Living Biblically

How can parents use the book of Proverbs to train their children? Jason Dohm emphasizes the role of Proverbs as a guide for discipleship, particularly in the context of parenting. He explains that unlike a classroom teacher, parents have the unique opportunity to influence the life of their children in a profound and enduring way. The book of Proverbs begins with a father's call to his children's...

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? In this video, Paul Washer explains that following Jesus is not just about obeying commands, although obedience is part of it. Neither is it just about a subjective, intimate relationship based on feelings. These two extremes, he argues, are both incorrect if taken in isolation. True discipleship incorporates elements from both ends of the spectrum. We are...

What does it truly mean to be a Christian and follow Christ? In this video by Jeffrey D. Johnson, the essence of being a Christian involves submitting our will, our hearts, and our affections to Christ. A Christian cannot follow Christ while simultaneously following their own desires. As followers of Christ, we must be ready to be led wherever He goes and fully commit to His path. Being a Christia...

What does Jesus mean when He says to "hate" our families in order to be His disciples? Pastor Trent Moody explores the parable in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus addresses those following Him. Christ makes the profound statement that those who wish to be His disciples must "hate" their family. This statement, naturally, appears paradoxical. However, Moody explains that this is not a call to despise...

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Scott Aniol explains that a disciple is not just a follower of Christ but one who sits at the feet of the teacher, learning and comprehending from the teachings. This discipleship isn't purely intellectual, but also involves listening, understanding, and living out the teachings in day-to-day life. A disciple of Christ intentionally follows His teachin...

What is the role of a woman in the home according to the teachings of the Bible? In this video, Dr. Joel Beeke refers to Paul's letter to Titus to shed light on the significance of a woman's role in a Christian home. He draws from the model established by the Puritans, who were among the first to elevate the status of marriage and the home in church history. Contrary to negative views of marriage...

What is the importance of teaching young women in the Church? Carlton McLeod highlights the necessity for the church to prioritize the discipleship of young women. He refers to biblical teachings such as Titus 2 and Ephesians 6, which emphasize the role of older women in training younger women and fathers in educating their children. He underscores the importance of not neglecting the teachings re...

What is the role of pastors in making disciples, according to the teachings of the Bible? As Chris Law discusses in his sermon on Ephesians 4, pastors, elders, and overseers are all synonymous in their roles as shepherds within the church. Their primary task is equipping the saints, the body of the church, through prayer and the word. The Sunday service is a key tool in this process, with the main...

What can mothers learn from the nurturing ways of Jesus? In his sermon, Paul Thompson highlights how mothers can adopt the nurturing approach of Jesus Christ to disciple their children. Drawing from the way Jesus cared for and instructed his disciples, Thompson explains that mothers can teach their children important aspects of being human, being kind, and being gentle. He emphasizes that a mother...

What are the key characteristics that identify a true disciple of Christ? In this video, Paul White emphasizes the importance of profession, affection, and transformation in a Christian's life. A profession of faith, he explains, is the first step in declaring one's belief in Christ. However, this profession should not be mere lip service, but should be accompanied by a change of heart and mind un...

Is it possible that modern churches are missing a crucial aspect of discipleship, one that Jesus himself demonstrated? Kevin Swanson suggests that many of today's churches are focusing too much on programs and not enough on relationships. He asserts that Jesus spent significant time with his disciples, building a long-term relationship with them over the course of three years. This level of relati...

What does it truly mean to follow Christ? In his sermon "Take Up Your Cross," Rob Ventura explores the true meaning of discipleship. Following Christ, he suggests, means consistently choosing God's will over our own desires and preferences. This is not limited to our personal lives, but extends to every aspect of our existence, whether as husbands, fathers, or professionals. Discipleship mean...

How do we recognize a true follower of Jesus Christ? Josh Buice discusses the marks of a genuine Christian. He explains that the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of Christ in the New Testament, indwells true believers and produces the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. These fruits - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - act as a spirit...

What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Toby Logsdon addresses this question by exploring what it means to follow Jesus. A true disciple is not just someone who physically follows Jesus, but someone who follows Him with their heart. This is because love is the driving force behind obedience to Christ. As Logsdon explains, if someone loves Christ, they will obey Him, and to obey H...

What are the two major plagues affecting the modern church? Brandon Scroggins addresses the twin plagues of pragmatism and consumerism in the modern church. Pragmatism, he explains, refers to the tendency of starting with the wrong foundation - what works. This approach typically aims at drawing more people, increasing the budgets, and enhancing the number of baptisms. However, Scroggins asserts t...

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Pastor Jason Dohm explains that following Jesus involves two key concepts: union and communion. The Gospel promises us that by faith we become one with Christ. This faith is not just a belief, but a surrendering of ourselves to Jesus and the work He has done for us on the cross. This union with Christ is not the end of discipleship, but rather the beginning...

What does it mean to fulfill the Great Commission as described in Matthew 28 and Luke 24? Paul Washer enlightens us on this topic, explaining the significance of not only preaching the gospel but also understanding what it truly means to believe. He underscores that fulfilling the Great Commission is not just about proclaiming the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, but also about...

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Jeffrey D. Johnson defines a disciple as an apprentice, a learner aiming to grow in wisdom and knowledge. A disciple is one called by God and born again, evident through their desire to learn and obey. Being a disciple is not just about being a follower; it's about actively seeking growth and maturity, learning from the teachings of Christ and striving...

What should older women teach younger women, according to the Bible? Trent Moody explores the unique discipleship process outlined in Titus 2, emphasizing the role of older women in mentoring younger women, specifically in the context of home life, domestic duties, and relationships. Such mentorship is crucial because it helps younger women understand how to love their husbands and children effect...

Are we leaning on worldly methods over the sufficiency of Scripture in our discipleship? Scott Aniol suggests many churches—despite knowing their mission to make disciples as commanded by Christ—often doubt the sufficiency of Scripture. This leads them to resort to worldly and pragmatic means and methodologies to disciple their congregations. The effectiveness of worldly methods, used...

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Dr. Joel Beeke explains that following Jesus means complete surrender. This surrender is not just in the abstract, but in the practical living of everyday life, in the decisions we make and the paths we choose. It means no longer being the captain of our own ship, but handing over the reins to Jesus. It's a radical change in lifestyle, one that mirrors the...

What does it mean to live as a disciple of Jesus? Carlton McLeod discusses the identifying characteristics of a disciple of Christ. Discipleship is not just about verbal confession, but also about living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. A disciple prays, attends church, studies and discusses the Scriptures, disciples their own children, preaches the gospel, and commits to holiness. The ful...

Why does the Bible command us to delight in a being that is infinitely delightful if we are already Christians? Dr. John Snyder addresses the spiritual aspect of our condition before and after regeneration. Prior to experiencing the new birth, our religious interests may stem from self-centered motives rather than a genuine love for God. However, when God awakens us, opens our eyes, and transforms...

Why is it important for us to enjoy God in the Christian life? Dr. Joel Beeke highlights three reasons why enjoying God is significant. Firstly, it is our duty. Glorifying God and enjoying Him are intertwined. By lifting Him up and giving Him His rightful due, we experience the delight of being in His presence. Enjoying God is an inseparable part of real life, and it is our responsibility to engag...

How can we maintain faith and trust in Christ even when our hearts feel dull and cold? Tom Ascol reminds us of the nature of the Christian life, which is to live by faith and not by sight. When our hearts feel heavy or cold, it is important to remember that Jesus Christ remains the same, unchanging in His beauty and goodness. Our ability to perceive and lay hold of the beauties of Christ may fluct...