The Commands of Christ Podcast

Have you ever considered what would’ve happened if Paul and Silas had fled with all the other prisoners when the prison was shaken? Because they stayed (i.e., “went the second mile”), God was able to save the prison guard and his entire household! Going the second mile creates an opportunity for God to meet a need in the life of our enemies.As you reflect on this command, it is key to understand that God desires to use us as channels to minister His life to our enemies. How amazing it is that as we lay our lives down to the Lord, He is able to replace our attitudes of selfishness and self-protection with the life of His Son! Only through Him is it possible to overcome evil with good.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

God desires to “grow us up” - His will is to mature us so that we grow beyond our natural response to offenses. One of the first steps is that we allow Him to change our mind and give us a new perspective on offenses. As we respond correctly to the tests and pressures that come, this brings maturity in our lives.As you reflect on this command, it is key to understand that God desires to use us as channels to minister His life to our enemies. How amazing it is that as we lay our lives down to the Lord, He is able to replace our attitudes of selfishness and self-protection with the life of His Son! Only through Him is it possible to overcome evil with good.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). We will all be offended. But offenses can become opportunities for us to turn away from our natural reactions and to receive the Lord’s response in the situation. Listen as Nate and Gabe share the dangers of reacting in our flesh - instead of overcoming evil, we become part of the evil.As you reflect on this command, it is key to understand that God desires to use us as channels to minister His life to our enemies. How amazing it is that as we lay our lives down to the Lord, He is able to replace our attitudes of selfishness and self-protection with the life of His Son! Only through Him is it possible to overcome evil with good.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

If you squeeze an orange, what should come out? Orange juice! If you “squeeze” a Christian, what should come out? The character of Christ! In this convicting episode, Nate and Gabe open up the command to “Go the Second Mile” shedding light on the life-changing application this can have on our lives.As you reflect on this command, it is key to understand that God desires to use us as channels to minister His life to our enemies. How amazing it is that as we lay our lives down to the Lord, He is able to replace our attitudes of selfishness and self-protection with the life of His Son! Only through Him is it possible to overcome evil with good.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

How are we to handle situations where we’ve broken our word? And what are we to do when we are bound in a habitual pattern of breaking our word? Listen as Nate and Gabe share about God’s solution for our problem. As we keep His Word, God enables us to keep our word!In a day where deception is commonplace, consider the weight of this truth: God always keeps His word! This is part of His character and nature! God’s desire for us, as those who have God Himself living in us, is that we accurately represent Him by keeping our word as well.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

A relationship with God touches every area of our lives! The more we walk with Him and are filled with His Word, the more we will see His truth touch our relationships, our business, etc. In this episode, Nate and Gabe talk about the value of dealing with honesty in all aspects of our lives.In a day where deception is commonplace, consider the weight of this truth: God always keeps His word! This is part of His character and nature! God’s desire for us, as those who have God Himself living in us, is that we accurately represent Him by keeping our word as well.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

All relationships are built on trust. And trust is built as a person proves himself trustworthy. When we keep our word, trust is built; when we break our word, trust is broken.In a day where deception is commonplace, consider the weight of this truth: God always keeps His word! This is part of His character and nature! God’s desire for us, as those who have God Himself living in us, is that we accurately represent Him by keeping our word as well.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Oftentimes it is easy for us to belittle our words – to make excuses for not keeping our word or to justify ourselves for why we didn’t do what we said we would do. However, God calls us to a higher way of living. As Christians, we need to be as good as our word! Listen as Nate and Gabe expound on Jesus’ command in Matthew 5 to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.”In a day where deception is commonplace, consider the weight of this truth: God always keeps His word! This is part of His character and nature! God’s desire for us, as those who have God Himself living in us, is that we accurately represent Him by keeping our word as well.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

