Sermons from Harvest Bible Chapel - Barrie

Todd Dugard and Aneel Sohail Message: From every Tribe and Language and People and Nation Text: Revelation 5:9-10 December 28, 2025

Over the last four Sundays, we have been looking at the various women who were part of the Nativity of Jesus Christ: his mother Mary, his mom’s cousin, Elizabeth, Anna in the Temple, and Mary Magdalene, who was not there at his birth but who represents the culmination of his life and ministry and the reason for the Nativity. In our four Christmas Eve services, I’ll do a quick survey through all four women to emphasize and highlight the grace, hope, salvation, and Saviour that we all need to see. My hope and desire, of course, is that there will be many in those services who have not yet become believers. The heart of this message is to point them to Jesus in the hope that they, too, will see him as the women saw him. The whole service is a bit of a throwback to previous years with congregational songs, a children’s story, and readings. Series: What the Women Saw Message: 5 – What the Women Saw Text: Various Scriptures Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel December 23-24, 2025 When I see… …what Mary saw, grace overwhelms me (Luke 1:28, 46-48) …what Elizabeth saw, hope sustains me (Luke 1:24-25) Hope is a confident expectation and desire for good things in the future. - John Piper …what Anna saw, salvation redeems me (Luke 2:38) …what Mary Magdalene saw, Jesus transforms me (Luke 8:1-3) John 20:18

Christmas has a way of bringing everything to the surface. The joy and gratitude, of course, peace and hope, yes, sure, but also the things we prefer to keep tucked away. Family tensions feel closer than usual. Grief over the missing seat at the table. Financial pressure, exhaustion, loneliness, and the weight of unspoken expectations can sit not-so-quietly beneath the celebrations. Even good things can feel heavy when it just feels like you’re trying to hold things together. This Sunday, we’ll open the Scriptures to the story of Mary Magdalene, a woman whose life had been deeply changed by Jesus, and whose story sits, perhaps unexpectedly, right at the heart of the message of Christmas. Her experience helps us slow down and consider how we interpret what God is doing when life doesn’t happen the way we expected. We’ll reflect on what it means for Jesus to change everything, how hope can hold even when everything feels heavy, and why seeing Jesus clearly matters more than having everything figured out. Whether this season feels joyful and simple, complicated and chaotic, or somewhere in between, join us as we look again at Jesus together. Series: What the Women Saw Message 4 - Mary Magdalene Saw Jesus Text: Luke 8:1-3; John 20:1-2, 11-18 Jordan Coros Harvest Bible Chapel December 21, 2025 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. O come, all ye faithless, joyless and defeated. O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Christmas is for the weary, for the messed-up, for the broken. If your life isn’t instagrammable, Christmas is for you. - Sam Allberry When I see Jesus like Mary Magdalene saw him… 1) …my past doesn’t define me (Luke 8:1-3) 2 Corinthians 5:17 2) …my hope is undying (John 20:1-2, 11-13) Romans 5:5 3) …my faith is anchored (John 20:14-16) On hearing her name, Mary suddenly realized that it could be none other than Jesus. She had seen him placed in the tomb as a lifeless corpse. But now he spoke. He was alive! – Robert H. Mounce, The Expositor's Bible Commentary The posture most natural to Jesus is not a pointed finger but open arms. – Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly 4) …my life is redirected (John 20:17-18) The obligation to tell others is more important than the natural desire to display affection. The purpose of Jesus’ resurrection was not so that he could return to this world in triumph, but so he could return to God, having completed his redemptive ministry on behalf of humanity. – Robert H. Mounce, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary

