Mountain Life Calvary Chapel: Recent Episodes
Mountain Life Calvary Chapel
The Mountain Life podcast is a place where you can get encouraged in your faith by listening to our current and past messages from our Pastors. We hope that this helps you grow deeper in your faith and encourages you to share the gospel with those around you.
We all want to experience genuine love, but too often our love becomes conditional, transactional, or focused on what we can receive. In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter calls followers of Jesus to love one another sincerely and fervently, with a love that stretches beyond feelings, convenience, and self-interest. Because Jesus has loved us extravagantly, we can receive His love and allow it to overflow through us into the lives of others.
In 1 Peter 1:13–21, Peter calls followers of Jesus to live like their hope is real. Because this world is not our permanent home, we must resist being shaped by its desires, priorities, and definitions of success. Instead, we are called to live as holy nonconformists, trusting our Heavenly Father, remembering that our lives matter eternally, and recognizing the immeasurable price Jesus paid to redeem us. We do not live holy lives to earn God’s love; we can live holy lives because we have already been loved and redeemed.
In 1 Peter 1:10–12, Peter reminds us that our living hope in Jesus is not wishful thinking. For generations, prophets searched the promises God had given about the coming Messiah, longing to understand the salvation we now see fulfilled in Jesus. What prophets anticipated and angels marvel at, we have received. Because Jesus fulfilled what God promised, we can trust God’s faithfulness even when life feels uncertain, anchor our hope in what He has already done, and confidently follow Him with our future.
Thank you for the quick response. It looked like my text hadn’t gone through, so I followed up by email as well. Please keep us posted as you hear more.
Hope you have a great 4th!
In a world where so many of our hopes eventually disappoint, God offers something radically different—a living hope. In this message from 1 Peter 1:3-5, we'll discover that because Jesus rose from the dead, our hope is alive, our inheritance is secure, and God Himself is faithfully keeping us until the day we see Him face to face. As we continue our series, Living Between Two Worlds, we'll be reminded that even while living as exiles in this world, we can face an uncertain future with confidence because our ultimate hope is found in the resurrected Christ.
Have you ever felt like something about this world just isn't quite right? In the opening message of our new series through 1 Peter, we discover that this tension is actually part of the Christian experience. Peter writes to believers as "elect exiles"—people who live here, but ultimately belong somewhere else. As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of heaven living in a temporary world, called to remain faithful while we wait for our true home. Join us as we explore what it means to live between two worlds, rest in God's choosing love, and find confidence in the fact that while this world may call us strangers, God calls us His own
The Gospel is good news for us and everyone, it transforms how we see and treat others. In Philemon 1:17-25, Paul challenges Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a runaway slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Through this powerful appeal, we see how the Kingdom of God calls us to extend the same mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love that we have received from Jesus.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to love beyond our comfort zones, forgive those who have wronged us, and view every person through the lens of God’s redeeming love. The Gospel changes our hearts, reshapes our relationships, and empowers us to overcome evil with good. When we live out radical grace and hospitality, we become living demonstrations of God’s Kingdom here and now.
This new series will cover the one chapter book of Philemon. Philemon is all about living out the Gospel with faith, grace, and reconciliation. A life changed by the Gospel will give you a new life and will lead you into an intimate relationship and journey with Jesus. And this gospel changed life will put you on mission to love others and grow the Kingdom of God.
What if the joy your soul is searching for is found not in striving harder, but in abiding deeper? In this final message from our Abide series through John 15, we explore Jesus’ invitation to remain in His love and discover the deep, lasting joy that flows from staying connected to Him. As Jesus reminds His disciples of the Father’s love, the beauty of obedience, and the fullness of His joy, we are invited to stop looking for satisfaction everywhere else and learn to rest in the unchanging love of Christ.
What happens when we truly stay connected to Jesus? In this message from John 15, we explore the fruit that naturally grows from an abiding relationship with Christ. Jesus promises that as we remain in Him, our lives begin to change from the inside out: prayer becomes powerful, desires begin aligning with God’s heart, and real spiritual fruit starts to grow. This message is an invitation to stop striving to manufacture transformation and instead learn to stay close to Jesus, trusting Him to produce the kind of life only He can grow.
What if abiding in Jesus isn’t about trying harder… but learning to trust Him more? In this message from John 15, we continue exploring what it means to live connected to Jesus and discover that abiding is not reserved for “super-spiritual” people. It’s an invitation for weak, tired, distracted people to rest in the strength and faithfulness of Christ. As Jesus calls us to “abide in Him,” we’ll explore how true spiritual life flows not from striving or performance, but from dependence, surrender, and trusting Jesus to hold onto us even in our weakness. Because abiding is not the strong holding onto Jesus… it’s Jesus faithfully holding onto the weak.
Where are you looking for life? Most of us don’t intentionally drift from Jesus, but over time, we start trying to find life in other places. Work, relationships, success, control… and for a while, it seems to work. Until it doesn’t. In John 15, Jesus gives a simple but powerful invitation: “Abide in Me.” Using the picture of a vine and branches, He shows us that real life, lasting fruit, and true transformation are only found when we stay connected to Him. This message explores what it means to be “in Christ,” why connection to Jesus is essential, and how the posture of our hearts shapes our relationship with Him.
