Sunday Service

The Mechanics of a Witness

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:15:00 -0400

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Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast! We are a community of believers located in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to following Jesus Christ and spreading his message of love and salvation.

Our church offers multiple services throughout the week to accommodate busy schedules. Join us on Sundays at 8:30 am or 10:30 am (Children and Youth services provided during our 10:30 am service). We also have a midweek service on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm where we gather together to study God's word and fellowship with one another, youth and children ministry provided as well!

Whether you are new to the faith or a long-time believer, we invite you to come and worship with us. You can find us at 6501 Schirra Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93313. If you're unable to attend in person, you can follow along with our services on Facebook and YouTube or visit our website at ccbakersfield.com.

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Avoiding Spiritual Oblivion

Sun, 31 May 2026 16:30:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 12:13-17, Ephesians 6:10-17

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

War, On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Sun, 24 May 2026 16:30:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 12:1–17

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It’s Now Or Never

Sun, 17 May 2026 16:30:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 11

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A Mother Like God: The God of All Comfort

Sun, 10 May 2026 16:30:00 -0400

Mother’s Day 2026

Text: Isaiah 66:13

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

The Mercy of the Pause

Sun, 03 May 2026 17:20:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 10

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The Mercy of the Pause

Sun, 03 May 2026 16:25:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 10

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Destruction, Death And The Die-Hard

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:20:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 9

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The Quiet Calm Before The Storm

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:20:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 8

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Easter 2026

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0400

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Good Friday 2026

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:05:00 -0400

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Palm Sunday Reflections: The Significance of God's Timing

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400

Takeaways:

Worship encompasses our actions, including singing, giving, attentiveness to God's word, and obedience.
Palm Sunday serves as a reminder of the significance of God's perfect timing in history.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem symbolizes his role as the king and the fulfillment of prophecy.
It is essential to recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives and accept him as king.
The story of Lazarus illustrates the transformative power of Jesus and serves as a testimony for believers.
Our response to Jesus should be one of gratitude and worship, regardless of societal opinions.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

When All Heaven Breaks Loose

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:10:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 6:9-17

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Hope Beyond the Headlines: A Reflection on Faith Amidst Chaos

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:05:00 -0400

Hope beyond the headlines serves as the central theme of our discourse today, wherein we confront the disheartening realities that pervade our daily lives, particularly in relation to the relentless onslaught of news that often highlights suffering and persecution. Despite the grim nature of these headlines, we find ourselves surprisingly unshaken, having grown accustomed to the pervasive narratives of despair that characterize our era. Drawing parallels between our contemporary context and the experiences of the Apostle Paul, we shall explore how he maintained a steadfast sense of hope amidst his own tribulations while imprisoned in Rome. The narrative of the Philippian Church becomes instrumental in this examination, as we delve into the profound truths encapsulated in Paul's epistle, particularly the significance of our true citizenship in heaven. Ultimately, we aim to illuminate how this understanding can transform our perspective and empower us to navigate the uncertainties of our world with unwavering confidence in Christ.

Takeaways:

The pervasive nature of modern headlines often desensitizes us to the suffering of others, particularly those persecuted for their faith.
Apostle Paul's experiences of imprisonment provide a profound context for understanding hope amidst adversity, which resonates with our contemporary challenges.
The concept of citizenship in heaven is paramount; it fundamentally reshapes our perspectives on life, identity, and purpose as believers in Christ.
Our hope in Christ assures us of a steady anchor during turbulent times, allowing us to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and peace.

From A Peace Parade To Stampede: The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:30:00 -0400

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It’s Not What You Think

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 6:2

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The Rider On The White Horse

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0400

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Don’t Worry Just Worship

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0400

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A Glimpse of Heaven

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0400

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The Prophetic Pivot

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:50:00 -0400

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How Not To Do Church

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:50:00 -0400

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When Opportunity Knocks

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:22:00 -0400

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The Book of Life

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:31:00 -0400

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Is Your Name In The Book

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:16:00 -0400

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Psalm 90

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:16:00 -0400

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More Than A Baby In A Manger!

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 16:14:00 -0400

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

When Culture Becomes A Curse

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:38:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 2:18-29

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Conquering Compromise

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:35:00 -0400

Series: The Blessing Book

Text: Revelation 2:12-17

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The Devil Can't Touch This!

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:06:00 -0400

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Lost That Love and Feeling

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:05:00 -0400

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Blessing After Blessing

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 20:52:00 -0400

Series: “The Blessing Book”

Text: Revelation 1:1-20

Title: “Blessing After Blessing”

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

It’s All A Matter of Perspective

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 20:51:00 -0400

Series: Revealing The Revelation

Text: Revelation 1:3

Title: “It’s All A Matter of Perspective”

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A Spirit Filled Life

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:20:00 -0400

Join us as we discusses the theme of living a spirit-filled life according to biblical principles. The focus is on the transformation that should occur in a person’s life once they enter into a relationship with God through Jesus. We examine Ephesians Chapter 6, verses 1-9, addressing the roles and behaviors expected of children, parents, employees, and employers in a Christian context. The sermon highlights obedience, honor, and the importance of modeling godly behavior in various relationships, emphasizing that obedience to God should be reflected in all aspects of life. Practical applications include not provoking children, integrating discipline with instruction, and serving sincerely in the workplace.

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Be Busy, not a Busy Body

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 21:18:00 -0400

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Pray For Me, I Pray For You

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:48:00 -0400

Series: While You’re Waiting... Still

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

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Stand Firm, Hold On Tight

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:03:00 -0400

Series: While You’re Waiting-Still

Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

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Unity

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:45:00 -0400

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Don’t Be Fooled

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

Turning Point USA
Charlie Kirk
Calvary Chapel

Why Does God Allow Evil?

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 20:51:00 -0400

Isaiah 55:8-9

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Takeaways:

The question of why God permits evil is a profound and complex issue that has troubled many faithful individuals.
Throughout the episode, it was emphasized that our focus should remain on God's word rather than mere human opinions or interpretations.
The existence of free will is presented as a critical factor in the presence of evil, allowing humanity to choose between good and evil.
The speaker encourages listeners to seek comfort and clarity in God's promises, particularly in times of confusion and suffering.
The discussion also highlights that the ultimate defeat of evil is assured, instilling hope in believers for the future.
Engagement in public discourse and sharing the gospel is vital, as it reflects the commitment to living out one's faith in a secular world.

Don’t Worry Be Happy

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:37:00 -0400

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Encountering God

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:47:00 -0400

This morning is one of those months where we have 5 Sundays in the month and so on these fifth Sundays we give our Sunday School teachers a break and invite families to bring their children into the sanctuary to worship with us. It doesn’t impact first service since we only offer children’s ministry during second service so instead of messing the times all up we decided to just do something different on the fifth Sunday so the kids could participate and join in the service. So all that being said we will take a break from our study in 2 Thessalonians and pick it back up next week.

This morning I wanted to share a message with you I titled, “Encountering God” from John 5:19 where Jesus explained…

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Check Your Alignment

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 15:38:00 -0400

This episode focuses on the theme of spiritual alignment as we wait for the return of the Lord. Looking at Paul’s words in Second Thessalonians, we’re reminded of the importance of living a life that matches God’s calling. Just like a car needs its alignment checked to drive straight, we need to check our lives to make sure they reflect the character of Christ, especially in times of hardship and persecution.

We also see how Paul’s prayers for the church point us back to the role of prayer in our own lives. Prayer strengthens our faith, helps us grow, and keeps us steady when life gets difficult. In the end, everything we do should aim to bring glory to the name of Jesus, showing the grace He has given us.

Takeaways:

We are called to keep our lives aligned with God’s purpose while waiting for Christ’s return.
Paul encourages believers to stay strong in faith, even in the face of trials.
Living a life worthy of God’s calling means letting His grace shape our actions and attitudes.
Each of us should pause and reflect on whether our lives are in step with God’s will.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

The Gift of Encouragement

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we look at the challenge of sharing our faith in Jesus, especially when people respond with indifference or even hostility. Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we see how important it is to stay faithful and keep living for Christ, even when it’s hard. Paul reminds us that the way we live matters; our lives should reflect the calling we’ve received in Christ.

The discussion highlights how we can stay strong by being rooted in God’s Word, encouraging one another, and putting the Bible into practice in everyday life. Paul’s message is just as relevant today as it was then, because Christians still face trials, pressure, and opposition. Through it all, community and Scripture remain key to walking faithfully with Jesus.

Takeaways:

Sharing your faith won’t always be welcomed, and that’s part of following Christ.
Paul encourages believers to persevere through trials, trusting that God is at work in them.
The Bible calls us not just to hear God’s Word but to live it out in daily life.
Grace and peace are central to the Christian walk, reminding us of God’s love and the security we have in Him.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Grace Works

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:26:00 -0400

In this episode, Pastor Mike walks us through the last chapter of First Thessalonians. Paul closes his letter with a series of final instructions for the church, all centered on the theme “Grace Works.” The heart of Paul’s message is clear: while we wait for Jesus to return, we are called to live lives shaped by faith, but it’s God’s grace, not our own strength, that makes this possible. Pastor Mike reminds us that real change and growth come from God’s faithfulness working in us, not from us trying to do it on our own.