This is my 25th Christmas as lead pastor here at Harvest. That’s 25 Christmas series. It’s 25 times that I’ve packaged and re-packaged one story from the few available passages. I’m not tired of it. It still stirs me like it did when I was a little kid, and even more so since I became a believer. None of us who know Christ and who have received his gift of salvation should tire of it. Matt Smethurst said, “The greatest threat to Christmas isn't secularism or consumerism but our own boredom with the most thrilling story ever told.” In other words, the world isn’t the problem with Christmas, but our own hearts certainly can be. In three verses from Luke 2:36-38, we have everything we know about a woman named Anna, who has no direct dialogue. We’re not even told that she had a personal encounter with Jesus, just that she was there at the Temple when he was dedicated. But Luke makes sure that we know some important things about this woman who saw salvation. In a world that offers so many “solutions” to our problems and with hearts that are cold, Jesus breaks in, offering the only means by which we may be saved. I’m excited to share it with you. Series: What the Women Saw Message: 3 – Anna Saw Salvation Text: Luke 2:36-38 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel December 14, 2025 When I see the salvation that Anna saw… …it provides perspective (2:36-37a) James 1:2-4 Joy is supernatural delight in the person, purposes, and people of God. - John Piper, Desiring God …it inspires devotion (2:37b) The greatest threat to Christmas isn't secularism or consumerism but our own boredom with the most thrilling story ever told. - Matt Smethurst …it compels prayer and fasting (2:37c-38a) Jesus’ Earthly Life In utero Birth; Dedication in the Temple — 10 days old Visit of the Magi; Escape to Egypt — 18-24 months Return from Egypt to Nazareth — 4-6 years old Trip to Jerusalem (left behind) — 12 years old Baptism/Public ministry begins — 30 years old Triumphant entry; crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension — 33 years old Luke 9:23 …it motivates mission (2:38b) --- RESOURCES --- 80% of Non-Churchgoers Say They Would Go If Invited — So Why Don’t We? by John Taylor relevantmagazine.com/faith/church/80-of-non-believers-would-go-to-church-if-invited-so-why-dont-we/

Some stories in Scripture hit closer to home than we expect. Elizabeth’s may be one of them for you and me. She knows what it is to wait so long that hope starts to shrink. She knows what it is to carry disappointment quietly. She knows what it is to feel unseen, unheard, and maybe even forgotten. And then, in the seemingly normal patterns of ordinary life…God steps in. This Sunday in our Christmas series, "What the Women Saw", we’ll see hope break into Elizabeth’s story with surprising tenderness and unstoppable power. Her encounter shows us that God’s silence is not abandonment, his timing is not random, and his Word never returns empty. If you’re weary of waiting, if you’re carrying a heavy question, if your hope feels thin, you can relate to Elizabeth’s story. Hope is there. Elizabeth saw it. Come see it with us. Series: What the Women Saw Message 2- Elizabeth Saw Hope Text: Luke 1:5-25; 39-45; 57-66 Jordan Coros Harvest Bible Chapel Barrie December 7, 2025 Waiting is an art that our impatient age has forgotten...we want to break open the ripe fruit when the [stem] has barely been planted. – Dietrick Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas When I see the hope that Elizabeth saw… 1) …I know God has not forgotten me (v. 5-7; 24-25) God promises… …his presence (Joshua 1:5 - I will not leave you or forsake you.) …his care (1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.) …his goodness (Lamentations 3:25 - The Lord is good to those who wait for him.) …his timing (Galatians 6:9 - In due season we will reap, if we do not give up.) …his attention (Matthew 6:8 - Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.) …his faithfulness (Psalm 138:8 - The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.) 2) …which convinces me of his perfect plan (v. 8-17) Malachi 3:1 3) …leads me to trust in his Word (v. 18-23; 57-64) God’s word will stand. In fact, on the…day of judgement, every mouth will be closed. There will be no rebuttal, no rejoinder or appeal. The God of the Universe will do all things well, including administering justice on that final day. So it’s better to receive and share his word rather than doubt it. Zechariah found that out the hard way. - Thabiti Anyabwile 4) …and celebrate his work in my life (v. 39-45; 65-66)  

