Calvary Monterey Podcast: Recent Episodes
Calvary Monterey
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Home
Speaker: Nate Holdridge Overview: In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs to cast a vision for the home as the first arena of discipleship. Drawing from wisdom literature and the teachings of Jesus, Pastor Nate calls parents to intentional training, loving discipline, and the cultivation of a godly atmosphere. But this message extends beyond nuclear families—it speaks to every believer in Jesus’ new family, the church. This is a timely and Scripture-saturated teaching that helps all of us build households—and church communities—formed by the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of Christ.
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Title: God’s Grace Is The Answer
Speaker: Tommy Coda
Scripture: James 4:1-8
Link to Pastor Tommy’s church: Hope Alive Church
Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Phones
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Overview: In this Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Proverbs series by addressing the power and pull of our phones. Drawing on timeless biblical wisdom, Nate outlines a path toward Christ-centered digital habits through three key invitations: stewarding the interior world, practicing private integrity, and being fully present in physical relationships. Using cultural insights, personal stories, and Scripture, this message helps modern believers assess their phone use with clarity, conviction, and hope.
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We’ll dive into building a faith that lasts from Hebrews 12:1-2. Along with a teaching on this powerful passage, we are excited to hear personal testimonies from women in our congregation, as they share stories of God's grace and healing. Invite a friend and join us this Saturday for a time of encouragement and growth in your walk with Christ.
Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Money
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Overview: In this teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores what Proverbs—and the whole of Scripture—teach about money, wealth, and material possessions. While many assume the Bible views money only as a danger or temptation, Pastor Nate reveals a more balanced and hopeful perspective: material possessions can be good gifts from God for our enjoyment, but they must never take His place in our hearts. Learn how God calls His people to financial wisdom, contentment, and sacrificial generosity as visible expressions of His redemptive work in our lives.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Friendship
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Overview: In this Sunday Sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge speaks about the power, necessity, and beauty of gospel-shaped friendship in a world increasingly marked by isolation and disconnection. Drawing from Proverbs and the nature of God Himself, Nate calls believers to pursue friendships that are constant, courageous, refining, and shaped by the love and mission of Christ. Let's be encourage to resist shallow connections and instead build relationships rooted in reverence for God, mutual spiritual growth, and sacrificial love.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Emotions
Speaker: Matt Kehler
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Work
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 10:4-5
Overview: In this Sunday message, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores what Proverbs has to say about our work and careers. With clarity and conviction, he challenges us to see work not merely as a way to pay the bills but as a deeply spiritual act that reflects God’s character. Whether we’re digging ditches, managing teams, or raising children, our work can become a meaningful expression of love, diligence, and integrity. This teaching unpacks how we can view our jobs through God’s wisdom—and how that wisdom can transform our everyday labor into lasting worship.
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Title: Down With The King
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Ephesians 1:15-23
Overview: This Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through the grand sweep of Scripture to show how Jesus fulfills the centuries-long hope for a true and glorious King. From creation to Christ’s enthronement, this teaching from Ephesians 1:15–23 reminds us that the risen Jesus now reigns with unmatched power and invites us into his expanding kingdom. Discover how your life fits into God’s eternal plan through the reign of King Jesus.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: A Life Built on the Fear of the Lord
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 9
Overview: In this Sunday sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks us through Proverbs 9, the final movement in the preamble of Proverbs. He shows us how the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom and contrasts the invitations of Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly. With compelling illustrations and biblical insights, Pastor Nate invites us to build lives rooted in reverence for God—lives that are receptive to instruction, alive to God’s path, guarded at the heart, and continually drawn to his wisdom. This message offers a powerful call to live more fully in the reality of God’s good design.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: A Tale of Two Voices
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 8
Overview: In this week’s Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge brings us a narrative sermon from Proverbs 8, where Wisdom herself recounts the long history of her voice—her partnership with God at creation, her battle against the serpent’s lies, and her ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Speaking from the heights, at the crossroads, and within the gates of our lives, Wisdom invites us to heed her voice over the enemy’s deception. This message reveals the tension between two eternal voices and invites listeners to embrace the victorious wisdom of the cross, now alive in the church and destined to reign forever.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: For (Sexual) Temptation
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 6:20-7:27
Overview: In this week’s teaching from Proverbs 6:20–7:27, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks us through one of Scripture’s most detailed passages about sexual temptation and the call to wisdom. He highlights how God forms our hearts through his Word, how temptation operates through deception and desire, and how the gospel doesn’t just forgive us but transforms us. This is a message about more than avoiding sin—it’s about embracing the life Jesus came to give.
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Title: Fighting through the Fog: Battling Sloth and Acedia
Speaker: Matt Kehler
Text: Psalm 143
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Second Women’s Gathering of 2025 on the theme of building “A Faith that Lasts” from Hebrews 12:1-2. The truth is that walking closely with God no matter the season or struggle is not always easy. Sometimes heartbreak and the difficult stuff of life can really shake our faith. BUT- it is possible to stay deeply connected with Jesus, firm in our faith, for our whole lives.
Title: God's Wisdom For A Complex World: Garden Living
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 6:1-19
Overview: In this Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge unpacks Proverbs 6:1-19, examining how God’s wisdom sharpens our ability to navigate life’s complexities. He highlights three key areas—wise financial stewardship, diligent work, and peacemaking—showing how each reflects God’s design for maturity. Through this passage, we see the contrast between wisdom and folly, learning how to avoid financial recklessness, overcome apathy, and reject divisiveness. Ultimately, Pastor Nate points us to Christ, the perfect steward, faithful worker, and true peacemaker, who redeems our failures and leads us into a life of wisdom.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: On Sex
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 5
Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge continues the God’s Wisdom for a Complex World series with a message from Proverbs 5 on God’s vision for sex. In a world that distorts and redefines sexuality, this passage offers a clear and compelling alternative—one that leads to life, not destruction. Addressing three key questions, Pastor Nate explores whether sex is death-producing or life-giving, meaningless or consequential, scattered or channeled. With insights from Solomon’s wisdom, Joseph’s integrity, and Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well, this teaching brings both clarity and hope.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: What's Forming You?
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 4
Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 4, exploring the powerful question: What is forming you? Every day, wisdom, habits, and influences shape who we become. Looking at Solomon’s call to pursue godly wisdom and Daniel’s example of faithfulness in Babylon, this teaching challenges us to examine the paths we are walking and the voices we are following. How can we guard our hearts, seek wisdom, and choose the right influences? Listen in as we consider the lifelong impact of the choices we make today.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: The Life it Produces
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text:Proverbs 3:13-35
Overview: This week, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 3:13-35, exploring how God’s wisdom establishes order, provides security, and creates life-giving communities. True wisdom is more than knowledge—it is the foundation for a flourishing life. Looking at creation, the rhythms of life, and the example of Joseph, we see how wisdom sustains and blesses not only ourselves but those around us. How can we align our lives with God’s wisdom and experience its blessing? Join us as we consider what wisdom produces in our daily lives.
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Title: God's Wisdom in a Complex World: It's Worth Trusting
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Proverbs 3:1-12
Overview: In this message, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 3:1-12, emphasizing the importance of trusting God’s wisdom over our own instincts. He explores the destination, description, and drive of trust, showing how God’s wisdom leads to lasting blessings, even when it feels counterintuitive. Through practical examples and biblical insight, Pastor Nate challenges us to internalize God’s steadfast love and faithfulness so that we can confidently walk in His ways. Whether navigating decisions, finances, or difficulties, this passage calls us to wholehearted trust in the God who is always faithful.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Get in its Spiral
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Proverbs 2
Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 2, showing how God’s wisdom works as an upward spiral in our lives. As we actively seek wisdom, God meets us and transforms us, leading us deeper into understanding, righteousness, and discernment. This message unpacks the human responsibility to pursue wisdom and God’s role in shaping us, protecting us from temptation, and guiding us into lasting spiritual growth. Through biblical examples and practical application, we are called to stay in the wisdom spiral, trusting that God is actively at work in our lives.
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Title: Wisdom: A Navigation Tool for Life
Speaker: Manny Collazo
Text: Ephesians 5:15-20
Title: God's Wisdom in a Complex World: The Vital Response
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Proverbs 1:20-33
Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge unpacks Proverbs 1:20-33, focusing on the vital response to God’s wisdom. This teaching emphasizes the availability, persistence, and stakes of living in alignment with God’s guidance. Drawing from the vivid imagery of Woman Wisdom, Nate encourages listeners to embrace wisdom in their everyday lives to navigate life’s complexities and storms with God’s grace and truth.
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First Women’s Gathering of 2025 on the theme of building “A Faith that Lasts” from Hebrews 12:1-2. The truth is that walking closely with God no matter the season or struggle is not always easy. Sometimes heartbreak and the difficult stuff of life can really shake our faith. BUT- it is possible to stay deeply connected with Jesus, firm in our faith, for our whole lives.
Title: God's Wisdom in a Complex World: Back to Basics
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Proverbs 1:8-19
Overview: In this message, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores Proverbs 1:8-19, focusing on foundational wisdom that shapes a life of flourishing. Drawing from the timeless principles of parental guidance, resisting peer pressure, and avoiding the traps of greed and folly, Nate emphasizes the beauty and honor that come from walking in God’s wisdom. This sermon encourages listeners to embrace the simple yet profound truths of Scripture, trusting in God’s power to lead us toward life and flourishing.
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Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: The Foundation
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Proverbs 1:1-7
Overview: In this teaching from Proverbs 1:1-7, Pastor Nate Holdridge introduces our series, God’s Wisdom for a Complex World. This message explores how wisdom equips us to navigate life’s uncertainties, focusing on what God’s wisdom produces, who it is for, and where it begins. By centering on the fear of the Lord as the foundation of true wisdom, this sermon invites us to embrace a God-centered approach to life, shaping our character, relationships, and decisions.
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Title: Why Should We Gather Around The Book?
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Title: The Welcoming Love of the Spirit
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 4:4-6
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Title: The Overflowing Love of the Father
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 4:4-6
Overview: In this Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores the overflowing love of the Father as revealed in Galatians 4:4-6. This passage highlights the Trinitarian nature of God and its profound implications for our relationship with Him, our understanding of salvation, and our call to live in unity and mission. Join us as we unpack the depths of God’s relational and self-sufficient love, which overflows to transform lives and restore relationships.
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Partners Together
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 4:10-23
Overview: Join Pastor Nate Holdridge as he explores Philippians 4:10-23, emphasizing the essential partnership between Paul and the Philippian church in gospel work. This teaching highlights themes of contentment, sacrificial generosity, and relational health, showing how these attributes not only advance the kingdom of God but also enrich the lives of those who embody them. Discover practical insights for fostering a spirit of generosity, finding fulfillment in Christ, and building healthy relationships rooted in God’s grace and provision.
