The Cross Has The Final Word
The cross has the final word. Evil may put up its strongest fight, but the cross has the final word....
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A Culture of Invitation: Let's Invite People to Easter
How do we invite our neighbors, friends, co-workers and family to Easter? How do we grow our "culture of invitation" at Harvest? Why is Easter a great time to invite others to attend a worship service? Read this blog post by Pastor Nate as he explores thoughts and practical ideas for why invitation matters and how to invite someone to Easter. ...
A Culture of Generosity: Harvest Gives 2018 Update
Harvest Gives 2018 was a chance for us to love one another through “Families Helping Families”. Read the following blog post to learn how a portion of the funds given have been used to come alongside individuals and families within our faith family. ...
ALL IN: United in Truth! Week 4
Read along with us as our leaders share passages of Scripture that unify us and point our hearts toward the Lord and his truth as we anticipate moving to three services. Let's be praying the Lord will further advance his gospel on the west side of Indianapolis. ...
ALL IN: United in Truth! Week 3
Read along with us over the next several weeks as our leaders share passages of Scripture that unify us and point our hearts toward the Lord and his truth as we anticipate moving to three services. Let's be praying the Lord will further advance his gospel on the west side of Indianapolis. ...
ALL IN: United in Truth! Week 2
Read along with us over the next several weeks as our leaders share passages of Scripture that unify us and point our hearts toward the Lord and his truth as we anticipate moving to three services. Let's be praying the Lord will further advance his gospel on the west side of Indianapolis. ...
ALL IN: United in Truth! Week 1
Read along with us over the next several weeks as our leaders share passages of Scripture that unify us and point our hearts toward the Lord and his truth as we anticipate moving to three services. Let's be praying the Lord will further advance his gospel on the west side of Indianapolis. ...
The Bible: An Adventure Worth Reading
As we enter 2019, let's approach studying God's Word with refreshed excitement and renewed resolve. Follow along with Pastor Robbie in this blog post as he shares four truths he has been reminded of after spending much time in the Word during his studies at seminary. ...
Advent Week 4: God With Us Forever
Advent means “coming”. Jesus Christ has come and he will come again. Advent season is about rejoicing in the reality that God came to be with us in the person of Jesus Christ so that we could be with him forever. It is a celebration of Jesus’ first coming in humility and it produces eager anticipation for his second coming in glory. This season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting. Follow along with us this Christmas season as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus together. ...
Advent Week 3: God Still With Us
Advent means “coming”. Jesus Christ has come and he will come again. Advent season is about rejoicing in the reality that God came to be with us in the person of Jesus Christ so that we could be with him forever. It is a celebration of Jesus’ first coming in humility and it produces eager anticipation for his second coming in glory. This season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting. Follow along with us this Christmas season as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus together. ...
Grief At Christmas
Christmas can be a challenging time of year for those who are grieving. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one, grieving a broken relationship, experiencing poor health or suffering other kinds of hurt–Christmas can be a painful reminder of loss. In this post about Grief At Christmas, Pastor Chris, Pastor of Soul Care, encourages us to consider the example of Jesus and the grief he endured. ...
Advent Week 2: God With Us
Advent means “coming”. Jesus Christ has come and he will come again. Advent season is about rejoicing in the reality that God came to be with us in the person of Jesus Christ so that we could be with him forever. It is a celebration of Jesus’ first coming in humility and it produces eager anticipation for his second coming in glory. This season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting. Follow along with us this Christmas season as we anticipate and celebrate the coming of Jesus together....
Worship At Christmas
What does worshiping at Christmas look like? How can we focus on our big God in the midst of the Christmas season? Follow along with Pastor Nick as he points to Scripture and the angels' example of vertical, hope-filled and compelling worship. ...
Advent Week 1: Why We Could Not Be With God
Advent means “coming”. Jesus Christ has come and he will come again. Advent season is about rejoicing in the reality that God came to be with us in the person of Jesus Christ so that we could be with him forever. It is a celebration of Jesus’ first coming in humility and it produces eager anticipation for his second coming in glory. This season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting. Follow along with us this Christmas season as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus together. ...