The images of the Nativity of Jesus are etched in our minds. The donkey, the innkeeper, the three kings and their camels, the lowing cattle, the little drummer boy. None of which are in the actual biblical narrative. You know who are in the Bible’s account? Some incredible women whom God used to advance his plan and display his kindness and mercy to a world in desperate need. These women saw things that we could only wish to see. They experienced the grace of God, witnessed the hope of God, and saw the salvation of God. In a word, in a name, what the women saw was Jesus! In this four-message series leading up to Christmas, we’ll look at what the women saw and find Christ for ourselves. His grace, his hope, and his salvation proclaimed and provided for those in need. Series: What the Women Saw Message: 1 – Mary Saw Grace Text: Luke 1:26-38, 46-56 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel November 30, 2025 The Real Christmas Story from the Bible? TRUE or FALSE? (1) Mary rode on a donkey as she and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem. (2) The Innkeeper told them there was no room at the inn. (3) Jesus was born just as they arrived in town. (4) Three wisemen arrived on the night Jesus was born and gave him gifts. (5) Jesus was born in a stable around cattle that were lowing, and though Jesus woke up no crying he made. (6) The angels sang, Glory to God in the Highest. (7) The Little Drummer Boy played him a song. (8) Jesus was laid in a feed trough probably made of stone. (9) Shepherds were the first ones to tell other people about Jesus’ birth. (10) Mary is, “Blessed among women” because she gave birth to Jesus. When I see the grace that Mary saw… …it establishes who I am in Christ (v. 26-30) …it calls me to what I do for Christ (v. 31-38) …it orients my worship of Christ (v. 46-56) When my worship is rightly oriented, it will be… (1) Vertical (2) Humble Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. (3) Grateful (4) Hopeful A Christian’s hope is the confident expectation and desire for good things in the future grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ. - John Piper-ish

It is a question that often comes to mind. It can be a question asked in regret or, at times, with gratitude. What if? What if things had gone differently? What if we hadn’t met? What if this hadn’t happened? What if this opportunity hadn’t come our way? As unbelievers think about spiritual things, the question may be asked, “What if God is real?” And that’s the scenario in Acts 22-23. The Apostle has been arrested and is in the midst of making his defence. The Jews are intent on eliminating Paul and his influence. In the midst of the troubles, one leader stood up to ask, in essence, what if he’s right? What if he’s heard from God? What if we’ve got it wrong? It is an important question that everyone must ask themselves. No one should risk their eternity on the rightness of their own knowledge of God. It is the gospel alone that informs who God is, where humanity finds itself, and how each person can take advantage of the one and only solution. Everyone should be asking, “What if God is who he says he is?" That’s what we’ll see in Acts 22:22-23:11. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 62 – What if Text: Acts 22:22-23:11 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel November 23, 2025 What if the gospel is right? If it is, it alters my perspective on life here. (22:22-29) Timeline of Paul’s Ministry: 4 BC - Birth of Jesus; AD 30 - Crucifixion; AD 33 - Stephen martyred; AD 34 - Paul converted; AD 47-49 – 1st missionary journey; AD 49-52 – 2nd missionary journey; AD 53-57 – 3rd missionary journey; AD 57 - Paul's arrest in Jerusalem Philippians 3:7-9a The flagellum or scourge is a leather whip with multiple rope ends that had bone, twigs, or metal hooks knotted in so that when it made contact, it shredded the flesh often down to the bone. The martyrs were bound, imprisoned, scourged, racked, burnt, rent, butchered. And they multiplied. - Augustine If it is, it compels me to live for Christ. (22:30-23:5) Matthew 23:27-28 Matthew 5:11-12 Matthew 5:44 If it is, it encourages me in the midst of hardship (23:6-11) John 11:25-26 John 11:27 Philippians 3:10-11 Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important. - C. S. Lewis, God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics

Everyone has a story. Everyone that has come to faith in Jesus, anyway. We get to hear these stories during baptisms, and we have a bunch of those on video for you to watch and be encouraged. We are also producing a new video podcast, The Life, which features longer conversations with people in our own Harvest family about how they came to faith in Christ. I’m mentioning this here because Sunday’s message in Acts 22:2-21 features Paul telling his story to his fellow Jews in Jerusalem. Paul does this under some duress, because he’s under arrest at the time and speaking in front of the Roman officer who had him arrested. Paul uses the occasion to testify powerfully about his conversion and the call of God on his life. Our story isn’t going to make it into Holy Scripture, but it is no less powerful to bring about salvation, because the same Spirit that dwelt in Paul dwells in us. The same Saviour saved us both. We all have a story. As we look at the Word together this week, we’ll all learn how to make our story more effective in helping those who are not yet believers to hear a clear gospel message. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 61 – A Great Light Text: Acts 22:2-21 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel November 16, 2025 It is by the light of the gospel that I… …go from what I was (v. 2-11) John 3:3 John 3:19b …to meeting Jesus where I am (v. 12-16) Romans 8:30 Titus 3:5 Romans 6:3-4 It is the most counterintuitive aspect of Christianity, that we are declared right with God not once we begin to get our act together but once we collapse into honest acknowledgment that we never will. - Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly Romans 6:5-6 …and becoming what I ought to be. (v. 17-21) The battle of the Christian life is to bring your own heart into alignment with Christ’s, that is, getting up each morning and replacing your natural orphan mind-set with a mind-set of full and free adoption into the family of God through the work of Christ your older brother, who loved you and gave himself for you out of the overflowing fullness of his gracious heart. - Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly Resources: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers https://a.co/d/2UUjdsQ The Life podcasts https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAplAsoIqsL60jks3V7f_XTlytokwiGdz