This message is a reminder that the Christian life is both simple and powerful: trust God’s grace, walk in faith, and let His Spirit shape how we live each day.

Takeaways:

Paul urges believers to honor and respect church leaders who work hard to guide and care for them.
He calls us to stay joyful, pray continually, and give thanks in every situation, because this is God’s will for us.
Spiritual growth is part of God’s work of sanctification in us—He is the one who makes us holy.
We are called to build each other up: warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, and show patience to everyone.
Pastor Mike emphasizes that faith should always lead to action, showing God’s grace in the way we live.
Prayer is essential, not just for ourselves but for one another, as we seek God’s guidance and strength together.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Set Apart: By God, To God, For God

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 15:20:00 -0400

Pastor Mike focuses on the theme of being “Set Apart by God, to God, and for God.” It reminds us that being set apart doesn’t come from our own efforts but from God’s grace and purpose in our lives. We grow in holiness not by trying harder, but by trusting in Him and relying on His strength, especially when life is hard or temptation comes.

Pastor Mike talks about the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and not ignoring or pushing Him aside. When we stay sensitive to His voice, He guides us, convicts us of sin, and helps us grow closer to God. In the end, the message points us back to a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, who changes us and gives us power as we wait for Jesus to return.

Takeaways:

We must fully trust God, because He is the one who grows us and sets us apart.
The Holy Spirit leads us, convicts us of sin, and draws us closer to God.
Being “set apart” means God has chosen us for His purposes, and He is still working in us day by day.
We need to be careful not to quench the Spirit, because that can block our growth and distance us from God.
Staying open to the Spirit’s leading helps us build a deeper faith.
God is faithful and will finish the work He started in us.

Keep The Fire Burning

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 17:55:00 -0400

Series: While You’re Waiting

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

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Pro Tips Pt. 2

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:37:00 -0400

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Pro Tips

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 20:49:00 -0400

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Rooted In Christ

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:46:00 -0400

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Never Stop Praying

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:44:00 -0400

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Get Ready!

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:39:00 -0400

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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Father's Day 2025

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 13:37:00 -0400

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Comfort One Another

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 21:22:00 -0400

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Walk Don’t Run

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:38:00 -0400

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Movement is Medicine

Sun, 25 May 2025 20:22:00 -0400

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2 Minute Warning

Sun, 18 May 2025 13:56:00 -0400

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Mother’s Day Through The Eyes of Mary

Sun, 11 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode delves into the profound significance of Mother's Day, highlighting the unique and multifaceted role that mothers play in our lives. We explore the historical origins of this celebration, tracing its roots back to Anna Jarvis's heartfelt initiative in 1908, which aimed to honor maternal figures across the nation. Central to our discussion is the biblical perspective provided by Proverbs 31, where we reflect on the attributes of a virtuous woman, as well as the importance of honoring mothers not only on this day but throughout the year. We also touch upon the personal stories that showcase the sacrifices mothers make, emphasizing that their love and dedication are deserving of our gratitude and recognition. Ultimately, we aim to reinforce the notion that acknowledging and appreciating our mothers is a vital expression of love and respect, echoing the biblical commandment to honor one’s parents.

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The Last Words of Jesus

Sun, 04 May 2025 20:48:00 -0400

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A Model Church

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 17:51:00 -0400

Series: Living In Anticipation

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

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Caught Up To Be With Jesus

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 19:24:00 -0400

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While Your Waiting

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:30:00 -0400

Series: Living In Anticipation

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1

This morning, we begin a study of two letters of the apostle Paul, 1 and 2 Thessalonians who wrote this letter to a tiny church in Thessaloniki. I always enjoy hearing from you about the study we are in and what book we should study next. Ever since Covid there has been this growing interest in “eschatology” or “the study of last things” or “end times”.

The reason it’s important to teach bible prophecy is because to fail to teach bible prophecy would mean to fail to teach 20-40% of the Bible. Sadly, there is a growing number of Christians who believe and teach that end time prophecy events are inconsequential and that end times prophecy are not central to the New Testament. Tell that to the apostle Paul.

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Unstoppable

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:30:00 -0400

Acts 28

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Storms, Shipwrecked and Snakebitten

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:30:00 -0400

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Don’t Be A Demas

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 18:32:00 -0400

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The Best Defense Is A Good Offense

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 18:19:00 -0400

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A Love that Never Fails

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 17:59:00 -0400

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Take The Long Way Home

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 04:04:00 -0400

Acts 25:1-12

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The Most Dangerous Word In the Bible

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 03:40:00 -0400

Acts 24

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God is in Control

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 03:23:00 -0400

Acts 23:12-35

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Be of Good Cheer

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:42:00 -0400

Acts 22:17-Acts 23:11

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The Passion of Paul

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:46:00 -0400

Acts 21:13–22:22

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Look Back, Looking Forward

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:45:00 -0400

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Misconceptions of Christmas

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:43:00 -0400

Luke 2:1-20

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Jesus, The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:39:00 -0400

Isaiah 9:6-7

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Breaking the Spirit of Pride

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 11:36:00 -0400

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Not My Will But Yours Be Done

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:23:00 -0400

Acts 21:1-14

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Pastors and Leaders pt. 2

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 14:17:00 -0400

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The Art of Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:50:00 -0400

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Takeaways:

Building your life on solid ground is more important than the materials you use.
Ministry is a collective effort, and we are stronger when we work together.
True humility in service involves recognizing that our work is ultimately for God.
Trials and challenges in our lives can deepen our faith and reliance on God.
It's essential to maintain our focus on sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
Each of us has a unique role in the body of Christ and must serve accordingly.

Don’t Be A Back Row Believer

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 16:18:00 -0400

Acts 20:1-12

So many lessons to be learned every time we open

the Bible. I love studying the Word of God because

this Word is a living Word. Every part of it will speak

to you if you will let it. Even stories like we read here

in Acts 20.

As we head into Acts 20 Paul after 2 years in

Ephesus is heading to Jerusalem with the hope of

heading to Rome. He wants to go back to Jerusalem

and strengthen the church there with an offering that

he is collecting from all the churches he has planted,

all these gentile churches who have no connection

to the church at Jerusalem at all but who appreciate

the sacrifices that the church made in sending out

missionaries to take the Good News of Jesus Christ

to the utter most parts of the world.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Good verses Evil

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 16:16:00 -0400

Acts 19:21-41

We ended last week praying that the Lord would

help us to “cultivate a spirit of sensitivity” and the

best way for each of us to da that is by walking in

simple obedience to the Word of God.

47% evangelicals believe that Satan is not real, that

there is no personal devil.

The Bible promises that for child of God will suffer

persecution. The enemy will attack you

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Radical Revival

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:14:00 -0400

Acts 19:8-20

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Don’t Leave Home Without Him

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:06:00 -0400

Acts 19:1-7

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How Deep Is Your Love

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:57:00 -0400

Acts 19:8-20

Two weeks ago we began our study in Acts 18... So

many amazing truths to glean from it... a little review

to help you appreciate today all the more we read as

Paul arrived in Corinth God knew exactly what Paul

needed...

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The Whole Gospel

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 17:11:00 -0400

Acts 17

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Cross-Cultural

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:22:00 -0400

Acts 17:1-34

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If There’s A Will There’s A Way

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 11:57:00 -0400

Do you have a life verse? A verse that you go to

often to encourage yourself or remind yourself about

God’s purpose for your life? Maybe you have a few.

As I study the apostle Paul’s life Acts 20:24 comes

to mind.

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Sensitivity Training

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 15:34:00 -0400

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Worship In Spirit And In Truth

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 15:32:00 -0400

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When Gifts Collide

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:30:00 -0400

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The Great News About The Good News

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 15:29:00 -0400

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The Things We Do For Love

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:27:00 -0400

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Jesus + Nothing = Salvation

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:23:00 -0400

If you died today and you were standing before God

and He asked you why He should let you into

heaven, what would you say?

The most important decision of your entire life is

what you do with Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?

Do you truly believe you are a sinner and He is your

Savior?

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Taking The Gamble Out of Evangelism

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 15:19:00 -0400

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Present, Present, Presence

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:38:00 -0400

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It's My Way or the Highway!

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:36:00 -0400

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Gone Fishing

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:21:00 -0400

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Prayer!

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 14:18:00 -0400

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Evangelism A Way of Life

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:13:00 -0400

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Living The Good Life

Sun, 26 May 2024 03:16:00 -0400

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What's Eating You?

Sun, 19 May 2024 17:08:00 -0400

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Mother's Day 2024

Sun, 12 May 2024 17:07:00 -0400

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Steadfast Through Trials

Sun, 05 May 2024 16:51:00 -0400

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The Empty Chair

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:09:00 -0400

Acts 12

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Let It Shine

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 11:33:00 -0400

Acts 11:27-30

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I Am a Christian

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:24:00 -0400

Acts 11:19-26

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How I Met Your Mother

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 11:07:00 -0400

Everyone loves a good love story…Do you remember how you met your spouse?

Acts chapter 11 is the story of all love stories in that for Peter here in Acts 11 it’s like he is telling the leaders of the church in Jerusalem how gentiles came to fall in love with Jesus. This is the third time now, twice in Acts 10 and again in Acts 11 that Peter is sharing again how the gentile church was born.