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Craves Christlikeness
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 3:12-21
Overview: In this week’s message, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study of Philippians, exploring how an advancing gospel community craves Christlikeness. Drawing from Philippians 3:12-21, Pastor Nate unpacks Paul’s call to pursue Christlikeness with intentionality, focus, and perseverance. Through vivid illustrations and practical applications, this teaching encourages us to set our minds on the ultimate goal of becoming more like Jesus, leave behind distractions of the past, and walk in partnership with godly examples who guide us toward the upward call of God.
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Prays About Everything
Speaker: Geoff Buck
Text: Philippians 4:6-7
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Craves Christlikeness
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 3:12-21
Overview: In this week’s message, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study of Philippians, exploring how an advancing gospel community craves Christlikeness. Drawing from Philippians 3:12-21, Pastor Nate unpacks Paul’s call to pursue Christlikeness with intentionality, focus, and perseverance. Through vivid illustrations and practical applications, this teaching encourages us to set our minds on the ultimate goal of becoming more like Jesus, leave behind distractions of the past, and walk in partnership with godly examples who guide us toward the upward call of God.
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Enjoys Authentic Christianity
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 3:1-11
Overview: In this week’s sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores Philippians 3:1-11, showing how an advancing gospel community thrives through authentic Christianity. Drawing from Paul’s personal testimony, Pastor Nate unpacks the joy of knowing Christ, the dangers of misplaced confidence, and the transforming power of the gospel. This message challenges believers to embrace the righteousness of Christ, discard distractions, and pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, experiencing both His resurrection power and the fellowship of His sufferings.
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Breaks Into Darkness
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 2:12-30
Overview: In this week’s message, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores Philippians 2:12-30, revealing how Paul encourages the Philippians to shine as lights in a dark world. Paul’s words challenge believers to work out their salvation with genuine reverence, hold firmly to the gospel, and emulate Christ’s sacrificial love through actions that reflect His character. Using vivid imagery—runner, laborer, and drink offering—Paul paints a picture of dedicated service and obedience, calling the church to a life of meaningful purpose and joyful humility.
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Title: Formed
Speaker: Matt Kehler
Text: Philippians 2:12-13
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Participates in God's Kingdom
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 2:1-11
Overview: In this week’s sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge leads us through Philippians 2:1-11, where Paul calls the church to participate in God’s kingdom through unity, humility, and servanthood. Pastor Nate explores how the ultimate example of Christ’s self-emptying and service leads to His exaltation and vindication. As we follow Christ, we are called to live out a cruciform life, embodying the humility, obedience, and sacrificial love of Jesus in every area of life.
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Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Lives Worthy of the Gospel
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 1:12-30
Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our journey through Philippians with a message from Philippians 1:12-30 titled “An Advancing Gospel Community: Lives Worthy of the Gospel.” In this sermon, Pastor Nate explores how Paul’s imprisonment served to advance the gospel and how his life, centered fully on Christ, provides a powerful model for believers today. With practical insights for living as citizens of God’s kingdom, this message challenges us to live for Christ, no matter the cost, and to pursue gospel expansion with joy and unity.
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We're excited to kick off our Future Church Month of Prayer with a special Vision Meeting led by Pastor Nate. During this gathering, we’ll dive deeper into the heart behind our focus on prayer and fasting throughout October, and explore some key initiatives we’ll be committing to God in prayer. This meeting will set the foundation for our entire month of prayer and fasting, so we encourage you to join us as we prepare our hearts for this meaningful journey together. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something powerful!
Title: An Advancing Gospel Community: Partners Together
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Philippians 1:1-11
Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge brings a powerful message from Philippians 1:1-11, focusing on the theme of gospel partnership. In this sermon, Pastor Nate explores how an advancing gospel community serves, grows, and suffers together for the sake of Christ’s mission. With practical applications for modern churches, this message challenges us to embrace the mission of gospel expansion with love, knowledge, and discernment, just as Paul prayed for the Philippian church.
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Title: Future Church
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Joshua 5:13-15
Overview: Join Pastor Nate Holdridge as he shares a timely and heartfelt sermon from Joshua 5:13-15, focusing on the future of the church and its mission. In this message, Pastor Nate emphasizes the importance of recognizing the new day God has brought to Calvary Monterey, the critical nature of the church’s mission, and the need for deepened worship and submission to God’s plans. With practical applications and a call for consecration, this sermon challenges listeners to fully engage with God’s vision for our lives and church community.
Title: Bound But Not Broken
Speaker: Matt Kehler
Text: Acts 16:11-34
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Title: The Mature Live Within a Praying Community
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 5:13-20
Overview: In this week’s message, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks us through James 5:13-20, focusing on the importance of living in a praying community. He highlights how prayer should encompass every aspect of our lives—whether we are suffering, rejoicing, sick, or in need of forgiveness. Pastor Nate encourages us to build a culture of prayer in our church, where we support one another through hardships, confess sins, and seek God's healing. Join us as we learn how the power of faith-filled prayer transforms both individuals and communities at Calvary Monterey.
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Title: The Mature are Patient in a Hard World
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 5:7-12
Overview: In this teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores James 5:7-12, highlighting the essential quality of patience for believers navigating a challenging world. Drawing from examples like the prophets and Job, Pastor Nate encourages us to adjust our expectations, prepare for Christ's return, and live with spiritual readiness. This sermon calls us to steadfastness, faithfulness, and careful commitment as we await the coming of the Lord. Tune in to gain insights on how to develop the patience needed to thrive in the face of trials.
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Title: The Mature Navigate Finances with God
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 5:1-6
Overview: In this sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge tackles James 5:1-6, a bold and direct passage on the proper navigation of wealth and finances in light of God's judgment. Pastor Nate explores the dangers of hoarding, luxury, and economic injustice, offering practical insights for living a life of generosity, justice, and eternal perspective. Through this challenging text, listeners are invited to reassess their relationship with money and consider how to use their resources for God's glory while being mindful of the eternal consequences of their financial decisions.
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Title: The Mature Walk Through Life With God
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 4:13-17
Overview: In this week’s sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge takes us through James 4:13-17, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God’s will in every aspect of our lives, including our plans. He explores how maturity in Christ means walking with God through life’s uncertainties, recognizing the brevity of life, and trusting His guidance. Join us as we reflect on how planning in submission to God’s sovereignty allows us to live purposefully and confidently.
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Title: The Mature Pursue God
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 4:1-12
Overview: In this week's message, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from James 4:1-12, addressing the critical issue of Christian maturity within the church. He explains how immaturity disrupts relationships and how the mature believer remedies this by humbly pursuing God. With practical insights on resisting temptation, fostering unity, and deepening one's relationship with the Lord, this teaching encourages believers to embrace a life marked by spiritual growth and community harmony. Join us as we explore how humility before God leads to grace and exaltation, both in our lives and within our church family.
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Title: A Psalm for the Seasons, Shepherd, King Fugitive
Speaker: Mike Casey
Text: Psalm 23
Title: A Move from Dim Anguish to Radiant Joy
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Psalm 22
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Title: The Mature Grow In Wisdom
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 3:13-18
Overview: Join Pastor Nate Holdridge as he unpacks the profound insights from James 3:13-18 in his sermon, "The Mature Grow in Wisdom." This week, we explore the stark contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom, delving into their sources, characteristics, and outcomes. Discover how true wisdom, rooted in purity, peace, and gentleness, transforms our lives and communities, fostering an environment ripe for spiritual growth. Tune in to gain practical steps for embodying godly wisdom in your daily walk and learn the commitments necessary to cultivate a life marked by divine understanding and righteousness.
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Title: The Mature Tame Their Speech
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 3:1-12
Overview: In this sermon from Pastor Nate Holdridge, we explore the profound impact of our words and the necessity of taming our speech through the book of James. James presents a sobering picture of the tongue's potential for destruction, likening it to a raging fire set ablaze by hell itself. Yet, he also offers hope, reminding us that true maturity in Christ is marked by a mastery over our words. Join us as we unpack James' teachings, raising our awareness of the significance of our speech and learning to allow God to transform our words into vessels of blessing, healing, and life. Prepare to be challenged and empowered in your journey towards Christlike speech.
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Title: Faith Produces Maturity
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 2:14-26
Overview: In this sermon, Pastor Nate explores the relationship between faith and works as taught in James 2:14-26. Through a careful examination of the text and a comparison with Paul's teachings, we consider how genuine faith inevitably leads to a transformed life marked by good works. Using examples from Abraham and Rahab, James inspires us to embrace a living faith that holds nothing back from God and His people, ultimately leading to a mature and vibrant Christian life.
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Title: The Mature Love Without Partiality
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 2:1-13
Overview: In this sermon, we explore the theme of loving others without partiality through the lens of James 2:1-13. Pastor Nate challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, calling us to reflect the love and mercy of Christ to all people, regardless of their background or social status. By remembering Jesus as the "Lord of glory," considering God's perspective on the poor and the rich, obeying the "royal law" of love, and living in light of the coming judgment, we can grow in maturity and become instruments of God's love and mercy to the world around us. This sermon is a call to put our faith into action and love others with the heart of Christ.
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Title: The Mature Receive Wisdom
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 1:19-27
Overview: In this sermon, Pastor Nate explores the transformative wisdom found in the book of James. Through an examination of James 1:19-27, we learn how to receive God's wisdom by hearing, practicing, and expecting it to produce fruit in our lives. We will be challenged to cultivate a humble and obedient heart, allowing God's perfect law of liberty to shape our speech, actions, and personal godliness. Become a doer of the word and experience the blessings of a life grounded in divine wisdom.
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Pastor Riley sits down with special guest Nate Holdridge to dive deep into the profound truths found in Nate's latest book, "1 Peter: The Grace of Exile." Together, they explore the timeless wisdom and encouragement contained within the pages of 1 Peter, discussing topics such as faith, perseverance, hope, and the grace-filled journey of living as exiles in a world not our own. Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to the faith, join us on this enlightening journey through Scripture. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and teachings from Calvary Monterey!
Title: The Mature Endure Temptation
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 1:12-18
Overview: In this sermon on James 1:12-18, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores the concept of enduring temptation as a mark of spiritual maturity. He discusses how a strong love for God, honest ownership of our struggles, and unwavering trust in God's goodness can help us persevere through trials and resist the lure of temptation. Pastor Nate provides practical guidance and encouragement for cultivating a deeper relationship with God and relying on His transformative power in our lives.
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Title: An Overview of the Mature
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: James 1:1-11
Overview: In this Calvary Monterey sermon, Pastor Nate unpacks the opening verses of the book of James (1:1-11), revealing a powerful vision for Christian maturity. Through exploring James's call to find joy in trials, seek wisdom from God, and base our identity on eternal realities, we discover how God uses the challenges of life to shape us into the image of Christ. Join us as we embark on a journey toward wholeness and Christlikeness, guided by the timeless wisdom of James.
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Title: Don't Worry: God's God You Covered!
