Rock Harbor Church

When Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, He was not just showing power over weather. He was confronting chaos itself. 🌊 In the Bible, the sea symbolizes evil, judgment, and the demonic realm, and Leviathan pictures the ancient dragon of chaos. When Jesus rebuked the wind and muzzled the waves, He was exercising divine authority over Satan's kingdom, pushing back darkness and advancing the Kingdom of God into enemy territory. ⚔️ Immediately after the storm, He confronts Legion, proving this was spiritual warfare, not random weather. This miracle shows us that Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh, Lord over creation, Lord over the abyss, Lord over Leviathan, Lord over the demonic realm, and Lord over every storm that comes against the Kingdom.

In What Child Is This?, we explore the powerful prophecy of Isaiah 9:1–7, a Christmas passage that reaches far beyond the manger and into the heart of God's redemptive plan for the world. Isaiah reveals that the first rays of Messiah's light did not shine in Jerusalem's temple but in despised Galilee, a region crushed by Assyria and mocked by the world. God intentionally chose the darkest and most overlooked place to announce the coming of His Son, proving that divine hope shines brightest where human hope has failed. Galilee would later become the launch point of Jesus' earthly ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy and revealing God's grace to the humble, the broken, and the forgotten. Isaiah also unveils the identity of the Child: Wonderful Counselor, divine wisdom beyond human understanding. Mighty God, fully God in human flesh. Everlasting Father, the source and sustainer of eternal life. Prince of Peace, the One who will ultimately end all war and rebellion. This Child is not merely a baby in a manger. He is the rightful King who will sit on David's throne, rule the nations, and establish a kingdom of justice, righteousness, and everlasting peace. Scripture declares that the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this without fail. Christmas is the down payment of the Kingdom. The cradle guarantees the crown. The First Advent assures the Second. This message calls us to see Christmas not only as a moment in history, but as a promise of what is still to come.

In this in-depth Bible teaching, we explore two critical Hebraisms that unlock major New Testament passages: the Key of the House of David (Isaiah 22) and "All shall be taught by God" (Isaiah 54). First, we examine the Old Testament background of the Key of David and how it reveals delegated royal authority under the king. This foundation allows us to correctly understand Jesus' words to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 and His absolute authority to open and shut doors of access, ministry, and the Kingdom itself. Next, we tackle Isaiah 54:13 and its direct quotation by Jesus in John 6. By understanding Jewish interpretive methods (PaRDeS), we expose how this passage is often misused to support Calvinistic theology. When read in its proper Jewish and prophetic context, Jesus is not teaching mystical election, but showing that God draws people through Scripture itself. Those who hear and learn from the Father through the Word come to Christ by faith. This study dismantles common misunderstandings about divine drawing, salvation, and election, and reaffirms the biblical truth of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 22 Isaiah 53–54 John 6 Revelation 3 Matthew 16 Acts 2 Psalm 2 1 Corinthians 15

In Matthew 8:19–22 and Luke 9:57–62, Jesus exposes the excuses people use to avoid true discipleship. Some want comfort. Others want delay. Others want divided loyalty. Jesus responds with sobering clarity. Following Him is not convenient, conditional, or secondary. Discipleship demands urgency, priority, and total allegiance. This passage confronts halfhearted commitment and reminds us that excuses may sound reasonable to people, but they do not work with Jesus. The call to follow Him is immediate, costly, and nonnegotiable.

In this message we look at one of the most beautiful portraits of Jesus' compassion in the Gospels. In Matthew 8:1–17, the Messiah reaches down to restore the rejected members of society: a leper no one would touch, a Gentile Roman centurion everyone despised, and a woman often overlooked in that culture. Jesus breaks every social barrier, every cultural taboo, and every religious expectation to show that the King's heart is for the lowest and the forgotten. This is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond His reach, His grace, or His restoring touch. 🙌✨ Jesus still restores the rejected today.

In this message Pastor Brandon walks through the doctrine of the remnant and shows why it is essential for understanding Israel, the church, and God's prophetic plan. Beginning with Elijah and the seven thousand who did not bow the knee to Baal, he traces how Isaiah develops the remnant theme and how Paul explains it in Romans chapters 9 through 11. Pastor Brandon explains what a remnant is, why it is pictured as a torn piece of cloth, and how God always preserves a believing minority inside the larger nation of Israel and inside the visible church. He exposes the roots of replacement theology and supersessionism, showing how they grew out of the early church breaking from its Jewish roots and how they often flow into anti Jewish attitudes today. From there the study unpacks key covenants that still belong to ethnic Israel, including the Abrahamic covenant, the land covenant, the Davidic covenant, and the new covenant. Pastor Brandon explains why these promises cannot be transferred to the church, how Gentile believers share in the spiritual blessings of the new covenant without replacing Israel, and why the survival and future salvation of Israel depend on the remnant that God preserves. The message also looks at the stump of Jesse in Isaiah 11, the humbled and almost cut off Davidic line, and how Messiah Jesus rises from poverty and obscurity to fulfill the promises to David. Along the way you will see how all of this connects to Christmas, the birth of Christ, and his future reign on David's throne in the millennial kingdom.