If God says something once, that is enough but when He repeats it a second time that stresses the importance of it, but to share it a third time its as if God is saying, “I don’t want you to forget this!”

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The enemy has been defeated...

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 20:30:00 -0400

Easter 2024

The enemy has been defeated...

That first Easter morning didn’t start off as a great

celebration as some might think. It was a time of

great confusion and sorrow for the followers of

Jesus. They had just witnessed the world’s greatest

tragedy, God’s one and only Son was crucified on

the Cross at Calvary. The one who had loved them

with the purest kind of love that can be known was

taken from them, beaten beyond recogntion and

crucified. For the followers of Jesus all hope

seemed lost.

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Palm Sunday 2024

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 11:05:00 -0400

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How God Saved the World!

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:17:00 -0400

Acts 10:24-48

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A Match Made in Heaven

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:11:00 -0400

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It’s A Miracle

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 19:04:00 -0400

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What Being Saved Looks Like

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 18:58:00 -0400

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You Are Chosen

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 18:57:00 -0400

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More Than A Feeling

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 18:19:00 -0400

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A Contrast in Conversions

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 13:47:00 -0400

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Some Things Money Can’t Buy

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:41:00 -0400

Simon Magus was probably a " Jew" or a " Samaritan," who had addicted himself to the arts of magic, and who was much celebrated for it. He had studied philosophy in Alexandria in Egypt, and then lived in Samaria. After he was cut off from the hope of adding to his other powers the power of working miracles, the " fathers" say that he fell into many errors, and became the founder of the sect of the Simonians. They accused him of affirming that he came down as the " Father" in respect to the Samaritans, the " Son" in respect to the Jews, and the " Holy Spirit" in respect to the Gentiles. He did not acknowledge Christ to be the Son of God, but a rival, and pretended himself to be Christ. He rejected the Law of Moses. Many other things are affirmed of him which rest on doubtful authority. He seems to have become an enemy of Christianity, though he was willing " then" to avail himself of some of its doctrines to advance his interests. His end is not known.

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There is Power in the Blood

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 19:01:00 -0400

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Why Read the Bible?

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:44:00 -0400

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A Sermon To Die For (pt 2)

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 17:01:00 -0400

As you turn with me in your bible to Acts 7 a thought comes to mind. Everyone wants their life to count. Most people want to believe that they made a difference in this world, a lasting contribution.

When I think of Stephen, the first Christian martyr that we read about here in Acts chapters 6-7 I’m reminded of another young man who was martyred for his faith in the prime of his life almost 68 years ago.

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Out With The Old In With The New (Colossians 3:1-17)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 19:13:00 -0400

Happy New Years Eve! What a year this has been. Good bad or indifferent the good news is we made it! The end of another year is upon us and a new year is before us.

Those without Christ tend to approach the New Year as an opportunity to start fresh. The changing of the physical calendar from one year to the next serves as the reminder that it’s a new day!

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The Gift that Keeps on Giving (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 18:40:00 -0400

Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving each and every time we open the pages of our bible. Think about this. If you have Jesus in your heart you are on your way to heaven. With each day that passes you are one day closer than when you first believed. You can’t improve upon that!

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A Sermon To Die For

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 18:37:00 -0400

Stephen the first martyr in the church gave his life for the gospel of Christ and proved how powerful the gospel is. The Jewish leaders killed the messenger but they could not stop the message of Christ.

Stephen’s blood became the fertilizer that God used to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, to the utter most parts of the world.

Where did Stephen’s faith come from? What do we know about him?

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Beauty Secrets (Acts 6:8-15)

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 18:33:00 -0400

As you open your bible to Acts chapter 6 this morning an old saying comes to mind, “beauty is only skin deep but ugliness goes clear to the bones”. It comes to mind because here in chapter 6 we are introduced to Stephen, the first martyr in New Testament, the first martyr in the church and you can’t help but notice something about Stephen that Dr. Luke takes note of and makes sure that his readers don’t miss, Stephens face.

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Looking For A Few Good Men and Women

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 18:30:00 -0400

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Built Tough (Acts 5:17-42)

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:25:00 -0400

When I read the remaining portion of Acts 5 I am reminded of an old Timex watch commercial on television that said,

Acts 5 God Will Give You What You Need. Philippians 4:19, “My God shall supply all of your needs by His riches and glory in Christ Jesus!”

God doesn’t always give us what we want but He always gives us what we need.

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The Miracle No-one Wants

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 16:58:00 -0400

I’ll invite you to open your bible with me to Acts

Chapter 5. Chapter 5 is such an interesting chapter

to me in that many times when talking to people

about the Bible they see the Bible like its two

different books with two different God’s. They see

the Old Testament as the law and the New

Testament all about grace. They see the God of the

Old Testament as being legalistic and harsh and the

God of the New Testament as kind and gracious not

realizing that the God of the Old and the New

Testament are one and the same.

Here in Acts chapter 5 we see the judgment of God

being poured out on a husband and wife after Jesus

has gone to the Cross and died for our sins and who

has been resurrected on the third day just as He

said for our justification. Keep in mind this is in the

New Testament and not the Old Testament. So, why

such a harsh response by the Holy Spirit to what

might appear to be not that big of a deal?

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When Your Back’s Against the Wall

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:52:00 -0400

The book of Acts is not so much about the Acts of

the Apostles as it is about the Acts of the Holy Spirit.

The book of Acts covers the first 30-35 years of

church history beginning with the ascension of

Christ (30-33 AD) and runs all the way through to

62-64 AD.

There are 29 noted miracles in the book of Acts so

that breaks down to about 1 each year.

Signs and wonders follow them that believe

Every chapter of Acts records a prayer followed by a

response to that prayer.

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The Last Hour... Are You Ready? Part 2

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:20:00 -0400

Join us for "The Last Hour... Are You Ready? Part 2". In this message Larry discusses interpretations of prophecies in the Bible, specifically emphasizing the End Times, the coming of the Antichrist, and the prophetic warnings in the books of Daniel and Revelation. Larry exhorts his audience to stay ready for the Second Coming of Christ and live a life surrendered to God. He implores them to diligently study scripture for themselves and maintain a strong focus on their faith and relationship with God. He also mentions historical figures and their relation to biblical prophecies. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer, inviting us to surrender our lives completely to Christ.

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The Last Hour... Are You Ready? Part 1

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:20:00 -0400

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The Great Adventure

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:52:00 -0400

As we turn to Acts 4 this morning let me remind you

where we have been. On the day of Pentecost, 120

followers of Christ that had gathered in an upper

room and the Holy Spirit came upon each one. It

was the very beginning of the church, the day the

church was born. We study with interest to see what

they did and what they dedicated their lives to

doing... Christianity is a relationship not a religion.

It’s not just a Sunday thing, it’s a daily coming

together. The first church dedicated themselves

daily to the apostle's doctrine and fellowship the

breaking of bread and prayer. It didn't just change

their lives as we see from studying the book of Acts,

it changed the world.

Remember, it was Jesus who said He would

build His church and on that day, the day of

Pentecost the church was born. Remember as we

study the book of Acts we are not studying so much

what the apostles did as much as we are focusing

on what the Holy Spirit did in and through the

apostles.

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Seize the Moment Not the Day! (Acts 3)

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:30:00 -0400

Prior Proper Prayerful Planning Prevents

Pitifully Poor Performance

Peter and John had been on their way to the third

hour of prayer that day... 15 minutes of meditation,

30 minutes of petition and 15 minutes of adoration.

When you think back over your life you won’t

remember years you will remember moments...

Maximize the moments...

Carpe Diem... seize the day

Defining Moments... This was one for Peter and

John and the man crippled.

Sins of commission, sins of omission

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Our Greatest Need (Acts 3)

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:28:00 -0400

As we open up our bibles to Acts chapter 3 this

morning by way of introduction if you have not been

with us Luke is giving us his account of what Jesus

continues to do by the power of the Holy Spirit in the

lives of the apostles as they go about fulfilling the

great commission to make disciples of all nations.

The disciples are in Jerusalem, Jesus has just

ascended to the Father, and the Holy Spirit has

been poured out on the day of Pentecost and all

began to speak in tongues and everyone heard

them praising God and giving thanks in their own

language and were astonished by what they saw

and heard.

Peter took full advantage of the moment and

explained that all of this is the fulfillment of God’s

Word – that God would pour His Holy Spirit out upon

all mankind just as He promised. He then spoke to

the crowd about Jesus; that though he had been put

to death at the hands of godless man, God raised

Him up again so that God made Him both Lord and

Christ.

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Life In The Spirit

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 16:27:00 -0400

Jesus in John 10:10 said,

“The thief’s purpose is

to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to

give them a rich and satisfying life.”

The most satisfying life is a life in Christ... Jesus is

attractive to hurting people, to people in need.

People who need love, acceptance and forgiveness.

Verse 36: “So let everyone in Israel know for

certain that God has made this Jesus, whom

you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Let me ask you a question this morning right out of

the gate.... Who killed Jesus?

If you watched the movie “the Passion of the Christ”

Mel Gibson who produced the movie had one of

those Peter moments where the Holy Spirit worked

in him mightily, when he was asked if he had any

role in the movie and he said yes. The screne where

Jesus is crucified and there is a hand holding the

nail in places while the other strikes the nail with a

Hamer. He said it was his hand holding the spike

that nailed Jesus to the Cross and his hand holding

the hammer that struck the nail.