For some reason, the idea persists that if we just do the right things, things will go the right way. The problem with that is that it's often not true. When our best intentions are scorned, the love we offer is rejected, and the peace we seek is met with hostility, we're often left shocked. Or worse: disillusioned and bitter. As we see with Paul this week in Acts 21:27-22:1, sometimes you can try your absolute best, but still end up with enemies you didn't want, in chaos you couldn't predict. But there is a way forward in the midst of that. Having the right expectations for life in this broken world helps. And more than anything else, having hope beyond what we see in this broken world helps. We'll ground ourselves there this Sunday morning as we continue our series in Acts. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 60 – All the City Was Stirred Up Text: Acts 21:27-22:1 Julian Freeman Harvest Bible Chapel November 9, 2025 As a follower of Jesus: 1. I’ll have enemies I didn’t expect (21:27-36) 2. I’ll have moments that don’t make sense (21:37-22:1) 3. I’ll have hope in Jesus anyway (21:13)

These last few weeks we’ve been learning some Latin phrases as we’ve been studying these nine verses in Colossians 1:15-23. More importantly, we’ve fixed our eyes squarely on Jesus Christ. The passage is a masterful and poetic depiction of the Lord. As we wrap up the series this Sunday looking at the final verse, we’ll examine the Missio Dei, our Christ-given mission in the world, as those who know they are made in the Imago Dei (the image of God) and who have taken advantage of the Salus Dei (the salvation of God) having been made right with the Lord through the sacrifice of Jesus. These three emphases answer the three critical questions that every human being asks and every philosophy and religion seeks to answer. In the end, we’ll find that we are Made for More than what we often assume and settle for. Join us Sunday in person or online. Series: Made for More Message: 3 – Missio Dei: Made for Mission for God Text: Colossians 1:23 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel October 26, 2025 Who am I? Where am I going? Why am I here? Every religion and philosophy are attempting to answer these 3 Qs. Who am I? Imago Dei Where am I going? Salus Dei Why am I here? Missio Dei Acts 17:27-28 Christ is the message of the mission of God, and so… …I will persevere in the faith (v. 23a) Matthew 24:13 …I will be unshaken by circumstance (v. 23b) …I will be full of hope (v. 23c) A Christian’s hope is the confident expectation and desire for good things in the future grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ. - John Piper …I will proclaim Christ to all (v. 23d) Mark 9:24b The Christian mission is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. - per D. T. Niles. What if the good life doesn’t come from having the ability to do what we want but from having the ability to do what we were made for? - Justin Earley, The Common Rule

