Tag Archives: discipleship

15 Reasons Why We Pray

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15 Reason Why We Pray...Learn the importance and reasons for prayer

15 Reasons Why We Pray

I’ve been on the receiving end of so many answered prayers.  I cannot even begin to count the prayers that God has answered, both big and small.  From… Eric getting out of a military assignment that would have taken him away for over 12 months soon after we were married, to having a happy, healthy baby after a miscarriage, to financial provision right when we needed it, to something as simple as finding lost car keys… God has proven faithful time and time again.  My only complaints would be that God’s answers to my prayers didn’t always come in MY timing 🙂, and sometimes His answer was not the answer I wanted or expected (at the time).  Over the years and after a lot of practice praying, I’ve discovered the importance of prayer and the many reasons why we pray.

I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.  So, I thought I’d share some of the reasons why we pray and the importance of prayer.  Then, in other posts we’ll discuss some of the logistics of prayer…when to pray, where to pray, what and how to pray, and even some of the hindrances to prayer.

All relationships need communication. Our relationship with God is no different. #whywepray

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We need to make prayer a regular part of our daily lives.  There are many reasons why we pray and why we should speak to God.  In order for any relationship to thrive, there MUST be communication.  Our relationship with God is no different.  It is imperative that we communicate with God on a daily basis.  I’ve come up with 15 reasons why we pray. Obviously, I’m sure there are so many more, but here are some excellent reasons to get us started 😉 …

15 Reasons Why We Pray: Continue reading →

The “Right Way” to Practice Spiritual Disciplines

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The “Right Way” to Practice Spiritual Disciplines

I’ve been seeing and hearing a lot of Bible teachers (bloggers, speakers, influencers, etc.) teaching about the “right way” to practice spiritual disciplines such as reading scripture, studying the Bible, hearing from God, praying, praising, journaling, fasting, evangelizing, discipling others, teaching others, etc. While I know this teaching is usually good-intentioned, so much of it comes across like and feels a bit condescending and condemning…and honestly, even a little bit arrogant and know-it-all-ish too.

Recently, I’ve even been getting some chastising emails and comments about the “right way” to quote scripture and the correct translation to use. (Most remarks are reprimanding me for not using King James Version ONLY when I quote scripture.) People send emails and comments that I’m not leading people to Christ in the “right way” or not approaching how we should pray in the “right way”. I’m amazed that people truly believe there is only one “right way” to do things and that God leaves so little room for margin in how we should have relationship with him.

I don’t believe this to be so.

I really believe that God is not quite that rigid and will meet us where we are. What I’ve personally learned is that God is pretty forgiving, and there is a lot of grace. Even when there might be a preferred, better, more effective, or more efficient way to do any of these spiritual disciplines, God can and will still work regardless of any of our mistakes or misgivings. Jesus clearly demonstrated that he is not legalistic. Jesus is loving, not legalistic. Even if we are not where we might need to be, he will lovingly and patiently guide us there.

I say all the time… ”God will meet you where you are.”

Even when there might be a preferred, better, more effective, or more efficient way to practice spiritual disciplines, God can and will still work regardless of any of our mistakes or misgivings.

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Promoting a “right way” can lead to self-righteousness

As I was reading my Bible this past week, my belief that there is not only one “right way” to practice spiritual disciplines was reinforced.

Matthew 9:14-17 (NLT)

“One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.””

I was reading Matthew 9:14-17 where John the Baptist’s disciples came to Jesus and asked why his disciples didn’t fast. Jesus replied with comments about celebrating not morning when with a groom, not patching old clothes with new cloth, and not putting new wine in old wineskins.

As I read Matthew Henry’s commentary, I understood this better. Henry suggested that believing and professing that their practices were the “right way” was likened to being self-righteous because they boasted about the way they did things, such as fasting often. Henry states,

“There is a proneness in professors to brag of their own performance in religion, especially if there by any thing extraordinary in them; nay, and not only to boast of them before men, but to plead them before God, and confide in them as a righteousness.”[1]

Dependence on a “right way” leads to spiritual bondage

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Overview of Christianity

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Overview of Christianity

I’ve recently put together a resource page for “New to Faith?” on my site, to which I will add this post. I sometimes fancy myself a curator of resources, and I wanted a landing place for people who might need a jumping off point as they start (or restart) their walk with God. As I meet new friends, I’m finding that there is also a need for some very basic biblical literacy information for those who are unfamiliar with Christianity and/or the Bible. Thus, the reason for this post. It’s a very, very abbreviated overview of Christianity (with an even more abbreviated video at the end of this post).

My hope and prayer is that this will serve as a helpful resource for those wishing to learn more as well as a resource for others to save and/or share.

Christianity: One true God, our separation from him, and a way back to him

In Christianity, we believe in only one true God, and that He exists as a Trinity: God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God is the author and creator of all things and is all-powerful, all-knowing, completely loving, and eternal.

