
The Anchor is a Sunday sermon podcast ministry from Rock Harbor Church in Bakersfield, California.
Episodes

May 11, 2025
May 11, 2025
1hr 2 min
We are witnessing a global surge of antisemitism—disguised as a fight for “human rights” and cloaked in the language of anti-Zionism. Millions now believe the lie that Jews are colonial occupiers in their own ancestral homeland, ignoring international law and the historical record—including Israel’s defensive wars and 2005 withdrawal from Gaza.
What most miss is that this hatred is not political—it is deeply spiritual. The same demonic hatred that fueled Pharaoh, Haman, and Hitler now fuels radical groups, international institutions, college campuses, and even churches. After October 7, 2023, anti-Jewish attacks exploded worldwide—while leaders, pastors, and denominations remained silent or, worse, sided with the enemies of Israel.
This silence in the Church stems from Replacement Theology—a false teaching that God has abandoned Israel and has replaced Israel with the Church. But Scripture is clear: Israel remains God’s chosen people, the land belongs to them, and one day “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26) when they believe in Yeshua, the Messiah.
This is a call for Christians to wake up. Anti-Zionism isn’t just hatred—it’s a denial of Israel’s right to exist. And to deny that is to side with evil and against God.
👉 Watch to understand what’s really happening and why the Church must speak the truth

May 18, 2025
May 18, 2025
50 min
In this powerful and eye-opening message, we walk through the true significance of the Lord’s Supper by uncovering its roots in the Jewish Passover Seder. Far from being a casual tradition, Communion is a sacred symbol of our Messiah’s suffering, sacrifice, and the call to remain in deep fellowship with Him.
Discover:
The prophetic meaning behind each Passover element
How Jesus modeled servant leadership by washing the disciples’ feet
The warning of partaking in the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner
The roles of Elijah, broken bread, and the cup of redemption
Why fellowship—not just salvation—impacts your eternal reward
This message will stir your heart and bring new life to a sacred practice that many have overlooked. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mystery, beauty, and call to action that the Lord’s Table represents.
👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with more powerful biblical teachings.

May 25, 2025
May 25, 2025
1hr 6 min
In this powerful Memorial Day message, Evangelist Tim Lee shares his life-altering story—from the battlefield in Vietnam to the pulpit as a preacher of the Gospel. After losing both legs in combat, Tim's journey took a radical turn when he surrendered to Jesus Christ.
🔥 21 people made a public decision for Christ during this service!
🙏 Many others recommitted their lives to the Lord.
This unforgettable message explores:
The true cost of freedom—both physical and spiritual
How God redeems the most broken stories
What it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11)
The urgency of salvation and living fully for Christ
📖 Scripture Highlight:
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." — Revelation 12:11
📣 Don’t just watch—share this with someone who needs hope, truth, and a real example of God’s redeeming power.
🔗 Learn more about Tim Lee’s ministry: https://www.timlee.org
💒 Rock Harbor Church: https://www.rockharborchurch.net

Jun 1, 2025
Jun 1, 2025
57 min
In this powerful expositional teaching, Pastor Brandon dives deep into Matthew 2 and uncovers the profound Hebrew roots behind the visit of the Magi. Far from a typical Christmas message, this lesson reveals the rich prophetic and historical context of Jesus' birth, showing how His arrival was anything but mythical—it was calculated, confirmed, and foretold.
Discover:
The true timeline of Jesus’ birth (6–7 BC)
Why the Magi believed in the Messiah and made the two-year journey
How Balaam’s prophecy and Daniel’s influence shaped their faith
What the star really was (hint: it wasn’t a planet or asteroid)
The sinister character of Herod—and how his reaction mirrors today’s culture
This message isn't just about ancient history—it's a wake-up call for our times. Just like the first century, our generation is either hostile, indifferent, or hungry for the true King. Which are you?
🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: RockHarborChurch.net
🙏 Support this ministry and help us share Biblical truth around the world.

Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
51 min
What sets apart those who truly make a difference in their generation? In this video, we explore powerful traits from Scripture—demonstrated by leaders like David, Nehemiah, Joseph, Paul, and Abraham—that show us how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
From facing the truth and mastering self-control to trusting God for the impossible, each principle is rooted in the lives of real people who allowed God to shape their character for eternal impact.
👉 Learn what it means to:
Adjust your thinking in light of truth
Take initiative in times of crisis
Lead with compassion and discipline
Build teams, endure hardship, and walk by faith
🔔 Subscribe for more biblical leadership insights and practical teaching.
#Leadership #BibleTeaching #Discipleship #Faith #ChristianGrowth #WhatItTakes

Jun 15, 2025
Jun 15, 2025
39 min
In this powerful message from Matthew 3:1–12, we unpack the real purpose behind John the Baptist’s ministry—and how it demanded a radical shift in Israel’s perspective.
John wasn’t just calling for personal reflection—he was announcing the soon arrival of YHWH and the literal, physical, Messianic Kingdom promised to Israel. This wasn’t some vague Greco-Roman idea of an inner kingdom in the heart. It was a national, earthly reign just as the prophets foretold.
John’s baptism symbolized a public commitment to believe God's message and accept the Messiah when He appeared. It pointed forward to the cleansing and forgiveness God would offer through Jesus (cf. Ezekiel 36:25–27; Zechariah 13:1). Those who believed John’s message were spiritually prepared for the coming of Christ.
This sermon invites you to reconsider your own perspective. Are you seeing reality clearly—or through the wrong lens?
🔔 Subscribe for more truth-centered, Bible-based teaching.
📖 Scriptures: Matthew 3:1–12
#JohnTheBaptist #Messiah #KingdomOfGod #BiblicalTruth #Matthew3 #Repentance