In this riveting episode, John Van Gelderen and Gabe uncover some of Satan’s tactics in bringing temptation into our lives. To counter these attacks, they share a life changing truth God has given to overcome! You will be encouraged as you see God’s provision in Christ as “THE way of escape.”Temptation comes in different forms – there is temptation caused by the physical realm and temptation caused by the spiritual realm. God has made a way for us to escape – and it comes as we understand our position in Christ! What does it mean that Christ is in us? And what does it mean that we are in Christ? This message is perhaps one of the most practical you will ever hear on how to “appropriate” our position in Christ!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Listen as Nate and Gabe share from the example of Achan how lust plays out in our lives. In life we will be faced with things we can’t always control, but by the grace of God, we don’t have to turn our heart toward those things. If we let Him, God can train us to look away from those things to Him! This is the way of victory!Listen and be encouraged that victory in the area of lust doesn’t come from our effort, but rather from dependence on the Lord. God's way to overcome lust is by way of replacement - when we pursue intimacy with the Lord and fill our mind with His Word it replaces us and pushes everything else out!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” One key to overcoming lust in our lives is to realize that every thought we think is a seed planted, and it will bear fruit. Join Nate and Gabe as they share how this principle is true not only a wrong thoughts but also of planting God’s Word in our hearts!Listen and be encouraged that victory in the area of lust doesn’t come from our effort, but rather from dependence on the Lord. God's way to overcome lust is by way of replacement - when we pursue intimacy with the Lord and fill our mind with His Word it replaces us and pushes everything else out!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Moral freedom is not a status to be obtained, it is a Person to be depended upon. And that Person’s name is Jesus! As we pursue intimacy with Jesus and are filled more and more with His Word, we will see Him increase our lives, and thus be set free from the bondage of lust!Listen and be encouraged that victory in the area of lust doesn’t come from our effort, but rather from dependence on the Lord. God's way to overcome lust is by way of replacement - when we pursue intimacy with the Lord and fill our mind with His Word it replaces us and pushes everything else out!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Lust is a matter of the heart. This is what makes lust so serious. What we set our hearts upon determines the course of our lives. This episode will leave you with the important question: am I setting my heart on anything outside the bounds of what God has for me?Listen and be encouraged that victory in the area of lust doesn’t come from our effort, but rather from dependence on the Lord. God's way to overcome lust is by way of replacement - when we pursue intimacy with the Lord and fill our mind with His Word it replaces us and pushes everything else out!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Proverbs 13:10 says “Only by pride cometh contention.” And James 4:6 says “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” In this conclusion of the command to Be Reconciled, Nate and Gabe share how being reconciled (as well as avoiding offenses altogether) comes down to humbling ourselves before God and allowing Him to transform every aspect of who we are.The foundation for being reconciled to our brother is realizing that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ. God desires to be one with mankind! It is only when we understand the value of this that we can grasp the full weight of being reconciled to each other. God’s desire is that we not only enter into reconciliation with Him, but that we also become channels of it! Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

It has been said that the eight most difficult words in the English language are, “I was wrong. Will you forgive me?” Often the cause for offense is our pride. When pursuing reconciliation with others, humility is key. Listen as Nate and Gabe share practical aspects of pursuing reconciliation.The foundation for being reconciled to our brother is realizing that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ. God desires to be one with mankind! It is only when we understand the value of this that we can grasp the full weight of being reconciled to each other. God’s desire is that we not only enter into reconciliation with Him, but that we also become channels of it! Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Often we try to deal with our offenses on our own – just between us and God. But God tells us that if we’ve caused an offense, we need to pursue the one we’ve offended to make it right. God designed us to function in harmony together. If one part of your body is out of alignment, your whole body has trouble functioning. While this is true of our physical bodies, we often forget it is true of us as the Body of Christ!The foundation for being reconciled to our brother is realizing that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ. God desires to be one with mankind! It is only when we understand the value of this that we can grasp the full weight of being reconciled to each other. God’s desire is that we not only enter into reconciliation with Him, but that we also become channels of it! Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Christ’s command to Be Reconciled reveals that an important aspect of walking rightly with God is walking rightly with our brother. The word reconcile is a financial term. It gives the picture of two accounts that are at odds and needing to come into agreement with one another. Listen as Nate and Gabe discuss the weight of this command and how it practically applies to our lives.The foundation for being reconciled to our brother is realizing that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ. God desires to be one with mankind! It is only when we understand the value of this that we can grasp the full weight of being reconciled to each other. God’s desire is that we not only enter into reconciliation with Him, but that we also become channels of it! Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Have you ever felt like there is a discrepancy between the God of the Old Testament and the Christ of the New Testament? This “discrepancy” is based on the wrong assumption that God did away with His Law when Christ came. Thus, we have the wrong and dangerous assumption that God has changed! Join Nate and Gabe as they talk about how the Old and New Testament are beautifully interwoven and both reveal the same thing – the nature of God and the person of Christ!In a day and age where rules are subjective and there are no absolutes, the church needs more than ever to learn to “honor God’s Law.” As we treasure and value the Law of God, our eyes will be opened to the nature and character of God, and to the wonderful gift that He gave us in His Son.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