Ask ten people at Timmie’s what they believe about God, and you’re likely to get ten very different answers. To say that our world is syncretistic is an understatement. The trend toward individual belief and subjective morality have undermined all religious systems and established doctrine. People are now much more likely to claim “my truth” over THE truth. But, as someone said, the majority, or even the loudest, do not dictate what is true. God does. As we continue our three-message Made for More series, we’ll be looking at Colossians 1:19-22 and the "Salus Dei," the salvation of God. This is the only means by which we may be made right with God. It isn’t subject to anyone’s opinion or reasoning. It is an objective truth rooted in who God is and the offer he’s made for humanity to be reconciled with him. Sunday will be a no-holds-barred presentation of the gospel that saves us. I’m hoping you can join us in person or online. Series: Made for More Message: 2 – Salus Dei: Made Right by God Text: Colossians 1:19-22 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel October 19, 2025 Religion is man seeking God. Christianity is God seeking man. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Christ is the only means by which I am made right with God, and so… …I acknowledge him as God (v. 19) Jesus had to be a man so that he could identify with us, suffering in our place and sympathizing with us in our weakness. Jesus had to be truly God so that he could satisfy God’s wrath and secure for us true righteousness and life. - Erik Raymond Ecclesiastes 3:11 There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ. - Pascal, Pensées Genesis 2:7 …I accept his offer of reconciliation and peace (v. 20a) Although the human heart cries for feelings of peace, the deep need is for a relationship of peace. When relationships are correct, feelings follow. - Richard Melick 1 Timothy 2:5 …I come to the cross on which he died (v. 20b) The 5 kinds of people not yet reconciled to God: Deniers – know the gospel but reject it Opposers – know the gospel but fight against it Ignorant – don’t know it; maybe don’t want to Deceived – have bought into something else Seeking – interested but not yet there Hebrews 9:22b …I confess my desperate need (v. 21) 1 John 4:19 Romans 3:10–12 …I rest in my new standing before him (v. 22) simul justus et peccator – both saint and sinner The glory of Christian redemption is that it is in union with Jesus that we are given back our true selves. We finally begin becoming who we were truly created to be. - Dane Ortlund, Deeper --- RESOURCES --- Why Must Jesus Be Both Human and Divine? by Erik Raymond https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/must-jesus-human-divine/ Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane Ortlund https://a.co/d/6ai0FSb "The Life" Podcast https://www.harvestbible.ca/storylines/

“Never settle.” That’s the advice that many get when it comes to what school to go to, what job to take, or which person we ought to marry. The point is—here come all the clichés—aim high, set lofty goals, reach for the stars! It isn’t bad advice. We should push ourselves, strive for what’s most important, and seek what’s best. And especially so when it comes to the Christian life. Yet too many Christians settle for a lesser experience of their faith, content with indifference and complacency. We have to lift ourselves out of this malaise by looking to Christ, because we are made for more than what we often settle for. In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul writes what many believe to be among the most majestic words he ever penned. Colossians 1:15-18 stands out as a stunning picture of the exalted Christ, which in turn serves as a call to steadfast faith and an unshakable hope in the gospel. No matter where we find ourselves in terms of spiritual maturity, we are made for more, and that’s what we find as we press further into our understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Series: Made for More Message: 1 – Imago Dei: Made in the image of God Text: Colossians 1:15-18 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel October 12, 2025 It is an utter tragedy that the two parts of the Bible that have been attacked so much are the Creation narrative and the future. And it’s not surprising because you need a past to have an identity, you need a future to have hope. - John Lennox on the Keith and Kristyn Getty YouTube channel Imago Dei – the image of God Salus Dei – the salvation of God Missio Dei – the mission of God Christ is the image of the unseen God, and so… …I am created by and for him (v. 15-16) Colossians 1:9b-10 Exodus 33:20 1 Timothy 6:16 Isaiah 6:5 John 1:18 John 14:9b Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. - Westminster Shorter Catechism …I am held fast by his hand (v. 17) Revelation 1:8 Far from science having buried God, not only do the results of science point towards his existence, but the scientific enterprise itself is validated by his existence. - John Lennox What Christ has created he maintains in perfect order, stability, and productivity. He is the source of unity and cohesiveness or solidarity of the whole universe. - Murray J. Harris. …I am part of his own body (v. 18a) The church, like a body, is: (1) Interconnected and interdependent (1 Corinthians 12:12-26) (2) Moves from immaturity to maturity (Ephesians 4:15-16) (3) Is led and redeemed by the head (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23) …I am loved and led by him (v. 18b) Romans 5:8 Addition Resources: John Lennox https://www.johnlennox.org/resources/

