Harbor Rock Tabernacle

The church in Corinth was full of pride, worldliness and lack of love for the Lord and others. But at the end of his first letter of correction and admonition to them, the apostle Paul draws attention to a family who exemplified living for Christ. "The house of Stephanas" was the first family Paul had led to faith in Greece, and as they matured as disciples, they embodied 4 simple characteristics which show us the power of lives dedicated to Christ. Their obvious faith, devotion to ministry and sacrificial service "refreshed" Paul and those around them, and stands as a powerful example we must follow. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDqVeKDtS6E

Sometimes as believers, especially when we are struggling, we talk about the need to "make Jesus a priority"...but that gives the connotation that He's just an important item on the "to do" list. A man who met Jesus seemed to view it that way--he had lived in great obedience to the Law, but he wasn't willing to trust Jesus fully by giving up his many possessions in order to follow Him. Many people live this "hybrid spirituality", like an electric car that sometimes acts in their own power and other times under God's. But we can't truly walk by faith if we're clinging to material security. Once we meet Jesus, we know living for Him is a far better option than anything else.

Sometimes as believers, especially when we are struggling, we talk about the need to "make Jesus a priority"...but that gives the connotation that He's just an important item on the "to do" list. A man who met Jesus seemed to view it that way--he had lived in great obedience to the Law, but he wasn't willing to trust Jesus fully by giving up his many possessions in order to follow Him. Many people live this "hybrid spirituality", like an electric car that sometimes acts in their own power and other times under God's. But we can't truly walk by faith if we're clinging to material security. Once we meet Jesus, we know living for Him is a far better option than anything else.

In Revelation 2, the apostle John writes to the Ephesian church with a word from the Lord. he commends them for their perseverance in the midst of a spiritually depraved city, but challenges them on the fact that they have drifted in their love for Christ. This can easily happen even to a believer who has been redeemed by the mercy of God, when we get distracted by other loves, staying only on the surface instead of going deep in our commitment. The only remedy is to repent and put Jesus first. Adam Lopez calls us to a heart examination, and a return to our "first love". Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROrRckIxfXk

In the last section of his letter, James summarizes the need for consistent integrity into 3 themes: Be Careful With Your Words, Be Calm In Your Faith, and Be Confident In Your Anticipation. Keeping our promises and speaking with purity shows our love of Truth, which is a love for the Lord. The ability to be calm no matter what our circumstances reveals a deep and abiding faith. And living with an understanding of the amazing potential of God's hand makes us excited about the plans He has awaiting us, just like Elijah experienced as a man just like us. Without these 3 characteristics, it will be hard to validate our faith by our works, but when we do, it will convince others of the reality of spiritual transformation and victory. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLq_SjRbytU

With the stage fully set for Jesus to return for His faithful disciples, the temptation will be to become apathetic and presumptuous, when we are called to endure and bear spiritual fruit. Our convictions about the future determine how we live and prioritize, and especially as Americans, whether we become focused on our material wealth instead of what has eternal value. Many times, Jesus told His people to prepare for His return, and James emphasizes 4 ways in chapter 5: Thinking like a patient farmer focused on genuine growth, being strong hearted with a long-term perspective not controlled by short-term emotions, enduring like the prophets and Job, and being confident in the Lord's mercy. When we see our lives with "a view from above", it leads to confidence and contentment. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wlxuO4qRQI

Throughout his letter, James emphasizes the importance of humility: That it is forged out of trials, developed out of faith and submission, and proven through self-discipline, Humility is necessary to model Jesus' example, which is why James stresses "bringing ourselves low" as His disciples. When we see life from a humble angle, it elevates our view of God and gives us a proper perspective in our faith. This not only keeps us dependent on the Lord, but it fights back against the enemy's temptation to exalt ourselves, through distrust, disillusionment and disobedience. Humility also mitigates against judging others in our relationships, and helps us maintain a heavenly understanding about the uncertainty of life and relying on the Spirit's leading instead of our plans. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AK_MsSAhGA

Having just celebrated the awesome and gracious sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it would be uncharacteristic for any true believer to balk at the comparably small sacrifice He calls us to live out. In 2 verses in James 4, the Lord gives us 4 simple commands that can become victorious benefits.. When we subordinate ourselves to the Lord, actively resist the enemy, and utilise the privilege of close proximity to the Lord, it puts us in a powerful position. But there is one more calling: Consecration before the Lord. This study calls us to a fresh commitment to sanctification and purity. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cZj-Tva1xY

When the news spread that Jesus’ tomb was empty on the 3rd day–just as He had foretold–several theories started to be purported: That He was still dead and HIs Body had been stolen, or that He didn’t actually die on the cross and recovered elsewhere, or that the Jews had destroyed His Body so the disciples could never find Him. But those theories had significant, logical problems…not to mention that hundreds of people started to see Him around Jerusalem and Galilee. The grave was empty because Jesus was alive! There are 5 implications that result from that–powerful Truths that literally transform our lives. But they are only a result of trusting the risen Saviour, Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFAMt0mebI0

When the news spread that Jesus' tomb was empty on the 3rd day--just as He had foretold--several theories started to be purported: That He was still dead and HIs Body had been stolen, or that He didn't actually die on the cross and recovered elsewhere, or that the Jews had destroyed His Body so the disciples could never find Him. But those theories had significant, logical problems...not to mention that hundreds of people started to see Him around Jerusalem and Galilee. The grave was empty because Jesus was alive! There are 5 implications that result from that--powerful Truths that literally transform our lives. But they are only a result of trusting the risen Saviour, Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Video of this service is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFAMt0mebI0