In John 15:1–2, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father as the Vinedresser who is actively at work in our lives. His goal is simple: that we would bear fruit. And He accomplishes that in two ways—He lifts us when we’re weak and not producing, and He prunes us when we are growing so we can bear even more fruit. What often feels like loss or hardship may actually be God’s loving care, shaping us and drawing us deeper into dependence on Jesus. This message reframes both struggle and growth through the lens of God’s goodness, reminding us that as we remain connected to Christ, we can trust the Father to do whatever is necessary to produce a life marked by love, joy, peace, and true spiritual fruit.
Are you spiritually tired, restless, or feeling disconnected from God? In this opening message from Abide: Living Connected to Jesus, we look at Jesus’ invitation in John 15 to remain in Him and discover the life, peace, and rest our souls long for. The secret of true rest is not trying harder for Jesus, but staying connected to Jesus.
In this final message from The Road to the Resurrection, we look at one of the most overlooked moments in the story of Jesus: the Ascension. What happened after the resurrection, and what is Jesus doing right now? In this message, we explore the 40 days following Easter, the meaning of Jesus being seated at the right hand of the Father, and why it matters for our lives today. If you’ve ever felt like Jesus is distant, like the weight is back on you, or wondered who is really in control, this message is for you. The Ascension reminds us that Jesus didn’t disappear—He is reigning, ruling, and actively at work right now.
The resurrection of Jesus is the best news in history—and it changes everything. In “Once You See It, You Can’t Unsee It,” we look at how Jesus’ first followers went from heartbreak to hope when they realized He was alive. The same is true for us today: when we see who Jesus really is and what He has done, it reshapes how we view our lives, our struggles, and our future. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
Good Friday looks like the darkest day in history, the day Jesus died. But what if that moment of death was actually the moment everything changed? In this message, we’ll explore how the cross of Christ turned the worst day into the best day, defeating sin and death and offering new life to all who believe.
On Palm Sunday, the crowds welcomed Jesus as King… but they were expecting a very different kind of Savior. They wanted freedom from Rome, while Jesus came to bring something far greater. In this message, we explore how easy it is to miss who Jesus truly is when we’re focused on what we want Him to do. As the crowd was faced with a choice between two “Jesuses,” we’re confronted with the same question today: are we following the real Jesus, or a version we’ve created to fit our desires?
In this opening message of The Road to the Resurrection, we look at Mary’s powerful act of worship as she pours out costly perfume at Jesus’ feet. While others missed what was coming, Mary recognized the moment—Jesus was on His way to the cross. This message challenges us to consider what true worship really looks like: a life fully surrendered, nothing held back, in response to a Savior who gave everything for us.
This week we explore the blessing found in obedience to God. In a culture that celebrates autonomy and resists being told what to do, the word “obedience” can feel restrictive or outdated. Yet Scripture reveals that obedience is not about earning God’s love or following legalistic rules. Instead, it flows from the grace we’ve already received through Jesus. When we understand the gospel rightly, obedience becomes the pathway to joy, freedom, and a deeper relationship with God. Join us as we look at how grace and obedience work together, and why following God’s Word leads to the life and blessing we were created to experience.
The Throne That Washes Feet explores John 13:1–17 and the powerful moment when Jesus, the King of kings, knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. This message reminds us that servanthood often comes before understanding, humility is non-negotiable in the life of a believer, and carrying the towel keeps our hearts soft toward Christ. In a world that chases crowns, Jesus calls us to kneel. If we want to follow Him, we must learn to serve like Him.**
As we conclude our series in Ruth, we see how God brings Naomi’s story full circle — from bitterness and loss to joy and restoration. What began with famine, funerals, and hopelessness ends with new life, legacy, and a place in the lineage of the Messiah. In this message, we discover that God does not erase our pain, but He rewrites our endings. Even when we feel stuck in the ashes, God is still writing, still restoring, and still turning sorrow into joy. Ashes are not the end of the story — joy is.
In this message, we see the powerful nest step of Ruth’s story as Boaz publicly redeems her at the city gate, moving her from outsider to insider. Once a foreigner and widow on the margins, Ruth is brought into honor, family, and covenant belonging. Through this beautiful act of redemption, we’re reminded that the gospel is not just about belief — it’s about belonging. In Christ, those who were far off have been brought near, welcomed into the household of God. And as people who now belong, we are called to create belonging for others, carrying the ministry of reconciliation into a world full of outsiders longing for home.
In a world driven by performance, pressure, and constant striving, true rest can feel elusive. In Ruth 3, we see God’s invitation to a deeper kind of rest—not just relief from busyness, but rest for the soul. As Naomi seeks rest for Ruth, we discover that biblical rest is found not in doing more, but in placing ourselves under the care of a faithful Redeemer. This message explores how surrender, trust, and humility lead to true security, and how Jesus ultimately fulfills this promise by inviting the weary to come to Him and find rest that is settled, secure, and lasting.
Hope for the Unseen looks at Ruth 2:4–23 and reminds us that God is often at work long before we recognize it. As Ruth faithfully shows up to glean in a field with no guarantees and no recognition, we see how God sees the unseen, provides for the vulnerable, and begins moving toward redemption in ordinary moments of obedience. Through Boaz’s kindness and Naomi’s renewed hope, this passage points us to a deeper truth—that God has not forgotten us in seasons of waiting or obscurity. Ultimately, Ruth’s story leads us to Jesus, our Kinsman Redeemer, who steps in to restore what was lost and bring hope where it once seemed impossible.
In Ruth 1:19–2:3, we see a powerful reminder that God is always at work, even when He seems silent or distant. As Naomi returns to Bethlehem overwhelmed by loss and bitterness, and Ruth steps forward in quiet faith, God is already arranging provision, protection, and redemption behind the scenes. This message explores how God meets us in seasons of waiting, grief, and uncertainty, using ordinary moments and faithful steps to accomplish His purposes. Even when we can’t see it, we can trust that God is working for our good and His glory.
In this message from Ruth 1:14–18, Pastor Nate explores what it means to walk by faith when life feels uncertain, painful, and unresolved. As Ruth clings to Naomi in the midst of loss and hopelessness, we see that biblical faith is not blind optimism or waiting for clarity, but committed trust in God before outcomes are known. This sermon invites us to examine where God may be calling us to step forward in faith right now—choosing commitment over comfort, trust over fear, and action over hesitation, while grounding that call in the proven character and love of God revealed most fully in Jesus.
Hope for the Hopeless from Ruth 1:1–13 invites us into the raw beginning of a story that starts with famine, loss, and deep disappointment. As we walk through Naomi’s pain and hopelessness, we see how easily hardship can distort our view of God and cause us to believe He has abandoned us. Yet even when Naomi cannot see it, God is already at work ahead of her, faithfully moving toward redemption. This message reminds us that when our hope runs out, God’s faithfulness does not — and that no season of loss, failure, or emptiness is beyond His power to restore.
Learning the Voice of the Lord is a practical, Scripture-anchored message from 1 Samuel 3 that explores how believers can discern God’s direction in their everyday lives. Through the story of Samuel, we learn that hearing God’s voice is something that is learned over time as we quiet our own hearts, spend time in prayer and God’s Word, pay attention to where God is working, and seek wise, godly counsel. This message encourages us to move into a new season with confidence, not by chasing answers, but by cultivating a deeper relationship with the God who loves to guide His people.
In this message Pastor Evan encourages us to let the first coming of Christ, Christmas, point us to the second coming of Christ and how that should shape the way we live. Because Jesus is coming back may he find us being watchful and waiting for him.
This Christmas Eve, Pastor Nate reminds us that the birth of Jesus is more than a familiar story — it is the moment God stepped into our world to realign our hearts with what we were truly made for. Using Scripture, the imagery of a wandering compass, and the breathtaking truth of God’s relentless love, this message invites us to rediscover Jesus as our True North — the only One who can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Whether you’re feeling off-course or simply ready for a renewed sense of joy and direction, this message points us back to the good news of great joy: a Savior has been born, and He has come to bring us home.
A Willing Heart looks at the often-overlooked story of Joseph in Matthew 1–2 and reminds us that God doesn’t use people because they have it all together, but because they are willing to trust Him. In the middle of confusion, cost, and uncertainty, Joseph repeatedly says “yes” to God, even when it doesn’t make sense. This message speaks to the tension many of us feel between wanting to live on mission for Jesus and feeling overwhelmed by our own weakness. Ultimately, it points us to the grace of Christ, who doesn’t ask us to be strong enough or impressive enough, but simply willing to take the next step of obedience, trusting that He will supply the strength we lack.
"Anticipation & Participation" is a Vision Sunday message celebrating what God has been doing through Mountain Life Church and calling our church family to keep living on mission until Jesus returns. As Christmas draws near, we’re reminded that the same anticipation we feel for His first coming should shape how we live as we look forward to His coming again. We’ll celebrate wins from this past year, share vision for the future, and invite everyone to participate in the Great Commission through prayer, generosity, and being present with our community, bringing the light of Jesus to a weary world.
Amid the sparkle and struggle of the season, we turn our hearts back to the reason we celebrate. By looking at the Magi’s journey of worship, we uncover our own purpose and the only hope that never disappoints.
In the final message of The Good Life series, Pastor Nate explores Jesus’ last Beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” While persecution often brings to mind dramatic scenes from around the world, Jesus reminds us that opposition also shows up as insults, exclusion, misunderstanding, or quiet resistance when we choose to follow Him. Rather than fearing it, Jesus calls His people to courageous joy - because opposition is evidence that our lives are reflecting His. In this message, we’ll learn what true persecution is (and isn’t), why obedience naturally brings resistance, and how to respond with joy, love, and faithfulness. Ultimately, Jesus shows us that the Good Life isn’t the painless life - it’s the Christ-shaped life, blessed even in rejection.
In this message, Pastor Nate unpacks Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” showing how true peace is more than avoiding conflict - it’s restoring things to the way they ought to be. Through practical steps and biblical truth, we learn how to pursue healing, reconciliation, and the kind of shalom that reflects the heart of God.
Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the story of Esther, this week's message calls us to shift our perspective from comfort and earthly goals to a life lived in light of eternity—seeking God’s kingdom first, trusting Him with our needs, and choosing each day to live for what lasts forever.
