Have you ever felt lost in the crowd on a Sunday morning? Do you long for deeper connections and a faith that goes beyond the surface? You're not alone. This week, we're having a crucial conversation about the single most effective tool for spiritual formation: the small group.

In this episode, we'll uncover the biblical blueprint for discipleship, from Jesus's inner circle to the house-to-house ministry of the early believers. Discover why small groups are essential for fostering authentic community, creating a culture of accountability, and truly applying scripture to the ups and downs of everyday life.

Pastor Stephen Armstrong conducts a breakout session at the 2015 VBVMI Conference

This sermon explores the multifaceted nature of discipleship through the powerful metaphors of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Each of these roles represents a unique aspect of the commitment and perseverance required to live a life of faith, as well as the rewards that come with such a dedication.

The sermon begins by examining the life of a soldier, highlighting the discipline, obedience, and unwavering focus required to serve a higher cause. Just as a soldier endures hardship and remains loyal to their mission, a disciple is called to stand firm in their beliefs and fight the spiritual battles that come their way. This path is not always easy, but it is one of honor and purpose.

Next, the sermon turns to the image of an athlete, emphasizing the importance of training, self-control, and the pursuit of excellence. An athlete's journey is one of constant improvement, pushing past limitations to achieve a goal. Similarly, a disciple must be diligent in their spiritual practices, striving to grow in their faith and character. The reward is not just the prize at the end, but the strength and resilience gained along the way.

Finally, the sermon concludes with the metaphor of a farmer, who patiently cultivates the land, sows seeds, and trusts in the harvest. This illustrates the necessity of faith, patience, and hard work in the life of a believer. The farmer's reward is the fruit of their labor, a bountiful harvest that comes in due season. In the same way, a disciple who faithfully plants seeds of kindness, love, and truth will reap a harvest of righteousness and eternal rewards.

Through these three compelling images, the sermon paints a vivid picture of what it means to be a true disciple. It is a call to live with courage, discipline, and unwavering faith, trusting that the rewards of a life dedicated to a higher purpose are immeasurable.

Pastor Stephen Armstrong presents a teaching from 1 Timothy 2, at the 2015 VBVMI ConferenceWeb: https://versebyverseministry.org/conference_sessions/soldier-athlete-farmer-the-rewards-of-discipleship

Discover the ultimate and final secrets revealed to us by the holy text itself. This finale to a deeper Bible Study will teach all believers some very insightful ideas not just about the scriptures themselves and our past relationship as his people through all time, but the meaning behind so many things even those things in a way that’ll prepare us all for Christ’s final ascension and the kingdom he and his father plan for the world after Armageddon. After a more general examination of all the prior studies in this series, Pastor Stephen unveils with both humor, and sincerity, through many different holy texts, that through God’s divine light there is a larger connection between all of mankind in ways one cannot fully appreciate on a surface level view. All the symbols and tools God showed the early man have one very strong common through-line: his children are meant for greatness not only with his final arrival and judgement upon this sinful world but more deeply as it relates to what they must endure while suffering its corrupting influence through patience in the faith of your personal relationship with our merciful God and a fuller and truer communion with all those God made as equal as you.

In this sermon, you will learn:

• What the True Final Secret Message of the Exodus Reveals: By completing a full overview and examination of Exodus, learn what God intended for not only Moses, and those people chosen to lead for his ultimate designs, but a lesson that through faith in Jesus any follower, young or old, is welcome to embrace the calling of the Lord.

• The Truth About A Will Truly Free: Go beyond simple definitions and into a philosophical argument for what a life can be free from sinful choices through what may seem contradictory; letting a man who gave his only son for the freedom from our sinful natures, control, guide, and protect one’s will through faith in his words, to do and to be what He designed you for.

• The Meaning Behind a Thousand Years in One Sentence: Why The Glory of The Tabernacle Faded: With its construction complete, its place of prominence well defined, and its holiness anointed and purified, why this Holy Place could not remain as a place for his followers to go to, when the Lord promised he and his holy presence would protect Israel always.

The greatest gift any teacher of the bible may grant its listener isn’t one’s deeper wisdom from an innate sense of one’s closeness to the word and will of the father. It is in fact quite the opposite and as Pastor Stephen closes this very special examination and celebration of a Book which means more to its followers in a way few other pieces of art in the annals of man has, come understand why for those called to it the purpose is to reveal to us who they are so we too can become the true teachers and followers of our merciful God, our savior Jesus Christ, and to our brethren, our spiritual community. That you too can shine your heavenly light of a faith true for any to find salvation through, just as it’s foretold.

Notes: https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/uploads/exodus_35-40.pdf

Web: https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/exodus_lesson_35_40

This is a Sermon delivered by Pastor Stephen Armstrong, Check out the website for more resources: https://versebyverseministry.org/

Follow or Subscribe to not miss a study.

**Note: All the episodes this podcast will host are already recorded and available on the website. We are releasing one episode a week to help people follow the study week by week.

The ministry DOES NOT run this Podcast, this is a non-official podcast that we are managing to help Pastor Stephen Armstrong's sermons reach all kinds of audiences.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9cxfeIYFGz-z7onAnODHg

Transcript: https://drive.proton.me/urls/78TQP2A1FG#LKTYy2tA6PDc