Speaker: Manny Collazo
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
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Title: I Will Be Who I Am
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Micah 7
Micah Theme: Throughout his prophecies, we will encounter a figure who is both king and shepherd, who will lead God's remnant flock.
Overview: In this week's sermon, we explore Micah 7, where the prophet stands between a society rife with corruption and a future painted with hope. Micah's messages reveal God's unwavering promise to remain true to His nature, ensuring redemption and justice despite present evils. We examine the compelling concept of the 'remnant', a small, faithful group enduring through generational wickedness, and how this concept applies to us today. Discover the richness of Micah's vision where profound trust in God's promises yields a life of justice, mercy, and humility. Learn what it means to live as part of the remnant, delight in God's unchangeable character, and foster a community that mirrors divine love and righteousness. Join us as we unpack the depths of these prophecies and their implications for our lives, encouraging each of us to embrace the transformative call of the Shepherd-King.
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Title: Be Who You Are
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Micah 6
Micah Theme: Throughout his prophecies, we will encounter a figure who is both king and shepherd, who will lead God's remnant flock.
Overview: In this week's sermon from Calvary Monterey, we explore the profound message of Micah 6, inviting us to remember and embody our true identity as God's chosen people. Through the lens of Micah's prophetic voice, we're reminded of the importance of acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. The sermon not only unpacks the historical context and significance of these ancient words but also applies them to our lives today, challenging us to live out our calling as covenant partners and image bearers of the divine. Join us as we reflect on how to align our lives with the identity God has bestowed upon us, turning from disobedience to a life marked by faithfulness and love.
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Title: I Will Be Your Shepherd-King
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Micah 4:6-5:15
Micah Theme: Throughout his prophecies, we will encounter a figure who is both king and shepherd, who will lead God's remnant flock.
Overview: In this sermon from Calvary Monterey, we journey through the words of the prophet Micah, focusing on the chapters 4:6 to 5:15, where the profound themes of restoration, peace, and transformation are unveiled. Through Micah's eyes, we are introduced to the anticipated Shepherd-King, a figure embodying divine leadership and an unwavering commitment to gather, guide, and glorify His people. This sermon unravels the layers of judgment and hope, ancient prophecy and its fulfillment, and the unwavering promise of a future where God's sovereignty brings ultimate peace and renewal to His people. As we explore these passages, we are invited to reflect on our own lives, recognizing the Shepherd-King's call to embrace a life marked by faithfulness, obedience, and a deep-seated trust in God's eternal plans for restoration and peace.
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Title: The View from the Tomb
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: John 20:1-8
Description: In this special Easter edition of the Calvary Monterey Podcast, we delve into "The View From The Tomb," a sermon based on John 20:1-10. This episode explores the profound impact of the resurrection of Jesus on the early disciples and on us today. We explore how the resurrection serves as the ultimate paradigm shift, offering us someone to believe in, something to anticipate, and someone who loves us. This episode invites you to experience the transformative power of the resurrection in faith, hope, and love. Join us for a journey of discovery that challenges the heart, engages the mind, and calls the hands to action.
Title: I Will Establish My Glorious Kingdom
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Micah 3:1-4:5
Micah Theme: Throughout his prophecies, we will encounter a figure who is both king and shepherd, who will lead God's remnant flock.
Overview: In this installment of the Calvary Monterey podcast, we explore Micah's profound messages about the stark differences between the corrupt practices of ancient Israel's leaders and the future splendor of God's reign. "The Call of the Shepherd-King: Establishing God's Glorious Kingdom" brings into focus how historical injustices and the anticipation of a divine kingdom resonate with our current experiences, urging us to introspection, transformation, and alignment with divine principles. Through a comprehensive examination of Micah 3:1–4:5, listeners are encouraged to contemplate justice, leadership, and personal commitment to God's path. This discussion not only unveils the intricacies of ancient prophecies but also connects them to our everyday pursuit of living according to the values of God's kingdom—peace, righteousness, and presence in a world that yearns for change. Join us as we navigate the journey of faithfulness in a fractured world, buoyed by the promise of what is to come.
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Title: I Am Ready To Lead
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Micah 2
Micah Theme: Throughout his prophecies, we will encounter a figure who is both king and shepherd, who will lead God's remnant flock.
Overview: Today, we dive into "The Call of the Shepherd-King 02—I am Ready to Lead," a sermon that explores the profound roles of Jesus as both Savior and Lord, drawing on the teachings of Micah. The sermon invites listeners to reconsider their relationship with Jesus, emphasizing not just salvation but a life led under His guidance. It addresses the importance of covenant, the dangers of covetousness, and the transformative power of embracing Jesus' leadership in every aspect of life. Through a mix of biblical insight and practical application, this episode challenges believers to live out their faith with Jesus as their Shepherd-King, guiding them toward contentment, generosity, and a deeper commitment to His teachings.
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Title: I Am Ready To Act
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Micah 1
Micah Theme: Throughout his prophecies, we will encounter a figure who is both king and shepherd, who will lead God's remnant flock.
Overview: Our study of Micah is titled "The Call of the Shepherd-King." Today, we look at Micah 1, the oracle's historical context, its call for repentance, and the vivid imagery used by Micah to convey God's lamentation over his people's sins. Through a deep exploration of Micah's vision of a world centered around Yahweh's righteousness, the sermon challenges us to reflect on our own lives, urging us towards actions that align with God's kingdom values. This episode is a compelling invitation to understand and embrace the transformative power of God's word through Micah, encouraging listeners to live out their faith with justice, kindness, and humility.
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Title: God’s Presence
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 35-40
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In this Calvary Monterey sermon, our final study of Exodus, we delve into "Knowing God 17—God's Presence—Exodus 35-40." This sermon takes us on a journey through the final chapters of Exodus, exploring the construction of the Tabernacle and its significance in the Israelites' relationship with God. We examine the themes of sacrifice, priesthood, and the necessity of a sacred meeting space, and how these elements point towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This episode offers a vivid interpretation of Moses' experiences and the transformative power of God's presence, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journey and relationship with God. Join us as we uncover the depth and beauty of God's word and its relevance to our daily lives.
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Title: God’s Nature
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 32-34
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In this Calvary Monterey sermon, we dive into "Knowing God 16—God's Nature" based on Exodus 32-34. This sermon explores the tension between God's wrath and mercy as seen in the Israelites' creation of the golden calf and Moses' role as an intercessor. It's a journey through a critical biblical episode, offering a deeper understanding of God's complex nature. We reflect on themes of idolatry, repentance, and divine forgiveness, drawing parallels to contemporary faith and how these lessons apply to our daily walk with God. Join us in this exploration of faith, forgiveness, and the unchanging nature of God.
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Title: God’s Heart
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 25-31
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In this episode of the Calvary Monterey Podcast, we delve into "God's House" from Exodus 25-31, 35-40, exploring the intricate details of the Tabernacle and its profound significance in God's plan. This sermon not only uncovers the deep symbolism in the construction and purpose of the Tabernacle but also connects it to the overarching theme of God's desire for a close relationship with His people. Join us as we unravel the layers of meaning in this pivotal section of Exodus, reflecting on how the Tabernacle's design, materials, and rituals symbolize God's holiness, grace, and the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. This journey through Scripture offers insights into the heart of worship and the importance of creating a sacred space for God in our lives.
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Title: God’s Community
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 21-24
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In this Calvary Monterey teaching, we dive into Exodus 21-24 to explore the Book of the Covenant that shaped the ancient Israelite community. Nate Holdridge walks us through key principles for Christian community that we can glean from Israel's laws. Tracing themes of love, valuing life, impact of story, and God-centeredness, we're challenged to let these pillars shape our church.
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Title: God’s Commands
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 20
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In our latest teaching, we delve into the profound insights of "Knowing God—God's Commands—Exodus 20." This sermon explores the Ten Commandments, revealing how these ancient laws are not just historical edicts but living words that reflect God's character and His desire for His people. The sermon unpacks the deep relationship between God's commands and our freedom, emphasizing how obedience leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose. It challenges listeners to see these commandments as a pathway to a beautiful life designed by a beautiful God. Join us as we uncover the rich, transformative power of God's word and how it applies to our lives today.
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Title: God’s Invitation
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 19
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In this sermon on Exodus 19, we explore how God extended an invitation to Israel to obey Him fully and become His treasured possession and holy nation. We see how Israel had to prepare and consecrate themselves before meeting God at Mt. Sinai, which reveals the tension between God's loving nearness and fearful holiness. This tension finds its resolution in Christ, whose blood makes the unapproachable God approachable to all who believe. Let's reflect on how this transforms our walk with God today.
Link to Sermon Notes | Link to Pastor Nate’s Leviticus Study
Title: Exodus Christmas
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: John 8:34-36
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: This Christmas sermon explores the many ways the original Exodus story parallels and foreshadows the Christmas narrative about Christ's birth. We'll see overlapping characters, details, and themes that reveal God's long-term plan of rescue and redemption unfolding through Scripture. And we'll consider how this greatest "exodus" yet calls us to keep experiencing freedom from sin so that we can know God more deeply.
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Title: God Prepares
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 17:8-18:27
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: What does this mean? It means that the counsel Jethro gave Moses pointed forward to a greater day when God would not only distribute his word through smaller groups, leaders, and teachers but would inscribe it on the internal drives and motivations of his people. It means that, before Jesus came, people devoted to the word were like musicians reading sheet music and trying to play what they read. But after Jesus came, because he gave us the Spirit, we can become like musicians who know the song so well we can play it like it is second nature—his word in us.
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Title: Faith: The Spiritual Torque You Need
Speaker: Manny Collazo
Text: Hebrews 11:23-28
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Title: God Saves
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 15:22 - 17:7
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: We face the same series of tests they endured in this passage. We often fail them, but the Spirit of Christ in us can help us overcome because he overcame. When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted, he echoed all three of these episodes. Just as they learned at Marah, it was important for him to worship God alone by giving allegiance and obedience to his Father in heaven rather than bow to the devil (Matt. 4:8-10). And as they learned in with the manna, Jesus saw that man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from God's mouth (Matt. 4:3-4). And as they saw at Maasah and Meribah, Jesus knew that we should not put the Lord our God to the test, but instead trust he is there for us (Matt. 4:5-7).
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Title: God’s Song
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 15:1-21
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: They knew God had plans for them. In their minds, they were now his people, just as he'd promised. Their identity was wrapped up in him. He had purchased them on that Passover night. They would be planted and established by him and with him forever and ever (17-18). He loved them and was living out a covenant he had made with them. They were his.
What about you? Are you conscious of his covenant love for and with you? Do you recognize how much he has done to draw you back into himself? Do you feel that he is trying to bring you home?
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Title: God’s Saves
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 13:17 - 14:31
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: We also need reminders of God's covenantal love. The more secure we are in it, the better we will be led into the future with him. We will trust that he is for us, not against us, with a future and hope in store for us. Just as the roots of a tree go down deep, providing a way for the tree to grow to great heights, so we must be rooted and grounded in God's love.
