Calvary Bible Church-NH: Recent Episodes
Calvary Bible Church-NH
Listen to the latest sermons from Calvary Bible Church in Derry, NH! For more information, visit us online at cbcderry.org.
Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you tried, you could never quite measure up? Most of us know that feeling, not just in life, but spiritually. Deep down, we wonder if we’ve done enough, been good enough, or could ever be enough for God. After spending three chapters exposing humanity’s guilt, Paul now turns the corner with two of the most hope-filled words in Scripture: “But now…” God has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. The gospel is not about lowering God’s standard; it’s about God meeting His own standard on our behalf through Jesus Christ.
Join us live as we study Romans 3:9–20 and examine what the Bible teaches about human sinfulness and our complete accountability before God. We’ll look at how understanding our deep need for grace points us directly to the righteousness found only in Jesus.
Have you ever had someone break a promise to you? Perhaps it was a business partner. A close friend. A spouse. A parent. Most of us have learned through painful experience that human promises can disappoint. We begin to wonder, “Can I really trust anyone?” That question lies underneath Romans 3. Paul has just dismantled every source of human confidence. The pagan is guilty. The moral person is guilty. Even the religious person is guilty. At this point, someone might ask, “If God’s own covenant people failed so miserably, has God’s plan failed too?” Paul answers with one of the strongest statements in Scripture: “By no means!” The failure of God’s people never means the failure of God’s promises. Our unfaithfulness magnifies, not minimizes, the unwavering faithfulness of God.
Paul’s entire argument culminates in addressing circumcision - the outward reflection of being keepers of the law, or being God’s covenant people. This argument would've ruffled some feathers, but Paul shifts the focus of the Jewish people to an INWARD matter. Now circumcision becomes an inward reality, not of some outward sign. Paul's argument shows that it's easier to be an outward Christian because that doesn't require heart change.
Paul continues his diatribe which now fully identifies "the typical Jew" as his imaginary opponent. As Paul walks through areas of false security, he teaches that being a good guide makes all the difference in the world, but only if you practice what you preach.
Paul draws on the standard distinction that Jews make between themselves and Gentiles - Gentiles as those outside the law of Moses (torah), and the Jews as ‘within’ the law. However, Paul explains that the gospel becomes the judge, not the law. Faith becomes relevant in righteousness. Whether you heard the law and didn’t do it, or didn’t hear the law and did do it, all fall short of God’s standard. Faith in Christ is the only solution.
In Romans 2:6-11, we see the impartiality of God and how He renders to each according to their works.
Every one of us has an internal courtroom. We quickly prosecute the failures of others while quietly defending our own. We become experts at identifying sin across the room but novices at recognizing it in the mirror. In Romans 2, Paul turns the spotlight from “those people” to “you.” He reminds us that God’s greatest concern isn’t simply the sins we condemn in others, but the hypocrisy we tolerate in ourselves. Before God’s kindness can transform our lives, His truth must first expose our hearts.
One of the most frightening judgments in Scripture is not when God sends something upon people. It is when God gives people over to what they already want. Three times in Romans 1 Paul says: “God gave them up”. This passage is not merely explaining why the world is broken. It is explaining what happens when humanity exchanges the Creator for created things. Paul shows us a progression: Sensual, mental and ultimate corruption. It is easy to read Romans 1 as ammunition to condemn sinners but remember it is a diagnosis meant to help us understand why the gospel is necessary. It explains what happens whenever humanity exchanges God for idols. The farther we move from God, the more corrupted everything becomes.
After declaring the glorious power of the gospel in 1:16-17, Paul immediately turns to humanity's darkness problem. Why? Because before people can appreciate the cure, they must understand the disease. Before grace becomes amazing, sin must become horrifying. Romans 1:18-23 is one of the Bible's clearest explanations of unbelief. Paul shows us something critical: Unbelief is not ultimately an intellectual problem. It is a spiritual problem. Humanity does not reject God because evidence is absent. Humanity rejects God because hearts are resistant. This passage helps us understand why people suppress truth, why idolatry is universal, why culture drifts from God, and why GRACE is our only hope. People do not stumble into unbelief; they suppress truth into unbelief.
Faith is the only means of justification before God. Allow the good news of Jesus to fuel how you live by faith and take heart in the fact that that no matter what you experience, God will always be faithful to you.
In Romans 1:8-15, we move from Paul’s introduction to Paul’s heart. Before unpacking the deep theology of Romans, Paul reveals the passion driving his ministry: gratitude for God’s work in others, deep love for the church, persistent prayer, and an overwhelming burden to make Christ known. These verses remind us that the gospel was never meant to remain private or merely intellectual. The Gospel creates a people who are spiritually connected, missionally driven, and eager to see lives transformed by Jesus.
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 to the church in Rome, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers navigating tensions surrounding identity, grace, and the Gospel. Though Paul had not yet visited them, he wrote to strengthen their faith, unify the church around Christ, and clearly explain the Gospel he preached. Romans presents the clearest picture of humanity’s sin, God’s righteousness, salvation by grace through faith, and the transforming power of life in Christ. The Gospel is not advice about what you must do; it is an announcement about what Christ has done.
Everyone has parents. For some, that brings gratitude. For others, grief. Some experience complicated silence. God gives a command, not a suggestion, to “Honor your father and your mother…” What Does It Actually Mean to Honor Your Mother? Does it mean agreement? Closeness? Pretending everything was good? The bible gives us something deeper, richer, and more transformative as we seek to Glorify God as we honor our parents.
As 2025 ends and we begin 2026, we see what it means to truly inspect and build our homes on the Rock.
This week, we have the privilege to hear from our keynote speaker and supported missionary Josh Duncan. We encourage you to pray for our missionaries and their families as they serve the Lord in their respective mission fields.
The Kingdom of God doesn’t advance through impressive strategies or personalities. It grows through humble, steady faithfulness. Acts 18 gives us a portrait of God’s servants staying faithful through weakness, transitions, and relationships. Paul has suffered greatly by the time we read Acts 18. He has been beaten, mocked, put in prison, chased out of cities, and lands in one of the most sinful cities of their day, Corinth. Paul demonstrates faithfulness in each region he travels to and remains steadfast in God’s mission in each trial. God’s Kingdom is being built through faithful followers of Jesus.
We live in a pluralistic world where truth is debated, relativized, or rejected. Acts 17 gives us an account on how Paul proclaimed Christ in different contexts: hostile Jews, receptive Bereans, and skeptical philosophers. Through it all, we learn what it looks like to hold fast to the Word and bring the gospel into every culture. In Thessalonica Luke shows us to expect opposition. In Berea he shows us to seek The Word. In Athens, he shows us to Engage culture with Christ. Today we will learn that the Gospel is the same in every context, but people respond differently.
Acts 16 presents a masterclass in gospel ministry through three distinct encounters that reveal how effective evangelism requires both wisdom and courage. Paul’s ministry in this chapter demonstrates the art of adapting methods while maintaining the message, showing us that the gospel is powerful enough to reach anyone, anywhere, but requires thoughtful application and bold proclamation. Through his encounters with Lydia, the slave girl, and the Philippian jailer, we see how God uses both strategic wisdom and supernatural courage to advance His kingdom. This chapter shows Paul use three very different evangelistic approaches: Relational, Confrontational, and Crisis. What approach do you most naturally gravitate toward, and how might God be calling you to develop the others?
We live in a world that constantly adds fine print. What seems simple a phone contract, a warranty, even a meal plan ends up buried under terms and conditions. The early church faced a similar crisis: was faith in Jesus enough, or was there fine print; circumcision, law-keeping, cultural identity? Acts 15 shows us how the church defended the purity of the gospel.
Acts 14 gives us the reality of gospel ministry. It’s messy, dangerous, and costly. Yet it’s precisely through this suffering love that God’s kingdom advances. Luke structures this chapter around Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey, showing us that the way of Jesus is not a path to earthly triumph but to costly faithfulness. The pattern established here proclamation, opposition, persecution, perseverance will repeat throughout Paul’s ministry. Luke wants us to understand that this isn’t an anomaly but the normal Christian experience. The book of Acts isn’t a manual for church success but a manifesto for faithful endurance.
In Acts 13, we reach a turning point: the church in Antioch sends out its first missionaries, Paul preaches his first recorded sermon, and the Word of the Lord breaks through opposition to reach new hearts. Here we see a pattern that continues to our day: the Spirit sets apart, the Savior satisfies God’s promises, and the Scriptures shine through suffering. And because of that, we can say with confidence: God still calls, Christ still completes, and the Spirit still carries His people with boldness and joy.
What does a healthy prayer life look like? Acts 12 tells the story of when Peter was imprisoned, only to be rescued by an angel. Even though the church was praying for Peter, they were surprised that he showed up at their door. Sometimes, we act the same way and spend more time asking than we do waiting and watching for the Lord's answer.
We love to ask, “What is the Spirit doing today?” and Acts 11 answers with a living picture in Antioch. Persecution scatters believers like seed, but instead of shrinking, the gospel spreads. A new, multi-ethnic church is born in a city famous for its nicknames, and there, for the first time, followers of Jesus are called “Christians.” Why? Because what they knew, how they grew, and what they showed looked unmistakably like Jesus.
We like neat boundaries. “Insider” and “outsider,” sacred and common, ours and theirs. But the story Luke tells in Acts 10:1-11:18 refuses our neatness. The Spirit changes Peter’s attitude once again shows that God moves across walls, rewrites our categories, and pours out His Spirit where we least expect it. The Holy Spirit brings the Gospel to all people, not gradually, not as a concession, but decisively and with the same power He Poured out at Pentecost. Our question today is the same as what Peter faced in Acts 10: Will we stand in God’s way, or will we move with the Spirit who welcomes everyone to Jesus?
