Harbor Rock Tabernacle

Many people have been hurt by the local church, due to leaders failing morally, division about decisions, and people's selfish agendas. That was the case in Corinth, and the apostle Paul wrote to tell them this is not how the Lord designed it to be. Instead, we are to be walking by the Holy Spirit, because that creates a situation where we all have the same mind and judgment. So believers must be intentional to guard and protect against whatever would cause division--especially entrenched opinions driven by pride. We have a great calling and awesome opportunity to work with the Lord to advance His Kingdom.  Video of this message is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJD54mwYkU

When the Church describes itself as "a family", that isn't trite hyperbole--it is how God designed it. When we trust Christ for salvation and receive forgiveness and freedom from sin, we are all given a heavenly nature and God's Holy Spirit. So, all believers share the same new spiritual DNA. As part of God's family, we share the same affinity and priorities, but this "family" gets messy if we allow pride, resistance to the Spirit's conviction and leading, or even petty positions to become more important to us. Instead, we should greatly value this wonderful gift the Lord has given to His Church.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiRSrwd3a4k.  (We apologize for some technical difficulties)

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No matter what our age or life situation, we have a responsibility as disciples to be actively maturing in our walk and fulfilling the Great Commission. In writing to Titus, the apostle Paul explained the important value of the older generations teaching the young, and setting a strong example of faithfulness to the Lord. The younger generations are called to learn from that, while also stepping into great responsibilities within the Body. Each age group must listen well, gaining insight and developing a deeper passion for the work of ministry. When the Church does this, the Lord uses it to have a powerful impact, internally and externally. 

With so much redefinition of the focus, style and substance of churches over the last 40 years, it is essential to understand why God founded the Church. Jesus defined it's purpose in the Great Commission to all HIs disciples, in 5 definitive and all-encompassing statements. As the Leader and Focus of the Church, He calls us to make disciples of all nations, teaching each other to obey all He has said, and He promises to empower and help us as we do. This gives us a fresh hunger to be used of Him to impact the world around us. 

Whether it's 1st Century Thessalonica or the US in 2023, Christians can become discouraged by spiritual opposition and the state of the world. Unfortunately, one response to this can be complacency and compromise, rather than a determination to stay faithful. To combat this, believers need to remember our urgent purpose to spread the Gospel, persevering in the Lord's powerful protection against the enemy's attack, while remaining steadfast to walk in holiness. 

After Israel failed at Sinai, the Lord gave them the Law, and established the Tabernacle to be at the center of their lives...because the Cloud of His presence was clear evidence of His mercy, faithfulness and leading. Still today, we need the Lord's presence. We fail when we're in control, but the Lord knows what is wise and best, and in His presence is the fullness of joy. Faith and spiritual maturity requires always following His leading, and learning to be content with a moving cloud. Rather than clinging to what is safe, we can be excited and blessed by the fresh opportunities the Lord brings to us. 

During a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline in the nation of Judah, a priest named Jehoiada proved that one person who takes a stand for the Lord can make a significant difference in reforming the culture. Despite having a family that was evil and hated the Lord, Jehoiada "gathered his courage" and challenged the people to return to God, to precisely obey His Word, and to restore the temple as God's house.--the place of His presence. Jehoiada's example calls us to examine the idols we are tolerating in our lives, and to truly live as "the Lord's people". 

Before technology became prevalent, writing letter was a primary form of communication. The brevity of the method caused words and emotions to be more thoughtful and more valuable.  During Biblical times, a letter of commendation was often sent with a person to authenticate who they were, and the apostle Paul used that as a parallel for our lives as believers, as "letters of Christ". This causes us to evaluate how well we represent Christ and communicate our relationship with Him.  Who people know us to be, how we show them our convictions and our purpose for living, and what we call them to determines how effectively we live out our faith.

 After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples obeyed Him and returned home to Galilee. There, they quickly went back to their "normal" life, going fishing but being unsuccessful. When Jesus appears on the shore and leads them through a miracle, they realize He is continuing to do powerful works, now through them, as they take on a new responsibility. Peter especially is challenged in new ways, because his relationship with Jesus has to be restored first. The calling Jesus gives him reminds us to get our hearts right, and then seek the Lord and jump into HIs next work, instead settling for normal. 

Throughout the Bible, the Lord uses powerful everyday symbols to communicate and tie together deep spiritual truths. One of these is a garden, the setting for 3 of the most significant events in human history: The fall of man, Jesus' substitution in taking on our sins, and His resurrection. When we realize the crushing weight of mankind's sins being placed on Him, even though we were guilty, it is sobering and causes us to be broken by our sin. But we also praise Him for the eternal victory He secured, allowing all who trust in Him to be saved.