Harbor Rock Tabernacle

We all endure difficulties, but at times, the problems stack up so high that we feel very discouraged. Psalm 34 teaches us to first carefully analyze possible self-inflicted causes like sin, self-dependence and soft faith. Spiritual warfare also incites fear, which can control our thinking and perspective. But we need to remember that circumstances are only temporary, but trusting in the Lord's faithfulness and provision gives us the strength to endure through discouraging situations. 

The book of Ezekiel is full of odd and confusing imagery, but it's timeless message comes down to simple truths: God is holy, mankind is sinful and rebellious, but the Lord is still loving and gracious to offer His mercy and redemption to everyone. At that time, the nation of Judah had ignored the prophets, and allowed their unguarded hearts and tolerance of sin to choose what was openly offensive to God. It causes us to evaluate our own faithfulness to the Lord, and is a call to be grateful for all He has done. 

What are the essence and purpose of a Christian? When the apostle Paul said to the proud, worldly and distracted Corinthian church to "imitate me as I imitate Christ:, he was stressing the importance of looking at Jesus to answer those questions. Every believer is called to be a replica of Christ, especially by genuinely living out the fruit that His Holy Spirit equips us to live out. This will enable us to be a living example who can encourage everyone around us to walk with the Lord. 

Often when we face change, in frustration we question why it had to happen, or wonder what life might have been like if it hadn't. A more beneficial response is to understand what the Lord is teaching us through the change. By looking at decisions of both King Jehosophat and Jesus' disciples, we see the importance of seeking the Lord with confident humility, knowing that the enemy may cause change, but the Lord wants to use it for HIs purpose, and so we will trust and glorify Him more. 

With the pressure and stress that inevitably comes with fall's schedules, how do we ensure that we grow and thrive spiritually? In John, after Jesus had ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well, He tells the disciples that He has a secret food that empowers Him. He prioritized times alone with the Father, being refilled and refreshed. Following His model will keep us from getting burned out, weakened and cynical. While that requires some sacrifices, we will find that it is actually far more difficult to continue to do what steals our joy, confidence, hope and spiritual health. 

The Psalms tell us that "it is good" to thank and praise the Lord, declaring HIs lovingkindness and faithfulness. To declare means to "stand boldly and openly make known", which not only changes our perspective on everything, but also puts us in the position to experience five benefits the Lord provides as a result. These benefits center on building a deeper love for the Lord, a heart of humility and gratitude, and a fresh realization that there is nothing better than being blessed because we have chosen to "taste and seeing that the Lord is good". 

The calling of every believer, and the Church, is to tell all people the Good News of salvation and hope through Jesus Christ. But first, we have to overcome obstacles like complacency, fear and personal biases. We have the answers people need to be rescued from sin and death. Jesus gave us an example and charge to do the ministry of outreach in the parable of the Good Samaritan. He highlighted the life or death stakes of our mission, showing that sacrifice and a strategy are essential to keep our hearts right and ministry effective. 

It can feel a bit awkward to hear the Church referred to as the "Bride of Christ", until we remember that marriage is the closest relationship we can experience. The concept of leaving everyone else and becoming "one flesh" is a metaphor for the restored and sanctified relationship we have with the Lord once we trust Jesus as Saviour. The new life He Alone gives us is based on His love and faithfulness, which gives us the confidence to fully love and trust Him, and then maintain that relationship by being holy, faithful and sacrificial. 

Everyone who is involved in the life of the church should be serving in at least one ministry. Not only the Church is our place of greatest community and encouragement, but Jesus modeled the life of a bond-servant, and His Spirit gives us each of us gifts to use. So like an aspen tree, we need to sow back into the soil we're planted in and reproduce. In addition, there are powerful benefits of serving, including building community, creating a culture of sacrifice and setting an example for the next generations. It's an awesome way to minister to each other within the Body. 

For millenniums, religious and political leaders--good and bad--have known that it is essential to influence the hearts and minds of children.  As research shows that kids under 18 are rapidly becoming relativistic and spiritually disinterested, the Church has an urgent and vital responsibility to communicate the truth of the Gospel, and prioritize discipling the next generations.  As we call them to something bigger than the low and immoral standards the world pushes, they can develop a Biblical worldview, with the potential to literally transform the world.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxRbu9HVpJo