Resources for Every Disciple

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This article is regularly updated and may be edited at any time. The recommendation of these resources does not mean that I endorse all of their contents.

Every Christian is a disciple. A disciple is a follower of Jesus who studies his teachings and puts them into practice. The following resources can help you in the life of discipleship. My favorite resources are marked with an asterisk (*). Whenever you’re choosing resources:

  • Avoid using a devotional book as a substitute for serious Bible study. If you want a supplement for your devotional times, read a section from one of the Christian spiritual classics.
  • Avoid feeding too much on any one writer or speaker. Listen to a wide variety of reputable voices.
  • Avoid “feel-good” preachers who give motivational speeches instead of explaining and applying God’s word. If you are in doubt, ask your pastor.
  • Avoid preachers who are characterized by a harsh, arrogant, or sarcastic attitude.
  • When in doubt, consult your pastor.

Bible Reading Resources

There is no substitute for the continuous reading and study of God’s word.

Bible Study Resources

Creeds, Confessions, Catechisms

Creeds (e.g., Nicene Creed) are statements of basic Christian beliefs: “what has everywhere, always, and by all been believed” (Vincent of Lerins). Confessions (e.g., 25 Articles of Religion) usually include content that is important but not essential and may not be believed by all Christians. Catechisms are teaching tools that include much of the same material as creeds and confessions, and are usually in Q&A format.

Christian Calendar

Apps

  • *Read Scripture by BibleProject (best Bible reading/study app). One-year Bible reading plan with a daily Psalm and integrated videos that explain each book of the Bible and major biblical themes.
  • Lectio 365 (best prayer app). Short morning and evening prayers that follow the acronym PRAY: P:ause to be still. R:ejoice with a Psalm and R:eflect on Scripture. A:sk for God’s help Y:ield to His will in your life.
  • BiblicalTraining (free classes on the Bible). Dozens of classes on the Bible, theology, church history, and the Christian life from world-renowned professors. Start with the Foundations classes.
  • The Bible Project. The videos from the Read Scripture app and other resources to grow your Bible reading skills.
  • Five Psalms. Pray through five Psalms of the day. If you complete your regular Bible reading in the evening, pray these in the morning, or vice versa.

Podcasts

  • *Passages: NicaeaA beautiful introduction to the Christian faith. Traces the history and theology of the Nicene Creed, the most universally accepted summary of the faith. 5 stars. Learn more.
  • Ask NT Wright AnythingQ&A on a wide variety of topics with one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars.
  • Quick to Listen by Christianity Today. Analysis of cultural events from a Christian perspective.
  • Holy Joys PodcastDiscussions of theology and ministry practice. Some episodes are focused on pastors and disciple-makers, but most are relevant for every Christian.
  • The Hour of Holiness PodcastA podcast from Wesley Biblical Seminary with Bill Ury.

Sermons

For various reasons, I urge disciples to avoid popular internet preachers such as Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Andy Stanley, James MacDonald, Mark Driscoll, and John MacArthur. These preachers may have some good things to say, but they are problematic or even dangerous at some points, and there are better resources available.

Videos & Youtube Channels

Blogs & Articles

A few of my favorite sites that regularly publish articles:

Short Books (150 pages or less)

Books & Audiobooks (150+ pages)

Books & Audiobooks (Primary Sources)

The audiobook links are to Audible. Most are also available with a subscription to Scribd, Hoopla, etc.

Music

Artwork

Movies & Shows

  • VidAngelA service that allows you to filter out nudity, graphic violence, and profanity from movies and shows on streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.
  • The Chosen (multi-season video series about the life of Christ). Unfortunately, most Christian movies and shows are cheesy. Thankfully, the Chosen, a multi-season series about the life of Christ, is an exception. It’s well-produced, moving, and theologically reasonable (at least so far, only Seasons 1 & 2 have been released). See a review here.
  • Luther. The dramatic story of Martin Luther, the priest who confronted abuses in the Roman Catholic Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Watch it every year on or around October 31 (Reformation Day, the day that Luther posted his 95 Theses).
  • The New Testament in Its World Video Lectures by N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird. An incredible series, though a bit expensive. Put it on your Christmas list.

  • The Chronicles Of Narnia. Based on the fantasy books by C. S. Lewis. Filled with Christian themes and motifs (Aslan is the Christ figure). The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. Prince Caspian. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Resources for Children

Johnathan Arnold
Johnathan Arnold
Johnathan Arnold is a husband, father, and aspiring pastor-theologian, as well as the founder and president of holyjoys.org. You can connect with him on Twitter @jsarnold7.