Luke 14: THE SUPREME CALL OF DISCIPLESHIP

 

SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:26 (NKJV)- THE SUPREME CALL OF DISCIPLESHIP

              “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”

OBSERVATION

This verse is striking because Jesus uses the word “hate,” which in our modern cultural lens sounds harsh and contradictory to His command to love. But when we bridge the linguistic gap, we see that the Greek word miseō often means “to love less” or “to prefer less.” Jesus is not teaching hostility toward family but emphasizing that devotion to Him must be supreme.

The cultural gap is also significant. In first-century Jewish society, family loyalty was one of the highest values. Honoring parents was central to the Law (Exodus 20:12). So Jesus’ words would have been shocking, deliberately challenging cultural norms to show that discipleship requires radical reordering of priorities.

The historical gap reminds us that discipleship in Jesus’ time often meant leaving home, livelihood, and community. Following Him could bring persecution, rejection, or even death. His audience understood that this was not a metaphor—it was a real cost.

The geographical gap matters too. In Galilee and Judea, disciples risked expulsion from synagogues and hostility from both Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. Jesus’ words carried immediate weight in that setting.

Other scriptures reinforce this radical call:

• “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” — Matthew 10:37
• “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” — Matthew 10:38
• “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” — Matthew 16:25

APPLICATION

Understanding these gaps helps us apply the verse correctly today. Jesus is not asking us to despise our families, but to love Him so supremely that every other love is secondary. In practice, this means:

• Choosing obedience to Christ even when it conflicts with cultural expectations.
• Placing Him above personal ambitions, comfort, or reputation.
• Allowing our devotion to Christ to shape how we love our families—making our love purer and more sacrificial because it flows from Him.

 

As Paul reminds us:

• “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20
• “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2

True discipleship is costly, but it is the path to eternal life and joy in Christ.

PRAYER

Hallelujah! Father God, thank You for reminding us of the supreme call of discipleship. Help us to love You above all else—above family, possessions, and even our own lives. Teach us to surrender fully, to place You at the center of every decision and relationship. May our devotion to You transform the way we love our families and live in this world. Strengthen us to carry our cross daily, to seek Your kingdom first, and to glorify You in all things.

We especially lift up  Jesus Christ’s Remnant Church (JCRC). May the JCRC family be an example of perseverance and great faith, showing unwavering devotion to You above all else. Empower them to live out radical discipleship, to shine as a light in their community, and to inspire others to follow You wholeheartedly.  This I pray in the name of JESUS, Amen.

-- PASTORA JEANNIE - JCRC SORSOGON

 

Luke 13: BEAR FRUIT

 BEAR FRUIT

Luke 13:6-9, "THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE" The author of the passage is Luke. The book is directly addressed to an individual named Theophilus. By extension, the book was written for early Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian communities to provide an orderly, reliable, and historical account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In this passage, the 'FRUIT' is repeated 3 times. It is a clear message to us that we should bear fruits spiritually. The message is written in parable. Parable is a short story designed to illustrate a moral, spiritual, or religious lesson. Derived from the Greek word 'Parabolē', meaning a COMPARISON. Back to the parable, there are three characters in the story. *The vineyard owner- represents God. He expects the fig tree to serve it's purpose and produce good fruit. *The Barren Fig Tree- represents Israel at the time, and more broadly, any individual who claims to know God but fails to produce spiritual "fruit" of repentance, faith, and good works. *The Caretaker (Gardener)- symbolizes Jesus Christ. He is the merciful intercessor who pleads for more time and works to nurture believers. Now, the parable's background and issues encompass several dimensions: *Geographic and Agricultural Issues: In ancient Israel, fig trees were highly valuable and commonly planted inside vineyards to provide shade for grapes growers and protection from drought. Because grapevines require a great deal of sunlight and soil nutrients, a barren fig tree "using up the ground" (Luke 13:7) was actual economic liability that robbed the surrounding vines of vital resources.