Look, there’s no easy way to say this. Well, maybe there is. Some people are sitting around waiting to find out what God’s will is for their life when almost all of it is already well known. At least the most important parts have been fully revealed. Many people who profess Christ use the “I don’t know God’s will” excuse to remain in their apathy, inaction, laziness, competing desires, rebelliousness, and more. But the believer who wants nothing but God’s will will be unswayed by hardship (and thus resisting the temptation to be comfortable) and undeterred by a relationship where that relationship would get in the way of the pursuit of God. This is the one who is devoted to prayer and eager to obey God’s Word and be on mission for him. In Acts 21:1-16, Paul is making his way to Jerusalem with his entourage of church leaders and the offering he’s been collecting for the beleaguered in that city. Everyone knows how it's going to go when Paul arrives in Jerusalem. It isn’t going to go well. But it is God’s will. Looking at this passage together on Sunday will help us determine some things about God’s will for our own lives. It’s going to be a challenging message. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 58 – Let The Will of the Lord Be Done Text: Acts 21:1-16 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel October 5, 2025 Comfort is the worst addiction. - Marcus Aurelius When I want nothing but God’s will… …I will be unswayed by hardship (v. 1-4) Put an X beside the easy aspects of being a Christian: o Witnessing o Resisting temptation and fleeing sin o Overcoming addictions o Living out what it means to be the Imago Dei o Keeping your marriage vows o Keeping yourself sexually pure o Raising your kids o Pursuing holiness o Knowing the Bible o Praying o Being in relationship with fellow believers o Being generous in your giving If God opens the door for you to do something you know is good or necessary, be thankful for the opportunity. But other than that, don’t assume that the relative ease or difficulty of a new situation is God’s way of telling you to do one thing or the other. Remember, God’s will for your life is sanctification, and God tends to use discomfort and trials more than comfort and ease to make us holy. - Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will. …but devoted to prayer (v. 5-6) If we don’t pray nothing else matters. Psalm 86:17 …I will be undeterred by relationship (v. 7-13a) Warnings along the way prepared Paul for the imprisonment and hardship that did indeed befall him there, fortified him for the experience, and convinced him that God was in it all. - John B. Polhill Is everything sad going to come untrue? What’s happened to the world? - J.R.R. Tolkein Revelation 21:4 …but eager to obey the Word (v. 13b-16) Seek first the kingdom of God, and then trust that he will take care of our needs, even before we know what they are and where we're going. - Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will Additional Resources: Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will - Kevin DeYoung https://www.amazon.ca/Just-Do-Something-Kevin-Deyoung/dp/0802411592

When was the last time you had something slip away that you wished you could have held on to? It happens far more than we’d like to admit. Even as children, humans hold on tightest to the things that make us happy. We do it instinctively because we know that in this world, the day is coming when seasons will change and we’ll lose what we wanted to keep. That’s not new. It’s how the Ephesian elders felt in Acts 20, as we’ve seen. The Apostle Paul says his farewell to them and “they were sorrowful most of all because … they would not see his face again.” As sad as it is that losing things, people, and moments is not a new experience, it can also be helpful. We can learn from others. As Luke wrote Acts 20:32-38, I think he wanted us to ask the question: What truth should I cling to when the circumstances I like slip away? As we prepare to get into God’s word together on Sunday, please pray that he would show us truths that transcend circumstances and ground us in hope. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 57 – It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive Text: Acts 20:32-38 Julian Freeman Harvest Bible Chapel September 28, 2025 I can cling to these truths when what I love slips away: 1. God’s grace will still save (v. 32) 2. My giving is still blessed (v. 33-35) 3. This world is still in need (v. 36-38)

As soon as we start walking as toddlers, we hear the words, “pay attention” and “be careful.” Over and over again. Usually from our moms. Dads are more likely to let us smash into the wall or trip over the dog in order to learn our lessons. There’s an argument to be made for moms’ methods, but even dads would agree that when the danger is real, cautionary words are the more prudent way. In Acts 20:28-31, Paul is continuing his conversation with the elders from Ephesus. This is to be the last earthly meeting of dear friends and beloved brothers in Christ. Paul is heading into danger with his planned trip to Jerusalem. They’ve warned him, but he’s determined. For his part, Paul also warns them about false teachers and other threats to their personal walks with Christ and the overall health of the church. He tells them to “pay careful attention” and to “be alert.” And that need for attentiveness and caution is as real today as it was in the 1st century when these men spoke together. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 56 – Pay Careful Attention Text: Acts 20:28-31 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel September 21, 2025 I must pay careful attention to myself and the church. Why? Because that’s the calling (v. 28a) Ephesians 4:11-12 Ephesians 4:15b-16 These elders/overseers…must keep watch over themselves, taking care of their own theological, spiritual, and ethical integrity. If they do not nurture themselves, they cannot take care of others. — Eckhard J. Schnabel Why? Because Jesus paid dearly for her (v. 28b) Luke 22:20 Hebrews 9:14 Hebrews 9:22b 1 John 1:7 Why? Because the threats against her are fierce (v. 29-30) Matthew 7:15 Why? Because the Word compels it (v. 31) My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God’s word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes—many times—my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens—and it happens every day in some measure—I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth. — John Piper, Finally Alive. Psalms 119:105

