The Discipleship Center

As followers of Christ we should never deny the future of Israel, but instead pray for the salvation of Israel and the glory of God.

Has the Church replaced Israel?  Let's continue to look at the Churches probable future and the future of Israel.

Is God done with the Jews?  Let's look at how God plans on redeeming Israel.

With the free access to the Bible, Churches, and the message of the Gospel, what are you going to do?

Trying to live by the law or any other set of rules to earn salvation is not the same as saving faith.

The key to understanding God's sovereignty is finding out who is the center of your universe.

Does the tension between God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility trouble you?  Don't let it.

Are you burdened by the lost condition of those around you?

What happens when you are praying for something that you really want, but is not in line with God's will?  How about when you are so distraught that all you can do is let out a heavy sigh towards heaven?

Life is tough sometimes, but it's nothing compared to the glory that we have put our hope in.

More than being slaves to a new master, we've been adopted and share an inheritance with Jesus.

There is a separation between those who are part of the kingdom of God and those who aren't, and the things that the mind is set on show that difference.

One of the greatest benefits of this new life is no longer living under condemnation.

Paul turns the corner from the law condemning the unregenerate man to the battle between the believer's new nature vs. the old flesh.

What purpose does the law have compared to God's grace?

While we affirm the law is good, it is not enough to save us.  The new relationship we have with God gives us direction that the law could not.

This is an ironic message in that it was the last message I gave, as a testimony, to the guys at our shelter, about the internal struggle to forgive others as Christ forgave us.  Moments after this message was over, everyone got to witness the difference between what walking in the spirit produces and what walking in the flesh with a life full of bitterness and anger produces.

Is your true master Jesus or Sin?  If you're not sure, then who do you obey?

If we are dead to sin, why do we still sin?

The actions of Adam brought sin into the world along with it's condemnation.  Christ's perfect life and his righteous sacrifice brought the possibility of grace to be applied to our sin debt.

Do you feel the need to "clean up" your life to get right with God?  No amount of your cleaning will help.  What you need is repentance to be united with God.

How and when was Abraham Justified, and how does that relate to us?

Question:  If no one seeks after God, then how do we find Him?

What good was the heritage of the Jews, having The Law, and observing circumcision?  Would you rather be judged according to what was fair or according to God's mercy?

Since God isn't striking down people with lightning, how is His wrath being displayed against those who refuse to repent and acknowledge Him as God today?

What is the difference between salvation by faith and being deceiving by a false conversion?

Why was Paul so concerned about this church that he didn't establish?

In this introduction to Romans we get a little background on Paul as well as where does the book of Romans fall in the early church timeline, and we see what does Paul say about himself and his ministry.

Who do we turn to when we are in despair and don't feel like going on?  Join us in our conclusion to the book of James.

Patience or steadfastness doesn't come in a vacuum, so how do we get it or how do we develop it?

There is a stark contrast between a redeemed businessman who runs his business as if it's God's business, and an unredeemed natural businessman who does whatever it takes to promote themselves and make as much money for themselves as possible.

James reiterates the idea of what kind of judging we are to avoid.

Instead of being friends with the world system and feeding your pride, God is looking for those who will humbly rely on Him.

What is the world and why doesn't God want us to be friends with it?

There is a reason that it's easier to tame a lion or an elephant than it is to tame the tongue, and that's because at the heart of every man is a rebellious spirit towards God.

As we start studying the tongue (what you say), we look at preachers and how their judgement will be stricter, and I reflect on the heart of the preacher.

James isn't making a statement that works will save you apart from faith, but emphasizing that a lack of works is showing that the faith you claim to have isn't real.

It's natural to associate with those who are just like us and ignore others, or look up to those of status and wealth, but as followers of Jesus we've been given a supernatural love that should be shown to everyone regardless of their position in life.

Our anger is far too often a result of someone offending us and not necessarily God.  Is our anger causing us to not be able to respond to God correctly and giving a foothold to the devil to tempt us to sin more?

