Harbor Rock Tabernacle

 Everything in the Christmas account points toward the message of salvation and hope. This has been established since the beginning of history, as God has given man a clear message of man's sin and His willingness to save us. During a time when Judah was spiritually cold and facing deserved discipline, the prophet Isaiah gave a message of hope. He previewed that the Lord would provide a Saviour, Who would fulfill hundreds of prophecies about Him. Because this was so statistically improbable, when Jesus came to earth, it proved that He was the Son of God. He has given us more advance notice that He will return someday soon, and this serves as a warning and a call to prepare ourselves to see Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qiEluP3Vmc

Research shows that Christians are less engaged in their faith and practice than ever. This affects church attendance, giving, and telling others about the Good News of Jesus Christ. This apathy is a contrast to the people who first met Jesus. They immediately told others to "come and see" Jesus for themselves. Doing so changed their lives...and it calls us to analyze the extent to which we have lost our passion. As we begin year 12 at Harbor Rock, we believe that the Lord is calling us to a "Year Of Invitation", where we become more intentional about investing into people, bringing them to meet Jesus so they can experience the amazing new life we have found in Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCyyT4pwyaE

 When Israel complained yet another time in the wilderness, the Lord gave them what they wanted...but with a cost. In contrast to all the people standing in their tents complaining, He told Moses to gather 70 consecrated men to His Tent of Meeting, where He put His Spirit on them. He responded to Moses' self-sufficient thoughts by asking, "Is My power limited?". This was a call to an intrepid faith, characterized by a resolute fearlessness and endurance. When we trust the Lord in that way, it not only offsets feelings of doubt and defeat, it also elevates our faith so we begin to expect the Lord to work in extraordinary ways.  Video of this service is available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTH9nV7Rxsc

 The call to sacrifice is central to our faith and discipleship, and a powerful expression of trust in the Lord's provision and obedience to Him. Sacrifice is not to get, but to give back to the Lord, and when our hearts are stirred, giving is the natural response. In Exodus 35, the people brought a variety of offerings to finish the work of the Tabernacle. Their gifts weren't equal, but their sacrifice was. Jesus reinforced this when He noticed the widow giving all she had in Mark 12. Her faithfulness to give--even though it stretched her faith--is what the Lord calls us all to do...and it starts with evaluating the extent of our sacrifice.  Video of this service is available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtIXsPN88bw

When Israel constructed the Tabernacle according to God's specifications, everyone worked to make it happen. Led by two Spirit-filled men named Bezalel and Oholiab, they al  used their gifts and skills to assemble at least 42 components needed for the place where the Lord would come and abide with them. This is a parallel of the ministry of the Church, where believers are called to always be prepared and ready to be used of the Lord.  As we serve with excellence, to bring glory to Him Alone, our zeal will inspire and edify others.  The honor of passionately doing HIs work is one of the great honors of being His disciples.  Video of this service is available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2LmrSgl4-E

Sacrifice is inherent to the life of a believer--not only because we have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but also because we are called to surrender our lives to Him in response.  Ephesians 5 tells us to be "imitators of Christ", and nowhere will that be more evidenced than by walking in love.  This isn't just about being kind and gracious.  It becomes powerfully real when it is proven by sacrifice:  Removing sin and impurity that damages us and others, strengthening others in their faith through a Godly example, and speaking the Truth in love even when it's challenging.  These actions are driven by a genuine love to see others know and love Jesus, and live in hope in Him.  Video of this service is available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj-FOMT_ui8