Harbor Rock Tabernacle

When Daniel was taken into captivity in Babylon along with the rest of Judah, he had no rights. Even though he was singled out to be indoctrinated as a Babylonian, he knew he could not compromise his convictions. Two different times, he fasted--once as a teen slave who didn't want to accept defiled food, and another time as an older adult who was burdened by mankind's sin and his nation's rebellion. He knew that fasting draws us nearer to the Lord, renews our hearts and opens us up to change. As we launch 2021, we are called to a 21 Day Fast. This will renew our spiritual focus, expose what has become too important to us and prepare us for a new initiative from the Lord. This study details several ways in which we can both deprive for focus and advance in the Lord's fresh work. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPAJK0IWLJk&feature=youtu.be

As we move into 2021, what are you living for and who are you living for? What are your spiritual goals, and why do you have them? What can you do for Jesus? Jesus teaches in Luke 9 that we would find more purpose if we would "lose ourselves" and live for Him at all times. In every decision, we need to analyze whether we are living for Christ or against Christ. The starting point is repentance and getting aligned with God's purpose. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NIqkf6Wyxg&feature=youtu.be

The difficult realities of 2020 have led to predictions that even darker days are ahead. But as Christians, we walk by faith and have been called to be light in darkness. We have a new opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and be powerful, prayerful believers. Christ didn't come to make bad men good, He came to make dead men alive, and as those who have been given eternal life, we need to join together to lead people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZik30LsHrQ&feature=youtu.be

The focus of Christmas is often making sure to get the right gift. Involved in that is an understanding the need of the person you are giving to, and making sure it has lasting value. God has shown His love and understanding of our eternal need in sending Jesus Christ. He saw that we are imperfect because we dead in sin, and gave the perfect gift to offer us eternal life. But we have to receive it, by repenting of our sin and accepting the One Who Alone can save us. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJgRVvSrtqE&feature=youtu.be

2020 has exposed a spiritual divide that has put us on a path to increasingly polarize people. That inevitably will mean there will be less opportunity for people to be nominal Christians. There really are only two responses to Jesus Christ, and they are highlighted in the Christmas account with Herod and Simeon & Anna. When the wise men came with the news of the Saviour's birth, Herod could have rejoiced and led the nation in repentance and preparation, but instead he was troubled and tried to kill him. In contrast, Simeon and Anna praised God for His merciful deliverance. Each of us has to make the choice of how we will respond, and anything less than full faith and devotion indicated a lack of genuine commitment. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiegZ2lX5X0&feature=youtu.be

Throughout Scripture, there is a direct correlation between being humble and being used of the Lord. The Lord blesses humility, which is evidenced in how He utilizes Joseph and Mary;. They were ordinary, unknown teenagers from a small, disrespected village, but the Lord had His eyes on them because of their pure character and selfless mindset. So when the word comes to each of them that they will be the earthly parents of the Saviour, through a challenging method, they don't question or fight His leading. They just remain righteous and faithful to the Lord, content and thrilled to be part of God's awesome plan. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjPIq6YmkE0&feature=youtu.be

In the middle of the awesome account of Jesus being born, there were real people experiencing significant challenges. One of them was Elizabeth, who had the heartache of years without having a child. But instead of being filled with resentment and bitterness about her difficult circumstances. Elizabeth stepped into trust in the Lord, and was faithful to serve Him. She and Zacharias kept praying for the Lord to do something miraculous, even after it seemed impossible. This challenges us to move forward and rejoice in the Lord's calling, even when it requires sacrifice. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecge2lT__iU&feature=youtu.be

On Harbor Rock's 10th Anniversary, we look at the account of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14. His father Saul had strayed from the Lord and was living in fear and apprehension when the Philistine army assembled, ready to destroy Israel. But with deep faith in the Lord's help and provision, Jonathan and his armor bearer go to present themselves to the Philistines. They believed that the Lord would give them victory if they stood for Him, because "the Lord is not restrained by many of few" . This is a powerful principle for us as disciples and churches. We need to move forward with the confident trust that any of us can have an influence, because "nothing is too hard for the Lord". Video of this service can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfm_ydYa4ns&feature=youtu.be

Living as a disciple goes beyond just believing in Jesus Christ--it's a full commitment and passionate implementation of the calling He has given to us. To really live as His disciples requires a radical change in our thinking--as evidenced in the lives of Peter and Paul. In their writing, they detail 4 essential steps that help us evaluate how "all in" we are in our discipleship. Assessing the maturity of our walk and the effectiveness of our ministry gives us a clear picture of how well we are advancing in our calling. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_5clWFs-YQ&feature=youtu.be

In addition to the amazing eternal salvation and security those who trust in Jesus receive, the Lord gives His disciples extra benefits. The world can't offer or replicate the supernatural power, passion and peace given to those who faithfully trust, live for and serve Christ. These benefits produce an inner strength that not only gives us confidence and contentment, but also empower us to see lives changed as we fulfill our great calling as disciples. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zntScI7U5_4&feature=youtu.be