We got a great re-start into the Book of Acts last Sunday. Be sure to watch that message if you happened to miss it. As we see the narrative progressing, Paul is in Miletus on his way to Jerusalem, and he calls for the Ephesian elders to come meet him at the boat for a farewell. He knows and they know, this is the last time they’ll be seeing each other on this side of eternity. But Paul feels constrained to go. Constrained by the Holy Spirit. He can’t not go. This passage has had an impact in the life of our family in that it was how God led us to Barrie. We too felt “constrained by the Spirit.” Cheryl and I knew at the time that, “We can’t not go.” That compulsion to love, to serve, to follow his will and live in his grace is something we should all feel as Christians. We should all be “constrained by the Spirit” even when we don’t know the outcome. Acts 20:17-27 is the kind of passage that can be a turning point in a person’s life. Maybe in your life. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 55 – Constrained by the Spirit Text: Acts 20:17-27 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel September 14, 2025 When the Spirit is at work in me, I am constrained… …to love others (v. 17-18a) John 15:12-13 John 13:35 …to serve the Lord (v. 18b-21) Our life here, as saints, is no aimless life. We know the true way of living. We have found an object worthy of our living for. In all we speak and do we serve the Lord Christ. We do not live at random. Each hour, each word, each action, has its aim… Our desire is, not to kill time, but to use it; to gather up all its fragments, to lay out every moment well, to lose nothing of so precious a benefit. All that we have of it is too little to be trifled with, too precious to be thrown away. —Horatius Bonar …to follow his will (v. 22-23) …to live in his grace (v. 24-27) James 1:17a 2 Timothy 4:6-7 2 Timothy 4:8

It is always an exciting time of the year. As the kiddos head back to school, our own ministry resets and starts afresh for a new year. Awana gets started again this month, and Harvest Youth will be back to their regular Tuesday nights. Our Life Groups will get back to their rhythms, and on Sunday mornings, we’ll focus the preaching time on new series. And on September 14, we’ll take a minute to celebrate our 24th anniversary! Our elders believe it is going to be a great year of serving the Lord and seeing him work! So, this Sunday we’ll be in a “new” series that is really an old series that we hope to finish up by March. We took parts of six years to work through 90 messages in the Gospel of Luke and then jumped right into Luke’s sequel, the Book of Acts. We’ve got 53 messages behind us in that book and are looking at Acts 20:1-16 this Sunday with message #54. It’ll be 70 by the time we finish up this coming spring! The account of the early days of the Church is as relevant today as they were then. As we jump into chapter 20, we see that in a world of chaos and heartache, Jesus offers each one of us the simplicity of encouraging one another, the clarity of his sovereignty over all things, and the urgency of his mission to spread the good news. I’m eager to get into that with you on Sunday. Series: The Book of Acts Message: 54 – Not A Little Comforted Text: Acts 20:1-16 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel September 7, 2025 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Grace Edmonton To find out more about this Acts 29 church plant in Edmonton, go to… https://graceedmonton.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In a world of chaos and heartache, Jesus offers me… …the simplicity of mutual encouragement (v. 1-6) παρακαλέω (parakaleō) – to call near or alongside, exhort, cheer, comfort, motivate, stir up …the clarity of God’s sovereignty (v. 7-12) Romans 8:28 John 11:25-26 John 11:27 …the urgency of gospel mission (v. 13-16) You have one life. That’s all. You were made for God. Don’t waste it. —John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life https://a.co/d/iOqnoet ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Additional Resources Sermon Series The Gospel of Luke - Part 1 https://www.harvestbible.ca/series/the-gospel-of-luke-pt-1/ The Book of Acts https://www.harvestbible.ca/sermons/?wpfc_sermon_series=the-book-of-acts

