Sermons from Harvest Bible Chapel - Barrie

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)

After a longer passage and heavy details about church elders last week, we turn our attention to the matter of slavery. Not an issue that we face directly here in Canada, of course, but underlying the specifics of Paul’s counsel to the Ephesian church are principles around how Christians ought to relate to one another, especially in complex relationships like the master-slave ones of that historical period. The reality is that Christians can be hard on each other for no particular reason. There seems to be a correlation between the level of contempt we display and the closeness of the relationship. We reserve our most intense disrespect and disagreement for those we say we love the most. I’d dismiss this as so much nonsense, but I’ve been a pastor too long to do that. I’ve seen it too often. Christians treat other Christians horribly. And weirdly, this week’s passage (1 Timothy 6:1-2b) on the master-slave relationship is going to help us be less like that. I am looking forward to working on it with you this Sunday. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 15 – Serve All The Better Text: 1 Timothy 6:1-2b Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel August 3, 2025 We tend to treat those closest to us with the greatest contempt. I must give careful attention to my relationships with fellow believers… ...honouring those who may be hard to honour (v. 1a) Though the apostle did not argue against slavery, his teaching in 1 Timothy 6:2a was unheard of in his day. In ancient Rome, slaves obviously had a lower social status. Yet Paul says a slave’s work benefits his master, making him equal to him in the good he can do. Passages like this eventually led certain men in the West to fight for the abolition of slavery, and the gospel’s absence in other parts of the world may help explain why some nations still practice slavery today. — Ligonier ...ensuring I’m not dishonouring the Lord and his Word (v. 1b) reviled: Βλασφημία (to blaspheme) – to speak against someone in such a way as to harm or injure his or her reputation; to defame — L&N 33.400. O Lord, everything good in me is due to you. The rest is my fault. — Augustine The calling of all Christians is to magnify the supreme lordship of Christ by the way we serve in subordinate lordships. — John Piper Q. How and why did God create us? A: God created us male and female in his own image to know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to his glory. — New City Catechism Romans 15:18-20 …always serving as best I can (v. 2a) 1 Corinthians 10: 31b …knowing we’re bound together in the love of Christ (v. 2b) The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. ―Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel John 13:35 Resources: Christian Slaves and Masters https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/christian-slaves-and-masters Our Master in Heaven https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book-of-ephesians/our-master-in-heaven/ Slavery and Christ’s Supreme Lordship - How to Live Under Human Authority https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/slavery-and-christs-supreme-lordship

Why would anyone want to be an elder in a local church? It can be a tough job. In good times, it is a joy, but when it gets tough, it weighs heavily on the mind, emotions, spirit, and even takes a toll on the physical body. It can be thankless. It invites criticism. Misunderstanding. By its nature, it involves carrying a burden that never goes away. An elder is charged with confidentialities and difficult decisions which often invite even more criticism and misunderstanding. An elder, together with other elders, pastors, and overseers, is charged with shepherding the sheep. Feeding, leading, protecting, and caring for the people. Even when the people don’t like it, don’t appreciate it, don’t understand it. So, again, why would anyone want to be an elder? The short answer is calling, gifting, and passion. A man wants to be an elder because God calls him to the office (and this is affirmed by the church), has gifts in keeping with the office, and has a passion to lead. It isn’t so much that anyone would want to be an elder as much as God prepares a man to be one, and so, in humility and submission to God, he becomes one. Sometimes that’s the only thing that keeps an elder in the office through the difficult seasons. This Sunday, in our study of 1 Timothy, part of “the good fight” is battling to have and keep good elders who oversee the church. The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy because one of the issues being faced in Ephesus was accusations being leveled at elders. Having earlier described the characteristics of those who would hold the office of elder, Paul now lays out, in 1 Timothy 5:17-25, some principles to guide the church with respect to honouring elders. We’ll work our way through the passage on Sunday and see what those principles are. This message is for the entire church to know how to support our elders according to the Scriptures. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 14 – Let the elders Text: 1 Timothy 5:17-25 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel July 27, 2025 Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. - Winston Churchill Elder governance is the worst form of church government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. My part in supporting our elders is to... ...go beyond in honouring them (v. 17-18) How to honour the elders and pastors: 1. Encourage them 2. Pray for them 3. Show up 4. Be growing 5. Obey and submit to them Hebrews 13:17 ...be cautious in accusing them (v. 19-20) …exercise diligence in choosing them (v. 21-22a, 24-25) Titus 1:5 …take care of myself (v. 22b-23)

