Safe Harbor Church - A Calvary Chapel: Recent Episodes
Pastor Norm Labonte
Safe Harbor Church is a Bible teaching ministry located in Searsport, Maine. We are committed to the faithful exposition of God’s Word, equipping of the Saints, and unity of the Faith.
Continuing through The Sermon on the Mount, we consider: worry; the necessity of a proper perspective; and hypocrisy vs love.
Continuing through The Sermon on the Mount, we analyze the model for prayer that the Lord gave those who would follow Him, along with the purpose of prayer. We also look at the reason Christians fast, as well as the importance of valuing everything from an eternal perspective.
As we continue through The Sermon on the Mount, we consider the purpose of prayer and charity.
Pastor Dennis Harvey examines the concept of Liberty and the acts and mindsets of the first kings of Israel.
As we examine more of The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:17-48, we explore such topics as: legalism is different from the Law; the Law is harder to keep than you thought; love; Common Grace; and the Father's Standard for humanity.
As we examine Matthew 4:17-5:16, we are confronted with topics such as: the impact one redeemed man can have on an ungodly society; and the Beatitudes and God's promises to Christians who grow in them.
This teaching examines Matthew 3:16-4:16 and explores such topics as: The Doctrine of the Trinity; temptation and how to fight it; and the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry.
John the Baptist concludes the Old Testament prophetic ministry by baptizing Jesus Christ, Who will institute the New Covenant.
It's time for some more practical application of what we've learned from this book of Hebrews.
God promised David that one from his lineage would sit on The Throne of David forever. Who could that be?
Can bad kings do good things? Sure, but don't think that changes God's opinion of them. He has a different standard than we do,
Poor Solomon! He had everything. He tried everything. He found no satisfaction in anything.
He's a high priest after the order of WHO? Better than the Levitical priesthood? How can this be?
The building of the temple was begun, and what a project it was. And what a privilege it is for us to be His temple.
World view: Vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Biblical view: Keep looking up, your redemption is near.
Biblical hope is both sure and steadfast, built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
David's preparations included the establishment of order in temple worship. What an orderly example for us.
Jesus is High Priest! Unlike the Levitical priesthood, His is of a better order and is eternal.
Pastor Matthew Harvey clearly shows us in this study of 1 John that love of God through belief in His Son alone gives us eternal life.
Be diligent to enter in to His rest. Why would any believer not do so? One word - unbelief.
Is your name recorded in His Book? Working through this genealogy reminds me that God keeps records of all His people.
The list of names in this genealogy is full of intrigue. Let's start with Adam and we find that it will end with Jesus.
Jesus was made a little lower than the angels to be given the glory and honor due to Him alone. That was done so I could be His brother. WOW!
Jesus is introduced here as the Creator, sustainer and superior Son of God. No one comes close - not even the angels for He is over ALL His creation.
Corruption and infidelity are definitely not acceptable to God. And if God says you're guilty, you are even if you don't think so.
They denied His love, despised His Word and defiled His sacrifices. And they still are His chosen people. What grace!
Do you have the Father? Yes, if you have the Son. Know that in Him alone is forgiveness of sins.
The last chapter of Acts is not the last chapter for the apostle Paul. He finished the race.
Storm, Shipwreck, Safety. You choose, but remember that option 3 might come only after options 1 and 2.
Paul sowed seed at Caesarea. Agrippa almost became a Christian. Others remained unconvinced. No fertile soil there.
Haman, like so many in history, wanted to annihilate the Jews. Esther was right where she needed to be "for such a time as this".
Pastor Matthew Harvey delivers a topical study of the commands Jesus gave to His disciples and His authority as our High Priest and heavenly advocate to expect our obedience.
We introduce to you the star of the show and supporting cast, and the Director's (God's) hand.
Paul proved himself to be a far better attorney than the one his accusers brought, but was Felix convinced? God knows.
Do you ever ask why things work out the way they do? Take a look at these experiences of the Apostle Paul. It might help.
A prayer in the midst of a great revival is recorded for us here. Let us learn from it.
Iran attacked Israel last night. What does the Bible say about this? What else can we expect to happen?
The apostle Peter explains how true believers have a living, blessed, expectant hope. It's available to all by faith because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Did the Spirit of God intend to prepare Paul for or prevent him from what comes next? What can we learn from this?