So here, fig trees back then were highly valuable. But if it does not bear fruit for a long time, it will use up the ground and become an economic liability that robbed the surrounding vines of vital resources. That is why, the owner suggested to cut id down because that is what they supposed to do. Same as the Christians, if we are fruitless, we are not valuable. Fruitless Christians are those people who are hypocrites claiming they are believers of Christ but they aren't doing what the Word is telling them to do. Faith without action is dead. And a tree growing for a long without a fruit is useless and deserve to be cut down.

*Political and Historical Context: This parable is deliberately placed immediately after Jesus addresses two local tragedies: Governor Pontius Pilate's brutal massacre of Galilean worshipers in the Temple, and a structural collapse of a tower at Siloam that killed eighteen people. While the public debated whether these tragedies were political or divine punishments for specific sins, Jesus subverted these theories. He connected the tragedies to the parable to warn that without a collective repentance, national disaster and judgement and were imminent. The parable of the Barren Fig Tree recorded by Luke offers advice by warning against spiritual complacency and urging readers to bear the "FRUIT" of repentance. We should produce spiritual fruits, the vineyard owner (God) expects to see figs to represent a life characterized by genuine faith, righteousness, and good deeds. A healthy faith is expected to be visible.

Repent without delay; earlier in the chapter (Luke 13:3, 13:5), Jesus explicitly commands His listeners to "repent or perish". The parable reiterate this urgency, warning readers that God's patience is not indefinite. And lastly, it utilize God's Grace. The gardener asks for one more year to dig around and fertilize the tree. This illustrates God's Grace and mercy, offering readers "second chances" to realign their lives and grow in faith. Because the exact timing of life's end is unpredictable,..

...the advice is to humbly acknowledge your sins and actively yield spiritual growth today rather than later.

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ELDER MC - JCRC SORSOGON

Luke 10: Rejoice Your Name is Written

 

Rejoice Your Name is Written Luke 10:20-21 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
Observation:
Jesus was "full of joy", in other versions filled with joy "rejoice in the Spirit' (agalliao=extreme/exuberant joy, leaping with joy) it is recorded only ONCE in the 4 Gospels – extreme joy over people knowing the Father. There’s no greater joy than knowing we’re saved, that our name is written in the Book of Life – more than miracles, signs, and wonders. Our soul is what matters most, where it will go after life.
This is what sets us apart from other beliefs?-Assurance of Salvation in Christ alone, through Him alone.
So ask again: When you die, are you sure you’ll go to heaven with God? If you are still unsure after all of these, what’s the point of striving? What’s the point of serving? We can’t pay for salvation! We serve because we’re saved not to earn it.
Our ultimate joy is that our name is written in heaven. It means we’re one with the Lord and dwell in His heart’s delight. For us to experience this we come to Him like a child – humble for God hides His truth from the proud, reveals it to the humble.
Not just “have” Christ, but KNOW HIM(from the word GINOSKO = intimate/relational knowing, like “Adam knew Eve”). Jesus was joyful over people knowing the Father. Like Mary, sit at His feet to know Him.
And if we ever thought your mess is too much, or we've gone so far'' leave all your doubts, busyness and unbelief- be at His feet, be one with Him... Don't run away, don't ignore Him
What breaks His heart, you staying away.
What makes Him rejoice, you coming home APPLICATION:
Part of Knowing is Obeying Him. Obedience (hupakoe= to hear and respond). So HEAR, RESPOND AND SHARE. Now He reveals His greatest joy-Saving our souls. Nothing saddens Him more than us being lost. Let’s bring joy to His heart by gathering His children. Let’s spread the Gospel!
What breaks His heart also moves His Hands. Because His heart broke at the cross, He could heal ours..
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for revealing Your heart — what breaks Your heart and what fills Your heart with joy. Forgive us for breaking Your heart through our disobedience and for ignoring You. May we live this life bringing You joy and a smile on Your face. Because there is nothing more worth it than seeing You happy, Father. And we pray, Lord, that we may share this Love and Joy of Salvation with people. In Jesus' Name. Amen

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PASTORA CZAR - JCRC SORSOGON

LUKE 8: THE GOD WHO SEES THE OUTCASTS

 

Scripture

Luke 8:1b-3 (ESV) – “He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.”