Trials and temptations are somewhat similar except one is for our benefit and the other for our detriment.  What are they and where do they come from?

Trials in life come to both the rich and the poor, and in that way we are all in the same boat.  How do we respond?

What is knowledge and wisdom, why is it important, and how do we get it?

Who wants to go through a trial?  Trials and even discipline aren't necessarily punishment and we shouldn't try to avoid them, but see them as a necessary part of our life in following Jesus.

Is the difference between denominations a matter of petty preferences, or is there something important that separates us at our foundation, and does it matter? 

There are a few things that John wants to leave us with at the end of this letter, and one of them is how important is personal holiness and the holiness of our fellow Christian?

Lots of different things are said about Jesus today, but look at what the actual testimony about Jesus is, and more importantly what do believe concerning Jesus.

With all the unpleasant things that go on in the world around us, how can we claim the promise that faith is the victory that overcomes the world?

Do you want to serve God, but have doubts on whether you are good enough, talented enough, or that God even wants to use you?  Perfect love casts out these fears.

Love isn't a feeling, but a commitment that's is shown through action.  The Love that God shows through the sacrifice of His Son is lived out through us in how we treat others.

Why do some people have no discernment and chase after every new teaching, book, or movie?  Because they aren't studying the word and have no frame of reference to test the spirits by.

How can you be sure of your salvation?  One of the ways is to check if your desire is to please God or please yourself.

Out of all the stars in the universe, our planet is where God has initiated mankind, and out of all the billions of people who have ever or will be born, you are one of them, and yet God wants to hear from you.

God is more forgiving than we are, and His grace goes deeper than we can imagine.

If we say we have the love of God, but can't show it in any tangible way, do we really have love at all?

Who's child are you is lived out in your daily practice.

The great salvation that God offers includes a love so great that he not only saves us from hell but that he makes us one of his own children with all the benefits of that family.

Who is the Antichrist, and what does that have to do with us now?

You think you're right with God, but you can't stand so-and-so?  What does the Bible say about love?

God has not changed His expectation for us to obey his moral law, but man has never been able to perfectly keep the law of God and when we sin we have an advocate on our behalf, Jesus Christ the righteous one.

When you're tired of trying to hide in the darkness, there is the hope of eternal life available through the cleansing power of Jesus Christ.

As we end the series on The Sermon On The Mount, we look at not only what Jesus says about judging, but the order in which he says it.

As we work our way through The Sermon On The Mount, we are challenged by what is our desires, where do we get our direction and to watch out for the deceivers.

Judge Not was not stated in a vacuum, but against the backdrop of the Pharisees hypocrisy.  The question is, "what will you do when confronted about sin in your life?"

Did Jesus tell us that we are never to Judge in Matthew 7:1?  Listen to part one as we finish with the last four messages on the Sermon On The Mount.

There is a difference between worrying and being precautious, but at the end of the day do we really believe that God will take care of us?

Money and possessions aren't necessarily a bad thing, but are your eyes on Jesus or on money and the things it can buy?

Fasting doesn't get much time in the pulpit.  Could it be that we enjoy eating more than we enjoy God?

We all want God's blessings, but what if they are being hindered by a prerequisite that God has for us?

There is a hidden childlike joy when you are able to give secretly and be part of a blessing that God gives to others.

As Jesus wraps up his brief teaching on the law, we get a challenge to go the extra mile to show that God creates within us a supernatural heart that is capable of showing grace to those who don't deserve it, just as he showed grace to us when we didn't deserve it.

Do you want to be a person who can be trusted?  Then let your yes be yes and no be no, and don't promise something that your not sure you can fulfill.

Jesus uses adultery as an example to show that sin doesn't begin as an action but rather as a thought.  When we realize that at the core of our very thinking process that we're a sinner, it becomes very clear that we need a redeemer and savior who can create within us a new heart. 

Jesus shows that obeying God isn't something that we do, but rather has to be something that we are.