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Title: God’s Passover
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 11:1 - 13:16
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: As believers, we must live from the true story of our identity—we are a delivered people! It came by the merciful blood of Jesus—nowhere else—and it was absolutely, totally, and completely required. Without it, we would be lost, dead, and enslaved. Let's think on that story until humility is produced in us—the blood of Jesus removes all boasting. Let's think of that story until love is produced in us—the cross is the most loving event in human history. Let's think of that story until joy is produced in us—we are passed over and completely safe in God because of the blood of his Son!
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Title: God’s Power
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 7-10
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: Believers need this type of remembrance as well. We did not save ourselves. We did not earn the victory. We were not such good people that God favored us. That is not the story. Instead, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). That is our story; we must not rewrite it.
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Title: God’s Plan
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 6
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: Everything we've thought about today—that God gives us redemption, identity, and purpose—helps explain the transformation the Hebrews went through in the book of Exodus. God pulled them out of Egypt into himself to send them to the nations. He does the same for us—he redeems us, gives us an identity, and gives us a purpose. Let's join him in his work!
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Title: Stay Faithful
Speaker: Phil Comer
Text: Psalm 101:1-6
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Title: Forgiveness
Speaker: Diane Comer
Link to Diane’s Book
Link to Intentional Parenting Podcast
Title: How a Deaf Woman Hears
Speaker: Diane Comer
Link to Diane’s Book
Link to Intentional Parenting Podcast
Title: My Story
Speaker: Diane Comer
Link to Diane’s Book
Link to Intentional Parenting Podcast
Title: God’s Son
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 4:18 - 5:23
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: And, just as we've seen in our passage today, God is willing to do that work. He sees his people as he sees his only begotten Son, so he is motivated to deliver us. Though the situations God's children find themselves in often worsen before the deliverance, God's ultimate deliverance is decided and guaranteed. Just as Pharaoh was a toy in his hand, so the powers of this world and world system are destined to a bitter end. God has plans for his kids, and he is playing the long game to produce those plans.
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Title: Never An Ornamental Extra
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 3:13-4:17
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: In our passage today, God appears to Moses as discontent to be thought of as an ornamental extra. He is meant to be at the center of his people, the focus of our lives. He is all that we are not. He is altogether sufficient—our "ever-present and ever-present interventionist for good."1 He is inexhaustibly enough; originates the great reversal humanity needs; is the ultimate power of powers, even the power of death; and is the sovereign Lord who works out his plans—and he longs to be at the center of our lives.
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Title: People Who Experience God's Exodus
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 2:11 - 3:12
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: So God is the God of exodus—he is always at work to bring us out of "Egypts" in order to bring us into himself. In our passage today, we have thought about the person God uses to create that exodus. They are humble, outside the world system, live in the fear of the Lord, and are empowered by God for their task.
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Title: His Presence
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Exodus 1:1 - 2:10
Exodus Theme: The holy God wants us to know him and experience his presence, but we must first exit unholy bondage and enter holy servitude.
Overview: This simple outline helps inform our theme for studying the book: Knowing God. This, after all, was God's aim. He did not want to set Israel free just so they could be free, but so they might serve him. Through Moses to Pharaoh, God often said, "Let me people go, that they may serve me" (Ex. 5:1, 7:16, 8:1, 9:1, etc.).
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Title: The Importance Of Reading Well
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Psalm 19
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Jesus Famous Youth just got back from their Thailand mission trip! On today's episode we have a few students share their stories and favorite moments from the trip. We get to hear of the amazing testimonies of what the Lord did through the people of Thailand and through the group of students that traveled. Plus, stick around to end to hear a special podcast update from Nate.
Follow Pastor Nate:
Website: nateholdridge.com Instagram: @nateholdridge Church: calvary.com
Title: Coping With Extreme Pressure
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Psalm 17
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Title: Holy Self-Examination
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Psalm 15
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Title: An Immoveable Confidence
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Psalm 11
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Title: The Ministry of Christ - Authority
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Luke 4:31-44
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Title: The Ministry of Christ - Mission
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Luke 4:16-30
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Title: The Ministry of Christ - Preparation
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Luke 4:1-15
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Title: How Great is Our God! - The Doxologies
Speaker: Geoff Buck
Links:
The Attributes of God
Lectures in Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology
Title: Gospel Power
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 6:11-18
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: We agree with the apostle. Amen: so be it. Let's allow the gospel of grace to have first place—by a mile—in our hearts and minds. Let's keep ourselves from the all-to-pervasive tendency to add to the gospel various works or viewpoints that we think justify us. Let us fly up into the life only the gospel provides for us, free and accepted by God because of Jesus' work, not our own, responding in love to all he's done for us..
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Title: Gospel Investments
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 6:6-10
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview:All this might feel overwhelming. If it does, I will remind you that Paul said we should display this care and generosity and goodness towards others as we have opportunity (10). We aren't to become overburdened and overwhelmed by Jesus' yoke.
But I would also offer you the same encouragement Paul gave the Galatians: Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (9). Weariness comes upon everyone who commits to a life filled with good works toward others. It can be painful to sacrifice, and sometimes your sacrifices will be taken for granted, and this leads to weariness. Sometimes it is your body that is weary, while at other times, it is your spirit and soul—but often, your whole person is fatigued.
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Title: Gospel Community
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 6:1-5
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview:And all this burden-bearing and gentle restoration is only possible in a gospel church. Without the cross, we are fossilized into an environment and culture of legalistic human effort. This leads to an unwillingness to help others, along with an allergy to vulnerable transparency. Soon, the very community that should have loved and saved and healed and lifted burdens like Jesus did becomes a burden in itself. So we must keep our focus on Jesus and his wonderful cross so that we can be a blessing on others' journeys and be blessed on our own.
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Title: Jesus Builds Strong Churches
Speaker: Riley Manzo
Text: Romans 15:1-7
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Title: Gospel Destination
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 5:22-26
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: So what is the foundation of our growth? First, our identity. We belong to Jesus. Second, our continued commitment to growth. We want to kill the flesh. And third, we feed the Spirit. We want to put up our sails to catch his pneumatic power to carry us along into Christlikeness.
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Title: Gospel Rescue
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 5:19-21
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: In our next study of Galatians, we will think about how walking in the Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit. As God's Spirit transforms us to look more like Jesus, these works of the flesh are overcome. But my hope—and I think Paul's hope—is that we would see this passage today as insight into what God is in the continual process of rescuing us from. He does not reach us only to abandon us. He saves us and then sanctifies us. He rescues us by the cross and then reforms us by his Spirit.
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Title: Easter Sunday 2023—Dead & Alive
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Romans 6:8-11
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Title: The Gospel Starts A War Within
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 5:16-18
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: In the Old Testament, Samson was uniquely empowered by God's Spirit. Set apart by God from his birth, he became a heroic deliverer of God's people. But for as strong the Spirit was in Samson's life, he always battled with the desires of the flesh. It all culminated for him in a relationship with a forbidden woman named Delilah. She enticed him day after day in an attempt to find the secret of his strength, all with the intention of reporting it directly to Israel's enemies. For a while, Samson danced around the truth. But one day, he caved, told her the secret to his strength, gave himself completely to her, and was captured.
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Title: Run In Gospel Grace
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 5:7-15
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: Paul was confident that God would help these Galatians run again in grace. He said, "I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view" (10). He believed God would work on their behalf and get them back on course, running the race of grace. He had the same attitude towards them that he had about the Philippians:
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Title: Enjoy Gospel Freedom
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 5:1-6
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: It is important to note what Paul is doing in this paragraph and the coming section in Galatians because many misunderstand. When they read Galatians 5-6, they think Paul is providing needed balance to the radical gospel of grace, as if he finally noticed that he went a little too far and now needs to reign in God's people. But that is not at all what Paul will do here. He is not providing a balance to grace but perspective and clarity on what grace produces in a person's life.
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Title: The Great Commission
Speaker: Phil Metzger
Text: Matthew 28
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Title: Reject Anti-Gospels
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 4:21-31
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: By God's grace, we have been brought from barrenness to fruitfulness, slavery to freedom, and law to grace. We now have an eternal and heavenly citizenship. One day, our city will arrive.
And it has all happened through the work of Christ. Just as Abraham's plotting and planning could not fulfill God's purposes, our efforts and attempts cannot gain our good standing before God. We needed his plan and power. And just as Sarah received a miracle child in Isaac, so we are born to God through the miracle of Christ's resurrection and the new birth of the Spirit. So when the anti-gospels roll in, let us stand firm against them!
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Title: Jesus' Description Is His Prescription
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Revelation 2-3
Title: Stay Firm In The Gospel
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 4:8-20
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: We are still in the middle of Paul's theological case to the Galatian church. After he had gone to them with the full, true, and simple gospel, they had begun to drift from it. False teachers had arrived in their midst, telling them they needed to attach the practices of Judaism to their new faith in Christ. Soon, these brand-new Gentile Christians were acting out Old Testament practices in an attempt to become fully accepted in God's sight.
All this was abhorrent to Paul—he referred to it as a gospel contrary to the one they had received, a distorted gospel, a different gospel, one worthy of a curse on all who proclaim it (Galatians 1:6-9). Since the argument of the false teachers was that Paul did not know the true gospel, the first portion of the letter had to do with how widely Paul and his gospel were accepted in the early church—Paul's personal case for the gospel (Galatians 1-2). And since the argument of the false teachers was that Paul's gospel would produce a wild and sinful people who thought grace allowed them to follow their sinful impulses, the last portion of Paul's letter will cover the radical changes the gospel is meant to produce in us (Galatians 5-6). But the middle section of the letter is Paul's theological argument. The false teachers thought they had Scripture on their side, but they had wrongly divided the word, so Paul broke down the Old Testament in a demonstration that the simple gospel of grace and faith in Christ, not works and law, has always been God's plan.
But Paul is not a dry theologian. Today, amid his scriptural teaching, Paul made a loving appeal. This section is one of the most intimate in Galatians. He referred to the false teachers, but only twice. But he used personal words like I, me, and you forty-five times. With a bleeding heart, Paul begged the Galatians to stay firm in the gospel of grace. And, as he expressed his heart to them, it was the Spirit expressing his heart for all of us. This passage, in other words, shows us God's desire for us to stay firm in the gospel of grace. And, as I hope to show, he longs for us to stay simple in our relationship with him, free in Christ, and focused on Christ being formed in us.
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Title: God As Father
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 4:1-7
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: So our passage tells us the great lengths God went to make us his adopted sons. He sent his Son at the perfect moment in human history to live as a man under the law, fulfilling it for us before dying on our behalf. It would have made no sense for the Galatian Christians to submit to the elementary principles of the very law God redeemed them from!
But God was not content to only do the excruciating work of positioning us as his children. He also wants us to experience and feel his presence as our Father right now, so he gave us his Spirit to drive us to him. The Spirit puts an urge within us for the Father, so we must yield to the Spirit's nudges.
