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A steady faith is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger—not only in our interactions with others, but also in our approach to God and His Word. As we receive His Word with an attentive heart, we are not hearers who forget, but doers who act. This is then demonstrated in our controlled speech, active mercy, and pure living.
Last week, James challenged us to keep a steady faith, especially in the face of the many trials that come our way. This week, he goes one step further, helping us recognize that temptation is a unique kind of trial—one that doesn’t come from God, but comes from within ourselves.
In a world full of trials, temptations, and conflict, how do we remain unshaken? The book of James gives us practical wisdom for living out a faith that doesn’t just endure but thrives. We begin today in chapter 1, as James calls believers to find joy in trials—not because suffering itself is good, but because trials can bring about a steady faith.
Who do you trust? Another contentious election season is upon us, and there will be a flurry of ads, debates, signs, billboards, commercials, and non-stop news coverage. Some of us will retreat, while others will fight. Many will experience anxiety, stress, and even fear. Let’s look to the Scriptures as our foundation and guide so we can confidently say, “in God we trust.
Let’s always remember to never forget our identity in Christ through the gospel. When we do, we understand we are being joined together and built together into the dwelling place of God by His Spirit.
We are prone to forget, so when the church gathers together for the gospel, God provides us with physical, tangible reminders to anchor us in Christ. Baptism serves as a one-time declaration of our identification with Christ and His body. Communion is an ongoing practice that allows us to give thanks, remember, and proclaim the Lord’s death.
People naturally gather together—whether it's with family or friends, or over shared interests, meaningful causes, or global events, like the Olympics. But have you considered why we come together as a local church? We unite together for the gospel. Over the next three weeks, we'll explore how this truth can transform our lives and impact the world.
Intentionally caring for and investing in what we value is a regular part of life, yet our relationships can often be overlooked. Today, we will explore five key bonds designed by God to help us pursue health in our marriages and relationships.
Today, we will explore the journey of marriage through four distinct phases and the opportunity we have on the path of transformation. We will seek to find practical insights and biblical wisdom to navigate the highs and lows of relationships and embrace a Christ-centered approach.
As we conclude this sermon series on prayer, we continue to wrestle with important questions: If God is sovereign, why pray? Do our prayers make a difference? What does it mean when prayers seem to go unanswered? Today, we’ll look to God’s Word for insight into these challenging questions.
Jesus wants His disciples to see people with deep compassion. Then when we see the world as He does, Jesus asks us to be in prayer, seeking guidance and strength to act with love and kindness.
How do you most often pray for others? Prayers about circumstances and the temporal challenges of life are good, but let’s also allow the way Paul prayed for others to challenge how we pray for one another as well.
If we are asking God to teach us to pray, we must follow the example of Jesus. Jesus is our model, showing us a life fully devoted to God's glory and completely dependent on the Father. Today, we will see that, to more fully pursue life in Christ, we must learn to pray like Christ.
Jesus was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. As His followers, we share in His sufferings. He promised that in this world, we will have trouble – hurt and pain leading to grief. Lament is the language for our grief. If we are asking God to teach us to pray, it must include asking Him to teach us to lament.
Prayer is an integral and essential component of the Christian life. But sometimes it can feel as if our prayer lives are lacking, in need of growth. Today, we examine how to strengthen our prayer lives by aligning ourselves to God and avoiding hindrances to our communion with God.
Today, as we conclude our Every Day sermon series, we will dive into the importance of intentionally nurturing our everyday relationships. Interactions with others can lead to our deepest hurts and wounds, but relationships also bring about our deepest healing. Let’s see how that can be a reality.
Whether we realize it or not, we all have established habits and rhythms that make up our daily routines. These habits, over time, determine who we are and who we will become. Today, we will understand why it is so important to understand the biblical idea of rest, both practically and theologically.
Whether we are thriving or struggling, a student or retired, God has placed each of us in this world with a unique opportunity to contribute through work. Today, we will explore God’s intention for work, seeking to align our lives with God’s invitation for our work every day.
Whether we realize it or not, we all have established habits and rhythms that make up our daily routines. These habits, over time, determine who we are and who we will become. Today, we will reflect upon and evaluate the habits which make up our everyday lives.
Whether we realize it or not, we all have established habits and rhythms that make up our daily routines. These habits, over time, determine who we are and who we will become. In this sermon series, we'll look at the ways our habits can form us more and more into the image of Jesus…Every Day.
When someone says “church” what comes to mind? A building? A worship service? A specific feeling or emotion? From time to time, we need to realign and be reminded of the biblical understanding of a local church. Today, Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica, along with Calvary’s values and commitment, will help us do just that.
One of the five core values of Calvary Church is Going into God’s World. We do this by extending the gospel to others, right here and around the globe. This value has been a priority for the church since its founding in 1937. Today, we will hear why this value has been at the very core of who this church has been and why we must make sure it remains a priority into the future.
Easter is the celebration of the historical event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without it, there is no hope for the new life promised to us in the gospel. Today, let’s lean in together to the truth of the gospel presented in the first few verses of Paul’s New Testament letter to the church in Rome.
We all love the experience of receiving something new. Out with the old, the broken, the torn, the dysfunctional...and in with the new! From the beginning to the end, God's Word is filled with all He is doing in us that is new! Today, we look at God’s new solution to a very old problem.
Daniel’s faithfulness has been on display through the trials and tragedies of living nearly his entire life in a foreign land with God’s exiled people. Today, our journey through the book which bears his name comes to an end. Like Daniel, may we commit to being faithful to God who has displayed His faithfulness time and time again.
Last week’s prophecy and Daniel’s life circumstances lead him to mourning. As we see Daniel respond to his disappointment, and experience a great vision, let’s consider how we can respond to God’s invitation for us today.
From Daniel’s great prayer comes one of God’s great prophecies. There is much for us to learn and apply from both. Let’s come to God’s Word today with eager and expectant hearts.
Daniel 8 continues the prophetic section of the book with Daniel’s second vision. From our vantage point, we can look back and see how many of the prophecies in this chapter have already been fulfilled with incredible accuracy. It gives us great confidence in the trustworthiness of God and His Word.
Daniel 7 is the hinge chapter in the book. We move from court tales—the stories of Daniel and his friends living under the rule and reign of the Babylonian kings—to the visions and dreams of Daniel, which will remind God’s people that, even though they will suffer, He won’t abandon them, and they will one day share in His eternal kingdom.
Despite Israel’s extended exile, God is demonstrating His sovereign plan over kingdoms and individuals. In chapter 6, Daniel’s faithfulness and obedience to God is on display when faced with the danger of the lions’ den, challenging each of us to boldly trust God in the face of opposition.
At this point in our study, Daniel and the nation of Israel have been living in exile in Babylon for about sixty-five years. Today, the “writing is on the wall” for Babylon. We will see God deal with proud rulers who had knowledge, but rebelled against God, and consider our response to God.
Daniel and his friends are exiled to a foreign land, but God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are displayed throughout their lives. In chapter 4, the king’s pride is on full display, but God humbles the king, who finally turns his heart to the Most High God.
Daniel and his friends are exiled to a foreign land, but God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are displayed throughout their lives. In chapter 3, the king sets up an image of gold and commands all people to bow to it. Daniel’s friends refuse, and are thrown into the fiery furnace, but God preserves their lives.
Daniel and his friends are exiled to a foreign land but God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are displayed throughout their lives. In chapter 2, Daniel’s faithful resolve is on full display as he wisely navigates the angry and irrational king through the God-given interpretation of his dream.
Daniel and his friends are exiled to a foreign land, but God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are displayed throughout their lives. Daniel’s faith shines forth as he continually hopes in God’s promises, despite his circumstances. Chapter 1 sets the context, tone, and theme for the rest of the book.
This Christmas, we have focused on the reality that Christ came down. This truth isn’t just to be received, but it calls for a response. Today, we will explore how Jesus, through His prayer, envisions our response to this truth.
Jesus’ own words explain why He came down. Today, we will examine what Jesus meant when He said that He came to give His life as a ransom.
This year, we turn our attention from the “what” of Christmas to the “why.” Why did Christ come down to earth? Ironically, Jesus most clearly explained the reason for His birth just before He died.
This time of year, we focus on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus: Mary and Joseph anticipating, angels proclaiming, shepherds glorifying, and wise men worshiping. But, this year we turn our attention from the “what” of Christmas to the “why.” Why did Christ come down to earth? Let’s look to the very words of Jesus to find our answer.