GO! Trips: Guatemala 2018
In October 2018, Harvest sent a GO! Team to Antigua, Guatemala to partner with a local church, Iglesia del Camino. The team consisted mostly of juniors and seniors in high school that have been faithfully seeking and serving the Lord at Harvest. For many of these students, it was their first opportunity to serve the Lord internationally. The team partnered with the church to assist them in their local outreach efforts, which are focused in communities where Iglesia del Camino hopes to plant churches in the future. God did and is continuing to do a mighty work in our students’ lives. Be encouraged by these reflections from two of our students on how they saw God at Work....
Delivered by Suffering (part 2)
Do you wonder why there is suffering? Ever struggle to know if God cares? In this second post of a two-part blog series regarding suffering, Pastor Chris, Pastor of Soul Care, shares three encouraging stories of how God is delivering some of his people at Harvest by their suffering. ...
Delivered by Suffering
Do you wonder why there is suffering? Ever struggle to know God cares? In this first post of a two-part blog series, Pastor Chris, Pastor of Soul Care, encourages us to consider three questions: "Does God care about our suffering?", "Why do we suffer?" and "Is there hope in suffering?"...
Reflections on Abide
As our Harvest family has been growing in and learning to "Abide" with the Lord while studying John 15, one small group member, Jen Ferryman, shares her reflections on how the Lord is using this study in her life. ...
Just Be Present
Over the summer, Pastor Eric and his family were able to enjoy an eight-week sabbatical. In this two-part series, he reflects on two truths he learned during his sabbatical. In these posts, Pastor Eric invites you to consider how his experience might apply to your life as well. ...
I Glorify Busy
Over the summer, Pastor Eric and his family were able to enjoy an eight-week sabbatical. In this two-part series, he reflects on two truths he learned during his sabbatical. In these posts, Pastor Eric invites you to consider how his experience might apply to your life as well....
GO! Trips: Scotland 2018
This summer, our team of 11 went to Scotland to visit faith family at Harvest Glasgow. Originally, this trip was planned to be focused on construction. The plan was to help Harvest Glasgow with some remodeling projects on their 100-year-old church. Seemed simple enough… or so we thought!...
Remembering God
As the slow summer days come to an end and the busyness of the fall begins to invade our lives, it is good to pause and remember who our God is. Psalm 145 reminds us that the Lord is greatly to be praised. There are many reasons why our God is greatly to be praised. Psalm 145 offers these 4. ...
Pray With Us: 2018 Go! Trips
This summer we have the joy of sending teams to our international partners in Georgetown, St. Vincent Island and Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. Our teams will be able to see how God is working in and through our brothers and sisters around the world, serve alongside our brothers and sisters in hopes of helping them on their mission to reach their neighbors with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and strengthen and encourage our friends in their faith and mission. ...
Pray With Us: Our Pastors
Over the next several weeks, our elders will be leading us in prayer on the blog. Join with us as we thank God for the past 10 years and ask that the Lord will continue to do great things for his glory over the next 10 years....
Pray With Us: God's Power and Presence
Over the next several weeks, our elders will be leading us in prayer on the blog. Join with us as we thank God for the past 10 years and ask that the Lord will continue to do great things for his glory over the next 10 years....
Stewarding Technology | A Self-Study
Technology is changing us. We are living in a time where we carry the world in our pockets and nearly anything is available to us with a few taps of the thumb. How do we steward technology wisely? We have pulled together numerous resources that we believe will help you think through the use of technology in a manner that is helpful in your walk with the Lord....
Pray With Us: International Partners
Over the next several weeks, our elders will be leading us in prayer on the blog. Join with us as we thank God for the past 10 years and ask that the Lord will continue to do great things for his glory over the next 10 years....
Pray With Us: Worship, Walk, Work
Over the next several weeks, our elders will be leading us in prayer on the blog. Join with us as we thank God for the past 10 years and ask that the Lord will continue to do great things for his glory over the next 10 years....
Pray With Us: Sending-Base Place
Over the next several weeks, our elders will be leading us in prayer on the blog. Join with us as we thank God for the past 10 years and ask that the Lord will continue to do great things for his glory over the next 10 years....
Pray With Us: God’s Faithfulness
Over the next several weeks, our elders will be leading us in prayer on the blog. Join with us as we thank God for the past 10 years and ask that the Lord will continue to do great things for his glory over the next 10 years....
9 Books That Changed My Life
Below is a list of 9 books that God has used mightily in my life. This list is not intended to be comprehensive but as I took some time to think back on key points in my walk with Christ, I can remember how God used each of these to shape the way I relate with him. I hope that one or more can be a blessing to you....