It was my sin and your sin that Jesus died for.

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First Words (Acts 2)

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:25:00 -0400

Last week I shared with you from Acts 2 about the

birth of the church and how Pentecost is the most

important event in the life of the church next to

Jesus death and resurrection. If it were not for

Pentecost we would not be here today as the

church would have burned out, fizzled out, walked

away or just given up.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity whom

Jesus promised would come to His followers after

He returned to heaven and that when the Holy Spirit

came He would not just be with us but that He

would be in us and that His job was to help us to live

the life that Jesus has for us by giving us power that

is not our own and bringing to remembrance all that

Jesus had taught. The Holy Spirit works in us to

draw us to Christ and He works through us to point

people to Jesus.

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The Day the Church Was Born (Acts 2)

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 16:22:00 -0400

In Acts chapter 2 we read the story of the birth of the

church... Births are amazing things. I can recall so

vividly the birth of our first born. We had a girl and

we named her Bree. Actually my wife named her

Bree and just made me think I had a say in it but

thats another bible study all together. I will never

forget when she was born. When she came out she

had her hand above her head and the doctor said,

“you have a daughter and look, she’s already

praising Jesus!” When I saw her for the very first

time I thought how can anyone witness the birth of a

baby and not believe in God. It’s a miracle.

Births are miraculous thats for sure. How many

have ever used “Ancestry.com” to go back and look

at your families origin? What “Ancestry.com” is to

your family history the book of Acts chapter 2 is to

the birth of the church. The birth of the church was a

planned pregnancy, conceived in the heart of the

Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and born into

this world on the day of Pentecost.

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Wait On Not For The Lord

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 09:41:00 -0400

As we open up our study this morning, how many here would say they are patient? You consider yourself to be a pretty patient person. How many would admit you have a tendency to get ahead of God sometimes instead of waiting on the Lord. Chapter 1 of Acts concludes with an exciting event before the day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit was poured out…

As I have shared with you from week 1 the purpose of Luke’s writing his gospel account and the book of Acts is clear. In Luke chapter 1 Luke was writing to a guy named Theophilus, whose name means, “Lover of God” or “God lover” a first hand, eye witness account about Jesus Christ and the events that surrounded Jesus life so that Theopilus could be certain of the truth of everything he had been taught about Jesus.

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Before You Go

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:11:00 -0400

American Express had a commercial years ago that sums up well Jesus instruction here in Acts chapter 1. The jingle in the commercial was “Never Leave Home Without It.” What might have been true about a credit card is far more important when it comes to living the life Jesus desires for us.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

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While We Are Waiting

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:09:00 -0400

I have felt the Lord impressing this book on my

heart to teach through for awhile now and I see

more and more each day why. I see dimly darkly but

the more I study this book, the more it makes sense

to me its importance in our lives today.

Let me begin by asking you a question. The United

States has existed as a nation for 247 years. Here’s

my question. From what you know about our

country, our founding fathers, our constitution would

you say the United States is today what our

founding Fathers hoped it would be back then? If

you do raise your hand. If you believe our country

no longer resembles what are founding fathers had

hoped our country would be raise your hand.

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Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast! We are a community of believers in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to following Jesus Christ and spreading his message of love and salvation.

Our church offers multiple services throughout the week to accommodate busy schedules. Join us on Sundays at 8:30 am or 10:30 am (Children and Youth services are provided during our 10:30 am service). We also have a midweek service on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm where we gather to study God's word and fellowship with one another. Youth and children ministry is provided as well!

Whether you are new to the faith or a long-time believer, we invite you to come and worship with us. You can find us at 6501 Schirra Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93313. If you cannot attend in person, you can follow along with our services on Facebook and YouTube or visit our website at ccbakersfield.com.

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Christian Maturity in The House of God

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:21:00 -0400

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Superiority and Joy of Suffering

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 16:03:00 -0400

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The Superiority of Submission (1 Peter 2:4-3:7)

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 12:36:00 -0400

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Christian Maturity in an Immature World (1 Peter 1-2:3)

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 12:21:00 -0400

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Walking In Wisdom (Daniel 2:46-49)

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 12:10:00 -0400

This morning we wrap up a little series I titled, “Thriving in Babylon” based on the title of the book of the same name by Larry Osborne. In the book the author discusses how Daniel the prophet who was exiled along with the entire nation of Israel into Babylonian captivity was able to find a way in a culture far more wicked than anything we face, to glorify and serve God with such integrity and power that not only did the poor begin to acknowledge the splendor of the living God but so did kings, and an entire nation.

Daniel offers us a model for not only surviving but thriving in the midst of the godless chaos around us.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Letters To My Younger Self

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 14:08:00 -0400

Andrew Murray wrote, “The secret of home rule is self-rule, first being ourselves what we want our children to be.”

Some things are taught, and some things are caught. Some things are given by instruction, and other things are caught by example. It’s a fact we learn more by what we see than what we hear. Children will observe their parents. They want to know what their priorities are and what is important to them.

How important it is for parents to realize their children are a gift to them from God. Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates”

“My family’s all grown, and the kids are all gone. But, if I had it to do all over again, this is what I’d do: I would love my wife more in front of my children. I would laugh with my children more—at our mistakes and our joys. I would listen more, even to the littlest child. I would be more honest about my own weaknesses, never pretending perfection. I would pray differently for my family—instead of focusing on them, I’d focus on me. I would do more things together with my children. I would encourage them more and bestow more praise. I would pay more attention to the little things like deeds, and words of thoughtfulness.”

He concludes, “If I had to do it all over again, I would share God more intimately with my family; every ordinary thing that happened in every ordinary day I would use to direct them to God.”

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Humility

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:55:00 -0400

It was C.S. Lewis who said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Roy Rodgers said, “If you can do it, it ain’t bragging.”

James 4:6, “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

In the book of Daniel we can learn a lot about pride and humility…

Because of the awful destruction caused by the Babylonians, Babylon became a symbol for the stereotypical enemies of God and His people. (Sodom and Egypt are also used in this way.) Babylon in the book of Revelation is portrayed as the ultimate enemy of God and persecutor of His people.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Thriving in Babylon

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 09:05:00 -0400

This morning we are continuing on in a little series I titled, “Thriving in Babylon” with the hope of better understanding the times in which we live now and how not just to survive but actually thrive in our faith like Daniel did in his own life while he was held captive in Babylon.

You recall that Babylon was a city located in modern-day Iraq on the banks of the Euphrates River. We first read about Babylon in Genesis 10-11, and the word, babel, means confusion (by mixing), and it was there God confused the languages of men because the inhabitants said in Genesis 11:4, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth”. Babel was the foundation of Babylon.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Memorial Day 2023

Sun, 28 May 2023 16:02:00 -0400

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Thriving In Babylon: A Look At the Life of Daniel

Sun, 21 May 2023 09:42:00 -0400

Over the next 4 weeks we are doing a mini series I have titled, “Thriving in Babylon” that will lead us into a study of the book of Acts. Today is a way of introducing the study and giving you the backstory of Babylon that I think you will find both helpful and interesting in better understanding the days we live in and how we can not just survive the events that are taking place in the world today but better still how we can like Daniel in the Bible book that bears his name, thrive.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Mother's Day 2023

Sun, 14 May 2023 09:18:00 -0400

Happy Mothers Day!

I asked my wife this week what would she want to hear on Mother’s Day or what message would she want to remind Mom’s this Mother’s Day. Her answer was the same this year as it was last year She said, “Being a mom is hard work and don’t be discouraged, hang in there, don’t give up.”

“Pain is temporary, glory is eternal.”

I’ve said for years if giving birth to children was up to men we would be extinct. As soon as it hurt we men would quit. But not you Mom’s and to think you are willing to have more than one.

I am amazed by the sacrificial love any woman who bears children has to have. To think in such a vain world a woman would allow her body to be stretched and transformed to give life to another. It’s something that God has placed uniquely in the heart of women.

I read a quote this week that said, “It’s Not Easy Being A Mother. If It were Easy Father’s Would Do It”

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Can I Have Your Attention Please

Sun, 07 May 2023 14:12:00 -0400

The intention of a Doxology is to draw Attention to the Glory of God

The last three verses of the book of Romans are what we usually call a doxology.

The word doxology comes from the Greek words doxa, which means “glory”, and logos, which means “word”. So a doxology is a word that ascribes glory to God.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Your Best Life Ever

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:10:00 -0400

Living your best life ever is not to be confused with

the book “Your Best Life Now”.

In 2008 pastor John MacArthur preached a sermon

he titled, “Your Best Life Now Or Later”. He began the sermon by saying this and I quote,

“The title of the book is “Your Best Life Now”. I have

seen stacks and stacks and stacks of those books

everywhere I’ve gone.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

How To Defeat The Devil

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 13:08:00 -0400

Paul knew what was in store for the devil and we need to know this too. Before anything else today you need to know the Devil has been defeated.

1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

The devil today can make a lot of noise and he does, but he is powerless in the life of the believer. In Africa it is said that the roar of a lion can be heard up to 20 miles away.

