Harvest Church of Minden

Rev 3:14-22 Discussing the lukewarm church can be challenging as we look at ourselves. The heart issue of pride can be deceiving and distracting to the church, especially to a self-sufficient body. The zeal for the Lord needs to be rooted in our faith trust and dependence on Him as we repent and root out the issue of pride. 

Rev. 3:7-13 The church at Philadelphia is a model church with an open door for evangelism as they do not deny the name of Christ and hold fast to his word. They are given 6 promises. The promises of God are something that we hold onto as believers to encourage us to be strong in the faith. 

Rev. 2:18-29 Not dealing with the temptations of personality, authority, theology and morality led to corruption for this church as they followed Jezebel rather than Christ. We all need to be aware of the heart issues that can plague us. 

Rev. 3:1-6 The church that had a reputation for being alive, but was actually dead implores us to consider our spiritual condition. Jesus gives 5 imperatives for this church that we must reflect on as well. 

Rev. 2:12-17 The church at Pergamum is a portrait of when comprise enters the church. The areas of morality and theology were weaknesses where the state and culture that influenced the church to compromise their beliefs. 

Rev. 2:8-11 The suffering and persecuted church is a reality that many in America cannot fathom. But as our brothers and sisters throughout the world experience trials and tribulations, we need to use the grace and freedom we have to advance the kingdom forward, and lift up, support and encourage those worldwide.

Rev. 2:1-7 Beginning a look at the seven churches, we dive into the good, the bad, the corrections and the commendations and how Jesus is speaking to the church. This applies for us today in order for us to remember our first love.

John 15 Steve Kiesel As we look at the bible, we see giants of the faith. All of them got there through small steps of faith. Praising God for who he is and knowing the gravity of love of God that impacts our life. This allows us to leave footprints because we are abiding in Him, and Him in us. 

2 Sam 22, Romans 6:16-19 Steve Kiesel  Victory in Jesus has great meaning and implications for us to understand the deliverance that Christ has given us. D-Day, also means we live in debt, where we are slaves to Christ and righteousness. We also are to delight in the Lord. 

Ex. 3:1-15 Steve Kiesel  Understanding how God will recycle and repurpose people to fulfill his Word and will in order to live for Him. 

Rev 1:9-20 John sees the portrait of Jesus, a man he knew intimately as a beloved disciple and this appearance causes him to fall on his face. How are we visualizing Jesus in our everyday life?

Rev. 1:1-8 Looking at the prologue and the greeting, we see the emphasis being placed on Jesus Christ for this revelation. We see who he is, and what is to happen soon. We also get a portrait of the trinity, the second coming, and the gospel message.

An overview of the book of Revelation, going over some terms, camps, interpretations, and what to look out for as we begin this study. 

John 20 The Resurrection is the keystone to the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins. 

Mark 11:1-11 Celebrating the Triumphal Entry, we can see the incomplete expectations of the people in terms of the messiah. Do we too see Jesus for what we want him to be, or do we see him for who he truly is? 

Summarizes a whole book of the Bible can be challenging. What are some of the impactful and foundation verses that direct the theme and message of what we have gone over? A good exercise to try after reading the Bible.

Acts 28 For the conclusion of the book of Acts, it seems a little open ended, but we see the consistent theme that has run through the entire book of spreading the gospel message and telling people about the Kingdom of God as Paul arrives in Rome. This example shows the church how we need to live for the Kingdom for the glory of Christ

Acts 27 Following Paul's journey to Rome, storms wreak havoc on their plans. Paul guides them to the safe landing. In life challenges and storms will come, how will we respond? Will we try self-preservation, or we will trust in the word of God. 

Acts 25-26 Paul appeals to Caesar as the Jews and the Governor Festus continue to find fault or no fault and he remains imprisoned. He is able to share his testimony and the gospel message with Agrippa, Festus and many Roman officers and soldiers. Paul did not fear death, but was emboldened by the grace of God to share the truth of the prophets and Moses which point to Christ. 

Acts 23:25-24:27 Paul finally get formal accusations against him, and the chance to defend against those. His case is left in limbo as he awaits the testimony of Claudius Lysias; in the meantime, he continues to share the gospel message and preach Christ.

Acts 22:30-23:24 Paul goes before the Sanhedrin and is interrupted by the high priest in an indignant exchange. As arguments ensue, his hope is found in the words of Jesus. The same needs to be true for us as we face moments of contention within the secular world. Jesus is our hope, but the enemy will try to silence us and the spread of the gospel message. 

Acts 21:37-22:29 Paul courageously defends the faith before an angry mob by sharing his testimony and the commission to take the gospel to the gentiles. This is his first of 5 defenses.

Acts 21:1-36 Paul finishes his third missionary journey with the resolve to go to Jerusalem. He has two encounters where fellow believers try to discourage him as rumors and lies are being spread about him. However as he tries to live out the gospel message he is assaulted and arrested. Where does truth and Justice prevail amid the chaos?

Acts 20:17-38 Paul recounts his ministry in Ephesus to the elders and testifies to how he lived while among them. He warns and encourages them to hold firm to the gospel because the wolves will come in to pull people away. And that ultimately the resolve to follow the Lord may lead to hard circumstances.

Acts 20:1-16 Paul travels to Greece for his farewell encouragements, and also has to raise a young man back to life after he fell asleep in a third story window. The encouragement to be alert remains for the church today in order to set our focus on the purpose of fulling the Great Commission