There are two common responses we have to the Law of God: we summon our will power to try to do the Law; or, we assume it “doesn’t apply to us”, and we throw it out. But what is God’s purpose for the Law? Join Nate and Gabe as they talk about the purpose God has for His Law and how it applies to us in our day!In a day and age where rules are subjective and there are no absolutes, the church needs more than ever to learn to “honor God’s Law.” As we treasure and value the Law of God, our eyes will be opened to the nature and character of God, and to the wonderful gift that He gave us in His Son.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

It’s been said, “You can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.” A huge part of God’s purpose for His Law is that it exposes us. We need to be exposed! If we didn’t have the Law of God to expose us, we wouldn’t know that we were sinners, and we wouldn’t know our need for a Savior!In a day and age where rules are subjective and there are no absolutes, the church needs more than ever to learn to “honor God’s Law.” As we treasure and value the Law of God, our eyes will be opened to the nature and character of a God, and to the wonderful gift that He gave us in His Son.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

What comes to your mind when you think of the Law of God? Is it the rulebook of a harsh task master to His slaves? Or is it an expression of the love and nature of God to a people who He desires to know Him? Join Nate and Gabe as they talk about how your view of God will determine your view of His Law.In a day and age where rules are seen as subjective and absolutes are disregarded, the church needs more than ever to learn to “honor God’s Law.” As we treasure and value the Law of God, God will open our eyes afresh to His nature and character, and to the wonderful gift that He has given us in His Son.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Missionary C.T. Studd wisely stated, “The light that shines farthest shines brightest nearest home.” The light that shines in our public life will be greatly determined by whether or not our light is shining in our private life. Can those in your home testify to seeing the light of Jesus in you?In scripture we see that God is Light and Jesus is Light. It is almost shocking then when we hear Jesus say to His disciples, “You are the light of the world”! How does this work? Just like the moon can only be light as it reflects the light of the sun, so we as disciples of Christ can only be light as we reflect Christ. We have no light in ourselves. It is the very life and light of Jesus that is to shine through us!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

One of the most important aspects of letting our light shine before men is this: in order to be light, we need to first be filled with light. Consider a lamp in the Bible times – in order to give light, it needed to first be filled with oil. In the same way, we were not designed to produce light; we were made to simply contain light. As we walk in relationship with the God who is Light, we are filled with light and can then be the “light of the world”!In scripture we see that God is Light and Jesus is Light. It is almost shocking then when we hear Jesus say to His disciples, “You are the light of the world”! How does this work? Just like the moon can only be light as it reflects the light of the sun, so we as disciples of Christ can only be light as we reflect Christ. We have no light in ourselves. It is the very life and light of Jesus that is to shine through us!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Does our behavior determine our identity? Or does our identity determine our behavior? Ephesians 5:8 says that we were darkness, but now we are light! It follows that by saying “Walk as children of the light.” Join Nate and Gabe as they discuss the exchange of identities that we have been given in the Lord, and how this exchange ought to impact our behavior!In scripture we see that God is Light and Jesus is Light. It is almost shocking then when we hear Jesus say to His disciples, “You are the light of the world”! How does this work? Just like the moon can only be light as it reflects the light of the sun, so we as disciples of Christ can only be light as we reflect Christ. We have no light in ourselves. It is the very life and light of Jesus that is to shine through us!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

We often blame someone or something else for the corruption that we see in the world (politicians, Hollywood, etc.). But Jesus declared that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world! The purpose of salt is to preserve things, and the purpose of light is to illuminate darkness. Join Nate and Gabe as they discuss our identity as salt and light.In scripture we see that God is Light and Jesus is Light. It is almost shocking then when we hear Jesus say to His disciples, “You are the light of the world”! How does this work? Just like the moon can only be light as it reflects the light of the sun, so we as disciples of Christ can only be light as we reflect Christ. We have no light in ourselves. It is the very life and light of Jesus that is to shine through us!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Have you ever wondered what would have happened to Paul and Silas if they had not chosen to rejoice during that dark night in prison? In view of their circumstances, they could have sat back and complained. But in this story, we see that the power of rejoicing in suffering is great and glorious! When we rejoice, we invite God's presence into a situation. When we do this, not only are we set free, but those around us are set free as well! To rejoice in suffering and persecution is not a natural response to us. But the good news is, this response is natural to Jesus! This is the way He responds, and this is how He will respond through us if we allow Him to. When trials come, God calls us to step into Jesus' supernatural response and respond with rejoicing. In this, our display of joy in trials is how we can showcase Jesus's life to the world!