Here’s a couple of serious questions: Do you want what’s best for the church? And do you realize you have a part to play in the church, not just everyone else? I imagine you know this, but in reality, there can be a disconnect when it comes to actually living it out. Because of our sin and selfishness, doing our part, just as Christ calls us to, can sometimes be anything but easy. We need Christ's strength and guidance through it, as we grasp what doing our part demands from us: intentionality, effort, responsibility, and sacrifice. Are we really willing to make that kind of a commitment for the good of the church? It can get tricky here, because we often prefer being served over doing the serving, even though we’re all part of the same family of God and the church Christ gave his life for. We can slip into a mindset that expects others to step up instead of doing so ourselves. For example, maybe you find yourself hoping someone else will volunteer in Harvest Kids, in Production, or on the Welcome Team, so you don’t have to. Maybe you’re counting on others to give financially to support the church’s mission and needs. Hosting your Life Group sounds like work, especially because the thought of cleaning the house for weekly gatherings sounds like a real chore (literally). Or how about when someone else is going through a hard time, we sometimes tend to keep our distance, yet we all know how much it hurts when others don't show up for us when we’re struggling. Again, stepping up may not always be easy, but when we do our part, it’s in service to God and for the good of HIS church. So, why wouldn’t we do it? This Sunday, as we walk through 1 Timothy 5:1–16, we’ll see Paul present clear and practical instructions for us as the church as we aim to continue moving forward for God and on mission. And we’ll also see that when we truly care for the church, willing to do our part, it is pleasing in the sight of God. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Patrice Charade Message 13: Pleasing in the sight of God Harvest Barrie Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-16 July 20, 2025 1 Corinthians 12:27 As I seek the good of the church, I will… …build up (v. 1-2) …lift up (v. 3-5, 9-10) …stir up (v. 6-8, 11-15) Idleness is a great evil. It is the mother of every sin and leads the soul to ruin. - Basil the Great Hebrews 10:24b …own up (v. 16)

No one likes a quitter. It is better to follow through, persist, and get to the end, even if you lose or it doesn’t work out. Endurance is a pretty major theme in the Bible and a distinguishing characteristic of believers. So, it follows that Paul, after laying out what the gospel is, would implore Timothy to persist in knowing, living out, and teaching the gospel. As Christians, you and I will have the biggest and best impact for Jesus if we embody all that the gospel is. That’s what we’ll see as we look at 1 Timothy 4:11-16 together on Sunday. This week is a Family Service, coming off of an incredible week of High Five, so we’ll be joined in the worship centre by the kiddos. Harvest Kids will remain open for ages 0-4. The worship will lean on the setlist from day camp, and we’ll have a highlight video to celebrate all that the Lord did this past week in the lives of the 306 campers and 190 volunteers! My message will be a wee bit shorter too! It’s going to be a great Sunday together! Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 12 – Persist in This Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel July 13, 2025 I will have the biggest and best impact for Jesus when I... ...ignore the naysayers. (v. 11-12a) Pillar: Proclaiming the authority of God’s Word without apology. ...model Christ. (v. 12b) Five characteristics of a young believer who makes an impact: 1) Speech – anything and everything said is godly 2) Conduct – anything and everything done is godly 3) Love – putting God and others first 4) Faith – faithful, trustworthy, reliable 5) Purity – holy living; integrity of heart …stoke my gifts. (v. 13-14) 2 Timothy 1:6 …keep growing. (v. 15-16a) The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried. G.K. Chesterton, What's Wrong with the World It’s not that people have tried to live the Christian life and found it not as advertised. It’s that people have found it to be too hard and haven’t even tried. ...expect results. (v. 16b) Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. William Carey Acts 4:12

