The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Loren Hicks
  • 4.9 (175)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

Daily episodes are hosted by Pastor Loren Hicks. This podcast will challenge you to go deeper into your Christian faith. The goal is to inspire you to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Episodes have been downloaded over 750,000 times.

  1. 2d ago

    #1,563: Reckless Words are Dangerous

    You and I know a powerful truth very well. Words have power. Our words have the power to bless, encourage, inspire, uplift, and bring hope. Our words also have the power to wound, critique, discourage, and cause pain. Every day we get a choice of which kind of words we will use. Main Points: 1.  What are “reckless words?” How do we know if we are using them? There are many types of speech that can be considered reckless and potentially hurtful. I think of unnecessary criticism, sarcasm, insensitive comments, blame-shifting, offensive jokes, public humiliation, and personal attacks. 2. Given that our words are so important, how do we guard our hearts against reckless words? How can we make sure our words bless others and bring healing? We begin by recognizing the importance of our words and by asking God to give us wisdom in what we say. 3. When we slow down and truly listen to others, we are less likely to speak reckless words. Why? Because genuine listening requires that we care about others. What they say matters. It means something to us. It’s a demonstration of love.  Today’s Scripture Verses: Proverbs 12:18 - “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 15:4 - “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Matthew 12:36 - “…every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” James 1:19 - “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” Psalm 141:3 - “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  2. 3d ago

    #1,562: Do You Need Rest?

    Jesus doesn’t offer us a philosophy to cure our weariness. He doesn’t provide a path to enlightenment or ten steps to lessen our stress. No, He offers something incredibly better. Jesus offers himself.  Main Points: 1.  We all experience weariness in different ways and for different reasons. Our pace of life seems so fast that we can’t keep up. Being busy is our badge of honor.  2. In the busyness of life that creates this weariness, there must be a break in the schedule to simply be with Jesus. It’s our daily time with God that provides the strength to do everything that is before us. Sometimes we are exhausted because we have neglected to go to our source of strength. 3. Spending time with Jesus is not a duty. It’s not a tradition or an empty religious ritual. It’s not a rule to passively follow. No, being with Jesus is an invitation. Jesus himself invites us to be with Him, to spend time with Him, to learn from Him, and to be refreshed by Him. Today’s Scripture Verses: Matthew 11:28-29 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 1 Peter 5:7 - “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Psalm 16:11 - “In Your presence is fullness of joy…” John 15:5 - “...apart from me, you can do nothing.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  3. 4d ago

    #1,561: Jesus is Building His Church

    What is Jesus doing today? He is building His church. We hear stories about churches closing and increasing statistics of people who won’t belong to a church community, yet you and I need to be assured of one great truth: Jesus will build His church. Main Points: 1.  Recently, I’ve been hearing this phrase more and more. “I love Jesus, but I don’t love the church.” I’m also hearing a lot of people say, “You know, you don’t have to go to church to go to Heaven; you just have to believe in Jesus.  If this is your sentiment, let me give you something to consider. The church has a divine creation.  Some say, “The church was man’s idea.”  No, that’s not biblical.  The church was God’s idea. 2. Let me ask an important question. How can we love Jesus and not love what He loves? If we have placed our faith in Jesus, how can we not be a part of what He is doing on the earth? How can we not join together with other Christ-followers to fulfill Jesus’s mission?  3. If you are a believer in Jesus, recommit to being a part of His church. Let’s love what Jesus loves and let’s be a part of the church He is building. Today’s Scripture Verses: Matthew 16:18 - “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Ephesians 5:25 - “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Acts 20:28 Jesus “bought the church with His own blood,” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  4. 5d ago

    #1,560: Being Quiet Before the Lord

    Perhaps the lack of silence is due to our inability to find stillness and solitude. Yet, in my experience, it’s in the silence that we can hear the voice of God. Sometimes we expect God to show up and speak up in loud and dramatic ways. He certainly can do that, but in my life, I’ve heard God speak mostly in the quiet times.  Main Points: 1.  Isn’t life loud? It seems everywhere we go there is noise. Every store and restaurant has music playing. Throughout the day, we have the sound of people and traffic. Our phones constantly alert us of text messages, emails, and notifications. We don’t have much silence in our lives.  2. Have you heard the whisper of God? Are you enjoying God in the silence? If life has become loud and noisy, and if you are overwhelmed and distracted, you might not be hearing the voice of God. 3. In today’s culture, there is always somewhere to go and something to do. I encourage you today to make time to get quiet with God and listen for His whisper. This whisper is a reminder of God's constant presence, calling us to listen and be attuned to His guidance. Today’s Scripture Verses: 1 Kings 19:11-12 - “The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 37:7 - “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  5. Aug 7