In different ways and at different times, we all have experienced deep suffering and real loss. Yet, the apostle Peter encourages true believers to continually worship and exalt God, even through the trials of life. Come and see the reasons for Peter’s radical and counterintuitive expectation: we replace our sorrow with joy.
Jesus closes His sermon the way any good sermon should end—with application. Through a metaphor not easily forgotten, Jesus tells us that hearing is not enough. To live our lives as faithful followers of Jesus, we need to hear and do.
In the last several weeks of the series, Jesus has provided a blueprint for the life God desires for His followers. Today, as He nears the sermon's conclusion, Jesus challenges us to commit to the narrow path of life – through Him – and warns us to beware in discerning those who attempt to lead us astray.
Jesus helps us understand how to help others when they have issues in their lives (specks) by first looking at the issues in our own lives (logs). Doing so requires wisdom from above, so Jesus invites us to persistently ask, seek, and knock, knowing our Heavenly Father will answer.
Jesus continues to help citizens of His kingdom know how to fully follow Him. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, He addresses our worry by helping us see it is directly connected to what we prioritize.
Having already called us to examine our horizontal relationships with others, Jesus now calls us to reflect on our vertical relationship with God. Jesus commands us to examine the motivations behind our spiritual habits through a warning, an expectation, and a model.
Jesus lists the characteristics of a disciple in the beatitudes. He then tells them they are a positive influence, salt and light, to this world who is set on persecuting them. In the rest of chapter 5, He encourages us to make sure our pure hearts are motivating our behavior.
In our series so far, Jesus has focused on the characteristics of a disciple, as outlined in the beatitudes, and emphasized the call to be influencers by living as salt and light. Today, we start exploring the defining standards of Jesus’ disciples, beginning with a life in pursuit of reconciliation.
Jesus lists the characteristics of a disciple in the beatitudes, and explains that they will be persecuted if they live that way. He then goes on to tell them that they are a positive influence – salt and light – to this world that is set on persecuting them.
As Jesus begins His teaching on what it means to be a citizen of His Kingdom, He starts with character, not conduct. Before unpacking how we should behave, He directs us toward our dependence upon God.
The Sermon on the Mount may be the best known of Jesus’ teaching, but it’s also quite possibly the least understood. Straightforward, practical, and countercultural, this text records Jesus’ description of the ordering of relationships and the expected behavior of a disciple. As we prepare to jump in verse-by-verse next week, let’s better understand the characteristics of Jesus’ most beloved sermon today.
Today, we conclude our series by considering God's invitation to an ongoing journey focused on the Word, worship, and prayer. These elements, pursued individually and together as a church, transform us as we relate with God, enabling us to effectively engage the world around us.
We are good at forgetting, so God gives us physical, tangible reminders to help us remember who we are in Christ and what He has done on our behalf. Baptism is a one-time picture of our identification with Christ and His body. Communion is an ongoing opportunity to give thanks, remember, and proclaim the Lord’s death.
As we continue looking at what we do both AT and AS Calvary Church for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of the one, we understand God has entrusted us to steward our influence with others, both in and outside of His Church.
As we continue to look at what we do at Calvary Church, and as individuals, for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of the one, we all must understand that ownership is a myth, and embrace the reality of stewardship with everything God has entrusted to us.
Today, we begin a new series which will launch us into our fall ministry here at Calvary Church. We will first understand what the gospel is, and then talk specifically about all we do for the sake of the gospel, both AT and AS Calvary Church.
Today, we will look at our value of going into God’s world. We want to consider how we go against our inward bent of living a me-centered life and grow in living sent (John 20:21).
In this series, we've explored Calvary’s values and how God invites us to pursue life in Christ together by growing up. Today, we'll focus on the invitation to invest in God's work, and consider how to use everything He's given us as stewards and servants for His glory.
Today, we will look at our value of growing with God’s people. We want to consider how our relationships, grounded on pursuing life in Christ together, are essential to growing up.
Today we begin a new series entitled, When I Grow Up. Growing up is universal, but what does it mean to grow up in Christ? In this series, we will delve into our vision of Pursuing Life in Christ and the values we seek to live out together.
Is it possible to abound in hope in the midst of our broken and troubled world? The Apostle Paul clearly and succinctly helps us to understand that we look back to what Christ has done, while looking forward to his return, for the motivation and instruction on how to live a hope-filled life in the present age.
To watch in ASL: https://www.youtube.com/live/GzZ4RiJ1Uc0?feature=share
As we continue our series, Finding Hope, we look at a topic none of us enjoy, but all of us experience. How do we find hope in the midst of pain and brokenness all around us? We look together at the words of 1 Peter to give us guidance as we navigate the trials of life.
If we are created in the image of God, what went wrong, and why do we experience so much hopelessness? As we unpacked last week, humanity is a paradox—the product of both the creation and the fall, image-bearers and image-breakers. As Paul continues his reasoning in Acts 17, he points us to the solution: Jesus Christ and His resurrection, our living hope.
Last week, we began this series by saying, “Everyone is searching for hope.” This week, we continue to see how Paul interacts with people who were very religious, yet very uncertain. As he gently and intentionally dismantles their worldview, he brings us to a place of seeing that we are made in the image of God. But, if that’s true, then why aren’t people and this world more hopeful?
All of us are searching for hope—a longing, an expectation for a desired reality. But, with all the brokenness and suffering around and within us, is it even possible to find hope? Today we begin a seven-week sermon series entitled Finding Hope, where we will unpack why it is safe to hope, even when life can seem hopeless.
God doesn’t know any person He doesn’t love. Do you believe this? In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders did not believe it. They grumbled and criticized Jesus for spending time with tax collectors and sinners. On one occasion, Jesus told them three parables to help them, and us, understand how much God values every individual.
Today, we come to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, but the real work is only now beginning. We have wrestled with the reality of who Jesus truly is all throughout the book. If what Matthew claims about Jesus is true, it is the most fitting conclusion for Jesus to commission His followers to spread this Good News to the ends of the earth.
Matthew’s Gospel has pointed the reader to the reality that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises and prophecies. His teaching and miracles have validated His claims that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. Today, we examine the details of the ultimate proof—His resurrection from the dead.
During the final week before the crucifixion, Jesus has triumphantly entered Jerusalem, overturned tables in the temple and had a series of conflicts with the religious leaders who were looking to trap, humiliate, and discredit Him. After declaring a series of “woes” upon them, He now leaves the temple and Jerusalem and teaches His disciples on the Mount of Olives about near and far prophetic events.
For many people in Jesus’ day, He didn’t do what they expected. People's expectations – then and now – are often the result of some form of misorientation. Today, let’s consider our propensity to drift offtrack and hear Jesus’ invitation to reorient our lives.
Jesus, the humble King, enters Jerusalem and stirs up the city, leading to moments of celebration and moments of confrontation. As Jesus’ motives and mission become evident, we too must decide whether we will receive or reject the revealed King.
As Jesus continues to disciple the disciples, He teaches them (and us) what He desires for His followers in attitude and action. We will focus most of our time on God’s desire and design for marriage.
As Jesus continues to disciple the disciples, He teaches them (and us) what is expected of His followers as we live and interact with one another. As we have been asking the last few weeks, do our expectations align with Jesus' expectations for what it means to follow Him?
Jesus begins deliberately and methodically teaching His disciples, and us, that He must suffer, die, and rise again in order to fulfill His role as the Messiah. Our expectations of Jesus and what it means to follow Him need to line up with that reality.
Jesus continues to reveal His identity through authoritative teaching and miraculous signs. The crowds, religious leaders and His disciples continue to respond in diverse ways but now their expectations of Him become even more evident.
Today brings us to the end of another major section in Matthew's gospel. Jesus has demonstrated His power and authority through His teaching and healing ministry. We have seen diverse responses to Him from the crowds, His disciples, and the religious leaders. Today, Jesus helps us better understand those diverse responses through 8 parables.
Through the book of Matthew, Jesus validates his authority as King through miracles and teaching about the nature of His Kingdom. Today is a pivot point in the ministry of Jesus as people respond to Him in diverse ways. Just as we see so many doing today.
Jesus has completed His ministry preparation (1:1-4:17), preached the Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:27), and demonstrated His authority through His miracles (8:1-9:35). Now Jesus commissions and instructs the twelve disciples as He sends them out on mission.