On any given day, you can drive by a gym, and they'll have the clear windows filled with all kinds of people working out, training, and getting in shape. And they're on display because... well, we all feel like we should be doing it, right? So why don't we? Some of us don't think there's enough value. Some of us have tried it before and hurt ourselves because we didn't know what we were doing. Some of us just can't seem to make the time. And some of us started but couldn't keep going... we just lost hope of change. The pursuit of godliness ("training for godliness", as Paul calls it) is similar. We need a target. We need motivation. We need guidance. And... we need hope that will carry us through when we inevitably fail. This week, we'll look at 1 Timothy 4:6-10 and see how the Apostle Paul speaks to Timothy and instructs him on how to train for godliness. We've seen the imitation of godliness, and we want to avoid its pitfalls. But how do we get to the real thing? Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Julian Freeman Message: 11 – Train Yourself for Godliness Harvest Bible Chapel Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-10 July 6, 2025 As I aim for godliness, I need... ... to be trained in the gospel (v. 6–7a) Worldliness is whatever any culture does to make sin seem normal and righteousness to be strange. When we imbibe the Zeitgeist (the spirit of the age) of worldliness, then we feel strange trying to think Christianly and to act according to the Bible’s mandates. That is, when we think the world’s thoughts after it and do not think God’s thoughts after him, we will not be motivated to do the things that God wants us to do, but we will only feel comfortable acting in a manner that fits into the world’s way of doing things. That is why Christians who cease going to church begin to feel more and more comfortable in the world and less and less comfortable in the church. For the same reason, this is why regular attendance at church is so important. At church we worship by hearing God’s Word, praising God, praying, partaking of the Lord’s Supper and fellowshipping, all of which encourages believers and convinces them that they indeed are the ones who are normal and that the world is strange before God’s eyes. GK Beale, We Become What We Worship ... to work hard because of the gospel (v. 7b–9) 2 Peter 1:3-5 ... to hope on the God of the gospel (v. 10) 1 Peter 1:13-15 1 John 3:2-3

Lots of things in life come as surprises. Some of the best moments in our lives were moments of great surprise! Also, some of our worst. One thing that should never surprise us is when people depart from the faith. Jesus prophesied it. The Spirit expressly says it. We should expect it. And for the most part, we all know that. Often, though, it's not the "what" of people departing from the faith that shocks us, so much as the "who." We say things like, "But she was so godly!" or "He was so on fire for the Lord!" We look at outward performance, and we're surprised. But is it really all that surprising? Haven't some of the most discouraging moments in your faith come at exactly the times when you're working the hardest to improve? When you want the most to be godly? When it feels like you're doing all the things, but seeing so little of the fruit? This week, as we look to 1 Timothy 4:1-5, we'll see how Paul speaks of those who fall away versus those who cling to the truth and continue to receive the grace of God with thanks. If you have known seasons where your heart has grown cold and apostasy has knocked on the door (in other words, if you're a Christian), then this passage will speak to you. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 10 – Some Will Depart From the Faith Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Harvest Bible Chapel Julian Freeman June 29, 2025 I remain in Christ as I pursue godliness while... ...rejecting false godliness (v. 1-3a) ...remembering the true gospel (v. 3b) Genesis 2:8-9 John 3:16 Matthew 26:26-28 Revelation 21:1-4 Every time I deliberately disobey a command of God, it is because I am, in that moment, doubtful as to God’s true intentions in giving me that command. Does He really have my best interests at heart? Or is He withholding something from me that I would be better off having? Such questions, whether consciously asked or not, lie underneath every act of disobedience. However, the gospel changes my view of God’s commandments, in that it helps me to see the heart of the Person from whom those commandments come. When I begin my train of thought with the gospel, I realize that if God loved me enough to sacrifice His Son’s life for me, then He must be guided by that same love when He speaks His commandments to me. Viewing God’s commands and prohibitions in this light, I can see them for what they are: friendly signposts from a heavenly Father who is seeking to love me through each directive, so that I might experience His very fullness forever. Milton Vincent, Gospel Primer ...remaining where I began (v. 4-5)

