Biblical Foundations for Freedom: Discipleship Articles: Recent Episodes
None
Learn the way discipleship integrates into your life, ministry and church. Move beyond a spiritually mediocre life into full spiritual maturity! https://www.foundationsforfreedom.net or store: https://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/Help/Store/Shop_BFF.html
Establishing Hope, the first of ten lessons in the Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, shows the importance of hope and how to gain a strong confidence in the Word of God so we can move onto the third level of discipleship.
"I wanted to tell you how much of an impact the RBM teaching is having on my life. It has been an absolute encouragement and lifeline that God has used to restore my hope, something I did not even know I had been lacking so much in my life. I have been deeply touched by God, and I am so grateful for His faithfulness in leading me to BFF and to you for sharing this teaching on line." – D. The first four chapters identify the foundations for using the principles from God's Word foundational to overcome all sorts of temptations. The other chapters use these principles to overcome the most challenging spiritual issues troubling Christians.
The Life Core: Discovering the Heart of Great Training not only reveals why the church has weakened, but more importantly, the path to restore her vitality. Learn how to revive your Christian faith and those you minister to. Breakthrough begins here! The heart of training begins when we pass on a vision of the Lord, His work and the church in such a way that God's people are invigorated by the Spirit of God to carry out His will. The Life Core identifies the underlying cause to this crisis in the Christian church and proposes practical solutions on how to integrate God’s life into the heart of the church through proper leadership training.
Points #2-4 of the second key question, "Do I personally know God?" include: #2 Historic – The relationship was broken; #3 Reality – Man couldn’t fix it; #4 Update – God Himself solved the problem.
If we are going to understand God, then we must use His 'personal diary,' the Bible, prepared for us to get to know Him. Other means will lead us astray. 1 John 1:3-4 provide 3 key questions to understand knowing God.
Reflections and meditations form the conclusion to this first section on Knowing God from 1 John 1:3-4.
God is of such magnificence in every way. If we as God's people dare to claim we know God, then we ought to be able to show our lives reflect this claim in that we are like God rather than trust in belonging to some religion.
There is a wide gap that exists between knowing about God and knowing Him. As we study 1 John 1:3 and the word fellowship, koinonia, we will gain a better understanding of the enriching and engaging personal relationship we are to have with God.
Throughout the history of man, many various concepts of God have been suggested and deeply believed. Perhaps it is helpful to begin with a contrast to better understand these differences on a larger scale. We will do this by contrasting concepts of a transcendent God with immanent diety.
We will investigate whether we can personally know God by focusing on a study of the word fellowship (koinonia) in 1 John 1:3 and other means.
Knowing God: Experience and Love Him has many different and challenging chapters introducing the person and works of our amazing God. This chapter 1 introduces the kind of relationship God wants with us, a personal relationship.
Exposes the bankruptcy of humanistic secularism against the backdrop of God's glorious kingdom. This is part 2 of 4 in a larger series 'The Choice Against Secularism.'
Portrays the glorious operations of the Kingdom of God in against the frail, corrupt and feeble expressions of humanistic secularism. This is part 4 of 4 of a larger series 'The Choice Against Secularism.'
Introduces the inferiority and limitations of humanism and secular philosophies against the power and design of God's glorious kingdom. This is part 3 of 4 in a larger series 'The Choice Against Secularism.'
Reveal the brokenness of humanistic secularism against the glorious power of God's grace through which He willingly pours out His goodness into our personal lives and society. This is part 1 of 4.
Video podcast on 'Two Lives' from Romans 7:21-25 explains why a believer with the Spirit might sin or even fall again and again. Special attention is given on the struggle between the flesh and the spirit (the inner man).
Video podcast on 'Two Lives' from Romans 7:21-25 explains why a believer with the Spirit might sin or even fall again and again. Special attention is given on the struggle between the flesh and the spirit (the inner man).
The Developing Prayer Life of the Mature Believer analyzes how prayer develops at the last stage of Christian living by identifying what problems occur when prayer does not properly develop and how to strengthen our intimacy with God and bearing fruit at this level of spiritual growth.