The preparation for the ministry of Jesus is complete (1:1-4:17). Matthew then presents the first of five teaching discourses of Jesus-the Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:27). Now, Matthew lays out topically the miracles of Jesus, demonstrating the power and authority of the King and His Kingdom (8:1-9:35).
The preparation for the ministry of Jesus is complete. He now calls his first followers (4:18-22) and Matthew summarizes the nature of his ministry—teaching, proclaiming, and healing (4:23-25). Matthew then presents the first of five teaching discourses of Jesus—the Sermon on the Mount.
Here's how the ministry of Jesus began - John introduces and baptizes Jesus, the Spirit anoints and empowers Jesus, the Father affirms and approves Jesus, then the Devil taunts and tempts Jesus...to no avail.
People’s reactions to Jesus vary greatly. As Matthew continues his account of the Christmas story, we see the contrast in response to the birth of Jesus between the Wise Men, King Herod, and the religious leaders. Whose example will we follow as we consider how we respond to the news of His birth?
We begin a new series entitled Fulfilled, a study through the Gospel of Matthew. To more fully appreciate what we read in Matthew, we will look back through some aspects of the story of God's people, and see how those chapters relate not only to Matthew, but to our lives as well.
In our eighty-five history, Calvary Church has always sought to keep a priority on involvement in global missions. As we pursue life in Christ, what are ways to carry out the present challenge of reaching an ever-changing world while also carrying out our ministry locally? Today, we will look at three ways that Scripture encourages us to meet that challenge.
Who do you trust? Another contentious election season is coming to and end. It has been filled with a flurry of ads, debates, signs, billboards, commercials, and non-stop news coverage. You are now encouraged to decide - to vote.
Your vote is often determined by who you trust. Our national motto directs us to place our ultimate trust in God. How do we do that, as followers of Jesus, in our polarizing, political climate? Today, we unpack four biblical principles which show our trust in God as we engage in the political process.
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching and mission of Jesus and they influence other to do the same. This best happens in the context of relationship with the Word of God being central. Today we conclude this series by hearing the practical ways this is happening through the lives of the people of Calvary Church.
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching and mission of Jesus and they influence others to do the same. For that to be a reality, God’s Word must be central in our disciple making relationships. It is where we encounter and engage with the life, teaching and mission of Jesus.
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching, and mission of Jesus, and they influence others to do the same. But how do we do disciple-making? What should our core context be and how can we leverage what God has given us to create eternal ripple effects?
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching, and mission of Jesus, and they influence others to do the same. But who should be part of Jesus' call to make disciples? Where do we "go" in order to make disciples? Who are we to disciple? What is our role in the process? Let's take a close look.
What ripple effects are we creating in how we choose to live our lives? As followers of Jesus, let's commit to the life, teaching, and mission of Jesus and influence others to do the same. If we do, those ripple effects will last throughout eternity.
God knows we are good forgetters. Scripture encourages us to always remember and never forget His faithfulness. When God's people gather, we are reminded of His faithfulness as we sing, pray, hear testimony, open His Word, take communion, etc. Sometimes the forms and methods appropriately change, but the content always points us and others back to our faithful God.
Last week, Calvary celebrated it's 85th Anniversary. As we are reminded of God's faithfulness, it moves us forward with life-changing hope that compels us to take courageous action.
Calvary's 85-year history is one small, yet significant, part of God faithfully building His church for nearly 2000 years. Let's look back together, and be reminded of God's faithfulness, knowing we are part of a movement much bigger than ourselves.
Before we begin a new sermon series next week, let’s pause long enough today to allow God, through His Word, to make sure our hearts and minds are refocused on what is most important.
As we conclude our Life of David series, we'll look together at David's most famous Psalm to see why it is so beloved.
After David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah, God sends Nathan to confront him. Nathan uses a parable to help David see the devastation his sin has caused. David’s heartfelt confession is preserved for us in Psalm 51. It reminds us how much we all need the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
The two people most often linked to the life of David are Goliath and Bathsheba. David's encounter with Goliath was his most celebrated victory but his episode with Bathsheba was his most devastating failure. Let's look humbly at this story and learn together about how to overcome temptation to avoid the disastrous consequences of sin.
Success: We will only ultimately thrive when we bow in submission, enjoying relationship with our sovereign King by faith.
The New Testament opens with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Far from a boring list of exotic names, these verses lay the foundation for everything that follows. They strengthen our confidence in God’s sovereignty and motivate us to share the good news of Jesus and His kingdom.
David killed Goliath and instantly became a national hero. King Saul was angry and envious which led him to relentlessly pursue David in order to take his life. But God used David’s friendship with Jonathan to strengthen his faith in God through one of the darkest and most challenging periods of his life. Let’s look together at the characteristics of their friendship.
History's most famous battle took place, not between two armies, but between two people - David and Goliath. The outcome is well known by all. But today, let's look together with fresh eyes to see what we can learn from David, a shepherd boy after God's own heart...and glory.
The goal during this series is to not just know more about David, but to know more about David's God. As we begin to look at the specific details of his life, we will see how man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
The goal during this series is to not just know more about David, but to know more about David's God. As we begin to look at the specific details of his life, we want to know more about the heart of the man who was in pursuit of the heart of God.
Besides Jesus, we know more about David than any other person in the Bible. He was a shepherd, poet, musician, warrior, and king. As we engage with his story of preparation, triumph, tragedy, and redemption, we will see God's grace, mercy, sovereignty, and purpose on full display. As David deals with God - but maybe more importantly as God deals with David - we will see first-hand what it means to be a person after God's own heart.
If we want everyone to be presented mature in Christ, we need everyone to understand we are stewards, not owners, of all that God has entrusted to us. We can then live out our value of investing in God's work as stewards of His gifts and servants in His plan.
The church is not just a building or a service we attend; it is who we are—children of God, the body of Christ. We must not only understand what the church is, but we must be willing to explore how we can be involved with one another. Everyone has a role to play, and everyone’s role matters to God and His church.
We focus primarily on the cross and resurrection on Good Friday and Easter. But the reality of both should impact our lives the rest of the year as well. Today, as we finish our sermon series At the Cross, we will understand more of how we live in light of the cross and resurrection each and every day.
After Peter denied Jesus around a charcoal fire, he wept bitterly because of his sin, shame and guilt. As a result, there is no record of him at the cross with the others when Jesus died. Was this the end of Peter's story? Would his sin define him the rest of his life? Do our hurts, pains and failures define us? Let's look together at how the resurrection of Jesus can change everyone's story.
Last week, we examined the exchange that took place at the cross. Today, we will see how the power of the cross overcomes the power of sin in the lives of those who were at the cross. We will then understand how this can be a reality for every one of us as well.
When you see an image of a cross, what thoughts come to mind? As we begin this new series today, we will understand the exchange that took place on the cross and what it means for us all.
It is essential for the church to not drift from its mission. Today we will unpack four, elder-led vision initiatives that will clarify the direction Calvary is headed over the next few years. This is an important Sunday for our church as we continue to understand what it looks like to Pursue Life in Christ together!
Jesus invites and we respond. Trusting is our regular and ongoing response. As we have seen in this series, we also respond through prayer and time in His Word. Today, we will understand and then participate in two other practical responses to Him - baptism and communion
Praising and praying to the Lord are ways we accept Jesus' invitation to come to Him. Praise and prayer help us to know and love Him personally and worship Him collectively.
One way we respond to Jesus' invitation to Come to Him is through the Bible. Let's look together at not only what the Bible is, by why it is so important to engage with it.
Jesus calls us to Himself with the words, "Come to Me." One way Scripture teaches us to do that is by developing a life of prayer, more deeply with our loving God. While prayer is a vast subject, today we will look at how we should prayerfully approach God both individually and with others.
We know how to accept an invitation to an event, party or gathering. But do we know what it means to respond to Jesus' invitation to come to him? Over the next 5 weeks, we will gain a better understanding of why and how we should accept His invitation to come.
As our series concludes today, we will look to the story of Job for an invitation to trust God even when we are suffering and experiencing doubt.
What do we do when God seems distant and when we feel abandoned by Him and doubt His presence and goodness? What do we do with the doubts that are caused by difficult circumstance and unmet expectation? When in Doubt...
Today we look at two occasions where followers of Jesus doubted. Let's understand what they learned and allow it to strengthen our faith just as it strengthened theirs.
