Calvary Church Bentonville: Recent Episodes
Calvary Church Bentonville
Weekly teaching and preaching brought to you by Calvary Church in Bentonville, AR. Pastor Chantry Dean.
In The Missing Dimension, we are called back to something the modern church cannot afford to lose: a holy fear and reverence for God. Through the story of Saul and the warning of Scripture, we see that loving God is not enough if we choose comfort, compromise, or our own way over obedience. True revival begins when we recover an awe of God that guards our lives, confronts sin, and moves us toward truth. If we want God to restore what has been lost, we must return to the fear of the Lord.
God can change everything in a moment, but the “suddenly” is often just the beginning. The Book of Acts shows us that powerful encounters with God are meant to lead into a steadfast life of faith, prayer, fellowship, and obedience. This message reminds us to stay faithful through the waiting, because today’s steadfastness may be preparing us for tomorrow’s suddenly.
True freedom is not found in living apart from God, but in fully depending on Him. This message reminds us that every blessing comes from the Lord and that our families, our church, our nation, and our future all need Him. As we celebrate freedom, we are invited to make a deeper declaration: Lord, we cannot make it without You.
Fear has a way of convincing us that what we see is all there is, but God invites us to see through the eyes of faith. In this message from 2 Kings 6, discover how God's presence surrounds every battle, even when it's hidden from view. If you've been overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty, or impossible circumstances, this message will encourage you to trust that God is already at work—even before you can see it.
Our view of God is often shaped by our experiences with earthly fathers, but Scripture reveals a Heavenly Father who is far greater than any human example. In this message, we'll discover a Father who knows our needs, delights in giving good gifts to His children, and never stops pursuing those who have wandered away. Whether you're a parent, a child, or somewhere in between, you'll be encouraged by the love, care, and faithfulness of our Father in heaven.
Have you ever felt like something valuable was missing from your walk with God? Drawing from David’s prayer in Psalm 51:12, this message explores three common thieves of spiritual joy—bitterness, sin, and busyness—and how they quietly rob us of the passion and peace God intends for His people. No matter what has been stolen, God is still able to restore what was lost. Join us as we discover that His grace doesn't just forgive—it rebuilds, renews, and restores joy once again.
What do you do when life looks confusing, painful, delayed, or completely out of place? In this sermon, “God Knows What He’s Doing,” we look at the life of Moses and see how God was working even when the picture looked impossible.
From Pharaoh’s death decree, to Moses floating in the Nile, to his years in Midian, to the plagues, Passover, and the Red Sea, every moment proves one powerful truth: God sees the finished masterpiece before we understand the brushstrokes.
You may not understand every trial, delay, loss, or unanswered question, but you can trust the Artist. The painting is not finished. The story is not over. God is still working.
Scripture Text: Exodus 5:22–23, Exodus 1:22, Exodus 2:1-2,
Habakkuk 2:3, Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6
Key Thought: Don’t judge the painting before the Artist is finished
God's promises are not based on our abilities, circumstances, or the uncertainty of this world—they are anchored in His unchanging character. Through the life of Abraham, the father of faith, we see what it means to trust God when the promise seems impossible. Join us as we discover how steadfast faith in a faithful God gives us confidence that His promises are sure.
What happens when God’s people respond to His call? In this message, we explore the powerful promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and the connection between our obedience and God’s response. Discover how humility, prayer, repentance, and seeking God can lead to healing, restoration, and revival. This sermon is a reminder that when we move toward God, He faithfully moves toward us.
Built on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ, the Church was never meant to live in fear or defeat. In this message from Matthew 16:18, we’ll explore the authority, strength, and promise God has given His people—that even the gates of hell cannot prevail against His Church. Be encouraged to stand firm in your faith and confident in the victory Christ has already secured.
This message explores the powerful pattern of “If… Then…” found throughout Scripture—our response to God, and His response to us. Through 2 Chronicles 7:14, we are reminded that revival begins personally before it ever becomes public. Humility, prayer, seeking God’s presence, and true repentance are not just steps toward revival—they are revival. As we respond in obedient faith, we position ourselves for God to move with forgiveness, restoration, and healing.
God is all powerful. There is nothing in this world, no situation or circumstance that is more than a drop in the bucket to Gods ability.
This lesson reveals that doctrine is not just something we believe, but something we are called to obey. Built on the foundation of the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ, God’s Word anchors our lives and leads us into truth. Scripture makes it clear that real faith is shown through action, not just hearing. When we obey sound doctrine, we experience freedom, righteousness, and a deeper walk with God.
Join us as we explore the powerful story of Mephibosheth—a man overlooked, broken, and hiding, yet pursued by the kindness of a king. This message reveals how God’s grace seeks us out not because of who we are, but because of His covenant love. Discover how grace restores identity, brings us to the table, and invites us into a place we never could earn. It’s a reminder that no matter where you’ve been, grace knows where to find you.
Easter is not the end of the story, it is the beginning of a new life with purpose. In this message, we see how Jesus meets us in our everyday moments, restoring what failure tried to break and reminding us that we are still called. The same resurrection power that raised Him is meant to transform us, not just for a moment but for a mission. When we say yes to Him, the story continues through our lives with restoration, purpose, and expectation.
Explore the fundamental role of apostolic doctrine in the life of a believer with "Steadfast: Doctrine Defined." This lesson dives into why sound biblical teaching is the essential foundation for truth, unity, and effective discipleship in the modern church (pp. 1-2). By examining the writings of the Apostles, you will discover how to protect absolute truth and ensure your daily walk aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ (p. 2). Join us to learn why doctrine must not only be taught and received but actively practiced to strengthen the body of Christ (p. 1).
What looked like a world drained of color at the cross was actually the turning point of everything. In the darkest moment, Jesus carried sin, shame, and guilt so they could be buried for good. When He rose, what seemed like loss was revealed as victory, bringing life, hope, and purpose back to a broken world. Because He lives, He still restores what feels empty and brings color back into every life that turns to Him.
This message reveals that God brings order, not chaos, and that true life is found in alignment with Him. Throughout Scripture, we see that stepping outside His design leads to confusion, but surrender invites restoration. The call is clear: let God order your steps and realign your life.
This message reveals the reality of spiritual captivity and the authority believers have to speak freedom through faith. With urgency and compassion, it reminds us that people are not the enemy, but many are bound in unseen prisons that only God can break. Through the power of God’s Word and our willingness to declare truth, chains can be broken and lives can be transformed. When we begin to speak life, victory, and hope, we partner with God to set captives free.
This message reveals the limitless riches found in Jesus, where His mercy, power, and salvation never run dry. Through powerful imagery and testimony, we are reminded that every time we turn to Him, there is always more grace waiting to be discovered. No matter your past or present struggle, His goodness is greater and His love is still reaching for you. Today is an invitation to stop living in lack and step into the fullness of all He freely offers.
