by our culture that faith is a private matter, it’s in appropriate and rude to share it with anyone else. This, of course, is Satan’s strategy to intimidate believers into silence and ineffectiveness for Christ. If our enemy can cause us to be afraid of what others will think of us, we’ll keep our voices quiet and our influence will be minimized.

3. We cannot be ashamed, timid, or afraid. The gospel is the “good news” of Jesus Christ. God intends for us to live out our faith in a public way. We can do this in kind, gentle, and respectful ways and still have a bold testimony for Christ.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Proverbs 28:1 - “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”

Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…”

Luke 9:26 - “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

No matter what we have, we want more. I think you would agree, contentment is hard to find. Have you ever said, “I’ll be happy when… I’ll be content when…” Contentment is elusive. The more we have the more we want. We have an idea that when we arrive at a certain place, we’ll finally be content, only to arrive and to still want more.

Main Points:

1. Today, you and I think of contentment as comfort, happiness, and satisfaction, but all of these things are based on our circumstances. Sometimes the circumstances of life don’t leave us comfortable, happy, or satisfied.

2. I love this definition. Contentment is realizing God has given you in your present circumstances everything you need to endure, grow closer to Him, and remain victorious in your relationship with Christ. It is the ability to live steadily above changing circumstances through the power of Christ within you.

3. The key to contentment is realizing that God has already given you, in your present circumstances, everything you need to have joy and fulfillment.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Philippians 4:11-13 - “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Luke 12:15 - “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of things he has.”

Matthew 6:33 – “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Unless the author of the Bible is God, the scripture is simply a collection of ancient man’s thoughts and ideas. It might be uplifting and even inspiring, but we wouldn’t consider it authoritative. Yet, if the author is truly God Almighty, then His words are as eternal as He is. His words are relevant for every generation. His words and life-changing are transformative.

Main Points:

1. There is a question today in our culture about the continued validity and relevance of the Bible. Many no longer consider the Scripture to be inspired by God. They certainly do not regard it as holding any kind of authority over their beliefs or actions.

2. The relevance and authority of the Bible are still in place; in fact, they are eternal, because of its source, the very mouth of God.

3. The Bible is the eternal, unchanging, always-relevant Word of God. Through its pages, we are introduced to the author. We come to know Him in a personal way, and we are transformed.

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.”

2 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.”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In a recent meeting, our church staff discussed our value of integrity. Here’s how we state it: We require integrity to the Scripture, our families, our team members, and ourselves. What is integrity? The dictionary defines it as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is moral uprightness. Perhaps you have heard this definition. Integrity is who you are when no one else is looking.

Main Points:

1. There is a popular phrase in our society that says, “What I do in my private life is my business, and it has no effect on my public life.” I think we all know this is not true.

2. Integrity gives us credibility with others. As Christ-followers, we want to share an honest testimony with our words, but also with the life we live.

3. We guard our integrity by protecting our hearts, by being faithful to our families, and by keeping our promises.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Proverbs 10:9 - “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

1 Chronicles 29:17 - “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”

Proverbs 11:3 - “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

While we are thankful we have received such a great salvation, we may wonder if God can truly save anyone. We know people who are far from God. They have no interest in God or the things of God. Their hearts seem hardened, and they are not open to the gospel of Christ. Can God break through their darkness? Is the gospel for everyone?

Main Points:

1. Perhaps you have wondered if God could save you. Maybe you have thought you have sinned too much, gone too far, and are beyond saving. Possibly, you have thought God could save and forgive others, but you are a lost cause.

2. The wonderful thing about God’s grace is that it is for every sinner. That includes you and me. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross paid the penalty for all of our sins, opening the door to a relationship with God.

3. The word “gospel” means “good news.” Let’s share this good news with everyone we can and let them know Jesus saves.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:13 - “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 3:15 - “everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Titus 2:11 - “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

1 Timothy 1:15 - “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”

Quick Links:

• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Out of His abundance, God will supply what we are lacking, if we ask. It’s important to see that God doesn’t just bestow wisdom upon us automatically. Not every walking around today is living in the wisdom of God.

Main Points:

1. It is this deep awe, reverence, and respect for God and His Word that leads us to pay attention to His Word. We begin to listen and to obey the Word. We value God’s Word over our own thoughts and intuition.

2. The Lord says we should seek for God’s wisdom, like a person seeking for a hidden treasure. If we do, we’ll find it. God will bless us with His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

3. It’s likely you are facing something today in which you need God’s wisdom. Is there a decision to be made? Are you facing a family crisis, a challenge at work, or a choice about your future? Ask God to help you, as in the fear of the Lord. It’s here that we become open to the wisdom of God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 1:7 - “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Quick Links:

• Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship Newsletter
• Donate to support this podcast
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
• Get a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship Journal

Connect on Social

• Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group