Harbor Rock Tabernacle

A man named Obed-edom was unexpectedly put in the challenging position of housing the Ark of the Covenant after the tragic death of Uzzah. Having the literal presence of the Lord in his living room was a serious, intimidating assignment, but Obed-edom was chosen by the Lord because he trusted the Lord fully, abided in His presence, and set a powerful example of faithfulness to his family.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilbs5CVlI-g&t=4918s

Looking at the significance of world events and changes to our culture, the apostle Paul's statement in Romans 13 that "the day is near" reminds us that Christ can return at any moment.  So as believers, we are called to holiness--casting off anything that at all has the appearance of evil, behaving properly and soberly, and making no provision for the flesh. This prevents the "drift" and "neglect" of our faith that would incline us to lower our standards rather than living like Christ.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45lGWIcBcio

Within Christianity, it is possible that we have communicated far too much latitude to be slow and undisciplined about advancing to spiritual maturity. The enemy leverages this to promote spiritual inertia in believers, by distracting and discouraging us, while pushing us to be soft in our convictions and purpose. But 1 Corinthians 9 calls us to action--to run with discipline the race of our faith, aiming at the prize of pleasing the Lord and influencing others for Christ.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gxYv1GNiqU&t=339s

There are times when we feel like the Lord isn't responding to our prayers--even when we're praying what is good and honors Him. That can breed doubt and discontentment, so David affirms in Psalm 4 that we need to have a long view of the Lord's goodness and be confident in His mercy and sufficiency. The promise is that the Lord "sets apart those who are Godly for Himself", and He calls us to analyze our walk, faith and motives, and then to come boldly with our requests.   Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z35hWXA0cs8

We're all given a name at birth, but our identity is largely formed by our character and choices.  How people view us may not be how we hope they view us.  As believers, we are evaluated by 5 categories:  Our reputation, our spiritual maturity and passion, our example, our love and sacrifice, and our ministry impact.  It's vital that we represent Christ well, since we bear His Name first and foremost.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxNUHztorJw

In 1 Samuel, Abigail was a Godly woman who was married to a worthless man named Nabal, who intentionally offended future king David. Rather than letting David sin by killing Nabal, Abigail took wise steps to defuse the situation, protect lives and help David stay in God's will. This calls us to humble sacrifice, especially when we see the Lord's hand and plan. Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA3CAOqx2D8&t=4832s

Consistency and faithfulness in our faith and life tend to be underrated qualities, but the Lord greatly values them, especially because they dictate how we live. When David sinned with Bathsheeba, his character and behaviour were clearly altered, marked by emotional instability and irrational decisions. The fact that the devil tried to seize on that weakness shows how vital it is for us to ask the Spirit to convict us and to show true repentance by "building altars".  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLw8GmjBw8I

Jesus' resurrection was verified by hundreds who saw Him alive, but there is another powerful Truth that comes from it: The fact that when we trust Him to save us, He makes us alive, too. This is not an improved adaptation of our old life which was controlled by sin--it is now dead! And as those made alive in Christ, we gratefully make significant choices that show our deep convictions and our new life.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=500-5B7eIeQ&t=3900s

There were two groups--the Jewish leaders and Romans--with everything to gain if Jesus stayed dead, and everything to lose if He was actually risen. But even a violent execution, a sealed tomb and extra soldiers could not defeat Jesus, because He has all power and victory over sin and the grave. This proves man's inability and our need for the salvation only He can provide.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn0jUi6-u5I&t=3558s

It is historically likely that just one person was with Jesus from arrest to being put in the tomb--a Roman centurion. This harsh, secular leader had his heart changed as he witnessed the events and Jesus' humble reactions. His fresh faith and convictions were confirmed when Jesus died, and then there was no doubt once the tomb was empty.   Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxx6pgw_Fk0