Acts 9 tells the story of a man once known for breathing threats and murder against Christians who is then confronted by the risen Christ and transformed into the greatest missionary the world has ever seen. But this story is not just about Saul's dramatic conversion, the ministry of Ananias, or the miraculous restoration of Dorcas. It's about the relentless grace of God, which fuels the obedient courage of ordinary disciples, and the unstoppable power of the Holy Spirit.
This morning, as we look at chapter 8 of Acts, we will see that God uses faithful and flexible servants like Philip to take the gospel across cultural, social, and spiritual boundaries.
As we continue our study in the book of Acts, we'll see how Stephen endured the accusations made against him, offered rebuttals, and dismantled the Israelites' misplaced confidence, yet ultimately suffered, which God (in His sovereignty) used to push the Gospel out among the nations.
As we enter Acts 6, we see that the church needs to pause. We see the first official complaint against the church. From the beginning, the church was not perfect. But God used broken people to reconcile people to Himself. And that is still what God is doing today.
Have you ever felt pressure to stay quiet about your faith? Maybe at work, at school, or even around friends or family in moments when speaking up for Jesus felt risky? In Acts, 5, the apostles face real threats: prison, flogging, even death. But they didn’t shrink back. Instead, they lived under God’s authority, feared Him more than men, and rejoiced when suffering for Christ. This passage calls us to that same boldness in a world that often pushes back against our witness.
In Acts 5, God stops the early church in its tracks to remind us that He's not impressed by performance. He desires truth in the inner being. This story is not about perfection, it's about purity. Not about punishment but about protecting the power and presence of God among His people. The question for us this morning is this: Am I living honestly before a Holy God? God takes our hearts seriously. Not just our actions, but our motives, our honesty, and our willingness to be real before Him.
In Pastor Talley's final sermon as a pastor on staff at CBC, we'll be revisiting Paul's letter to the Ephesians while looking to our future as a church. The future of CBC will not be secured through a pastor, program, or perfect vision, but through a God who loves and empowers His Church!
In Acts 4, we’re given a powerful glimpse of a church that didn’t grow through clever strategy or political favor but through deep commitment to God and one another. Fresh off experiencing persecution, the early believers didn’t panic; they prayed. They didn’t hoard their resources; they gave. They didn’t tear one another down; they encouraged each other. Their courage, generosity, and unity weren’t signs of ideal circumstances but of Spirit-filled conviction. This kind of church continues to change the world. The early church experienced God’s growth not in strategy but in surrender to God’s plan and call.
In Acts 4:1-22, we see Peter and John stand firm in the face of pressure, not with arrogance, but with Spirit-empowered boldness. This passage reminds us that one of the greatest gifts a father, or any believer, can give is the example of unwavering faith in the face of opposition. As we turn to God’s Word, let’s consider what it looks like to stand firm for Christ when it’s costly, and how that courage shapes the next generation.
In Acts 3, Peter stands before a crowd, amazed by the miraculous healing of a man who had been crippled since birth. However, Peter understands that true healing isn’t merely about restored legs; it’s about a restored life, a life made whole by the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that Jesus doesn’t just offer temporary relief; He provides total restoration. He can heal what is physically broken and also restore what is spiritually shattered. But that restoration requires a response from us.
In Acts 3:1-10, we see that the lame man was sure of what he needed until he received what he had not asked for. God gives us what we most need, not what we think we need most.
After the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter’s sermon led to the conversion of 3,000 people (Acts 2:41). But what happened next was just as powerful: the Spirit-filled individuals and formed a community. In verses 42-47, Luke gives a snapshot of this newborn church, a model of what gospel transformation looks like in real life. In a world divided by class, race, gender, and status, we see the Spirit unite by grace.
Acts 2 records a life-changing moment: not just a personal experience, but the birth of the Church. On the day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) descended, filling ordinary people with extraordinary power. What followed was not confusion, but clarity; not fear, but boldness; not silence, but a Spirit-empowered proclamation of the gospel that led to thousands being saved. This passage answers three essential questions: What does the Spirit do when He comes? How does the gospel take root in people’s hearts? And how are we called to respond today?
Some of the most powerful legacies aren't built on stages but in living rooms - through quiet prayers, open Bibles, and consistent faith. In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul highlights a sincere faith passed from Lois to Eunice to Timothy. This kind of faith isn't accidental - it's LEARNED, LIVED, AND BOLD. And when we're intentional about passing it on, it can shape generations for God's glory. A spiritual legacy is not what we leave to people, but what we leave in people.
In Acts 1, we see that the church would begin, and the Kingdom would expand by the power of the Holy Spirit by sending His witnesses out, because the scope of God's plan is for the world.
The book of Acts tells the true story of how the gospel of Jesus Christ exploded out of Jerusalem and began to reach the world. But it's not a story that's over - it's a story we're still living in. Let's take a bird's-eye view of Acts today - not to fly past it - but to see the path so we can walk it more intentionally in the months ahead.
That first Easter morning, fear turned into faith, and mourning gave way to awe. Jesus didn’t just come back to life—He rose as King. Today, we celebrate the risen Christ—our AWESOME KING who came, who conquered sin and death, and who WILL COME AGAIN.
Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus entered Jerusalem - not with military might, but with humility, fulfilling prophecy and revealing His true mission. Yet even in celebration, Jesus weeps. Why? Because while the people shouted praise, they missed the point. The triumphal entry is not just about a moment of praise - it’s a moment of decision. Will you recognize the King?
False prophets do not announce themselves or their true intentions. They blend in to win the loyalty of others. We must heed the words of Jesus to stormproof our lives and build our house upon the rock (Jesus) instead of the sand (false teachings). What lies beneath what you're building?
Matthew 7 deals with some of the most critical choices we will ever make: how we conduct our relationship with others. These verses, part of His Sermon on the Mount, challenge us to move beyond superficial religion into a life of true discipleship. As we explore this passage, we will see that Jesus isn’t just giving us moral advice - He is inviting us into a way of living that reflects His kingdom. Will we choose discernment over condemnation, persistence in prayer, and the narrow road of faithful obedience?
In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount by addressing one of the greatest obstacles to Kingdom living—misplaced trust. He challenges His disciples to trust God rather than wealth, worry, or the world. This passage presents three interconnected lessons: trusting God with our treasure, our needs, and our future. When we trust the King, our hearts rest in His provision, rather than being enslaved to the temporary.
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, warns against hypocritical righteousness and directs His disciples to practice their faith in a way that seeks God’s approval rather than human recognition. In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus gives three examples: giving, prayer, and fasting. Each example calls for a heart posture that values intimacy with God over public recognition. Jesus isn’t after behavior modification; He’s after heart transformation.
In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus delivers some of the most radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. He clarifies His relationship to the Law, intensifies its moral demands, and calls His followers to a standard of righteousness that is impossible apart from divine grace. Jesus came not to abolish the Law, but to demonstrate that we could never fulfill it on our own. He fulfills it for us and transforms us from the inside out.
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus talks about being the salt and light of the world. Though this phrase is fairly common, we'll see that it's truly a call to show grace, mercy, and peace with everyone as we look to Jesus and imitate Him.
The world has its own definition of success—power, wealth, comfort, and status. Yet, in the opening words of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus flips this notion upside down. Jesus redefines what it means to live a truly blessed life, one marked by dependence on God, a hunger for holiness, and faithfulness under trial. The question before us today is this: Are we pursuing the kind of life Jesus calls “blessed,” or are we chasing the fleeting rewards of this world?
The New Testament reveals a profound truth: as followers of Jesus, we are not merely called to gather but to be sent into the world to fulfill God’s mission. Churches often measure success by attendance and budgets, but the New Testament prioritizes sending workers into the harvest field. As individuals, we can embrace that God has sent us to where he has us now to Glorify Him, Love People, and Make Disciples. Corporately, we have the opportunity to embrace a “Sending” culture and rejoice in the work of furthering the invitation to join the Kingdom of God.
The third lament of Jeremiah is very personal as it focuses on the intensifying nature of suffering. Jeremiah expresses his feelings of despair, making his pivot to hope even more impactful for the reader. His raw honesty about pain in the light of his hope in God's mercy and faithfulness is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, God's loyal love and mercy are unfailing. This chapter is a model for expressing grief, seeking repentance, and finding strength in God's enduring compassion.
Lamentations chapter 2 continues the writer’s reflection on God’s divine punishment of Jerusalem. The fall of Jerusalem was an act of divine justice, intended to repay a wayward people for their rebellion. It was also love, intended to chasten God’s people to turn them away from their sins. Through sufferings of defeat and exile, God’s people could finally learn not to place their confidence in kings or temples, but only in God Himself. “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves and chastises every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6
This week, we have the privilege to hear from our keynote speaker and supported missionary Dave Spinale. We encourage you to pray for our missionaries and their families as they serve the Lord in their respective mission fields.
The book of Lamentations is read as reflective mourning over the destruction of the temple and the devastation of Jerusalem. The temple, a symbol of God’s covenant, was destroyed. The people had abandoned their relationship with God, departed from His Word, and transferred their trust from God to political allies and the temple itself. When God’s people abandon Him and depart from His Word, tragedy follows.
Mark 10:17-22 is filled with encouragements, and it’s also incredibly challenging. It reveals some huge realities of our walk with Jesus. Jesus is asking us to treasure Him above anything else. Is the Gospel your greatest joy? Is Jesus your treasure?
Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Nehemiah 9 echoes this showing that the Word of God leads to spiritual restoration, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness, confessing failure and rebellion, and renewing commitment.
What comes to mind when you think of worship? In Nehemiah 7 and 8, we'll see that worship of God restores our spiritual vitality, raises leaders, reinforces identity, roots legacy, recalls truth, and revives community. Worship is the heartfelt expression of our remembrance of God's character and work.
In Nehemiah 6, we see Nehemiah facing intense opposition as he works to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. The enemy’s tactics shift from external force to subtle manipulation. The enemy’s goal is clear: to distract, discredit, and ultimately defeat Nehemiah. But Nehemiah’s responses offer a model for us in spiritual battles today. Spiritual battles can be exhausting and disorienting, but losing sight of who we are in God only amplifies the struggle. In this passage, we learn three critical ways not to lose ourselves in these battles.
William Gurnall wrote “We fear men so much because we fear God so little.” Do we fear God? Do we understand God's heart for justice? Do we trust in God's justice? Nehemiah chapter 5 shows us that God-fearing people accept the responsibility of confronting injustice and addressing sin, while doing so with courage and a commitment to righteousness.
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah reminds us that spiritual opposition will reappear in different ways in each generation; we must expect it and by God’s grace overcome it.
It is much easier to serve in the face of adversity when you are not alone. Nehemiah Chapter 3 offers us an exciting picture of what can happen when God's people come together. God's desire is for us to come together to accomplish our mission to Glorify God, Love People, and Make Disciples.
As servants of God, each of us have opportunity to Rebuild and Renew our character. To serve God well we must develop our courage, character and competency. Nehemiah illustrates these qualities throughout chapter 2 in his boldness in facing challenges, his integrity in seeking God's guidance, and his competency in planning and executing the rebuilding project. Nehemiah serves as a helpful model for effective and faithful service to God.
Because of God, you can experience a spiritual rebuilding and renewal. God offers bright hope, the hope of fresh starts and new beginnings. In Nehemiah, the people of Israel are given a fresh start. The challenge is following through on living in right relationship with God.
Today we will hear about the recent CBC Mission trips and the joy in receiving and sharing the Gospel.
In this passage, we'll look at three lessons of God’s Justice in the Story of Esther: we will reap what we sow, ultimate justice awaits, and when God is for us, none can stand against us. When we truly understand God's sovereignty, it should have an effect on our daily decisions.
Chiastic structure is a literary device in which a sequence of ideas is presented and then presented in reverse order. For example, Ben Franklin said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." The result is a mirror effect. At the climax of the story's structure, we see the reversal of events that bring life instead of death. Esther and Mordecai actively participate in the unfolding drama of Esther 5:1-7:6. Their courage, wisdom, and strategic actions demonstrate how God uses human agency to accomplish His purposes. We, too, have a role to play in God's grand narrative.
Each of us has the opportunity to reflect on God’s person and work in history and our own lives. Chapter 4 powerfully displays the dichotomy of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility.
In chapter 3 we read of the rise of the villain Haman and his plot to destroy the Jews. This story pictures Haman having all seven of the characteristics that Proverbs 6:16-19 says the Lord hates: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. The story of Esther is another reminder that the greatest of villains are no match for our Great God!
God's plan includes using imperfect people. In Esther 2, we'll see God's silent work, even though Esther and Mordecai had no knowledge that God would use them to save the Jews.
We need to understand that God is at work behind the scenes of history, our present, and our future. When we look at present times we may ask “where is God in our world? What is our responsibility in it all? Where is God when he doesn’t seem to be at work in my situation?” Esther offers us a great example of God’s quiet sovereignty and our responsibility to make righteous choices in our own life for God’s glory and our joy.
As we study the backdrop for the book of Esther, we get a big picture of the Sovereignty of God, and that He is always working His plan regardless of the geo-political chaos or the unfaithfulness of His people.
The Greek word mathētēs refers to a learner or student who is apprenticed to a teacher to learn from him. Simply put, the call to live as "Disciples" of Jesus is a life of learnership.
Conducting our lives amid social, mental, and spiritual battles requires the spiritual strength to do ministry. This spiritual strength comes from the Gospel, and it gives us the tenacity needed to stay strong in the storms of life.
God designed us to walk together so we may stir up one another to love and good works. Today, Pastor Kenny teaches us from the story of Ruth and Naomi that having to walk with others can be messy, but God's work is always worth it.
The mission to Glorify God, Love People, and Make Disciples is worthy of our sacrifice, because the mission is worth it.
Biblical principles empower our ability to reap what we sow. Today we'll look at four principles the Bible gives for generosity: giving systematically, proportionally, cheerfully, and generously.
Our stewardship should be a reflection of Christ's Lordship in our lives. Once we establish that the Lord owns it all our role becomes clear: our stewardship was meant to be used to serve Christ, His body, and to show a lost world the joy and contentment we have in owning nothing this world has to offer.
In our first sermon on what the Bible says about giving, we see that generosity is a gift from our generous God, and it's the outward expression of inward affections.
As we close our series in Colossians, we see that those who follow Jesus are called to grow in our communication, fellowship, and ministry.
Jesus' resurrection makes new life possible (get we can an amen on that?), and because of this new life, we're all on a journey together toward spiritual understanding and maturity as we follow Him. Everyone has a Next Step on their spiritual journey...what's yours?
We have Christ-Centered Responsibilities in our family and work life: in Christ we are responsible to have Harmonious Homes, and by offering ourselves to God through our work, we can reach others with the Gospel.
In the bustling rhythm of our lives, it's easy to lose sight of the profound truth that Jesus not only offers us salvation but also invites us into a transformative journey. As we delve into Colossians 3:1-17, we uncover the profound reality that above all, Christ has the power to reshape our lives, infusing them with purpose and meaning.
In this passage, the apostle Paul addresses the Colossian church, warning them against false teachings. These teachings emphasized external rules, rituals, and self-denial as a means to righteousness. However, Paul emphasizes that true transformation comes from a heart changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, not mere adherence to regulations. To combat deceptive philosophy, we must cling to Christ-Centered convictions.
Christ is all you need to be spiritually alive. Christ is our confirmation, our divine liberator, and our victory.
Last week we were challenged to examine how we have organized our life in light of Jesus’ preeminence. This week, Paul moves into a personal testimony of how he has been changed by this revelation in his own life.
Jesus is above all. Only Jesus can transform us from darkness to light, and apart from Him we are alienated enemies of God. As we study the preeminence of Jesus, we need to ask ourselves....does Jesus have first place in our lives?
As we begin our study in Colossians, we see three responses to Jesus being over all: celebrate, pray, and live as one who is redeemed.
You are responsible to follow Jesus. But what is a disciple of Jesus, why does it matter, how does one live as a disciple, and what is Calvary's role in helping you?
Our plans might be motivated by good intentions and appear to be righteous, but they may still not line up with the Lord's will. Our best response to God's "no" is to say "yes" to what he has for us instead.
A human work will only get human results, thus leaving us in bondage. However, we can be confident in God's promises and rejoice that His saving grace is sufficient for our journey.
We are living out a spiritual war against the devil in a fight to believe truth over lies. We need to live solely in the person of Jesus (who is The Truth) and as children of freedom, so that God may produce the life of Christ in us.
The Gospel of freedom promises adoption into God's family. In Christ we are welcomed into God's family of Grace, and our identity as God's child is a springboard into this new life with God's family.
Legalism is self-reliance, which is slavery because we will never be able to do enough to justify ourselves. Obedience to God comes as a result of faith, not as a means of salvation. We must transfer our hope from ourselves to the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The law declares we are guilty, but Christ declares we are free. Righteousness begins and ends with taking our place as a sinner, utterly in need of God's justifying grace, and our common need for this justifying grace can humbly unite us. The true meaning of freedom is to live the life Christ created us for, free from sin and shame.
As we begin our study in Galatians, we see that Christ alone offers true spiritual freedom and empowers us to live as messengers of freedom in a world that desperately needs hope and redemption.
In our individualistic society, Church membership is often quickly dismissed as unnecessary or an obstacle for people to experience God’s love. As we understand what God has called us to be as a church, we will quickly realize that Scripture lays out clear examples of a committed God welcoming believers into a committed family. A temple has bricks. A flock has sheep. A vine has branches. And a body has members. Church membership is not simply a record of a box we once checked or a sentimental feeling. It should reflect a living commitment.
Disciples of Jesus grow in maturity as they are shaped by His presence and Word. Let’s be a church that grows personally and corporately as we enjoy the power of His Word, the comfort of His presence, and Hope of His promise.
As God's people, we are called to remember and proclaim Jesus' work and person as our identity.
As God's called out people, we have an identity to live from, a community to belong to and a way of life to live in.
Our God invites us to be a gathered people who delight in His presence. This morning we will look at the early Church as they responded to the message of the Gospel and experienced God’s presence in the form of His Spirit TOGETHER. There is much for us to know, think, feel, and do as we seek to understand what it means for us to BE church.
This Sunday please join us for a special service to honor Pastor John and Melody Talley for their faithful service to our Lord and to us at Calvary over the last 23 years.
As we study III John and close the series on John's epistles, we see how faithfulness is defined, applied, and illustrated, and how we are supposed to be faithful both as individuals, and in cooperation with the global Church.
This morning we study II John. Though John's second letter was only thirteen verses, his message was succinct and clear: walk in the Truth, and watch out for false teachers.
As we close our study in I John, we see that our spiritual victory has been secured graciously by Christ and our access to God ensures we have the power to live that victory daily within a body of believers who are committed to glorify God in all they do, to love each other, and to make disciples of all nations.