Jun 22, 2025
Jun 22, 2025
56 min
In this sermon entitled "The Engine That Drives Behavior," Pastor Brandon unpacks the bold message
of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:5–12, calling the nation of Israel to genuine repentance.
But repentance wasn’t just about sorrow or surface-level change—it was a radical call to change
their thinking about the deeply ingrained teachings of Rabbinic Judaism.
John confronts the false assumptions that had taken root:
- That being Jewish guaranteed entrance into the Kingdom.
- That the Messiah would affirm their traditions.
- That external law-keeping was enough for righteousness.
- That salvation could be earned or inherited by Israel through “the merits of the fathers.”
- That Gentiles had to convert to Judaism and keep the Noahic laws to be saved.
- That there were multiple ways to be spiritually reborn and none of them included how Jesus explained it.
John’s call to repentance challenged Israel to abandon these theological distortions from the rabbis
and recognize their need for Messiah—the Lamb of God.
This repentance was not theoretical. In Luke 3:10–14, John outlines what true repentance looks like:
justice, integrity, generosity, and contentment—right belief producing right behavior.
True change doesn’t start with action—it starts with conviction, with the truth renewing the mind.
This message explores how belief (change of one’s mind in relationship to truth) is the engine
that drives godly behavior, and how embracing God's truth transforms not just what we believe—but how we live.
👉 Don’t miss this call to personal change. Right theology isn't optional—it's the catalyst for a transformed life.

Jun 29, 2025
Jun 29, 2025
1hr 2 min
What is true freedom—and how do we lose it? In this powerful Fourth of July message, Pastor Brandon Holthaus walks us through Exodus 1–20, revealing how the Bible—not human philosophy—is the true foundation of liberty. From Egypt’s tyranny to America's founding, from spiritual slavery to salvation in Christ, this message exposes the lies of modern culture and reminds us that *freedom must be fought for, maintained, and grounded in truth*.
You’ll discover:
- How the founding fathers leaned on Exodus to shape America
- The dangers of collective guilt and cultural consent to evil
- Why tyranny thrives in a climate of lies and silence
- How God delivers us not just *from* slavery—but *for* service to Him
- Why freedom without morality leads back to bondage
- The personal and national cost of liberty
🔔 Subscribe to Rock Harbor Church for more Bible-centered teaching:
https://www.youtube.com/@RockHarborChurch
📖 Full Sermon Notes & Study Resources:
https://rockharborchurch.net
🙌 If this message blessed you, consider sharing it with someone who needs truth, boldness, and encouragement in these dark days.
**“If the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed.” —John 8:36**
#Freedom #Exodus #July4th #RockHarborChurch #PastorBrandonHolthaus #BiblicalFreedom #Prophecy #EndTimes #SpiritualWarfare

Jul 27, 2025
Jul 27, 2025
1hr 2 min
Jesus’ baptism was not for repentance but for identification. Through His baptism, Jesus deliberately identified Himself with key truths and people, laying the foundation for His public ministry and ultimate mission. As Jesus identified publicly with God’s plan, we must identify with Him publicly—refusing to compromise, even in a world that rejects Him (Luke 9:23–26; 1 John 2:28). Identity is the starting point for destiny. Both Jesus and Satan have a plan for your life, but each begins with how you see yourself. Your identity determines your destiny. True identity is found in Christ—when you see yourself as God sees you, you can live out the destiny He designed. When we stand with Him publicly and reject Satan’s lies, we live out God’s plan with confidence, hope, and purpose.

Aug 3, 2025
Aug 3, 2025
50 min
In this teaching, we dive into the epic showdown between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness—and why it matters for YOU today!
✡️ Jesus as Israel’s Representative – For 40 years, Israel failed in the wilderness. But in 40 days, Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father, proving He is the faithful Servant who will one day restore Israel.
👤 Jesus as the Second Adam – Adam failed in a perfect garden, bringing sin and death. Jesus, the Last Adam, triumphed in the barren wilderness, paving the way for redemption and eternal life.
💪 Jesus Identifies With Us – He was “tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Satan tempted Him with:
🍞 Lust of the Flesh – Turn stones into bread.
👑 Lust of the Eyes – Gain the kingdoms of the world.
🏛 Pride of Life – Prove Himself by jumping from the temple.
📜 Jesus defeated every temptation by standing on God’s Word, showing us how to resist the enemy today!
🙌 Takeaway: Jesus conquered where Adam and Israel failed. He is the sinless Savior, the true King, and our perfect representative—offering victory, hope, and eternal life to all who trust Him!
📌 Tags: #BibleStudy #Matthew4 #TemptationOfChrist #JesusWins #Messiah #SecondAdam #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith
