Discipleship Parenting

Sit down and be encouraged by a heartfelt conversation with Justin and Katy as they wrap up 2018 and look ahead to 2019. As we consider the coming year, are we really focused on the most important things? Don't miss this important message.

The final letter addressed to the churches in Revelation is sent to the lukewarm church of Laodicea. What makes Jesus want to spit this church from his mouth and what has blinded the Laodiceans to their "pitiful" state? Not only is this letter a timely reminder for the church in America, it's also a beautiful invitation to the real riches and joy found in Jesus.

We are diving into the letter to Philadelphia. While Jesus begins each letter in Revelation by describing himself, this one is particularly powerful because it talks about his authority as the King of Kings that sits on David's throne forever. This truth brings encouragement to the church in Philadelphia and should do the same for us. Let us be an overcomer and stand in the presence of our powerful King for all eternity!

"I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up!" In the letter to Sardis, Jesus gives this church a strong rebuke. By all their outward appearances, this church seemed to be thriving, but in reality they were spiritually dead. What is your reputation? Would God agree? Let's hear the words of Jesus to Sardis and wake up!

"Nevertheless, I have this against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel." Jesus' message to the church in Thyatira calls out Jezebel and those who have committed acts of idolatry and immorality with her. Join us as we learn what the Bible teaches us about Jezebel and then examine our own lives and churches for signs that we have been tolerating her too.

In the letter to Pergamum, Jesus points out that he is the one with the sharp, double-edged sword. Why introduce himself to the church in Pergamum in this way? What was going on that needed fighting back against? What lessons does this have for the church today? Give this podcast a listen, I think you will be encouraged.

In the letter to Smyrna in Revelation, we get a picture of a church facing afflictions, poverty, slander, and persecution. Yet, Jesus reminds them that he is the First and Last, he died and came to life again. In Jesus, they are rich and can stand firm even to the point of death and receive life as a victor's crown. This letter offers us great encouragement today as we face days of increased persecution in the American Church.

The letters to the churches in Revelation offer encouragement and challenges for Christians today. In the letter to Ephesus, Jesus commends them for their hard work and perseverance. Yet, he rebukes them for forsaking their first love. This was a serious sin they were committing that required their repentance. For Christians today, we need to consider the same thing: Are we forsaking our first love?

It is critical that we teach our kids how to pray because prayer is powerful and is a blessing God gives us as Christians. Yet, for many of us parents, it can be an intimidating area because we know that we aren't the best at it and feel quite uncomfortable praying in front of others. The good news is there are practical ways to grow in our prayer lives and steps we can take to see our children praying often and confidently.

We are in the race of faith and we want to give this life our all. So, it is important that we train just like an athlete that is intent on the prize. As Christians, we need to examine our diet (hint: not talking about food and drink), our training, and look at our coaching. God has equipped us with everything we need, so are you ready to get started?