Harvest Church of Minden

Who is Jesus if not the Good Shepherd who has come down from Heavenly Places to gather His sheep to himself. Today Salvation has come to this house as we read about Zaccheus.

Jesus predicts his death for the third time to his disciples, who are believing the coming messiah will bring in an earthly kingdom. They are blinded to the truth of the suffering servant because of their own expectations. And this is followed by the healing of a blind man, who is blind physically, but not spiritually. We need to be disciples who see God for who He is, not who we want Him to be. 

What is it that we hold onto dearly? Do those things in our life mean more to us than our relationship with Jesus? If so we need to humbly admit our idolatry before a holy and righteous God to be single-minded disciples, not swayed by the things of this world.

In another lesson about humility Jesus tells the disciples that they must be like a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But he also gives them three important points: Let them come, Do not hinder, receive the kingdom like a child. The disciples needed to understand the grace being offered so as to not control it when it comes to others receiving. 

Jesus addresses an attitude within the disciples by giving them a parable contrasting a Pharisee with a tax collector. It is important for us as his followers to not put our hope in our own righteousness, rather place it in His grace and mercy. 

Day and night, we cry out to the Lord for justice and mercy. This is especially on our minds when there is turmoil or problems around us, but the constancy of prayer is something that we are called to do. Pray without ceasing!

In a tumultuous time, it is imperative that we understand our priorities and who is sitting on the throne. We are His disciples, and called to specific missions to advance his kingdom. We live in an awesome time!

The account of the ten lepers in Luke allows us to see how the heart of a disciple needs to be one of gratitude for who Jesus is, and what he has done.

Beginning a mini-series today through chapter 17 of Luke to look at distinctions of a disciple. Today's focus is on how a disciple is to treat sin, whether in rebuking or forgiving. Both challenges that the disciples cry out for an increase in their faith. Jesus' response is to continue to have faith in the Word of God!

Looking at the two destinations that Jesus describes in Luke 16, he is trying to cut through the hardheartedness of the Pharisees to desire wealth and worship something other than God. Jesus also continues to teach his disciples and the Pharisees about the Kingdom of God and the importance of repentance