We’ve heard a lot about how we, as the church, should behave over the last few messages in our series in 1 Timothy. There have been admonishments to pray, instructions for men and women, and assurance that the offices of elder and deacon have been carefully preserved for those whose character enables them to serve. None of this is by accident. In our passage this week, the apostle Paul tells us that he’s writing this letter so that we might “know how one ought to behave in the household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). Our behaviour matters. But that feels like a lot of pressure, doesn’t it? It’s with that in mind that Paul tells us the mystery of godliness. What do you think the mystery is? Wouldn’t it be nice if it was a magic button we could press or a switch we could flip to somehow become more godly? What if it was a direct line to heaven to get answers when we don’t know what to do? There are all kinds of wonderful and fanciful things we could wish it was … but the real answer is even better than we could dare to imagine. We’ll dig into it together this Sunday as we look to 1 Timothy 3:14-16 and continue our series, The Good Fight. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 9 – The Mystery of Godliness Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Harvest Bible Chapel Julian Freeman June 22, 2025 When I perceive the mystery of godliness… ...I live like godliness matters (v. 14-15a) ...I look for my godliness from outside of me (v. 15) 1 Timothy 2:4-6 Extra nos - outside of us Therefore a man must be justified by the alien righteousness of Christ, not by his own righteousness. This righteousness is not in us but outside us; not of our making, but of Christ’s work, for which we are made just through faith. Martin Luther 1 Timothy 1:5 ...I love that my godliness is already done (v. 16)

There was a problem. The church had a meal program for widows, but some were being left out. To complicate things, the slight seems to have affected widows of a certain racial group. The senior leaders of the church were not particularly suited to deal with the issue and that’s how things got to be the way they were. Something had to be done. So, they looked for a set of servant-leaders who were particularly skilled at administration and care. These servant-leaders also had godly character, which was helpful in dealing with the emotionally-charged situation and the dear women who were affected. The end result was that the senior leaders were freed up to do what they were best at and this new serving team not only solved the problem, but became the forerunners of the future office of “deacon” in the church. That story comes, as you may know, from Acts 6:1-7, and the account includes the resulting blessing in verse 7: "And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” I remember a conference speaker saying, “There’s nothing like the church when the church is working right.” Acts 6 is a prime example of that truism. It is the variety of gifts (talents), passions, and roles that fires up the church to be the best it can be at accomplishing the mission. That’s relevant, of course, to what we’ll be looking at in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 this Sunday as we continue our series, The Good Fight. Having looked at the character and skill of the overseer (elder, pastor) last week, we now turn our attention to the office of deacon and the character that is necessary to serve in this essential role. While Harvest does not have that biblical title assigned to anyone, there are many who are serving in that office throughout our ministry, freeing up the elders and pastors to do their work and allowing the church to function, thrive, and fulfill its mission. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Message: 8 – Tested First Text: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Todd Dugard Harvest Bible Chapel June 15, 2025 Acts 6:7 This strategic division of labor was a sign of strength in the first church, and it signals strength in churches today. Pastors (or deacons, for that matter) who try to do everything end up doing a disservice to everyone. Matt Smethurst If I am a servant in the church… (v. 8a) διάκονος (diakonos) – servant, helper Matthew 20:26 Make no mistake: the apostles did not delegate this problem to others because it wasn’t important, but because it was. Matt Smethurst …whose character has been tested (v. 8b-11) γυνή (gunē) – adult female person; woman …and family is on track (v. 12) Harvest exists to glorify God by making more and better followers of Jesus who love God and love people. I will gain for myself… (v. 13a) …a good standing before others (v. 13b) If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me. D. L. Moody Proverbs 22:1 Matthew 5:16 …and great confidence in Christ (v. 13c) Hebrews 11:6a – RESOURCES – Characteristics of Deacons and Women Helpers harvestbible.ca/deacons Deacons - An Essay by Matt Smethurst https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/deacons/ Wives or Deaconesses? by Bill Mounce https://www.billmounce.com/monday-with-mounce/wives-or-deaconesses-%CE%B3%CF%85%CE%BD%CE%AE-1-tim-3-11