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Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

How To Minister To Divisive People

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:15:00 -0400

We are coming to the end of the book of Romans and as we do it’s always good to remind you of the basic outline of the book.

Chapters 1-3 deal primarily with the WRATH of God

Chapters 4-8 deal primarily with the GRACE of God

Chapters 9-11 deal primarily with the PLAN of God

Chapters 12-16 deal primarily with the WILL of God

Chapters 1-11 deal with DOCTRINAL ISSUES

Chapters 12-15 deal with PRACTICAL ISSUES

Chapter 15-16 deal with PERSONAL ISSUES

One of the most interesting things to me when I read Romans chapter 16 is knowing that though Paul had never been to Rome he knew so many people by name, 35 to be exact. Thats pretty impressive and it definitely shows how much Paul loved and valued people.

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Hope in unexpected places: The Road To Emmaus

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:26:00 -0400

Easter 2023

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

The Power of the Cross

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 16:03:00 -0400

Join us for our Good Friday service!

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

Tragedy or Triumph?

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:22:00 -0400

Palm Sunday is a great reminder of that God is in control and that His timing is absolutely perfect in human history. God's perfect timing does two things for us that we want to keep in mind as we study His Word today:

1. It grows our faith as we are forced to wait and trust in God and

2. It makes certain that He, and He alone, gets the glory and praise for pulling us through.

Psalm 31:15 reminds us, “My future is in your hands.”

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

We Treat You Like Family!

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:25:00 -0400

Last week I reminded you of an easy outline for the book of Romans is to remember that Romans 1-11 deals primarily with doctrinal issues regarding sin and salvation and chapter 12 through the first part of Roman’s 15 Paul deals with practical issues on how we should live and get along and then from Romans 15:23 all the way to the end of chapter 16 Paul deals with personal issues.

This morning we want to focus on the personal aspect of Paul’s ministry. I titled todays message “We Treat You Like Family”

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

What’s Your Plan?

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 15:58:00 -0400

There is an old expression that captures this portion

of text we are studying today and most certainly

reflects the ministry of the apostle Paul. The

statement goes like this,

“Plan your work and work

your plan”. Let me ask you a personal question this

morning. You don’t have to answer it out loud. When

it comes to your spiritual life do you have a plan? Do

you have any goals regarding your faith? Maybe

you have a bible reading plan to read through the

Bible through in one year? Maybe you have a plan

to share Jesus with every member of your family,

one on one? Maybe you have the goal of sharing

Jesus with all your co-workers or neighbors? Maybe

you have the goal of getting involved in ministry this

year after being out of pocket due to COVID. Maybe

you have a goal to start tithing this year and

supporting the church financially. Hopefully we all

have a spiritual goal that we have set and are

working towards each day.

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

The KISS Method

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Hope is the antidote for divisiveness and defensiveness. And throughout Scripture, hope is most often referred to in conjunction with the coming of Jesus Christ.

The more evangelistic a church is, the less divided it becomes.

After spending the first half of Romans 15 talking about unity in the body, Paul shifts gears to discuss ministry in the world. Why? Because the two are very closely related.

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

You Before Me

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0400

As you turn to Romans 15 this morning Pauls letter to the church here instructing us how to treat one another reminds me of that story of the Mom who was trying to teach her two sons a life lesson when she was preparing them a pancake breakfast one Saturday morning and they were arguing over who would get the first plate of pancakes. Kevin was 5 years old and his younger brother Kyle was 3. They were both puling on the plate yelling at each other, “they are mine, they are mine” and so Mom stepped in and took the plate. Looking at her sons she said, “boys, let me ask you a question. If Jesus was here what would he do?” Without waiting for the boys to answer she went on to say, “Jesus would let his brother go first wouldn’t he?” The boys looked at each other for a moment when suddenly the older brother Kevin said to his younger brother Kyle, “you be Jesus” and he pulled the plate to himself and began to eat.

Welcome to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast! We are a community of believers located in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to following Jesus Christ and spreading his message of love and salvation.

Join us as we seek to grow closer to God and share his message of hope with our community. Thank you for listening to the Calvary Chapel Bakersfield podcast.

There Is No “I” in Team

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Good morning! It’s good to be home and to be with you. Would you turn with me in your bible to Romans chapter 14 and we will pick it up where we left off a couple of weeks ago before I left for Israel and parts unknown. John and Larry filled the pulpit overflowing and I am so blessed by them both. Last week Larry taught about the danger of self love which is the antithesis of God’s love which sacrificial. If you haven’t listened to it yet I encourage you to do so.

As we study the WILL of God in Romans chapters 12-16 we understand the only way to please God in this life is to have our minds constantly renewed by the washing of His Word.

The renewed mind seeks after God and how we might please Him and love Him. The renewed mind then sets out to love others in Jesus name.

Words of Encouragement

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Authentic Love

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This Study comes from the Lord speaking to me about

getting serious about loving Him with an unfeigned love

(Authentic Love).

Judges 6

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0400

The Superiority of Submission

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Join us as for our guest speaker!

The Things We Should Do For Love

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0400

The renewed mind seeks after God and how we might please Him and love Him. The renewed mind then sets out to love others in Jesus name. Paul showed us how that love flows from the inside out. It begins with God and then flows outward in our service to our brothers and sisters in Christ and then continues on to those outside the body of Christ proving our love is genuine in that God’s love is extended all the way to the very enemies of God. In chapter 13 Paul shares what love looks like in our relationship to the government and to the world around us. Our love is to be universal. We aren’t to owe anyone Paul says except the debt of love. Because of what Jesus has done for us we will be eternally indebted to God for the love He has shown us.

Falling In Love With Your Bible

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0400

I remember one year buying a birthday card that had very loving words and crossing out Happy Birthday and writing “Happy Valentines Day”. I wrote on the card “I liked the words of this card so much I got it for Valentines Day.”

I titled the message this morning “Falling in Love With Your Bible” because of something I was reminded of this last week when a group of us from church were invited to go see a pre release showing of the movie, “Jesus Revolution” which is coming out February 24 in theaters nation wide. In the movie as revival was breaking out in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s here in California God did something pretty amazing through Pastor Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel.

Eternally Indebted

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0400

When I read verses 8-14 here in Romans chapter 13 I am reminded of that old saying, “Jesus paid a debt He did not owe and we owe a debt we cannot pay.”

The last few weeks as we began the last section of the book of Romans that begins in chapter 12 we have been studying God’s will for the believers life. Any time you ever want to know God’s will for your life and how we are to carry ourselves in our day to day journey just turn here.

Romans 12 began with the will of God is that you present your body to God as a living sacrifice…

God’s will is that you use your gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

God’s will is that we love the Family of God

God’s will is that we love those Outside the family

God’s will is that we even… love our enemies

Trust

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0400

God, The Government and You

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year! I had to laugh this week as I was studying for today as some people might believe I chose this particular passage because of the recent events in Washington DC this past week where Bakersfield’s own Kevin McCarthy was finally voted the Speak of The House of Representatives, the third highest position in our government behind the President and Vice President. If you thought people made fun of Bakersfield before, just wait. The topic of politics and our responsibility to it is going to be heating up more and more in the days ahead.

How To Make The Most Of 2023

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year! Next week we will start back in our study of the book of Romans in chapter 13, but this morning being a “One Service Sunday” as we celebrate the New Year today, I thought we would dedicate today to looking at what the Bible teaches regarding how we should approach a New Year. And because it's a communion Sunday and the first one of this New Year, I wanted it to be memorable for you in shaping the course each of us would take.

The Long Expected One

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0400

God With Us!

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0400

When Jesus was born, hope came into the world.

Galatians 4:4 tells us that "But when the right time

came, God sent his Son, born of a woman,

subject to the law.” Paul said it was just the right

time. What does that mean?

Mission Impossible

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0400

A couple of weeks ago I titled my message “Mission Possible” with the thought of the television series “Mission Impossible” that always began with a scene where team leader, Mr. Phelps, would receive a “tape” describing his next mission. The show began with the message, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..."

Paul here in Romans chapter 12 is telling us that our mission as followers of Jesus, should we choose to accept it (which he says in verse 1 in the (NKJV) is, “which is your reasonable service.” It’s the logical thing to do Paul says.

What chapter 13 is to the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 is to the book of Romans. It’s all about LOVE.

Luke 6 (37-49)

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Mission Possible

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0400

How many of you recall back in the late 60’s and early 70’s, the television show that preceded all the “Mission Impossible movies that Tom Cruise made famous and went by the same name, “Mission Impossible”? It always began with a scene in which the team leader, Mr. Phelps, would receive a “tape” (a cassette tape that will tell you how old the show was) describing his next mission. The tape invariably began, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..."

Here in Romans 12 the apostle Paul is laying out what appears to be our own “Mission Impossible” that should we choose to accept it, will become “Mission Possible” by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

If there is one word that describes the “Mission” of chapter 12 it is the word LOVE. Paul is laying out for us what love in action looks like in the life of the believer.

How To Spot A Counterfeit

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Here in Romans 12 we are in the last section of the book. When you study the book of Romans you can break the book down into four parts.

Section 1: The Wrath of God. Chapters 1-3.

Section 2: The Grace of God. Chapters 4-8.

Section 3. The Plan of God. Chapters 9-11.