In a world that tells us satisfaction is found through selfish pursuits, Jesus teaches us satisfaction is found in a pure heart that allows us to see God.
In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Jesus calls us to a better way. In “Joy in Showing Mercy,” Pastor Nate unpacks Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Discover how mercy reflects the heart of God, extends forgiveness, meets real needs, and works hand-in-hand with justice. Learn how compassion in action leads to true joy.
Joy comes not from indulgence but from craving what is right. The world says joy comes from satisfying every desire; Jesus says joy comes from desiring God and His ways. Longing for God’s way leads to satisfaction.
In a world that says you have to dominate and assert yourself and your needs, Jesus says “Blessed are the meek”. In this message, Joy In Meekness, we will see that the good life isn’t found in asserting ourselves and our will, but humbly trusting in God’s will and plan. Living in meekness towards others as Christ our Lord has met us with kindness, meekness, and gentleness.
In a world that tells us to avoid pain, Jesus says something radical: “Blessed are those who mourn.” In this message, Joy in the Tears, we’ll see that the good life isn’t found in comfort or control, but in meeting God right in the middle of our sorrow. When we bring Him our grief - whether over loss, sin, or brokenness - He meets us with real comfort, healing, and hope.
When life drains you, joy feels impossible. But Jesus says the good life begins not in strength, but in surrender. In this message, discover why recognizing our spiritual emptiness is the first step toward fullness in God’s kingdom - and how admitting our need opens the door to His power, peace, and joy.
The Good Life: Redefined opens our series in Matthew 5:1–12 by asking a simple but life-changing question: What is the good life, really? While the world points us to possessions, success, relationships, or approval, Jesus announces a radically different reality—blessed are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek. This message unpacks how true joy begins not in having it all together, but in depending on Him
This final message in our James series, Speak (James 5:19–20), reminds us that following Jesus means opening our mouths to share the Gospel—the best news in the world. James calls us to lovingly restore those who have wandered and boldly proclaim Jesus to those who don’t yet know Him. Life is short, eternity is real, and revival begins when ordinary people are unashamed to speak about Jesus.
We’re reminded that God is not distant from our weakness but draws near as Yahweh Ropheka — the Lord our Healer. James shows us that prayer is powerful, not just for physical sickness but for the whole person: body, mind, and soul. Sometimes God heals immediately, sometimes He allows weakness to remain, but His promise is certain — He will raise us up. This message calls us to bring our struggles into the light, seek prayer, and trust the God who saves, forgives, and restores.
In this passage, James echoes Jesus’ words: “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Our speech isn’t just about honesty—it reveals the state of our hearts. When we’re double-minded, trying to serve God and something else, life feels unstable and empty. But when we return to our first love and give Jesus our whole devotion, our words gain weight, our faith gains focus, and our lives reflect His truth.
Tired of waiting? James 5:7–11 reminds us that waiting on the Lord is never wasted—He is working even when we can’t see it. Through the examples of the prophets, Job, and Abraham, we see that God’s promises never fail because they rest on His faithfulness, not ours. Waiting on the Lord is not passive—it’s trusting, seeking, and holding fast to His Word. And as we wait, He renews our strength and proves again that every promise finds its “Yes” in Jesus.
In James 4:17–5:6 we’re reminded that sin isn’t just the bad things we do—it’s also the good things we leave undone. True faith is never passive. It moves. It acts. It changes lives. Don’t just hear the Word—do it. Step into the good works God prepared for you.
In a world that constantly pushes us to take control of our plans, our schedules, our relationships, James 4:13–16 reminds us of a better way. In this message, Pastor Nate confronts the illusion of control and the anxiety it produces. Through Scripture, and story, we’re invited to release our grip, open our hands, and trust the God whose plans are higher, wiser, and rooted in love. When we surrender what we cannot control, we make room for the peace, purpose, and power God longs to give us—because open hands receive what closed fists never will.
Pastor Nate encourages us to leave a critical spirit at the door, and walk in grace, love and truth.
Pastor Nate encourages us to re-orient our lives towards God, as we are reminded that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
Submission is the foundation, resistance is the fight, and victory is already won in Christ.
Pastor Nate gives us a reminder that compromise with the world is not only wrong, it’s dangerous for our lives. God wants the very best for us, and we can trust Him in what He says and what He asks of us.
Pastor Nate gives us an encouragement to walk in true wisdom rather than false wisdom as we grow in Christ.
Pastor Nate encourages us to hold fast to our anchor in Christ through the storms of life.
Pastor Nate unpacks what it means that God is our Heavenly Father, and how we can rest in the full benefits of that fact.
Pastor Nate shares a powerful encouragement from James 3 to use our words to speak life, not death, to build up rather than tear down.
As we continue our study in James, Pastor Nate encourages us to be merciful as our Father in Heaven is merciful toward us.
Pastor Nate reminds us of God’s heart for us, and how that should play itself out in our lives as we love and serve others.
Pastor Nate encourages us to soak up Jesus’ love and Goodness as our source and sustenance in life, that we would be rooted and grounded in His love. This will allow us to face whatever circumstances come our way.