If the concept of God as Father is so important to God that he specifically commissions the third person of the Trinity to make it real to us, how can we better yield to his mission? How can we allow our inner person to become rewired to view God as our loving, good, and benevolent Father? Here are some suggestions:
First, search out the work of Christ as revealed in Scripture. In a sense, this passage makes the world's greatest case for Bible study and prayer. Studying the Bible helps you meditate on the work of the Son, while prayer yields you to the work of the Spirit, both of whom want to get you to the Father.
Second, preach the gospel to yourself every day. Paul said we must reckon ourselves to be as Christ is, with his righteousness and position, dead to sin and alive to God (Rom. 6:11). At the beginning of your day, and then all throughout it, tell yourself who you are in him.
Third, pray the Lord's prayer, and do not allow yourself to get past the first words until you feel them to be true. "Our Father, in heaven..." (Mat. 6:9). In a sense, if you can get that first truth of God as your Father instilled within, you are well on your way. Pass "Go" and collect your two-hundred dollars.
Fourth, pause to consider how you currently feel about God. If you have to journal or write to get your thoughts out, do it. I'm not asking for a report on what you know the Bible says about God, but how you perceive him at the moment. Know that anything out of line with the way he is presented in Scripture is a lie. Any perception of him not aligned with the truth of him as your Father in heaven is designed to keep you from him.
Finally, go to him. The Spirit is trying to drive you in his direction, but we all have a sinful flesh that wars against the Spirit. Don't allow the flesh to win, but cut it off by feeding the Spirit. Run to him. He loves you.
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Title: What Faith In The Gospel Does To You
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 3:23-29
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: All the truths we've talked about today should fill us with meaning and significance. We are no longer imprisoned and guarded by the law. We are now sons of God because of the Son of God. We are now one in Christ because Christ broke down every wall of hostility between us (Eph. 2:14-16). We are now Abraham's offspring because we believed the promise just like he did (Gal. 3:11-14).
Notice the direction of all these changes. Our relationship with the heights of heaven has changed—we are sons of God. Our relationship with the breadth of humanity has changed—we are one in Christ with all others who've believed. And our relationship with the length of human history has changed—we are now part of God's long program of introducing his kingdom. This should infuse every one of us with a feeling of great significance, and I encourage you to meditate on each truth until that feeling arises. Up to heaven, around the globe, and deep into history, our lives have been changed by Jesus.
But how should we respond to all these truths? Here are a handful of suggestions:
First, if life under the law was one in captivity and under a guardian—if it couldn't produce true transformation—then we believers must turn to the right source for personal growth today. God has given us a new nature, and our flesh or old body of sin competes with that new nature, so we should feed the Spirit because he is the one who will transform us into all God has intended.
Second, if we are now sons of God, we should expect a lifetime of learning to experience God as our Father. We will jump into this more in our next study of Galatians, but this aspect of knowing God is of vital importance and is not gained overnight. Learning of God as our Good Father is clunky and awkward at times. We will often revert to a law code or angry dad way of relating to him. But we must keep pressing until we feel him for who he is: our loving and good Father in heaven.
Third, if we are one in Christ, we should resist the voices of division that seek to inflame us against other cultures, other classes, or the other gender. Instead, we should appreciate our differences and rejoice that, despite them, we are one in Jesus! Then, we should treat one another with the utmost respect.
And last, if we are Abraham's offspring, we should let it sink in that our lives are not accidents. We are part of God's long and beautiful redemptive plan, a massive family tree connected to Abraham, the father of faith. Many have come before us, and we are part of them. And many will come after us—hopefully from us—and we are part of them as well.
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Title: The Law Compliments The Gospel
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 3:15-22
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: Now that we've considered how the law compliments the gospel, how should we respond? Since it arrived well after God began dealing with us by grace, promise, and faith, it cannot void his grace, his promises, or justification by faith, but what do we do with that information? It was useful among the Israelites before Jesus arrived as a way to suppress evil, but how does that impact us? And it reveals our deep need for Jesus Christ and his cross to save us from sin, but does that have any meaning for us after we've trusted in Jesus? How should we respond to this passage?
First, if God promised to be enjoyed by faith in his promise and not by works of the law, we should be encouraged to enjoy God by faith. Hebrews held out a man from Genesis called Enoch as an example of this type of faith. Enoch used to walk with God every day until one day he disappeared because God took him (Gen. 5:25). Hebrews then says that "without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Heb. 11:6). We cannot enjoy God by works and wage, but by grace and faith.
Second, if it was good for Israelite society that the law acted as a lid holding down the toxic waste of sin, we should rejoice that we are on this side of the cross. With the Spirit living inside us, we can be transformed from within. And that very real change in us is bound to be a major blessing to the communities we are in—our relationships, families, workplaces, cities, states, and nations all benefit when Christ changes us by his Spirit.
Third, we should recognize that if the righteous standard of the law points us to our need for Jesus, then righteous living fueled by the Holy Spirit is a powerful witness. Jesus said to let your light shine before mankind (Mat. 5:16). When, by the power of the Spirit, it does, your life serves as a signpost to Jesus.
Finally, thank God that he is a promise keeper who put you on earth at this moment in time. You can look back to the cross of Christ. Abraham had to believe offspring would come to bless the world, but we know his name—Jesus! God fulfilled his promise. Respect God and the time he has placed you in. The law has been fulfilled. Christ has come. And now he can transform you from the inside out!
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Title: Gospel Blessing
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 3:10-14
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: I once heard the story of two men whose rowboat capsized above Niagara Falls. The current rapidly carried them to the falls, but people on the shore floated a rope out to them, and they both grabbed it. But one of the men saw a large log floating by and, in a panic, let go of the rope and grabbed at the log instead, leading to his demise.[^5] And there are so many other things we might grab at or trust in—our religious activity, our prayers, our good deeds—but only Christ can deliver us. Cling to his cross! Rely on him! Depend on him!
When we do, we escape the curse of the law and enter into the blessing of the gospel. It brings us into a life of faith. It shows us that Christ took on our curse by becoming a curse for us on the cross. And it allows us to partake of the blessing of Abraham, namely by receiving the Holy Spirit the prophets of old said would come.
And, with the Spirit leading and empowering our lives, we can enjoy the very life the law hoped to achieve—one where we trust in the true and living God, refuse to worship anything that would dehumanize us, are free from all forms of shameful defilement, are generous and just, keeping God's rules and acting faithfully (Ezek. 18:5-9). It is a life where God puts his laws into our minds and writes them on our hearts (Heb. 8:10). The Spirit empowers us, partly by reforming our motivations. And with this change of perspective and fresh empowerment, our lives come to describable with just one word—blessed!
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Title: The Gospel According To Abraham
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 3:6-9
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: In Matthew 22, Jesus told a parable about a wedding feast a king gave for his prince son. When he sent out his servants to invite the guests, it did not go as it does in Disney movies, where villagers are ecstatic that there is going to be a ball. Instead, his invitation was rejected, and some of his servants were shamefully treated. So the king commissioned the rest of his servants to go to the streets—to the highways and byways—to invite as many as they could find. The invitation must have included clothing provided by the king because when he saw one of his recently invited guests there without a garment, he told his attendants to cast him into outer darkness, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The entire parable is outrageous. Who would reject the honor of being invited to the prince's wedding? What king would clothe an entire population just so they could be his guests? And why would the lack of proper attire get someone a one-way ticket to outer darkness?
But the strong elements of the parable are what make it memorable. And the lesson seems simple: accept and wear the garments the king provides. Don't bring your own garments; wear the ones he offers.
And this passage tells us the same. The way for us to be found acceptable for God's wedding feast—for his forever kingdom, first on earth and then in the new heavens and earth—is to accept the clothing he has provided. By simple faith in Christ, we will be draped with the appropriate attire for our God. Just as Abraham believed God's promise and God deposited righteousness to his account, so when we believe in Christ, we are clothed with the righteousness of God.
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Title: How To Read The Bible
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Proverbs 2
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Title: He Became Poor For Us
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:9
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Title: Women of Christmas: Anna
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Luke 2:36-38
Women Of Christmas Theme: For this Christmas season—Advent—over the next three Sundays, I would like us to consider some of the women of Christmas. All of them are found in Luke's gospel. First, we will consider Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and a relative of Mary. Second, we will consider Mary, the young virgin who became the blessed mother of our Lord. And third, we will consider Anna, the elderly widow who daily waited for the Messiah in the Jewish temple and celebrated when she saw Jesus.
Overview: And we should carry a similar hope today. Anna wanted the redemption of Jerusalem, but we crave the redemption of the whole world. Isaiah (and Habakkuk after him) promised a day to come when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Is. 11:9, Hab. 2:14). Living, as we do, on the Monterey Bay, we know a bit about the sea. In our bay, there is seemingly endless life, a whole world that researchers are increasingly learning about. It is a world under water, under the deluge, existing within the substance. One day, Christ will come, and he will establish his reign and kingdom forever. And it will be like life under the ocean surface—we will exist within his realm, with a knowledge of him, his ways, and his goodness. Nothing will be untouched by the cross.
Right now, though we hope for that kingdom, we have a hard time imagining it. But, one day, when Jesus returns, not as a baby but as a conquering king, "what no eye has seen or heard or imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him," will be known (1 Cor. 2:9). It will be our experience. We will be swimming in it. No, living within it. So, with Anna, let's live in anticipation and hope!
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Title: Foregivness & Guilt Q&A
Speaker: Dr. J.P. Moreland
Dr. Moreland will be speaking on the topic of 'Forgiveness and Guilt". This is going to be a powerful night of teaching from one of the foremost voices in Christian apologetics. The event is free and childcare is provided upon registration. We encourage you to invite your believing and unbelieving friends and family to this special night. You won't want to miss it!
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Title: Foregivness & Guilt
Speaker: Dr. J.P. Moreland
Dr. Moreland will be speaking on the topic of 'Forgiveness and Guilt". This is going to be a powerful night of teaching from one of the foremost voices in Christian apologetics. The event is free and childcare is provided upon registration. We encourage you to invite your believing and unbelieving friends and family to this special night. You won't want to miss it!
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Title: Women of Christmas: Elizabeth
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Luke 1
Women Of Christmas Theme: For this Christmas season—Advent—over the next three Sundays, I would like us to consider some of the women of Christmas. All of them are found in Luke's gospel. First, we will consider Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and a relative of Mary. Second, we will consider Mary, the young virgin who became the blessed mother of our Lord. And third, we will consider Anna, the elderly widow who daily waited for the Messiah in the Jewish temple and celebrated when she saw Jesus.
Overview: So Elizabeth was a woman after God's own heart, a woman who lived in fear of the Lord, and through her body, the dawn of the gospel began to break. Her steadfast hope in God, her prophetic counsel as a messenger for God, and her determined obedience to God all paved the way for the Son of Mary, the Son of God.