The Developing Prayer of the Young Believer analyzes how prayer develops at the young believer stage including the identification of what problems occur when prayer does not properly develop and how to strengthen our prayer lives at this level of spiritual growth. Special training is given to overcome temptation.
The Developing Prayer Life of the New Believer analyzes how prayer develops at the most basic level of his or her Christian life when a person becomes a believer and begins to pray to God the Father. The important foundation for a good prayer life are set up early in a believer's life. A spiritual evaluation is available at the end.
The Development of One’s Prayer Life analyzes how prayer develops at various levels of Christian living through The Flow including identifying what problems occur when prayer does not properly develop and how to strengthen our prayer lives at each level of spiritual growth.
We should expect changes in our lives due to Christ's indwelling. The Spirit of God reveals to us what these changes will be. This article provides basic instruction on how to work with the Spirit of God in this sanctifying work. This is part 3 of 3 of Restoration of Our Lives named 'An Ongoing Work.'
We cannot find complete restoration without a thorough examination of our hearts. This is the reason repentance must precede faith. This article examines Mark 7:21-23 to help us along in this discipleship process. This is part 2 of 3.
The restoration of our lives is best seen as a discipleshp process. God does much to get us going but unless we think of the changes in our lives as ongoing, then we will not be good disciples of Christ. This article has a diagram which shows the different stages of the discipleship process. This is part 1 of 3.
Special advice for refraining from lusts on our walks is adapted for safe viewing on the web. We give practical suggestions but focus on how to protect your eyes during sudden sexy sights. Part 3 of 3.
This is part 2 of 3 which presents specific advice which one can take when confronted with sights that stir up one's lusts so that you can enjoy your walk!
Overcome lusts so you can enjoy your walk and view web pages! Stay sexually pure. If you as a man are having problems controlling your eyes when walking down the street or in a classroom, then the this article will bring help.
The Cycle of Deliverance for Depression, part 12 of 12, provides a five point summary on the steps to overcome Depression. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Two Truths Needed to Heal Depression, part 11 of 12, shows how two truths are critical to know and embrace in order to overcome depression. Do you know what they are or how they help? 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Deepening Our Trust, part 10 of 12, shows the important role of our trust through how Moses fought a problem of depression in Exodus 5 because his dreams were broken and he faced failure. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Rebuilding the Foundation of Hope is part 9 of 12 which clarifies the importance of establishing trust and faith to overcome depression for the long term. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Sharpening our shield is part 8 of 12 shows through Ephesians 6:16 how truth helps a person overcome depression. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Finding Hope to Combat Depression is part 7 of 12 which provides three lessons on overcoming depression from the way Jesus responded to that dark, dark night. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
The 5 Ds: The Path of Disobedience is part 6 of 12 that shows how a depression cycle progresses from bad to worse. Hope comes from recognizing each stage and how to handle its temptation. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity.
The Downward Cycle of Depression Linked to the Root Problem is part 5 of 12 that shows the root cause of depression normally stems from some form of disobedience. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Gaining Discernment of Depression is part 4 of 12 that helps identify and improve our perceptions which influence our susceptibility to depression. Learn also how we can train our mind senses. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Emotions, Feelings and Depression is part 3 of 12 that clarifies how and why a person does not need to follow his or her emotions into depression. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Obtaining Hope from Depression is part 2 of 12 that helps us obtain hope for depression that a person might face in his or her life. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Looking for relief from depression or find a cure to help the depressed? 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' carefully examines the root sources for depression from a Biblical perspective. If a person avoids dealing with the sources of depression, his or her depression will continue to disturb one's life. Learn how to overcome depression, and you can bring God's hope into your soul and others! Depression in the News is part 1 of 12 that describes depression in today's society. 'Adopting God's Hope, Overcoming Depression' is the ninth lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
This podcast on The Flow shows how Christians grow, how to detect where they are in their spiritual growth and what they need for further spiritual growth. The power of this presentation is in the overall view of the whole Christian life, and its use of a familiar analogy to help us apply it to our spiritual lives.
