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I recently saw a picture of a clever church sign that I think rings true. It said, “Acting like the perfect church is like dressing up for an X-ray.” Despite all of our best efforts, the perfect church does not exist, and as much as we might try, we can’t hide our flaws. As communities of redeemed sinners, conflict and controversy are a given. This has been true for most of us in our personal experience. It has been true throughout church history and it was true of the early church in Acts 15 as they sought to deal with conflict surrounding circumcision and how to handle the influx of Gentile converts. This was an issue with massive implications and was also a pivotal moment in the history of the church. This Sunday we will be looking at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:12-21, and the wonderful example it provides of how to address and deal with conflict in the church.  As we investigate what happened there, we can identify a pattern that we can apply when dealing with conflict in the church today. Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Nathan Hooper Message: 40 – A people for his name Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 15:12-21 February 18, 2024 During conflict and controversy, I will… …listen to the counsel of godly leaders (v. 12-14) Satan's greatest ambassadors are not pimps, politicians, or powerbrokers, but pastors. His priests do not peddle a different religion, but a deadly perversion of the true one. Tim Challies Four tests to help us discern godly leaders: 1. The test of the fruit of behaviour 2. The test of sound doctrine 3. The test of submission to Scripture 4. The test of teaching the pure gospel of justification by faith …believe the teaching of God’s Word (v. 15-18) Our teachers, our friends, our science, our studies, even our eyes can deceive us. But the Word of God is entirely true and always true: God's Word is firmly fixed in the heavens; it doesn't change. There is no limit to its perfection; it contains nothing corrupt. All God's righteous rules endure forever; they never wear out. Kevin DeYoung Councils have no authority in church unless it can be shown that their conclusions are in accord with Scripture. John Stott Ephesians 4:31-32 …move forward together in unity (v. 19-21) Romans 14:17-19 Philippians 2:3-4 Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful - Christian community is the final apologetic. Francis Shaeffer

If you’ve never been in a church that experienced conflict and controversy, you’re the very definition of a unicorn. Such things, sadly, are a normal part of church life. Whereas some would look at contention in the church as an indication that our faith is bogus and the church a sham, it is, in fact, a legitimizing of who we are and what we’re in this world to do. The first church conflict in history happened in the first church ever established. It was likely just weeks after the events of Pentecost that launched the gospel mission and the church in Jerusalem that serious challenges arose. First, the deaths of a couple who were lying about their giving (Acts 5) and then complaints about certain widows being forgotten in the distribution of food (Acts 6). Right out of the gate, the church was facing conflict and controversy. By the time we get to Acts 15, we have a conflict that is widespread and struck at the theological core of the gospel with the implication that reaching the Gentiles with the message of Christ was being compromised by doctrinal error. Over the next four messages, we’ll look at the Jerusalem Council that was called to address the controversy and deal with the conflict. The fourth message will look at a separate conflict that came between the Church’s two leading missionary, church planting, evangelists, Paul and Barnabas. These four messages will help us all make sense of these conflicts and controversies and respond biblically when they inevitably happen. We’ll get a start on it this Sunday with a look at Acts 15:1-11. Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Todd Dugard Message: 39 – Much debate Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 15:1-11 February 11, 2024 When conflict and controversy hit the church, I will… …recognize the error (v. 1) Matthew 5:17 …respond appropriately (v. 2) dissension; also dispute, argument; to engage in intense and emotional expressions of different opinions - to quarrel - L&N 33.448 a lack of agreement respecting policy leading to strife, discord, disunity - BDAG …remain on mission (v. 3-4) …respect the process (v. 5-6) …return to the Word (v. 7-11) Top 10 terrible ways to navigate controversy and crisis in the church: 10. Denial 9. Being conflict-averse 8. Putting relationships first 7. In my opinion 6. Past experience 5. Prejudices 4. Majority rule A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good, just because it's accepted by a majority. Brooker T. Washington 3. Loudest voice 2. Emotion 1. Listening to rumours and gossip