What do we do when doubts creep in? Can God them? What if they make us feel guilty? What if they cause us to question our faith? Can I doubt and believe at the same time? We will answer all these questions and more over the next four weeks in our series entitled When in Doubt.
During this Christmas series, we made sure to connect the birth of Christ to the death of Christ. In today’s final message, we will see heaven’s perspective on what the death of Christ accomplished—it truly is Glorious!
Humanly speaking, the birth of Jesus was humble, lowly, and ordinary. But through unique testimonies on His birth from Isaiah, Mary, Jesus, the Angels, the Church, and even Heaven, we will come to realize it was nothing short of Glorious.
If you were to ask people for the true meaning of Christmas-the reason Jesus came to earth-the answers would vary greatly. So why not ask Jesus Himself. We often look to Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1-2 for the traditional Christmas story. But to get Jesus' perspective on why He came, we turn today to a passage we don't often associate with Christmas in the book of Hebrews.
When the angel announced to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God, she went to find comfort, guidance and wisdom from her relative Elizabeth. During their time together, Mary's soul and spirit burst forth with a Glorious song about God her Savior. Her words, flowing right from her heart, provide us the perspective we need no matter what circumstances we may be facing this Christmas season.
Humanly speaking, the birth of Jesus was humble, lowly, and ordinary. Today through the testimony of Isaiah, written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, we will realize it was nothing short of Glorious.
Humanly speaking, the birth of Jesus was humble, lowly, and ordinary. Today through the testimony of Isaiah, written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, we will realize it was nothing short of Glorious.
Romans chapter 16, its last, looks and feels different from what came before. Any connection? Absolutely! Having explained the features of The Gospel (1-15), the Apostle Paul now introduces us to the people of The Gospel by gathering a couple of 1st century "photos" from The Gospel Family Album. The photos individualize The Gospel's power to draw and transform people. Have you made the album?
Paul has made some bold challenges and reminders throughout the letter. Today, Paul begins to draw his letter to a close with some personal challenges of how to live in response to the gospel.
Paul continues to encourage us to live in harmony with one another as we follow Christ's example for the glory of God.
When it comes to matters of opinions and preferences, Paul makes it clear that the priority is to pursue peace and mutual upbuilding.
Paul makes it clear that we don't conform to this world (12:2) but aw we live in this world we are told to submit to the governing authorities because they have been instituted by God.
We are justified by faith (5:1), loved by God (1:7) and called to Christ (1:6). How then shall we live? Paul gets specific by unpacking the practical outworking of a life marked by genuine and sincere love.
We are justified by faith (5:1), loved by God (1:7) and called to Christ (1:6). How then shall we live? Paul begins the practical and ethical section of his letter beginning in chapter 12.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ reveals God's purpose (Romans 1-4), demonstrates God's power (Romans 5-8), fulfills God's plan (Romans 9-11) and transforms God's people (Romans 12-16). In chapters 6-8, Paul explains how we are empowered by God to live out of our positional reality in Christ.
Having given a detailed explanation of the problem of sin, and the solution found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul now explains the benefits of the Gospel.
Today we continue our journey through Romans. Paul begins his explanation of the Gospel by making sure we all understand our need for God's righteousness because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Today we begin a twelve-week journey through Romans. Our focus will be the SELFLESS attitude towards one another that should naturally extend from our understanding of the Gospel. Paul establishes the Gospel as foundational in the first eleven chapters then applies it practically in the final five.
Worship is our response to who God is and what he has done. Listen as our Worship Ministries Pastor, Dave Ross, walks us through two passages that show us how God delivers his people and how his people respond in worship.
As we discovered last week, God is always at work but sometimes we aren’t aware of the transformation taking place. This week, we will see how Jesus allowed a few servants to get a first-hand glimpse of His very first miracle at a wedding in Cana.
Even though our world is fallen and broken, God is at work changing lives and He invites us into His story. Today we look at several parables from Jesus that remind us to engage with what God is doing and anticipate the fruit He will produce.
Due to technical problems, we do not have ASL interpretation included in today's video.
God is at work changing lives and He invites us into this story. Over the next four weeks, we will be reminded of the transforming work God wants to bring about in our lives and the lives of others. We will have the opportunity to hear from His Word, reflect on our lives, and respond to His invitation.
Watch the full service (with ASL Interpretation) with the link provided.
Tody we hear the 6th and last sermon on the one "Book" of the Bile that is itself a sermon. In it The Preacher tackles the most fundamental question of life - What is the meaning of life? If you've been following along in this series, you might be experiencing "sermon déjà vu." The question persists. The facts don't change. The conclusion is inescapable! But we need them all repeated and reinforced, just as The Preacher has done, because we are chronically slow learners. Today, we come to "the end of the matter" (12:13), that marks the beginning of a meaningful life!
The author of Ecclesiastes has searched everywhere for meaning and purpose in life. He has had moments of utter skepticism and moments of hopefulness when he saw life from a Godly perspective. Today, we will explore some conclusions about a wise pursuit of life.
Everyone is Pursuing Life in Something. Today we learn from the author of Ecclesiastes as he reflects on both his pursuit and lack of satisfaction and consider our own journey.
Our lives are filled with peaks, valleys, and everything in between. How do we allow God to bring meaning, value, and purpose into every season of life He gives us?
A worldview is a framework from which we view reality and make sense of the world. A biblical worldview is understanding God’s story through the lens of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. Now that we have that understanding, what does it look like to live from that perspective and for the glory of God?
God not only created human beings in His image but also to function according to a specific design. This design includes understanding gender and marriage from God’s perspective.
God created human beings in His image. It's the explanation for the beauty of humanity. This biblical worldview is the explanation for what is so right and so wrong with all of us - and thankfully, it also provides us the ultimate solution.
A worldview is a framework from which we view reality and make sense of the world. A biblical worldview is understanding God's story through the lens of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. Our lives and world are broken because of the consequences of a choice that took place at a tree. Our lives and the world can be different because of the grace demonstrated at another tree.
A worldview is a framework from which we view reality and make sense of the world. A biblical worldview is understanding god's story through the lens of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. The most natural place to start building that framework is "In the beginning."
We all have a worldview, a framework that shapes how we live. It is the lens through which we see, understand, and interpret the world and our place within it. A Godly worldview begins with looking to the Word of God to understand the Story of God.
We all have a worldview, a framework that shapes how we live. It is the lens through which we see, understand, and interpret the world and our place within it. Do you know what has shaped your worldview? Today we begin to unpack what a godly worldview is and how we live from it.
One of the biggest sources of conflict is money. But when we understand that life is about stewardship not ownership, we begin taking steps towards financial peace.
When we receive and embrace the peace that only comes from God, we have an opportunity to wage peace and use conflict as a tool for God's Glory, the good of others, and our growth.
Conflict is a pain point that surfaces in all our lives, but Jesus calls us to leverage conflict as an opportunity to display the gospel by choosing to forgive. Because Christ has forgiven us, Jesus puts forth a call for us to use forgiveness to fight against conflict and initiate reconciliation.
Peter experienced amazing highs and devastating lows during his time with Jesus. But in one moment, his denial of Christ by a charcoal fire the night before the crucifixion left Peter broken and devastated. Jesus' gracious restoration of Peter after the resurrection gives hope to us all.
Even on the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection, some are struggling with doubt. Jesus' encounter with Thomas encourages us to honestly wrestle with our doubts, which can bring us to a place of settled belief.
Life is filled with hurts. The grief we experience on the inside isn't always obvious on the outside. How do we navigate through these emotions? How can we help others who are struggling? In John 11, we have much to learn from Jesus as He engages with two grieving sisters.
Life is filled with distractions. But the things that distract aren’t necessarily wrong or bad. It’s often just a matter of what we ultimately prioritize. In John 6, Jesus challenges His followers to pursue what endures instead of what is temporary.
What people see on the outside doesn’t always line up with what is happening on the inside. Today we will look at Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus to better understand the gospel.
What people see on the outside doesn't always line up with what is happening on the inside. As we look at how Jesus interacted with people, we will see Him graciously and intentionally allow the Gospel to change them from the inside out.
John brings his letter to a conclusion by assuring us that those who believe in the name of Jesus may know that we have eternal life.
John is writing to strengthen our faith and to encourage our fellowship with God by reminding us that what we believe about Jesus matters. But he also affirms that our faith is active and ongoing resulting in life in Christ.