Can that which is holy touch that which is unholy and remain holy? Ezra gives us God's answer here.
The Lord's hand was upon them. Ezra knew this every step of the way to Jerusalem. Do you trust Him for this as you walk through your greatest challenges?
"Do not fear, Paul, for I am with you". He speaks these words to His church today! Do you hear Him?
Oppression can result in our failure to do God's will. When that happens, let us hear this word from the prophets of old.
Are you an epicurean, or are you a stoic, or are you a Christ follower? These are mutually exclusive. You choose.
Build an alter first, then build the temple. However, you should know that there will be opposition. And by the way, building the wall will be just as hard.
How do you turn the world upside down? It's so simple - Receive the King, believe the Word. Many did just that at Thessalonica and Berea.
God called on Cyrus to send His people back to Judah 150 years before Cyrus was born. How could that be, you say? It's simple - He's God.
They said it's Christ AND circumcision. Thankfully, the church disagreed. Christ AND anything is heresy still.
These chapters remind me of Frank Sinatra's "I did it my way". That's not a good thing.
Continuing the 1st missionary journey, from Antioch to Lydia - literally for Paul, just a stone's throw away.
Samson was certainly an example of what not to do, but God used him in the end and he is among those listed in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith. That's GRACE.
Have you ever thought God made a mistake choosing Sampson? Did he make a mistake choosing us?
They were called, they were sent, they were opposed, they were rewarded. Here I am, Lord. Send me!
We should all know the answer to these two questions: Why did He become like one of us? Who is like Him?
Jephthah and 5 other judges that are only briefly mentioned are the focus in this glimpse into Israel's past.
Learn the connection between persecution, prayer and the sovereignty of God. It might be needed in the days ahead.
How far will mankind go when God is rejected by them? This chapter gives an answer. It's a sad reality of depravity of the lowest kind that's pictured here. Hmm, aren't we seeing the same things in our world today?
Peter, why did you do that? Paul, what took you so long? Because God was doing a great work through them with His perfect timing and in His perfect way.
Gideon was a great man of faith, but he also was a lot like the rest of us - very human.
This is the last half of Pastor Norm's teaching from Acts 8, dealing with the account of Simon the sorcerer.
Steven left no stone unturned in his defense of God's eternal plan. That's why they stoned him. Wake up, church!
The cycle begins. Four judges in the first 100+ years and they haven't learned anything yet. Have we?
Ezekiel's message to Israel's latter day enemies is clear. You'll be sorry you tried it.
More than a history lesson, the 1st 2 chapters of this great book unfold the dangers of disobedience and rebellion for all believers.
Ezekiel 38-39 reveals that there is much trouble ahead for God's beloved Israel. Here's a glimpse, according to the One who knows all things.
Strife almost causes a civil war, but cool heads prevail. The last instructions of Joshua give us much to consider.
Last things to be done - The cities of refuge, the Levitical cities, and the honorable discharge. God does all things well.
Matthew Harvey reminds us what God's will is in this teaching from Galations 6 and Matthew 18.
The land is distributed to all 12 tribes of Israel, but not everyone is willing to obey God. There will be consequences.
Paraphrasing a famous quote, "Ask not what your [church] can do for you; ask what you can do for your [church].
In the process of setting borders for the 12 tribes of Israel, God has given us things to consider.
The final conquests of Canaan are completed and a quick summary of campaigns are all given here. These are very important examples for us.
The conquest begins, with a little help from the Lord. So if God is for us, who can be against us?
From a distant country? I don't know, it sounds good, but something doesn't quite add up. It would be a good idea to ask God, Joshua.
Let's meet at the beautiful gate and discover a few of the characteristics of the man of God.
The defeat of AI is accomplished by obedience to God's instructions. But before moving to the next conquest, more consecration is needed.
Peter's 1st recorded sermon resulted in 3,000 souls being saved! That's a great start for any new ministry. Maybe we should follow his example. Hint - he used the Bible to prove his points.
The unconfessed transgression at AI was not good for the nation. No victory was to be had until it was dealt with. This is a lesson for all of us.
God gave specific instructions and warned them not to take any spoils for themselves. It was a miraculous victory. They saw the walls fall down by faith and they took the city effortlessly. But did they all obey?
What's next, now that we've crossed the Jordan? Well, let's just say God's ways are not our ways.
Luke the physician opens this great Bible record with the Proof, the Promise and the Power.