While weddings on earth are filled with beauty and celebration, they point to a far greater day that is coming. This message invites us to see salvation as God’s ultimate proposal and our daily walk as preparation for that eternal union with Him. Each step of obedience is shaping our lives into a garment ready for that moment when Christ returns for His bride. With urgency and hope, we are reminded to stay ready, stay faithful, and live with eternity in view as we await the greatest wedding of all.
God is always at work positioning His people for His greater purpose. In this message, we explore how God used unlikely paths—like Esther’s rise from obscurity to the palace and Joseph’s journey from the pit to power—to accomplish His plans. Even when life feels uncertain or difficult, God may be preparing and placing us exactly where we need to be. Discover how your story could be part of something far bigger than you imagine.
A Miracle in Motion explores what happens when the Spirit of God begins to move-bringing life to what feels empty, broken, or without form. Drawing from scripture, this message reminds us that miracles often begin quietly, set in motion by faith, prayer, and obedience long before we see the outcome. Through powerful biblical examples, we're invited to trust that God is working even now, hovering over our families, churches, and circumstances. Come be encouraged to believe that your miracle may already be in motion.
This sermon explores the honest questions of Habakkuk, meeting our doubts about injustice and unanswered prayers. It shows how God welcomes real conversations and invites us to trust Him even when His ways are confusing. In the end, we’re called to a resilient faith that can still say, “Yet I will rejoice.”
This message invites us to see everything we have—our time, talents, resources, family, and even our bodies—as gifts entrusted to us by God. Through relatable stories and clear biblical principles, it challenges the mindset of ownership and calls us into faithful stewardship under God’s care. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on how you’re managing what’s been placed in your hands and where small, intentional changes can lead to lasting impact. Come ready to be inspired, convicted, and equipped to live with purpose and faithfulness.
Pastor Barron delivers a compelling message on the importance of a pastor’s covering in both the church and the home. Drawing from Psalm 23 and the stories of Elisha, he reveals how the rod and staff represent loving correction, protection, and spiritual oversight. In seasons of growth, uncertainty, and rebuilding, we are reminded that God works through spiritual authority to restore, preserve, and guide His people. True strength comes when we willingly remain under the covering God has placed in our lives.
Worship is more than a song we sing. It is a life fully surrendered to God. This message reminds us that true worship begins in the heart and is expressed through obedience, trust, and daily devotion. What we worship ultimately shapes who we become, and when our hearts are fixed on Jesus, real transformation takes place. As inward worship overflows into outward praise, we are invited to engage with God in spirit and in truth with everything we are.
We don’t miss out on miracles because God stops working—we miss out on miracles because we stop watching for them.
We are all called to serve. To effectively serve in the Kingdom of God, we will need to serve as the church. We will need to engage in the ministry of the saints alongside our pastor.
Where you are right now doesn't matter as much as where you are headed. Let go have past victories and hurts because God's best work is still ahead of us.
This sermon invites us to rediscover prayer not as a ritual or performance, but as a real, life-giving connection with God. It explores what prayer truly is, what can hinder it, and how both personal and corporate prayer draw us into alignment with His will. We’re also challenged to see how fasting humbles our flesh and strengthens our spiritual focus. Together, it’s a call to move beyond routine and truly engage with God in a deeper, more powerful way.
Dis-engangement is the enemies success. Now is the time to engage in prayer, in the church body, and in the kingdom of God. He's not looking for perfect people, He is just looking for engagement.
We are longing for something better than this, greater than this, higher than this. Dreaming for a life free of addiction and pain. The opportunity is there, its what we do in this moment on earth that will decide our eternity.
Still About the Lost
This powerful message reminds us that the heart of the Gospel—and the heart of Jesus—is always about the lost. Through stirring worship and heartfelt preaching, we’re reminded that no one is too far gone to be found by God’s love. Whether it’s the one sheep, one coin, or one son, heaven rejoices when the lost return. This season, let’s not forget the reason Jesus came: to seek and to save.
Matthew’s Gospel reveals Jesus as a different kind of King—one who comes not to build an earthly empire, but to establish a Kingdom that transforms hearts. Through the responses of Herod, the religious leaders, and the wise men, this message invites us to examine how we respond when the King draws near. Will we resist, ignore, or surrender in worship? This sermon calls us to move beyond knowing about Jesus and fully bow our lives before Him as both Savior and King.
Every name Isaiah wrote--Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace--meets a different need. But every one of those names points to the same Jesus who is present today.
This message explores the breathtaking love of God—a love so vast that even Paul admitted it “passes knowledge,” yet still invites us to taste and see for ourselves. Holding together God’s righteous authority and His tender care, the sermon reveals how the One who has every right to judge instead chooses to love. Through Scripture, story, and invitation, we are reminded that God meets us in our brokenness and offers a love powerful enough to transform any life. This is an invitation not just to hear about God’s love, but to open your heart and experience it.
This message invites us to explore the courageous faith of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—three young men who stood firm when everyone else bowed. Their story reminds us that God’s presence is not proven by the fires we avoid, but by the God who stands with us in the flames. Whether He delivers in the way we hope or leads us through the heat, He is still worthy of our trust and worship. This sermon calls us to a resilient, “even if He doesn’t” kind of faith that refuses to bow to pressure and finds strength in the Fourth Man in the fire.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible declares one eternal truth: there is only one God, and His name is Jesus.
There are moments in life when even the strongest among us whisper, “Lord, it’s enough.” Like Elijah under the juniper tree, we can find ourselves weary, discouraged, and running on empty — not because we’ve lost faith, but because we’ve lost strength. Yet the beauty of Elijah’s story is that God met him in that place of exhaustion, not with judgment, but with rest, restoration, and renewed purpose. This message reminds us that the juniper tree is not the end, but a place where God revives the weary and gently leads us back into hope, calling, and fresh strength for the journey ahead.
Rev. Scott Shelton delivers a stirring message contrasting two types of spiritual homes - one that merely stores God’s presence and one that makes room for it to thrive. Drawing from the story of the Ark, he challenges us to move beyond complacency and embrace a life that invites transformation through intimacy with God. This message is a call to choose the house where blessings flow, hearts are stirred, and lives are changed.
We don't fear the Lord to keep Him from hurting us. We fear the Lord to keep us from hurting Him.
There are times when God feels distant, when prayers seem unanswered and His presence feels hidden. But even in silence, He is still working, not always with His “right hand” of visible power, but with His “left hand” of quiet purpose. This message reminds us that God often does His greatest work in the shadows of our weakness and need. When life feels uncertain, trust that His unseen hand is still shaping your story for glory.
From the very beginning, life began with a divine touch — God’s hands forming humanity from the dust. Throughout Scripture, every healing, every act of compassion, every miracle flowed from that same loving contact. In Jesus, the untouchable God became touchable — reaching for the broken, the outcast, and the weary. This message reminds us that His hand is still reaching today — to heal what’s wounded, restore what’s lost, and awaken what’s grown numb. All it takes is one touch from God to change everything.
The same Jesus who calmed that storm is still speaking to hearts today. Whatever waves have been crashing around you—grief, fear, anxiety, uncertainty—He’s still the Master over them all.