John is writing to strengthen our faith and to encourage our fellowship with God by assuring us of the deep love our Heavenly Father has for us, made manifest through Jesus Christ.
John is writing to strengthen our faith and to assure us of our fellowship with God. He reminds believers that our love for others is one of the primary characteristics of a follower of Jesus.
John is writing to strengthen our faith and to assure us of our fellowship with God. He challenged us to walk in the light—to walk with honesty in the revelation of God’s truth (1:5-2:2). Some may now be wondering how do we know that we know Him—that we are in relationship with Him. John’s answer is that our fellowship with Him is not primarily about what we avoid, but what we pursue.
John is writing to strengthen our faith by helping us understand who God is and how we maintain fellowship with Him. God is light so we should walk in the light by dealing honestly with the seriousness, the guilt and the presence of sin.
As we close out the Christmas series and 2020, let’s consider how the light and life of Jesus is impacting our lives.
The proclamation of the birth of Jesus is an invitation to come to Him. Shepherds and Wise Men were the first to be invited. Jesus’ ministry was characterized by the repeated invitation to come. The invitation still stands today. How will we respond?
“The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.” The life that is found in Jesus has been revealed to us. That is why we celebrate the wonder of Christmas.
“Light and Life to all he brings . . .” The light of the world brings His life to the world. It’s the story of Christmas and all are invited to receive Him. All can then shine His light and live His life for all the world to see. Today we begin our Christmas series by telling His story of “Light and Life.”
It should be no surprise that Paul concludes his letter by rejoicing greatly! He is grateful for the partnership in ministry he shares with the Philippian church and he shares how he has learned to be content . . . No Matter What!
Paul encourages believers to stand firm together by rejoicing in the Lord, treating everyone with gentleness, not being anxious but instead presenting our requests to God, thinking about what is excellent and praise-worthy and then putting that into practice...No Matter What!
Paul is now filled with urgency as he boldly says press on, forget what’s behind, strain forward for the prize, hold true, imitate me and eagerly await the return of Christ! Let’s take Paul at his word and Pursue Life in Christ together!
Paul boldly and clearly contrasts his previous works-oriented approach to God with what it now means to be found in Him through faith.
Paul has encouraged the Philippians to take on the same attitude that we see in Jesus Christ. In today’s passage, he commends Timothy and Epaphroditus as two men who are doing just that.
Following last week’s description of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done, this week we will be challenged how to live as lights in the world.
Today we come to a description of who Jesus is and what Jesus did that is not only central to our understanding of Philippians, but is central to our understanding of the One Story of the Bible.
After helping us to see how his circumstances have helped to advance the Gospel, Paul now gives his encouragement for how we are to live a life worthy of the Gospel.
After giving thanks and praying for the church in Philippi, Paul now gives them an update on his personal situation and ministry. His focus is clearly on the advancement of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus Christ.
After laying out the theme of his letter to the Philippians in his initial greeting, Paul allows us to listen in on his prayer for them that abounds with gratitude, joy, affection, longing and love. Let’s be challenged to do the same... No Matter What!
No matter what we might be facing, no matter how we might be feeling, no matter what might be happening in the world around us, Paul encourages and inspires us in his letter to the Philippians with what is true of us in Christ and how we are to then live as a result.
As we finish looking at our biblical values in order to be reminded of what is most important, we look today at Going Into God’s World.
As we continue to look at our biblical values in order to be reminded of what is most important, we look today at an individual’s discipleship journey and how we can take also, take intentional next steps.
We are all good forgetters, so the Bible is filled with examples of God reminding His people of who He is and what He has done. By looking to Calvary’s biblical values, let’s be reminded of what is most needed and most important.
We need to choose our words intentionally in order to build up not tear down. We need to choose our words slowly by being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Today, we learn that we must choose our words cautiously because our tongues are untamable. Is that even possible? Let’s discover together...
Last week, we saw from Ephesians 4:29 that we should Choose Our Words intentionally in order to build others up. This week, we will see that another way to build others up is by not saying anything at all. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is listen.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This little rhyme couldn’t be further from the truth. Words are so powerful. They can be life-giving and build up, or they can be destructive and tear down. We must all choose our words . . . intentionally.
As we conclude the series today we are given the opportunity to actively participate in God’s transforming work in the world and to be a part of His story of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the Earth.
Last week, we learned that once you place your faith in Jesus, at the center of following Him is Loving God and Loving Others. As we continue this week, we will be challenged with three questions and a command that will further clarify and challenge us to Love God and Love Others.
There are many aspects of the church we have been missing lately. But even as we look to regather next week, we need to make sure nothing is missing in our understanding of the church. We continue that journey today by looking at us, His people that make up His church.
There are many aspects of the church we have been missing lately. But during this series we are digging into what we might be missing in our understanding of the church. We continue that journey today by looking at Jesus’ priority for His church.
There are so many aspects of the church we have been missing lately. But as we are missing “our church,” could we be missing what "The Church" is all about? Today we start a brand-new sermon series where we will look biblically at what the church is . . . and isn’t!
Isaiah 40 is written to God’s people right after they received devastating news that their future was not going to be what they hoped. So God, through Isaiah the prophet, says be comforted, stand on My Word and behold your God. It begins with His sovereignty and goodness, but there’s so much more...Behold!
Whenever we are “In the midst” God’s Word is our anchor. It speaks to life’s biggest questions by making sense of the past and bringing hope for the future. But it also brings comfort and hope as it directs our steps today.
“In the midst” of whatever we might be facing our God has revealed Himself to us as the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). What does it look like to be comforted by God “in the midst” of our current situation? Let’s look together...
Often times when we are “in the midst” of a trying or challenging time we either want to know why it is happening or we look toward the day when it will be over. Neither are wrong, but what if our mindset shifted and we realized God is not only with us, but He is at work “in our midst.”
Mark not only gives us the facts of Jesus’ crucifixion, but also introduces us to the people who surrounded Jesus during this time. Soldiers, criminals, religious leaders, bystanders, men, women and one Roman Centurion. It is a reminder that even though these people responded differently to Him, He was giving His life as a ransom for them all . . . including you and me.
Jesus has triumphantly entered Jerusalem (Sunday), overturned tables in the temple (Monday), and had a series of conflicts with the religious leaders who were looking to trap, humiliate and discredit him (Tuesday). He now leaves the temple and Jerusalem and teaches His disciples on the Mount of Olives about near and far prophetic events.
Jesus has triumphantly entered Jerusalem and overturned tables in the temple. He now enters into a series of conflicts with the religious leaders who are looking to trap, humiliate and discredit him. Jesus’ wisdom and authority are again on display for all to see.
Welcome to Palm Sunday, a few weeks early. Last week Jesus told his followers of his upcoming death and in this portion of the story, Jesus rides into Jerusalem hailed as King. What do followers then and now learn from his entry into Jerusalem and actions at the Temple?
Today we come to the end of the middle section Mark and the thematic verse for the entire Gospel (v.45). Jesus predicts his death for a third time, His disciples continue to jockey for position in the kingdom, and Jesus graciously restores the sight of a blind beggar.
As Jesus continues to develop what it means to be one of His followers, He teaches principles about divorce, children and money. But on a deeper level He is reorienting the priorities of our heart.
By restoring a young child, Jesus teaches a powerful lesson about faith. He then continues to deliberately and methodically teach his disciples, and us, what must happen to Him and what it looks like to be one of His followers.
Jesus continues to be revealed as the Messiah, the Son of God, through public and private miracles. But as we pivot to the next critical section of Mark’s gospel, Jesus focuses on the lack of spiritual understanding of His disciples.
Jesus continues to validate his identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. By validating His claim through miracles, Jesus is essentially telling his listeners then and today, that right standing with God and life in Christ is found in no one and nothing else other than relationship with Him. But with any claim comes controversy.
Jesus continues to be revealed as the Messiah, the Son of God, through public and private miracles. He cares for a large crowd by teaching and miraculously providing a meal. He reveals his divinity privately to his disciples by walking to them on the water. And His healing of many confirms to all that He is the Son of God.
Last week we eased our way back into Mark's Gospel, today we are fully immersed. Thus far, Jesus' authority has been on display in his teaching and miracles, but his reception has been diverse, especially in his hometown. But Jesus' ministry continues as he sends out the twelve and we see the cost of following Jesus fully on display in the death of John the Baptist.