It's time to MOVE! But how are we going to do it? Thankfully, we have Joshua (Jesus) to show the way.
Pray for your church leadership. Is that a command, Paul? No, but while we're on that subject let's end this letter with a few of them.
This is how much God loves Israel. They suffered much, but Hosea promises they will be His people in the end.
Paul explains what the day of Christ will be like. It's not going to be pleasant for those having to endure it.
He loves them unconditionally as His wife, and He loves them unconditionally as His children. It's plain as day from these chapters that He's speaking to Jacob's physical descendants, Israel.
Roger Willett shares insight from personal experience on how to overcome distractions in life that cause anxiety.
Hosea uses common examples to illustrate Israel's sin. Bottom line - they refused to turn to Him. Doesn't that sound a little like us today?
Has God cast off His people forever? God forbid! No! The proof of that is here in Hosea.
Paul's words are words of comfort for the Church of God. And yes, even the pronouns are an important part of properly understanding what he has to say.
God charges Israel with grievous sins. Don't you see the same pattern today? God help us.
He's coming for His bride. These are comforting words for every believer. This is our blessed hope. Be ready, church.
You are not my people and I am not your God. These are not the words you should want to hear from the lips of the Lord.
Joel gives us a glimpse of the future in the valley of Jehoshaphat, in the valley of decision, in the Day of the Lord.
Learn how to walk. That sounds pretty basic, but there's more to it than we might expect.
The plague of locusts was bad, but what Joel discusses here is unlike anything that has ever happened. We call it the Tribulation.
Are you established in the faith? Be encouraged; endure to the end; live expectantly for His return.
We received, we imitated, and we will all be with Him. What Joy there will be at His coming!
How well do you remember grammar class? Let's look at a few examples of prepositions today.
Paul's 1st letter to the Thessalonian church teaches us to learn about Jesus, turn to Jesus, and yearn for Jesus.
The Protecting Sacrifice, the Provided sacrifice and the Passover sacrifice all point to the Perfect sacrifice.
Going through the prophecies and their fulfillment by Jesus, we can see this special day through the eyes of faith.
In this overview of Paul's letter to the Philippian church we can learn much about how we too should live.
Apostle Paul lists his credentials in defense of his apostleship. How could he have endured it all? Grace.
There are two very important things we need to be mindful of in our Christian walk - Holiness and Repentance. How are you doing?
Pilate asked, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" That's a good question for all of us to ask.
The judgment seat of Christ is where all believers will receive rewards. Work on it now if you want some.
Paul compares our bodies to tents that wear out and then shows us a glimpse of what we will soon be moving into - an eternal home prepared by the Lord.
He established the New Covenant in His blood, then came to the garden to pray. What about Peter? What about you?
Everything needed to be perfectly orchestrated for Jesus to finish the work He had begun. He died on the right day , at the right time, in the right way.
Paul compares the fading glory of the Old Testament law to the vastly superior glory of the Spirit. No contest!
We must be watching, faithful, ready, profitable servants. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Who would question that? Answer: The Corinthians.
This Old Testament prophet warns that the Day of the Lord is near. That's still true today.
The Olivet discourse focuses on the time of Jacob's trouble, Daniel's 70th week, tribulation like at no other time, ever.
Closing in love and with final words of encouragement, Paul ends this 1st letter to Corinth.
They don't appear very often, but when they do it seems to garnish a great sense of fear, but it's always for a pretty important reason.
The resurrection of Christ has been confirmed. Here, the promise of the church's resurrection is given.
Jesus warned, "Don't be deceived". There are many reasons to take these words very seriously. Please do so while you are still able to.
Perhaps the most scathing statements of Jesus that the Gospels record are found here. Listen to His warnings.
A final consideration of the gift of tongues versus the gift of prophecy reveals the awesome value of both.
The Passover lamb needed to be without spot or blemish. Though they tried to disqualify Jesus as God's sacrificial lamb, He proved himself to be the Perfect Lamb of God.
Take heed to the warning! These last parables of Jesus speak against rejection of the chief cornerstone.
Diversity in unity is God's way to prevent schisms in the body of Christ, and Spiritual gifts are to be desired by all for the edification of this body.
In the book of Acts the Holy Spirit came upon them and something wonderful happened. So, why not ask Him to do the same today?