Pastor Nate teaches us that real devotion to the Lord plays itself out in how we care for those that God cares about: the orphan, the widow, the poor, the vulnerable.
Pastor Nate gives us an encouragement from James 1:26 to use our words for their intended purpose, to build up, not to tear down.
Pastor Nate gives an encouraging Easter message reminding us of God’s steadfast love and grace in our lives. He is the God who sees us!
Jesus' triumphal entry can be an example to us of how we are able to have joy and celebrate a victory that has not yet happened.
In this sermon Pastor Nate shares an encouragement from James to be those who are doers of the word, not hearers only, and that ultimately this ability only comes as we are receiving the love of God for us.
Pastor Nate encourages us to be careful with our words, taking James’ encouragement to be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to get angry. Our model for our interactions is Jesus. Hot takes don’t help us accomplish God’s best for our lives and our world.
What's good? When you stop to think about it, that can be a deep question to ponder. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss what is GOOD and where all the good gifts in our life come from.
In this episode of Unscripted we discuss the nature of temptation to sin, where it comes from, and how we can endure it.
A very wealthy man was once asked, “How much money is enough?” His response was, “Just a little bit more.” Is the pursuit of financial wealth a worthy pursuit in life? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss where we can find true riches in life.
What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom? And how can we know if we are being led by God’s wisdom or some other wisdom. In this episode of unscripted we discuss how God’s word teaches us we can gain the wisdom that comes from God.
Listen in as Pastor Nate discusses how we can have joy even in the midst of trials in life.
If you’ve ever struggled with your eyesight, you know how important good vision is. But vision is more than just eyesight, vision is also something that directs the choices we make in life. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the vision that God has given for us as a Christian community at Mountain Life Calvary Chapel.
Have you ever had the feeling like things are out of control. Wondering if God is so strong and able, why isn’t He doing anything to help? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how we can have confidence that God is always doing something good, even when we can’t see it.
Did you know that God has given us an incredible gift in scripture of PROPHECY… foretelling events before they happen. Prophecy is meant to ENCOURAGE us in those times when we are having a hard time seeing anything good now, or in the future. Today on this episode of UNSCRIPTED, we discuss the blessing of prophecy and how God can use it to lift up our heads, when we are feeling down.
Are you having a good day? Was that movie good? Is this a good car for me to buy? We use the word GOOD quite a bit in our lives, but what do we mean when we say GOOD? In this episode of unscripted we discuss what GOOD is, and why we may not be seeing the GOOD things God is accomplishing in our lives, and the world we live in.
Pastor Nate gives us 6 keys to use when trying to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit.
What if you knew someone who never broke a promise. Every time they promised you something, they kept that promise. That is someone you could trust completely. In this episode of unscripted we discuss the promises of God and why we can trust Him to keep His promises to us.
That’s not fair! Is a common exclamation people make when things don’t go their way. But is FAIR something we should be looking for in life? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss God’s judgment and whether or not it is fair.
Do you ever wish you could have a do-over? Like, you wasted time in the past and wish you could get those years back? Did you know that God is able to supernaturally restore time we have lost due to sin in our lives? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the restoration heart and power of our God and how we can experience His restoration in our lives.
"REPENT! The end is near!" For many people, the word REPENT has a negative connotation. But did you know, REPENTING is actually a wonderful opportunity for blessing that our loving God offers us? In this episode of unscripted we will discuss the beauty and joy of REPENTING.
You ever wish you could change… yourself… your situation… your environment or culture… but… you just can’t seem to make it happen. It’s like you just don’t have the power to accomplish something good you want to accomplish. Good news! God knows you lack the power to be the person He’s called you to be, and He offers you an incredible supernatural power to help you. The question is… have you received this power of the Holy Spirit or are you still trying to do it on your own. In this episode of unscripted we discuss the filling of the Holy Spirit and its critical importance in our lives as followers of Jesus.
Have you ever had your pride hurt? Did you enjoy it? You should’ve. Because God’s word tells us – pride leads to destruction. That means, having our pride hurt is a great blessing because it saves us from destruction! In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss what we can learn from King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride being hurt and how God blessed him, by humbling him.
You ever feel like our world is falling apart? Well, good news… it is. How is that good news? Because Jesus is coming to restore things to the way they were meant to be… eventually. But how can that truth help us TODAY? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss a dream from the book of Daniel that gives us a picture of the coming kingdom of God, and how that truth helps us deal with today’s struggles.
Most people are working hard to control various aspects of their lives, but is that the best pathway to joy, peace, and contentment? Or is it possible the way to find peace in life is through surrender to God, rather than controlling everything ourselves? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss what life can be like when we give control over to God.
WHICH JESUS DO YOU WANT? Might sound like a strange question, but it applies. There are many different versions of Jesus out there, and if we’re not careful, we might find we have chosen the wrong Jesus. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the first PALM SUNDAY and how many people chose the wrong Jesus.
Grace is more than just God forgiving our sin. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the depths of God's grace and how it empowers our lives as followers of Jesus.
If you’ve ever slipped and had a bad fall, then you know the importance of having shoes that have good tread. Did you know we are encouraged to have good shoes in our Christian lives? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we continue our discussion about the armor of God as we discuss shoes and shields.
