Harbor Rock Tabernacle

Our convictions drive everything we do, and show where our heart is. As has been shown in the US, confusion and division are an indication of not seeking the Lord. In a similar time, King Asa of Judah brought the people back to the basics, reminding them that the Lord is with those who are with Him. Asa courageously removed idols and restored the altar, calling the people to fresh consecration of their hearts. The people responded with wholehearted sacrifice and covenant with the Lord, and He blessed that...just as He will when we do the same.  Video of this message is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbYlM3kchuU

When we have a broken relationship, what approach should we take when we are the offender or the offended? Jesus told a very powerful parable about a son who disrespected his father and wasted his inheritance early, because he was driven by selfish entitlement. But he quickly learned that pride and sin only leads to disillusionment. Instead of continuing in that, he humbled himself and repented, to the Lord and his father. This is necessary for there to healing and restoration, and his father response is a picture of God's grace, and our need to show the same mercy and forgiveness.  Video of this message is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbwOCZpB-2c

We all fight against the temptation to sin. So when Jesus came to earth, He endured every temptation and test there is, yet without sin. He did to fulfill the Law, identify with us, and show us our need for His salvation and help. The worst temptation He faced was from the devil in Matthew 4, when He was alone and hungry, and under intense pressure. The enemy especially attacks during our times of weariness and vulnerability, so we have to assess our areas of weakness, and follow Jesus' example, so we don't fall, or try to seize control from the Lord.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9XBnkRCGqk

When we are under stress, we can internalize, externalize or be self-destructive in response. So much of it is based on "what if?" and "fear of missing out", which causes us to be fearful and anxious. In Mark 6, Jesus modelled and taught us a different way. He showed the value of time with the Lord, faith in His unseen provision, and courage in His presence. HIs example of focus on what is important, eternal and spiritually beneficial eliminates feelings of self-pity and worry and assures us of His faithful and loving provision.  Video of this message is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D50X8RrngQc

Every person deals with some level of worry. But worry has costs--it damages our faith, impacts our health and thinking, and can control our lives...especially when we value our thoughts over the Lord's. In Jesus interactions, He met people consumed by worry, stressed because they prioritized things of this world. In showing them that this is damaging and blocks their faith, He also reveals a better way of living in His power and provision, which produces supernatural peace and joy. 

One of the most challenging people Jesus encountered in His ministry was a man possessed by demons. Unclean, in bondage, living among death, and tortured in his soul, this man is a broader representation of mankind as a whole--anyone who hasn't yet trusted Jesus as Saviour and is still living under the control of sin. And yet, all people have knowledge of the Truth about God and their own spiritual impurity. Jesus' response to this man, and to all people, shows His purpose to remove their unclean spirit and replace it with His Own. His kind but clear statements of truth and call to change are the model for us as we minister to those hurting spiritually. 

When people are hurting physically and emotionally, we have the opportunity to minister to them like Jesus did, showing love and leading them to His grace. Even as believers, our flesh can become irritated or too lenient, but in Mark 5, Jesus models the right response to two people who were hurting. His calm, kind, undistracted approach laid the groundwork to call them to big faith. As they humbled themselves and trusted in Him, they both experienced the powerful work on His love and mercy.  Video of this message is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp1xVuZLGxI

Some of the most difficult interactions we have in life are with people who are very proud and arrogant. Arrogance is pride at it's extreme--an overexaggerated sense of self with condescension and control mixed in. It warps our thinking and ruins our relationships. One person near Jesus who showed this very subtly was Judas Iscariot. He betrayed Jesus, but before that, exhibited the traits of arrogance--criticism, self-righteousness and lack of accountability. Jesus sets an example of speaking truth in love, confronting Judas for his hypocrisy and calling him to change.  Video of this message is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS9Ksqo2Q8k

There are some people we deal with who are difficult and hard to love. While it can be a result of something out of their control, others choose to be harsh and defensive. When Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well, she was the picture of poor decisions, proud isolation and a search for love and meaning. Jesus sets an amazing example of speaking truth in love, showing her understanding and grace, leading to her salvation and transformation, which is what she needed most. 

Jesus always responded to difficult people and situations by giving us a holy, humble example. He was persistently criticized by people like Pharisees, who unfairly accused Him of blasphemy, sedition and disobeying the Law, but He met that with calm, gracious and wise statements centered on the Truth. None of us likes to be criticized, but when we are, we have to look at ourselves first, to assess how true it is, and if it's a result of our critical spirit. Then, we have to look at the source of criticism, with love and grace, because if it is someone who is hurting or under conviction, our humble reaction may provide the opportunity for them to have a spiritual breakthrough.   Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=henN4kJid3w