I don’t feel like I hit the ground running most days. There are pressures and challenges, decisions that must be made, aches and pains (betraying my age), and scar tissue from relationships that went badly. I face temptation and too often give in. In a word, I am weak. I am, like every other human being, in need of strength for each day. Some admit it. Others are in denial. We all need to be strengthened to face a world that takes and does not give back in the same proportion. In this Sunday’s passage, we’ll see Paul and Barnabas backtracking along the route they had followed on their first missionary journey. Along the way, they returned to the cities in which they had previously preached the gospel, “strengthening the souls of the disciples.” What follows is what that strengthening looks like in the life of a believer: continuing in the faith, enduring every trial, under the care of spiritual leaders, growing in prayer, and on mission to share the gospel with others. That’s what it means to be strong as a Christian. And that’s what we’ll look at together in Acts 14:19-28 this Sunday. Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Todd Dugard Message: 38 – Through many tribulations Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 14:19-28 February 4, 2024 I’ll be strengthened as a Christian—no matter what—if I am… (v. 19-22a) …continuing in the faith (v. 22b) 2 Timothy 3:10–12 One can know a great deal about God without much knowledge of him. J. I. Packer, Knowing God Those who know God... • Have great energy for God • Have great thoughts of God • Show great boldness for God • Have great contentment in God J. I. Packer, Knowing God Knowing God: https://a.co/d/3YUL0dE …enduring every trial (v. 22c) James 1:2–4 2 Corinthians 11:23b–28 …following spiritual leaders (v. 23a) Hebrews 13:17 …praying and seeking prayer (v. 23b) James 5:16b …telling others about Jesus (v. 24-28)

Vain. Meaningless. Empty. Useless. Futile. That’s the word that the apostles used to describe the worship to which the people in Lystra had devoted themselves. They were so wrapped up in their own ideas, passions and traditions that they missed an obvious work of God that happened right in front of them. Even when they were challenged to see it differently, they doubled down on their own narrative rather than believe the truth. I don’t even need to draw a line from that account to our own day. The suppression of truth is standard operating procedure in our culture. It is an artform. And it is dogma…not to be disputed. As we look at Acts 14:8-18 on Sunday, we’ll be challenged to see what’s truly of value and what is vanity, meaningless, empty, useless and futile. Come ready to hear God’s Word and respond. Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Todd Dugard Message: 37 – Turn from these vain things Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 14:8-18 January 28, 2024 One man’s trash. Another man’s treasure. When I turn from what is worthless in life… …to what is truly of value (v. 8-13) Matthew 13:45–46 …it humbles me (v. 14-15a) …and compels me to share this truth (v. 15b-17) The Living God is... (1) One God; (2) Creator of all; (3) Patient and merciful; (4) Sovereign over all. Vain – Persons or things that are of no use; idle, empty, fruitless, useless, powerless, lacking truth. BDAG …even as many remain ignorant to it (v. 18) If there is a story, it is driving toward a conclusion...if history is unfolding in a deliberate and controlled way, you can be certain that what happens in the world is not just a series of isolated, disconnected, arbitrary events. Instead, there is a purpose moving forward toward a conclusion. This story never runs off-script. It continues deliberately and perfectly toward its satisfying closing scene. Tim Challies, Josh Byers, Visual Theology When I turn from what is worthless in life to what is truly of value, it humbles me and compels me to share this truth even as many remain ignorant to it.