We believe that we are eternal beings and that our time on earth is only temporary. After death we will still exist eternally—either with God or forever separated from God. Sin separates us from God, yet none of us are without sin (Romans 3:23). We have ALL sinned. Sin is really just following our own path and doing things our own way instead of God’s way. It’s defining right and wrong on our own instead of relying on God’s definition.

So how then can we reconcile this sin that will eternally separate us from God? There is absolutely nothing that we can do in our own effort to earn this reconciliation or to make up for our sins because we are imperfect and will always mess up. In Christianity we believe that all humans are sinners in need of a Savior. The foundation and story of Christianity is just that…a world in need of rescue, and that rescue comes in the form of a savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the only way to be reconciled back to God (John 14:6).

We can see this story of our faith throughout the pages of scripture. We believe that the Bible is true and that it is God’s Word, inspired directly by him, written by holy men (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is our guide to know about God and to live a life that is pleasing to him. In the Bible you can find the foundational truths of our faith.

The Story

The Bible Project: Biblical Story

Creation

In the beginning God created EVERYTHING, including humans. Everything God made was good (Genesis 1:31). In fact he made humans in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). The first humans were Adam and Eve. God then put humans in charge of the earth, or gave them “dominion”. However, he gave humans (Adam & Eve) some parameters: Eat from ANYTHING you want…EXCEPT this tree, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Notice that they had more freedoms than limits.

There was perfect harmony with God, with creation, and with each other. Perfection and peace didn’t last though.

Enter Satan

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Can I Really Live Like Jesus?

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Can I Really Live Like Jesus?

This week I was very inspired by our pastor’s message, “Can I Really Live Like Jesus?”. I’d like to share this sermon resource with you because it was just so good and so practical. I loved Pastor Whit’s stories, analogies, and visual/video clip examples that he used (funny, relatable, and some tear-jerkers). You know I love a good analogy! 😉 It reminded me of how Jesus would use parables to illustrate his teachings. I would love to encourage you to go watch or listen. I sometimes fancy myself a “curator of resources”, and this is a good one!

I’ll post the YouTube Video (message starts at 37:45), and below that I’ll include a message summary, adding some of my own notes and complementary scriptures that came to mind. BONUS: I’ve also added an instructional image straight from my brain at the bottom (Well…almost straight from my brain; I did my best!).

Message summary with some of my own notes and complementary scripture additions:

“The destiny of your life is to become like Jesus.”[1] The idea is…Yes, it is possible to live like Jesus! In fact, we are told to do so in several places in scripture. Jesus even says to numerous people, “Follow Me…”

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 (NLT)

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 (NLT)

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15 (NLT)

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

“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.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)

“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:26 (NLT)

God wouldn’t tell us to do something that’s impossible to do. If he tells you to do it (i.e. live like Jesus), then it’s completely achievable.

The word used to describe this is “discipleship”. A modern day equivalent could be “apprenticeship”, except a disciple takes learning a step further into becoming exactly like the person they are following or learning from.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40 (ESV)

“The call to follow Jesus is a call to follow the way of Jesus.”[2]

God wouldn’t tell us to do something that’s impossible to do. If he tells you to do it (i.e. live like Jesus), then it’s completely achievable.

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Take Some Practical Steps to Live Like Jesus:

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Steps to Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

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Steps to Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

In recent posts we’ve focused on discipleship and Jesus’ instruction to us to make disciples. First we talked about discipleship not being a one-time event but more of an ongoing process. Then we focused on the steps Jesus took to model discipleship for us. Last week we spent some time on looking at how we can teach others and some examples of how and what to teach. This week we’ll look at some steps and practical ways to follow other parts of Jesus’ example of discipleship.

Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

    • Teaching (previous post on how to do this)
    • Modeling/Acting as an example
    • Loving others
    • Connecting with others
    • Correcting them
    • Serving and outreach
    • Inviting others to walk alongside to do the same

Discipleship involves modeling for them as an example

In order to be a model, you can follow Jesus’ example and the example of his disciples and followers before us. Remember…it’s a multiplication process! Show others how to live and follow Christ by your own actions, attitudes, and behaviors. Go and be a model, an example, and bear fruit for others to see and follow. What kind of an example are you leading? Are you imitating Jesus? Do your actions, attitudes, and words reflect Christ? Be the kind of disciple that God would want multiplied.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15 (NLT)

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 (NLT)

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” John 15:16 (NLT)

“But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:48 (CEV)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].” Matthew 16:24 (AMP)

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

“Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” 1 Peter 5:3 (NLT)

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus 2:7 (NLT)

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

“My friends, I want you to follow my example and learn from others who closely follow the example we set for you.” Philippians 3:17 (CEV)

“I beg you, then, to follow my example.” 1 Corinthians 4:16 (GNT)

“Not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.” 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (NASB)

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but [imitate] what is good. The one who practices good [exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity] is of God; the one who practices [or permits or tolerates] evil has not seen God [he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all].” 3 John 1:11 AMP

Be the kind of disciple that God would want multiplied.