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” So says leadership guru, John Maxwell. Do you think he’s right? Another variation would be, “As the man goes, so goes the family,” which could also be rendered, “As the elders go, so goes the church,” or “As the government leaders go, so goes the country…society…culture.” You get the idea. Leadership is critical, and that is especially clear in the Bible. Godly leaders in Israel brought peace and prosperity to the people. They made possible the blessings of God, whereas ungodly leaders brought judgment and curses on the nation. In the New Testament, great attention is given to leaders: apostles, elders (overseers, pastors), and deacons. We’re told what to look for in their character, what they are to be doing, warnings about the weight of responsibility, and how the church ought to respond to such men. It would seem that everything does indeed rise and fall on leadership. In our passage this Sunday, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, we’ll look at the “noble task” of being an overseer (elder, pastor). Paul outlines for Timothy the fourteen characteristics of such men who would serve in this office. He makes it clear at the outset that the setting apart of elders is of utmost importance to the health of the church. As we look at the passage, we’ll also hear something surprising about the character of these leaders. I know you’re going to want to hear that for yourself, so I’ll see you Sunday online or in person. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Todd Dugard Message: 7 – A noble task Harvest Bible Chapel Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 June 8, 2025 I must commit myself to… …a local church with biblical priorities (v. 1a) Everything rises and falls on leadership. John Maxwell …which esteems the noble task of being an elder (v. 1c) Hebrews 13:7, 17 …by setting apart men who aspire to the role (v. 1b) Luke 16:10a 1 Peter 5:5b Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. Humility is thinking more of others. Humble people are so focused on serving others, they don’t think of themselves. Rick Warren. …having the character necessary to serve well (v. 2-7) 1 Peter 5:8 1 Peter 5:9a …while I too strive to be like Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) 1 John 1:9 The primary characteristic of the Christian elder/pastor/overseer is that his life constantly reflects Christian values, morality, conduct, and integrity; that’s the baseline. The list is remarkable for being unremarkable. Indeed, with only a couple of exceptions, all of the qualifications listed here are elsewhere in the New Testament demanded of all Christians. D. A. Carson Come as you are, but don’t stay as you are. RESOURCES Three New Testament terms for the one church office - 1 Peter 5:1-2 ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) - bishop/overseer - 1Timothy 3:1 πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros) - elder - Titus 1:5 ποιμένος (poimenos) - shepherd/pastor - Ephesians 4:11 Uncommon Elders harvestbible.ca/uncommonelders Elder Governance at Harvest harvestbible.ca/elder_governance

