Discipleship

Small Steps for the Kingdom

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The path of following Jesus provides ample opportunities to do amazing feats, but they typically are completed by simple steps along the way. As we help others, we must provide them with achievable goals as they progress.

When Change Is Slow

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In our fast-paced, independent, result-oriented society, we seem to grow frustrated if something doesn’t happen instantaneously as we desire. Oftentimes, the change we seek in multiple areas of our lives is much slower than we ever desire it to be.

Mentoring 101

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Mentoring will not happen by accident. You must be intentional in helping others follow you as you follow Jesus.

Personal Growth: From Decisions to Disciples

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Colossians 1:27-29 – We often minimize Christianity to a momentary decision, but if we are following Jesus, we should still be moving. A disciple of Jesus continues to pursue thorough spiritual maturity.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Spiritual Growth

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1 Peter 2:1-3 – To see consistent spiritual growth, we must be careful to avoid interpersonal drama and pursue biblical truth. A failure to do either will cause spiritual stagnation.

Count Me In

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Count Me In is a guide for students that helps them see Jesus’s display of discipleship through the Gospel of Luke. Written with Alex and Stephen Kendrick, I pray this book serves as a catalyst for teenagers to live a daring life as Jesus’ followers.

Discipleship Steps

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In order to follow the Lord, we must continually make progress in the areas that matter most. Consider how you are using the church’s opportunities for your sanctifying growth. 

Don’t Stay Spiritually Immature

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All of us are not as spiritually mature as we desire to be, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay that way. You must decide if you will stay stuck or get intentional about the next ways you need to grow.

Unpopular Christianity

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Jesus spoke of His way being a narrow path that few find themselves upon, and our world is full of people who create their own paths of distorted Christianity. If the religious way is popular, it’s probably not the Jesus way.

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

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Being a disciple of Jesus is more than adherence to a set of beliefs or acceptance to a momentary call; following Christ in this world changes everything. To say “yes” to Him might mean saying “no” to other things that we love.

The True Vine

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John 15:1-8 – We cannot settle for a human intermediary to regulate our relationship with God. Jesus has invited us to know Him and to abide with HIm closely.

Everyone Discipling Someone

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Jesus did not reserve the Great Commission for those with special degress or extensive experiences. He plans to use ordinary people to fulfill the task of discipleship.

Seeking Lifelong Discipleship

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Psalm 119:97-112 – Just because someone is seasoned does not mean they are scriptural. We need personal commitment and committed disciple-makers to follow God’s ways for the long haul. 

The Grandfather I Longed to See

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When I was younger, I thought that this photo on my grandmother’s wall was a photo of my deceased grandfather. I later found out that he was a symbol of what so many were longing to see: an older, faithful disciple of Jesus finishing strong.

Why Some Christians Never Grow Up

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When someone receives the gospel, that individual starts the journey of discipleship. We often classify such new believers as spiritual infants. But what happens if those young in their faith never grow past their initial faith commitment?

Growth Is Gradual

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We can only fully mature in Christ by acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. As we observe the rough edges of our spiritual conditions, we can work with Christ’s power to see progress in the most critical areas of our lives.

Pursuing Alignment

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In the midst of many opportunities for spiritual growth, we can lack a needed sense of alignment. What if we are guilty of widespread efforts that only provide shallow understanding? Focus might be the component we’ve been missing.

Next Steps in Evangelism

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Once someone has received the gospel, our job is incomplete. Jesus has called us to baptize those individuals and disciple them into mature faith.

Suffering Is Necessary for Sanctification

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No one seeks to experience suffering, yet many of us could testify that it was necessary for our personal sanctification. As we struggle through life, we see that the trials we experience drive us to need spiritual growth.

Willing & Able

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Mark 1:40-45 – Not only is Jesus willing to meet us in our problems, but He is able to change our lives in the midst of them [Sermon at Anderson University Campus Worship].

Imitate Their Faith

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Hebrews 13:7 – Successful discipleship hinges upon accessible and imitable mentors. Many of us never reach our full spiritual potential because we overlook our need for those farther down the path.

Adhere to Wise Counsel

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You can’t make it far in life without having wise guides pointing out good directions on uncertain paths. I pray you have had parents, pastors, coaches, teachers, and bosses who have guided you, but are you following their instructions?

Disciples Aren’t Made on Conveyor Belts

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Just because the process of discipleship requires specific work does not imply that it is too complex to undertake. The task is undeniably simple: discover what is most broken within any given individual and get to work in that exact area at this specific time.

The Change I’m Praying for in Me

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While I have many prayer requests to share, the consistent prayer need is my own spiritual growth. Instead of trying to work in my own strength, I would be wise to admit to God, through prayer, how much I need His help.

Excuses for Disciple-Making

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Christians should be undoubtedly convinced that we are called to make disciples, but we are often unapologetically cautious to attempt to join Jesus in the process. Don’t allow these excuses to rob you of one of the greatest joys in life –– making disciples.

Christians Should Be Different

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Christianity is getting a bad reputation because too many disciples fail to show any distinguishing characteristics from the world. Jesus has saved us from sin but also to a new way of living.

Neglected Efforts

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We often miss development to grow, not because we lack opportunities, but because we aren’t putting in the required effort. God gives us gifts, but we have to use them.

Vision + Mission 2023

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Our church desires to take the Great Commission seriously and do our part to make disciples with all the opportunities given. We are prayerfully working toward some milestones in the coming year for the gospel’s sake.

Incapable Saviors and Wannabe Lords

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John 21:1-25 – After Jesus’ resurrection, He regathered His disciples to reinstate and redirect them. We must remove substitutes from our lives to ensure we are following after the truly Matchless One.

Matchless One

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John 4:4-30 – Jesus encountered a woman with inaccurate beliefs and immoral behavior, He sought to help her find peace in both areas. Jesus is not afraid to address the critical areas until His role in our lives is unmatched.

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