You're Gonna Like My Church
The following is a true story about a 32-year-old man who visited Harvest on a Sunday in March. His name is Joe. He's been homeless for 8 years... but he's on his way home....
God at Work: Ron & Chrissy
God is always at work in the lives of his people. We rejoice in hearing and sharing stories of how our faithful God continues to bring glory to himself through the lives of his children. May the Lord encourage you as you watch this video....
This Is What God Has Done: Wolfe Family
God is faithful! As we celebrate 10 years of what God has done at Harvest, we will be featuring God At Work testimonies from members of our core team who have seen all that the Lord has done. Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”...
This Is What God Has Done: Wilmot Family
God is faithful! As we celebrate 10 years of what God has done at Harvest, we will be featuring God At Work testimonies from members of our core team who have seen all that the Lord has done. Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”...
This Is What God Has Done: Venable Family
God is faithful! As we celebrate 10 years of what God has done at Harvest, we will be featuring God At Work testimonies from members of our core team who have seen all that the Lord has done. Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”...
This Is What God Has Done: Murray Family
God is faithful! As we celebrate 10 years of what God has done at Harvest, we will be featuring God At Work testimonies from members of our core team who have seen all that the Lord has done. Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”...
What I Do With My Day Off: Pastor Eric
The days are long, the nights are full, the weekends are crazy busy. Projects get delayed, houses aren't as tidy as preferred. We greatly anticipate the days off work to rest and recover. But more than relaxing on your day off, create a weekly rhythm that restores and energizes you....
Time
Time is precious. We never know how much we have and when it passes, there is absolutely nothing we can do to change whatever happened. While very little actually changed between 11:59PM on December 31, 2017 and 12AM on January 1, 2018, each of us was provided with an opportunity to reconsider how we will spend our time....
Don't Let Christmas Pass You By
For as long as I can remember, I have loved Christmas. More than any holiday of the year, it is my favorite. But with all the demands and events that Christmastime brings, how do you get through this season and actually enjoy it? What does the Lord have in mind as we celebrate His birth?...
Why Should I Consider an International Ministry Trip?
International Ministry Trips allow opportunities to serve believers around the world, to see how God is working in and through them for his glory, and to strengthen and encourage them in their faith on God’s mission....
Always and in Everything
During this Thanksgiving season, may gratitude be on our minds. But it’s not just about being grateful during this season; it is a 365 days a year discipline, a marathon of gratitude. Because of Christ, we have so many reasons to be thankful....
Jonah Is Getting Baptized
We love celebrating stories of God working in the lives of our people. This Sunday, we get to rejoice with Jonah. In every way possible, Jonah was the prodigal son. He ran far from the Lord. He walked away from church. Yet, even at Jonah's lowest point, God called to him with open, welcoming arms....
How God Used My First International Ministry Trip
The Lord used my 8 days in Trinidad to dramatically impact my life. I wanted to share a brief testimony of how the Lord used my first international ministry experience in my life so that you might consider making an international ministry opportunity a priority for your calendar in 2018....
Think Conference 2017
This past weekend 120 students from 3 churches gathered together to lift the name of Jesus high and learn from God's Word about eternity at the Think Conference. Here are the notes from each session. So, if you see a student this Sunday, be sure to ask them how the conference was....
"I Will Build My Church"
There have been many times we wanted to give up, but we simply had to trust God who called us to do this work because He is faithful...Throughout the process, our faith has deepened in a way we could never have imagined....
Why Serve In Children's Ministry?
I have had the joy of working with children for many years, and with each child that I get to interact with, my goal is to love them as our heavenly Father would love them. Here are four reasons why I love serving in Children’s Ministry. ...
Praying When Disaster Looms
Pastor Nate helps us pray as Hurrican Irma looms in the Caribbean....
God Created Rest
Have you ever thought about the fact that God rested? Why did He do that? I believe our all-powerful God took a day of rest as an example for us, and to continue His creating even in rest. He was creating a rhythm for us. He, not needing the rest, created us and knew us so intimately that He knew we would need it. ...
Why We Homeschool Our Kids
This week we conclude our series featuring posts from three of our pastors' wives describing what influenced their decision for their children's schooling. In the first post, Karen Helmer shared why she and Pastor Doug chose to send their kids to a Christian school for their high school years. Last week, Krista detailed why she and Pastor Eric decided to send their kids to public schools for this season. In the final post, Amy shares why she and Pastor Nate have elected to homeschool their children....