This message reminds us of the timeless truths we cannot afford to forget. God’s everlasting love destroys hatred and draws us closer to Him. The wrath of God awakens a holy fear that leads to wisdom and a hatred of evil. And the promise of Christ’s return stirs a living hope that strengthens families and fuels our faith.
In a world where everything feels uncertain and unstable, God offers us a foundation that cannot be moved. This message reminds us that while nations, economies, and even relationships may be shaken, the Kingdom of God remains unshakeable. When we build our lives on Jesus Christ—the solid rock—we can stand firm through every storm. Discover how to live with unshakable faith, hope, and purpose in times of shaking.
Life with Jesus isn’t about empty attempts or wasted effort. Just like a prize machine that always gives back, when you offer even a little to Him, He always responds with something meaningful. In this message, discover how pursuing Christ guarantees growth, purpose, and joy - every time.
Life is full of choices, and each decision carries weight — some more than we realize. Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us that God sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing, and urges us to choose life. One decision can lead to freedom, peace, and destiny, while another can bring regret and loss. This message challenges us to stop delaying, stop looking back, and boldly choose the path of life and blessing today.
The promises of God are meant to be feasted on, not forgotten. In this message, we are reminded that the wilderness is not wasted—it is where God shapes our faith and prepares us for His promise. If we allow carnality to take over, we risk delaying what God has planned, but if we stay faithful, His Word will surely come to pass. This sermon calls us to trust, endure, and hold fast to the hope set before us.
What if your greatest struggle could lead to your greatest transformation? In this powerful message, we look at the life of Jacob—a man marked by stubbornness, yet chosen and changed by God. Through Jacob’s relentless pursuit of blessing and identity, we learn that God doesn’t condemn urgency—He redirects it. This sermon challenges us to surrender our own way, embrace God’s higher way, and press in with a holy tenacity that refuses to let go until He blesses us.
A Word to the Comfortable
Comfort feels good—until it becomes a cage. In this powerful message, we’re challenged to examine the danger of spiritual apathy and what happens when we settle in places God never meant for us to stay. From Job’s honest confession to modern-day signs of drifting faith, this sermon is a call to awaken, to stir again, and to leave behind the spiritual slumber of “Comfort Bay” before it becomes our “Comfortless Cove.” If you’ve been drifting, now is the time to rise, to reclaim your fire, and to move from ease into purpose.
From the mountaintop teachings to life-changing miracles, Jesus stands apart like no other. In this message, we see His compassion as He touches and heals a man with leprosy - something no one else would dare to do. Jesus doesn’t just speak with authority; He moves with mercy, proving His power and love are unmatched.
In a world full of uncertainty, the Bible offers us some unshakeable truths about God. We can know that He is a faithful friend who forgives and is never far from any one of us. Join us as Bishop Dean unpacks this powerful and comforting message.
Most of us hate to lose, but what if losing is the only way to truly win? In this message, we explore the story of the rich young ruler and the hard truth Jesus reveals: surrender is the pathway to eternal life. Real victory doesn’t come from holding on, but from letting go. Discover what it means to lose your life for Christ, and gain everything that matters.
Spiritual warfare is not just symbolic, but it is real, active, and happening around us every day. This message explores the three spiritual forces that every person will encounter and how Scripture reveals their influence in our lives. Through biblical insight and practical truth, we will learn how to recognize the battle, resist the enemy, and stand strong in God's power. Do not miss this eye-opening look at the unseen war shaping our world.
In one of the darkest seasons of Israel’s history, a man named Ethan picked up his pen and wrote a song—not of sorrow, but of unwavering faith: “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever.” From the depths of captivity, he declared what many of us need to be reminded of today: God is faithful. Whether you're standing on a mountaintop or leaning against the cold wall of a prison cell, His faithfulness never fails. This message is for anyone who’s ever asked “Why, God?”—and still dared to worship in the waiting.
In this powerful message titled “Ark Bearers,” Rev. Murray Ray shares from Joshua 3:15–17, calling fathers to step into their God-given role as the priests of their homes. Just as the priests carried the ark into the Jordan River, fathers are called to carry the presence of God with purpose, even when the waters seem overwhelming. This message is a compelling reminder that when men lead with spiritual conviction, God makes a way for their families to follow.
In Luke 1:26–31, we find that with every divine blessing comes a divine burden. Bro. Murray Ray reminds us that the weight of our calling often matches the weight of our promise. Even when it's heavy, our response should echo Mary's: “Be it unto me according to thy word.” God’s favor may not always feel easy, but it is always purposeful.
What you focus on shapes what you see. In this message, we’re reminded that God’s presence, power, and purpose are often closer than we think, but we have to be looking for them. If you’re always searching for what’s wrong, that’s what you’ll find. But if you tune your heart to God’s goodness, you’ll start seeing miracles everywhere.
The world has never been more connected—yet anxiety is on the rise. In The Anxious Generation, Richard Goble unpacks how smartphones, social media, and cultural shifts are shaping our mental health. This message offers a powerful perspective on how the Church can respond with lasting hope and truth. There is peace to be found—even in an age of overwhelm.
Life gets busy, and we’re all prone to forget things—phones, keys... even the goodness of God. This message calls us to slow down and remember what truly matters: God’s faithfulness, His provision, and the power of His Word. When we forget who He is and what He’s done, we risk losing our gratitude, our purpose, and our fire. But when we remember, our hearts are reignited—and so is our worship.
What does it truly mean to be redeemed? In this powerful message, we explore a word we often sing and say, yet rarely stop to understand. Through the rich imagery of Psalm 107, we discover that the redeemed aren’t the flawless—they’re the wandering, the weary, the rebellious, and the overwhelmed who cry out to a merciful God. And the miracle? He hears, He responds, and He redeems—not with gold, but with grace.
Relationships
Life moves at the speed of relationships—because we were created for connection. This message explores the two most vital relationships in every believer’s life: our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with others. When we center our lives on Christ and love people the way He loves us, everything else aligns. Discover how these two relationships shape your purpose, deepen your faith, and reflect the heart of God.
"I Spent My Summers in Tioga" is a heartfelt reflection on the power of godly influence—how the places we go, the people we surround ourselves with, and the choices we make shape not just our lives, but the spiritual futures of our children. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and a call to intentional living, this message reminds us that the most lasting legacy we leave is the example we set. It's not just about bringing our children to church—it's about bringing them to Jesus.
Oppression distorts our thinking and drives us to places we’d never choose in freedom. But when the four lepers stepped out in faith, they found that God had already made a way. This message calls us to stop settling, rise up, and walk into the victory God has prepared—because breakthrough begins when we move.
Imperfect | Week 9
In our struggles, God is not distant—He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. This message reminds us that while we may feel broken, burdened, or blinded, His promises are always “yes” in Christ. We are called to live with humility, extend grace, and shine His light through the cracks in our lives. Though we are imperfect, we carry the hope of eternal glory through the One who makes all things new.
