Harbor Rock Tabernacle

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...

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 criti...

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...

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....

The volatile events of the past week, combined with the adaptations of the last half year, creates a longing for normalcy and simplicity. From a spiritual standpoint, this involves evaluating what steals both our time and our heart from being content. Solomon wrestled with this in Ecclesiastes. He indulged in anything he wanted to see if there was any lasting value, and he found that nothing apart...

Amazing advancements in technology have essentially stripped away secrets and our sense of mystery. This can be disconcerting, until we realize that the Lord says there are hidden secrets that he has for His people. Those who fear the Lord receive special instruction, spiritual abundance and specific leading. As we understand His secrets--Daring Faith, Deeper Expectations and Divine Leading--the L...

The events all around us remind us each day that there is a full assault against the Kingdom of God. In response, we will either give in to discouragement and spiritual decline or go all in with diligence and spiritual development. We fight off multiple temptations to give up by actively anticipating the return of Jesus for His people. Our calling is to "continue" forward every day, steadfastly pe...

In the Bible, there are numerous examples of people who had similar situations, with the same opportunities, but took divergent paths based on their decisions. This was the difference between experiencing God's help and blessing, and being unhappy and missing out. Saul and David both had the Spirit of God leading them, but only David made the choices that honored God, establishing generational fav...

It is far too common for Christians to just sit and receive from the church, but do very little as a result. The church's job is to train believers to actively mature in their faith and step out to serve the Lord in the midst of a spiritually dying culture. In John 15, Jesus calls Himself the "Vine" Who gives life, and says it is necessary for those who receive Him to live every day as grafted, fr...

The events of the last 4 months have closely modeled Paul's description of the "Last Days" in 2 Timothy. As we seek to have a significant influence on our culture, this makes our calling more challenging, but also becomes an exciting opportunity to be used of the Lord. In this last study of the series, we examine the characteristics of the time we live in , and hear Paul's charge to all believers...

As listening has become more selective, because of technology advancements and the polarizing nature of our culture, it is more crucial to effective communication than ever before. In talking to the "rich young ruler", Jesus provides a powerful example of listening with love, so that He could lead this man to the real issues of his spiritual struggle. This provides a model for us as we seek to inf...

The disturbing trend in our society is "cancel culture", which involves shaming and boycotting anyone who doesn't agree and comply with what the world declares acceptable. So how do Christians not only offset this, but also have significant influence despite it? During Nehemiah's time, opposition to rebuilding the wall was fierce, and the people quickly became demoralized when they were criticized...

As Abraham faithfully obeyed God's difficult command and prepared to sacrifice Isaac, he did so with the resolute conviction that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly all that we ask or think". His faith was stretched to the edge, but he had a next level calling that required that depth of faith. The Lord honored his fear and faith, and said Abraham's name twice as he stopped him, to reassure...

In the 3 days of walking to the mountain in Moriah, Abraham had plenty of time to reconsider his obedience to God's command. Even as the knife was in the air, the temptation to compromise was strong. But Abraham feared the Lord, and that determines everything in life. Fearing the Lord involves having a true perspective of Who He is and who you are, and then responding with reverence, faith and obe...

When our faith is stretched to levels that are beyond uncomfortable, do we not only stay faithful, but also turn that to be a spiritual influence? Abraham was called to an unimaginable assignment, but his lifelong commitment to model and teach conviction drove his response. Trusting the Lord without hesitation, and full confidence the Lord would provide, his actions built a generational legacy in...

No matter how the enemy tries to trap or discourage us, as believers we have victory through Jesus Christ, and an exciting responsibility to be ready to step up in whatever opportunity He puts before us. When Elijah shows up at Elisha's house and throws his mantle on him, Elisha not only responds without hesitation, because he knows the Lord is at work. He also seeks after a double portion of the...

Disease. Homicides. Protests. Riots. We live in a turbulent time, and the answers mankind has thrown at the problems provide no real solutions. Most people are trying to figure out how to be on the right side of the issues while holding onto their convictions. In this study from Isaiah 60, Jamie Cannalte reminds us of the power of God's help during this time of confusion and crisis. The Lord has g...

When a situation is unfair, or people are being harsh, how do we not only respond well, but also have a strong spiritual influence? David faced that when Saul turned on him out of resentment and jealousy. Saul was bring driven by an evil spirit set on destroying David, who was anointed by the Lord and living for Him. So when David had an opportunity to get revenge, he resisted that temptation and...

Since Genesis 3, the devil has been manipulating the Truth to push distrust in God and His Word. Despite all the evidence God gave Israel about His faithful provision, as they moved through the desert and spied out the land, they doubted and rebelled. So when 10 spies came back from the Promised Land with a report bull of doubt and fear, the people believed that instead of the 2 spies who affirmed...

The Bible doesn't record any information about Noah's wife--no words, no specific actions. But for 70 years, she had a deep trust in the Lord and profound influence on her sons and daughters in law. A weak faith and even small resistance to God's amazing plan would have shown up in a number of ways that would have undermined the building of the Ark. But her love for the Lord and her family provide...

After Israel escaped Egypt and before they went to Sinai, the Amalekites attacked them in an attempt to prevent their advance. Knowing the potential for a crisis of faith among the people, Moses positioned himself on top of a hill and raised his hands to the Lord while the battle was fought. As long as he kept his hands up, Israel won. When he became tired, Aaron and Hur recognized the power of th...

When it comes to spiritual influence, statistics shows that the most important area of priority is children. But even among Christian parents, influencing kids for Christ is not seen as vitally essential. Combined with a secular culture, educational indoctrination and technology's prevalence, we are far from fulfilling the admonition in Deuteronomy 6 to teach children to love the Lord with all the...

The two men Jesus talked to on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection typify the mindset many people have. They hope Jesus is the Savior but they're hesitant in their conviction and commitment...which mean their lives aren't completely changed. Jesus challenged these men on being slow to believe. Once they heard His Word and became convinced He was alive, their hearts were burning to tell every...

Jesus' resurrection is the most pivotal, life-changing event in the history of mankind. There's no question that His crucified body was gone from the tomb--the angel substantiated this by telling them to "come and see" where He had been. There is only logical explanation for what happened that morning: Jesus rose from the grave and is alive. Gone is any doubt, or excuse to deny or reject Him. His...

Between the Last Supper and the cross, Jesus endured an unimaginable amount of torture. The physical pain was exacerbated by the contempt and ridicule of His creation as they abused Him. But everything that happened provided pictures of ultimate victory, including the Crown of Thorns. The virus affecting our world has spikes that resemble a crown, and it's piercing damage infects and can cause dea...