In this message, Pastor Brandon walks through Matthew 7:7 to 29 and explains how Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a sobering reality. There are only two paths, two gates, two trees, two fruits, two teachers, two prophets, two voices, and two foundations. Every person must choose. Jesus contrasts true discipleship with counterfeit spirituality and warns that outward religion without inward obedience will collapse when judgment comes. This passage not only warns unbelievers about salvation, it also calls believers to choose obedience, discernment, and a life built on God's standard rather than the world's. Jesus invites His followers to enter the narrow gate, walk the difficult road of discipleship, reject false teaching, and build their lives on the solid rock of His Word. Pastor Brandon also shows how these contrasts fit into the broader Kingdom program. The narrow way leads to life and future reward, while the broad way leads to loss, destruction, and a wasted life at the Judgment Seat of Messiah. Learn to ask, seek, and knock. Enter the narrow gate. Examine the fruit. Listen to the true Shepherd. Build your life on the rock and avoid the collapse of a life built on sand. Watch now and let the words of Jesus guide your choices in these last days.

Matthew 7 contains one of the most penetrating chapters in the Sermon on the Mount. In this teaching, Jesus dismantles the false religious system created by the Pharisees and the Mishnah. He exposes counterfeit righteousness, confronts hypocrisy, corrects misunderstanding about judgment, and calls His followers to live out the true righteousness of the Law of the Messiah. Jesus makes it clear that He alone has the authority to interpret the Law of Moses. He commands His disciples to judge by God's standard, reject man-made religious systems, discern false prophets, walk the narrow path, and build their lives on the unshakable foundation of His Word. This chapter contrasts the burdensome system of Pharisaic Judaism with the liberating truth of Jesus' teaching. Outward displays, religious behavior, and spiritual activity prove nothing without authentic obedience. Satan can imitate signs, but he cannot produce genuine righteousness. The Sermon on the Mount concludes with the crowds astonished because Jesus teaches with divine authority, unlike the scribes who relied on tradition. He is the true Lawgiver, and His words carry the full weight of heaven. If you want to understand how Jesus exposes false religion and reveals the true nature of God's righteousness, this teaching will strengthen your discernment and deepen your understanding of Matthew 7.

What you value is not neutral. It is steering the entire direction of your life. In this message from Matthew 6:19 through 34, we explore Jesus' call to stop living for possessions and begin living for the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that: You cannot serve God and mammon at the same time. Your treasure pulls your heart toward whatever you pursue. A generous, Kingdom focused "good eye" fills your life with light. A greedy, materialistic "bad eye" fills your life with darkness. Worrying over money and needs reveals the true object of your trust. We walk through how: Not valuing possessions enough to seek them, in verses 19 through 24, breaks the grip of materialism and exposes the idolatry that often hides in modern Christian life. Not valuing possessions enough to worry about them, in verses 25 through 34, frees your heart to trust your heavenly Father who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies. At the center of this message is Jesus' command: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 NKJV. When God's Kingdom is placed first, your priorities shift, your anxiety decreases, your generosity grows, and your trust in the Father deepens. If your life has been driven by security, comfort, or accumulation, this message will challenge you and call you back to one Master, one vision, and one treasure. Watch now to understand how what you value drives your life and how to realign your heart, your money, and your worries with the Kingdom of God.

In this in–depth study from Isaiah 14, Pastor Brandon unpacks the fall of Satan, the layers of Hebrew idioms in the passage, and the prophetic connection between Lucifer, the Antichrist, and the future Messianic Kingdom. This session walks verse by verse through the famous "Five I Wills," revealing the pride that corrupted the anointed cherub and how the same Luciferian mindset continues to manifest in the world today. Discover how Isaiah intertwines past, present, and future events to show the original rebellion of Satan and the judgment that awaits him. Learn why Scripture refers to him not as "Lucifer," but as *Halel ben Shachar*, the shining one, and how ancient Jewish interpretation, prophetic patterns, and New Testament revelation all converge to form a complete picture of his fall. Pastor Brandon also explains: • The true meaning of "fallen from heaven" • Why Satan's fall is an idiom for judgment and disgrace • The role of the anointed cherub and his original position before God • The prophetic meaning of the five "I Will" statements • Why Satan still believes he can win • How the Antichrist will attempt to fulfill Satan's ancient ambitions • The millennial reign of Christ and why God releases Satan after a thousand years • How human pride mirrors Lucifer's rebellion • The coming judgment of the abyss and the final lake of fire This teaching digs deep into prophetic themes, Hebrew linguistics, ancient Near Eastern context, and the unfolding spiritual battle described throughout Scripture. It also reminds every believer to guard their heart from pride and to walk humbly before the Lord Jesus Christ.