What is love? Many in society will say "affirm me, don't hurt me!" However, as we study this passage, we'll see the truth about love: its foundation, definition, and the type of love God demands from us.
The spiritual life cannot be lived without biblical truth to guide us, but that truth is under attack! In our study today, we'll see that experiences are not to be our guides in pursuing God's truth; only the Word of God can guide us to His truth. When we guard and are guided by the truth, we will find the biblical community needed for spiritual victory in the battle for truth.
Historic Five Fundamentals of the Faith
a. Inspiration and inerrancy of the scriptures
b. Virgin birth and deity of Christ
c. Substitutionary/vicarious atonement of Christ
d. Bodily resurrection of Christ
e. Literal second coming of Christ
We have been given a clear commandment from God to love one another. This is something we are all familiar with, but what does it really mean to love in truth? Social evidence of God’s love can be seen all around us if we take the time to look. We must look beyond the words of love and focus on the actions that demonstrate true love, as commanded by God. Today we will explore how to love one another in a way that honors God and reflects his love for us.
If we think we can be God's children and live our life (or parts of our life) the way we want, we are either totally deceived or completely foolish, but as we'll see today, a consistent and regular encounter with God and His truth can have no other effect on you except to change you!
As we begin our exposition of I John, we see that the dilemma for humanity is that the character of God impacts our relationship with Him, not the other way around. This means that being exposed by the light of a holy God is scary in that it reveals our sin but is comforting because our advocate, Jesus Christ, is there to forgive and cleanse us from all our sin.
Today we begin a series in 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John by reading the letters together, and taking a look at the general background and theme.
As we close our study in the Gospel of John, we see how the disciples had stepped back, which led to utter failure. Yet, their stepping forward and trusting Christ led to huge success. We too must step forward and follow the lead of our Savior who gives life and power to live life.
The importance of the resurrection of Jesus cannot be understated. Paul says that without it, our faith is futile, and we're still in our sins (1 Cor 15:17). As we study and celebrate the resurrection, we give glory to God that this was written so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in his name.
Tonight we reflect on our Savior, Jesus, and His great sacrifice on the cross on our behalf.
As we study the passage where Judas betrays Jesus, we see that our kingdom values will be tested by our circumstances and demonstrated by our actions during those circumstances. When we focus on the wrong kingdom (like the disciples did), our actions will lead us down the wrong path, but Jesus never lost sight of the will of the Father and His mission to bring salvation full and free to all who put their faith in Him.
The central theme of this chapter known as the High Priestly Prayer is Jesus' desire for the Father's glory and the disciples' welfare. Jesus prayerfully intercedes like a high priest to carry the needs of the people to the almighty God. Some read this prayer as though it were rather gloomy. It is not. It is uttered by One who has just affirmed that He has overcome the world (16:33), and it starts from this conviction. Jesus looks forward at the cross but in a mood of hope and joy, not despair.
As we continue in Jesus' teaching to His disciples, we see that a life without God leads to overwhelming sorrow, but Jesus offers eternal joy for our present tribulation.
As we continue learning from Jesus' teaching to His disciples, we study the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the Eleven, the world, and the lives of believers today.
The world still rejects Jesus and His followers, but we can accept this rejection because Jesus models how to endure it, the Holy Spirit strengthens us to follow and bear witness to Jesus, and God promises acceptance.
Jesus gives two pictures of what it is to be His disciple in Chapter 15. Last week examined the picture of believers as branches who have the privilege of sharing His life and the responsibility of abiding. This week we will examine the picture of believers as friends. Friends of Jesus have the privilege of knowing the will of God and the carrying the responsibility of obeying it. After squabbling over their significance and position Jesus once again reminds His disciples that spiritual friendship with Him is more valuable than their own autonomy.
In chapter 15 Jesus taught His disciples the importance of abiding in Him. He dealt with their relationship to Himself, to one another, and to the world around them. This morning we will focus on His use of the vine and branches metaphor and explore what it would be like to live a life connected to Jesus.
We all need help. Jesus' disciples knew they needed help to navigate the spiritual challenges that surrounded them and awaited them in the future. In the ongoing conversation in the upper room Jesus continues to provide them assurances of God's provision for them and shares of a Helper to come who will help them do great things.
This morning we examine Jesus’ response to His concerned disciples at the news of His impending departure. Jesus comforts them with one of the most beautiful pictures of heaven with clear instructions on how to get there and how we can live in the way of Jesus.
In John 13, Jesus continues to instruct His disciples as part of His private ministry, preparing them for their future benefit when He has gone to heaven. Knowing that they will need to believe that God is worthy of their future sacrifice, Jesus shows His example of glorifying God and loving people.
Having humbled himself and sacrificed for us, Jesus loves as the Servant Savior. In preparing His disciples for His impending death, Jesus takes time to model and explain the centrality of service in the life of a Christian.
This week, we'll read chapters 13-21 of the Gospel of John together as a church before we exposit them verse-by-verse over the next few months.
Your view of Jesus and who He is will determine how you live your life. Thus, we must ask: who is Jesus to you? What will you do with Him? As we study the Triumphal Entry, we see that the people's misconception of who Jesus is and their rejection of the truth of Jesus turned their fan-ship into hard hearts that soon demanded His crucifixion.
As we return to our study of the Gospel of John, we examine the responses to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead from four viewpoints: the devoted, the thief, the fans, and the haters.
We often sing "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Latin for "Glory to God in the highest") around Christmas time, but today, on Christmas morning, we'll study what's known as The Magnificat: Mary's choice to magnify the Glory of God amidst her personally difficult context.
Our Christmas Eve service is always special time for the whole family. Join us for singing Christmas carols and a devotional from God’s Word.
Today is our special Christmas program! Join us as we take time to remember and reflect on the importance of the coming of Jesus.
As we begin our Christmas sermon series, we sometimes hear "why did Jesus have to become man and die?" Join us as we start in Genesis 1 and work our way through the Bible seeing how the fall of man has separated us from God, that we are lost and hopeless on our own, but Jesus was the predicted Savior whose finished work (not of ourselves; it is the gift of God) has saved us!
We are often wowed by Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and rightfully so! However, the primary focus of the resurrection of Lazarus was not his restoration to his temporary life, nor to alleviate the grief of his sisters, but rather that God would be glorified, and Jesus believed.
In John 10, Jesus starkly contrasts Himself to the spiritual predators that plague every generation, but it is comforting to know we can count on the presence and power of the Good Shepherd to carry us through.
As we study Jesus' healing of the man born blind, we see that Jesus empowers us to see as He sees, He asks us to trust in His directions, and He gives us reason for us to believe in His power and authority. We'll also ask the tough question: why does God allow suffering?
Continuing our study in the Gospel of John, we study Jesus' claim to the Pharisees: "before Abraham was, I am." When we understand the deity of Jesus, we can focus not on our temporary life, but on our eternal Savior who has promised to never leave us.
We live in a world that has been overtaken by misinformation that has been spread for centuries. Our world longs for clarity of truth and purpose. In order to reach a waiting world, we as true disciples, must root ourselves in the Author of Truth so that we proclaim truth of the gospel.
The simplest of spiritual truths taught by Jesus were found to incomprehensible by His enemies. Our own hearts often misunderstand the work and love of God. This morning we can learn from the pharisees once again misunderstanding Jesus.
Today we study Jesus' statement that He is the Light of the World. As we understand what this means, we'll focus on our response by celebrating, worshipping, and dedicating ourselves to the Light.
Today we'll study the story of the woman caught in adultery from three perspectives: what we learn from the Pharisees, what we learn from Jesus, and what we learn from the woman. We've all been caught in the act of sin before; praise God that we're forgiven so that we may glorify God as we love people and make disciples!
In John 7, Jesus continues His claim to be God, the promised Savior of the world. There are no mincing words here...the claims that Jesus made are divisive, and those who follow Him must be steadfast in backing His claims, even at the cost of being misunderstood, misrepresented, or resented.
Now that we've finished our exposition of John 1-6, we'll spend this week reading chapters 7-12 together as a church before we exposit them verse-by-verse over the next few months.
Sometimes we think it'd be easier to believe Jesus if we were one of the disciples there with Him, or if we could see and experience His miracles. As we finish John 6, we'll see that even for His disciples, the struggle was real. So real, in fact, that many turned back and no longer walked with Him, because they didn't understand that Jesus didn't call them to a convenient or superficial belief...Jesus called for surrender to His will and way, and anything less is essentially rejection.
John 6 has always been a difficult passage...in fact, many of Jesus' disciples called it a "hard saying" and turned away from Jesus. Today we'll unpack what Jesus meant in calling Himself the Bread of Life, and we'll ask the hard question: does everyone have a chance at eternal life, or only the elect?
The story of Jesus walking on water is very well known, but sometimes we keep our understanding at surface level. Today we stop to examine the aspects of the miracle, as well as the proper response of a true believer.
As we study Jesus' feeding of the 5,000, we see that our focus should be on a faithful God who is sufficient to meet both our immediate and future needs.
By this point in the Gospel of John, Jesus had claimed to be equal with God (spoiler alert: He was right). Today, we'll see that Jesus was able to truthfully make that claim according to four witnesses: John the Baptist, Jesus' works, the Father, and the Scriptures.
This morning we will continue in the book of John and learn how Jesus responds to the pharisaical heart.
As we study the story of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, we see that we must accept our brokenness, that we must embrace Jesus (and not religion), and that what we look to for life matters.
Many people know the hymn "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus", but what does that look like in real life? As we finish John 4, we'll study what it means to trust in the power, Word, and Person of Jesus, and that we should believe in Jesus for who He is, not just what He can do for us in life's crises.