Section 4. The Will of God. Chapters 12-16.

The apostle Paul is writing to believers here in chapter 12 instruct us in God’s will for our lives and to challenge us to genuinely love one another.

Planting churches Paul has seen it all, he’s done it all. He’s concerned about people whose love is insincere.

All For One, One For All

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0400

I ended the service last week with a question that went like this, “If everyone in the church was just like me, what kind of church would my church be? Would you attend it?”

If we each answer that question honestly its all the proof we need that we need each other to fulfill the purpose of God for our lives. We need spiritual gifts to do that.

In Romans chapter 12 Paul lists 7 gifts that are not exhaustive but gifts to help us serve the body of Christ.

Living With Purpose

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Before we turn to Romans 12 turn with me really quickly to Ephesians 2 and let me ask you a question as we begin our study this morning.

Have you ever really stopped and considered God’s greatest work, His crowning achievement, His masterpiece?

Its you!

It's Your Turn

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Here in chapter 12 Paul makes a pivot. He spent the first 11 chapters laying out for us all that God has done for us in Christ and now as he closes out the book of Roman’s the apostle Paul spends the last 5 chapters laying out for us what our response to “the mercies” of God.

20 Seconds That Change The World

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

When you look at the world around you today what do you see?

Do you feel helpless? Hopeless?

Judges 17:6, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes”

If you are a follower of Jesus you have a weapon at your disposal that can change the world and all it takes is 20 seconds to enact it. Most of us know it by heart. Let’s say it together this morning as we open up the service. If you know it by heart say it along with me or if you don’t, read it along with me out loud. I am going to read it from the NKJV as most of you are most familiar with that translation.

What we call “The Lords Prayer” is better stated, “The Disciples Prayer” as Jesus taught this to His disciples to pray in like manner which would mean not so much as a rote prayer just repeated without thinking but rather a model prayer on how we should approach prayer.

Behind the Veil

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

From Blindness To Blessing

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

One of the main lessons we take away from the study of Romans chapters 9-11 is nothing can stop God from fulfilling His word. Not towards the nation of Israel and not towards me and you! God is so faithful even when we are faithless we find over and over again in Romans 9-11.

The bottom line is, When God says it that settles it. The nation of Israel is proof. The apostle Paul spends 3 chapters in the book of Romans to remind us of Israel’s past, that they are the elect of God and even though currently the Jews for the most part reject Jesus as the promised Messiah, there was a reason and that reason is me and you, non Jewish people to have the opportunity to come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. And finally, when the last gentile, the last non Jewish person comes to faith, God will once again direct His attention to the nation of Israel and when He does, the eyes of the jewish people will be open and they will declare, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Jealous For Jesus

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Its been over 2,000 years since The Roman army under Titus rolled into Jerusalem and sacked the city destroying the temple and killing many of the Jews and taking even more captive and dispersing the rest to the far corners of the earth.

Jesus prophesied of what would take place for those who would reject so great a salvation. Like anyone who rejects Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, it ends in their demise.

God, The Jews, and You

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Chapter 9-11 might best be summed up as God, the Jews and You as the apostle Paul here in Romans chapter 11 makes sure the church understands the message Paul has spent his life sharing with the Jews in every city he visited on his missionary journeys.

The jews in large part have rejected Paul’s message of salvation by grace where as the gentiles have largely accepted and embraced the message. The reason the religious Jews struggle with the Gospel is simple, the jewish people have for centuries been invested in a religious system that they interpreted provided salvation by works. If any religious group understood zeal it was the Jews.

Where as the non jewish world had no investment in a misinterpretation of the Old Testament for the simple reason they never studied it. No gentile even considered getting to heaven based on self righteousnesses as their own history was barbarianism.

The Rapture Part 2

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

The study of eschatology which means “last things” or “end times” has 3 basic positions with regard to the Rapture of the church. There is pre-mid and post tribulation perspectives.

I hold firmly to a pre tribulation perspective for many reasons all of which are found in the study of scripture.

Dwell on God's Truth

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Luke 4 gives us an example of how we can beat temptation. Not by our own strength, but by the power of the holy spirit. Jesus was tempted just like we were, although he never gave in to that temptations. Let's look at the example He set by his actions and words...

Sharing Is Caring Pt. 3

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Hearing the Gospel, the Good News about Jesus Christ is essential to someone experiencing “Saving Faith”

Its important to note its not just any kind of faith that saves a person, its faith in Jesus Christ, believing who He is and what He came to do and placing “our weight” upon Him.

Remember the word “Believe” in the Bible means more than knowing something. To believe according to the Scriptures it means to “act upon, to rely upon, to trust in… to place all your weight on Jesus.

God is One, One Lord, One Faith, One baptism…

Sharing Is Caring Pt. 2

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Last week I began what I thought was going to be a simple two part series titled “Sharing is Caring” from Romans 10 where we find 7 stages of salvation. The 7 stages are as follows

1. Caring
2. Praying
3. Going
4. Sharing
5. Hearing
6. Believing
7. Calling

The first 4 stages, CARING, PRAYING, GOING and SHARING are what believers do with the gospel and the last three, HEARING, BELIEVING and CALLING are what unbelievers do with the gospel in order to be saved. This morning we will look at the first four and next Sunday at the last three.

Sharing Is Caring Pt. 1

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Can you say this with me this morning, “Sharing Is Caring” Every time I hear those words, I am reminded of my granddaughter Reese as when she was about 3-4, her mom and dad were teaching her to share. Believe it or not, we are not born with the desire to share with others. Whenever all our kids would come over with our extended family and the grandkids and nieces and nephews, cousins, and everyone was there, I could hear Reese talking with the other kids who were fighting over toys or playing together, “Sharing is Caring” It not only was cute it's true, and we use those words a lot around our house when the grandkids come over.

The Meaning of “If”

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0400

The gospel doesn't require us to go find
Jesus. We don’t have to work to find Jesus. We
don’t have to go up to heaven to find Him, we don’t
need to search among the dead as if to bring Him
up.

Paul says the message is on our lips and in our
heart. All we need to do is believe and receive. All
we need to do is trust in the word of God and what
God has said all along.

Verses 6-7 speak of the Incarnation of Jesus and in
verse 7 the resurrection. Two doctrines the Jews
find it hard to accept but are a requirement for
salvation.

Jesus Saves

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Don’t you love Paul’s heart for people... He is the
real deal. Its why he could say,

“be imitators of me
as I am of Jesus” or “follow my lead as I follow
Jesus”

Paul has the heart of an evangelist... If you don’t
have a passionate heart it’s hard to reach people.

You can tell someone who loves you and cares
about you. They take an interest in you.

Wherever Paul went no one questioned his passion
for his countryman, the Jews.

Putting The Happy in Father’s Day

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Dads often times get a bad rap…

Humor: The story is told of a family who had three small children who were determined to have a puppy. Mom protested because she knew eventually she would end up caring for the dog. True to form, the children promised that they would take care of it.

Eventually, she gave in and they brought their new little puppy home. The children named him Danny and cared for him diligently - at first. But, sure enough, as time passed, Mom found herself becoming more and more responsible for taking care of the dog.

Our Faithful God

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0400

We read last week in Chapter 9 that the apostle Paul was willing to give up his own salvation if only Israel could be saved. He more than anyone knew in spite of the blessings of God upon the nation of Israel, Israel failed. When the Messiah appeared, Israel rejected Him and crucified Him. No one knew this better than Paul, because in his early days he persecuted the church.

Jesus said “those who love much have been forgiven much and those who love little have been given little.”

Its understanding then why Paul had such great love for his Jewish brethren. He knew more than anyone what the zeal of the Jewish people was, even if that zeal was misplaced. You can be sincere and yet be sincerely wrong.

The Things We Do For Love

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0400

As we look at the first part of Romans 9 this morning I am reminded of something CS Lewis once said, “Why love if it hurts so much.” In Romans 9-10 and 11 we get a glimpse of the passion of the apostle Paul for his jewish brethren. Though Paul is the apostle to the gentiles by God’s calling, Paul has a deep love for the nation of Israel and the tone of the next three chapters is a contrast to what we saw in Romans chapter 8 where he joyfully proclaims “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” Continuing on with that thought Paul turns his attention toward the nation of Israel.

Memorial Day 2022

Sun, 29 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

We choose to remember the supreme sacrifice on this Memorial Day weekend and to appreciate the great men and women of our armed forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could know the freedoms we enjoy today.

Help for the Broken Hearted

Wed, 25 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Every problem, every sin in this world finds its root in brokenness. Broken fellowship with God and broken fellowship with others. The cure is to admit what the source of the problem is and to stop treating the symptoms. We need God and we need each other. I am thankful for the church and the relationships we are able to build here.

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Sun, 22 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

How confident are you in God’s love? If you had to rate your confidence in God’s love on a scale of 1-10, 1 being the least and 10 the most, how confident are you in God’s love for you? That all depends on where your God story begins?

Romans 8 is one of the most wonderful portion of texts in all the Bible. Oh how different our lives would be if we truly believed this. What confidence we would have before God.

If all we had were the first few chapters of Romans we might believe God is against us not for us but here Paul makes clear that if God is for you than who can be or (stand) against us?

Chapter 8 of Romans is such an amazing chapter especially in light of how the book of Romans begins.