Imagine what it would be like if everyone practiced self-control. What a world it would be! Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), which means it is something that we must be growing in as Christians over the course of our lives. As we resume our 1 Timothy series, The Good Fight, this Sunday, with a look at 1 Timothy 2:8-15, we’ll see that it is pleasing to God when we are self-controlled. The Apostle tells Timothy (and us) that self-control leads men to pray earnestly and reject strife, and it leads women to conduct themselves respectfully and renounce the dissatisfaction that many (most?) experience. In the end, we’ll hear that self-control is key to every believer getting back to what God intended for us. Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy) Todd Dugard Message: 6 – With Self-Control Harvest Bible Chapel Text: 1 Timothy 2:8-15 June 1, 2025 1 Timothy 6:12 I am pleasing to God when I am self-controlled… ...as a man, praying earnestly (v. 2:8a) Prayer is the most ancient, most universal, and most intensive expression of the religious instinct. It includes the simplest speech of infant lips, and the sublime entreaties of older age. All reach the Majesty on high. Prayer is indeed the Christian's vital breath and native air. But, strange paradox, most of us find it hard to pray. We do not naturally delight in drawing near to God. We sometimes pay lip service to the delight and power of prayer. We call it indispensable; we know the Scriptures call for it. Yet we often fail to pray. J. Oswald Sanders From the OSU study on communication differences - Women: “rapport talk,” relationship, nurturing, emotional expressiveness (feelings), empathy, support. Men: “report talk,” task, action-oriented, accomplishment, facts, analysis, problem solving, competitiveness. …and rejecting strife (v. 2:8b) ...as a woman, conducting myself respectfully (v. 2:9a, 10, 11, 12b) …and renouncing dissatisfaction (v. 2:9b, 12a) Galatians 3:28-29 Not only are God's ways true and right; they are also beautiful and good. He delights in the creatures whom He fashioned with His own hands, into whom He breathed the breath of life. And He wants them to delight in Him and to experience every blessing possible. Our good, wise, loving God would never ask of us something that is not for our ultimate benefit. If we abandon or reject His good plan, we do it to our own harm, as well as to the harm of others and the gospel itself. I'm not saying submission is easy. It can be excruciatingly hard. I'm not saying it comes naturally. It doesn’t. We are all born with a rebel spirit. Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Adorned …as a believer, getting back to what God intended (v. 2:13-15) Resources: Gender Issues: Communication Differences in Interpersonal Relationships https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/FLM-FS-4-02-R10 Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer J. Oswald Sanders https://a.co/d/4NaxL3Z

Last week when Jordan quoted Charles Colson about the resurrection, I was reminded of another quote of his that relates to the final affirmation we’re making this week. Maybe you don’t remember who Colson was, but he was a White House official in the Richard Nixon administration, and he went to prison for his part in the Watergate scandal. Most importantly, he was converted to Christ as a result of all of that and founded Prison Ministries, spending the rest of his life as an ardent evangelist for Christ. Colson asked, with the perspective of a former political insider, "Where is the hope? I meet millions who tell me that they feel demoralized by the decay around us. Where is the hope? The hope that each of us have is not in who governs us, or what laws are passed, or what great things that we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people, and that’s where our hope is in this country; that’s where our hope is in life.” The reality is everyone around you is looking for, grasping for hope, and they are looking for it in various ways and places, all of which are insufficient and empty. "Where is the hope?” It is in Jesus Christ. It is only in Jesus Christ. And for the Christian, it is specifically in his coming at the end of the age. We’ve been given a promise, and we’re awaiting the fulfillment. We’re eager for our faith to be made sight. Join us Sunday as we wrap up our series, The Rule of Faith. Series: The Rule of Faith: Being human in God’s World Todd Dugard Message: Affirmation 5: Hope Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Various Scriptures May 25, 2025 Regula Fidei, The Rule of Faith, is a set of established beliefs that clarify what it means to be in Christ. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity If I live by the rule of faith, I rest in the sure and certain hope of Jesus’ coming... …confident that every promise of God will be kept (Acts 1:6-11) 2 Peter 1:4a 2 Corinthians 1:20 Acts 1:6-11 …anticipating the moment I will see him face-to-face (Revelation 1:5b-8) Ecclesiastes 3:11 If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Revelation 1:5b-8 1 Corinthians 13:12 …committed to holiness and service in the meantime (Titus 2:11-14) …and encouraged through this life’s worst (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) We all long for Eden, and we are constantly glimpsing it…our whole nature is still soaked with the sense of exile. J. R. R. Tolkien The Rule of Faith Creed: harvestbible.ca/creed_print harvestbible.ca/creed_phone Resources Affirmation 5 - Hope Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis https://a.co/d/5kXr54s Forty days of Hope - Paul Tripp https://a.co/d/hLLsdbz Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy - Mark Vroegop https://a.co/d/fNJOVMo Hope in Times of Fear - Tim Keller https://a.co/d/3PWb2wP Incomparable - Andrew Wilson https://a.co/d/cdl7HAY The Happy Christian - David Murray https://a.co/d/8B5WWqU