God’s word tells us to fight the good fight of faith. However, there are many peace-loving Christians who don’t want to fight. As Christians, do we have a choice in the matter, or is it inevitable that we will have to fight an enemy? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss who our enemy is, why he is our enemy, and the need we have to be prepared to face times of battle as we walk with God.
There have been many movies that depict demonic and satanic attacks on people. Is that a real thing that happens, or is that just a way to sell movie tickets? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we begin to dig into what God’s word has to say about fighting spiritual battles.
It’s important for a church (a group of people following the Lord together) to have vision for where they are headed as a group, a fellowship, a church. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how God gives vision for a church, and specifically the vision God has given Pastor Nate for our church, Mountain Life Calvary Chapel.
Most people get frustrated when they have to wait on hold on the phone. Well how do you feel when you God says to you, "JUST WAIT." Believe it or not, there are times in life when waiting is the best thing for us. But I don’t know if it makes it any easier. On this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the times in life when God calls us to… WAIT.
If you’ve ever seen a nativity scene, then you’ve probably seen the 3 wise men portrayed as being at the birth of Jesus. But is that really how it happened? Who were these guys? Where did they come from? Why did they want to see Jesus? And, when did they show up? These and other questions are discussed in this episode of UNSCRIPTED.
Most people spend at least half of their life at their place of work. How should we, as Christians, approach this half of our life at work? Should we love our job or just endure it? Should we work hard, even if our boss is mean to us? And what if you are the boss at your place of work… how should you interact with, and treat your employees as a Christian boss? These are some of the questions we will tackle today in this episode of UNSCRIPTED.
The journey of parenting starts off with lots of excitement, but along the way, parenting can become quite a challenge. And what about being a child? That’s not the easiest job either! In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss what God’s word has to teach us about the parent/child relationship.
In this episode of UNSCRIPTED Pastor Nate and his wife, Jen, discuss what God's word has to say about marriage and how husbands and wives are called to love each other.
What does the Bible have to say about dating? That’s a question pastors are often asked, and the answer is almost always the same… "Not Much." In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we look at what God’s word has to offer us in the world of dating, marriage, and romantic relationships.
Which is better… to be single, or to be married. Often, single people feel that getting married would bring fulfillment into their life. But is it possible to be content, even if you are single? And is it even possible that being single is BETTER? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss being a single Christian and the contentment that can be found in this situation of life.
SUBMIT! That’s a command most of us don’t want to hear. But is it possible for us to see submission as a positive rather than a negative thing? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the scriptural charge to submit to one another in love for one another, and as an act of worship to God, and how when it’s done correctly, with the right motivation, submission actually becomes something we enjoy doing.
Thanksgiving is a very popular holiday. It seems like everyone has a better attitude about them as they consider all the things they are thankful for. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have that grateful attitude all year long, rather than just one day a year? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the feeling of thankfulness, where it comes from, and if we are able to… GIVE THANKS ALWAYS.
Singing in public is not everyone’s favorite thing to do. Why does God call us to sing songs of praise to Him… in the presence of other people? Is public singing of praise to God an important part of our relationship with Him, or is it something we can avoid? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the importance and benefit of singing public praise to God.
Have you ever felt like you’re missing some satisfaction in life? Have you ever wished you could be a stronger follower of Jesus? These are some common issues Christians have. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how to find the satisfaction and strength we need as we seek to follow Jesus.
Have you ever found yourself in a quandary… you have a decision to make, but you can’t figure out what to do? Do we do what the world says, and if it feels good, do it? Or maybe you want to follow God’s will, but you can’t figure out what His will is. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we talk about understanding God’s will, and what happens when we don’t follow His will.
Threats of danger cause our awareness of our circumstances to heighten dramatically. Did you know that you, as a follower of Jesus, are under a threat of danger? Are you paying attention to the days you are living in and the threats that surround you? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the threats we experience as Christians, and how we should react to those threats.
Are you afraid of the dark? What is it about darkness that makes it creepy and scary? Most people don’t like the feeling of being trapped in a place that is dark. But what about being trapped in SPIRITUAL darkness? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss spiritual darkness… what it is, if it is to be feared, and how we are able to get rid of it.
There are some subjects you don’t expect to hear pastors talk about at church. One of those subjects is probably sex. But teaching through the bible doesn’t give a pastor the option of whether to talk about the topic of sex, because God’s word has a lot to say about it. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the topic of sex and what God’s word has to say about it.
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Wanting to be like someone else is a high sign of respect for that person. Did you know that we’re called to imitate God? It may seem beyond reach, to think that we could imitate a holy and perfect God, but it’s not. Listen in as Pastor Nate answers questions regarding why we should, and how we are able, to imitate God.
Have you ever wished you could take back your words? Maybe you said something you later regretted? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss our words, the things we say. Should we be concerned about what we say and how we say it? And… is there any way we can help ourselves tame our tongue?
Do you enjoy being told you made a mistake? Most people don’t like being told they did something wrong, or even worse, that their life choices are consistently incorrect. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, we discuss how we, as Christians, need to be willing to hear that word of rebuke from other Christians, and how we need to be willing to share a loving word of correction with other believers as well.
