Harbor Rock Tabernacle

How should we react when we see someone doing what is Biblically wrong? As Christians we are often labeled as judgmental and intolerant, but we are commissioned by Jesus to be broken by sin and to reach out to people in love, to tell them about God's redeeming grace. Within the Body of believers, there is an essential need for accountability, based on the Word of God. In this final message from the "Taking New Ground" series in Joshua, we study the courageous confrontation of some tribes of Israel toward their brothers and sisters, who seemed to be in sin. Their wise approach, and the humility with which is was received, gives us a beautiful example of Biblical accountability.

On the 7th Anniversary of Harbor Rock's founding, this study looks at the final words that Joshua spoke to Israel. During a time of rest from war, he reminds them of what they have seen the Lord do, and details the simple directives which will keep them in the center of God's will. Joshua ultimately lays out the choice we all face: To fear and serve the Lord, or follow after false gods.

Of the two men who made it all the way from Egypt to the Promised Land, Caleb was more in the background than Joshua. And yet, he had been given a promise from the Lord for a specific portion of the land, because he had a "different spirit", and "followed the Lord fully". This study is a call to faithfulness, starting with a self-analysis, and having a long-term view about our lives.

One of the characteristics that is lacking among Christians is supernatural power--like the Church evidenced in Acts. Do we beleive and pray with the expectation of the Lord doing miraculous works, especially when we're in the middle of trials and spiritual warfare? This study from Joshua 10 shows the Lord's faithfulness to unilaterally help us, and also the power of bold faith that is confident that nothing is impossible with God.

After the failure and then victory at Ai, Israel heard the Law read again, including God's warning to fully conquer the land and not make any covenants with the Canaanites. But when the Gibeonites developed a plan to deceive them, Israel didn't recognize the deception, and failed to honor the Lord's instruction. This study details the methods of deception the enemy uses against us, and shows that clarity only comes when we seek the Lord's discernment and are careful to align ourselves only with what is pleasing to Him.

Christianity is unique in many ways, but one of the most significant is that God makes personal provisions for us through prayer. Because Jesus is our High Priest, and has opened up direct access to His throne of grace, we can be confident in going boldly to Him. This short Prayer Meeting study from Hebrews 4 reminds us of the power of prayer.

Everything had gone well for Israel up until the events of Joshua 7. Despite the Lord's specific instructions, Achan took spoils from Jericho and hid them. This led to a humiliating defeat at Ai, where Israel had also made 4 key mistakes--assuming victory instead of asking and being assured of God's leading. When we do this, it adversely affects our thinking and prompts us to ask misguided questions. This study challenges us to look for and confront hidden sins, and consecrate ourselves before the Lord. (Note: The first few minutes of this message did not get recorded)

Before Israel could begin to occupy the Promised Land, the Lord wanted some final acts of disciplined obedience to prove their trust in Him. So He established an unorthdox method for conquering Jericho--one that required every person to be involved and fully invested. By keeping the Lord in the center of all they were doing, and staying focused in their commitment, Israel would experience the spectacular victory only He could provide. This study calls us to the same faith and obedience, which will give us success as we "take new ground" in our lives.

As Israel advanced into the Promised Land, the Lord wanted to ensure that their hearts were fully invested into trusting and obeying Him...unlike their forefathers. So He reinstituted the act of circumcision, which indicated that they were set apart to Him. Circumcision required personal sacrifice and pain, because that is what true investment requires. For disciples of Jesus Christ, there needs to be the same investment--what we would call "skin in the game". Romans describes this as the "circumcision of our hearts"--which means living completely surrendered to the Lord.

As Israel miraculously started to take possession of the Promised Land, the Lord wanted to make sure they recognized and remembered His mercy and provision. So He tells them to set up two memorials, made of stones taken out of the Jordan River. This study from Joshua 4 reminds us to move forward in the victory that the Lord secures, fully content in Him. And it calls us to establish our own written memorials--remembering significant evidences of God's grace and specific personal examples of how He has helped us.