So many today are chasing after “the good life,” yet coming up empty — exhausted by the never-ending pursuit of more achievement, haunted by past failures, ultimately unsure of what life is really for. This insatiable pursuit of life on our terms leads to deep dissatisfaction and emptiness…but the resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It doesn’t just promise eternal life someday; it offers resurrection life right now. Through Christ’s victory over death, we are raised to walk in newness of life, empowered by his Spirit to live with freedom, purpose, and hope. This is not life on our terms, but life as it was meant to be: marked by transformation, joy, and a deep connection to the One who is Life himself. In this fourth message of The Rule of Faith, we’ll explore what it means to be spiritually alive in a world that feels increasingly lifeless. We’ll see how Christ’s resurrection redefines our identity, reshapes our priorities, and renews our strength. If I live by the Rule of Faith, I will know the power of the resurrection for myself, not just as a doctrine to believe, but as a daily reality to walk in. Series: The Rule of Faith Affirmation 4: Life (Victorious Resurrection) Text: Various Harvest Bible Chapel Jordan Coros May 18, 2025 Philippians 3:10 If I live by the rule of faith, I will know the power of the resurrection for myself. 1) Because he rose, I have power (Luke 24:5-6; Romans 1:4; Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:6) Proofs of the resurrection: - The empty tomb - Eyewitness testimony - Transformed disciples - Explosive growth I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible. Charles Colson, Loving God The power of the Word made flesh was such that, by dying, he destroyed death, and by rising, he brought incorruptibility to life. Athanasius, On the Incarnation 2) Because he reigns, I am victorious (Revelation 1:17-18; Colossians 2:13-15) 3) Because he renews, I have his life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:4-6) Galatians 2:20 4) Because he lives in me, I’m on mission (John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20) --- SERIES RESOURCES --- - Authority (April 27) - Sola Scriptura – The Protestant Position on the Bible https://a.co/d/5EQlXNE Taking God At His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me – Kevin DeYoung https://a.co/d/btzTxY0 - Humanity (May 4) - Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t – Gavin Ortlund https://a.co/d/5ZxGfwC The Christian View of Man – J. Gresham Machen https://a.co/d/4hNe8gh Man as the Image of God – An Essay by Richard Phillips https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/man-as-the-image-of-god/ - Crisis (May 11) - Saved From What? – R.C. Sproul https://a.co/d/6TbYw4P The Secular Creed – Rebecca McLaughlin https://a.co/d/fbBvTUu Deeper – Dane Ortlund https://a.co/d/9cAlOeH - Life (May 18) - Honest Evangelism – Rico Tice https://a.co/d/5rLpsPv Holier Than Thou – Jackie Hill Perry https://a.co/d/ipTxGyq The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction – Sinclair Ferguson https://a.co/d/bbXAzDM Is Easter Unbelievable? - Rebecca McLaughlin https://a.co/d/bl5nTau The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel https://a.co/d/41uaG1E