In part 2 of this message, Pastor Brandon unpacks Jesus' teaching on how to pray effectively, not like the hypocritical religious leaders or the mindless pagans, but in a way that truly connects with the heart of God. Jesus warns us against praying for attention, using empty repetition, or treating prayer like a performance. Instead, He gives us the Lord's Prayer, not as a ritual to recite, but as a template for meaningful, personal, and powerful communication with our Father in heaven. Discover how to: ✅ Pray with sincerity, not showmanship ✅ Align your will with God's purposes ✅ Build a private, authentic relationship with the Father ✅ Use the Lord's Prayer as a framework for deeper, effective prayer Let Jesus' words transform your prayer life from routine to relationship!

In this message, Pastor Brandon unpacks the true meaning of the Lord's Prayer from a powerful Jewish perspective—revealing its depth as a model for daily prayer and its prophetic connection to the coming Kingdom of God. Jesus taught that prayer was never meant to be a performance, but a private conversation with our Father. Through this teaching, we see how genuine prayer transforms character, develops faith, and prepares believers for eternal reward at the Bema Seat of Christ. From "hallowing God's name" to "Your kingdom come, Your will be done," this study brings clarity to what Messiah intended—showing that the Lord's Prayer is both a personal guide and an eschatological cry for the day when Christ will reign from Jerusalem. Watch as Pastor Brandon exposes hypocrisy in prayer, addresses pagan repetition, and calls believers back to intimate, faith-filled communication with God. 📖 **Key Topics:** - The Jewish background of the Lord's Prayer - The difference between public and private prayer - Vain repetition vs. heartfelt devotion - What "Hallowed be Your name" truly means - "Your Kingdom come" and the return of Christ - The connection between character and eternal rewards 👉 **Subscribe for more biblical prophecy, discipleship, and verse-by-verse teaching from Rock Harbor Church.** 🌐 Visit: [https://rockharborchurch.net](https://rockharborchurch.net)

Brandon Holthaus - Unlocking Hebraic Bible Idioms

Jesus teaching, Matthew 6, motives, hypocrisy, secret reward, judgment seat of Christ, righteousness, spiritual disciplines, fasting, prayer, giving, Pharisees, Sermon on the Mount, eternal rewards, Pastor Brandon Holthaus, Rock Harbor Church, Tip of the Spear Ministries, Free Grace, grace teaching, living for God, Christian discipleship, faith that pleases God

In this teaching, Pastor Brandon walks through powerful Hebraic idioms found in Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. From "there is nothing new under the sun" to "catch the little foxes that spoil the vines," this message uncovers timeless truths about human nature, spiritual warfare, and relationships. Learn how Solomon's wisdom reveals the futility of life "under the sun" apart from God, why sin and deception are simply recycled patterns, and how only divine revelation breaks those cycles. Then, journey into the Song of Solomon to explore how small, unchecked compromises—the "little foxes"—can destroy intimacy in marriages, families, and faith. This message offers biblical insight into: • Recognizing the repetitive nature of sin and Satan's tactics • Breaking generational and personal cycles through God's revelation • Understanding the risk of faith and stepping into God's calling • Identifying and removing the "foxes" that damage relationships • Applying healthy communication, boundaries, and spiritual maturity Whether in marriage, family, or personal growth, this study reveals how the Lord calls us to rise above the monotony of "under the sun" and live in the light of His truth. **Scripture References:** Ecclesiastes 1:9 • Ecclesiastes 11:1 • Song of Solomon 2:15 • 1 Corinthians 5:11 • Psalm 139:23–24 #BibleStudy #Hebraisms #Ecclesiastes #SongOfSolomon #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeaching #Relationships #Faith #Marriage #Discipleship #RockHarborChurch

In this message, Pastor Brandon unpacks Matthew 5:33–48 and shows how kingdom living sometimes looks like losing now—but it's actually trading up forever. Jesus calls us to radical honesty, refusal to retaliate, open-handed generosity, and love for enemies. Each choice may seem like a worldly disadvantage, yet heaven's ledger records it as eternal gain (Matthew 5:12; 6:19–21). Key Points • Truthfulness (vv. 33–37): Let your "Yes" be yes—no spin, just integrity before God. • Non-retaliation (vv. 38–42): "Turn the other cheek." Strength under control reflects the King. • Generosity (v. 42): Give and lend without calculating payback; trust the Father to repay. • Enemy-love (vv. 43–48): Pray for those who oppose you—showing the family resemblance to your Father in heaven. Why it Matters Choosing truth over image, mercy over payback, and generosity over self-protection may cost you now—but Christ promises greater reward and deeper Christlikeness that lasts forever. Call to Action If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe. Comment below: Where is Jesus calling you to "lose" now for eternal gain?