As we study the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well, we see that Jesus wants us to think spiritually, to live in truth, and to share in His mission.
John the Baptist famously said of Jesus: "He must increase, but I must decrease." How does decreasing sound joyful? Join us as we see John the Baptist explain that his joy is because Jesus was glorified, and that all glory belongs to Him.
Everyone knows John 3:16. But what about the context? What does John 3:16 have to do with serpents in the wilderness? We'll study what it means to let go of our self-dependence and look to Jesus with belief, and we'll also see how God's love isn't a vague and sentimental feeling, but a love that costs.
As we study the story of Jesus clearing the Temple, we examine His confrontation of hypocrisy and His zeal for the Father's glory, with a focus on ensuring that our faith is real (not fake), so that we don't fall into spiritual complacency, which impedes true worship.
As we study the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, we focus on the mission and evidence of the transformational power of Jesus, and the proper response to His power.
As we finish the first chapter of John, we see that Jesus is looking for genuine followers, not those who are in it for what they can get out of it, as well as the necessary balance to maintain between human responsibility and Divine initiative in our relationship with God.
Who was John the Baptist? Why was he baptizing? What was his purpose in life? As we continue in the Gospel of John, we see that humble submission is the only response to the revelation of who Jesus truly is, because there can be no greater mission than to point others to Jesus, the lamb of God, which takes away the world's sins.
As we start at the beginning of John, we go all the way back to the beginning...before creation, and we see how the revelation of God that began at creation was completed in the revelation of Christ, the creator of all things.
As we conclude Paul's letter to Philemon, we focus on the personal obedience, personal accountability, and community accountability of the believer.
As we continue in Philemon, we see that genuine restoration can only occur when God does a work in the broken relationship.
Life is messy. Relationships sometimes break. But as we see in Paul's letter to Philemon, the power of the Gospel to change lives is what gives us hope for the restoration of broken relationships.
Today we begin our study in Paul's letter to Philemon by reading the entire letter and understanding the context in which it was written.
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we study the miraculous salvation that He secured for us with His finished work.
As we begin our Holy Week celebrations, we prepare for Jesus' continuing work in our own lives by seeing how Jesus is a new kind of King.
As we conclude the book of Jude, we focus on fortifying ourselves in the truth of the Word of God, with a commitment to pointing others to the glorious Gospel.
As we continue to study Jude's letter warning of apostates, we take a look at the vivid pictures he gives of the dangers that lead to subtle and deceptive perversions of the truth.
In this next part of Jude, we study how to identify apostates, what their fate is, and how to protect ourselves and others from such apostasy.
Today we study the primary purpose of Jude's letter: what it means to contend for the faith.
Today we begin our study in Jude by reading the whole letter together, and taking a look at the general background and theme.
Today we take a Sunday to study the Holy Spirit: two problems we have, and three truths that we need to truly understand.
As we conclude our study of Jonah, we see how important it is to share God's heart for the salvation of others, and how God is asking us to trust and follow Him, even if we don't understand.
As we study Jonah 3, we see how God gives second chances, how God's Word can change an entire population, how serious sin truly is, and a reminder that our salvation is through faith in the atoning work of Jesus.
As we continue our study of Jonah, we see the importance of prayer, taking responsibility for the consequences of our sin, and the grace of God.
As we begin our study in Jonah, we read through the book together as a church, and study the introduction: God's directive, Jonah's rebellion, God's correction, and even the sailors' repentance.
As we finish our study of Habakkuk, we reflect on God's faithfulness throughout history, which builds confidence for the present and future work of God.
As we study God's response to Habakkuk in chapter 2, we see God's guarantee of His actions, and how we must live by faith by surrendering to God's plan and resting in His faithfulness.
Continuing in the book of the prophet Habakkuk, we study his frustrations and theological questions as we focus on the sovereign workings of God.
As we begin our verse-by-verse exposition of Habakkuk, we take a look at Habakkuk's first complaints, and God's response.
Today we begin our study in Habakkuk - Living By Faith In A Messed Up World. Join us for our reading service, as we read the book of Habakkuk together as a church.
As we wrap up our Christmas series, we study our new identity, and how we are accepted, secure, and significant thanks to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Join us for a look at Luke 2 as we consider the humble beginnings of the Savior here on Earth, and how just as those of old lived in expectancy of the birth of Christ, we should live in expectancy of His return.
As we begin the Christmas season, we examine the imperfect world that the perfect Savior entered, and how the gift of the Savior was needed, planned, and our blessing.
Today we study the person, the provision, and the protection of Jesus, and how true thankfulness to Him is worship.
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we turn to Psalm 103 to study what it means to have a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving, regardless of our current circumstances.
As we conclude the book of Ephesians, we study the battleground of the spiritual life, focusing on the victory that Christ has already secured.
Paul Seger, our keynote speaker at our Missions Conference this year, talks about John's letter to Gaius (3 John), and what it means to send missionaries on their journey.
Today we look at Paul's teachings on child/parent relationships and master/slave relationships and learn about the background of slavery in the Roman Empire.
Today we look at Paul's teachings on how a husband and wife are to live out their marriage and the theological truth behind it.
Continuing in the letter to the church in Ephesus, today we will consider Paul's admonitions about walking carefully with wisdom and living a Spirit-filled life.
// Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
What are some things that could cloud our minds from seeing things God’s way?
What helps you walk in the Spirit, day by day, moment by moment?
Which of the four results of being filled with the Spirit in this passage are strengths or weaknesses?
Today we study what it means to walk in the light: combat selfish desires, live no lies, and examine our own heart, mind, and soul.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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What does it look like for you to combat selfish desires with thanksgiving?
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What dark lies of the world have infiltrated our minds, home, and church? What should we do about it?
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How can we create a community where we empower one another to walk in the light and encourage those in darkness to experience freedom?
As we start Ephesians 5, we take a deep look at God's expectation for us to love others, and how we measure and model that love.
Today we study what it means to walk the new life in Christ by putting off the old self and renewing our minds.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How do we lay aside the old self and put on the new?
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What are some ways that we can battle the "old self" habits that inflict us?
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How do we build grace giving relationships?
Picking up where we left off in Ephesians 4:12-16, we continue God's pattern for growth and unity, His purpose for it, and the power behind His pattern.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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In light of what we have studied the last few weeks, how would you describe a unified Church versus a divided one?
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How might someone know that they were using their gifts for personal enjoyment instead of serving the body of Christ?
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To what extent are you participating in the growth and unity of the body, and in what ways can you improve?
As we continue in Ephesians 4, we take a look at the gifts of unity, focusing on the grace that only Christ provides.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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If every believer is empowered by grace to fulfill their responsibility in the growth and unity of the Church, why do you think there is often low participation?
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Why do you think that positions and roles of responsibility in the Church can become more about power and control than growth and unity?
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How can we maintain the biblical standard of grace empowered leadership and respect for those who are in those positions?
In Ephesians 4:1-6, we study how true unity of the Church is not the result of external structure but rather internal attitudes of the heart that must be pursued daily.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Which of the four inner attitudes of unity do you struggle with the most, and how are you addressing it?
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What risks are there in engaging in the unity of the body, and how can we overcome them?
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Spend some time praying that our body would reflect the Godhead.
As we close out Ephesians 3, we study Paul's approach to prayer, his petitions within, and his praise to God for the work of the Holy Spirit in His church.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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What can we learn from the two prayers of Paul in the first three chapters of Ephesians that we should incorporate into our prayer life?
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What are some spiritual benefits from Christ feeling at home in our hearts?
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What hinders or limits you from living a life of obedience and praise to God?
In Ephesians 3:1-13, we study the mystery of the Church (revealed by God to the Apostle Paul), how God instituted His church with His followers as stewards of His message, and how the mission of the church demands sacrifice and commitment.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How does the unity and equality of Jew and Gentile display God's plan for the world, and how can we speak this truth into our day?
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How can our agendas and biases impact our presentation of the Gospel?
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Do you think your opinion of and commitment to the Church match Paul's? Why or why not?
Today we focus our study on what the Church is: the reality of the relationships within, a key component, and the ultimate purpose.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How has being made a citizen of Christ's Kingdom and members of His family changed your life?
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How connected would you say you are to Christ and His mission for the Church? What are some ways you could increase your connection to both?
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What are some personal steps you can take to ensure that God's presence permeates the Church gathered?
Continuing through the book of Ephesians, we study the unity of believers in Christ Jesus.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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After the last few weeks of studying the Gospel, how would you explain the Gospel to your unsaved neighbor or family member?
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How does our identity in Christ address so many of the divisions that plague our world today? What are some ways we can share this hope amid the pain?
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Church is messy, but if what Paul is saying is true, we can walk confidently into the mess. Share with one another what you are doing to be faithful to this calling or how God may be leading you to do so?
As we come to Ephesians 2:1-10, we study this famous passage that details how, while we were dead in our sins, God made us alive, and that we are saved by grace through faith. Our salvation is not about what we have done, but what God has done for us!
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Why is it so important to understand that we need Christ's salvation for our condition of sinfulness rather than just the quantity and gravity of our sin? How does this help us shape the way we share our faith with others?
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Why do you think Paul goes to great lengths to emphasize that our salvation is not about what we have done but what has been done for us?
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How does knowing that you are God's workmanship or masterpiece provide direction and add value to your life?
Today in Ephesians 1:15-23, we'll study Paul's prayer that the church at Ephesus will comprehend hope, value, and power.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Why should our faith in Christ lead to loving one another?
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Of the three truths (Hope, Value, Power) that Paul prays that the church at Ephesus will comprehend do you need to embrace and experience more?
