Discipleship Resources Must Reads

These “Must Reads” are a collection of curated resources on key topics of life, faith and the Bible.  Each topic is in a very specific order so that you can get the most out of your exploration and they should be explored in order. In each topic the articles are in order, starting with the most recently published at the top. They offer selected short audio, video, and print messages on key discipleship themes to help people learn “as you go.”

Begin Here: Grace

This collection of curated resources on “Grace” is a powerful way to start your journey.  This section should be read first to get a foundational understanding for the power found in the healing grace of Christ.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Step 2: Following Jesus

This next collection of curated resources is on “Following Jesus. ” Discover what it means to follow Jesus and find the life that is truly life.

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” – Mark 8:34-35 (ESV)

Step 3: Holy Spirit

This next collection of curated resources is on the “Holy Spirit. ” Learn how you can experience God’s Spirit at work in and through you.

“… And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” – John 14:16-17 (ESV)

Step 4: Trusting the Bible

This next collection of curated resources is on “Trusting the Bible. ” You’ll learn about the authority, accuracy, historicity, and reliability of scripture.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Step 5: God’s Plan for Our Growth

This next collection of curated resources is on “God’s Plan for Our Growth. ” Explore these articles, videos, and lessons on how you can grow in Christ.

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” – Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)

Step 6: Humility

This next collection of curated resources is on “Humility. ” Humility is one of the most essential things that characterizes true Christianity. C.S. Lewis wrote that pride is “the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family.” Learn more about pride and humility in this collection.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)

Step 7: Love

This next collection of curated resources is on “Love. ” You’ll learn about the nature of God’s love and how His love transforms and empowers us to love others.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”  – 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a (ESV)

Step 8: Living the Truth

This next collection of curated resources is on “Living the Truth.” Learn what it means to live a life of character and integrity, and discover the power to live for Christ and to truly love.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”  – Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV) 

Step 9: Obedience

This next collection of curated resources is on “Obedience.” Discover how you can walk closely with God and live out His plan for your life day by day.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15 (ESV)

Step 10: Calling

This next collection of curated resources is on “Calling.” God has a special calling for each of us. Explore your call and learn what it means to live fully for Christ.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Step 11: Being Transformed by the Bible

This next collection of curated resources is on “Being Transformed by the Bible.” You’ll find practical tips and tools to help you grow through reading, praying, meditating, and studying God’s Word.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” – Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)

Step 12: Understanding and Engaging Today’s World

This next collection of curated resources is on “Understanding and Engaging Today’s World.” Learn how you can reach out to your neighbors with courage, compassion, and winsome conviction.

“… but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”  – 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

Step 13: Holiness of God

This next collection of curated resources is on “Holiness of God.” One of the most important attributes for understanding God and ourselves is God’s holiness.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” – Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

Step 14: Knowing the Depth of Our Sins

This next collection of curated resources is on “Knowing the Depth of Our Sins.” One of the great objects of prayer should be for conviction of our sins and for a repentant heart. It is a prayer that is soon answered, clears the barriers that keep us from intimacy with God, and leaves joy in its wake.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” – Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

Step 15: The Seven Deadly Sins

This next collection of curated resources is on “The Seven Deadly Sins:” Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, Greed, Envy (Dejection), Sloth, and Pride (Vainglory). What are the roots and fruits of these choices and are they really deadly?

“But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”  – Eph. 4:20-24 (ESV)

Step 16: Pursuing Holiness

This next collection of curated resources is on “Pursuing Holiness.” A holy life is grace filled, joyful, attractive, deeply satisfying—and God’s chief goal for His children.

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.” – 1 Peter 1:14-17 (ESV)

Step 17: Spiritual Warfare

This next collection of curated resources is on “Spiritual Warfare.” Three great enemies of the soul are “the world, the flesh and the devil”. Learn how by God’s grace you can recognize and find victory in your spiritual battles.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  – Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)

Step 18: Prayer

This next collection of curated resources is on “Prayer.” Just as any strong relationship needs regular and honest communication, prayer is essential for maintaining a vibrant and healthy spiritual life.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”  – Colossians 4:2 ESV

Step 19: Mission

This next collection of curated resources is on “Mission.” There is no greater adventure on the planet than to be part of the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. Learn how you can join God’s mission and be part of His redeeming work at home and around the world.

“…Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’”  – Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

Step 20: Community of Believers

This next collection of curated resources is on “Community of Believers.” We were created to be in community, and God invites us to be part of His family. What does a community that honors Jesus as Lord look like? Learn more and discover true friendship through these inspiring resources.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” – Acts 2:42 (ESV)

Step 21: Life and Writings of C.S. Lewis

This next collection of curated resources is on “Life and Writings of C.S. Lewis.” Learn more about C.S. Lewis and how his faith and writings continue to influence many around the world.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

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