Although you won't find the wonder of Christmas in The Gospel of Mark, Mark's Gospel is, nevertheless, full of wonder. That's clear from the opening verses of chapter 6. Jesus, having amazed the crowds with his compassionate miracles, now astonishes his would-be hometown fans with his deep wisdom, and even winds up marveling himself at their chilly reception. Fitting it is to begin the New Year, where we leave off the old year, in wonder of Jesus, and with his words fresh in our ear, "Follow Me!"
As we continue today in our Advent series, we light the candle of JOY. It is our inward response--expressed outwardly--to the good news of what God has done for us and in us through His Son Jesus, the Savior who is Christ the Lord.
As we continue today in our Advent series, we light the candle of LOVE. The coming of Jesus not only defines love for us but it puts it on full display. The message of Christmas teaches us that He is Emmanuel—God with us, but His demonstrated love proves God is for us as well.
Advent means coming. We look back with hope at the first Christmas when Jesus came into our world as a humble baby in a manger and we anticipate His second coming. For many, Christmas is a time filled with hope and anticipation. How does the reality of Christ coming as a baby and His promised return fill us with hope and anticipation that goes beyond Christmas?
In this, the final message before we break for Advent, Jesus demonstrates his power and compassion when he encounters two desperate people. Their stories are different, and yet, they each share some common ground. Jesus meets their needs but in ways neither expected.
In the final two messages before we break for Advent, Jesus demonstrates his power and authority over a fierce storm (4:35-41), an army of demons (5:1-20), a chronic disease (5:25-34) and even death itself (5:35-43). Today we look together at those first two events.
Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4 is a picture of the reception his message has received thus far. It is a reminder to us all that not everyone will respond the same way to the Word of God. It is also a personal challenge for each of us to examine the receptive condition of our hearts.
In our study of the book of Mark we have seen Jesus teach and demonstrate his authority and power. As we continue today, Mark the author, will continue to show us who Jesus is and there will be a variety of responses. As we see how people responded then, each of us can consider how we have responded and how we are responding each day to Jesus.
Last week, Jesus demonstrated he has authority to solve our greatest need of all - our sin. Today, we will look at four different scenes as people wrestle with questions, specifically what do I have to do in order to please God?
In Mark 1, Jesus’ authority has been on display in his teaching, healing and casting out of demons. Today, Jesus claims to have authority to solve our greatest need of all—our sin. In Mark 2:5 he says, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ This very offer is extended to us all. Let’s look together at the details.
In the first 20 verses, Mark declared Jesus to be the Christ and the Son of God, rooted his coming in the Old Testament Scriptures, described his preparation for ministry through his baptism and temptation, revealed the content of his message and teaching, and invited us to follow Him as he introduced us to His first disciples. Today, Mark puts Jesus authority and compassion on display for all to see.
Mark’s gospel jumps right in with speed and energy. No prologue, no genealogy, and nothing about Jesus’ birth or childhood. Within the first few verses, Jesus is identified by Mark, baptized by John, anointed by the Spirit, confirmed by the Father and tempted by Satan. Let’s buckle up and get started.
Today we begin a series in the Gospel of Mark entitled “Follow Me!” We will be invited to understand who Jesus is and encouraged to deepen our commitment to follow Him. Reading plans are available in the lobby and online. Come prepared as we dig in together to the Gospel of Mark.
As one expression of the local church, Calvary has a tremendous opportunity and an extraordinary stewardship to participate in God’s transforming work in the world. Let’s continue to stay on mission as we intentionally pursue together what God is doing in us and through us.
If someone asked you, “What is the most important rule to live by?” how would you respond? It's not an easy question because we all live by different rules as the situation demands. Fortunately, one day a man asked Jesus this same question. Jesus said the single greatest rule to live by wasn’t one but two—to Love God and Love others. Join us as we dig into the greatest commandment and consider tangible steps to love God and love others.
Are you RESOLUTE—determined & persistent, steadfast & firm—about the most important things in life? Periodically throughout 2019 we have been looking at the resolute characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Today, we will discover together what it means to “Work Hard” in the Lord as we aim to be RESOLUTE in Pursuing Life in Christ.
The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. David helps us see God, our King, clearly and personally through his creatively written Psalm of praise.
To know God better we have to see Him more clearly. The Psalms provide the perfect vantage point to do just that. The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. Let’s journey together this summer and see God through the Psalms like never before.
*This week's sermon roll-in video provided by: Manna Media - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMtfuihjrf-lyjJfMbdIRw
The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. One valley we all experience is feeling the weight of our guilt. Reflecting on his own experience, David teaches us how to deal with the guilt of our sin and experience the blessing of forgiveness.
To know God better we have to see Him more clearly. The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. We begin with David’s individual lament, written to paint a clear picture of what triumphant faith looks like when it is tested by the fires of adversity. (Steven J. Lawson)
Are you RESOLUTE—determined & persistent, steadfast & firm—about the most important things in life? Periodically throughout 2019 we have been looking at the resolute characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Last week, we discovered how our lives can be marked by gratitude. Today, we look at the natural corollary of gratitude—generosity.
Our culture has descended (plummeted) toward attitudes of greed and entitlement creating contentious relationships and dissatisfaction with life. God’s Word has always asserted, and research affirms, that gratitude is a practice and trait that restores joy and builds relationships with God and others. How are you doing with the practice of gratitude?
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. In each of these areas some might wonder, “who are we to judge?” Today, we continue by looking at the concept of judgment and consider what the Bible teaches on this topic.
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. Today, we continue in our series by busting myths related to belief and trust by clearly understanding Biblical faith.
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. When going through difficulties, a well-meaning person might try to encourage you by saying God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle. Is this true? Is it found in the Bible? What should we say instead? Let’s discover these answers today in week two of MythBusters.
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. Today, this new series begins as we bust the myth that bad things won’t happen to me if I believe in Jesus.
Reputation matters. What are you known for? As followers of Jesus, there are certain characteristics for which we should be known. Today, as we continue in our Resolute series, we dig into the characteristic which rises above the rest.
Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and love your neighbor. What does it look like to practically live this out in your life? Today, we will consider what it means to be Resolute as we seek to love and serve the world around us.
The death and resurrection of Jesus provides everything we need to be Justified before God. Once we have received this free gift by faith, how do we now live?
Today, we celebrate an event. Not a religion, not a philosophy, not a system, not spirituality. But the historical event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this event, our faith is futile and we are still under sin. But because Jesus died and rose again we all can be Justified before God.
Anticipating a political deliverance, the Jerusalem crowds welcomed Jesus with palm branches and shouts of ‘Hosanna.’ But, like the crowds then, we must realize today that Jesus rode into Jerusalem to accomplish so much more.
20 years at 1051 Landis Valley Road and still Pursuing Life in Christ. Today, we reflect back gratefully and look ahead prayerfully while being reminded that in everything Jesus is preeminent!
Ask Big!
"LORD, I have heard of your fame, I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD! Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; In wrath remember mercy!" (Habakkuk 3:2)
For the past 10 weeks, we have discovered from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians how to understand and live out the New Me that is found in Christ. We are New, not because of what we do for God, but because of what God did for us. In this final message we will see how the New Me in Christ discovers new relationships and cultivates new partnerships for the gospel.
The New Me in Christ now has a New Mission in Christ. Let’s discover it together from the Word of God.
Last week Paul unpacked how to live out the Christian life by putting off our old self and putting on our new identity in Christ. Today, we discover together how The New Me should transform our day-to-day relationships.
The Me I am now is not the Me I want to be. How can I get from the "Now Me" to the "New Me"? There can be no “New Me” without “Me . . . IN CHRIST”! Let’s discover from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians how to understand and live out this "New Life" in Christ.
Free Agent, hands-free, free market, free kick, FREEEEEDOM! What does it mean to be free and experience freedom in Christ? As we continue in the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul offers a warning to anyone who would take their focus off of Christ and be deceived to follow man-made lists of “do’s” and “don’ts.” Fullness and freedom is brought to us in Jesus. Why add anything else to His liberating good news?
How are you . . . really? Would it be impolite to ask, Who are you . . . really? Strip away all the externals and reveal the core you. Who are you there? Happy with who you see? You’re looking at your “identity.”
The Apostle Paul, writing to Christians in the 1st century town of Colossae, drills down on the question of identity. Your “old identity,” cultivated from birth, is at best incomplete and at worst grotesque. You need a complete and beautiful “new identity.” It’s yours for the taking. Too good to be true? It would be, if not that it’s God who gives it to you, and yours when you place your faith firmly in One who made it possible. The “new me” has a “new identity” . . . “in Christ.”
