The Harbor

Mercy is more than a feeling. It is an action toward others fueled by love. Micah 6:8 tells us that God requires His people to love mercy among other things, and Matthew 5:7 says He blessed those who show mercy. So, to whom should I show mercy? The easy answer is everyone, but the Bible is more specific than that. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Jeff Maness gets real about what it means to be mercif...

Righteousness according to Jesus' words in Matthew 5:6 is a set apart, divine righteousness. Simply put, it refers to what is deemed right by the Lord. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for that righteousness, for justice, or, as Pastor Jeff Maness puts it, those who CRAVE it. In this weeks message from Isaiah 58:1-12, we are confronted by a challenge not to simply go through the motion...

Meekness is NOT weakness. On the contrary, meekness is strength surrendered to God as Pastor Jeff Maness points out in this week's message. Jesus tells us that God blesses the humble and that they will inherit the whole earth. So, what does that look like? How can I steward meekness in a world that celebrates the proud? In 1 Peter 5:5-11, we see God's heart towards humility revealed in a...

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. That is, at least, what Jesus says. These are challenging words to believe while in the midst of grief. Pastor Jeff Maness directs our attention to three truths revealed in Lamentations 3. Scripture allows for grief, but reminds us of the faithful presence of a compassionate God, while giving us great hope for future good. The same author wh...

Jesus is alive! Are you? In the opening message of B[less]ed, Pastor Jeff Maness teaches on the reality and availability of the Kingdom of God to us right now. Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 by addressing a crowd, many of whom had been excluded and reviled by the religious elite, and extended blessing - an invitation into His Kingdom - to those who are poor in spirit, to those w...

Can I get a witness? In this message from John 12:27-33, Jesus' words help to inform our perspective of evangelism. If our perspective on evangelism drives our practice with evangelism, we need to begin to understand Jesus' approach to it. In the final week of the "In His Steps" series, Pastor Jeff Maness teaches through the B.L.E.S.S. evangelism strategy, equipping the church...

How comfortable are you with silence? In this message, Pastor Justin Ruszkiewicz calls us into the silence - the place where God shapes the soul for life with Him. In Luke 5:15-16, we see Jesus withdrawing to an erēmos - a solitary, quiet place - to pray, as he often did, in times of temptation, pressure, and even miracles. The practice of silence and embracing solitude transforms us, and it is th...

When you think of the word "community" what comes to mind? You might think of the geographical area in which you reside, or maybe your immediate family, friends, or coworkers. Then there are common interest-based communities like those who follow certain sports teams, bands, or hobbies. When you consider these examples, you might notice that a pattern emerges. Every single community is c...

In our endeavor to practice the way of Jesus, we examine the way He served others and allow His way of life to challenge how we think about service, greatness, identity, and love. We hope you will see that if we want to walk In His Steps, the way up is always down. Message Notes & Resources - https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=rJIgkY7K-g Discussion Questions - https://storage1.snapp...

Generosity is an attitude of the heart toward God, not an amount in the hand to be given. When we understand that everything we have belongs to Him, giving stops being pressure and starts becoming worship. What does your generosity reveal about what’s at the center of your life? This message will challenge, inspire, and invite you to take your next step toward living with open hands. Message Notes...

What if prayer isn’t about impressive words or perfect faith, but about honest conversation with our loving Father? Through Scripture, real-life stories, and the example of Jesus, Himself, this sermon reminds us that prayer is not a place to perform—it’s a place to be known. Whether your faith feels strong, shaky, or somewhere in between, you’re invited to come just as you are, keep it real, and d...

The Bible isn’t just information—it’s transformation. God’s Word is alive, pointing us to Jesus, revealing truth in a confused world, and reshaping our hearts from the inside out. Discover why consistent engagement with Scripture can change your life. If you’ve ever felt intimidated, inconsistent, or just spiritually dry, this message is your invitation to begin Walking in the Word again. Message...

Explore the often-misunderstood practice of fasting and see how fasting without prayer will never reach its full potential. Essentially, fasting is abstaining from something, typically food, for a certain period of time for physical, mental, and spiritual benefit. Sounds simple, but to get the most benefit, what should I pray when I fast? This sermon reveals how fasting—when paired with prayer—res...