In a world obsessed with instant answers and quick fixes, Seven Miles invites us into the quiet, uncertain walk of two disciples — confused, grieving, and unaware that Jesus Himself was beside them. This sermon reminds us that faith isn’t about having all the answers, but about recognizing the One who walks with us through the questions. Even when we don’t understand the journey, Jesus is present — guiding, revealing, and drawing us back to peace. Come discover what it means to walk by trust, not clarity, and to know Him even in the unknown.
The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history—it’s the heartbeat of our hope. In this message, we unpack how culture had started to reshape the Corinthian church’s beliefs about life after death, and how Paul brought them back to the truth: the Gospel is only complete when we respond to it. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again—and because He lives, we have the promise of life beyond the grave.
This message takes us to the heart of Jesus’ final days—a journey from palm branches to the cross. As the crowd shouted “Hosanna!” and welcomed their miracle-working Messiah, they didn’t yet understand He came not just to save them—but to be Lord over their lives. With powerful storytelling and personal challenge, this sermon asks a timeless question: will you follow Jesus when the celebration fades and the cost becomes real? He’s not just calling for our praise—He’s calling for our hearts.
The early church in Corinth was passionate and spiritually gifted, but often missed the mark when it came to unity, maturity, and love. In this message, we explore how the gifts of the Spirit are meant to edify the Body—not elevate individuals—and how God calls His church to pursue order, clarity, and Christ-like love above all. Through Paul’s guidance in 1 Corinthians 14, we’re reminded that a Spirit-led church must also be a Word-anchored church. Even in our imperfections, we can reflect the perfect love and purpose of Christ when we let every gift point back to Him.
In scripture, Jesus performed miracles to demonstrate his divine power and compassion, healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms. These miracles affirmed his identity as the Son of God and revealed God's kingdom on earth. While Jesus' earthly ministry ended, Christians believe that he continues to perform miracles today through the Holy Spirit, answering prayers, providing healing, and transforming lives. His power remains active, bringing hope and restoration to those who believe.
In this message, Family Pastor Justin Jeter dives into the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, exploring how small, intentional choices can shape our identity and faith in a world that constantly pressures us to conform. Just as Daniel set his heart to remain faithful to God despite the overwhelming influence of Babylon, we are challenged to set our hearts today—standing firm in our beliefs and resisting the subtle pulls of a world that seeks to redefine us. Whether you're a parent, a young person, or anyone in between, this message encourages you to make the daily decision to stay true to God’s calling, no matter the cost.
In "Dangers of Darkness," Rev. David Bryan urges us to wake up from spiritual slumber and engage in the miraculous work God is doing in our lives. Drawing from Matthew 26:36-45, this sermon reminds us of the dangers of complacency and the need to rise in worship, freedom, and deliverance before we face greater destruction. It’s time to shake off the darkness and fully respond to God's call.
"In 'My Song in the Night,' we explore how to find joy even through life's struggles. Drawing from Psalm 77:1-6, this sermon encourages us to bring our pain and questions to God, trusting that He is present even in our darkest moments. Discover how we can sing with hope, even when circumstances seem overwhelming."
In Mark 7:31-35, Jesus encounters a man who is deaf and unable to speak clearly, and His response is unexpected—a deep sigh. This sigh reveals Jesus' heartache for the brokenness of the world, a world that was never meant to be this way. Yet, despite His sorrow, Jesus speaks healing over the man, demonstrating that His compassion is always followed by action. In this message, we reflect on the hope we have in a God who sees our suffering, sighs with us, and still speaks life and restoration over our brokenness today.
True freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want—it’s about choosing who we serve. In this message, we explore how sin no longer has dominion over us and how living under grace calls us to obedience and love. Our choices impact not only ourselves but those around us, so how can we live in a way that builds others up instead of becoming a stumbling block?
Have you ever felt unseen? Forgotten? Alone? Hagar did. But in her wilderness moment, she encountered a powerful truth—God sees her. In this message, Pastor Chantry Dean explores Genesis 16 and reminds us that we serve a God who sees us in every situation. When we feel lost, broken, or unsure of our next step, God still knows our name and our future. No matter what you are facing today, take heart: God Sees You.
Missionaries Desi and Rachel Lugo share their exciting experiences from the mission field in New Zealand! From fun adventures to powerful testimonies, they give us a glimpse into their journey of faith and ministry.
The church in Corinth was far from perfect. It had issues, divisions, and challenges influenced by the culture around it. Yet, God looked at Corinth and said, "I have many people in this city." He saw beyond their imperfections and called them to be sanctified, set apart, and powerful in Him.
And so it is with us.
We should be seeking God first. It puts us in a frame of mind and a frame of spirit where miracles can happen.
When Bethlehem could offer God nothing, by way of popularity of prestige, God gave Bethlehem and the whole world, the greatest gift just because He wanted to.
God has given us weapons of His Spirit, His Word, His Blood and His Name to tear down strongholds.
Let’s commit to using our breath intentionally. Instead of wasting it on complaints or idle words, let’s dedicate it to giving thanks and lifting up our worship and praise to God. Start each day by thanking Him for His blessings.
God is for us. He won't destroy us just because we have some things that are wrong in our lives.
Don’t let your enemy make you jump to conclusions, rather stand on the promise God has given you, it’s not over!
Grace without truth is not grace. Grace coupled with truth is the transformative power of God that changes our lives.
It is still right or us to think holy thoughts, to be holy in our motives towards others and to have holiness in our planning, reasoning, and emotions.
God's delay in judgment must never be construed as a free ticket out of the sin and lack of fear of God. We cannot think that the penalty has passed.
As we keep God's commandments, He will elevate us in praise, name and honor, so that we may be His Holy people. It doesn't just involve commitments we make to God, but also commitments God makes to us.
God may seem to be silent and you can’t hear His voice, but when you can’t hear His voice, just look around and see His mighty hand working in your life.
The blessing is found in the keeping of God's Word. Ignoring what the Bible says about sin will never make sin go away.
We don’t sing because life is good or only when life is good. We sing because God is good and God is good all the time.
This series, titled "Count Me In," is about embracing our role in the church with the right attitude and a spirit of commitment. Church membership isn’t just about being present; it’s about being involved, invested, and committed to the mission and work of Christ in and through the church.
God can do more than we ask or think. Start asking and start imagining. Step out in faith.
In God, there really is no risk.
This series, titled "Count Me In," is about embracing our role in the church with the right attitude and a spirit of commitment. Church membership isn’t just about being present; it’s about being involved, invested, and committed to the mission and work of Christ in and through the church.
It is an epic battle. It is an ongoing battle. An everyday, every-waking-moment-kind-of-battle. The flesh is our greatest battle.
Embracing our role in the church with the right attitude and a spirit of commitment. Church membership isn't just about being present; it's about being involved, invested, and committed to the mission and work of Christ in and through the church.
The prophets promised a day in which the reign of God would give the broken something to celebrate, the wounded something to look forward to, and the grieving something to hope in.
We are in the world but Jesus said we are not of the world. If you and I are going to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, we must choose which world we are going to be “of.”