We all like to think of ourselves as good, but compared to God's standard, can we really be good?

Are you like the city set on a hill or like the salad dressing and hiding in the valley?

What do followers of Jesus and Salt have in common?

Out of all the promises God has given us, why persecution?

Before you can be a peacemaker, you need to know what peace is.

What are the things we have to do to be pure in spirit, or does it go deeper than doing a list of things?

Since God promises to give mercy to the merciful, what is the most merciful thing you can do for someone else?

When your strongest desire is to be right with God, your perspective changes, and the way your live changes.

Once you learn what meekness is, you'll understand God's sovereignty and providence a little better.

How you view Jesus ministry on earth will determine how you view the poor and the mourners in this passage.  Are you poor? Do you mourn?

As we transition between Jesus Parables and go back to the sermon on the mount, I make a brief reflection of my preaching ministry at the homeless shelter.

What were the talents that the master gave to his servants, and how does that affect you?

Jesus was on his last teaching rampage, the Pharisees hardened hearts were preparing for their final attempt to silence Jesus, and we're almost ready for their attempt to kill Jesus.

Jesus is running out of time here on earth and is on a rampage, a teaching rampage.  What are the things that he wants to teach his disciples and confront the Pharisees over before he goes to the cross?

Are you righteous compared to Jesus, or have you lowered the bar to make yourself look good, and how can you really be justified before God?

Have you ever prayed about something and the answer seems far off?  Today we look at persistence in prayer and waiting on what God want's for us.

God's grace is not like wages that we earn, it's a free gift.  God's mercy is more than we could ever expect.

Your salvation is the most important matter to consider in this life.  Don't be deceived by your earthly status and miss your invitation to the kingdom of God.

You don't want to spend your life wallowing with the pigs of the world, and you don't want to sit stubbornly in the courtyard and miss the opportunity to be a child of God.

Salvation is a free gift, but that doesn't mean it won't cost you everything.  Join us as we go over the true cost of discipleship.

In the middle of some of Jesus parables and other teachings, we get this little snippet of what to do when a brother sins against you, which has developed into what we refer to as church discipline.  Join us for this special message about what to do with sinners in the church.

God has more than enough room for you and is willing to save you. The question is, are you willing to follow Him?

What does it take to be an honored guest in God's kingdom?

What might God, our heavenly father, want to give us if we would only ask?

What is the best thing we could ever do to help someone?

Has the forgiveness that Jesus offers changed your life, or are you the same as you ever were?

It's natural to want to be recognized and get an award now, but what should the followers of Jesus be focused on relating to honor?

Do you know the difference between Jesus voice and all the other voices?

Just as a shepherd values the individual sheep so much that he would go off in search of one that is missing, you are valued as an individual and Jesus is looking for you.

The gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom is the culmination of the promises made in the old testament.

When God gathers all the souls of mankind from all time into the drag net, are you going to be gathered into the hold or will you be cast out?

Will the things you're working for and hanging on to so tightly comfort you for all eternity, or would you give it all up for a priceless treasure?

Sometimes the things that start out so small and insignificant can have a great impact when given time.

Preaching, just like farming, takes patience because the results aren't immediate.

Are you really a follower of Jesus, or are you caught up in the middle of religion?

Are you practicing religion but living your life as you always have, or has following Jesus brought a change to your life?

Just as the vine-dresser asked for one more year to work on producing fruit, Jesus is asking for mercy for me and you.

To whom much is given, much is required.

Are you more focused on things or the one who provided it all?

How clear do you know your debt?

Are you going to build your life on the truth that Jesus stated, or are you going to waste your life playing in the sand?

Why do we remain here on Earth once we're saved?  Is your salvation a private matter?  These and more on today's episode.

What does New Wine have to do with your New Life?  Join us today as we finish this two part parable taught by Jesus.

In our first episode on Jesus Parables we look at what a new patch on an old garment has to do with being a follower of Jesus and how it relates to baggage that you might be carrying around. 