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What has been your experience with the power Paul describes in Ephesians 1:19-23?
Join us as we continue our study in Ephesians, looking at God's plan of salvation, and how our lives should reflect the greatness of the inheritance that awaits us.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Paul never seemed to get over the excitement of his salvation, why does it feel like the modern church has?
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How can we structure our lives to bring glory to God’s name?
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If you polled the people that are closest to you, would they say your life reflects the greatness of your inheritance?
Today we examine the beginning of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which talks about the identity of the church, God's sovereign election, and His intentions for the church.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Why is it important to find our identity in Christ?
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The theological debate surrounding this passage can be confusing, but what are some applications for our spiritual growth and wellbeing that come from this passage?
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Do the priorities of your life indicate that you are part of a country club or on mission for the work of Christ?
Today we begin our series in Ephesians with an introductory overview, as well as reading the entire letter.
// Small Group Questions
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How did God speak to you today through the reading of His Word? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions came to your mind as His Word was read today?
Today we conclude our study with the Tenth Commandment found in Exodus 20:17 - You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Why do you think that at its core covetousness is idolatry?
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Where are you most likely to stumble over covetousness in your own life?
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What steps can we take daily to make sure that we are pursuing God first and foremost?
Today we study the Ninth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:16 - You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Share some examples when speaking the truth was difficult and the result of doing so.
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Which of the three powerful temptations (self-interest, popular opinion, sympathetic judgment) are the most likely to trip you up in being truthful? How do you counteract this temptation?
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On a scale of 1-10, how are you doing with being on mission, and how can speaking and living truth help you in this mission?
Today we study the Eighth Commandment found in Exodus 20:15 - You shall not steal.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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What are some examples of stealing that are often overlooked when considering the Eighth Commandment?
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What do you think generous living looks like in our culture?
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What are some barriers for us to live generously?
Today we study the Seventh Commandment found in Exodus 20:14 - You shall not commit adultery.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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God gifted us relationships, especially marriage. Why is it so important that we honor God with our relationships?
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Covenant love is hard. How have you learned or worked to be faithful in the mess of broken relationships?
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What is hindering you from embracing God's covenant love for your relationships?
Today we study the Sixth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:13 - You shall not murder.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How can we be peacemakers in a culture that continues to spiral into division and strife?
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What are some practical ways that we can protect human life in our day and age?
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Share with one another where you struggle in the spirit of the law in the 6th Commandment and what steps you need to take to deal with them?
Today we study the Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:8-9 - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How might ceasing from work and regular routine one day a week reshape your life and attitudes on the other six?
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How does dwelling on God's creation, rescue, and resurrection work stir your affections towards God?
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Pastor Chris talked about our work towards significance, comfort, and control. Which one do you need to surrender and trust God with most and why?
Today we study the Third Commandment, found in Exodus 20:7 - You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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What is the significance of God's name being reflective of His being?
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How has the modern church become careless in how we treat the name of God?
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What are some areas in your life that you need to address in light of this commandment?
Today we study the Fifth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12 - Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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If your mom is on this side of heaven – please honor her by reaching out with a visit or a phone call!
As we look at the Second Commandment, we study how God has commanded us to worship Him.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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After considering Exodus 20:4-6, what examples of improper worship can you think of in the modern church today?
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How should the fact that we are image-bearers of God to a lost world affect the way we conduct our daily lives?
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What areas of your life need to be addressed to more appropriately reflect the image of God to others?
Today we look at the First of the Ten Commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3), and we study how we can ensure that God (and God alone) is the only one we look to for life.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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What does it mean to make God our life?
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What are some areas that you struggle with that compete with making God your life?
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How can we guard our hearts against anything that would seek to divide our loyalty to God?
As we continue our sermon series on the Ten Commandments, we study why they matter and what their purpose is.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Review the Ten Commandments together and come up with summary statements for how we are to love God and one another based on them.
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What would it take for us to fulfill I Peter 2:9 individually and as a church?
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Since the biblical definition of freedom is to enjoy the benefits of what we should do, how should this inform our daily decisions?
As we begin our study on the Ten Commandments, we see why God gave us the law, why we should study it, and why the law is good.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Where do you see the contradictions our culture has created for itself in trying to develop its moral code?
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God gave the Law to provide freedom of relationship. How does this change your perspective on the Law?
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What are you hoping to learn from this study?
Today, on Resurrection Sunday, we conclude our series by seeing how the victory of Jesus should be applied. Join us as we study the grace of Jesus, how He provides us with a new identity, and how it serves as a motivation for our service.
As we continue our series leading up to Resurrection Sunday, we examine how the Religious Leaders, the Disciples, and the Crowd all had misguided passions, and we study how to direct our passions towards Christ and His glory, authority, and will.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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Share with one another times where your passions have gotten the best of you, resulting in you getting off track.
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How can we protect ourselves from this in the future?
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How can we be more intentional during Holy Week to prepare ourselves to celebrate Resurrection Sunday?
Today begins our Easter Series, Kingdom of Victory, leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Today, we'll be studying the beauty of what God intended (Genesis 1-2), the tragedy of the fall of man (Genesis 3:1-13), and the prediction of victory (Genesis 3:14-15) as we look forward to His new creation (Revelation 21).
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How can we enjoy God more in the here and now?
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How can we actively lessen the allurement of sin in our daily lives?
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Share with one another any current spiritual struggles and spend some time praying for victory.
As our study moves into Malachi 3, we focus on the sovereignty of God. We trust God for our eternal destiny, but often stumble in the details of our present life, which ignores His sovereignty over all things. Join us as we study what true submission to God looks like.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
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How can we see beyond the circumstances of life and trust in the character of God?
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Malachi 3:1-6 speaks of being ready for the Lord's return - How should this impact our daily living?
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How should Malachi 3:7-12 affect our management of the resources God gives us?
As we dive into the second chapter of Malachi, we learn how authenticity in our worship and devotion to God demands four new affections in the lives of His people, and how we must always be on guard so that our love and devotion to God will be complete and total, leading to obedient living.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What competitors to your love and devotion to God are you facing?
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What are some helpful lessons that we can draw from Malachi 2:1-16 to assist us in our devotion to God and our relationships?
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Spend some time praying for healthier relationships and for those who are struggling in their relationships.
This morning we examine Malachi's second oracle calling for God's people to correct their illicit practices and indifferent attitudes. Paul echoes this message in Romans 12 with a call for the NT church to live their lives as a sacrificially as our spiritual worship. Though the Old Testament traditions and modes of worship have changed, the responsibility of God's people to worship with authentic motives remains the same.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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God said He is both Father and Master. What comes to your mind when you hear these two titles of God?
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How do these two titles of God impact our worship as a living sacrifice?
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Spend some time as a group focusing on God's worth by sharing how you have experienced God's holiness and grace.
As we begin our exposition of the book of Malachi, we take a look at the sovereignty of God, and His loving faithfulness to His undeserving people.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Why is it important to know that God's love for us is not based on our merit to be loved but His commitment to love us?
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Share with each other some difficult times you have experienced when you now see that God loved you well in hindsight.
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Why is it easy to talk about so many things that we love but so difficult to talk about the God that we love?
Please follow along in your Bible as we read Malachi together as a church. We also encourage you to take notes and ask questions. If you're not part of a small group, this is a great opportunity to join one (see our website or app for details).
If you don't have a Bible, you can follow along in our app (select the ESV Bible tab), download the YouVersion Bible app for iOS or Android, or download the Blue Letter Bible app for iOS or Android.
If this is your first time joining us, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line on our Connecting Card in our app or on our website!
// Small Group Questions
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How did God speak to you today through the reading of His Word? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions came to your mind as His Word was read today? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
As we conclude our series reviewing our mission statement (Glorify God, Love People, Make Disciples) it is fitting for us to count the cost of being a disciple and making disciples. Salvation cost you nothing, but discipleship is costly. Salvation happens in a moment, but discipleship is a lifetime commitment. Salvation is a work that God did for you. Discipleship is something you do with God. In Luke 14, Jesus uses strong language and parables to open the eyes of his followers to the hard reality of what it means to follow Him. Our aim this morning is know what we are called to as disciples that we may graciously make true disciples of Jesus.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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If someone is considering becoming a Christian and asks you what they will have to give up, what would you say?
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What things have you surrendered to follow and obey Jesus? (Examples: a job, hobbies, relationships, loyalties, habits, opportunities, etc.)
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How will you commit to Glorify God, Love People, and Make Disciples 'As You Go' this year? Spend time praying for one another's commitments.
As we continue to examine our mission statement (Glorify God, Love People, Make Disciples) we bring our attention to how we love as a church. Paul wrote one of the great passages in 1 Corinthians 13 admonishing an unloving church on how they can best reflect the love of God they had experienced. Paul's reminder is that we may have right doctrine and gifts and be absent of love. 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 is the expression of the proper attitude, atmosphere, motivation, and power we are to hold in our use of our gifting and ministry.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Which of the characteristics of love is most difficult for you and why? How can you work to change that?
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How have you given or served out of a motive of love? What was the result?
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How does God's enduring love encourage us to love AS WE GO?
This morning, we will look to the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus, as the supreme model for understanding how we are to love as we go through the daily rhythms of our lives. The Bible has so much to say on Love, and we may only scratch the surface on the means, attitudes, and attributes of Christ’s Love for us. There is no better way to understand how we can love people than to examine how Christ loves us.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Since God is gracious to undeserving sinners, how do we know when to be gracious, confront, or separate from them?
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Using the "Four Daily Questions" from the sermon and shown below, please answer the following: What hinders you most from Loving people? How can you better love people this week?