Following Jesus isn’t just about belief—it’s about living the life He designed. This message explores why doing what Jesus did isn’t a burden, but the pathway to freedom, formation, and life to the full. Discover how practicing the way of Jesus can transform everyday life and lead to a faith that’s grounded, freeing, and truly abundant. Message Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=...

What does it really mean to follow Jesus—not just believe in Him, but become like Him? In this message from our In His Steps series, we’re invited to stop treating Jesus like spiritual “rescue patrol” and start following Him as our guide, placing our feet in His footprints day by day. Through a powerful illustration and the words of 1 Peter 2, this sermon explores how true discipleship transforms...

What comes out of you when life puts the pressure on? In this message, we’re reminded that when we’re “squeezed” by stress, temptation, pain, or disappointment, what spills out is whatever we’ve been soaking in. Jesus tells us in John 15 that real fruit (love, faithfulness, joy, etc) doesn’t come from trying harder, but from abiding (soaking) in Him. This message invites you to slow down, refocus,...

The invitation of Jesus is not to become a Christian, but to become a disciple, to walk in His steps: learning to be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did. This message, the first in the series called In His Steps: Practicing the Way of Jesus, challenges the idea of casual faith and calls us into true discipleship—learning to walk in the way of Jesus. Following Christ means more than knowi...

As The Harbor celebrates 28 years of God’s faithfulness, this Vision Sunday calls us back to our foundation. From the story of Mustard Seed Mountain to Jesus’ closing words in the Sermon on the Mount, we’re reminded that knowing the right foundation without building our lives upon it will never lead to fruit. Rooted in Matthew 7:24–29, this message challenges us to move beyond merely hearing Jesus...

In this devotional, our Kids Ministry Elementary Coordinator Ferrin Gillespie looks at the story found in Mark 5 to show the ways that Jesus' authority and character shape the way He heals us. Not just in the big and spectacular moments, but also (especially) in the small day-to-day tasks and circumstances. Through it all, we will close 2025 and look forward to 2026 remembering these two thin...

In this Christmas Eve message, discover the hope of a fresh start. No matter your past, your regrets, or how far you feel from God, Christmas is the story of a Father who runs toward us with love, grace, and restoration. Jesus is the Ultimate Reset—welcoming us home, covering our shame, and reminding us that it’s never too late to begin again.  Message Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/vi...

So far in our series, Home for Christmas, we have looked at the story of The Prodigal Son that Jesus told in Luke 15 from the perspective of the father and the older son. In this message, we examine the servants in the story and how they lived out the heart of the Father. Watch to answer the question, "What kind of heart does the Father want for me?" Message Notes: https://notes.subsplas...

Close to God—but not truly connected. In this Home for Christmas message from Jesus' parable of The Prodigal Son in Luke 15, we look at the often-overlooked older brother and discover how it’s possible to be in the Father’s house yet far from the Father’s heart. Join us as we uncover what it really takes to stay connected to God—not just in proximity, but in relationship—and step fully into t...

In week one of Home for Christmas, we discover "The Allowing Love of God"—a love that doesn’t force, manipulate, or control. Instead, it allows us to choose… even when we choose wrong. It allows life to unfold… even when it leads us into famine, emptiness, or the pigsties of our own decisions. But it’s also a love that uses every moment—every mistake, every longing, every “coming to our...

Part 3 of a three-week series that tackles the real and growing struggles of anxiety and depression, addressing them not only as mental health concerns but also as deeply spiritual battles. Through the testimony of Pastor Ryan Akers, biblical examples, and practical tools, the series breaks down the stigma in the church, helps believers identify the lies and triggers that feed their struggles, and...

Part 2 of a three-week series that tackles the real and growing struggles of anxiety and depression, addressing them not only as mental health concerns but also as deeply spiritual battles. Through the testimony of Pastor Ryan Akers, biblical examples, and practical tools, the series breaks down the stigma in the church, helps believers identify the lies and triggers that feed their struggles, and...