Harbor Rock Tabernacle

Going out into a world that is hostile against Jesus and working to make disciples is a dangerous assignment. Not only do we face significant spiritual opposition, but the cost of discipleship can cause us to allow numerous actions of an undisciplined mind, which can hinder our faithful service. All of this can discourage and dissuade us, or we can seize the amazing opportunity the Lord gives us and become more determined to be strong in our commitment. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1E9mCyGIQ8&feature=youtu.be

A disciple is focused on both our call to walk worthy of Christ and make disciples, and looking for the return of Jesus. The next great event is the Rapture of true believers, which is different in multiple ways from Jesus' Second Coming. The signs Jesus gave about both events are very present today, and stir us to take four specific actions to prepare ourselves and others to hear the Trumpet. Video of this service can be found at youtube.com/watch?v=lt42zEB4ooc&feature=youtu.be

Many people in the world lack peace because they have believed the lie that yielding to sin & living for ourselves gives freedom and contentment. Jesus taught just the opposite--that sin brings bondage and death, while He offers life and true freedom. As His disciples, we believe and continue in His Word, free from guilt, confusion and the wrong priorities. This gives us the joy and strength to tell others about the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhQDSO5mTX8&feature=youtu.be

Though none of us enjoy them, there is great benefit from the struggles we go through in life, especially the ones the Lord initiates. Tough circumstances and spiritual warfare are challenging enough, but what about the times when we wrestle against the Lord? That’s the position Jacob found himself in one night, when the Lord personally intervened in his life, challenging his stubbornness but also calling him to greater things. When we fight against the Lord, He has to humble us and even “wound” us, so we will be in the position to fulfill the plans He has for us. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jg45KKMyd0&feature=youtu.be

The Lord places great importance on us being teachable–accepting His instruction as being right and best, and willingly complying with it. Proverbs calls us to listen, watch and wait for the Lord, not only hearing and obeying Him, but having a sense of excited expectation of how He will work when we do. But we’re fighting against a dark culture that pushes stubborn, entitled selfishness…and even within Christianity, this shows in weakened conviction and incomplete responsibility. A man named Naaman in 2 Kings is an example of this attempt to get God’s help and blessing on our own terms, instead of receiving and heeding God’s instruction with a teachable attitude. When we do that His way, He leads us on the right path, and even gives us secret insights into His will. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c20NisziqjA&feature=youtu.be

As believers, we are marked by our “new birth” in Christ, and then by living as His disciples. Jesus says that the distinguishing characteristic of a disciple is that we love one another. But how do feel and show genuine love for those who hate and oppose Jesus…and us? As we face increased carnality, corruption and criticism, we can look to Jesus’ example. His anger over sin and compassion for those lost in their sin sets the standard for our action as disciples. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InGFFih1KCI

A true disciple of Jesus Christ is someone who goes beyond just trusting in Him–it is a person who accepts, desires and engages what it means to be a disciple. Jesus defined this in John 13 when He said, “You are My disciples”. This first study in our new series examines each of those four words in-depth. Ultimately, discipleship is personal and non-negotiable, means we are loyal to only Jesus and that we live just like Him. This is not a burden–it is our joyful responsibility because of all Jesus has done to save, transform and empower us to fulfill this awesome calling. Once we understand the three distinct characteristics of a disciple, we know how to advance with unwavering, passionate commitment. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US2rYJNNP0c&feature=youtu.be

We live in a time when any talk of privilege or inequality is criticized. But Psalm 61 says that anyone who fully trusts in the Lord for their help and strength has an advantage. This explains how people who faced impossible situations--like David, Elijah and Daniel--were able to experience victory that defied logic. As believers, we live in the disadvantage of spiritual opposition, cultural criticism and being in the minority for living by faith and God's Word. When we are weary and overwhelmed by this, the Lord promises to Personally help us. He takes us to higher ground, securely protects us, and refreshes our heart and mind so we can continue to live for Him. (Due to technical issues, the first part of message is not available. The whole message is on the YouTube video.)

In the last months, we have gotten used to having our temperature checked as we go into establishments. But what would a scan of our spiritual temperature reveal? When Timothy was weary and lacking in spiritual "fire", the apostle Paul exhorted him to "kindle it afresh". He knew that the enemy looks for declining spiritual hunger and passion in a believer's life and works to exploit it negatively by telling us lies that our temperature is "fine". But there are intentional steps we can take to get the fire going--giving it the fuel it needs to burn strongly every day. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r64xhvRLh38&feature=youtu.be

When we trust Jesus Christ as our Saviour, a transformation takes place. Through the act of regeneration, a new life is created, consecrated to God, which involves a radical change that restores us to a pristine state spiritually. We aren't just made "better"--God gives us a new nature and His Spirit indwells us, so our new life doesn't have any resemblance to, or association with, our past life. But does that stack up to how we actually live? By looking at a modern day parable about five types of car, we can see spiritual truths that challenge us to assess how we view what Christ has done and whether we are actually living in a truly regenerated way. Knowing we are renewed day by day, we can live in victory and power as new creatures in Christ. Video of this service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZjFzp_Q3zc&feature=youtu.be