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Discipleship involves loving them

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Make Disciples: Teach Them

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Make Disciples Teach Them

Make Disciples: Teach Them

We’ve been talking lately about Jesus’ instruction to us to make disciples. We’ve learned that it’s not a one-time event but more of an ongoing process that’s going to require a little more effort on our part. Last week we discussed how Jesus modeled and practiced discipleship as an example to imitate with several steps are parts in the process.

Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

    • Teaching
    • Modeling/Acting as an example
    • Loving others
    • Connecting with others
    • Correcting them
    • Serving and outreach
    • Inviting others to walk alongside to do the same

This week I’d like to give more practical insight into our role of discipleship and what it might look like as we follow Jesus’ example of these same steps. Today’s post will focus on what it means to teach as you disciple others. We’ll discuss ways to practically do this, and I’ll share loads of resources with you! (Consider bookmarking this page as a future reference for your discipling journey!)

Discipleship involves teaching

The word disciple, as a noun, actually means a learner or a student, and as a verb, it means to teach or to instruct. Thus, the first and foremost thing we should be doing after we win people to Christ is to ensure that they are being taught. We can do some of the teaching ourselves by answering questions, sharing what God is teaching us, and studying along with them in a bible study or small group. Additionally, we can lead them to teaching via inviting and taking them to church with us or encouraging them to find a good, teaching church home of their own.

Overall, Jesus sent his disciples out TO disciple, to teach and tell others about himself and to make followers. He calls us to do the same.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20 (NIV)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NLT)

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14 (NLT)

“Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (CEV)

“Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:2-8 (NLT)

“You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.” Titus 2:15 (NLT)

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”” Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)

“These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Luke 10:2 (NLT)

Jesus sent his disciples out TO disciple, to teach and tell others about himself and to make followers. He calls us to do the same.

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Take Some Practical Steps: What to teach…

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How to Disciple: Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

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How to Disciple: Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

How to Disciple: Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

In the previous post we discussed the importance of Jesus’ mandate to make disciples and that it is not just an event of merely converting people to Christianity but an ongoing process of teaching people to follow Jesus Christ. In essence, to disciple someone is to teach them how to be a Christian, a follower of Christ. Discipleship is the process by which Christians grow and are equipped to follow Jesus and mature spiritually.

Discipleship is the process by which Christians grow and are equipped to follow Jesus and mature spiritually.

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John Piper says of discipleship that it’s a lifetime of process—“So get them converted. Baptize them. And then spend a lifetime teaching them to obey all that Jesus said. That is what the verb “disciple” in the New Testament would include.”[1]

Now that we know that it’s an ongoing process and not an event, it can feel a bit intimidating. HOW then do we do disciple? Fortunately, we have an example of the process to follow and imitate!

Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

  • Teaching
  • Modeling/Acting as an example
  • Loving others
  • Connecting with others
  • Correcting them
  • Serving and outreach
  • Inviting others to walk alongside to do the same

Teaching

As mentioned in the last post, to disciple someone is to teach them. The original Greek words used in the New Testament for “disciple” are “Matheteuo” or “Mathetes” which as a noun means a learner, pupil, or disciple and as a verb means to disciple, enroll as a scholar, instruct or teach. Below are just a few scriptures (there are over 40 total in the New Testament) about Jesus going around teaching: Continue reading →

Making Disciples: It’s a Process, Not an Event

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Making Disciples: It’s a Process, Not an Event

Making Disciples: It’s a Process, Not an Event

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

I’ve been really proud of my kids over the years for inviting other kids to church on a regular basis. They’ve had friends, kids from school, and their teammates accompany us to church on a number of occasions. In doing so many of them have been saved (i.e. they asked Jesus into their heart and professed him as Lord and Savior). However, their job is not done once their friends are saved. Jesus didn’t call us just to win people to the Lord but to also disciple them. It’s a journey that starts at salvation, but then progresses forward as they grow in their walk with God.

We continue to bring them with us to church and get them plugged into a small group. We get them a Bible if they don’t have one. Every once in a while we initiate casual conversations about God and Jesus, and we check in on them and to see if they have any questions, concerns, or struggles that they’ve been wrestling with in this new way of life. Modeling our relationship with God and talking about it in everyday, teachable moments is part of an ongoing process. Then we teach them to invite others too and continue this process themselves, but STILL continue to walk alongside them to helping them to grow and learn.

It’s like two sides of a coin—evangelism and discipleship. We need both to accomplish Jesus’ mandate and commission to us. Evangelism is important, but it’s not the end. Furthermore, discipleship can’t begin without evangelism first. Someone has to be “won over” before becoming a follower.

Jesus didn’t call us just to win people to the Lord but to also disciple them.

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It’s not just a numbers game

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