As we engage with God in the classroom of rejoicing, one of the first things He will do is change our perspective on suffering and persecution. From our human perspective, suffering and persecution threaten our happiness and comfort. They don’t feel good. However, joy is not a feeling. Joy is a choice. In trials, we can choose to rejoice, despite our feelings. God longs to mature us so that instead of following our feelings, we follow Jesus, our mighty Savior Who endured trials with joy! To rejoice in suffering and persecution is not a natural response to us. But the good news is, this response is natural to Jesus! This is the way He responds, and this is how He will respond through us if we allow Him to. When trials come, God calls us to step into Jesus' supernatural response and respond with rejoicing. In this, our display of joy in trials is how we can showcase Jesus's life to the world!

How do we prepare for suffering and persecution? Consider how you would train for lifting weights – you would start with small weights and increase from there. In the same way, God desires to train us in the small things. The best preparation for rejoicing in the bigger tests and trials in life is by rejoicing in our day-to-day lives. By rejoicing everything right now, we will be prepared to rejoice when faced with greater trials. To rejoice in suffering and persecution is not a natural response to us. But the good news is, this response is natural to Jesus! This is the way He responds, and this is how He will respond through us if we allow Him to. When trials come, God calls us to step into Jesus' supernatural response and respond with rejoicing. In this, our display of joy in trials is how we can showcase Jesus's life to the world!

Have you ever thought of joy as being a part of persecution and suffering? In this command, it is. As ironic as this sounds, the command to rejoice is an invitation to hope and courage during trials. Enduring persecution and suffering for the sake of Christ conforms us to His image, and secures eternal rewards. Join Gabe and Nate as they explore the rich treasures of the command of Christ, Rejoice. To rejoice in suffering and persecution is not a natural response to us. But the good news is, this response is natural to Jesus! This is the way He responds, and this is how He will respond through us if we allow Him to. When trials come, God calls us to step into Jesus' supernatural response and respond with rejoicing. In this, our display of joy in trials is how we can showcase Jesus's life to the world!

While he’s best known for his role in the movies Fireproof and Courageous, Ken Bevel's story goes far beyond these films. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Ken’s family did not have a lot of money, but they were happy. This all began to change when Ken’s dad started to drink. Alcohol led to drugs and things began to spiral downward in his home. By age 17, Ken found his life heading toward disaster as he sought love and affirmation in all the wrong places. After a failed attempt to improve his life by changing locations, he finally came to the “end of his rope” and cried out to God. This desperate plea began a journey of learning to surrender and say “yes” to God no matter the circumstance. Join host Gabe Cleator and guest Ken Bevel as they walk through Ken’s story and what God has done in his life.Ken Bevel is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Business Administration degree in Logistics Management. After 20 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ken retired to serve in the ministry. Associate Pastor of Assimilation and Events" at Sherwood Baptist Church. Ken and Launa have been happily married for 16 years and have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

Our focus determines our effectiveness. Just as a sheep will only follow one shepherd, so we as believers in Christ can only follow one Lord. It is easy to think we are following Jesus when, in reality, many other things compete with how we follow Him. These can include relationships, possessions, or even ministry. Following Jesus with all our hearts means that He is our central focus. In this, our supreme love for Him governs all other relationships and priorities.As we follow Christ, we find that the key to reaching others for Him is being filled with Him! When we give God the right to guide, lead, and direct our lives, Christ’s life within us will bless and minister to those around us. The more Christ increases in our lives, the more we can invest in the lives of others for eternity. This is how we can walk as "fishers of men."Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Are we willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads? Or do we say that we trust Him while we reserve the right to make our own decisions? Following Jesus means trusting Christ to determine the direction of our lives -- even when it doesn’t make sense. Join Nate and Gabe as they talk about following the Shepherd Who is trustworthy.As we follow Christ, we find that the key to reaching others for Him is being filled with Him! When we give God the right to guide, lead, and direct our lives, Christ’s life within us will bless and minister to those around us. The more Christ increases in our lives, the more we can invest in the lives of others for eternity. This is how we can walk as "fishers of men."Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Following Jesus is about getting to know and listening to His voice. Listening takes time — and it competes with the many noises and distractions of a busy life. But if we take the time to still our hearts and listen to God’s voice, we will learn to trust Him and follow where He leads. Join Nate and Gabe as they share examples of what it means to follow Christ.As we follow Christ, we find that the key to reaching others for Him is being filled with Him! When we give God the right to guide, lead, and direct our lives, Christ’s life within us will bless and minister to those around us. The more Christ increases in our lives, the more we can invest in the lives of others for eternity. This is how we can walk as "fishers of men."Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