It seems like the world is moving toward a great disaster. It is indeed, doing just that. So, what are we to to do about it?
Paul begins his instructions to the Corinthian church regarding the ministry of Spiritual Gifts, not wanting them (or us) to be ignorant.
What do the Scriptures tell us about the Holy Spirit's purpose with respect to the church of God?
How, then can anyone be saved? With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
When Jesus says to you, "Have you not read?", it probably means that your understanding is quite flawed.
I have to forgive up to 490 times? I'll lose track of it way before then.
...Precisely.
A study of Psalms 96-100 gives the believer confidence in the fact that the King is coming. So let's sing unto the Lord together! He is coming soon.
There's no place for pride or offensiveness in God's kingdom. Come, instead, as a child.
Paul continues to answer the questions of the Corinthian church relating to virgins and eating meat offered to idols.
Paul answers the questions asked by the Corinthians in a letter to him, starting with a proper understanding of singleness and marriage.
There are many different opinions, but we all must answer Jesus's question: "Who do you say that I am?" There's only one correct answer.
Grow up, you big baby! Envy, strife and divisions have hindered your growth. Your rewards in glory depend on wise building in this life.
Paul speaks of the necessity of the cross, of Godly wisdom to understand the mystery of it, and revealed to us by the Holy spirit.
How important is it that we be reminded of What God has done for us? Mark Swartz gives great insight in this area of our walk with the King.
The kingdom of heaven is like hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, and is filled with good fish and other things.
Warm greetings and commendations are followed by stern warnings and condemnation in this letter of Paul to the church at Corinth. There's much to learn here about how God wants His church to be.
Here are three more parables of Jesus to consider. He explains only one of them. The explanation opens the door for us to learn what the others mean.
They closed their eyes and blocked their ears. No sign wiould be given to this evil and adulterous generation except the sign of His resurrection. Read the first Kingdom parable with that in mind.
Here is a song of David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, and a Word from the Lord through David, the prophet of God.
It's not very wise to accuse Jesus of healing people by the power of Satan. He always wins the argument.
Dealing with Sheba wasn't very hard. All Joab needed was a wise woman to work with ...and then there were the giants.
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. What more proof of His deity did the pharisees and scribes need after healing the man's withered hand on the Sabbath?
The battle is over. Now it's time to restore what rebellion has broken. Is David up to the task?
God's righteous judgment is inevitable. He alone knows when. Habakkuk is shown why and how.
The greatest invitation of all time is given here by Jesus. How can anyone say no to this?
"Are you the one, or do we look for another?" versus "You are not the one. We will look for another."
Absalom's rebellion has begun, and David is forced to flee. Observe how true loyalty, feigned loyalty and rejection affect him.
There is sin in the house of David, Nathan's prophecy begins to be fulfilled and more sorrow lies ahead.
Jesus said, "Do not fear them, fear God". But what about...? No, it's simple. Do not fear them.
We see in these chapters the fall of a great king and the chastening of a beloved son, but also the Grace of the God from whom nothing is hid.
He taught them, He chose them, and then He sent them. How hard could that be? For Him, not hard at all, but for them...
John tells us in John 1:17: "The Law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Here, Matthew tells us that Grace does what the Law could not do.
The offer of kindness by David (a picture of our King Jesus) is received by the undeserving one and rejected by the unbelieving one.
He has power over sin too? Isn't that something only God can do? Well then, following Him must be the right thing to do.
A house will be built, but by whom and for whom? And how will it be paid for? The answers are right here.
Jesus, raised from the dead, seated at the Father's right hand, and highly exalted above all, is both Lord and Christ to everyone who believes. Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.
Good start, David, but maybe you should have asked for God's directions more often. Just saying...
What does Jesus expect of us as His followers? Is the power He displays in this passage enough to convince you to be one?
When things don't go as we planned, God's plan never fails to be accomplished. How great is our God!
Presenting the Messiah by His person, preaching and power is the focus of Matthew 1-9. This study focuses on His power over sickness.
David will find the road is not always easy, but he has begun the journey by asking God for directions. That's always a good thing to do.
"Our house is a very, very, very fine house" ...Remember the song? Jesus says it doesn't matter how fine your house is if it's built on the sand instead of the ROCK.
David and his men pursue the Amalekites and Saul dies in battle. The transition to the Davidic dynasty has begun.