God At Work: 2017 Arad, Romania
The trip to Arad, Romania expanded my vertical view of God and my horizontal relationships with fellow believers. God’s provision and guidance was evident throughout the preparation, the time on the ground, and our return to the States....
What Happened When I Turned My iPhone Off
It only took a few more days of detox from my iPhone for me to look at Jill and say, “I think I might be addicted to my phone?!?”... I can honestly say I don’t think I would have seen any of these problems had I not turned off my phone. For me, it took completely unplugging to wake up to the reality of how addicted I had become. I repented to my family and the Lord. I began telling my story to many of my close friends so as to invite accountability....
Why We Are Sending Our Kids To Public School
This week we continue our series featuring posts from three of our pastors' wives describing what influenced their decision for their children's schooling. Last week, Karen Helmer shared why she and Pastor Doug chose to send their kids to a Christian school for their high school years. This week, Krista details why she and Pastor Eric decided to send their kids to public schools for this season. In the final post, Amy will share why she and Pastor Nate have elected to homeschool their children....
Why We Sent Our Kids To Christian School
This week we begin a new series featuring posts from three of our pastors wives describing what influenced their decision for their children's schooling. This week, Karen Helmer shares why she and Pastor Doug chose to send their kids to a Christian school for their high school years. Krista will contribute the next post in this series detailing why she and Pastor Eric decided to send their kids to public schools for this season. In the final post, Amy will share why she and Pastor Nate have elected to homeschool their children....
Why I Love Harvest Students
For the last five years, it has been my joy to love, teach, and pastor our middle and high school students. Today I wanted to share three reasons why I love my job: ...
God At Work: 2017 Georgetown, St. Vincent
I stepped off the small puddle jumper plane, legs weary from traveling, and breathed in the hot Caribbean night air. Although I was worn out, I was full of hope and excitement for the potential of the week ahead. That night as I laid my head down to the sound of hard rain on the metal roof, I asked God to use me in whatever capacity he desired and for whatever purpose he had brought me to this island....
Training Haitian Church Planters
Harvest Indy West is partnering with one of these church planters, Pastor Nesly Alexis, to plant Harvest Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. What an amazing opportunity, privilege, and joy it was to spend the week in Haiti with these pastors....
Don't Miss the Lesson
In the middle of life and its inevitable trials and sufferings, don’t miss the lesson of what God is teaching and how He is perfecting us for His purposes and His glory. Look for it. Learn it quickly and permanently....
The Cross Has The Final Word
The cross has the final word. Evil may put up its strongest fight, but the cross has the final word....
God@Work: Ronda
God is always at work in the lives of his people. We rejoice in hearing and sharing stories of how our faithful God continues to bring glory to himself through the lives of his children. May the Lord encourage you as you watch this video and may he cause you to love him, trust him, and enjoy him more....
Seminary Update
Pastor Chris and Pastor Robbie are currently enrolled in Faith Bible Seminary's Master of Divinity program. They have been working on this degree since August of 2016 and wanted to share a brief update on how the Lord is working in their lives through this program. Last week we heard from Pastor Chris and this week we will hear from Pastor Robbie....
Seminary Update
Pastor Chris and Pastor Robbie are currently enrolled in Faith Bible Seminary's Master of Divinity program. They have been working on this degree since August of 2016 and wanted to share a brief update on how the Lord is working in their lives through this program. This week we hear from Pastor Chris and next week we will hear from Pastor Robbie....
Fighting Fear With Truth
Today we conclude a series of articles on overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. The first dealt with uncovering our fears. The second article contrasted godly and ungodly fears. The third article defined and described four types of fears. The final two articles focus on a biblical response to fear by examining how you can fight fear with fear and how you can fight fear with truth. Ungodly fear is never from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control [sound mind].” The battle against fear is fought between our ears...in our thought life. So, in this last post I’m going to lay out several truths that we can use to combat fear....
Fighting Fear With Fear
Today we continue a series of articles on overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. The first dealt with uncovering our fears. The second article contrasted godly and ungodly fears. Last week's article defined and described four types of fears. These final two articles will focus on a biblical response to fear by examining how you can fight fear with fear and how you can fight fear with truth. The #1 reason God gives us to not fear is because HE is with us. God’s antidote to our fear is to have faith in Him. Faith in God grows as our understanding and fear of Him grows....
