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How do you disciple someone else?  In this episode, we explore just a few specific tips and practices for have an effective discipling relationship with someone else.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

What climate is necessary for us to thrive as disciples?  What climate is best for making disciples?  A climate of grace and truth. Why is this? The biblical answer to that question is that we are made in the image of God. God is truth and God is love. So that means that as human beings we are made to run on grace and truth This is the climate in which human beings flourish.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.    

The discipleship path entails growing in faith. But that doesn't happen alone. Discipleship always happens through a life-on-life transfer. We learn from each other. We practice the "one anothers" with each other. We provide concrete examples of following Jesus for each other.  Growing in faith happens together.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/     The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Being a disciple means you attach yourself to Jesus to become like Jesus. The goal is to become like him in character and mission. How do you go from new follower of Jesus to substantially like Jesus?  What's the path?  If you're helping somebody grow as a disciple, what's the path you should be guiding them along?  If you're a pastor, does your church have a clear path that guides someone from new believer to mature disciple?  We need a discipleship path.  ree 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/     The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Where does discipleship start?  What is the goal discipleship aims at?  In this episode, we explore the catalyst for and goal of living as a disciples of Jesus.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Be and Make Disciples This episode explores the question, What would it have been like to be discipled by Jesus? We can answer this question by reading the Gospels. There was this well-known line from the Mishnah about being “covered in the dust” of your rabbi. It reflects both traveling behind him learning as you discuss important topics and sitting at his feet as he taught in a house. This is exactly what we see in the gospels. In the Gospels, we see Jesus discipling the disciples.    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/     The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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 follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” What is a disciple?  How do you make one? Why does it matter? In this episode we kick off a new series on being and making disciples.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

This episode of the Bible in Life explores the two fundamental practices for spiritual growth and how to practice them consistently and in a way the actually leads to growth. If you want to grow spiritually this year, these two practices are the key.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

This episode explores 5 implications of the fact that we living between the now and the not yet and are still waiting for the restoration of all things.    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/     The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

Advent 2022 Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.   We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.   Even though Jesus came as the initial fulfillment of the advent hope, the waiting isn't over. So in this episode, we explore what it is that we're still waiting for... what is our final hope?    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Advent 2022 Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.   We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.   In our last episode we reflected on the coming of Jesus, the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and the advent hope. But ... the waiting isn't over.    Jesus came. Jesus died and rose again. The Spirit has been poured out. But the story isn't over and we still wait in hope. So in this episode we explore the tension between the already, and not yet.    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Advent 2022 Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.   We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.   In this episode, we reflect on the coming of the Messiah in answer to Israel's deepest longings and hopes... and what that means for us today.    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Episode webpage:     The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Advent 2022 Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.   We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.   In this episode we consider the theme of exile and how being forsaken because of their unfaithfulness led to real loss, and how that led to longing and hoping and waiting for God to act. Israel may have been cut down but they weren't abandoned and God hadn't forgotten his promises.    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Advent 2022 Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.   We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.   In this episode we consider the nation of Israel, a key part of the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. Their story shows us God's faithfulness even when we're unfaithful. Their story is one of covenant and failure… of blessing and curse … of destruction and promise   It's a story of unfaithfulness and promise.   Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Advent 2022 Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.  We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.  In this episode, we look Abraham and the promise that through his offspring all the nations of the earth would be blessed.  Gen 12:1-3 Now the Lord said to Abram,  “Go from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you; 2  And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing; 3  And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”   Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude can be commanded because it can be intentionally practiced. And it's good for us to do so... that's why God in his goodness and wisdom calls us to be grateful. This episode encourages us to intentionally practice gratitude.  Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

2 Corinthians 7:1 says, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." In this episode we reflect on what it looks like to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Episode webpage: https://podcast.johnwhittaker.net/e/perfecting-holiness-2-corinthians-71/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

There are so many Bible translations out there. Which translation is a good one? How should you use translations for Bible study? And what are some good study Bibles?    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Study Bibles: ESV Study Bible - https://amzn.to/3U8FpcA Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible - https://amzn.to/3DAZCAL Archaeology Study Bible - https://amzn.to/3FMsjNY   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Episode webpage: https://podcast.johnwhittaker.net/e/what-bible-translation-should-you-use/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.   *some links are affiliate links which means this ministry receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Sometimes a verse becomes so familiar, we can actually miss its meaning. Or miss some of its meaning.  I think that's the case with 2 Corinthians 5:21:  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We assume we know what this is talking about, and we think it's talking about how God declared us righteous through Jesus' death. But it actually means more than that. So tune in, and let's explore this verse together.  Philippians article: https://renew.org/summary-of-philippians/   Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Episode webpage:     The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

When Paul writes Philippians, he's in custody in Rome. He hasn't been able to travel and preach for nearly 4 years. Yet Philippians is known as the epistle of joy. Why is that?  It has to do with what mattered most to Paul... with where he found his life and joy.  He models this for us in both the letter to the Philippians and in Acts 16 when he started the church in Philippi.    Overview of Philippians article: https://renew.org/summary-of-philippians/   Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Episode webpage: https://podcast.johnwhittaker.net/e/how-can-paul-have-joy-while-in-roman-custody-philippians/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.