Since the beginning of time, the Word of God has show us that there is a trickle down effect on generations of either blessings from God through obedience, or a curse for disobedience.
Paul’s main purpose in writing the letter to the Galatians was to reiterate the true nature of the gospel: we are justified (made righteous) and sanctified (made more Christlike) through our faith in Jesus Christ alone.
The enemy wanted one thing-it's the same thing the enemy wants today. Your voice. It's time to give God what your enemy wants most.
Tongues have not ceased, because Jesus has yet to return. He’s still reaching people with His only saving Gospel. And He is still filling people with His Spirit.
It is not the will of God for a saint to be struck with a constant state of fear in our lives.
The Bible makes is clear that all values, beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims are not equal.
Breaking down the context of the first chapter of Galatians. Like Paul, we should tell our testimony so people will glorify God, not us.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 ESV
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 ESV
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
1 Corinthians 14:1-33, 37-40 ESV
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.
4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.6 Now, brothers,[a] if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?
7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?
8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?
9 So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
10 There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning,
11 but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner
Throughout. history the world has issued its inspiring cries of victory and challenges. The greatest cry of victory and triumph that has ever been spoken came from a dying man on a cross, when Jesus Christ lifted up His head with all the strength of His soul shouted out, "It is finished."
Tonight, we dove a little deeper into the specifics, honing in on the first six of the nine gifts of the Spirit outlined in 1 Corinthians.
Beyond the gift of the Holy Spirit, God acknowledges other gifts that become evident in the church, some of which He unilaterally gives, others that we bring into the body of Christ that are developed naturally, which we surrender to Him.
Does Satan have you besieged? Do you feel trapped, wrapped up and defeated? Listen closely, and mark his words. If he is telling you that God can’t or won’t deliver you, start looking up to the hills! Your help is on its way! God is about to retaliate against your enemy and confirm His promises to you!
As members of a church, we learn to say “we” instead of “I” and “our” instead of “mine.” God blesses churches that are unified like that!
When you receive the salvation of God you are filled with joy, the joy of His salvation. Joy that can’t be adequately expressed with words. It should radiate out of us.
As christians, it is our responsibility to protect the unity of the church. This can be done by focusing on what we have in common and not our differences, developing the right attitudes, be united in spirit and purpose.
Pastor Chantry shares a compelling message drawing on a personal encounter with a venomous snake to illustrate sin's lurking dangers. He emphasizes the need for vigilance, adherence to God's teachings, and the elimination of sin to safeguard faith and integrity. Through biblical references and personal experiences, He urges us to confront sin head-on, promoting spiritual growth and protecting both personal and communal well-being.
God is calling someone to pull together the stones of victory, of deliverance in your life and make sure your children know what they mean.
There’s only one way to follow Jesus Christ. There’s only one way to make it when the pressure’s on. There’s only one way to be faithful to Him, and that is to take up your cross, and follow Him to His cross
God wants His Church to be a praying church. Prayer is as vital to our Spirit man as oxygen is to our natural man. Prayer is communication with our Creator that provides greater understanding and revelation of who He is. Prayer changes people just as much as it changes things.
Explore the roles that drive Calvary Church's mission in our Leadership Spotlight series. Witness our team leaders share their visions and the impact of their ministries. Be inspired to activate your gifts in service, fulfilling 1 Peter 4:10.
God's church looks like you and me. Not only do we need the church, but the church needs you. He has gifted us the ability to serve in His Kingdom. Serving requires us to be available when the need arises, to be grateful in our actions and to do it faithfully.
Spiritual battles are inevitable. We each experience things that come our way and attempt to kill us spiritually. However, our faith must be strengthened. Our hope must not waver. Our trust must not fade. Know this also, when we maintain our faith and hope and trust in God, your day is coming.
We can't go into tomorrow until we let go of yesterday. There is no need to hold onto hurt when we can open ourselves up to Jesus.
We must know who He is and who He is forming us into, so that we can go THROUGH the valley of the shadow, of death, and fear no evil, for God is with us!
There is coming a day when the Lord Himself shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. He won’t delegate that to an angel. He’s already paid the price, given gifts unto the church and gone away to prepare a place for us. Now, we’re just making ourselves ready for the day He comes to take us home.
Isaiah gives us this beautiful truth that in the midst of life's bloodiest battles and deepest disappointments, there is a God who will be there.
All ten lepers receive a miraculous healing, but only one returns to thank Jesus and the Bible makes a point to tell us that he is a Samaritan. Jesus' lone leper is a picture of great gratitude, a picture of grace.
It's not the external circumstances that cause most of our difficulties but the decisions we make. The good news is God is always there to help us clean up the messes we make. His grace is greater than our failures.
What are we speaking into the next generation? Beyond a Sunday service, this generation needs to influence and direct the next generation to hear and know the language of God. It starts at home and within ourselves.
Unpack the profound themes of Philippians Chapter Three as Paul exhorts us to forsake earthly gain for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Reflect on the spiritual race set before us and what it means to 'press on' with faith. Join us for a concise exploration of pursuing the ultimate goal: the upward call of God in Jesus.
God is looking for a church who will look beyond themselves and have an understanding what is planned for the Kingdom of God in this region. Perception is greater than power and more will be given for those who can perceive it.
We lose a great deal of energy by allowing the enemy to steal our joy. How do we keep a good attitude during times of trial? The mind of Christ. We have to make a decision to bind our lives to Jesus from glory to humility so we can have the ability to experience joy in any situation.
Through every circumstance, continue to press towards a relationship with God that never ends.
In each of our lives, there's a balance of trials and revelations. Paul's attitude illustrates our sacrifice for Christ will result in the blessings of others. It's better when things work out for other people. Paul wanted Philippians to be joyful even in his time of suffering.
Will I ever overcome? You will. To overcome, pursue and have a daily walk with God. Jesus was not only crucified for our transgressions shown on the outside, but He was bruised for our iniquities to heal us on the inside we carry around.
God's people are responsible to apply the armor of God daily. God has given us the tools to condition ourselves. How God uses us in the Kingdom is dependent on our condition. To be a willing vessel, be stable and in the right condition.
Pastor Chantry stresses the significance of fervent prayer. He highlights that some things can only be achieved through intense, persistent prayer and shares examples from the Bible, such as the persistent widow and Elijah's prayer for rain. Pastor Dean encourages listeners to pray with passion, defying protocol when necessary, and to hold onto God's promises with confidence, emphasizing that God honors bold prayers.
We are strategically placed by God where we are in life not only to find Him, but so we can reach someone around us to find God too.
When Jesus steps onto the shores of our lives He draws away the hurt, the loneliness, and the emptiness. He fills us with His presence.
As the blind man was healed from his experience with Jesus. To receive a touch from Jesus, consider through the testimonies of His power, commit to seek Him and cry out, then communicate from the heart what you want to receive from Him.
We get so focused on the atmosphere in the midst of a storm that we can fall for prey to the assumption that God's presence is absent because the atmosphere is not right.