In this powerful Bible teaching, we explore several profound Hebrew expressions found throughout Scripture—from "the apple of your eye" to "the king's heart in the hand of the Lord." Pastor Brandon Holthaus unpacks the deep Hebraic meaning behind these phrases and connects them to how we understand God's providence, human free will, and the believer's walk of faith. You'll discover how God's Word reveals your true reflection, how spiritual hunger grows through Scripture, and why treasuring the Word is vital in a time when a famine of truth has fallen on the church. This message also touches on the sobering reality of God's discipline, the cycle of sin described in Proverbs, and the eternal hope that awaits every believer beyond this life—reminding us that heaven is far greater than we can imagine. 🕊️ **Topics Covered:** • The meaning of "apple of your eye" • God's providence and free will • The famine of the Word in the modern church • Understanding "the king's heart in the hand of the Lord" • The spiritual danger of returning to sin ("dog returning to its vomit") • What "where there is no vision the people perish" truly means • Vanity of vanities—life under the sun vs. eternity with God • A glimpse into eternity and the hope of heaven 📖 **Scriptures Referenced:** Proverbs 7:2 • Proverbs 21:1 • Ecclesiastes 1:2 • Amos 8:11 • Genesis 50:20 • Matthew 6:10 🔗 For more teachings and prophecy updates, visit: https://rockharborchurch.net 🙏 **Remember:** Treasure God's Word like the apple of your eye, stay faithful in His path, and keep looking up—our redemption draws near!

In this message, Pastor Brandon continues our study in the Gospel of Matthew—focusing on the **Sermon on the Mount**, where the Messiah reveals His divine authority to correctly interpret the Law of Moses. Jesus contrasts His interpretation with that of the Pharisees, exposing the difference between **external religion** and **internal righteousness**. He reveals that true righteousness comes from the heart—not mere outward obedience. Pastor Brandon also explains: - Why Jesus said He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it - The difference between the **Law of Moses** and the **Law of the Messiah** - The eternal moral principles that still apply today - How selective, "cafeteria-style" Christianity affects rewards in the Kingdom - The danger of false teaching, cultural compromise, and the need to stand firm in biblical truth This message challenges all believers to walk in holiness, discern truth from deception, and boldly proclaim Christ in an age of moral confusion. 📖 **Scripture Reference:** Matthew 5:17–20 🎙 **Speaker:** Pastor Brandon Holthaus 🌐 **Website:** [https://rockharborchurch.net](https://rockharborchurch.net) 📺 **Watch more sermons:** [https://sermonaudio.com/rockharborchurch](https://sermonaudio.com/rockharborchurch) "Keep looking up, for our redemption draws near." – Luke 21:28

Jesus didn't call us to be a condiment; He called us to be a covenant presence—salt that preserves and light that exposes. This message lays out a practical, biblical game plan for engaging culture, confronting lies, pushing back evil, and preserving what's good in our cities, schools, and public square. What you'll learn Salt ≠ seasoning: it's about permeation & preservation, not making sin palatable (Matt 5:13–16, NKJV). How to engage politically and publicly without losing your soul (Acts 5:29; 1 Pet 2:12). A step-by-step Salt & Light Strategy to slow moral decay, expose darkness, and build the good (Eph 5:11; Rom 12:21). How ordinary believers become change agents: showing up, speaking truth in love, and serving your community. The Salt & Light Strategy (5 moves) Permeate – Get out of the shaker: show up at school boards, councils, neighborhoods (Jer 29:7). Preserve – Hold the line against decay: defend life, marriage, family, and truth (Prov 24:11–12; Mic 6:8). Expose – Shine on lies and works of darkness with grace and courage (Eph 5:11; Isa 5:20). Build – Plant what's good: discipleship, mercy ministries, parallel institutions (Isa 58:12). Bless – Pray for leaders, do good works that point to the Father (1 Tim 2:1–2; Matt 5:16). Action steps this week Pick one arena (home, school, city, workplace) and show up. Tell the truth kindly once a day—online or in person. Adopt one local need (foster care, tutoring, food insecurity) and serve. Form a 3–5 person prayer/discipleship cell and commit to one public act of good each month. Hashtags #SaltAndLight #ResistTheRot #ChristianWorldview #PublicFaith #EngageTheCulture #Matthew5 #NKJV #TruthInLove #PushBac

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