Life is filled with crises. As humans, we try to help one another, as we should, to survive each crisis, become stronger as a result, and move on with life. We talk about perseverance and resilience as crowning human achievements, and we celebrate each other’s victories. Rightly so. That said, most people, in the West anyway, give no thought at all to the greatest crisis anyone will face. It is a metaphysical crisis and an existential one. It is spiritual, and it is real! It is the crisis each human being will have when they come face to face with God. Very few are preparing for that moment. The Rule of Faith is the set of established beliefs that clarifies what it means to be in Christ. This third affirmation builds on the first two: getting under God’s authority and understanding who we are as humans, created by God, and who Christ is in his own humanity, having taken on flesh for our sake. And that brings us to the third affirmation: crisis. We cannot stay as we are and yet hope to have an eternal relationship with God, becoming what he always intended we should be. The crisis is ours, yet Christ makes it his, substituting his perfect, sinless life in place of ours so that we might be with God. There are some incredible and beautiful truths that we will hear in God’s Word this Sunday as we consider our own sin, Jesus’ atonement for us, the great cost paid, and come to realize this is the one and only way. This is the hinge point in The Rule of Faith. I’m looking forward to working through a pile of Scriptures with you as we look at this together on Sunday. Series: The Rule of Faith: Being human in God’s World Todd Dugard Message: Affirmation 3: Crisis Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Various Scriptures May 11, 2025 While others are congratulating themselves, I have to sit humbly at the foot of the cross and marvel that I’m saved at all. Charles Spurgeon Romans 5:6 If I live by the rule of faith, I see the crisis I’m in and my desperate need of Christ... ...Confessing my sin (Romans 3:10-12; 10:9-10) [Jesus] isn’t scandalized by others’ moral behaviour. Ever. He knows how we are. He knows how the human heart works. Brant Hansen, Unoffendable Jeremiah 17:9 ...Looking to Jesus as my substitute (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13) All people are in need of a substitute since all are guilty of sinning against the holy God. All sin deserves punishment because all sin is personal rebellion against God himself. Thomas Schreiner He became what we are that we might become what he is. Athanasius The atonement is the work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation. Wayne Grudem ...Grasping the cost to save me (Romans 3:23-25a; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Habakkuk 1:13a The atonement is often summarized with the phrase ‘sufficient for all and efficient for some,’ meaning that it was limited in its efficacy to a certain group of people but was sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world. R. C. Sproul, Everyone’s a Theologian Propitiation means averting the wrath of God by the offering of a gift. Ligon Duncan ...Knowing it is the one and only way (Hebrews 10:4, 10, 12) RESOURCES Crisis Saved From What? - R.C. Sproul https://a.co/d/dyh8qGF The Secular Creed - Rebecca McLaughlin https://a.co/d/4XAg964 Deeper - Dane Ortlund https://a.co/d/5e37IVB Humanity (May 4): Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t – Gavin Ortlund https://a.co/d/ig5YrLq The Christian View of Man – J. Gresham Machen https://a.co/d/3eH7o6q Authority (April 27): Sola Scriptura - The Protestant Position on the Bible https://store.ligonier.org/sola-scriptura-the-protestant-position-on-the-bible-paperback Taking God At His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me - Kevin DeYoung https://a.co/d/dq6nAlJ

We live in a time where identity is fluid, truth is personal (if it can be known at all), and even the question of “what does it mean to be human?” seems up for debate. From fears of AI replacing human workers, to cultural battles over gender, purpose, and personhood…it’s no wonder people feel confused, anxious, or just plain exhausted. The problem isn’t the questions we’re asking; it’s that so many are looking to the wrong places for the answers. This Sunday, we continue our Rule of Faith series by returning to the beginning: God’s design for humanity. We’ll trace the story from creation to Christ to culmination. In a world that offers a thousand competing versions of the “true self,” Jesus offers the better way: himself. God the Son, incarnate, truly God and truly man, is the path to becoming truly human. Join us as we open God’s Word and rediscover our worth, our purpose, and our future in Christ. Series: The Rule of Faith: Being human in God’s world Jordan Coros Message: Affirmation 2- Humanity Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Various May 4, 2025 If your identity is based on anything that can change, you’re in trouble. That’s why being in Christ and being made in the image of God…are the foundation of any healthy, secure identity. Greg Koukl If I live by the Rule of Faith, I’ll know what it means to be truly human… 1) See God’s design (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:3-6) Imago Dei - the image of God 2) Grieve our ruin (Genesis 3:4-13; Romans 1:21-25, 3:10-18) Man is a glorious ruin. - Francis Schaeffer 3) Believe in Jesus’ humanity (Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8) Luke 2:52 Romans 5:19 4) Receive his grace (Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15-16) 5) Reflect his image (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 4:17) SERIES RESOURCES Humanity Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t – Gavin Ortlund https://a.co/d/5ZxGfwC The Christian View of Man – J. Gresham Machen https://a.co/d/4hNe8gh Man as the Image of God An Essay by Richard Phillips https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/man-as-the-image-of-god/ Authority Sola Scriptura - The Protestant Position on the Bible https://a.co/d/5EQlXNE Taking God At His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me - Kevin DeYoung https://a.co/d/btzTxY0