When Jesus approached two fishermen with a life-changing call, they embraced the call wholeheartedly. To these men, following Jesus meant a complete change of identity and purpose. Jesus gives the same invitation to those who desire to follow Him today.As we follow Christ, we find that the key to reaching others for Him is being filled with Him! When we give God the right to guide, lead, and direct our lives, Christ’s life within us will bless and minister to those around us. The more Christ increases in our lives, the more we can invest in the lives of others for eternity. This is how we can walk as "fishers of men."Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Used over 150 times in Scripture, "grace" is perhaps one of the most important words in the entire Bible! But what is the grace of God, and how does it function in our lives as believers? In this episode, Gabe Cleator and Eric Ludy dig deep into the vital topic of grace. Just as a diamond has many facets, the grace of God has many different aspects. When we just take one aspect of grace and claim it as the totality of grace, we miss out on much of the riches of God's amazing grace. More than just a divine smile from heaven, grace is the mighty power of God in Christ working in us to will and to do His good pleasure. In short, when God gave us His grace, He gave us everything we need for life and godliness. In this episode, come marvel with us at the amazing grace of God!Eric Ludy is the president of Ellerslie Mission Society and the bestselling author of eighteen books on Christian thought and living. Eric functions as the director of Ellerslie Discipleship Training in Windsor, Colorado, and serves as the teaching pastor at Ellerslie’s campus church.For more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

How would you describe the vibrancy of your love for the Lord? Is it more vibrant now than when you first got saved, or has it grown cold? Join Nate and Gabe as they discuss how the goal of repentance is restoration of our relationship with the God of the Universe.One way that we can lose our intimate relationship with God is by becoming too focused on our serving and losing focus on the God Whom we are serving. The Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2 had this exact problem. What was God’s message to them? Repent! In this passage, God called the church to repent and return to doing the “first work” — making their relationship with Him preeminent over all other things in their lives. As we see in this passage, there are tragic consequences for missing this as a priority.In relationships, we are either growing closer or we are drifting further away — there is no in-between. So where is your relationship with God—are you pursuing Him?Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” — Stephen Covey. Do you realize that the thoughts you think actually determine the destiny of your life? We may assume that our thoughts are harmless and don’t affect our lives much, but the exact opposite is true! Join Gabe and Nate as they talk about how our thoughts lead to the outcome of our lives.Have you ever gotten into a “rut” of negative thinking? Are you struggling with detrimental habits that you can’t seem to break free from? The command to repent not only gives us the keys to walking in freedom from these things, but also gives us hope and purpose in the One who has set us free from these things!The power of repentance does not lie within my ability to change my actions or in possessing an attitude of remorse. The secret lies within the power of the living Word of God to change me from the inside out. Genuine change begins when the Word of God is abiding within me, transforming the way I think and determining what is in my heart and ultimately what I will do!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Have you ever wondered where a desire to seek the Lord and a longing to abide in His Word comes from? Do you long to experience these desires? Listen as Gabe and Nate explain how the command of Christ to repent answers these crucial questions.In the command repent, we see our desperate need for the Word of God to dwell preeminently in our minds and hearts. Why? Scripture tells us that God’s Word is living, powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, and has the ability to change and renew our minds and hearts (Heb. 4:12). When the Word of God does its work in our minds and hearts and minds, it gives us the desire to walk closer with Jesus every day.In summary, the more we saturate our minds and hearts with God’s Word, the more God increases our desire to seek after Him. As Gabe says on this episode, “True change happens with God first changing our mind, and changing our heart. Then He changes our whole life as a result of that."Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