After we have received God’s presence in our lives, it is not the religious experience that is the important thing; it is the relationship with a loving God that gives life and brings the normal into focus.
God fulfills His promises He makes. Even when those have rejected Him, He will still find a way to reveal Himself. His Grace abounds in your life!
God doesn't identify us by our diseases, issues, etc. He calls us by our titles: sons and daughters.
We must continually be taught and continually teach. God is interested in the process of ever-increasing maturity that is facilitated by the ministry of the Word.
Sowing requires much more than just planting the seed. When you step into the field, you have a responsibility to sow. It does not matter how others react, but you must still choose to sow. The harvest is greater when you sow seed.
Fathers lay the foundation to set your families on the path of protection. Let them find security in the walls you have built around their lives. What you do and what you don't do teaches your children. Keep singing the songs for their way to heaven!
Jesus is God! Jesus is man! He is the Creator, the Savior, the King of Israel, the First and the Last.
We go to the eagle to find comparisons in the spiritual realm. Eagles don’t hide during storms; rather they challenge the storms. If an eagle is in its nest when a storm approaches, it will generally leave the nest and begin to fly upward—up into the darkened clouds. It sets its face in the direction where it last saw the Sun and flies toward its unseen, fiery friend.
In a spiritual sense, we wear another man's shoes. When we pray boldly, we borrow boldness from God, and that borrowed boldness gives us power to overcome.
Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, we need all 3 working in our life. We need these 3 to walk a worthy walk. If we do not have adequate knowledge of God, we will sin.
Having knowledge of the Word is not enough. What we do with that knowledge matters. We must add to our knowledge, understanding. From understanding, we must learn and use wisdom. It is more than just knowing the facts of God's Word, it is about understanding what that Word really means and then putting it into action in our lives.
Embracing the reality of eternity motivates us to make the most of every moment, seeking spiritual growth and transformation. We must seize the opportunity to align our lives with God's purposes, knowing that our choices today impact our eternal destiny.
Pastor Chantry Dean explores the profound teachings found in the book of Colossians. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of Christ by examining the first two verses. Discover the supremacy of Christ, the power of the gospel, and the call to faith and love. Gain practical wisdom on cultivating thanksgiving and prayer in your life. Tune in to uncover timeless truths and embrace a life of purpose and spiritual growth.
What we speak or communicate to our children has the power to bring life and death. What and how we communicate to them when they are children eventually becomes the voice inside their head as a teen and becomes a factor in how they hear your voice when they become adults.
We are all called by God to do great things. We are called to love Him and show His love to the world.
On the cross, Jesus reconciled himself and man, making it possible for man to be forgiven and cleansed of all sin. What could be more beautiful than opening the way to paradise? The cross was that way.
Our worship creates transparency before God and others. Worship is the doorway to discipleship. It is our first response to the gift of God's presence in our lives. We are made to worship Him.
The adversary is the accuser of the brethren and a slanderer. It is the accusation of the enemy that causes us to question who we are in God and is the beginning of shame. It is that voice that causes us to doubt our worth and value. If we are guilty of sin, that guilt brings us to repentance. Shame is a paralyzing force and brings separation from God. The enemy desires us to be bound by shame even though God has already forgiven us our sins. When we give into the voice of shame, we open ourselves to the attack of the enemy. We must free ourselves from the intoxicating lies of the accuser. We must put to death the former man to be made new in Christ through the renewing of our minds. Like Lazarus, we must be loosed from the grave clothes and put aside the shame.
Unresolved shame is the most debilitating spiritual condition with which we contend today. It is the root cause of almost all Christian inconsistency. It is the primary reason many do not pray. It is the foundational reason for almost all backsliding. What is shame and the sources of shame? How do we recognize shame?
We can trust and believe in God because He cannot fail or make a mistake, He cannot lie and be unjust. The fact that we can restrict Him or release Him means we have an opportunity for God to be as big as we need Him to be.
Call on the Name of the Lord! God is looking for those who are willing to call on His Name! The new testament church is all about pursuing God! Call on His Name!
he world doesn't understand us now, because they only see Jesus as a "humble shepherd" and not as the "King of Kings." The church has not yet seen Him in His ultimate glory either, but we love Him anyway.
Gain a friend, build a relationship, and make a disciple. Don't sell yourself short on what you can do as a disciple. Even on our worst days, we have much to offer. We can do no less than give what we have.
God gives us the ability to choose whether or not we yield to Him. When we yield to God's will, He invites us into the process of growing His kingdom on earth. Unity in the body of Christ releases His power to work in and through the church.
Am I a disciple? Who am I discipling? Jesus gives several comparisons to help us understand what true discipleship looks like. What does it mean to love the Lord? Jesus is asking if you are in it for the long haul and have you truly weighed the cost?
We should have a hunger for God! God's greatest are those who are longing for Him. We are not to settle and sit in our misery for the rest of our lives. God has more for us! God has more for you!
God is calling us and we are here to answer the call. He is drawing you in to greater and deeper things. Get your life in order or somebody else will! We all have our problems but that is what Jesus died for!
We are called to go forth and make disciples. We can do this by making a friend and building a relationship with anyone around us.
Every story in the Bible is interwoven with God's. When Jesus enters your story, everything in your life changes. Our story is about Him, not us. Everything in our lives must begin and end with God.
God will not move if we do not move forward. God will move when we move by giving him our best, and spending time in consecration in prayer, fasting and reading of His Word.
As we face an uncertain New Year, let's get our house in order by blocking out the bad, mending the broken and bolstering the weak. Let us get our hearts in order, pray until peace comes, and entrust our lives into the loving hands of the Keeper of our tomorrow.
Merry Christmas. Join us for a bit of Christmas cheer, worship and a powerful message from Pastor Chantry Dean.
It doesn't matter what everyone else has. It doesn’t matter what the world has to offer. All you need is the glory! Protect the glory. What we have here is special. No matter how hard it may get or what may get in the way, hold on to the glory. God is going to have the victory!
God is a great Giver. The fact that God became flesh, dwelt among us and gave everything for our salvation is hard to describe. Part of the gift is how far He came and how far He went. It's an indescribable gift.
We are called to be disciples who make disciples. We do this by finding a friend and building a relationship.
So many times throughout the Bible there were times where miracles, signs, and wonders were performed, but why wasn't there more? God came down in flesh and performed miracle after miracle after miracle, but when you read of these things, you may wonder, why wasn't there more? God is fully able and is wanting to perform what we desire, but if our response is nothing then we will receive nothing. But, if you would call out to Him, then just as He did back then for those that would call out to HIm, He will do today.
No matter your background, you can see and increase in the kingdom of God. We plant, we water and God gives the increase
The pulpit and the pew are partners. In order to be effective in the kingdom of God, we need to apply the Word of God into our hearts, so we may be able to preach the gospel into our homes, jobs, and communities.
God's word is necessary for each of us. He includes stories that provide us hope, that show us hope. We did not know her name, we knew not much of her, but we knew she had hope! We are saved by hope! We rejoice in hope. We abound in hope. He is the God of hope! We must act on hope!