// Four Questions:
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Do I have compassion and empathy for people in the rhythms of my life?
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Do I show respect to others in the rhythms of my life?
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Do I listen well to others in the rhythms of my life?
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Do I encourage others in the rhythms of my life in presence, word, and deed?
This morning we will examine the early church in Acts 2 whose lives were meshed together through embracing an identity in Christ. This church was void of any cultural elements of success, worldly strategies, or cultural evangelical expectations. They were committed to spending and sharing their lives together as they Glorified God and model for us their early disciplines as a Church.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How is community part of our mission to Glorify God? How is individualism hindering us from experiencing community?
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What aspect of life in the early church do you most desire for our church or small group?
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Which of Pastor Chris’ questions do you need to address most in your life? Why?
// Five Questions:
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Am I being taught?
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Am I praying with others?
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Am I providing care and contributions?
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Am I growing with and spending time with others?
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Is my identity in Christ unifying me with others, even those who differ from my age, ethnicity, preferences, or socioeconomic status?
Our mission statement at CBC: Glorify God, Love People, and Make Disciples. Over the month of January, we will explore how we can accomplish our mission on a personal level as well as on a corporate level. This morning our aim is to help us understand how we can Glorify God as we go throughout our day.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What is God’s glory and why should we honor Him by glorifying Him?
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Using the “Four Daily Questions” from the sermon and shown below, please answer the following: What hinders you most from Glorifying God? How can you better Glorify God this week?
// Four Daily Questions:
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Do I have Faith in God?
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Am I satisfied in God?
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Am I obeying God?
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Am I worshiping God?
As we close out our Christmas series on the Prince of Peace (that's Jesus, by the way), we see how right thinking leads to the right behavior, which leads to God's peace, which in turn brings the security of heart and mind to the believer amid the chaos of life.
As we continue our series on the Prince of Peace during this Christmas season, we see how the birth of Jesus guarantees a global peace in the future, enables us to live in harmony with others now, and have personal peace with God.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can the promised future global peace fortify us in our current days of chaos?
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How does our peace with Christ help us navigate the struggles we can face in our personal relationships?
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Spend some time praying for opportunities to spread the Gospel of peace during the holiday season.
As we begin our Christmas series during a chaotic year, we focus our study on peace: the promise thereof, its illusiveness, and the only true source of peace, Jesus Christ.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What are some circumstances that cause you to lose peace in your life?
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What are the applications we can glean from Matthew 6 to secure this peace?
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What are some ways you can share this peace during the Christmas holidays?
As we finish our study in James, we look at the problem of sin in the church, and how to handle confrontation in a Biblical way in order to work towards a deeper and more vibrant relationship with God and each other.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How widely and to whom should sins be confessed?
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How can we create safe structures where accountability can be accomplished?
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What will be your biggest takeaways from our study in James?
As we near the end of our study in James, we study how to build each other up and strengthen each other in spiritual battles of life.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How do you maintain your spiritual strength and vitality?
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Why are we afraid to make ourselves spiritually vulnerable to each other, and what must change to make this a reality?
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Spend some time praying for one another’s spiritual strength and vitality.
We live in a day and age where there is a crisis of truth, where sayings like like "your truth", "my truth", and "fake news" are just as common as the constant barrage of conspiracy theories. James 5:12 is our starting point as we take a deep dive on what the Bible has to say about truth and honesty, and and how we are to be people of truth by living a life of integrity and credibility.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What situation have you faced recently where your integrity came into play?
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How can we be guilty of treating our words casually?
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How can we ensure that our character establishes the integrity of our words?
As we head into the season of Thanksgiving, we study a timely message from James on how our wealth is a blessing from God to be used in ways that glorify Him.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Although this passage is a characterization of a world without Christ, we can never consider ourselves immune (rich or poor) to materialism in our lives. What are the potential pitfalls in your life, and how do you guard against them?
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How do we evaluate whether we are using our wealth for God’s glory or selfindulgence?
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When faced with injustice, how do God’s compassion and mercy encourage us to stay faithful to Him?
For Missions Sunday 2020, join us as we study the true purpose of missions, and how praying, giving, and going are all responsibilities of the church on mission.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Why is it important to understand that worship is the goal of the church, not missions?
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Share with each other what sacrifices God has laid on your heart for the expansion of His kingdom.
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Spend some time praying for the specific countries provided (Ethiopia, Uganda, China, Nigeria).
This week, as we continue in our study of James, we see that a person of genuine faith will not be presumptuous in their thinking or planning, but rather they will acknowledge God's sovereignty over our lives and that He alone can guide us through the complexities of life.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What does it mean to live in dependence on God, seeking Him in all things affecting daily life?
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If living in dependence on God is the way of blessing for the believer, why do we struggle so much to live in this manner?
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What areas of your life are the most difficult for you to live as an act of worship, and how can you correct these deficiencies?
Next in our study of James, we take a look at the issue of conflict: where it comes from, the problems it creates, and how to navigate it successfully.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Why does God’s Word associate anger, hatred, and discord with murder (see also Matthew 5:21-24; I John 3:11-17)?
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What is your area of growth needed concerning the inward qualities discussed in James 4:7-10? What can be done to address this need?
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What does it mean to have the heart and mind of God in conflict?
As we continue our study in James, we study how Godly wisdom produces a continuing harvest of harmony and righteousness between God and our fellow believers.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How would you define in your own words godly wisdom based on this passage?
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In what ways have you seen godly wisdom exemplified in another person?
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Which of the seven qualities of godly wisdom do you most need to work on? What steps do you think you will need to take?
As we continue through the book of James, we examine the danger of the tongue and the spiritual discipline needed to ensure its proper use.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Why do you think James starts by cautioning his readers about becoming a teacher? What is the lesson for us today as we carry out the Great Commission?
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Share with the group when you experienced words affecting you significantly, whether positive or negative.
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Why is the tongue so hard to tame? What are things that you can do to practice reigning in your speech?
As we continue our study in James, we examine the difference between the emptiness of claimed faith, and the demonstration of true faith, with a focus on living the Gospel daily.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What some common examples used to show that the church is full of hypocrites?
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What does it mean to be a disciple being transformed by the Gospel in our day and age?
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How can you, your small group, our church be more intentional about showing the transformation of our lives to a lost and dying world?
As we begin the second chapter of James, we see how favoritism, discrimination, and racism are all evidence of a heart in need of spiritual help. James then exhorts the reader to live in surrender to God's will and desire in all matters of heart and practice.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Is there a place for cliques in the church? If so, how do we keep them from becoming destructive?
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How do Ephesians 2:11-18; Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 3:11; and Romans 10:11-13 instruct us as a church in relationship to reaching our community and world?
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Since we are to be intentional about developing diversity in our relationships, how do we go about it?
As we conclude the first chapter of James, we see what it means to listen, receive, and practice the Word of God.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Why is it important to understand the “why” behind what we do?
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In light of what Paul is saying in James 1:19-20, how can we cultivate a listening, teachable heart?
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Discuss some ways you can live out your faith by loving on your community individually or perhaps as a small group?
As we continue our study in James, we take a close look at temptation....what it is, where it comes from, and what its purpose is.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Why is it important to understand that our trials can be a means of building up or a pathway to the breakdown of our character?
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What does it mean to look to God for strength and grace in our trials/temptations?
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How does the fact we are being molded into the first installments of God’s new creation change our perspective on trials/temptations?
As we begin the book of James, we see that James exhorts the reader to have the right perspective on trials, seeing that they are from God for our growth and maturity.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can we better focus on the long-term goals of God for our growth and maturity rather than the short-term pain of our trials?
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Do you see God as a ready or reluctant source of wisdom in your trials? What does it look like to live in His wisdom, not yours?
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How can the concept of heavenly rewards for those who preserve in trials assist us in having the right perspective on trials?
Join us as we introduce James, looking at the overall themes, purpose, background, and historical context, culminating in a complete reading of the book.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions do you have as you heard the reading of this book? Please take this opportunity for you and/or your small group to send these questions along to the staff by using the Ask a Pastor feature on our church website or app.
Today as we continue our effort to see and savor the person and presence of the Holy Spirit, we will examine Paul’s warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit. We should be able to answer a simple question: Do I grieve or please the Holy Spirit with my life?
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What are the consequences of grieving or refusing to follow the Holy Spirit?
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How do you recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life? Share testimonies of your submission to the Spirit.
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How can you contribute to building unity in the Spirit here at Calvary?
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Spend some time praying for the Spirit to lead you in you walk in newness of life.
This week we will examine what it looks like to walk with and be filled by the Holy Spirit. Our journey takes us to Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Earlier in his writing to the Galatians, Paul stresses that we are justified by faith, but then he moves the conversation to an ethical one concerning morality. With precision, Paul addresses the fact that the solution to the passions of the flesh are not more laws, but the Holy Spirit who transforms us from the inside out.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How does Paul’s command to “walk in the Spirit” result in not gratifying the flesh?
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What are ways that we focus living our lives, so they look good externally rather than maturing internally?
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According to Paul, how does one walk and be filled by the Spirit?
As we continue our series “Taste & See” (our exploration of the person, purpose, and presence of the Holy Spirit), we will examine our need to rely upon and be taught by The Spirit. Too often we neglect to see & savor the word and work of God the Spirit. Psalm 34 provides a beautiful picture of the Goodness of God’s presence in David’s life. We, too, can Taste & See the goodness of the active presence of the Spirit in our lives as we move to have a teachable reliance on the Spirit.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How is the Holy Spirit being in us better than having Jesus on earth with us?
