Re-socializing, pt. 3 In this episode, John looks at what Colossians 3 teaches us about re-socializing in general and then he focuses on one area where we need to learn the new way of Jesus. Colossians 3:8 calls us to set aside "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth." Those are no longer how we mange life and relationships in the new family of Jesus. Instead, we practice patience and peace.  Colossians 3:5-17 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.   Did you know I work with churches? Check out the following link to learn more about a subscription plan for resources that help churches make more and better disciples. Discipleship resources for churches Bible in Life is a listener supported podcast. Thanks a ton to all of our supporters! Wanna become part of the team and support the show? Two options: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker and get access to discounts on courses and bonus podcasts, or... Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

In this episode, I encourage followers of Jesus to think about the behavioral commands of the New Testament in terms of re-socializing in the soft sense of that word. That is, learning new norms, values, and practices in keeping with a new group that you have chosen to be apart of.  The apostle Paul writes, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son," - Colossians 1:13. Notice that he says we have been transferred to a new kingdom, the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. This means we've moved. We're part of a new kingdom with a new culture. So now, we have some things to unlearn from our old dominion and we have new norms, values, and practices to learn that are in keeping with the culture of Jesus' kingdom.  I also point out two mistakes Christians often make in thinking about the instructions of the New Testament. 1. The "religious rules" mistake 2. The "spiritual life" mistake.  Our goal is not to be good at religion or spiritual things; our goal is to learn the way of Jesus as part of his kingdom. ▶️ONLINE COURSES: Want to go deeper in your faith? Sign up for an online course at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/courses ▶️SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY:  -Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker and get access to discounts on courses and bonus podcasts -Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

"I never thought of reading Philippians as a letter before!" said one guy after church.  Twenty-one out of twenty-seven New Testament books are letters. That means when you read most of the NT, you're reading somebody else's mail! Letters have a backstory and when we read them, we are only hearing one side of the conversation ... which poses some challenges.  In this episode, we explore the question, Why letters and how do the NT letter relate to the teaching and work of Jesus? We discuss how to read the letters well so that you can read them more faithfully as a follower of Jesus.   Did you know I work with churches? I coach churches on how to create discipleship cultures so that they can more faithfully carry out Jesus' mission of making disciples. I have 3 spots available. Email me at john@johnwhittaker.net for more info. ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY: -Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker -Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.    Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

How do we do discipleship? The most important truth in answer to that question is this - you don't drift into discipleship. It doesn't happen on accident. You have to deliberately follow Jesus by rearranging your life to imitate Jesus' life. That's the essence of being a disciple.  In this episode, I also give some guidance on how you can disciple someone else. Here's a link to the reading plan resource I mention: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/readingplan And I encourage church leaders to wrestle with the question - what is your plan for creating a culture of discipleship? I'd love to help you think this through. In fact, I have a discipleship coaching program to help pastors and church leaders figure this out. You can learn more about that here: DISCIPLESHIP COACHING: I help churches create a culture of discipleship https://www.johnwhittaker.net/discipleship-coaching   ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️BECOME A PATRON: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker  Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.   

This episode explores several key questions about discipleship:  Are discipleship and evangelism the same thing? When does discipleship begin? Discipleship vs. salvation? Why is discipleship important? Why is discipleship difficult?  What discipleship is not?  How to do discipleship? ▶️SUPPORT THIS WORK: -Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker -Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.     ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.   

When it comes learning how to do something, showing is more helpful than just telling.  And that’s just as true of discipleship as anything else. The way of Jesus gets passed on by showing not just telling. Your relationship with Jesus is personal but it's not individual. People need your concrete example of discipleship.  Bible Passages mentioned in this episode: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.    1 Cor. 4:15-17 - For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.    1 Cor. 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.    Philippians 3:17 - Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. Philippians 4:9 - The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 2 Tim. 3:10-11 - You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. . . .”   ▶️CHURCH SUBSCRIPTIONS: Enrollment is open until May 31-  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/bible-training-churches     ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️BECOME A PATRON: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

What are the main components of being a disciple of Jesus? That is, if you had to boil it down to the main ingredients… what are they? In this episode, I highlight the three main  components of discipleship … and then zero in on the one component without which none of the rest are possible. So it’s the one component you can’t be a disciple without! Bible Passages mentioned in this episode: Mark 1:14-20   14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him. Mark 8:31-34   31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and *said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” 34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Mark 3:13-14   13 And He *went up on the mountain and *summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach   John 14:16-17a I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth,    ▶️LISTENER’S COMMENTARY: https://www.listenerscommentary.com ▶️DISCIPLESHIP COACHING: I help churches create a culture of discipleship https://www.johnwhittaker.net/discipleship-coaching ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY: Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.     Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.       

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus challenges would-be disciples in shocking ways. In doing so, he highlights for us a fundamental requirement of being a disciple.  Why does Jesus say, "Let the dead bury their own dead"? Why doesn't Jesus permit someone to say good-bye to their family before following Him?  And what does all of this have to do with you being a disciple of Jesus?  Luke 9:57-62 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Mark 1:16-20 16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.    ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️BECOME A PATRON: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

In this episode, I focus on this question: What is the goal of discipleship? How do you know if you are a disciple? How do you know when you're a fully trained disciple? Luke 6:39-40 39 And He also spoke a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. Luke 6:43-45 43 For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit.44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. Have you checked out the Listener's Commentary on the New Testament? https://www.listenerscommentary.com ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

Christian. Religious. Church goer.  Those are some of the words and phrases used to describe followers of Jesus. But I don't think they're the best. At least, they don't get at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. So in this episode we look at the #1 thing we're supposed to do and be and the word that Jesus used to capture that.  That word is "disciple."  Making disciples is the mission - the only mission - of the church. It's also who we are as a church - a gathering of disciples. So all our energy and efforts should aim towards being disciples and making disciples. What does that entail? We're going to explore over the next few weeks on the podcast, beginning with this episode.  Matthew 28:18-2018 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Check out the Listener's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.listenerscommentary.com ▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.