In this episode we discuss the well rounded, all the above, approach to discipleship. Many disciples have one aspect of discipleship going in their life, but need the fullness or totality of discipleship to really mature. Do you have all these areas of discipleship active in your walk?

• Personal Devotion
• 1 on 1
• A Group
• Being Discipled
• Discipling Another

What did I say!? Poor timing? 

Yep, That's what I said. 

Jesus could have came at a better time. Particularly when His life would have been better celebrated, and not in immediate danger of death. Or, how about being born in a part of history where mass communication exists, like the internet....

Jesus was born in the midst of Roman oppression and Israel was not a free nation. 

What does all of this teach us now? Listen to find out! 

Merry Christmas!!!

In this episode we look at the pitfalls of comparison. Comparison is fault finding. Once you train your eye to see fault, you will see it everywhere. 

These two sections of Scripture illustrate the danger of comparison: 

Luke 18:9-14 - NASB

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

John 21:18-22 - NASB

Truly, truly I tell you, when you were younger, you used to put on your belt and walk wherever you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will put your belt on you, and bring you where you do not want to go.” Now He said this, indicating by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!” Peter turned around and *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them —the one who also had leaned back on His chest at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who is betraying You?” So Peter, upon seeing him, *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

Disciples get the most out of the Scriptures. We don't just read it and get on with our day. The following advice is how to "unfold" the Scriptures so that you become a doer of the Word. 

1. Read it
2. Write it
3. Pray it
4. Say it
5. Bonus...Do it

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:9

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

The analogy of climbing a ladder and always maintaining three points of contact is how I illustrate how we "climb" the ladder of discipleship through connection to the Body. 

- One on One
- A Small Group
- The Larger Community

We all need these three connection points to climb higher!

In this installment of the DISCIPLESHIP 101 series, we address the disciples responsibility to be thankful.

Thankfulness is very important and also a gateway into the ability to fully embrace other Godly things like love, generosity, and peace.

Col. 2:6-7 NIV
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

In this episode we discuss the development of our character. Conforming to the image and character of Christ. Mostly, what that process looks like, and how we often circumvent the process. 

Romans 5:3-4 NASB
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope

In this episode we discuss the reality that the life of the Believer is lived under the microscope. We can not on one hand be a shining light, and also hidden from the sight of those who might judge us or falsely accuse. The fact is, people are watching our lives. What do the Scriptures say about that? 

This is part of an ongoing series called DISCIPLESHIP 101. To encourage new disciples and remind some of us who have been following Jesus for a while. 

Continuing the series on Discipleship 101 we consider "the most damnable sin". To see what it is and how it works in our lives we look back at the creation story with Adam and Eve and the crafty serpent. 

Thanks for listening, and please share with someone that could use this. 

This new series, DISCIPLESHIP 101, is designed to equip the new believer. This first episode focuses on the mentality that our decision to follow Christ is one of commitment, when actuality it's one of surrender, or submission. 

I discuss the difference and why it is important. 

If you know a new believer shoot this their way. It will help!