Let's emulate Elizabeth by walking righteously even while still in the dark. This Christmas season, as we consider the beauty of the first advent, we still look forward to the second. All is not as it should be. And all is not as it will be once Christ returns. When he does, he will lift our reproach from us. Brokenness will not remain. We will be redeemed by our Lord.
One of the most celebrated facets of this time of year is the warmth and joy of friendships and family. Movies and music often portray, amid the darkness and cold, glowing lights and relational warmth. But it is getting harder and harder to believe the hype. We cannot forget the animosity, despair, and brokenness of our time. Nor can we forget our own disappointments, times when life is anything but what Hallmark portrays.
But rather than be disgusted by the hype, realize it is the guttural cry of humanity for something we cannot attain on our own. We want peace on earth. We want goodwill toward man. We want goodness and joy to permeate all things. And so does Christ. One day, he will return and banish sin, pain, brokenness, and injustice for his people. The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and he will reign forever (Malachi 4:2). So let's be like Elizabeth, faithfully walking with God while hoping in God, using this Christmas season as another signpost to a more glorious age to come.
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Title: See The Gospel
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 3:1-5
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: Believers in Jesus must repeatedly see the cross of Christ, along with all its implications. Jesus Christ must constantly be "publicly portrayed as crucified before our eyes (1). When Jesus is famous to us personally—when his sacrifice on the cross is understood and appreciated for what it is—beautiful results follow.
When we see afresh that the gift of the Son dying on the cross led to the gift of the Spirit living within us, we will turn to him for leadership, guidance, and strength.
When we see afresh that Jesus made us complete us on the cross, we will realize that he is constantly there for us throughout life, helping us grow.
When we see afresh the immense value of what Jesus did for us by substituting himself for us, we will become willing to sacrifice anything to live for him.
And when we see afresh how simple faith in the gospel released God's power in our lives, we will continue to express simple faith in him, releasing his power towards us.
But for all this, we must continually see his cross.
The week before Jesus died in Jerusalem, he passed through Jericho. A great crowd gathered, but there was a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. When he heard that it was Jesus passing by, he began to cry, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" People tried to silence him, but Jesus called for him and asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus replied, "Let me recover my sight." Jesus commended Bartimaeus for his faith, healed him, and went on his way with Bartimaeus in tow (Mk. 10:46-52).
I think Bartimaeus can be a metaphor for every believer in Jesus. When we aren't hearing a clear, continuous, and bold portrayal of Jesus Christ and him crucified, we inevitably slip into spiritual blindness, begging for scraps, turning to lesser things to solve our issues. But when we cry out afresh to Jesus, asking him to open our eyes again to him and his cross, we begin to see once more. And with our sight, he stands before us, and we are able to follow him again. So, every day, let us be a people who ask him for sight so that he and his cross will be clearly portrayed to us. Let us ask him to help us see the gospel.
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Title: Gospel Life
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 2:17-21
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: Gospel living is before us in the passage today.
It tells us that through the law we died to any possibility of standing approved before God on the basis of our own personal goodness. We died to that legal way of relating to God, and in being set free from it, we are now free to live for God.
It also tells us that we are so inextricably identified with Christ that it's as if we no longer live, but Christ lives in us. We died on the cross with Jesus, and now his resurrection life can be our daily experience.
And it tells us that this brand of life is gained by ongoing and persistent faith in Jesus, the one who loved us so much he gave his life for us. We are to live in continual dependence upon him because he has proved himself dependable to us.
In the Old Testament era, worshippers came from afar to offer animal sacrifices to God. It was God's way of helping them understand the problem of sin—their unholiness kept them from his presence. The sacrifices were meant as a covering for their sin, allowing them to engage in fellowship with God. Every sacrifice pointed forward to the ultimate and only satisfactory sacrifice of God's only begotten Son. But when those worshippers approached the altar, when the animal was slain, they would place their hands on the head of the animal. And, for many sacrifices, after the animal was offered, the worshipper would eat the meat in a holy meal. So they had to touch and consume the sacrifices that were offered. It was not enough to watch from afar; the worshipper had to connect with that which was offered on the altar.
In a similar way, modern worshippers must place their hands on and consume the sacrifice. The gospel life made possible by Christ's sacrifice must be energetically entered into. We cannot be passive. If we are, we will rebuild laws and codes that Christ destroyed, seeking to approach God through our works. If we are, we won't see ourselves as completely identified with Christ in his death and resurrection. If we are, we won't enjoy the simple devotion of faith and trust in Jesus every day of our lives. But we must not nullify the grace of God. Instead, we must put our hands on Jesus and take hold of him for life today and every day, believing that the power of his cross means life today is for God, in Christ, and by faith.
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Title: An Invitation To Trust
Speaker: Matt Kehler
Text: Psalm 16
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Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of A Jesus Famous Men & Women Live As A Sacrifice Unto God.
Title: Live In Step With The Gospel
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 2:11-16
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: When God delivered the people of Israel from their captivity in Egypt, the final victory they won over their captors was at the Red Sea. As Moses stretched out his hands and his staff, the waters parted so Israel could cross on dry ground. And when the Egyptian armies pursued them, the waters closed upon them, ensuring freedom for God's children.
From that point on, Israel was meant to walk in line with the events of the Red Sea. When intertribal disputes arose, they needed to realize that, for all their differences, God chose all of them that day—they were united at the Red Sea. When they were faced with impressive foes in the Promised Land, they needed to remember who they were, God's victorious people—they needed to be motivated by the Red Sea. And when God gave them the tabernacle system of worship, they needed to remember that they were already God's chosen people—they became his at the Red Sea. And Israel should have pushed forward in determination, all because of the great and final victory God had won for them at the Red Sea.
And this great gospel message should produce a determination in us: I am going to live in step with the gospel I believe. I will unite with everyone who comes under the banner of the gospel. I am motivated to do so because that same gospel calls me up into a better version of life. And justification only comes by faith in that gospel—I will never trust my personal performance to gain me right standing with God, nor will I require others to perform above and beyond the gospel to get right standing with me. I will live in step with the gospel.
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Title: The Beautiful, Acceptable Gospel
Speaker: Nate Holdridge
Text: Galatians 2:1-10
Galatians Theme: Galatians describes a life that is free. It is a life in flight. If we cling to the true gospel, if we accept it for what it is, we can fly. But Paul wrote Galatians because the Galatian believers—and all future believers—were in danger. If we adulterate the gospel, if we add to it in any way, we will not fly. Like a bird chained in a birdcage, we will (at best) hinder ourselves from flying into God's ideal for our lives or (at worst) hinder ourselves and others from true salvation.
Overview: So this passage tells us Paul's story of presenting this unearnable, freeing, and versatile gospel to the apostles in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. They considered it, and though they may have been quietly tolerating some who distorted the gospel by adding the Old Testament law to it, they stood up and recognized the gospel of grace as the gospel transmitted from Christ to them.
We have a similar decision before us today. Our decision does not impact church history as much as theirs did, but it greatly influences us and the people around us, even subsequent generations.
Will we think of acceptance by God as something we can earn through good works or religious ceremonies? If so, we have destroyed the gospel.
Will we allow ourselves to come under human controls that tell us we must add this or that behavior to the gospel to be approved by God? If so, we have destroyed the gospel.
And will we preach a message that forces everyone into a particular mold? If so, we have destroyed the gospel.
Instead, we must accept this unearnable, freeing, and versatile gospel message just like the apostles did.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of Galatians.
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Pastor Nate begins a new study Sunday mornings in the book of Galatians.
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This year at our annual Women’s Conference we have guest speaker Sharon Thomas from Established Footsteps ministry teaching us on “Saying YES to Kingdom Living”.
Link to her ministry:
https://linktr.ee/establishedfootstepsministry
This year at our annual Women’s Conference we have guest speaker Sharon Thomas from Established Footsteps ministry teaching us on “Saying YES to Kingdom Living”.
Link to her ministry:
https://linktr.ee/establishedfootstepsministry
This year at our annual Women’s Conference we have guest speaker Sharon Thomas from Established Footsteps ministry teaching us on “Saying YES to Kingdom Living”.
Link to her ministry:
https://linktr.ee/establishedfootstepsministry
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of A Jesus Famous Man Fosters A Gospel-Oriented Community.
Christina Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of A Jesus Famous Woman Fosters A Gospel-Oriented Community.
A special message from Pastor Nate Holdridge in Psalm chapter 6.
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Pastor Nate concludes our study this Sunday morning on the book of Jonah with the theme “Unhitched: How God's Church Must Connect To God's Nature”.
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A special message from Pastor Joshua Shively this Sunday in the book of Romans chapter 5.
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Pastor Nate continues our study this Sunday morning on the book of Jonah with the theme “Unhitched: How God's Church Must Connect To God's Nature”.
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Pastor Nate continues our study this Sunday morning on the book of Jonah with the theme “Unhitched: How God's Church Must Connect To God's Nature”.
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Pastor Nate begins a new study this Sunday morning on the book of Jonah with the theme “Unhitched: How God's Church Must Connect To God's Nature”.
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Pastor Nate continues our study this Sunday in our study in the Psalms.
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Pastor Nate is back this Sunday continuing our summer study in the Psalms.
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A special message from Pastor Jared Thomsen from Calvary Chapel Walnut Creek. He continues our study this Sunday in Psalm 6 of the Book of Psalms.
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Pastor Geoff Buck continues our study this Sunday in Psalm 5 of the Book of Psalms.
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A message from Denise Collazo at our Women's Gathering this Friday on the topic of Edification.
Pastor Matt Kehler continues our study this Sunday in Psalm 4 of the Book of Psalms.
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Pastor Nate continues our study this Sunday in Psalm 3 of the Book of Psalms.
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Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of Jesus Famous Men Serve Their Homes For Christ.
Christina Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of Jesus Famous Women Serve Their Homes For Christ.
Pastor Nate continues our study this Sunday in Psalm 2 of the Book of Psalms.
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Pastor Manny begins a new study this Sunday in Psalm 1 of the Book of Psalms.
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Pastor Nate concludes a new study this Sunday in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk.
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Pastor Nate continues a new study this Sunday in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk.
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Christina Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of Jesus Famous Women Embrace Christ's Vision For Marriage
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of Jesus Famous Men Embrace Christ's Vision For Marriage
Pastor Nate continues a new study this Sunday in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk.
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Pastor Nate begins a new study this Sunday in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk.
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Pastor Nate concludes a short study on Work.
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Pastor Nate continues a short study on Work.
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Women's Gathering event with a message by Chesli Manzo and a Q&A session about exhortation.
A special message from Pastor Manny Collazo on this Mother’s Day on Psalm 90.
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Christina Holdridge continues our new Growth Night with the topic of Jesus Famous Women Receive Christ's Design For Their Bodies.
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of Jesus Famous Men Receive Christ's Design For Their Bodies.
Pastor Nate continues a short study on Work.