Who Chose Who?

Sun, 15 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

The word “predestined” is from the Greek word proorizo, which means “determining beforehand,” “ordaining,” “deciding ahead of time.” Predestination you can say then is God determining certain things to happen ahead of time.

Ephesians 1:5 and 11 declare, “He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

Many people get very upset when hearing about the doctrine of predestination. They really shouldn’t as predestination is a biblical doctrine. The key is understanding what predestination means, biblically speaking.

The God of All Comfort

Sun, 08 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Today is Mothers Day, the second Sunday of May where we as a country stop and celebrate the women in our lives who gave us life and to those who raised us and loved us and cared for us when we could do nothing for ourselves. Happy Mothers Day to you moms with us today. We are so blessed by the number of godly women and mothers who faithfully serve Jesus each week here at Calvary Chapel and impact not only the lives of our children but us all.

I would be a miss if I didn’t say Mother’s Day is a difficult day for many people. Difficult in that maybe you didn’t have a good relationship with your mom. Maybe you have yet to have children or you are unable to conceive at all. Maybe you have lost a child or have an estranged son or daughter. Maybe your mom is no longer with you and the pain of today outweighs the joy you once had on this special day.

Though all those reasons are painful most women would still agree its appropriate to give honor where honor is due in remembering the love and sacrifice so many women have made. If you have been with us for a few years you know Mother’s Day is a great celebration for me as I am surrounded by godly Mom’s. I have been my whole life. My Mom is in heaven today and I still thank God for the gift of her life. Her life taught me more about the unconditional love of God than any one person. My wife and the Mom of our three kids, Lee. My grandmother, my two older sisters Beth and Susan, my mother in law Marj. My daughter Bree and my daughters in law, Jackie and Britney. Countless women who make up our staff and volunteers. There is no shortage of amazing women and Moms and I thank God for each of you today.

How To Eat An Elephant

Sun, 01 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Romans 8:28 is one of the most quoted verses in all the Bible. Not only do people enjoy it they share it with others. As well. Almost every survey that is taken on peoples favorite verses these usually make the top 20 every time and for good reason!

I like the NKJV translation on a day like this because I want to help you break down these verses into bite size pieces. When people as the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer usually is, one bite at a time.

To fully understand and appreciate this portion of Scripture this morning its best to enjoy it one bite at a time.

The people who appreciate these verses the most are the ones who best understand the context in which they are given.

What’s All The Groaning?

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Romans chapter 8 is considered by many to be the crown jewel of any single chapter in all the Bible as it opens with the proclamation that there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus and it ends with the declaration that there is no separation from God for those who are in Christ Jesus. If the gospel is good news this is great news! And yet right in the middle of the chapter the apostle Paul reminds us that pain and sorrow and suffering are all part of being members of God’s family. I titled todays message based on the text, “What’s all the groaning?”

Easter 2022

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Easter is unlike any other religious event in the world as no one but Jesus Christ has died and risen from the dead just as they said they would.

Here’s the point… Pretty much all the world celebrates Christmas. There is nothing threatening about a baby being born into the world… Thats pretty natural. It’s another thing all together to celebrate Christianities most outrageous claim, that Jesus Christ was crucified then rose again from the dead on the third day.

You can believe in Christmas and still not be a Christian, but you’re not a Christian if you don’t believe in Easter.

The reason we celebrate Easter is because the resurrection is proof that everything Jesus said is true!

What does that mean for me and you personally?

God’s Perfect Timing

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Today we celebrate what is known around the world as Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, presenting Himself openly as the King of the Jews. Palm Sunday is the beginning of the last week of Jesus earthly life as He completes His mission at His first coming, to live a perfect sinless life then go to the Cross in our place securing eternal life for all who come to Him by faith.

The Secret To Suffering

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Most of us when we read Romans chapter 8 love reading verse 1 and learning that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” And we love reading verses 38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

But who even hardly remembers reading

Verse 17, “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

Last week we learned that being adopted into the family of God provides us with some amazing privileges. We get to call God, Abba, daddy. As joint heirs with Christ we have a new identity, an inheritance to all that God possesses. We love the idea of sharing in His riches and glory but here in verse 17 the apostle Paul reminds us we also get to share in Jesus sufferings too.

Who’s Your Daddy?

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

To call God Father… The first thing the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to us is we are children of God.

Easter is coming up. Here is something interesting. Before the Cross we were not family, but the Cross changed everything, When Jesus rose from the dead he said in John 20:17, “17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”

What's Your Obsession

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Of all the wonderful chapters of the Bible most biblical scholars believe that Romans chapter 8 out shines them all. Its been said if the Bible is like a gold ring then the book of Romans is the diamond of the ring and chapter 8 is the sparkle of the diamond.

As we studied last week in verse 1 the chapter begins with the proclamation that there is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Period). No comma, period. And chapter 8 ends with there is no separation. No condemnation and no separation for those in Christ Jesus. (Period).

Don’t Put A Comma Where God Put A Period

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

I titled this mornings message, “Don’t put a coma where God put a period” for the simple fact that is exactly how the Holy Spirit desired that the sentence read. In the original Greek language there is no coma there or any other condition stated in the sentence. The message is plain and clear, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus, period. End of sentence, end of story.

I’m not going to hurry through Romans 8 as it is the pinnacle of the Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. If I could only preach on one chapter in all the Bible I am certain this chapter would be the one I would pick.

What stands between the victory we read about in Romans 6 over sin and the glory revealed in Romans 8. The struggle we must face daily in Romans 7. Its what makes Romans 8 so amazing to us.

Sanctified yet Struggling

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Newton who was a pastor of a small church in 18th century England. A book was written that complied letters he had written over his life in ministry. The book was titled “Select Letters of John Newton.” You might not recall the name John Newton but you probably know him as he is most famous for writing the famous hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Throughout his ministry, he often wrote other believers letters of encouragement.

My favorite letter that John Newton wrote was when he was 83 years old. In a letter to a fellow pastor, he confessed that he had always assumed, after walking with God for 40 or 50 years, that he would have made more progress in the Christian life. He wondered why, at 83 years old, the temptations of the flesh were still as strong in him as they were when he was a young man.

Choose Wisely

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0400

The theme of Romans is the theme of salvation.

It’s not just being forgiven, it’s being given eternal life.

There was an old bumper sticker that said, “Christians aren’t perfect, JUST forgiven.” That is not true… We are perfect in Christ and we aren’t just forgiven, we are free to live righteously.

Here in Romans chapter 6 you could say the apostle Paul is taking issue with that bumper sticker and that way of thinking as it sells us short of what Jesus Christ accomplished for us in His death and resurrection.

Paul used baptism to teach us about our relationship with Jesus. We were baptized into His death and raised to new life by His resurrection.

Jesus did provide us with forgiveness when He died in our place. He also provides us victory by His resurrection!

Living In Victory

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0400

The apostle Paul now seeks to move us from position to practical experience starting in verse 11.

But before we get to the practical application of our new life we cant forget what we learned last week as we began Romans 6. Knowledge is power to live out the Christian life.

Knowledge is Power

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0400

When I read Romans chapter 6 I am reminded of the Civil War that began in this country back in 1861 between the northern and southern states over the issue of slavery. When President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation, it put an end to slavery on January 1, 1863. The problem of slavery wasn’t overcome simply by Lincoln’s declaration. Many slaves had been beaten physically, tormented emotionally. Most were third and fourth generation slaves and slavery was all they knew. When some would tell them they were free others would tell them they were still slaves. Most slaves needed to be retrained in how they thought about slavery. They needed to be taught how to live as free men, how to embrace their new identity.

What was true then is still true today for believers. Before coming to Christ we were slaves to sin, beaten down and in bondage to the Old man, the old way of living and the old way of thinking.

Sin verses Grace

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0400

In our study of chapter 5 we learned Jesus introduces us to God as royalty. We are royalty not because of us but because of how loving God is. God was aware of everything about us, we were without strength, we were ungodly sinners and ultimately we were enemies of God. The nature of God, the character of God, everything God is we are the opposite of and yet, knowing all of this about us, Christ still chose to die for us. That is agape love! It’s not what is in us that attracted God to us, it’s what is in Jesus that drew His heart to us.

It's Not Over

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0400

It’s not over…That’s the title for today’s message. When all seems lost, when our situation seems to bleak…it’s not over. When the cards seem “stacked against you” it’s not over…The word I want you to leave with today is made up of only four letters....hope. No matter what you are going through right now, there is hope!

Love Is Not Blind

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0400

I titled this mornings message, “Love is Not Blind” as we will read that God’s love is so amazing that even though He knows everything about us He still loves us…

You recall from our study in chapters 1-3 the apostle Paul removed all doubt that all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Any way you cut it, everyone of us, from the self righteous sinner to the religious to the full blown open sinner. We have all sinned.

Like Father Like Son

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0400

What Abraham went through God puts all through…

1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us, “These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.”

The point is this… What Abraham had to go through we all have to go through too.

God orchestrates the circumstances of our lives to teach us how to walk by faith and not by sight.

A Reminder To Remember

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Have you ever had your keys or phone or glasses in your hand or on your face and you are looking for them?

How many times do you go back into the house before you leave?