'Break free from lusts' is the eleventh lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which helps shows how to restore the foundation so that you can have long term success in overcoming lusts and strong desires. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
This 10th lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' helps bring restoration by suggesting how through meditation we can begin to think what is right and honorable rather than using our minds to carry out our greedy desires.
Temptations too strong? Perhaps you need to clean up your surroundings! 'Clean up sources of temptation for lusts' is the ninth lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which provides a lot of practical advice to cut down the strong sensual desires. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Don't know how to handle lusts and temptations? This lesson outlines how to start taking control of your lustful thoughts. 'Avoiding Temptation' is the eighth lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust.' Overcoming Lusts is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Don't know where to start? Lusts are so powerful but not beyond understanding. 'Correcting Two Weaknesses' is the seventh lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which points out how real change requires two kinds of changes: correcting our values and thoughts. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
No problem with pornography? It is time that you understand the dangers of pornograpy. 'Pornography is dangerous' is the sixth lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which gives five ways pornography is so dangerous. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Can't escape from your lusts and temptations? Learn of the power of love over the desires of your lusts. 'The Power of Love over Lusts' is the fifth lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which provides a lot of practical advice on how to escape lustful thoughts by focusing on loving others. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Think lust is love? Think again. They are opposites. Lust never is love. 'The Opposite of Lust is Love' is the fourth lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which shows the complete inadequacy of our sensual desires. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Are you confused whether desires are good or bad? Not sure what is wrong with lusts? This brief word study on the Greek word (epithumeo)for lust used in the Bible will help clear things up. This is the third lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which is the seventh lesson in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
When do desires become sin? Or looking become lust? Or beauty becomes porn? 'A Secret Look at Lust' is the second lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' which tries to clarify what is bad with lusts and when they become evil. This lesson is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
Too many Christians for too long have hung around in a pit of despair and retreat than have seen and displayed the power of God in their lives. Lusts have become so common among some believers that it is considered normal. Not! The Lord shows us how we must overcome such lusts in order to live out the Christ-like life of devotion to God and love toward one another. Lusts, after all, is just another form of selfism. This lesson on 'Embracing God's Love, Overcoming Lust' is the seventh in a series on "Reaching Beyond Mediocrity."
This podcast shares how the truth enables God's people to overcome lust and embrace the much more nobler way of God's love. Embracing God's Love: Overcoming Lust is the seventh lesson in the Discipleship Level 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series. Lusts can seem overwhelming, but this podcast step by step reveals biblical truths that show how you can overcome strong desires with God's strength. Listen and see how you can live out God's love rather than consuming your energies on your flesh!
Worry has started. Anxiety as creeped in. How do I get rid of it? 'Steps to Overcome Anxiety,' page 7 of 9 of this full article, helps us observe the five steps in overcoming anxiety and worry.
'The Gate Leading us to the Lord's Peace,' page 8 of 9, sets before us in summary the whole process of overcoming worry and anxiety so that one can easily remember how one is to handle worry.
How does a person actually worry even when he doesn't want to? This article shows the subtle entrance of worry into a person and how to use the truth to displace rebellion and doubt.
Without understanding how anxiety or worry developed in history, we will never be able to properly treat it. History of Anxiety and Worry is the fifth session (out of nine) that provides this historical survey of worry and helps us discern exactly where we are in regards to worry and how to handle it.
Can we recognize anxiety? People all around us are worried. What about you? This fourth of eight articles helps us recognize the impact anxiety has on our lives.
Once we discover worry in our lives, then we can trace its problem to the root cause. 'Understanding the Root Problem of Anxiety and Worry' helps you see why people worry.
We need to understand what is broken before we fix it. This is true with anxiety and worry too. This article highlights the source of anxiousness and worry.
Anxiety arises because of impossible situations but this lesson puts everything in perspective by showing how you can practically get God's strength to handle overwhelming situations. Overcoming Anxiety: Possessing God's Precious Peace shares how the truth enables God's people to overcome worry and possess God's precious peace.