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Pastor Nate begins a short study on Work.
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A special message from Pastor Nate Holdridge this Easter Sunday.
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A special message from Pastor Nate Holdridge on this Palm Sunday.
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Christina Holdridge continues our new Growth Night with the topic of Jesus Famous Women Walk With God All Life Long.
Christina’s Book Resources:
Women and God: Hard Questions, Beautiful Truth
https://www.amazon.com/Women-God-Questions-Beautiful-Truth/dp/1784982792/ref=sr_1_1
Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II
https://www.amazon.com/Evidence-Not-Seen-Miraculous-Jungles/dp/0060670207/ref=asc_df_0060670207/
Give me this Mountain (Biography)
https://www.amazon.com/Give-me-this-Mountain-Biography/dp/1845501896/ref=sr_1_1
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Christian-Donald-Whitney/dp/1615216170/ref=sr_1_1
Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God
https://www.amazon.com/Faithful-Women-Their-Extraordinary-God/dp/1581346735/ref=sr_1_1
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Growth Nights with the topic of Jesus Famous Men Walk With God All Life Long.
Pastor Nate concludes our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
Discussion Questions | Sermon Notes | Give | Church Communication
Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
Discussion Questions | Sermon Notes | Give | Church Communication
Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
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A special message from Pastor Pilgrim Benham from Shoreline Church in Bradenton Flordia. He spoke at our 2022 Men’s Conference and is preaching the word this Sunday.
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Pastor Pilgrim Benham from Shoreline Church in Bradenton Florida concludes our 2022 Men’s Conference with our final session on “The Redeemed Man”.
Pastor Pilgrim Benham from Shoreline Church in Bradenton Florida continues our 2022 Men’s Conference with our second session on “The Rooted Man”.
Pastor Pilgrim Benham from Shoreline Church in Bradenton Florida kicks off our 2022 Men’s Conference with our first session on “The Resolved Man”.
Pastor Nate Holdridge begins our new Growth Night with the topic of Jesus Famous Men Are Being Restored By Christ
Christina Holdridge continues our new Growth Night with the topic of Jesus Famous Women Are Being Restored By Christ
Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
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A special message from Pastor Matt Kehler this Sunday in the book of John.
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Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
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Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
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Christina Holdridge begins our new Growth Night with the topic of Jesus Famous Women Love God Because He First Loved Them.
Pastor Nate Holdridge begins our new Growth Night with the topic of Jesus Famous Men Love God Because He First Loved Them
Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
Sermon Notes | Give | Church Communication
Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
Sermon Notes | Give | Church Communication
Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
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Pastor Nate continues our Sunday series through the book of Nehemiah.
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Pastor Nate begins a new series on Sunday mornings through the book of Nehemiah.
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A special message from Pastor Tommy Coda from Hope Alive Church.
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Merry Christmas Church!
Tune in as we celebrate our savior's birth this Christmas season.
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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In today’s episode, Nate & Christina are continuing the conversation about dating. We talk about physical and emotional boundaries, how to get to know someone within community, and the effects of sex within dating relationships.
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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In today’s episode, Nate & Christina will be answering your questions about dating. We talk about what to look for in a future spouse, how to make decisions about online dating, and some best practices for getting to know someone. This is part 1 of the conversation, so keep an eye out for part 2 next week!
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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A special message from Pastor Riley Manzo about the life of Daniel.
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In today's episode, Nate & Christina Holdridge will be continuing the conversation revolving around your marriage questions. We talk about how spouses can support each other through mental health, sex, and leadership within marriage. Stay tuned for our upcoming Q&A episode concerning your questions about dating!
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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In today's special episode, Nate & Christina Holdridge will be answering your questions about marriage! Topics include - What is love? How do I handle conflict in my marriage? And, there will even be a sneak peak into the origin story of Nate and Christina's relationship. Enjoy Pt. 1 of the conversation!
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Workshop from Pastor Geoff Buck about Older marriages (26+ Years)
Have questions about marriage? Text your questions to 831-217-7999 or Direct Message us on Social Media.
Workshop from Pastor Manny Collazo about Middle Years marriages (11-25 Years)
Have questions about marriage? Text your questions to 831-217-7999 or Direct Message us on Social Media.
Workshop from Pastor Matt Kehler about Young marriages (4-10 Years)
Have questions about marriage? Text your questions to 831-217-7999 or Direct Message us on Social Media.
Workshop from Pastor Riley Manzo about New marriages (0-3 Years)
Have questions about marriage? Text your questions to 831-217-7999 or Direct Message us on Social Media.
Pastor Manny and his wife Denise close out our marriage conference with a session about Oneness and intimacy in a Marriage.
Have questions about marriage? Text your questions to 831-217-7999 or Direct Message us on Social Media.
Pastor Nate and his wife Christina kick off our 2021 Marriage conference with a session about The Vision For marriage.
Have questions about marriage? Text your questions to 831-217-7999 or Direct Message us on Social Media.
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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A special message from our Executive Pastor Manny Collazo this Sunday.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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This Sunday we have a special message from Pastor Matt Kehler in the gospel of Luke.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate begins our study in the book of 1 Peter.
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Pastor Nate concludes our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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A special message from Pastor Manny Collazo in the book of Revelation.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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This Sunday we get the pleasure of hearing from our Outreach Director Anne Jensen and Pastor Geoff Buck on all the wonderful mission opportunities we were able to take part in as a church in 2020.
More information go to:
calvary.com/outreach
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the Old Testament in the book of Exodus.
For more teachings and notes from Pastor Nate visit nateholdridge.com
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark.
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Merry Christmas Church! Here is a special Christmas Eve message from Pastor Nate Holdridge.
A special Christmas message from Pastor Nate Holdridge.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 12.
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Pastor Nate continues our study on Tuesday Nights through the Old Testament book of Exodus.
For more teachings & notes from Pastor Nate visit nateholdridge.com
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 12.
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Pastor Nate continues our study on Tuesday Nights through the Old Testament book of Exodus.
For more teachings & notes from Pastor Nate visit nateholdridge.com
A message from Pastor Nate Holdridge in Psalm 121.
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Pastor Nate begins our Tuesday Night Church study in the Old Testament Book of Exodus.
For notes and more teachings from Nate go to nateholdridge.com
A special message from Pastor Manny Collazo in the book of 1 Thessalonians.
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A message from Pastor Matt Kehler this Sunday in the book of Jude.
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A special message from Pastor Joshua Shively in the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 11.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 11.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 11.
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A special message from Pastor Riley Manzo in Philippians 1:6.
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As everyone is aware, we are in a divisive presidential election season. Though I love my country and consider myself blessed to be a citizen here, as a senior pastor, I grin and bear these seasons every four years. But this year, I thought it could be helpful to offer some pastoral counsel for this election. I want to point you afresh to Jesus and give you some biblical pillars during this disruptive time.
Link to Full Article
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 10.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 10.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 10.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 10.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 9.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 9.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 9.
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A special message from Pastor Nate Holdridge in light of the River and Carmel Fires affecting our community at this time.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis this Tuesday Night.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 8.
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Tuesday Night Church message from Pastor Brenton Collyer in Psalm 112 on a message called “5 Marks of a Righteous Life”.
A special message this Sunday from Pastor Geoff Buck on the story of Jesus walking on the water to the disciples in the gospel of Mark and Matthew.
A special message from Pastor Matt Kehler in Psalm 27 about taking Courage.
Link to Sermon Based Questions
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 8.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 8.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 7.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 7.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 6.
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Pastor Matt interviews Donnie and Wendi Everett about their experience working at a predominately black High School in Sacramento for over 10 years. They share how God worked in their hearts through that experience and how they were forever changed as a result of working with underprivileged youth. They share some of stories that came from that experience and some ways God was able to use them. They also discuss raising kids and ways we can be fostering a heart of compassion in our children.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 6.
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Tuesday Night Church message from Pastor Nate Holdridge continuing in the book of Genesis.
Link to Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 6.
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In this conversation Pastor Nate Holdridge interviews Pastor Bill Buffington from Calvary Chapel South Central LA about all the civil unrest happening in our world right now. They answer questions like how does the word and the gospel shape our view at this time? What should individuals in the church do? Do you think listening to experiences of others in important? How can a believer initiate this? Do you feel the church has been too silent about racism? And so much more. We pray this conversation helps you navigate how to continue to make Jesus Famous even now. We pray this conversation can be the beginning of many conversations in your home and in our church body to help us bring unity and the gospel message to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Link to Pastor Bill's Church
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 6.
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Tuesday night message from Pastor Nate Holdridge in Genesis chapter 17.
Link to Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 5.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 5.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 4.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 4.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis on this Tuesday Night.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 4.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 3.
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Happy Easter church! HE IS RISEN!
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Tune in live at 6pm to our Good Friday service as Pastor Nate takes us through the story of the Cross.
If you are new here visit calvary.com/live and click the I'M NEW button.
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Tune in for our Tuesday Night Church service as we take a break from Genesis and dive into Psalm 23.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 3.
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Rules:
1. Start Every Day With Bible And Prayer
2. 40 Minutes Of Exercise Daily
3. 10 Pages From A Spiritually Edifying Book Daily
4. Check The News A Maximum Of Twice Daily
5. Give Something Genuine Daily (Money, Compliment, Scripture, Time, Phone Call)
- Every Day Until Shelter in Place Ends.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 3.
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A special devotional thought from Pastor Nate Holdridge about processing grief and sorrow during this time of the COVID-19 virus.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 2.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 2.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Today we are going to ask a question: What kind of people enter into God's kingdom?
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis at our Tuesday Night Church service.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the gospel of Mark in chapter 2 verses 1 through 12.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark finishing up chapter 1.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis at our Tuesday Night Church service.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Mark in chapter 1 verses 16 through 20.
Also, we get the privilege of publicly ordaining Pastor Riley Manzo.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Genesis at Tuesday Night Church.
Sermon Notes
A special message from Pastor Jared Thomsen from Calvary Chapel Walnut Creek in 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7.
Link to Pastor Jared's Church
Pastor Geoff Buck continues our study on Tuesday Nights through the book of Galatians.
Paul's 7 Revelations from the Lord
Pastor Nate begins a new study in the gospel of Mark titled "Follow the Servant Savior".
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Matt Kehler begins teaching through the book of Galatians at our Tuesday Night Church service.
Special message by our Young Adult's Pastor Riley Manzo at our night service on the inerrancy of scripture.
Pastor Nate teachings a special message for us in Psalm chapter 1.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge starts our Tuesday Night Church service with a bible study through the book of Genesis.
Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate concludes our study through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John. In addition, we get a 2019 missions update from Pastor Geoff Buck and our Outreach Director Anne Jensen.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our series "The True Vine" through the entire book of 2 John.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Special Christmas message by Pastor Nate in the book of Luke chapter 1 on The Magnificat sung by Mary.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate concludes our study through the book of 1 John in chapter 5 verses 13 through 21.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John chapter 5 in our series The True Vine.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Hey everyone!. It is my privilege to share a special announcement with you about something which could shape our church for years to come. No, it isn't about potential expansion, though that is an important subject. Instead, it's about something much closer to my heart as Calvary Monterey's pastor.