Luke 8:26-29 (ESV) – “Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time, he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.

Luke 8:43-48 (ESV) – “A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. 44 Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. 48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Observation

Luke was a Gentile (Greek) Christian and a doctor and the only author of the New Testament that was non-Jewish. He is writing the gospel from a different perspective, especially from the viewpoint of non-Jewish religion where “outsiders” and women were marginalised or looked down upon.

Throughout the gospels Jesus made a point of breaking the human and cultural traditions that were harmful so some people by reaching out to the marginalised groups – the lepers, the tax collectors, demon-possessed, women, and roman soldiers, amongst other. In the events written down in Luke chapter 8 it is no different.

Jesus was a rabbi and took the women (Mary of Magdalene) to travel with him and the disciples. He saw them, He valued them, He delivered them from evil. Out of love and appreciation they followed Jesus, learned from His teachings and took care of Him and the disciples.

The demon possessed man who was naked and lived alone among the tombs did not deter Jesus, in fact we read that Jesus already commanded the evil spirits in the man to go, even before the man saw Jesus. Further down in the passage we read that the man was sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and sane. Not only did Jesus deliver the man, but He also clothed and took him under His wing, allowing the man to sit at His feet.

The woman with the issue of blood was cast out of society, because she was perceived unclean, yet when she touched the garment of Jesus out of desperation, he did not despise her. She was instantly healed and He showed compassion on her and admired her faith in Him. And He blessed her to GO IN PEACE (untroubled, undisturbed).

Application

I also once felt like a marginalised cast-out, but when I truly met Jesus and entered into a relationship with Him, He accepted me, healed my wounds and brokenness. He wants to do the same for each and every one of you.

Jesus will not despise or reject any person who comes to Him. In John 6:37 Jesus said:  ³⁷ All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me].

Cling to this promise today and come to the One who deeply loves you and cares for you.

Prayer

Abba Father, Lord Almighty thank you that You care for each one of us deeply, that we matter to you, that our lives matter to you. Help us to surrender fully into your everlasting love and care, so that we might live a life fully surrendered in obedience to Your will. Amen.

 

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PAS HESMA - JCRC SA

LUKE 3: Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit So We Can Bear Fruit In Keeping With Repentance.

 

Be Baptized with the Holy Spirit So We Can Bear Fruit In Keeping With Repentance.

Scripture: Luke 3:7-9
7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, c“You brood of dvipers! Who warned you to flee from ethe wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits fin keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, g‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from hthese stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. iEvery tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

These verses emphasized the necessity of genuine repentance, which is not merely a change of mind but a transformation that results in observable actions. In the biblical context, “fruit" often symbolizes the visible evidence of one's inner spiritual state (Matthew 7:16-20).

16 You will recognize them lby their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, mevery healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 nEvery tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
The call to produce fruit aligns with the teachings of the prophets, who urged Israel to demonstrate their faith through righteous living Isaiah 1:16–17

16 jWash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
kcease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; lseek justice, correct oppression; mbring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause

The concept of repentance is central to the message of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to turn from their sins (Matthew 3:1-2)

John told his hearers an important truth: “You must truly repent of your sins.” Your repentance is absolutely necessary for your salvation. “Unless you repent, you will all . . . perish”
Lk 13:3-5
3 No, I tell you; but unless you rrepent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Othose eighteen on whom the tower in sSiloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you rrepent, you will all likewise perish.”
(Acts 2:38).
37 Now when mthey heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, nwhat shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, o“Repent and pbe baptized every one of you qin the name of Jesus Christ rfor the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive sthe gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 3:19).
Fruit is not the root of salvation but its inevitable product
Ephesians 2:8-10.
8 For zby grace you have been saved athrough faith. And this is bnot your own doing; cit is the gift of God, 9 dnot a result of works, eso that no one may boast. 10 For fwe are his workmanship, gcreated in Christ Jesus hfor good works, iwhich God prepared beforehand, jthat we should walk in them.