So often, when we think of repentance, we think of “cleaning up our lives” or “getting our acts together.” We tend to “try harder” to change our lives by building better habits. This may work for a time, but it always ends in defeat.Sorrow or grief over sin is another aspect of repentance that we often focus on. When the Lord convicts us of sin in our lives, it is all too easy to fall into depression or discouragement while thinking that this is repentance. This can become a vicious circle of discouragement, depression, and defeat.While repentance does lead to a change of behavior and involves sorrow over sin, Biblical repentance is much deeper than that. True repentance begins as we saturate our minds and hearts with the Word of God. This internal change is then worked out in a person’s life, resulting in a change of their actions. Jesus’ call to repentance is an invitation to exchange our mind for His!Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

In this episode, we focus on a liberating truth: when we abide in Christ, and His Words abide in us, this gives the Holy Spirit the ability to produce His fruit in and through us.Why is this so liberating? It’s liberating because God's calling for believers is not to produce fruit. His calling is that they bear fruit. It’s important to note that fruit is not a byproduct of self-effort; fruit is the outflow of the life of God Himself living and operating within us. To sum it up: producing fruit is God’s job, bearing fruit is the believer's job. Contrary to how it first seems, the believer does not need the fruits of the Spirit to be added to his life. Instead, he needs more of the Holy Spirit that bears that fruit. In summary, the Christian life isn’t about trying harder. It is about us recognizing our total inability to produce fruit and instead, embracing Christ’s ability through the power of His Spirit!Want to go deeper? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Do you walk in fellowship with the Lord throughout the day? In reality, as we face hectic workweeks and busy weekends, how do we abide in Christ?In this episode, we discuss how abiding in Christ is more than simply reading a chapter of Scripture and having a quick prayer time in the morning. It is maintaining a constant connection with Christ that revitalizes us and gives us purpose all day long. An important question we ask is, what hinders us from abiding in Christ? One thing that hinders us is our values. The progression of our values is powerful, because where we spend the most time is actually where we abide. And where we spend our time is ultimately what we love. Join us as we explore the command “Abide,” and find in it the strength to stand against Satan's temptations, and find fullness of joy as we abide in Christ.Want to go deeper? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Does your spiritual productivity seem constricted and fighting to flourish? In this episode, we discuss how the only way to experience an intimate relationship with God the way He intended, is by making Christ Himself our source of life. In our world today, there are so many competing things to do that can quickly become the most important thing to us. These things can crowd out our relationship with the Lord if we are not vigilant. This episode addresses the dangers of these competitions while emphasizing the only way to find true fulfillment in Jesus. Along the way, we’ll discover that God’s goal in pruning distractions out of our lives is not to make us better people. His goal is to replace us with His life. Is this a difficult or painful process? It can be. But it is filled with beauty and hope. When we allow God to take things out of our lives, He replaces those things with Someone, and His name is Jesus. Join us as we look at how God removes competition from our lives so He can live more fully in us — as we abide in Him.Want to go deeper? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

Are you tired of trying to live the Christian life in your own strength and failing? Is your spiritual life dry and fruitless? In this episode, learn how abiding in Christ is all about receiving the life and work of Christ, so that He can live through us and our lives can be a reflection of Him.The basic definition of the word “abide” means “to dwell.” Our dwelling place is not where our physical address is; our dwelling place is determined by what we treasure the most and where the deepest desires of our heart lie. God Himself desires to dwell preeminently in us, consuming our affections and producing His fruit of our lives.In this podcast, we dive into what it means to “Abide” in Christ and how His Words must abide in us. We find that to live fruitful and abundant lives in Christ is not an issue of self improvement or greater personal resolve, it is simply a byproduct of treasuring the Word of God within our heart. It is as God’s Word and a personal relationship with Him become the single most important priority of our lives, that the fruit of our lives will express Christ Himself. Fundamentally, abiding in Christ is about receiving the life of Christ, the Vine, so that He can live through us.Learning to abide in Christ is the cornerstone of understanding how we live out all the other commands. Obedience to the commands of Christ is not a work of our own. It is the natural outflow of Christ living and operating within us.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at www.homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleship

In this pilot episode, we dive in deep with several questions: What are commands? How do we keep them? And, are Jesus’ commands for us just more sets of impossible to-do lists?We invite you to listen with hope, because the commands of Christ go beyond being only a to-do list — they are an invitation to an intimate relationship with the God of the universe, and a pathway to true discipleship. In John 8:31, Jesus defines a true disciple as one who abides in His Word, meditating on it, and living it out in their lives. Jesus’ words are powerfully applicable today. We believe that His words are essential — they are our life! Join us on this journey through the commands of Christ!Produced by The Home Discipleship Network. Visit us online at www.homediscipleship.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshipnetwork