The Calvary Newsline: Recent Episodes
Calvary Baptist Church
Personal stories, Biblical messages, trustworthy resources, and casual talk about what's going on in the life of Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria, Louisiana.
God spoke a blessing over His people as they prepared for an uncertain journey. That blessing pointed to His protection, provision, presence, and peace. For believers today, these promises find their fulfillment in Christ. In Christ, God gives us the power to endure, provides what we need for the journey, and gives us peace through it all.
The sixth commandment is about much more than avoiding murder. Jesus reveals that God's concern is not only our outward actions but also our hearts. Hatred, anger, revenge, and bitterness all diminish the value of human life. Because God has shown us incredible grace through Christ, we are called to value life by pursuing reconciliation, extending grace, and allowing the Holy Spirit to rule our hearts.
The fifth commandment marks a transition in the Ten Commandments. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God, while the remaining six focus on our relationships with others. God begins with the family because it is the foundation of every healthy society. Honoring our parents is one of the primary ways we honor God's design and reflect His character to the world.
The Sabbath is God's gift of rest to His people. While Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath and changed how believers observe it, the wisdom behind the command remains. God calls us to intentionally create rhythms that help us rest in Him, trust Him, and delight in what He has done.
True Sabbath rest is not found in a day. It is found in a Person. Jesus invites us to trust Him, delight in Him, and develop rhythms that continually lead us back to the rest only He can give.
God's name represents His character, nature, authority, and glory. The third commandment calls us not merely to avoid misusing God's name, but to actively honor it. As followers of Christ, we should honor God's name through reverence, praise, and sincerity.
Dr. Mark Johnson
President, Louisiana Christian University
Prayer should be:
- Spiritual
- Personal
- Providential
Main Text: Genesis 40, Genesis 41
How can we remain consistent through the ups and downs in life?
1. Stay in spiritual shape.
2. Look for God at work.
3. Focus on the good. (Philippians 4:8)
Genesis 37:2-36
God has a dream and vision for your life.
(Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:10)
Detours are the intended direction.
Genesis 32:22-32
1. Don't run from loneliness.
2. Wrestle until He responds. (Matthew 7:7-8, 2 Chronicles 16:9
3. Walk in your new identity in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:9)
Scriptures:
Genesis 22:1-14, Hebrews 11:17-19, James 2:21-23, James 1:2-4
Points:
-
God’s ultimate provision is the cross.
-
Your faith will be tested.
“Abraham’s faith was weighed in the balance against common sense, affections, and ambitions.” - Derek Kidner
Scriptures:
Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 15:5-6, Galatians 3:5-9. Galatians 3:16
"All nations are blessed through Abram’s offspring."
Points:
Believe God’s Promise.
Walk in Obedience.
Scriptures:
Genesis 11:1-9
To know how it all started is to know who it is all about.
Are we operating within in stewardship, or ownership?
3 responses we must have from the Tower of Babel:
-
Root our pride and return to humility.
-
Realize that God sees you and knows you.
-
Rest in God’s promise to care for you.
Scriptures:
Genesis 6:5-14, Romans 3:10-12, Psalm 139:23-24, Genesis 6:22, Hebrews 11:7
Points:
-
Man’s Sinfulness
-
God’s Judgement
-
Noah’s Faithfulness
“God’s wrath is not a cranky explosion but His settles opposition to the cancer.” - Becky Pippert
Scriptures:
Genesis 3:7-24, Romans 8:20-21, Romans 5:12
Consequences of the Fall:
-
Spiritual warfare
-
Pain in childbirth
-
Relational conflict
-
Death and decay
-
Separation from God
3 Glimmers of God’s Grace:
-
Pursuit
-
Promise
-
Protection
Scriptures:
Genesis 3:1-7, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Psalm 103:5, Romans 8:32, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Proverbs 3:5-6, Titus 2:11-12
What the enemy does:
-
Cast doubt on God’s Word.
-
Call God’s goodness into question.
-
Convince you nothing will happen.
-
Coax you into believing you know what’s good for you.
Scriptures:
Genesis 2:15-18, Genesis 2:7, Genesis 2:23-25, Hebrews 13:4
Points:
-
Every person bears the image of God. Imago Dei.
-
Every person has a mission.
-
Every person was made for companionship.
-
Every person should honor marriage.
Scriptures:
Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:31-2:1, Colossians 1:16, 2 Corinthians 3:16, Deuteronomy 29:29
Points:
Genesis is a historical and theological book written by Moses to the Israelites.
Genesis helps us understand the Bible, our identity and purpose, and the world around us.
-
God is attentive to His creation.
-
God has a design for His creation.
-
God delights in His creation.
Scriptures:
Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 11:3, Colossians 1:16-17, Romans 1:20
Points:
-
God is in Control
-
God makes Himself known
-
God has a Plan
Scriptures:
Psalm 1:1-6, Psalm 1:2, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:22-24
Points:
"The law of the Lord is the written Word of God that reveals who He is and how we should live in a relationship with Him."
"To delight in the law of the Lord means you find joy and pleasure in reading, studying, and applying God’s word."
-
Consumption
-
Obedience
-
Discipline
"Discipline complements desire."
Scriptures:
Psalm 1:1-6, Matthew 7:13-14, 1 John 2:15-16, 1 Timothy 6:10, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Corinthians 15:33
The Way of the Wicked:
-
Naturalism - rejects faith
-
Relativism - there is no absolute truth
-
Materialism - needing material items for joy
-
Hedonism - the pursuit of pleasure is the highest aim
How to Guard Against the Way of the Wicked:
-
Drink with a filter.
-
Guard who influences you.
-
Walk the right path.
Scriptures:
Psalm 1:1-6, James 4:8, John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Hebrews 12:1-2, Psalm 92:12-15, Ezekiel 47:12
2 Words for Blessed in Hebrew:
Baruch
Ashray
Points:
-
Position
-
Productivity
-
Perseverance
Scriptures:
Revelation 21:4, Romans 8:10, Romans 8:22-25, Revelation 20:12, 1 John 5:11-13, Ephesians 5:1-2
Points:
We will live in a new place.
We will live in a new way.
We will be judged according to what we have done with our lives.
Judgement will happen for all people.
If you know Jesus, you join the new heaven and new earth.
The ABC's:
A-Always
B-Be
C-Christ like
+
A-Admit
B-Believe
C-Confess
Scriptures:
Colossians 3:15, Luke 2:14, Colossians 1:19-21, Psalm 3:3, Romans 12:17-18
Points:
-
Peace with God
-
Inner Peace
-
Peace with Others
Scriptures:
Matthew 5:9, Luke 2:14, Isaiah 2:4, James 3:16, Proverbs 25:15
Points
-
Peace will reign when sin is gone
-
Bring peace into your world
Traits of a Peacemaker
-
Determined
-
Humble
-
Rooted
-
Gracious
“Peace with God leads us to make peace like God.” - Tim Challies
Scriptures:
Luke 2:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 4:8 Ecclesiastes 1:18
Points:
-
Repent
-
Pray
-
Give Thanks
-
Slow Down
-
Reduce the Noise
Scriptures:
Luke 2:14, Roman 5:1, Numbers 6:24-26, Colossians 1:21, Romans 5:2
Points:
- What prevents me from having peace of with God?
- How can I have peace with God? - Substitutionary Atonement
- How can I experience peace with God?
Scriptures:
John 20:31, John 19:33-38a
Points:
-
A kingdom that can’t be stopped
-
A truth that can’t be ignored
-
A question that can’t be dodged
Scriptures:
John 11:1-7, John 11:17-27, Psalm 34:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Points:
-
His Presence
-
A Promise
-
Perspective
Scriptures:
John 9:1-12, John 9:25, John 9:34-41, Psalm 27:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Points:
-
His compassion is unending.
-
His power is overwhelming.
-
His glory is revealing.
Scriptures:
John 5:1-18, John 5:40
Points:
This miracle and conversation confirm some basic thoughts about miracles and therefore about God:
-
This miracle confirms a basic definition of miracles.
-
This miracle confirms a basic question about miracles.
-
This miracle confirms a basic conclusion about miracles.
Cont.
-
God is confirming who He is.
-
God is chasing us.
-
God is confronting spiritual issues as He cures physical issues.
Scriptures:
John 4:4-24, John 4:25-26, Jeremiah 2:13, John 1:18
Points:
-
We have a spiritual thirst that can only be quenched by Jesus.
-
Before Jesus pours out living water, He has to prepare the vessel.
-
Worship flows from a relationship with Jesus.
Scriptures:
John 1:43-51, Psalm 34:8, Hebrews 11:6
Points:
-
Jesus exceeds our expectations.
-
Jesus knows you.
-
Through Jesus, we experience God’s power and goodness.
Scriptures:
Ephesians 4:11-13, 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Corinthians 12:4-7
Points:
-
We must be contributors and not just consumers.
-
We are equipped for ministry.
-
We mature as we do ministry.
Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
Points:
Biblically rooted believer:
- How is God’s Word shaping your beliefs and behavior?
Deeply Connected Friend:
- How are you pursuing meaningful friendships within the body of Christ?
Missions Minded Servant:
- How are you serving others and sharing the gospel?
Faithful Disciple Maker:
- How are you intentionally leading others to grow in Christ?
Quote:
“Spiritual disciplines are practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers.” - Donald Whitney
Scriptures:
Luke 14:25-26, Luke 14:27-33
Points:
-
Being fully devoted demands allegiance
-
Being fully devoted involves suffering
-
Being fully devoted requires sacrifice
Scriptures:
Ephesians 6:10-18. Hebrews 4:16, Romans 8:26-27, Colossians 4:12
Quote:
“Prayer is a wartime walkie-talkie. It is not a domestic intercom to ring up the butler to bring another comfort to the den. Instead, prayer is a call to the General for cover fire while we go to the city.” - John Piper
Points:
-
Pray with all kinds of prayers and requests.
-
Pray at all times.
-
Pray in the Spirit.
-
Pray for fellow soldiers.
Scriptures:
Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 29:7, 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Fighter Verses:
Psalm 46:1-2, Revelation 12:11, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 27:13, Colossians 2:15
Points:
-
Raise you shield of faith when the devil’s flaming arrows are raining down on you.
-
Strike the enemy with the sword of the Spirit.
Scriptures:
Ephesians 6:10-18, Ephesians 3:1-3, Colossians 3:16, John 5:39-47, Proverbs 4:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 25:21
Points:
-
The belt of truth enables you to remain agile.
-
The breastplate of righteousness safeguards our heart.
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 12:2, John 3:16, Colossians 1:21, Romans 5:1-2, 1 John 5:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Quote:
“Salvation is when God rescues you from sin and gives you eternal life through faith in Jesus.”
Points:
-
Knowing who you are in Christ and what you have in salvation protects your mind.
-
Peace with God gives you stability in the minds of the battle.
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-18, Revelation 12:7-9, Ephesians 6:13, Colossians 2:15, Revelation 12:12, James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“Beneath the surface, an unseen spiritual battle is raging” - John Stott
Points:
Spiritual warfare is real.
-
The war has been won, but battles remain.
-
Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons.
Scripture:
Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 12:3, Isaiah 66:2
“Being humble begins with understanding who you are in light of who God is.”
Points:
1. Reverence
2. Repentance
3. Respect
Scripture:
Luke 15:11-32, Romans 3:23, Romans 10:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Parable: a Fictitious but realistic story that communicates a spiritual truth.
Points:
1. The lost son.
A. Admit you’re a sinner, lost in need of a savior.
B. Believe in Jesus.
C. Commit to live as a follower of Jesus.
2. The older son.
What is our relationship like with God the Father?
Scripture:
Luke 10:25-37, Luke 6:35-36
Points:
- Mercy overcomes boundaries
I can show mercy to ____
- Mercy requires action
I can show mercy by ____
Quotes:
“I obey Christ when I act mercifully to outsiders”
“Mercy is seeing a need and doing something about it.”
-
Jesus has power over demonic forces
-
Jesus went to great lengths to reach an outsider
Reminders:
-
Know and obey God’s word
-
Deny yourself
-
Surround yourself with godly people
-
Focus on grace
2 Corinthians 1:19-22
1. God is a promise keeper.
2. God’s promises have their “Yes” in Christ.
3. The Holy Spirit gives us assurance.
“The point of Nehemiah is to direct us to Jesus. Only by Christ can we experience what true rest and worship is.” - Rev. Todd Strain
“When the Word of God fills us, the Spirit of God changes us.”
2 Timothy 3:16
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..."
Nehemiah 4:1-23, 6:15-16
“Once you start walking in obedience, opposition will come.” - Rev. Todd Strain
God desires and initiates restoration.
God uses His people to bring restoration.
4 Steps to Restoration
- Recognize
- Grieve
- Seek
- Obey
“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” - John 3:3
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few…Matthew 9:37-38
The Plentiful Harvest comes from:
1. Urgency
2. Availability
3. Compassion
Why is an Ebenezer important?
- It dispels fear and doubt.
- They call us out of sin and apathy.
- It rekindles worship.
- It shines light.
"The God of the universe, the God who WAS when nothing else existed. The God who made you, the God who made me. What is on His mind at this very moment? YOU." - Dr. David Brooks
Galatians 6:2,9 - "2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Today's guest is Cindy Hixson. She is the coordinator for our Women’s Ministry here at Calvary and God is doing some incredible things in that area right now. In this episode, Cindy gives us her testimony and shares her vision for this ministry. She also lets us in on what's happening in our Women's Ministry, how ladies can get involved, and tells us about an upcoming event called Ignite that every woman will want to be involved with.
“At home, in the workplace, or wherever you are… what you do affects other people.” Rev. Todd Strain
3 traits of Christ followers
- We Exercise self-control
- we Embrace our season of life
- We Live with purpose
How can we identify false teachers/false teaching?
1. Look at the fruit.
2. Know the truth.
3. Recognize the fakes.
"False teachers redefine sin, minimize Jesus, over-emphasize works, and preach self-actualization." - Rev. Todd Strain
"Do you know things about God, or do you know God? Do you have knowledge rooted in a relationship?" - Rev. Todd Strain
"Have the conviction that the Word of God is true and have the courage to keep that conviction even when the world says it’s not true."
Dr. Steve Horn
“Are we committed to building our lives as a holy placefor God to live in and through us?”Rev. Jonathon Murphy
Rev. Todd Strain joins us in the studio today to give an update on some exciting things going on at Calvary.
3 Lessons from Mordecai: Trust in the sovereignty of God.Act courageously. Live selflessly. Rev. Todd Strain
"If we are going to be an encourager it's not going to happen by accident..it's going to happen because we have things that we intentionally do when the opportunities arise." - Dr. David Brooks
“Though you may live a seemingly ordinary life,God can use you in extraordinary ways:be available, be missional, be hospitable.”- Rev. Todd Strain
“Our personal evangelism is directly linked to ourprayer life. Because of this, we need to be strategicin how we pray.”- Rev. Jonathon Murphy
Psalm 103:2-4a "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit..."
Don't quit in the pit! - Dr. David Brooks
"God has given us everything we need to live a life fully devoted to Him. What will we do with what God has given us?"
What we perceive as our deepest need is nothing compared to our spiritual need, in particular our need for forgiveness. Jesus is the only one that can make that happen. Guest Speaker, Dr. Justin Langford.
We welcome Sheila Breazeale into the studio today. Shelia is a member of Calvary, raised a family here, and is well known as a Bible study and precepts leader. Her heart for the Word and passion for Scripture are contagious and inspirational.
Rev. Todd Strain brings us a message from 1 Samuel 17 and the story of David and Goliath. We can have confidence against our real enemy, Satan, because just like David was Israel's champion, Jesus is ours.
Seek to cultivate the Gospel in others.
God will place people in your life to mentor in faith.
God will give you mentors and encouragers as an example of faith.
"Because of the Resurrection, you can have power over temptation, grief, and loss. Because of the Resurrection, we have hope."
“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”1 Corinthians 11:26
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Today, Jared talks with Michael Pate. Michael has been around and involved with Calvary for many years, but recently God led him to dive into a new way to share the Gospel and the message of hope found in Jesus Christ. Is God calling you to serve or spread the Gospel in a way you aren't sure about or familiar with? We hope you find inspiration to listen to God and follow His prompting today.
Essential Steps to inviting someone to know Jesus. First, Pray for them.Second, know your story. Third, be bold and respectful.
"How do we leverage our influence for Christ?Walk in humility, have integrity, be personable, and be consistent. This is how we become salt and light for this world (Matthew 5:13-16).”- Rev. Todd Strain
"If we are inspired, and filled with the love of Christ, then we know and believe that people's past and present circumstances can no longer hold them back...it changes how we see other people and we long for them to know Him and be changed by His power."- Rev. Todd Strain
“When we gather for worship, we can sing all the right songs, we can pray, we can give our tithes and offerings, and we can read the Word of God but without the Presence of God, without the Holy Spirit, it is not worship,it is empty ritual” - Rev. Todd Strain
Our scripture text today is Exodus 25:8-9.
"Let us learn from Pharaoh’s story – when we experience adversity or difficulty, will our hearts be hardened to God or will we be open to what He is doing in us?"
February 27, 2022 : Pharaoh’s Heart Exam
Today we talk to our Music Minister, Rev. Jeremy Christ, and take a peek behind the curtain into our Music Ministry and hear his thoughts on worship, music in general, and more!
Interview: Rev. Jeremy Christ, Music Minister
“Jesus wanted to be remembered for how and why he died.”- Dr. David Brooks
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:16
February 20, 2022 : Remembered
"Many times, we’re SO focused on what’s destroying the WORLD that we don’t deal with what is trying to DESTROY us... IF sin is allowed into our lives it WILL stifle, stunt, and strangle the love of God from being dominant in our lives. " - Rev. Jonathon Murphy
February 13, 2022 : Love
"You can go from broken to whole, from anxious to at peace, you can go from lost to being found. God can change your future." - Rev. Todd Strain
February 6, 2022 : Wrestling With God
We wrap up our series on Grace today as Rev. Strain reminds us that grace gives us powerin 2 ways: The power to say NO to sin and the power to say YES to holiness.