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In what way has the Holy Spirit helped you in your Christian life? Did he comfort, counsel, or convict you?
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What are some areas of your life that you are relying more on your strength rather than the power of the Holy Spirit? What changes do you need to make?
This message begins a 4-part series focused on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. In this first message, we will learn about who the person of the Holy Spirit is, his purpose, and his presence in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit is one of the least understood persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How do the Scriptures help you understand who the person of the Holy Spirit is?
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Why is it important to understand the purpose of the Holy Spirit, first in the context of our passage in John’s day, and then in our today?
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How does the presence of the Holy Spirit encourage us as a Helper, Comforter, and Advocate today?
In our final sermon in II Thessalonians, we focus on how God calls His people to remain faithful to Him and to live for His glory, in spite of the chaos in our culture.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Paul uses some clear and strong instructions concerning church discipline in this passage. Why do you think there is such resistance towards the church applying discipline?
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What criteria would you use to define a faithful life, and how are you measuring up?
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What will be your biggest takeaways from our study in II Thessalonians?
In II Thessalonians 3:1-5, we see that effectiveness is found in intercessory prayer, and that God is our stabilizer and defense in an unstable and dangerous world.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Paul, in his role as a missionary church planter, is calling on the Thessalonican Church to involve themselves in intercessory prayer on his behalf. How often to you take time to pray for the effectiveness of the missionaries CBC supports?
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Why are we so prone to rely on our natural abilities and gifts?
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Share with one another how God has been a stabilizing force in your life and experience.
In today's sermon, Pastor Chris walks us through a portion of Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth. Here, Paul talks about how when we are weak, God's power is made perfect through His grace.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Where in your life do you need God’s Grace to be sufficient?
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What would you consider you own weakness? Discuss some ways that God has been strong in your weakness.
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What does it mean to surrender your power and control to God? Pray for God to give victory in our struggle and Glory in our surrender.
In II Thessalonians 2:13-17, we examine Paul's exhortation to hold fast to God's Truth as we take comfort that God will give the Waiting Church the strength to fulfill her mission until Christ returns.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How does the security of our salvation and the destiny of glory for the believer encourage us as we wait for Christ’s return?
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How can our traditions and preferences hinder us from living out the truth of God’s Word?
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Share with one another times of difficulties where you have experienced God’s comfort and strength. Spend some time praying for those who may need to experience this same comfort and strength.
In II Thessalonians 2:3-12, we study Paul's correction of the faulty interpretation that had been going around in the church at Thessalonica in regards to the Day of the Lord. Through this eschatological thrill ride, we will reaffirm the sufficiency of Scripture, and why every believer must read, study, understand, and apply the inerrant Word of God.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What ways do you see the Gospel being attacked in our day?
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How do you think this passage encouraged the Thessalonican Church and strengthened them to wait faithfully? How does that apply to our day?
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What are some steps we can take to develop our skills in interpreting the Word of God?
In II Thessalonians 2:1-2, we take a look at the difference between good theology and bad theology, and see how good theology leads to godly living.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What are you doing to ensure that you are a good theologian? What could you do to become a better theologian?
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We know that our theology is to be lived out in daily life. Where do your life and your theology tend to get out of sync?
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Fear and anxiety have been a very common experience over the last 3+ months; how can our identity in Christ bring peace and comfort into trouble times?
In II Thessalonians 1:11-12, we take a look at the importance of prayer and living to the glory of God as we wait for the greater glory after the return of Jesus.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Since our prayer efforts should match our physical efforts in the ministry, how does this affect the way we approach ministry opportunities?
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What are the ramifications of making our prayer focus to be on the character of Christ being established rather than relief from the afflictions of life?
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Discuss together the significance of Christ being glorified in us (trophies of His grace Eph. 2:4-9) and how this should impact our lives daily.
In II Thessalonians 1:5-10, we see that we can confidently and faithfully face any persecution or affliction because we know that God is with us and He will gloriously and finally settle all accounts.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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It is very easy to feel God has abandoned us in a world dominated by non-Christian values; how can we fortify ourselves to believe that He is with us and at work in us?
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How should the thought of being considered worthy by God motivate and guide our daily choices?
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How can the truth that God will deal completely with those who afflict us for our beliefs help us in reaching our world?
In II Thessalonians 1:3-4, we look to the church at Thessalonica as an example of what it means to grow in faith and love, and to be faithful during suffering.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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Share together examples of how other’s faithfulness has been an encouragement to your life.
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What can we learn from the Thessalonians about being faithful amid suffering?
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Spend some time together praying for wisdom and direction for the re-opening CBC.
Join us as we introduce 2 Thessalonians, looking at the overall themes, purpose, background, and historical context, culminating in a complete reading of the book.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions do you have as you heard the reading of this book? Please take this opportunity for you and/or your small group to send these questions along to the staff by using the Ask a Pastor feature on our church app or website.
In this timely message, we study Psalm 116 to remember God's faithfulness, and see that the resolve of our heart towards God must be founded upon His character, not our circumstances.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can we be more effective in encouraging one another to have a heart for God?
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How can we make sure that God defines our circumstances rather than our circumstance defining our view of God?
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Do people outside of the church know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? If so, what do you think they understand about Him by watching your life?
Throughout the Bible, it is clear that the entirety of one's life matters to God. In this sermon, we look through Genesis, Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Luke, II Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Titus to see how we are to protect the unborn, raise children, work for God's glory, and always continue the mission of the church.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can we do a better job of protecting the unborn?
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As we live our lives for God’s glory, what are some practical ways we can bring value to our workplace and world?
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Why is it important that all ages are valued in the life and ministry of a church?
In I Thessalonians 5:16-28, we study Paul's exhortation to be guided by the Holy Spirit, grounded in His Word (the Bible), and to grow in our sanctification as we wait for the return of Jesus.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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We have a good idea of what it means to live a surrendered life inside the church, but what does it look like outside of church?
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How do we apply 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “but test everything; hold fast what is good.” in today’s world?
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How can we make sure we are growing more like Christ even during this time of stay at home orders and social distancing?
In I Thessalonians 5:12-15, we examine the responsibility of the leaders and the body of a church in a unified commitment to Christlikeness, with a focus on being powerful witnesses as we wait for the return of Jesus.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can we show love and esteem for our leadership?
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What does it look like to have relationships that are transformed by the Gospel? How would this impact our relationships with believers and unbelievers?
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Why is it important for every member of a local church to understand that the spiritual well-being of the membership is their responsibility, not just the pastors?
In I Thessalonians 5:1-11, we look ahead to the coming judgment and wrath of God, and how that becomes a call to serve more fervently, all while continually encouraging one another to be more and more like our Savior.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can we sound the alarm of coming judgment effectively in our culture?
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How does our identity in Christ assist us in our daily lives as we wait for Christ’s return?
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Are you encouraging others to be strong and faithful until Christ’s return? What are some things we can do to further encourage one another?
Thank you for joining us during this Easter season, when we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world! While we hope that you enjoy our program, our greatest prayer is that you hear the message that is being told through all of it.
The message is that God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born in a humble manger, to live a perfect life, to die on the cross for our sins, and to rise again to life, defeating death and hell. Because He came and accomplished all these things, we can have a personal relationship with God.
He not only told us the way to have a relationship with Him but also provided the way for us to do so. This was only possible with the resurrection of Jesus, and that is why we call our program “Our Risen Savior.” God provided the greatest gift ever given when He gave us His Son. Through His victory over death we can have hope, peace, a love like no other, abundant life, and eternal life! Even though we’re not sure what tomorrow will bring, we take great comfort and hope in the fact that Our Risen Savior, Jesus, is coming again soon!
If you would like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with God, please contact any of our pastors or the church office. It would be a great joy for us to tell you more about how you can know Our Risen Savior. You can find our contact information at https://www.cbcderry.org
We look forward to the day when we can worship Our Risen Savior together…both here on the Earth, and in eternity.
Sincerely, The CBC Pastoral Staff
In I Thessalonians 4:1-12, we examine both the personal and corporate responsibilities on the journey of sanctification.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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What spiritual practices do we need in place to be spiritually extraordinary?
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What principles presented in this passage of sexual purity and faithfulness are the most beneficial in our culture today?
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How do we show our integrity individually and corporately to the world around us?
In I Thessalonians 3:11-13, we study how the role of God, the importance of love, and the coming accountability all work together for our sanctification and maturity.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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How can we ensure that we are aligning ourselves with what God is doing rather than what we want Him to be doing?
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How can we shape our relationships to be more about holiness than happiness?
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The return of Christ played a significant role in the life and ministry of Paul, is this true of your life? Why or why not?
In I Thessalonians 3:1-10, we study Paul's exhortation to the church at Thessalonica to stand firm in their faith in the face of affliction.
// Small Group Questions
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What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
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What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
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In our current state of emergency and social distancing, what are you doing to nurture your soul spiritually?
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What are some ways you could contribute to the spiritual vitality of our church now, and especially when life gets back to normal?
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Spend some time praying for our community, state, and nation as we deal with the coronavirus.
In I Thessalonians 2:13-20, we study how we are to apply the Word of God, imitate a Biblically-based life, and focus on living and sharing the Gospel wherever God has placed us until He returns.
In I Thessalonians 2:1-12, we see the Biblical motivation for leadership, and study how a leader's ultimate responsibility is to grow and mature the body of believers, so that they may walk in a manner worthy of God, looking forward to the return of Jesus.
In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, we study the Gospel's total transformation of our lives, and how we are not only to preach the Gospel, but live it out as we look toward the return of Christ.
As we begin our study in 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Talley gives an introduction to the book, and we read the entire book together as a church.