Does God allow evil for a reason?  Have patience as we finish this short series on "Why Is There Evil".

With the recent mass shootings, unrest overseas, problems in the economy, lawlessness in the streets, the question of "Why Is There Evil" always comes up.  In this two part series, we tackle this question from a biblical point of view.

Strongholds are lies we tell ourselves about ourselves, about others, about our world, and about our God, to deal with a reality that we can't cope with.

While the Psychologist can only help you cope with your anxiety, Jesus can remove your anxiety.

Too many people waste years of their life waiting for God to reveal Himself to them while their Bible sits on the table collecting dust. 

Is the celebrating of our "brokenness" a stage of repentance or a stage of unforgiveness?

Too many times we want sinners to straighten up and fly right, and I call this BandAid Religion. 

We’ve been talking about the 10 commandments again. Why is that, or more importantly why did God give us the Law? 

We all know Jesus last and great commandment He gave to us, but who has time for all that? 

I hear a lot of people talking about satanic oppression, demon oppression or possession, and I want to address you biblically regarding these issues.

A brief study on divisions within The Church and the local church.

 We take another look at James chapter 5, "Is any of you sick" in relationship to suicide. 

Do you feel trapped in this life, or that you're always at a dead end?  There can be deliverance for your life too.

From the Best of Homeless Shelter Messages series, Trap About To Snap is a story of a mouse that was too good for peanut butter and how that relates to people trying to live a good life.

We are hearing some of Paul’s last words to the church and to Timothy that we have recorded here. What is the most important summaries that Paul has for us? 

Expect Persecution, but remain faithful. 2nd Timothy 3:1-17 Before we get into Chapter 3, there is at least one loose end to tie up from chapter two. 

I talk about discipleship a lot, but it can seem like some vague esoteric mental exercise, so today I want to talk about some of the practical aspects of Discipleship. 

Chapter two is a message of admonishment and encouragement to work at the faith or use the faith that we’ve been given. 

 Don’t be tempted to be ashamed, but fan into flame the gift. 

 Paul is wrapping up this letter to Timothy and has a few final things to address 

We take a pause in our study of 1st and 2nd Timothy to cover some of the questions that came up because of our study so far.

Paul continues in teaching Timothy about the things that he needs to concentrate on to be a good overseer in regards to how we treat the family of faith. 

 Paul continues in teaching Timothy about the things that he needs to concentrate on to be a good overseer. 

 Paul goes on to now compare the true faith vs. the marks of a false convert who is holding onto a false faith. 

We are looking at the types of people who should be given additional service opportunities within the local church

Paul is building off of his previous thought on prayer and talks about the roles of individuals in the Church and how they should behave.

What is prayer for and when should it be used.  We'll look at that today and what Paul wanted Timothy to know about it.

We go a little deeper into Hymeneaus and Alexander and what it means that they caused their faith to be shipwrecked, and what it means when Paul gave them over to Satan.  As we continue in verse 12, Paul uses some transparency to show Timothy that Jesus came to save sinners like Paul himself.

As we continue our study of the relationship between Paul and Timothy we see Paul's warning about False Teachers and those who dispute the true Gospel of grace through Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

For those who missed the series on 1st and 2nd Timothy at Grace Baptist Church, Spring 2019, this is a rebroadcast of those notes.

I want people who are hurting, who are lost, who have no sense of direction, I want these people to have a taste of what I've been blessed with.  I want them to meet the real Jesus who cares about their every day lives, the every day ordinary people, the Jesus who has paid our ransom so we can have peace. The Discipleship Center will be a place to break the chains of addictions, rebuild broken lives and give direction to the lost.  How many times have I wished for a place like this to reboot my own life.  So with all this in mind, I cannot with a clear conscience leave the people who need a hand up in life to fend for themselves when I could easily lend them some support and guidance and to move them along towards where they should be. For this purpose our mission will be, Until Jesus returns for us or calls us home, we will continually strive to fulfill The Great Commandment, one life at a time.