January 30, 2022 : Grace : Empowered by Grace
We sit down with Calvary's new Business Administrator, Robert Taylor, as he gives us a glimpse into his life and his new role at church. In addition to finances, Roberts shares his heart on evangelism and how Calvary's Men's Ministry changed his life. He also gives us a sneak peak at his upcoming class, "Taming Your Finances" starting February 2, 2022.
Interview: Robert Taylor, Business Administrator
Rev. Todd Strain continues our series on GRACE with a message of how God extends His grace to us and how we can and should extend grace to others.
January 23, 2022 : Grace : Extending Grace
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
January 16, 2022 : Grace : Receiving Grace
We begin a new series on Grace with a sermon from Rev. Todd Strain entitled, "Defining Grace." Is grace a defining characteristic or trait of who you are?"May we be a people so filled with grace that, like Jesus, it spills over into the world around us." - Rev. Todd Strain
January 9, 2022 : Grace: Defining Grace
Dr. Brooks reminds us that when we encounter Jesus, we should leave a different way than how we came. A different way with God, ourselves, and others. We should see a difference in our lives.
January 2, 2022 : A Different Way
Rev. Billy Lonsberry speaks on how God is with us today, in the here and now. Jesus didn't stay in a manger, He is forever "God with Us."
December 26, 2021 : Immanuel, God With Us
Rev. Todd Strain concludes our Christmas series today with a message about perseverance and the reward that the Lord promises comes the waiting on Him.
December 19, 2021 : Christmas Agenda : Simeon
Today’s show is a recap of the recent Congregational Meetings with Rev. Todd Strain. Todd has been recommended by our Personnel Committee and Succession Committee to succeed Dr. David Brooks at the end of 2022, and these meetings were set up as a way to hear his testimony, story, and to catch a glimpse of his thoughts about Calvary going forward, how he intends to lead, what drives him, and other topics that may interest you. So, if you attended the meetings and want to hear it again, or if you missed out, we hope you will enjoy getting to know Todd better through this podcast today.
We continue our Christmas series with Dr. David Brooks speaking about the lessons we can learn from the life of Joseph.
December 12, 2021 : Christmas Agenda : Joseph
In our second week of "Christmas Agenda," Rev. Todd Strain speaks on the perspective of Herod and his part in the Christmas story. We are reminded of how we need to look past our selfish desires for power and control, submit to God, and focus on His agenda.
December 5, 2021 : Christmas Agenda : Herod
Rev. Todd Strain begins a new series entitled, "Christmas Agenda."
We take look at the Old Testament prophecy of the coming Messiah and how it relates to our lives today.
November 28, 2021 : Christmas Agenda : The Prophets
We observe the ordinance of The Lord's Supper and hear a message from Rev. Todd Strain entitled, "The Eucharist."
November 21, 2021
Today, we sit down with Cindy Avery and hear her heart about what God has called her to do for Him through our Support Group Ministry.
Rev. Todd Strain brings a message from 1 Timothy 3:14-16 in today's sermon, "The Pillar of Truth."
November 14, 2021
Dr. Brooks finished up our series in the book of James with Chapter 5.
November 7, 2021 - James - Part 5
Rev. Todd Strain continues our series in James with a message of humility and our need to submit ourselves to God.
Rev. Todd Strain brings us week 3 in our series in James.
October 24, 2021 : James : Part 3
Rev. Billy Lonsberry continues our series in the book of James.
October 17, 2021 : James : Part 2
Dr. David Brooks delivers a message from Matthew 28:16-20.
October 3, 2021 : Last Words
Rev. Todd Strain concludes our evangelistic series.
September 26, 2021 : My Story : Part 3 : Provision
Rev. Todd Strain begins a study of the book of James.
October 10, 2021 : James : Part 1
Rev. Todd Strain begins a series on sharing our personal stories with others.
September 12, 2021 : My Story : Part 1 : Freedom
Rev. Jonathon Murphy delivers the final sermon in our Daniel series.
September 5, 2021 : Daniel : Part 3 : Obedience That Leads to Sacrifice
Dr. David Brooks continues our "My Story" series.
September 19, 2021 : My Story : Part 2 : Restoration
Rev. Todd Strain begins a series in the book of Daniel.
August 22, 2021 : Daniel : Part 1 : The Kingdom
Rev. Todd strain continues our series in the book of Daniel.
August 29, 2021 : Daniel : Part 2 : Humility