Do you ever struggle with your behavior… wishing you could behave differently than you do? How can we, as Christians, pursue a lasting change in behavior without allowing our behavior to become the focus of our faith? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how we can keep our focus on Jesus and at the same time see a change in our lives where we stand strong against the temptation to sin.
What makes a church feel whole and complete? In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul says that it is when every Christian in that church is using their spiritual gift to love and serve the other people in the church. But maybe you don’t know what your spiritual gift is, or maybe you have never even considered that you may have a spiritual gift. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss spiritual gifts and how God wants us to use them in our lives.
Have you ever received a gift you weren’t excited about getting, but then, later on, you realized this gift was just what you needed? In this episode of unscripted we discuss the reality and purpose of spiritual gifts… gifts given to us by God, through His Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we may not appreciate these gifts in the moment they are given, but later we realize how important they are.
“What church do you BELONG to?” used to be a common question. Today, you more often hear, “What church do you GO to?” Should we just think of church as something we GO to, or should we think of church as something we BELONG to? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss what God’s word tells us church should look like and how it is supposed to function.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with a difficulty, and like there’s nobody who cares, and no one who can help? We probably all get to that place from time to time, but, as followers of Jesus, there is always someone who sees and cares. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss one of the reasons God became man, was so He could intimately relate to our struggles, but, even more than that, how He can help us overcome those struggles.
"You do you." "Just follow your heart." "You gotta be true to yourself." These are common phrases we hear in today’s world, but are they accurate guidance for us as followers of Jesus. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how we have all been created with an individuality, but, as followers of Jesus, we want to express our individuality in unity with other Christians.
Unity in the body of Christ is of the utmost importance. Living in peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ is not optional it's mandatory. In this episode of Unscripted, we discuss the need for unity with other Christians and how we are able to achieve this important goal.
God’s word calls believers to follow Jesus in being humble, gentle, and patient, but how are we able to do this in a world that is prideful, harsh, and impatient. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how we can walk worthy of our calling to be humble, gentle, and patient.
Have you ever thought, “I wish my life wasn’t so difficult.” Is that God’s will for us… an easy life? Or, is it possible God actually wants our life to be challenging? And, if so, why would God want that for us? This week we discuss the charge we are given in God’s word to “walk worthy of our calling” and the challenge that presents.
Have you ever felt like God is far off and you need to do something special or big in order to get close to Him? Maybe it’s possible that God is closer than you think, and He is trying to speak to you, but your world has become so noisy that you can’t hear His gentle whisper. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss whether we need to do great things to reach God, or hearing God speak to us is much simpler than we realized.
Have you ever found yourself suddenly overwhelmed and exhausted? Have you ever been so overwhelmed and exhausted that you thought, “You know what… death sounds like a good option right now.” If you have thought that… you’re not alone. One of the greatest prophets of all time, Elijah, felt that same way. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss why we feel physically overwhelmed and exhausted, and what God’s word teaches us about what to do when we find ourselves in those situations.
Do you have secrets? Are there parts of who you are that nobody else knows about? Are you ashamed of some aspects of who you are so you try to pretend they don’t exist, and you hope that God never finds out about them? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the stress and anxiety we create for ourselves when we try to pretend we are someone who we are not.
Have you ever struggled with feelings of fear, worry, anxiety? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss these feelings… where they come from and what God’s word tells us to do with them.
If given the choice, would you choose a car that has lots of power, or a car that is weak. Most people would probably answer POWERFUL. But what if that power makes it hard to control the car? Many people want to see God’s power moving in their life, but they still want to control their life. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the power of God, and letting His power consume EVERY part of our lives.
What do you think of when you hear the word LOVE. In the English language we use the word LOVE to mean a variety of things. We might say we love chocolate and that we love our spouse. Do they mean the same thing, or something different? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the love that Jesus has for us. We discuss how we can experience His love for us, and how we can become rooted and grounded in that love.
Have you ever watched a mystery movie and figured out the mystery before it’s revealed in the movie? With everything in you, you want to share the mystery revealed. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the mystery of salvation that was revealed to the Apostle Paul, and how excited he was to share this with others. And we discuss the question, if the mystery of salvation has been revealed to us, are we, like Paul, excited to share it with others.
How do you handle seemingly impossible challenges that come into your life? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how we can experience victory, and even feel “PRIVILEGED” as we walk through life’s battles and trials.
Have you ever encountered a barrier in life that you couldn’t get past? Maybe a weight loss goal that stalled out? Maybe a savings goal that became sidetracked? These barriers in life can cause us to become very frustrated and wish we could break them down somehow. Well thankfully, God has created a way for the barriers between us and Him, and the barriers between us and other people, to be broken down, so that loving relationship can take place. In this episode of unscripted we talk about our God of reconciliation and the reconciliation He offers us with Him, and with other people.
Have you ever experienced having high hopes for something, but then it never happened and you became very disappointed? It’s a horrible feeling to hope for something that never happens. But what if we only hoped for things that always happened? How much more joy and satisfaction would we have in our lives? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the subject of hope and how we can have more hope and less disappointment in our lives.