What is holding you back from allowing a renewing and a recovering to flow over your life? Hurts? Hangups? Brokeness? God is calling all of us for a time to recover from all that is keeping us from receiving what God is wanting to do in us and through us. No matter what we have done or what we have been through, allow God to move over you, because it's time for you make up in your mind to get up and recover.
We continue to learn in the book of James. Many things are learned for us to apply to our lives and our walk. Do not be greedy of your riches. We cannot fatten our hearts by desiring the luxuries of this world. Be considerate of those who suffer and do not wish it upon them. Do not hold grudges. And much more!
We are called to be consecrated, not comfortable. We are to not sacrifice our consecration for anything of this world. We must give ourselves to fasting and prayer. You need to identify the things among you that can defile you and your home. Give yourself completely to consecration. Consecration cultivates anointing. Consecration and separation are always associated with deliverance and power.
This lesson continues our study in James and this chapter is very practical and immensely spiritual. There is a severe importance to bridling our tongues and can be a clear evidence of the spiritual maturity of an individual. James then moves to the aspect of true wisdom which comes from above. Worldly wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. Heavenly wisdom is pure and has the welfare of others at heart.
A person will never know who they are until they surrender to God and say "here I am." There is power when letting go and allowing God to work in our lives to where we need to be.
We must push towards seeking a relationship with God to have a personal revival and to become disciples who make disciples, then we will see the revival happen in our community.
In the first chapter, James established the foundation of the entire letter: being a doer of the Word. In the second and subsequent chapters, James expounds on what that means practically. We learn in this lesson that there is no room for favoritism. When we discriminate against someone, we are making ourselves judges with evil thoughts. If we show favoritism, we sin and are convicted as lawbreakers. If we desire mercy to be extended to us, we must also show mercy to others. We are declared righteous by God by our faith demonstrated in our works. Am I allowing the Word of God to continue to change me? How will people know?
While living for God, we all endure a race there will be seasons where you will face situations or obstacles that test our face. What matters during this season or trial is who will we look to.
Character as we serve the Lord is critical. Being an example to represent God's love. Read and live His word. Religion is serving those in need and to not be conformed of the world!
We all must make decisions. When we choose the wrong one, we cannot place the blame on anyone but ourselves. However, the right choice can affect millions of lives.
Joy can be found in trials. In the first lesson on the book of James, we explore how we can grow and draw closer to God in the midst of trials. We gain perseverance through overcoming our trial. We learn the need to desire and pray for wisdom through the trial. In the trial, we learn what we are made of.
Consider Jesus to teach faithfulness. You will see that He has been faithful to you. Through all of your hurt, all of your troubles, all of your trials, match it up to the hurt Jesus felt on the cross. God has been faithful and always will be faithful. Think, what would Jesus do? Faithfulness will be produced when you take time to consider how Jesus has been reaching for you. Faithfulness will produce Kingdom purpose in your life. Consider what Jesus can do and remain faithful. Believe!
The story that humanity is set to encounter over and over is that we will fail. Yet, God time and time again makes it his mission to create a opportunity for you and me to have a comeback story. Throughout all of scripture and even in lives today, there are stories of people failing and going through a life of mistakes, addictions, hurts, etc., yet God has always allowed a path to a comeback story. Today, thank God for His mercy and grace that when we fall, He will always pick you back up and create a comeback story, and if you are in need of one, then call on the God that will not turn His back, but rather will rewrite your story for a comeback.
Success in life and success in the Kingdom of God are one in the same. What the world may deem as successful means nothing when it comes to advancing the Kingdom. We should be elevating our perspective, dying to self, and humbling our selves to serve the Kingdom. You are not born successful. It takes a lot of work and grit, not cutting corners. What you do in the secret, will show up when the lights come on. Success in life is worshipping and glorifying God every single day.
Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost. He sees the value in us and won't stop searching until we are safe.
Everyone has faced discouragement, but do not stop doing what you know to do. Continue to live with God and for God. Become an encourager to those around you. Overcome discouragement through Christ.
Jesus wants to dwell with His creation. We want Him to live here inside our hearts, our lives. He wants to make our house, His house. I am the house that God wants to live in. Close the back door from the enemy. Do not give the thief access any longer.
Worship reveals the true condition of a man's relationship with God. It shows humility and surrender, passion and praise, thanksgiving and love, trust and hunger for God.
Remember that God has decreed that those who hunger after righteousness will be filled. But if a man is not working, he won’t be hungry and so he won’t eat.
There are times in life when a problem or situation seems to consume your life. Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on God. What do you do when life shows up and God doesn't? You focus on Him and unload the situation into His care.
As long as we have breath in our lungs, God sees something in us that is worth redemption
The greatest miracle God has given is the opportunity for Him to live inside as we receive the Holy Ghost.
We can't change our past, but we can surrender our hurt and guilt to God. He has provided us a place of healing.
What makes a great father? How does a Dad motivate his children? 1 Thessalonians 2: “We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God.
It doesn't matter who we are or where we came from, anyone who will seek and thirst after God will find Him.
We must not lose sight as to why we’re saved in the first place. We are where we are and have been called out of darkness and into the light, to then lead someone else into the light. There is more that God has for us.
We need to believe and be confident that God is on our side and will fight for us in whatever situation we are in.
The power of the Cross has the same effect as it did on the day Jesus died. We have the opportunity to live free from sin and into everlasting. The Cross brings out the worst in us and replaces it with the best.
The trash of this world piles up in our lives. Ungodliness must be purified from our lives.
A key factor in human nature that draws individuals to do certain things, go certain places, and experience certain things, is the phrase "come and see." Word of mouth is something that even applies to us, the followers of Christ, because just like we tell our friends and family about how good our vacation was, we must also remember to tell our stories of how Christ has done something for us. Salvation, miracles, signs, wonders, and so much more, we must to tell all who will hear all of what God has done for us, so that they may come and see themselves.
We need to realize that we are nothing without Jesus. In Jesus, is everything and where we find our identity.
God is calling people to go deeper in Him. Because of Jesus, we are empowered to perform mighty things. The enemy doesn't want us to know who we are. We must know who we are in Christ. That identity must be acknowledged for His purpose to be fulfilled.
In Part Two of our Core Doctrine lesson, Pastor goes into depth about the Oneness of God, Who God is, and the Revelation in His Name.
Our lives are made up of decisions we make. When we make the choice to diligently seek after God, He gives us dominion over our lives.
It’s important to know who we are or maybe a better way of saying it is... “Whose we are”. If we are to stand firm against the pressures to conform to this world then we must know who we are in Christ. If God’s word is the foundation that we build our life upon then it should be what makes up the largest part of our identity. We exist to reflect God’s glory.
Time and time again, there were moments in the Bible where children of God had no where else to go and no where else to turn, and there was Jesus. In every struggle, every burden, every heartache, etc. There is Jesus. He has never left us. Never forsaken us. Keep trusting in Him, keep following that dream, that promise, keep pushing, because when it seems like all hope is lost and there is no way, there is Jesus.