We continue our study in Acts this Sunday, and we’ll be starting chapter 14 looking at Acts 14:1-7.  Here we find Paul and Barnabas in Iconium preaching the gospel (as usual). Though they continue to face repeated opposition this week’s passage makes a point of letting us know that in light of this, these two apostles spoke with great boldness for the Lord.  This is a very different reality for many of us who, when there is any kind of backlash or hint of negative repercussions to sharing the good news, will often fall flat on our faces. The fact remains that in spite of the great number who reject Jesus, people who don’t know him need to hear the gospel preached. So, the questions we are faced with are these: are we truly committed to the mission? Are we passionate enough about Jesus that we will keep on when things don’t come about as “easy”? Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Patrice Charade Message: 36 – Speaking boldly for the Lord Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 14:1-7 January 21, 2024 When I boldly share the gospel with others… …some are drawn to the Saviour (v. 1) Romans 1:16 Romans 10:17 Romans 10:14–15 …conflict with others is inevitable (v. 2, 4-6) Cling to Jesus under pressure because you can count on his promises, and he will give you the stability you need. Darryl Dash As one sees the apparent defeat of the right, and the triumphing of might and the wrong... it seems as though Satan were getting the better of the conflict. But as one looks above, instead of around, there is plainly visible to the eye of faith a Throne... This then is our confidence: God is on the Throne. A.W. Pink …lines will be drawn (v. 4) Ephesians 4:14 …and the mission must continue (v. 7) Why do we desire the spread of the gospel throughout the world? Not out of a sinful imperialism or triumphalism, whether for ourselves or the church or even “Christianity.” Nor just because evangelism is part of our Christian obedience (though it is). Nor primarily to make other people happy (though it does). But especially because the glory of God and of His Christ is at stake. God is King, has inaugurated His saving reign through Christ, and has a right to rule in the lives of His creatures. Our ambition, then, is to seek first His kingdom, to cherish the passionate desire that His name should receive from men the honor which is due to it. John Stott Mark 16:15

Whenever you see a list of the top reasons for fights between couples, money is always at or near the top. It makes sense. A spender marries a saver and they fight. A spender marries a spender and they fight. When two savers get married, I’m thinking they probably get along just fine as they shop at their favourite thrift store. Because money can be such a flashpoint in our homes, it makes sense that “Handling the Money” needs to be part of our family series. God’s plan for your home to be awesome includes principles of managing your finances. Take advantage of the resource page we have set up with books and videos, as well as the previous messages in this series and information on the Biblical Soul Care sponsored events that we have put together on parenting. If you have any questions about the family, email them in to us at [email protected] or text to 705.999.7788, and in the message on March 3, Pastor Roger and I will do our best to answer them. Sermon Notes Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Todd Dugard Message: 35 - When the gentiles heard Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 13: 42-52 January 14, 2024 When the Word of God is preached… https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/col... https://bibleleague.ca/bible-engageme... …I want more (v. 42- 44) Do not taste what you do not want to hunger after. Psalm 19: 7-11 https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2... https://www.biblica.com/resources/rea... https://www.fivedaybiblereading.com https://www.thebiblerecap.com https://biblestudytogether.com/top-be... …I see the opposition to it (v. 45-47, 50-51) When facing opposition to sharing the gospel: 1. Accept it as natural consequence 2. Shake it off 3. Keep preaching …I respond in worship (v. 48) Romans 12: 1-2 …I want others to hear it too (v. 49) John 1: 45 John 4: 29 1 Corinthians 1: 23-24 …I am filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (v. 52) https://research.lifeway.com/2021/01/... Psalm 19: 7-14

As we resume our study in Acts, we’ll be looking at the latter part of the Apostle Paul’s sermon at the synagogue in Antioch Pisidia in Acts 13:26-41. The focus of this section is clearly on Jesus Christ which compels the hearer to do something with what they now know about him. That, it seems, is the point of every sermon centred on the gospel: what will I do with what I’ve just heard? Some dig their heels in and resist the Spirit. Others turn in faith, eager to respond to God’s kind offer of salvation. How will you respond to Jesus this coming Sunday? Eternity hangs in the balance. Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Todd Dugard Message: 34 - Through this man Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 13:26-41 January 7, 2024 This man, Jesus, was…         …human like us, yet knowable as God (v. 26-27) …innocent of all sin, yet condemned (v. 28) …crucified, yet resurrected from the dead (v. 29-31) …a long-ago promise, yet powerfully fulfilled (v. 32-37) And so, through this man, I am offered… …forgiveness of my sin (v. 38) …freedom from working for my salvation (v. 39) Romans 10:13 …faith to overcome my unbelief (v. 40-41) Ephesians 2:8–9