Who are you? Seems like a simple question at first, but when you stop and really consider the depth of the question, it really makes you think. Some might quickly go to their work or their hobbies to identify themselves. Some may go to their upbringing or sexual orientation to identify themselves. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the subject of identity and what God’s word has to say about who we are.
Do you ever feel condemned by God because of your sin, or does God give you a feeling of freedom from the power of sin? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED… we discuss why we can, at times, feel condemned by God, and how we can discover the freedom that God desires to give us from the bondage of sin.
What does being a Christian mean to you? Is it the pursuit of KNOWLEDGE… getting to know who God is… who Jesus is? Or is it a pursuit of RELATIONSHIP… getting to know God… and know Jesus? There is a difference between the two, and it’s a very important difference. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the difference between knowing about the Lord, and actually knowing the Lord, and… why it matters.
One of the most satisfying experiences in life is to feel loved by someone. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be agents of His love to humanity. But it’s not always easy to be loving towards others. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the process of learning to love others just as Jesus has loved us.
Have you ever received an inheritance? Do you think you will receive one some day? Are you planning on providing an inheritance for your children? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the inheritance that God has prepared for us and how this inheritance can be a motivating force in our lives today.
Do you ever wish you could know the future? Will my team win? Would that person be a good spouse for me? What happens when I die? Our lives are filled with wonder and questions regarding the future. Sometimes we can become very anxious and worried about our future. In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss how God, through His word, encourages us regarding our future.
Have you ever struggled with a sin that you just can’t seem to shake? Have you ever felt like something has control of you, rather than you having control of it? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we discuss the consequences of sin, and how a person is able to overcome the bondage that sin creates.
Is the Bible just another one of many self-help books, or is it the WORD OF GOD? If it is the WORD OF GOD… what does that even mean? These, and other questions, are discussed in today’s episode of UNSCRIPTED as we wrap up our 4-week series answering the main question… WHY SHOULD I BELIEVE THE BIBLE? Today we discuss… IS THE BIBLE REALLY THE WORD OF GOD?
Have you ever heard the claim that science disproves the Bible? Is that true? Or, is the opposite true? Does science actually prove the Bible to be true? In this episode of Unscripted we continue our series entitled “WHY SHOULD I BELIEVE THE BIBLE?” by discussing the 3rd question… “Does science disprove the Bible?” Let’s join the discussion now…
The Bible was written thousands of years ago. Is it possible for something that was written so long ago to still be able to apply to our modern world today? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we will discuss how this ancient text does not only still apply in our modern world, but it is actually the best help for us in our modern world today.
The Bible was written thousands of years ago. Is it possible for something that was written so long ago to still be able to apply to our modern world today?
3 reasons you can believe the Bible is accurate
• Textual Accuracy
• Archeological Evidence
• Reliable Witness to the Canon of Scripture
Have you ever stopped and considered what the legacy of your life will be?
What will the story of your life be when your life here has ended?
In this episode of UNSCRIPTED we look at a man named Mordecai’s legacy
And consider what our own legacy will be.
The key to future faith is often found in remembering God's faithfulness in the past. In this episode we discuss why it is critical to remember what God has done, and some practical thoughts on how we can make God's past faithfulness a stronger foundation for our future lives.
Is it possible to navigate the challenges of life with courage, confidence, and joy, rather than fear, doubt, and worry? In this episode we take a look at some people in the book of Esther who had joy and gladness, even though their lives were being threatened.
Have you ever felt like you should tell people about Jesus, but you just can’t bring yourself to do it? As Christians, sharing our faith is an integral part of who we are called to be, but still, it can be difficult to do. This week in UNSCRIPTED we talk with Pastor Nate about the issue of sharing our faith, why it can be difficult, and what we can do about that.
Are you a successful person? What does success mean? How do you know you're not wasting your life? These are some of the questions we tackle in this week's unscripted conversation.
Have you ever felt like things are just not going your way? Like you're stuck in a bad situation and just can’t see any good in it at all? In this episode we talk with Pastor Nate and discover the encouragement that God’s word has for us when we find ourselves in those situations.
“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” – Charles H. Spurgeon
“Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy.” - Warren Wiersbe
As Christians we need to focus less on the WHAT and more on the WHY.
When you know your WHY, anything your hand finds to do can become an act of worship and ministry.
Your WHY drives your HOW which impacts your WHAT.
There may be many paths in life that lead us to Jesus but only Jesus leads us to Heaven.
Disappointment comes from misplaced hope.
Your purpose in life is to give God glory and enjoy His goodness.
Love is what shows that you have been with Jesus. You can’t say you love God if you don’t love people.
If you're not accepting Christ's love for you, you can't give it away to others!
Walking in the Spirit is giving yourself up to be led, taught and empowered by the Holy Spirit in any and every situation.
“Abiding in Jesus is nothing but the giving up of oneself to be ruled and taught and led, and so resting in the arms of Everlasting Love.” - Andrew Murray
Pastor Nate encourages us with a word on the necessity of having fellow believers in our lives, and how we are meant to be together, even if that means being physically apart.
Pastor Nate talks about our priesthood in Christ and how God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.
Pastor Nate shares how Christ is our refuge and covering and that all are welcome in Him.
Pastor Nate gives a message on the power of God, showing us that nothing is impossible for God, and that we should live our lives in light of that fact.