Paul told Timothy, a pastor: "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13, ESV).
This verse has always carried great significance to me. I think it says a pastor's duty is to read, explain, and exhort from the Bible. We are to teach and preach the Old and New Testaments. We are to feed the flock of God.
Why? Because we do not live by bread alone, but by every Word which proceeds from the mouth of God. God knows we need the Word!
I also believe we live in times where the Bible is especially important. We must know the Word, for many counterfeits abound. These are exciting times, and the Spirit is moving all around us, but we need the Scripture.
Therefore, in thinking about how to deliver more Word to the believers in our care, our pastoral team feels led to launch a regular Tuesday Night Church service, starting mid-January. There, various pastors will focus on explaining Scripture throughout the year.
Link to full article
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John in chapter 4 verses 13 through 21.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study through the book of 1 John.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes:
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John in our series “The True Vine”.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
A special message from Pastor Matt Kehler on "The Call to Community" in Paul's letter Colossians.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John in chapter 2 verses 18 through 27.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study through the book of 1 John.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study through the book of 1 John in chapter 2.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Special message by Pastor Joshua Shively in the Gospel of John chapter 15 connected to our study through the book of 1 John "The True Vine".
In the passage before us, the first two tests, the moral and social, are introduced. Both of these tests flow from the same source.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of 1 John.
Link to Pastor Nate’s Notes
Pastor Nate begins our new study through the New Testament book of 1 John.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study through the book of Philippians.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Philippians was written as a thank you to the Philippian church for their generosity towards Paul and his ministry. Here, he comes to that thanks, with a striking admission.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Geoff Buck continues our study through the book of Philippians in chapter 3. Also a special announcement about Dr. Tania Olano who we are supporting in Kurdistan Iraq.
Frontier Alliance International Website
Pastor Geoff Buck continues our study through the book of Philippians in chapter 2 verses 19 through 30.
Pastor David Guzik teaches through the second half of Philippians 2, on how God works through our lives.
Our Young Adult Ministry Leader Riley Manzo continues our Sunday series through the book of Philippians.
This Sunday we have Pastor Bill Buffington from Calvary Inglewood continuing our summer study through the book of Philippians.
Link to Pastor Bill's church
Pastor Andy Deane continues our study through the book of Philippians in chapter 1 verses 12 through 18.
Special guest Andy Deane from Calvary Chapel Bible College teaches this Sunday in Philippians chapter 1 verse 1 through 11.
Link to Calvary Chapel Bible College
Pastor Nate begins our new study through the book of Philippians with an introduction in Acts chapter 16.
1 New Leaders Could Arise (Acts 16:1-5)
2 The Spirit Led Them Into Christ's Mission (Acts 16:7-18)
3 Stripped Of Everything Else, They Had God (Acts 16:19-26)
4 There Was Room For Everybody (Acts 16:27-32)
5 No One Looked Down On Small Beginnings (Acts 16:33-40)
Link to Pastor Nates Notes
Pastor Nate concludes our study in the book of Hebrews with 5 exhortations for why Jesus is worth following.
- Do Not Be Led Away By Diverse And Strange Teachings (7-10)
- Go To Jesus Outside The Camp And Bear The Reproach He Endured (11-14)}
- Continually Offer Up A Sacrifice Of Praise To God (15-16)
- Obey Your Leaders And Submit To Them (17-19)
- Ingredients Which Aid The Church (20-25)
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Hebrews in chapter 13.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Hebrews where he answers three questions.
1) What good does God's training produce?
2) How do I know God's training works?
3) Why should I receive God's training?
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Hebrews in Part 5 of his "Jesus Makes People Of Faith" topic.
1) Faith Accesses Victory From God (11:29-31)
2) Faith Is The Way Forward With God (11:32-40)
3) Faith Enables Endurance For God (12:1-2)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Remember the condition of the people who first received Hebrews. Because of the blood of Christ, they were losing their place of privilege in their society and were beginning to experience mistreatment.
- Faith Is Fueled By A Greater Love (11:23)
- Faith Holds Greater Values (11:24-26)
- Faith Sees Greater Realities (11:27)
- Faith Clings To Greater Blood (11:28)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph's acts of faith.
1) Abraham: Faith Obeys God (17-19)
2) Isaac: Faith Submits To God (20)
3) Jacob: Faith Worships God Only (21)
4) Joseph: Faith Believes In A Better Future With God (22)
Link to Pastor Nate's sermon notes
HE IS RISEN! Pastor Nate gives a special message for our Easter Sunday service at the Monterey Fairgrounds.
This Sunday we had a special message from our recovery pastor Mike Casey on Romans chapter 7 verse 14 through 24 about Freedom in Christ.
Today:
1) Faith goes on adventures with God.
2) Faith receives power for the impossible from God.
3) Faith looks forward to the better city of God.
Link to Pastor Nate's Notes
Today: A look at faith and how it works, followed by Abel, Enoch, and Noah's faith.
6 Things about faith.1) Faith unlocks assurance by trusting God and His promises. (11:1)
2) Faith leads to a specific action (11:2)
3) Faith Is Confident In God's Word (11:3)
4) Faith Is The Way To God (11:4)
5) Faith Pursues God (11:5-6)
6) Faith Works For God (11:7)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
When in a endurance race, there are ample opportunities to quit.
Various opportunities: injuries, irritations, fatigue (training), energy (nutrition), dehydration, or discouragement.
Today: Jesus is worthy of our confident endurance - 6 helps for our endurance.
1) Commune with God
2) Stir up and meet with one another
3) Hold tight to your gospel confession
4) Expect suffering for Christ
5) Look forward to the great, promised reward
6) Learn to live by faith
Link to Pastor Nate’s Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Hebrews in our "Jesus is Better" series.
1) Jesus' sacrifice activates the promised eternal inheritance (9:15-17)
2) Jesus' sacrifice provides purifying forgiveness (9:19-22)
3) Jesus' sacrifice anticipates his next appearance (9:23-28)
4) Jesus' sacrifice was according to His Father's will (10:1-19)
5) Jesus' sacrifice takes away our sin (10:10-12)
6) Jesus' sacrifice ends all conflict (10:13)
7) Jesus' sacrifice inaugurated the New Covenant (10:14-18)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
A special message by Pastor Matt Gersonde of Refuge Church in Salinas, in Genesis chapter 22.
Link to Refuge Church
God made us to enjoy and partake of him, but our sin separated us, so he sent Jesus to draw us back to himself. His desire is to produce freedom for us before God.
- To Have God At The Center.
- To Bear God's Light For Others.
- To Receive God's Sustenance For Ourselves.
- To Pray To God.
- To Partake Of God's Grace And Mercy.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our study through the book of Hebrews in chapter 8.
- Because It's New (7-8)
- Because It's Grace-Based (9)
- Because It's Inward And Dynamic (10)
- Because It Calls Us Into A Personal Relationship With God (11)
- Because It Leads To Total Forgiveness (12)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Today: Jesus is a better priest (guide, friend, worship leader, therapist, counselor, financial planner, advisor, coach, teacher, helper, intercessor, or pastor) than any other.
6 Reasons:1. Jesus Is A King-Priest (1-3)
2. He Is Worth Giving To (4-10)
3. He Changed Our Relationship With The Law (11-14)
4. He Generates Inward Hope And Upward Access (15-19)
5. He Saves To The Uttermost Through Intercession (20-25)
6. He Is Perfect Forever (26-28)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Believers should hold fast to God's promise regarding their future, and that hope regarding tomorrow should anchor their lives today.
5 Points:1. God Made A Promise (13-14)
2. God's Promise Is Worth Waiting For (15)
3. God's Promise Is Guaranteed (16-17)
4. We Should Hold Fast To God's Promise (18)
5. God's Promise Should Anchor Our Lives Today (19-20)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Hebrews in chapter 6.
4 Points:
1) Pursue Christian Maturity (1-3)
2) Receive The Gospel Well (4-8)
3) Know God Sees Your Work, Love, And Service (9-10)
4) Be Diligent To The End (11-12)
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate Holdridge discusses why Jesus is the best friend you can have.
Link to Pastor Nate's blog
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of Hebrews finishing off chapter 4.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study in the book of Hebrews.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
2018 Christmas Eve service at Calvary Monterey with a short message from our lead pastor Nate Holdridge and a special performance by our Calvary Kids choir.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the book of Hebrews in our study about how "Jesus is Better".
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Humanity has a magnificent calling, but has yielded it over to death through sin, so Jesus became one of us to lift us up back to our rightful place with God.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our new study through the book of Hebrews.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate begins our new study in the book of Hebrews with the theme of "Jesus Is Better".
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Special message by Pastor Geoff Buck on Proverbs 8-9 about the "Benefits of Wisdom".
Link to Pastor Geoff's Notes
Pastor Nate teachings on Psalm 23 this Sunday to help conclude our Sunday study through the life of David.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the life of David in 2 Samuel 24.
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Pastor Nate continues our study in the life of David in 2 Samuel 23.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the Life of David in 2 Samuel chapter 22.
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Pastor Nate continues our Sunday study through the life of David in 2 Samuel.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the life of David in 2 Samuel chapter 20.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the life of David in 2 Samuel chapter 19.
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Special message from Pastor Bill Buffington of Calvary Inglewood on Luke chapter 8 verses 26 through 39.
Link to Pastor Bill's church:
Link to Life Group Questions
Today we will look a little at the battle, and more at Absalom’s death and David’s reaction to it. Through them, we will see a better Father, Son, and death.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our study through the life of David in 2 Samuel 16 & 17.
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This next episode in David’s life has always moved me. David inspires again; his true self is revealed. And what was seen, inspired, and led to devotion. David’s true friends are revealed.
Theme: Let Christ inspire you and you’ll follow him anywhere.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the life of David in 2 Samuel chapter 14.
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Adam and Eve watched Cain’s murder of Abel, and God’s subsequent banishment of Cain. In our chapter today, David, like Adam and Eve, will helplessly stand by and watch his family destroy itself. The despair of life, including the despair of this episode, screams of our need for Jesus.
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes
God does not look for ways to get out of his relationship with man, but for ways to get back into it.
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Pastor Geoff teaches on Psalm 32 about David being restored after his sin with Bathsheba.
Pastor Nate continues our study through the Life of David in chapter 11 about David's sin with Bathsheba.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the life of David in 2 Samuel 10.
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Pastor Nate continues our study through the Life of David in 2 Samuel 8 & 9.
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Have you ever felt as if you wanted to do something for Jesus? Have you ever been overwhelmed by all God has done for you and wanted to do something significant for him in return? Have you ever wanted to devote yourself more fully to him?
Link to Pastor Nate's Sermon Notes