Harbor Rock Tabernacle

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...

At the north shore of the Sea of Galilee were 3 cities: Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida. Jesus did the majority of His miracles there, and though thousands believed, these cities refused to repent and trust in Him. This is a heart issue, and right now our world is having to decide the same thing, in the midst of this crisis. Will people cry out to God? And what would happen if even a few areas o...

Jesus ministered to a number of people who were dealing with personal problems and shame, especially a demon possessed man who was deeply tormented and anguished. But when he saw Jesus, he recognized that there was help and healing available through the power of the Lord. Each of us has issues and experiences that cause us embarrassment and insecurity. How we deal with them--especially as it relat...

Because of the worldwide health crisis, advice has been given to practice "social distancing", staying six feet away from other people. For a man with leprosy in Mark 1, that was his normal condition--he couldn't go into cities or be near people because he was contagious and seen as socially "dead". But in his fear and desperation, or even anger and resentment about his condition, he didn't distan...

The world is in upheaval right now, with people feeling confused, uncertain and anxious. Jesus faced the same situation in Galilee, as multitudes with various health problems surrounded Him, looking for mercy and help. But Jesus showed His complete authority, both through teaching and healing. We can experience the same amazement the crowds felt when we listen to His voice and understand His power...

On the third day of His ministry, Jesus attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee. When the guests ran out of wine, Mary went to Jesus with the problem, and then told the attendants "whatever He says to you, do it". In a time of subjective Christianity and a flippant "whatever!" attitude that permeates our culture, her words are full of the conviction we all should have. When we have a deep faith that...

To launch His public ministry after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus left Nazareth and "withdrew" to Galilee. There were strategic reasons for this move which apply to our daily lives, especially when we are needing fresh direction or clearer direction. This first study from our new series "Galilee" encourages us to understand and be content in the Lord's reasons for having us in our present c...

Hebrews 10 warns against claiming to trust Christ but living in a way that retreats from full commitment. This could be described as being a "Christian In Name Only". Chapter 12 calls us to something far greater: A life that endures for the Lord, and stands strong for the cause of Christ. As we look toward Jesus Christ and live in the power of His Spirit, this "exercise" of our endurance builds ou...

Each of us has a "budget" of 186 hours this week. If we don't spend them wisely, it can greatly affect us spiritually and personally. Looking at the pivotal decision of 6 important Biblical figures, this study shows the sharp contrast between using our time poorly and using it wisely and productively.

The Bible calls the tongue "a restless evil, able to defile the entire body". Though we might think that we only say damaging words when our emotions are heightened, it is far too common to say what is "unwholesome". Every word that proceeds from our mouth is a choice made by our mind. Ephesians 4 calls us to say only what is pure, edifying and full of grace, because our words reveal our heart and...

We all struggle to deal with the impact of a critical spirit. As recipients, we feel discouraged and defeated, and as the source of criticism, we can get stuck in a chronically negative attitude. Christians should not be characterized by a critical, judgmental mindset. We have to move beyond a preoccupation with self, and ask the Holy Spirit to change a mindset of dissatisfaction and fault-finding...