Four Types Of Fear
Today we continue a series of articles on overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. The first dealt with uncovering our fears. The second article contrasted godly and ungodly fears. Today's article will seek to define and describe four types of fears. The fourth and fifth articles will focus on a biblical response to fear by examining how you can fight fear with fear and how you can fight fear with truth. There are deeper, easier to hide fears that we all tend to struggle with. Let’s take a look at them and as we do, I invite you to ask God to show you where you struggle. ...
Godly Fear V. Ungodly Fear
Editors' note: Today we continue a series of articles on overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. The first dealt with uncovering our fears. Today's article contrasts godly and ungodly fears. The third will seek to define and describe four types of fears. The fourth and fifth articles will focus on a biblical response to fear by examining how you can fight fear with fear and how you can fight fear with truth. Is it ever “ok” to be fearful? Is fear always wrong? Shouldn’t I be afraid of my kids running out into the street? Is it wrong to feel fearful when I don’t know if I’ll be able to pay the bills this month? Shouldn’t I be frightened when I hear the diagnosis of cancer? These are all great questions, and I’m sure you could add a few of your own. So let’s talk about two types of fear: godly fear and ungodly fear....
Uncovering Our Fears
Today we begin a series of articles on overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety. The first deals with uncovering our fears. The second contrasts godly and ungodly fears. The third will seek to define and describe four types of fears. The fourth and fifth articles will focus on a biblical response to fear by examining how you can fight fear with fear and how you can fight fear with truth. Why are we so afraid? Where do these fears come from and how can we get rid of them...or at least cope with them? These are some of the questions we’re going to look at over several blog posts. ...
Be Holy (Yeah, Right!)
God expects us to be set apart, unstained by sin and the world. In fact, Peter reminds us what God said in Leviticus 11: 44, “Be holy for I am holy”. It’s His expectation. Meditate on the reality that God allows us and makes a way for us to share in His holiness. Let that truth saturate your thinking. ...
How To Break Out
For many people the most intimidating thing about joining a small group is break out. Think back to the first time you attended your small group. Not only did you knock on a stranger’s door, but you went in and sat down in their living room. By the way, who are these people? What’s going to happen? What’s my escape plan? Here are three ways to prepare for break out so you don’t feel like a fish out of water: ...
8 Lessons in 8 Years
2016 marked 8 years at Harvest Indy West for me. Wow these eight years have flown by. So much has changed. My family has changed. Our church has changed. And I have changed. I thank the Lord for Harvest and the privilege of serving here for an extended period of time. Here are 8 things I have learned over the last 8 years of ministry....
Worship & Wonder: Christmas Day Video
We hope and pray this video will be a blessing and an encouragement to you and your family as you celebrate the birth of our Savior with joy this Christmas. Join us in worship and wonder as we sing together and spend just a few minutes in Luke 2. As you go through this Christmas week with friends and family, may your conversations overflow with praise to God for all that he has revealed Himself to be in Christ. There is no name higher and no name greater than Jesus both now and forevermore. Merry Christmas, Harvest. You are loved. ...
The Holiday Season With Friends and Family: Encounter or Opportunity?
Holidays spent with family and friends can be times filled with joy, celebration, conversation, and glorious feasting. Holidays spent with family and friends can also be times filled with sadness, regret, confusion, conflict, and bad fruitcake. Navigating the holidays with others can be filled with delight and difficulty. How do you view the time with family and friends over the holidays? Are they merely encounters to survive, similar to grizzly bear attacks, or are they opportunities to treasure?...
What Is The Word of God?
God's Word. Do those two words resonate in your mind, or does it simply bring thoughts of a dusty, black book that has some good things to say along with things that I don't understand, but are probably not that important any way? A book that looks proper in its place on a bookshelf beside other volumes that are impressively bound but seldom, if ever, read....
Welcome
Welcome to the new blog of Harvest Bible Chapel Indy West. Our desire is to provide you with one more avenue of discipleship where you can be equipped with resources and encouragement to grow in Christ and go on behalf of Christ....
God@Work: Ronda
God is always at work in the lives of his people. We rejoice in hearing and sharing stories of how our faithful God continues to bring glory to himself through the lives of his children. May the Lord encourage you as you watch this video and may he cause you to love him, trust him, and enjoy him more....
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