This podcast, Overcoming Anxiety: Possessing God's Precious Peace, shares how the truth enables God's people to overcome anxiety and worry and possess God's precious peace. Anxiety can look impossible to handle but this podcast puts everything in perspective and shows how you with God's strength can handle. Listen and see how step by step to find God's peace!
Ever wonder why Christians with their new nature still can sin? Discover how the evil one uses temptation to ensnare God's people. This is a resource for Discipleship Level 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series.
Ever wonder why Christians with their new nature still can sin? This video podcast explains how the evil one uses temptation to ensnare God's people. This is a resource video for Discipleship Level 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series.
God wants us to overcome personal sins but how? We will look at how to practically put to use the points learned from spiritual warfare to overcome problems of self-reliance and insecurity.
Spiritual warfare is commonly heard of, but many do not know how it is suppose to help the average Christian. Actually, spiritual warfare is for daily living and not just for those extreme struggles. Learn how to use truth to destroy powers of darkness.
What does it mean that God speaks to a person? Many Christians are confused at how God speaks to them through their encounters with Him in His Word. A number of examples of how God speaks to His people are provided here.
Many Christians are not sure how God's Word is suppose to help them in their daily lives. God's Powerful Word, part 2/5, shows how the Lord builds our faith up through His Word.
God speaks to His people through His Word and uses the truth to set them free to overcome personal struggles including self-reliance and insecurity. Gideon is one man who was raised from his fears by God's powerful word.
A pdf exercise for Discipleship Lesson #2 that shows us how our faith relates to the choices and decisions that we make. An extra sheet is on page 2 for further defintions.
A pdf exercise for Discipleship Lesson #2 that sharpen our understanding of the three confidence categories. Answer sheet on page 2.
Sharpening the Mind, the sixth part of the second lesson in the Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, provides two exercises to help build discernment necessary to understand and deal with our spiritual problems.
Three Choices, the fifth part of the second lesson in the Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, presents the three choices that we choose in any given situation and how our choices reveal what we really believe.
Gaining an Overview of the Situation, the fourth part in the second lesson of Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, points out the beauty of the path of life and how this second level focuses on obtaining the fullness of Christ in our lives now!
Processing the Spiritual Growth Self-Evaluation Exercise Sheet, the third part of the second lesson Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, helps analyze the personal growth self-evaluation sheet so that one can see a person's strong areas as well as areas that God is interested in developing.
Victory on the Battlefield, the second part of the second lesson Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, helps us see the faith that we need to have and the importance this faith has upon our spiritual growth.
Why do believers end up with mediocre and dull lives rather than Christ-filled lives? You will begin to see the reason for this in Discovering Choices, the first part in the second lesson of Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series. Learn how our choices are related to our hope and confidence. This is a foundational lesson that leads to significant improvement in our lives.
A podcast that helps believers see why they end up with mediocre and dull lives rather than Christ-filled lives. You can begin to see the reason for this in Discovering Choices, the second lesson in the Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series. Learn how our choices are related to our hope and confidence.
A pdf self-evaluation exercise sheet helps you understand how one is doing in their spiritual development. It helps you detect areas of hope and hopelessness. Our objective is clear: make you hopeful, successful and equipped to help others to succeed in their spiritual lives.
Strengthening our Hope, part 4/4 of Lesson #1 Establishing Hope, shows how we step by step gain a strong confidence in the Word of God so that we can grow strong in our spiritual lives.
Path of Discipleship, part 3/4 of Lesson #1 Establishing Hope, shows and explains The Flow, three discipleship levels as one progresses into spiritual maturity.
Understanding Spiritual Growth, part 2/4 of the Discipleship 2 Establishing Hope series, gives a good overview of the whole process of spiritual growth from the beginning of spiritual growth to full maturity.
Establishing Hope, part 1/4, the first of ten lessons in the Discipleship 2: Reaching Beyond Mediocrity series, shows the importance of hope and how to gain a strong confidence in God's Word so we can move onto the third level of discipleship.