We grow a deeper understanding in part one of two doctrine lessons about what we believe and focus on The Bible, The Gospel, and The New Birth Experience.
Pray for a renewed passion like never before. Fire comes when seeking God's face. He is the one that renews the heart.
What are the core practices of the church? Bible reading, fellowship, and prayer are essential to not only the church but to us individually. In this lesson, we learn about spiritual maturity and growth and how to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
The world is getting colder and colder by the day. We need to put on the Lord like never before. We need to put on a new coat of God, which will move us into prayer, discipleship, worship and love.
What are our core values as a church? It can be summed up in three simple words: Faith - Family - Community. Our main goal as a church is to build faith, strengthen families, and impact the community.
Sometimes we find ourselves distracted by competition with each other that we miss the main point. Jesus knows who we are better than we know ourselves. To fulfill what God has designed for our lives, we must get outside of our own feelings and our own hangups and choose Jesus more than all these things.
Spiritual capacity is an important part of our walk with God. We can increase our capacity by getting into God's Word and surrounding ourselves with others that can build us up. How is your spiritual capacity?
When Christ came to earth, He came to give living water to those who were thirsty. Calvary was the event in which Christ created a flow that we all could partake and enjoy. A flow of His Spirit that all who are thirsty can come and drink.
The purest form of worship is praising God for who He is rather than from our circumstances.
It is a miracle that we were made with the intricate details that God put into our lives. Our spiritual lives are just a miraculous. We are miracles. No miracle is complete in and of itself though. We must fulfill our part of that. In everything, we must give thanks. Your life is one miracle after another but it will not be complete without a thankful heart for those blessings.
Baby Dedication Sunday. The world is fighting for our children. We have to get our homes and our families turned towards God. In doing so, parents propel blessings into future generations.
We need God's voice to influence our lives through prayer. Through constant communication with God, we learn of Satan's devices against our souls lest he get an advantage over us. The Scripture speaks of a hedge of protection. This guard from the Lord can protect us by keeping us safe from the outside as well as restraint inside. We need the hedge of protection in our lives today.
Human nature was sentenced to judgement or punishment, because of one man's fault. That one fault has been passed on upon generations to generations, and it has made us all guilty of sin, and many still live in it. But, just the same, that one man could cause death for humanity, Jesus came, one man, to save us and set us free from the lives of sin that we carry.
Life is a loop of hurts, hangups, and habits of fear, shame, regret, addictions, etc. We live our lives carrying those things, but God has come and made Himself known to us. He is a miracle worker, promise keeper, and He will meet us at each and every one of our needs, but we must attend to His call to rise. To take up our bed, our old life, and walk, because when you've done all that you can. Stand.
When David was called upon by God to create an altar to sacrifice unto God, he went to purchase a certain threshing floor and livestock. When arriving there the owner offered to donate all that was needed to David, but David understood that in order to offer a true sacrifice to God, he must offer a gift that costed him something. He understood that in order to receive God's grace again, and end the plague on Israel, that he must sacrifice unto God as God had so graciously given to him. Challenge yourself to give unto God, so that through your giving, God can impact this community, bless your family, and create a atmosphere of faith in His church.
Have you ever been in a happy room and someone comes into the room grumpy, negatively impacting the group? Have you seen where someone that is chipper and happy impacts the group for the positive? Our attitudes and behaviors have an impact on the whole. In this lesson, Pastor talks about how to be a blessing to the church through our actions.
There are several things we can learn from Elisha's story. Elijah was well-known because of the mighty works but he was also a wanted and hunted man. When Elijah approached Elisha, Elisha must've known he would be hated and hunted as well but instead of shying away, used his tools as kindling to cook his oxen. He said goodbye to his old life to embrace his new life. If we want to go far with Christ, we must also be willing to take up the mantle and distance ourselves from our old way of life and follow Christ. In this study of Elisha, we learn how to grow in faith and expectation and how God is greater than our situation.
Though their roles are different in history, there are common threads in all of their stories. Abraham so trusted God that he travelled great distances and waited long to see the promised land. He never staggered in his faith. He instilled in his son that same faith. Isaac continued in the faith and dug wells and was at peace because he trusted God's promise. Jacob desired the same promise of Abraham and Isaac and valued that relationship with the promise-giver. He overcame every obstacle and challenge and received the same promise. We need to desire God's promises and learn to trust him no matter the cost.
Martha exhibited the qualities of one who serves. She was hospitable and generous, skilled in organization, and had good work ethic. There are many aspects of God’s kingdom that require such characteristics from people but she was overly distracted and overly occupied with serving. Alternately, Mary was willing to take advantage of her time in His presence even if it meant being criticized and questioned by others. There was no pride, no occupying thoughts of self, and no distractions. However, we can't dismiss Martha for being practical nor can we dismiss Mary for being spiritual. We must learn to find a balance between the two, the practical and the spiritual.
A centurion oversaw around 80 men and was considered the backbone of the roman army. The centurion in Matthew chapter 8 recognized the authority of Jesus as Lord. Jesus recognized the centurion's great faith and healed his servant. In this moment, racial boundaries were destroyed as the disciples watched on. From the centurion's phrase, "Speak the Word" we learn the power of faith to move beyond our current circumstances and environment.
Elijah was in a difficult situation with Israel and was overwhelmed with distraught. He prayed judgment against the people of Israel to allow them to turn their heart back to God. In the middle of this judgment, God provided provision for His prophet. God took Elijah to a place of complete dependence on God and like Elijah, we need to learn to completely depend on Him. We need to learn to depend on God as not only our help but our everything.
Unforgiveness is a powerful tool of the devil and he will use it to destroy us and our family. It becomes a poison that is killing us. Unforgiveness has power and will destroy us. In this lesson, we learn about the liberating power of forgiveness. There is power in forgiveness and having our records expunged. If we want to see the Kingdom continue to grow, we have to learn to forgive others as Christ forgave us.
Boundaries can sometimes give us a feeling of being trapped or confined. In this study, we find out about the unlimited amount of power that can be achieved through healthy, spiritual boundaries.
Why do people struggle to initiate? What happens when we commit? Both of these questions are answered as we explore what happens when we commit to doing what God has called us to do.
Join us as we begin our February series, "Family Matters". Tonight we'll hear an impactful message by Pastor Michael Ensey from Heath, OH on taking a spiritual stand for our families. Let's lean in and give our ears and our hearts to what God wants to say to us!
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Pastor Michael and Rebecca Ensey have pastored Christian Life Center since August of 2017. Their ministry involvement includes twenty years pursuing their passion in youth ministry and gaining valuable experience in organizational leadership.
Visit us online at www.ctbentonville.com and watch our live services every Sunday at 10:00AM and every Wednesday at 7:00PM CST
It's First Wednesday! This is one of our favorite nights of the month when we all get together to worship. Although we can't be in the church building together, we still want to bring worship to your homes. Join us at 7PM.