Application:
John the Baptist emerges as a voice crying out in the wilderness, urging people to prepare the way for the Lord. His message is clear: repentance is essential. "Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance". This call to repentance is a reminder that true change begins in the heart and is evidenced by our actions. Baptism is a significant theme in Luke 3, symbolizing purification and a new beginning. John baptized with water, but the spoke of the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This act of baptism is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to a transformed life. It serves as a reminder of the cleansing power of God's grace and the new life we have in Chris John proclaims that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the Spirit's role in empowering believers.

It emphasizes the importance of surrendering our life to his Holy spirit for guidance, strength, and the ability to live out our faith helps us to examine our lives and align them with God's will in humility reminding us that our purpose is to serve and glorify God, not ourselves. Embracing humility allows us to be vessels for God's work, pointing others to Christ
Salvation is not merely to pray a prayer but to embrace a life-altering repentance evidenced by bearing fruit.

• Prayer:
our Father in heaven, I thank you for your love mercy and grace, you’re the Lord of my life, I come before you today and ask for the baptism of your Holy spirit in me to help me turn away from every sin and hypocrisy. Let my repentance be genuine, not just in words but in the transformation of my heart and action, Father, teach me to bear good fruit in keeping with repentance, your fruit of love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control Lord, keep me sensitive to Your warnings and corrections. Help me not to take Your grace for granted but to live ready for Your coming. Father God gives me a heart that shares with those in need and treats others with fairness, reflecting Your justice and compassion. Lord, deliver me from spiritual laziness. Stir in me a hunger to grow daily in righteousness and to live a life that pleases You.in Jesus Holy name I pray.
Amen

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PASTORA KATHY - JCRC FIJI

Lucas 2: Jesús el cumplimiento del plan perfecto de Dios

 

Jesús el cumplimiento del plan perfecto de Dios

Lucas 2: 8-20

Los ángeles y los pastores

⁸ Había pastores en la misma región, que velaban y guardaban las vigilias de la noche sobre su rebaño. ⁹ Y he aquí, se les presentó un ángel del Señor, y la gloria del Señor los rodeó de resplandor; y tuvieron gran temor. ¹⁰ Pero el ángel les dijo: No temáis; porque he aquí os doy nuevas de gran gozo, que será para todo el pueblo: ¹¹ que os ha nacido hoy, en la ciudad de David, un Salvador, que es CRISTO el Señor. ¹² Esto os servirá de señal: Hallaréis al niño envuelto en pañales, acostado en un pesebre. ¹³ Y repentinamente apareció con el ángel una multitud de las huestes celestiales, que alababan a Dios, y decían:

¹⁴ ¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas,

Y en la tierra paz, buena voluntad para con los hombres!

¹⁵ Sucedió que cuando los ángeles se fueron de ellos al cielo, los pastores se dijeron unos a otros: Pasemos, pues, hasta Belén, y veamos esto que ha sucedido, y que el Señor nos ha manifestado. ¹⁶ Vinieron, pues, apresuradamente, y hallaron a María y a José, y al niño acostado en el pesebre. ¹⁷ Y al verlo, dieron a conocer lo que se les había dicho acerca del niño. ¹⁸ Y todos los que oyeron, se maravillaron de lo que los pastores les decían. ¹⁹ Pero María guardaba todas estas cosas, meditándolas en su corazón. ²⁰ Y volvieron los pastores glorificando y alabando a Dios por todas las cosas que habían oído y visto, como se les había dicho.