    #1,559: The Impact of a Praying Church

    When the church prays together, powerful things can happen. The power of a praying church cannot be underestimated. While our individual prayer is essential, it can never replace the significance of praying together as a congregation. Main Points: 1.  Today, we live in a society marked by isolation and digital interactions. Technological advancements have brought about a sense of detachment, making it easier for people to neglect the need for coming together as a church. However, the Bible stresses the importance of togetherness. Satan seeks to disrupt this unity, recognizing that a praying church is a powerful force that can bring about transformation. 2. Prayer is not a feeble activity; it is a mighty force. It aligns our will with God's will.  It transforms situations and empowers us as believers to overcome challenges. 3. As we look around at the pressing needs of our society, let us recommit ourselves to the power of united prayer. Let us be a church that seeks God's face in unison, trusting that as we gather, His presence will be made manifest, His will accomplished, and His power demonstrated. The impact of a praying church is immeasurable, and the potential for transformation is limitless. Today’s Scripture Verses: Acts 4:24 - “When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.”  Acts 4:31 - ”After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." 1 Peter 3:12 - "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.” Isaiah 59:1 - “The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  6. Aug 6

    #1,558: Our Mandate to Share the Gospel Message

    Regardless of what our culture has come to believe, as a Christian, you have a mandate from Christ himself to share the gospel with others. We cannot believe that evangelism is a calling for someone else. We cannot leave the responsibility to others. No, we are all called by Jesus to be His witnesses. Main Points: 1.  In my lifetime there has been a growing sentiment in our society that it’s wrong to talk about matters of faith. People have come to believe it’s improper to try to convert someone to become a follower of Jesus. Many now feel it’s insensitive, impolite, and even rude to witness to them about Christ. 2. Your message is good news. The truth that Jesus saves, forgives, heals, and delivers is good news. We live in a society filled with bad news, negativity, pessimism, gloom, and hopelessness. In the midst of all this darkness, people are desperate for some good news. 3. Begin by telling people your story. Let them know what Jesus has done in your life and what He means to you. Remember, God has given you the Holy Spirit to empower you to be bold and courageous. You have everything you need to be an effective witness for Christ.  Today’s Scripture Verses: Acts 1:8 - “ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 1 Peter 3:15 - “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  7. Aug 5

    #1,557: Living With a Biblical Worldview

    As Christians, we must allow the Word of God to determine how we see and interpret the world around us. This will only happen if we consistently read and meditate on Scripture. As we do so, the Bible influences our thoughts, our understanding, and our actions. Main Points: 1.  Your worldview is shaped by influences. This can include how you were raised by your parents, the culture you grew up in, your educational background, and the people in your life. 2. We will only develop a Biblical worldview, and we will only see things the way God sees them, if the Word of God is on our hearts and minds. 3. As we read the Bible, we must engage with Scripture. We must ask questions. We must seek to understand. We must put the Word of God into the practice of our daily lives. The goal is not to get through the Bible. The goal is to get the Bible through you. Today’s Scripture Verses: Colossians 2:8 - “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

  8. Aug 4

    #1,556: Spiritual Appetite

    Physical hunger is not your only craving. You also possess a spiritual hunger. This appetite also cries out to be fed. Both types of hunger were created by God. Physical hunger can only be satisfied by food. Spiritual hunger can only be satisfied by God. Main Points: 1.  You have a longing in your soul for God. Many feel the yearning but do not recognize that it is spiritual in nature. They feel a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with life. So many people are thinking, “There must be something more to life. What am I missing?” 2. In an attempt to satisfy their hunger, they go on a search. Attempts are made to gratify this spiritual emptiness with temporary, earthly things, only to be left with greater hunger. 3. So, let me give you the good news. Only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Why? Because God designed us in such a way. Only God can fill the void in our souls. A relationship with Jesus is so nourishing and so satisfying that we will wonder why we neglected Him for so long. We will wonder why we bought into the deception of this world that it could offer what we needed. Today’s Scripture Verses: Psalm 107:9 - “For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Matthew 5:6 - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,  For they shall be filled.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

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Daily episodes are hosted by Pastor Loren Hicks. This podcast will challenge you to go deeper into your Christian faith. The goal is to inspire you to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Episodes have been downloaded over 750,000 times.

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