The “New Me” requires a “New Faith.” Not faith in ourselves, not faith in religion, and not faith in faith. But a faith which leads to maturity. A faith worth proclaiming to others. A faith that is firm because it rests in Christ alone.
To live out the reality of the “New Me,” I must understand who Jesus is, what Jesus has done, and how it applies to me.
Through the Apostle Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer for the Colossian church, we begin to understand our “New Reality” that is only found in Christ.
The Me I am now is not the Me I want to be. How can I get from the ‘Now Me’ to the ‘New Me’? There can be no “New Me” without “Me . . . IN CHRIST”! Today we begin to discover from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians how to understand and live out this New Life in Christ.
To be Resolute about how we use our time causes us to evaluate our priorities. God wants to make sure we’re focusing on the right things so that we can have the greatest impact possible, while also finding room to breathe and not be maxed out.
Are you RESOLUTE—determined & persistent, steadfast & firm—about the most important things in life? Throughout 2019 we will look at the resolute characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Today, we start the new year with JOY. Paul says, “rejoice in the Lord always!” Is that possible? Let’s see.
Jesus’s invitation to Come Near not only changes our lives, but He then uses us to extend that same invitation to others. As the New Year begins, we not only want to come and see Jesus more clearly, but to accept his invitation to join him in the compelling mission of “catching people.”
At Christmas, we celebrate that Jesus has Come Near to us in order to invite us to Come Near to Him. In the Christmas story there were some who knew the facts and chose to remain at a distance and just look at Jesus. Others took the invitation that the Messiah had come and moved towards Jesus to see Him and let Him change their lives. Will you come near? Will you see?
At Christmas, we celebrate that Jesus has Come Near to us in order to invite us to Come Near to Him. Even the Wise Men, who were Far Off, were invited to come near. They accepted the invitation and came to worship Jesus. But they met others along the way who responded differently to that same invitation. Some came. Some didn’t. How will you respond?
In the life of every family, and perhaps every person, there are moments that need a Time Out. A timeout can create the needed space to reflect, assess, remember and celebrate. In the life of a Church we have the same opportunity to pause and to remind ourselves of who God is and to celebrate what he has done and continues to do.
God made us for worship, individually and corporately. The worship of heaven to come is the worship we should aspire to now. The highpoint of The One Story is the worship of God. In the Neverending we’ll lift God higher and higher and higher!
The Gospel is for all people of all nations, but it came to the Jew first. God chose Israel to steward The Promise, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As a result, God receives the Glory He was due from the Beginning and He will get it throughout the Neverending. Amen!
From the vantage point of Christ’s Return the grand sweep of The One Story comes into view — from Beginning to Neverending. We see what’s in store for heaven and earth...and also for us. Time now to take heart, and to take heed.
What’s next in The One Story? The last days? No. They began at Pentecost. We now await the glorious return of Jesus! Waiting can be frustrating and boring. But for the Christian, waiting is energizing, motivating and sanctifying. We wait for Christ’s return to move forward to full and final glory.
Jesus commissions his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. They obey, and the church grows breaking geographic, cultural, ethnic and racial barriers all along the way. This movement of the church was not just for them but it continues in and through us today.
Jesus prayed, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you (John 17:21). The oneness of God’s people is a priority throughout the New Testament. In the Gospels Jesus talked about, and prayed for, His people to be one. In Acts the early church demonstrated what it looks like to be one. In the Epistles we are instructed how to be, think and do...“ONE!"
Jesus fulfills His promise to build His Church on the foundation of His Apostles. He ascends to the Father, sends His Holy Spirit, and the church begins at Pentecost. Peter preaches the first sermon, people trust Christ, experience forgiveness and receive the Holy Spirit. The church is born!
Jesus’ promise to build His Church came with a rudimentary blueprint for its construction. His first task was to lay a firm foundation of stones, twelve of them, with plenty of jagged edges to smooth out. Jesus builds His church, made of people, on a foundation of people.
We hit the high point! Or was it the low point? Perhaps both! Jesus came (the high point). Jesus died (the low point). Jesus rose from the dead (the highest point). In Season 4 we’ll see just what the Resurrected Christ can do.
The Apostle Paul was willing to become ALL things to ALL people, that by ALL means some might be saved (1 Cor. 9:22). Let’s follow his lead as we go “ALL OUT” for the sake of the gospel both AT and AS Calvary Church.
The Apostle Paul was willing to become ALL things to ALL people, that by ALL means some might be saved. (1 Cor. 9:22) Let’s follow his lead as we go “ALL OUT” for the sake of the gospel both AT and AS Calvary Church.
The Apostle Paul was willing to become ALL things to ALL people, that by ALL means some might be saved. (1 Cor. 9:22) Let’s follow his lead as we go “ALL OUT” for the sake of the gospel both AT and AS Calvary Church.
The Apostle Paul was willing to become all things to all people, that by all means some might be saved. (1 Cor. 9:22) Let’s follow his lead as we go “ALL OUT” for the sake of the gospel both AT and AS Calvary Church...
The book of Ephesians tells us that for those of us in Christ the dividing wall of hostility between races has been broken down. Yet, today in our country, in our state, even in our county the walls of hostility between the races persist. How should our identity in Christ and the eternal truth that in Christ we are one—cause us to engage in this complex issue? Does it have to be complicated?
“And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me, he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.” So sang Harry Chapin in the 1974 hit folk song, Cat’s in the Cradle. We tend to grow to be like our parents—good or bad—whether we like it or not. How strange! How revealing! Succeeding generations can’t seem to live with each other, or without each other. Complicated? Yes! Hopeless? No! Why? We have Christ and His Church!
Relationships can be complicated. We regularly interact with people of a different gender, age group, political persuasion and race. Often times these interactions occur through technology which can add even more complexity. We need God’s Word to help us think Biblically and relate carefully in all our relationships because, as we know . . . “it’s complicated."
God designed men and woman to mutually reflect His image. Men and woman are by design different--making relating well, complicated. Yet, in Christ our differences are for the good of our families, our churches, and our world. It’s complicated yet different is needed and purity is required.
In this fast changing culture, the issues we face seem to be more and more complicated. Today, we lay the foundation for the series, examining some guiding principles that give wisdom regarding these topics or any issue in your life where relating well is a challenge.
There are times in our life that we are overwhelmed by life situations. We receive news we were not expecting or we have an unexpected loss of a job or loved one. Where do we go when we just can’t take it anymore? Can we stand to be overwhelmed by one more thing that will overwhelm everything else in life?
Jesus Christ is The Way to God—no one comes to the Father except by Him. Jesus Christ is The Truth about God—more than just teaching the truth, Jesus embodied the truth. In this episode Jesus Christ is also The Life of God—the best news of the good news is that the life Jesus lived then, He wants to live now, in us.
Jesus said He is “The Way, The Truth and The Life” (Jn 14:6), the only way to the Father. That way had been blocked completely by sin. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from the dead opened the way. In this episode, The Way to God is also The Truth about God—Living Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but The Truth.
The Remnant is limping along in Jerusalem. The Rest are establishing synagogues in their exile. Israel’s palpable sense of diminishment heightened their sense of anticipation. But over 400 years have passed and nothing much has changed . . . until now.
In exile for 70 years, left for dead, Israel suddenly got a pulse. Persian King Cyrus decreed Jerusalem be rebuilt, and Jews would rebuild it. Although alive from the dead, Israel was still on life support. Only a small remnant of Jews returned. They remained a subject people. And only with great difficulty did they complete a scaled-back version of the Temple and city walls. That was Season 3, Episode 4, of The One Story.
But what about The Rest—the majority of Jews who didn’t return? They take center stage in Episode 5, and in the fascinating books of Daniel and Esther. It’s The Rest who will prepare us, albeit unwittingly, for what we’ve all been waiting for in the up-to-now mostly down and dreary The One Story—The Way Up & Out.
Israel as a nation was divided in two and the people exiled across the ancient world. The prophets were God’s spokesmen, sent to warn and woo His people. Then The Remnant returned and Israel had a pulse. Temple and walls rebuilt, The Law reinstated, and the Jews worshipping the LORD again in a restored Jerusalem. Is all right again in The One Story? Let’s find out.