When Nehemiah heard of the state in which Jerusalem found itself, he immediately resorted to praying to God. What is our response inclined to be upon hearing bad news? Is it to run and pray to God? The reality is, whether it’s because of bad news, for our daily needs, or simply to spend time talking with God, Christians don’t pray nearly enough. Join us as we are challenged from Nehemiah chapter one to approach God eagerly in prayer. Patrice Charade Message: The Great and Awesome God Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11 December 31, 2023 Christians do not pray enough. John Piper Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that He will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy and exalts God as wealthy. John Piper I will approach God eagerly in prayer when I know… [v. 1-3] …who he is. [v. 4-6] …what he has done. [v. 6-10] …why I still need him. [v. 11]

This world we live in needs hope. The people in your life, who do not yet know Jesus, need hope. And the culture we live in provides little more than empty promises and vain hope. And this season where much of the world pauses to celebrate Christmas provides one of the best opportunities to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. Hope for a world in need. Wrapped in swaddling cloths. Lying in a manger. We will be concluding our short Nativity series in our Christmas Eve services this Saturday and Sunday as we look at the last of the three babies, Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary. He is the fulfillment of the promise and hope given in the births of the two previous babies, Seth and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. To catch up on those messages, check out the sermon archive. Series: Three Babies; One Promise Todd Dugard Message: 3 – Joseph & Mary’s baby, Jesus (Fulfillment) Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Matthew 1:1-25 December 23 & 24, 2023 Will you believe God for the ultimate fulfillment of his promise? Recognize what’s wrong (v. 18-19) See it in terms of the human condition (v. 1-17) Romans 3:23 Understand the divine remedy (v. 20-23) Embrace the redemptive plan (v. 24-25)

You’ve probably heard this saying before: “Faith over fear.” It’s one of those classic Christian cliches that is undeniably true but can be categorically unhelpful, especially when it’s offered up carelessly in the throes of a challenging season. Our world isn’t helpful in this by the way. Peace and hope don’t get the same kind of attention that fear does. News outlets, social media pages, politicians and more breed fear by stoking the fires of our emotions through picking the worst possible stories to report on or depicting current events as one more rung on the ladder down to a dystopian nightmare or seeking to get our support by causing us to fear the “other team” and what they might do if they get elected. No wonder doom scrolling has become such a problem. All around us all we see is fear, fear, fear. The question this all comes down to, ultimately, is this: who will you trust? That was the case for the nation of Judah and King Ahaz as they found themselves in the middle of a seemingly dire set of circumstances. But in the middle of it all, God’s Word came to them through the prophet Isaiah. God’s promises came to them, personified in a baby born then, to remind them of who God is and what he said he will do. That child was a picture of the greater promise God would fulfill in another baby born hundreds of years later, who would be the hope for the world. God fulfills his promises, and his word for us today is the same as it was to his people so many years ago: trust me. Series: Three Babies; One Promise Jordan Coros Message: 2 – Isaiah & His Wife’s Baby: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Hope) Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Isaiah 7-8 December 17, 2023 Will you believe God’s promise for an eternal hope? ...Recognize what’s wrong (7:1-9) 2 Kings 16:2–3 ...See it in terms of the human condition (7:10-12) Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols. Man’s mind, full as it is of pride and boldness, dares to imagine a god according to its own capacity. John Calvin ...Understand the divine remedy (7:13-25; 8:1-10) ...Embrace the redemptive plan (8:11-22; Matthew 1:20-23)

