Harbor Rock Tabernacle

As the apostle Paul makes his final trip through many of the cities he had impacted with his ministry, he offers final words of exhortation, fervently urging them to stay strong in their commitment to the Lord. These powerful words of encouragement also spur us to be faithful no matter what our circumstances, to not fear what seems impossible, and to always speak what is spiritually profitable, feeding ourselves and others with the truth. These important principles guard our hearts and minds, and strengthen the Body of Christ.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t8oU7JUzAo

The Early Church faced constant opposition, especially as they lived for the Lord without shame and proclaimed Jesus with truth and power, calling people to trust Him. The enemy constantly tries to co-opt Jesus' power and authority, but the Lord works in extraordinary ways when Jesus is magnified. We can fight the confusion and lack of logic the enemy promotes, as he tries to push a humanistic narrative, by giving the clarity of God's mercy and salvation through Jesus Alone.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu-33mGNtmE

When the apostle Paul went to the very wicked city of Corinth, he met a couple who became important, trusted partners in ministry. Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers like Paul, and their maturity and commitment to the work gave Paul confidence,. The Lord also reassured Paul not to be fearful about opposition, because He had a hidden provision--which also reassures us that when we trust in His promises and powerful provision, that we can experience things we can't comprehend. Aquila and Priscilla saw that when they met and trained Apollos in Ephesus, and saw him become an essential part of the ministry back in Corinth.   Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93fb6hNf-ss

One of the reasons the apostles were so effective in Acts is that they saw opposition as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. They knew the devil fights hard against us because he is jealous of Jesus' victory, and stirs up people to be offended by the Word and our faith. When Paul's heart became provoked by how sin blinds and deludes people's minds, he went into the public space and explained how the "unknown God" the people of Athens were seeking is able to be found. He wanted to show that the insufficient false gods mankind follows are inadequate compared to Jesus--a calling we share in the discouraging times.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXZTrA9q9ao

As the Gospel expanded in Europe in Acts 16, Paul and his team found it important to keep the focus on correct doctrine and discernment from the Spirit, and away from preferences. They recognized that not every obstacle and experience of suffering is a spiritual attack--sometimes, it is a God-ordained shift in direction. So they continued on, defending the Gospel and proclaiming the freedom that comes from trusting Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Their example spurs us to be faithful to the work before us, focused on honoring and serving the Lord no matter what the circumstances.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPOhN4CMUQk

A significant conflict took place in Acts 15, as Paul and Peter challenged Jewish believers who demanded that Gentile believers be circumcised inn order to be saved. The apostles knew that this theological deviation would essentially negate the work of Christ and damage the message of the Gospel. So they handle conflict in a Godly way, holding fast to the truth of God's Word to explain the error of that teaching. By being courageous and clear in confronting sin, they are able to find a reasonable solution that defends God's Word and satisfies everyone. This offers a strong and important example to us of how to deal with conflict in our lives and relationships.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYU0EvSrrAY

When the passion of his experiences and the effectiveness of his ministry in Ephesus had worn off, Timothy lost heart when opposition came and he wanted to leave the work. Writing from jail, Paul encouraged his young protegee to look at the genuine faith and commitment of his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Having overcome obstacles of conviction, nationality and divided marriages, these women redirected their spiritual influence to Timothy, focusing on his spiritual rebirth, renewal and refreshing. Their example reminds us that there is always fruit when we are faithful, even in challenging situations.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKbAeRlAKFw

Whenever we faithfully serve the Lord, we will face opposition for our identification with Jesus. But when we hold Biblical convictions and act to advance those, it will prompt the Lord to work in fresh ways and bless what we are doing. Paul and Barnabas sets a powerful example in Acts 14, faithfully speaking the Truth so many people trust Christ. As they follow the Spirit's leading, deflect any glory back to the Lord, the enemy brings life-threatening opposition against them. But because of God's help, they are blessed and used in ways beyond expectation.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuOPFJk5ZKc

The choices two people make when they are similar situations are determined by conviction about what each sees as true. In Acts 13, 7 groups and individuals respond to the truth of God's Word, making divergent decisions that revealed their heart and determined their futures. As we relate to them and apply them to our own lives, it gives us clarity about whether we are choosing what is easy and culturally acceptable but contrary to the Lord, or choosing what is unpopular but right, showing our love for the Lord. The latter opens up the potential for Him to do unimaginable works in our lives.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ak0wCzmrAM

 When the women came to Jesus' tomb, fully expecting Him to still be dead, they found it open, Him gone, and angels who asked why they sought the Living One among the dead. It was the first conclusive evidence of Jesus' victory over sin, death and the enemy...and it changes everything for us. When we trust Him as Saviour, He powerfully enables us to be "more than conquerors", with surpassing victory over everything that hinders our progression through life.   Video of this service is available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE1aTMH62Vw