One day Israel was a great nation, the next a divided nation, then 10 tribes . . . gone, soon the remaining 2 tribes . . . gone. During this devastating time the Prophets are the mouthpiece of God’s displeasure with, and hope for, His people. Return and repent was their message. Would the people listen? Will we?
Season 3 offered great promise, but opened with great disappointment. Instead of thanking God for His grace that made Israel great, Israel started taking God for granted by seeking to make themselves great. Instead of being an example of godliness to the nations, Israel started to worship the gods of the nations. Instead of valuing their national unity, Israel undermined unity by waging bitter tribal warfare.
We left Episode 1 with Israel torn in two. Today in Episode 2 the tear frays, the fraying unravels, the nation is left, as far as God is concerned, good for nothing and gone for good.
At the end of Season 1, when prospects for the human race appeared hopeless, God did the unexpected—promised to bless the world in Abraham, first making from him a great nation. God grew that nation throughout Season 2. With the kingdom under David and Solomon, God delivered on His Promise! Is now the time the entire world will be blessed? We’ll get our answer early in this opening episode of Season 3.
On Easter, Christians all around the world celebrated the resurrected Jesus. But where do we go from there? What difference does that make in our lives? Jesus instructed us to tell that good news to others—extending the gospel right here and around the globe—to those who are near and to those who are far off.
Recently, Christians all around the world celebrated the resurrected Jesus. Where do we go from here? What difference does that make in our lives? Jesus instructed us to tell that good news to others—extending the gospel right here and around the globe—to those who are near and to those who are far off.
Last week, Christians all around the world celebrated the resurrected Jesus. Where do we go from here? What difference does that make in our lives? Jesus instructed us to tell that good news to others—extending the gospel right here and around the globe—to those who are near and to those who are far off.
We always ask “why?” . . . from curious toddlers discovering the fascinations of their small world to learned astronomers exploring the mysteries of outer space. In fact, the question “why” has two layers. We want to know the cause AND the significance, particularly for ourselves. Today, we may just discover those answers to the most important “why” question of all.
What good is a great nation, if it’s not also a godly nation? Israel’s greatness—promised by God to Abraham—was not ultimately in its wealth, but in its wisdom. Wisdom is godliness—the practical and consistent application of God’s Word to life. Peace and prosperity during the reigns of David and Solomon gave God’s people the opportunity to grow their faith. Israel had The Promise and The Law. Now they needed to live out God’s Word individually and nationally. For this, God gave the Wisdom Books—five stunningly insightful, relevant and wise guides to godly living. It’s not enough to Believe The Promise and Obey The Law. To live a godly life, God calls us to Apply Wisdom.
David succeeded as king where Saul failed. David was “a man after God’s own heart”—humble, trusting, obedient, and repentant. David got it. Israel thrived under King David—victorious in battle, righteous in his judgments. In response to David’s faithful heart, God expanded The Promise by designating David’s an eternal throne from which the future King of kings will come. Do we have a great nation yet? We’re almost there.
Israel wanted a king like all the other nations so God gave them what they wanted. Enter King Saul — tall and handsome. He started well, but soon it all went to his head. Abandoning God’s will for his own, Saul became the king that had no closeness to God. God saw through him, and soon everyone saw what God had always seen. Having suffered with the king they wanted, Israel is now ready for the king of God’s choosing.
The days of the Judges . . . when everyone did what was right in their own eyes. The nation slogged through 3 centuries of recurring failure—disobedience, disaster, repentance, rescue. Then the ugly cycle kept recycling. Gross idolatry and gross immorality darkened the landscape with only a few bright spots sprinkled in between! Turning to Judges 22-25 (a.k.a. Ruth 1-4), God cast His light forward to show the way out . . . to someone named David . . . but first we meet Samuel and Saul.
Joshua ended on a high note—God leading His people to victory after victory and His people declaring their trust in God again and again. But then we turn the pages of history to Judges and a time when, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” It was a time much like our own. Will He judge His people again? Will The One Story come to a screeching halt? Who still trusts God? The answer may just surprise you.
With Episode 7 of Season 2 we take yet another turn in The One Story, a good turn for a change. Having spent 40 years mired in the wilderness because of unbelief and rebellion, a new generation of Israelites is prepared to trust the LORD and enter the Promised Land. Across the Jordan River awaits the land flowing with milk and honey . . . and walls and warriors. God gave the land to them, but they must take it.
The people have a leader, a God-given culture and they’re headed for The Promised Land. At the start of this episode the nation is about an 11-day journey from the Promised Land. They are on the verge of living out the promise made to Abraham long ago. What could possible go wrong?
God gave His great nation 2 holy-days—days forever to remember, days that formed Israel’s identity—The Passover (when Israel was saved from death) and The Exodus (when Israel was given new life). The people had a leader, they’re headed to The Promised Land but first they need a God- given culture.
Israel got the leader it so desperately needed—God-selected, God-trained and God-led. God rescued Moses from certain death and nurtured him in Pharaoh’s household, all providentially, in order to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Moses will lead Israel by speaking God’s Word and backing it up with God’s validating miracles. Lead on, Moses!
In Season 2 of The One Story, God begins to answer some of questions that arose in Season 1. God's plan to bless the whole world begins with building a great nation. Certainly not how we'd do it! From our vantage point in Genesis 12 it's far from clear how building a great nation fits into God's larger plan to bless the world. That it does, and will eventually be wonderful, is not in doubt. It's ours now to see how God will do it. Hold on to your hats. It's a wild ride.
Where do great nations begin? With Founding Fathers! What do the Founding Fathers of the nation God promised need to be? Faithful to God, in order to be examples of faith to all who follow after all! The great nation, to be great, must live by faith. In Episode 1, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob laid the foundation. Let’s see how God began to build on it.
In Season 2 of The One Story, God begins to answer some of questions that arose in Season 1. God's plan to bless the whole world begins with building a great nation. Certainly not how we'd do it! From our vantage point in Genesis 12 it's far from clear how building a great nation fits into God's larger plan to bless the world. That it does, and will eventually be wonderful, is not in doubt. It's ours now to see how God will do it. Hold on to your hats. It's a wild ride.
It’s as if God said, “Let’s have a free-for-all,” then gave us Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world! When we have a free-for-all, all hell breaks loose. We fight to get our own way the old-fashioned way—by stampeding into, through, and over people no matter why, how or who. Our free-for-alls leave us all slaves to our sinful selves. When God has a free-for-all, all heaven breaks loose. He invites everyone—red and yellow, black and white; Republicans and Democrats; men and women, boys and girls, of all ages and from all the ages—freely to receive in Christ all He promises. Promise . . . it’s All Free. Promise . . . you’ll be Freed Up! Promise . . . it’s Free for All.
Would you call yourself a “free spirit”—independent, uninhibited and liberated? We admire free spirits because we all long to be free. But to be a free spirit in the best sense of the word, we need the Free Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who alone can set us free. What’s more, He’s free for the taking. Who turns their back on the Free Spirit? Only fools, like some Galatian believers in Christ, distorting the Gospel by dissing God’s Free Spirit. Has God’s Free Spirit set you free? Do you know what He came to do? Are you willing to let Him do it? Or are you a fool? It’s your move. Either break out, or stay boxed in. Freed Up is what you need! The Free Spirit is the one who will do it . . . if you let Him.
The clarity of the gospel was distorted by false teaching in the church of Galatia. Paul confronted the deadly error from his apostolic authority and pastoral heart, by explaining concisely the essence of the Gospel and how it is lived out... all so they, and we, would be Freed Up!
False teachers were distorting the gospel message and undermining the gospel messenger. They said since Paul wasn’t one of Jesus’ original disciples, he wasn’t a genuine apostle. Paul defends himself as one of God's agents for the gospel by describing how he received his calling directly from Jesus Christ.
In the opening verses, Paul described his authority and summarized the Gospel—grace to you, glory to God because of the cross of Jesus Christ. He then forgoes his typical pattern of prayer, praise and thanksgiving because he is astonished at the trade they have made—the freedom found in the grace of Christ for the bondage of “another” Gospel.
Today, we dive into the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. It was the first letter he wrote addressing specific and critical concerns for the first-century churches in Galatia. This letter is as timely and relevant for us today as it was for its original recipients. It will be our guide to breaking free through the Gospel of all that’s entangling us. Let’s embrace the Gospel, all of it, and get fully and finally . . . Freed Up!