Hope for a world in need  The arrival of a newborn baby is cause for celebration. That little bundle of joy brightens days, brings smiles and warms hearts. It is remarkable that though the infant is utterly dependent on the mother, it is the birth of such a helpless child that delivers something to the others that they didn’t have before. Encouragement. Happiness. A sense of fulfillment. Of hope. And promise. There are many births recorded in the Scriptures; each one a strategic moment and a turn of history. This is no more obvious than in the birth of three babies in particular: Seth, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz and Jesus. The three are tied together in the covenant made by God with humanity. The first is the child of promise given in the years immediately following the fall into sin and the curse of death. The second a hopeful sign in troubled times that God had not forgotten his promise. And the third the fulfillment of all God had said; God in the flesh, the infant born to Mary and celebrated by Christians during the Christmas season. These three babies point us to the promise and hope we need as we navigate the darkness and difficulties of the world in which we live. This three-part teaching series will examine the birth of these three babies and give us a reason for celebration and joy at their birth. Series: Three Babies; One Promise Todd Dugard Message: 1 – Adam and Eve's baby: Seth (Promise) Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Genesis 3:15; 4:1-26; Luke 3:38 December 10, 2023 Will you believe God’s promise to make things right? Recognize what’s wrong (Genesis 4:1-24) Genesis 1:28b Hebrews 11:4 1 John 3:12b See it in terms of the human condition (Genesis 3:15a) Romans 5:12 Understand the divine remedy (Genesis 3:15b) Romans 16:20 Romans 6:5 Embrace the redemptive plan (Genesis 4:24-26; Luke 3:38) When Cainite civilization began to rise and worship at the shrines of abundance and art and technology—when abuse and violence and the devaluation of life became commonplace—when vengeance became exponential—when men fancied that they were captains of their souls—Sethite civilization began to proclaim the name of the Lord, the Captain of their salvation! R. Kent Hughes Cain’s firstborn and successors pioneer cities and civilized arts, but Seth’s firstborn and successors pioneer worship. Kenneth Mathews Our text provides us a paradigm, an outline to understand civilization and culture today and its ostensible rise with the increase in abundance, music, arts, and technology. It rises impressively, but in its rise there is demise because of sin. The only hope is to call upon the name of the Lord. This is the only hope for culture. This is the only hope for your soul. This is the only hope for the church—to call upon the name of the Lord, who is Jesus Christ. R. Kent Hughes Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Luke 3:38

I wonder if you think about your relationship with God in this way: that most of the time he is simply putting up with you. That’s pretty much the heart behind the idea of God’s patience or what has often been translated as long suffering. God suffering long over our many frailties and failures, forgiving our continuing sins, dispensing his abundant grace to the undeserving. It is a good reminder for us lest our egos become too inflated and think too highly of ourselves. Humility and brokenness are the marks of a genuine son or daughter of the King. In Sunday’s message in Acts 13:13-25 we’ll hear the first part of a sermon that the Apostle Paul preaches in a synagogue in the Pisidian city of Antioch (a different Antioch than the one they had come from in Syria). In that sermon, Paul unapologetically exalts the Lord and makes the note that God “put up with” his people in the wilderness. We’d be naïve to think it was any different today with us. There’s a ton for us to mine out of this passage…all of it pointing to the Lord’s great patience with us. Series: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 11-16) Todd Dugard Message: 33 – He put up with them Harvest Bible Chapel Text: Acts 13:13-25 December 3, 2023 God patiently puts up with me (v. 13-16, 18) He chooses; I am chosen (v. 17a) Romans 10:13 John 15:16a Ephesians 1:4a 1 Peter 2:9a He makes me great; I receive his kindness (v. 17b) 1 Corinthians 4:7b James 1:17a He leads; I follow (v. 17c) He promises; I benefit (v. 19) 2 Corinthians 1:20 He delivers; I am secure (v. 20) 1 Corinthians 15:26 Revelation 21:4a He gives me what I want; I get what I deserve (v. 21) He fixes it; I am loved (v. 22) He saves; I am forgiven (v. 23) He calls; I respond in faith (v. 24) He alone is worthy; I am not at all (v. 25) Maps in this series are taken from The MacMillan Bible Atlas by Yohanan Aharoni and Michael Avi-Yonah (out of print)