This quote from the C. S. Lewis classic, Mere Christianity, hits the mark, “If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.” Which, of course, begs the question, what is the thing that has them? As Paul wraps up his first letter to Timothy, he fires off a few essentials that a Christian ought to take hold of. These, Paul argues, are the things that really matter, that are eternal, that are found in Christ. And he is “the thing” that Lewis wrote about. We’ll close out our series, “The Good Fight,” this Sunday with the final message in 1 Timothy 6:17-21 as we look at taking hold of what really matters. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 18 – Take Hold Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-21 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel August 31, 2025 I’m taking hold of what really matters… …gaining perspective on what doesn’t (v. 17) 1 Corinthians 4:7 What do [I] have that [I] did not receive? If then [I] received it, why do [I] boast as if [I] did not receive it? God supplies everything we need. His intention is to bless us. And that creates obligation. -R. W. Ward (paraphrased) …doing good to others (v. 18) …investing in what’s eternal (v. 19) Hebrews 12:2 …focusing on mission (v. 20a) Glorify God by making more and better disciples of Jesus who love God and love people. …avoiding nonsense (v. 20b-21a) …receiving God’s grace (v. 21b) If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. -C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

Here’s something I find odd: Christians who affirm all the right theology about trials, difficulties, and suffering up until the moment they themselves face a trial, difficulty, or suffering. Then they lose all their bearings and wonder, “Why did God let this happen?!” I say, “Why did YOU let this happen?!” The problem is not what’s happening to you. It’s your perspective on what’s happening to you. We’ve been studying Paul’s first letter to Timothy for four months now, and it is coming to an end soon. Paul sent the letter to address difficulties in the church in Ephesus.  If you’ve been in the church long enough, you’ve experienced some sort of hard time as a church family. Because our relationships as Christians are bound by the Spirit, these upsets are both communal and personal. There’s no real way to separate that. As Paul summarizes in 1 Timothy 6:11-16, he provides the thesis for his entire argument. The way to overcome the difficulty they were facing was to flee temptation, fight for what mattered, and fall before the Lord in worship. That’s what it means to live by faith no matter what we face. And that’s a great biblical template for anything we might face. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 17 – Fight the Good Fight Text: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel August 17, 2025 I will resolve, as a believer, to deal with difficulties by faith… …fleeing temptation and avoiding disaster. (v. 11a) Don’t let sin against you produce sin in you. Attributed to J. C. Ryle Trauma Response: Flight, Freeze, Fight Matthew 5:29-30 …fighting the right battles. (v. 11b-12) Fight – Greek: ἀγώνος (agōnos); English: agony verb: to strive to do something with great intensity and effort—to make every effort to, to do everything possible to, to strain oneself to; noun: an intense struggle involving physical or nonphysical force against strong opponent L&N 68.74; 39.29 Jude 1:3b It does not mean to fight to maintain his own faith in his heart, but to defend the substance of the Christian faith, the gospel that is attacked by his opponents. R. C. H. Lenski Faith is believing the Word of God and acting upon it no matter how I feel knowing God promises a good result. Ron Allchin …falling before the Lord in worship. (v. 13-16) John 18:37-38a Mark 1:38 Luke 4:18-19 1 Corinthians 15:53-57

Seems pretty universal. With great confidence, I can say that everyone is out to gain something. Some want riches and possessions, the accumulation of wealth. Others want status, fame, position, recognition, control, or influence. Still others look to pleasure, passion, relationships, and indulgence in anything sensual or experiential. It’s money, sex, and power. Humanity’s weak points. All of our pursuits in life will line up with one or more of these Achilles’ heels. This is what consumes us and defines us. We think that if we gain such things, we will be fulfilled and happy. But that’s the old lie, first told to Eve in the garden. We still believe it. As Paul nears the end of his letter to Timothy concerning matters in the Ephesian church, he turns his attention to the topic of “gain”.  Some in the church were imagining a form of gain that was resulting only in emptiness, while urging Timothy to tell the church that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Everything else is a “snare” that leads to “ruin and destruction.” That’s the word for this Sunday from 1 Timothy 6:2c-10. I look forward to walking through those verses with you.  Read the passage in advance, pray for us all to hear from the Lord as his Holy Spirit works through a frail preacher to deliver a message to ears that more often than not don’t want to hear. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 16 – Great Gain Text: 1 Timothy 6:2c-10 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel August 10, 2025 Gaining what truly matters in life means… ...embracing the gospel (v. 2c, 3b) ...and rejecting everything else (v. 3a, 4-5) …pursuing what’s eternal (v. 6-8) Job1:21 Philippians 3:7-9a …and rejecting the temporal (v. 9-10)