 

Reflexión

Los pastores de Belén eran conocidos por cuidar los corderos del templo para el sacrificio. Ahora, ellos reciben el anuncio celestial del evangelio, donde se proclama el nacimiento del Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor. Vemos cómo corazones sencillos y humildes fueron escogidos para recibir las buenas nuevas de gran gozo para todos. Esto nos lleva a entender que Cristo vino a salvar al mundo, y era precisamente lo que necesitaba la humanidad: no más reyes, ni gobernantes, ni presidentes, sino Jesús, quien traería la verdadera paz.

En consecuencia, debemos unirnos a la alabanza por el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador: “¹⁴ ¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas, Y en la tierra paz, buena voluntad para con los hombres!”. Aquí vemos que los pastores no dudaron, sino que se apresuraron con una urgencia genuina para encontrar al niño envuelto en pañales y acostado en un pesebre; y al verlo, todos se maravillaron. Además, difundieron ampliamente lo que se les había dicho acerca del niño. Finalmente, los pastores regresaron glorificando y alabando a Dios.

Somos llamados a tener la misma actitud: recibir a nuestro Salvador en nuestras vidas sin dudar, y apresurarnos con urgencia a evangelizar para que todos reciban la promesa de la salvación:

Lucas 2:30-32

“ ³⁰ Porque han visto mis ojos tu salvación,

³¹ La cual has preparado en presencia de todos los pueblos;

³² Luz para revelación a los gentiles,

Y gloria de tu pueblo Israel.”

 

-          Catalina, Iglesia Latina

Luke 1: The Beginning

 

Luke 1: The Beginning

The narrative of a Gentile Doctor who, after spending time side by side with Apostle Paul, was convicted in his heart, to write an orderly account of things we have been fulfilled among us by God, so that every believer may know the exact truth of the history and doctrine of faith. (Luke 1:1-4, AMP)

 

1.   The Servant

In his divine wisdom, God eternal had already fixed the manner and time of the redemption of his people.

 

He chose servants even before they knew it, called them and set them apart. As the word of God said:

 

Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

 

John the Baptist, who will prepare the way of the Lord, was prophesied 700 years before his birth and he was set apart even from conception.

 

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

 

Luke 1:15 For he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

 

Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

 

In the same manner, Mary, the virgin, was prophesied about same time to carry a child of God.

 

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

Luke 1:35^a And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you

 

 

 

As we are called and set apart for the works of the Lord, we serve in selflessness as John the Baptist had lived his life solely to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins, in obedience and submission as Mary had declared, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord: let it be to me according to your word.”

 

2.   The Message

Our Purpose

Luke 1:74-75 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

o   Our lives are mirrors of the Holy and Righteous God that we serve.

o   We are not weary nor shaken for our anchor is the Lord, powerful and mighty. No weapon formed against his children will prosper.

o   We endure to the end as we wait for our Blessed Hope.

Our Directive

Luke 1:77-78 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.

Exactly as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20

o   And 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.

 

3.   The Saviour who is to come

Luke 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

 

o   Is the King of kings and the Lord of lords

Rev. 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

 

o   Yet took the form of a servant, to be in every respect a man

Philippians 2:7 but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men

 

o   He came to serve and not to be served

John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you should also do just as I have done to you.

 

 

REFLEXION:

Ø What is the purpose of my salvation?

Ø Is my redeemed life give glory to Jesus who came and saved me?

 

LET US PRAY:

        Almighty Father in heaven, we come before you Lord in thanksgiving for the freedom and newness of life that you gave by your selfless act on the cross. We give glory to your Holy Name, our God of love full of grace and mercy, who lives and reigns forever. Count us worthy Lord to enter into your Holy Presence everyday. We cleave unto you Lord, for everything we are is yours. May our daily walk pleases you oh Lord, the works of our hands blesses others and words from our lips are beautiful aromas to you.  Thank you Father for everything. Honor, praise and glory are yours alone, forever and forever. In Jesus mighty name, we lift this prayer unto you. Amen.

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PASTORA MALOU - JCRC AL BUSTAN