Which way is the best way? Well, according to Jesus, His way is the ONLY way. Don't even try to debate that.
Saul has come to his final day on earth in a remarkable encounter with Samuel and David finds himself in a very difficult situation.
In this portion of the sermon on the mount, Jesus shows the difference between judging and fruit inspection. Then He puts forth the golden rule to fulfill all the law and the prophets.
David demonstrates his godly character with Saul and his ungodly character with Nadab. Would we do any better than him?
Do we worry needlessly over things we have no control over? Jesus has an answer for that.
David learns to inquire of the Lord, and obey even if it doesn't seem like it will work out the way he would like.
Jesus warns His followers to avoid doing anything for rewards from men. We are to make sure they are only done for God's glory and when they are He will reward us.
David found himself stripped of all hope. He felt that lies and deception were his only way to cope, but some of the most beautiful Psalms describing his trust in God were written by David as he looked back at these events.
Do Jesus' words, "You have heard it said... "But I say to you", have an impact on how you view yourself before a Holy God?
David has a friend in Jonathan, but Saul's a different story. This is character development God's way.
When Jesus says, "Assuredly, I say unto you", it probably is a good idea to pay attention to what He's about to say.
God is preparing the shepherd to be a king. He shows his skill with a harp to Saul, his skill with a sling to Goliath and his faith in the Lord to Israel.
If you are a follower of Jesus, you ARE salt. You ARE light. Does that make any difference to you? Are you loosing the flavor of pure salt? Are you hiding the light under a basket so it can't be seen?
The beatitudes are the great manifesto of our Lord, rich in promises to those who are His disciples, but impossible to do without His Holy Spirit's indwelling presence.
Saul's unwillingness to do God's will is on display. Samuel's response is brutal, but necessary. Saul's reign is over, and God's decision is final.
Saul does foolishly while his son Jonathan does valiantly, and the stage is being set for a man after God's own heart to rule.
The temptation of Jesus wasn't to see if He would sin, but to prove that He would not. Satan tried hard, but he failed. He hasn't changed his tactics, and we have the same means by which to resist him - The Word of God.
The transition from the time of the judges to the time of the kings is completed as Saul officially is made king of Israel. They asked for it and God gave them what they asked for.
All those miracles, all those prophecies fulfilled; could it be that God wants us to know that the birth of Jesus is important to us today? YES!
Man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Saul learns this truth in this study of 1 Samuel, when he is given the news that God has selected him to be king of Israel.
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is not just another list of names we can't pronounce. It's a list of people, some good, some bad, who needed to be saved. Their stories should serve to remind us that we, like them, must be saved by faith in the one who would come through their sin-stained lineage.
The period of Israel's history known as the time of the Judges is about to come to an end. God has a covenant plan to execute and Samuel sadly plays a central role in it. The people reject God's theocracy and demand a king like all the other nations.
Contending earnestly for the faith is a critically important objective for the church in these last days. Jude has given us ample warnings in this very short but powerful epistle, revealing the dangers within the church that we must be aware of and what we should do as the Day approaches.
A song of many years ago asks, "Does anybody really know what time it is?" God's word says we are to know the signs of the time, and His answer to that question is "YES, I DO".
Eli's sons are corrupt, worthless men (Literally, "sons of Belial"). Samuel will become God's faithful prophet in spite of the influence of others around him.
Paul shares some personal thoughts to conclude this mostly doctrinal letter to the Christians at Rome.
The remarkable way that God orchestrates the details of our lives is seen clearly in the opening chapters of 1 Samuel.
Find out what the Apostle Paul says our God is the God of in this short portion of the Book of Romans.
Jeremiah ends his judgments on Babylon, and the book of Jeremiah ends with the fall of Jerusalem and a glimmer of hope for the people of God.
The many scriptural references to Babylon are discussed in this study of Jeremiah's prophecy of the Judgment of God.
What is expected of us when dealing with non-essential issues? Differences between convictions and consideration of others must be dealt with in love. Apostle Paul explains how.
We might not want to submit to the authority of government when the government is corrupt. What does God's word say about this?
Love God, love your Christian brothers and sisters, love your enemies. No masks (hypocrisy) allowed.
John Boyington shares how God is using GIA in Malawi, Africa to reach a desperate population with the love of Christ through this multi-faceted ministry.
The purpose and the need for the gifts that God wants to give His church in this present day.