One of My favorite examples of forgetfulness is a story Larry Vasquez told me. He was about to leave work one Friday and he was out in his car in front of the office. He started the car and one of his employees came out and waved him into the office. He went back in and while he was there Mona came to the office and when they left they decided to take her car and leave Larrys at the office. When Larry arrived Monday back at the office there was his car, with the engine still running since Friday…

The Promises of God

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Christmas Eve I walked outside to play with my dog
and a rainbow suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I
had never witnessed the birth of a rainbow before. It
was surreal to say the least and got my mind going
a million miles an hour as I considered the promises
of God and His faithfulness to deliver on all of them,
some against such impossibilities no one could
question the miraculous origin.

The Bible is filled with promises, something like
8,810 promises with over 7,487 made specifically to

mankind.

If you are wondering what the first promise made in
the Bible is, its found in Genesis 3:15 where God
says to the serpent,

“And I will put enmity

between you and the woman, And between your
seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

God With Us

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0400

“18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Can I Have An Amen

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0400

All this week as I was studying for this morning an old bumper sticker kept coming to mind. “If God said it, I believe it, that settles it.”

Every time I would see it I would think to myself, cool but not theologically correct. It should read, “If God said it, that settles it, I believe it.”

Let me say this right out of the gate this morning… The most important thing you need to remember this morning is this… Do you know that what you believe about God is the most important thing about you?

Circumstances will not make you or break you. They simply expose you. They reveal you. What you believe about God is the most important thing about you. It determines what you believe about everything else.

Put A Lid On It

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0400

People come up with ridiculous responses to the requirements of the law the apostle Paul doesn’t even waste time trying to argue… He just says they will get what they deserve.

As the apostle Paul systematically brings everyone to the understanding that all our guilty before God he says…

Privilege And Responsibility

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0400

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul is going to explain to his readers the gospel, the good news in how an unrighteous human can become a righteous man. How somebody who is not right with God can be made right with God. That's the gospel. And Paul breaks the book of Romans up into four sections.

The first section is all about

1. The wrath of God. Chapter 1:18 to chapter 3:20.
2. The grace of God. Unmerited favor of God. Chapter 3:21, all the way to the end of Chapter 8.
3. The plan of God. Romans 8, or 9, 10, and 11.
4. The will of God. Chapters 12-16.

Paul is explaining our need for Jesus Christ. You recall the three groups Paul is addressing in the opening chapters of the book of Romans

Worthless Religion

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Like a good prosecution attorney Paul is verse by verse systematically laying the groundwork to show that every person is guilty before God. You recall in chapter 1 verse 18 Paul started his case for the worlds guilt dealing with the obvious guilty people, those who would claim there is no God, the pagan and the heathen who do not worship God but instead worship creation. Starting there was an excellent strategy to draw in the second group Paul would speak to, the moralist. The non church going person who tries to live their life pretty much by the Golden Rule. Not perfect but not as bad as the pagan who they would admit are worthy of judgment. Paul then moves on to the third group, the hardest to reach of all, the religious person who believes because they know about God and own a bible and attend church or synagogue, that is proof they are saved. After all, only saved people attend church, own a bible, listen to Christian music and have radio Christian radio stickers on their bumper ? Am I right? Wrong… Paul would say those things without a work of God’s Spirit in our heart are nothing more than worthless religion.

Right Back At Ya

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0400

How many by a show of hands have ever heard the expression, “Be careful when you point your finger at someone else because when you do you have three fingers pointing right back at you.”

Here in chapter 2 we are studying the bad news of the gospel. If we didn’t have bad news there would be no need for good news. Chapters 1-3 removes the argument that we just live and die and that there are not consequences for our lives and how we lived. This knowledge is important to us as knowing the bad news is what makes the Good News of the Gospel so good!

No Excuses

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0400

You recall that the theme of Romans is “the righteousness of God.”

That's the theme of the whole book, the righteousness of God; or put another way, how to get right with God. Whether you're Jew, Gentile, religious, not religious, poor, rich, or anything in between, Romans teaches how anyone can be made right with God.

The Power of Tears

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

When you look around the world today what do you see?

Let people answer out loud….

You know what God sees? God sees potential… God sees opportunity.

Written In A Pit

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Thank God, Thank You

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Last week we began a new series in the book of Romans titled, “Made Right” as the apostle Paul lays out for us the Gospel and what it really means to be saved, to be made right with God and how we go about that. Paul uses the term gospel which means “good news”— some 60 times in the book of Romans. That's how he begins the book, with good news.

As a matter of fact Paul sees the gospel as such good news he dedicates his whole life to it, to grow in and to share it with everyone he comes in contact with. I shared with you that not just one or two but that every major revival enjoyed by the church has been traced back to a study of the book of Romans.

Called of God

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The book of Romans has been called the Christian manifesto of freedom.

Romans tells about how God, through Jesus, sets people free from the slavery of sin and old behaviors and sets us free to become slaves of Christ. We have a new slavery that leads to freedom, a slavery of freedom.

I appreciate when people ask me what leads me to pick a particular book of the Bible to teach on. Why I choose the book of Romans to be our next book study is that as I was seeking the Lord and praying about which book to teach through I was reminded of something that I think you will be just as excited about as I am.

Are you aware that a study of the book of Romans can be found in every major revival in church history? Its true. Wherever revival has broken out in the world, the book of Romans has played a role in its happening.

Are you a Pickle?

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Proper Worship

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

How To Fight The Good Fight

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Apostasy, or to apostatize or an apostate, it's a word that means those who defect from truth or abandon the truth, or they never really had the true faith but they pretended to be a part of it.

Something Worth Fighting For

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Caring is Sharing

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The Secrets of a Contented Life

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0400

In studying the book of Philippians the overriding theme is that of JOY. Paul speaks of the joy filled life that is not based upon the circumstances of life but is constant. Here in just three verses Paul shares with us the secret of contentment.

Thoughtology

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Its been well said, “OUR LIVES ARE ALWAYS MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF OUR strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are.”

“Finally” means the rest or the things that remain. “In conclusion”

Verses 8 and 9 contain two verbs… Paul is calling his listeners to action. Not just action to do but as we see in verse 8 the action is to think, to mediate, to ponder. And the second verb we see in verse 9 is to do, to do what you think about. Thoughts produce action like the old saying by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

Behold The Birds

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Are you aware that the number one threat to our joy is fear, worry, anxiety so when the apostle Paul speaks about deep lasting and satisfying joy its only right that he addresses the very thing that stands in our way. What you have to love about how the apostle Paul goes about addressing the issue is he does so in two short verses. I like that. The solution to our worry and stress is not as complex as some might think. Simple yes, simplistic no.

Think about it for a moment… what are you afraid of.

Perceived worry from real fear. Most of us worry about things that will never come to pass all the while ignoring things that are right in front of us. Its estimated that 20% of all drivers don’t wear seat belts, and that 75% text while driving. How about cigarette smoking? It says right on the package that smoking is the number one cause of lung disease and can kill you.

Sure Beats Hell

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Let me begin this morning by asking you, what first attracted you to Jesus? What was it about Him that made you want to give up everything this world has to offer to follow Him? If we are like any of the apostles or earliest disciples at all, it is His love.

Ephesians 3:17-19, “being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

The greatest attraction the church has to the world around us is our love, our sacrificial love for one another because of the sacrificial love of Jesus for you and for me. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that the greatest things in this life are faith, hope and love and that of those three things love is the greatest. More than truth, more than holiness, love is what draws us to Jesus and what Jesus says draws the world to us.

What do you see?

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400

In Philippians chapter three we read an autobiography of sorts of the apostle Paul’s life. He tells us about his past in verses 1-11 and his present situation in verses 12-16 and then his future in verses 17 through verse 1 of chapter 4. This morning we want to look at how the apostle Paul was able to not to live with a victims mentality or to live only for today and missing out on the blessings of what lies ahead for them that believe.

It was C.S. Lewis who said, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

This philosophy of life is what governed the apostle Paul’s life. Paul had no problem with his past, he simply wasn’t bound by it but realized God was using it to shape his present circumstances in life and preparing him for his future. I mean how else does Paul write a book like Philippians from a roman prison cell laced with the words joy and rejoice some 16 times? Like that famous quote from Dale Carnage that says, “Two men looked out from their prison cell, one saw bars the other saw stars.” The apostle Paul saw stars. Let me ask you a very important question this morning as we study this text.

Essentials For Success

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400

If I had to sum up the apostle Paul’s words in verses 1-8 in a thought it would be from the American missionary Jim Elliot who said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

This is what Paul experienced: He gave up his religion and his reputation, but he gained far more than he lost.

Paul gained a personal experience with the risen savior, with the living Lord.

Knowing You

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Finally… The word finally here isn’t like Paul is saying “In Closing” and then like any good preacher continue on for another 20 minutes. No, the word “Finally” here means, “for the rest” as the apostle Paul has much to say and the word “finally” is simply introducing a new topic Paul wants to address which happens to be “false teachers” Judaizers. Judaizers were a group who taught that faith in Christ was fine so long as Gentile believers also followed Old Testament Law for their salvation, namely circumcision.

If anyone knows life can be hard its the apostle Paul. Remember he is writing this letter to the church in Philippi from a Roman prison cell. Nothing has been easy about the apostle Paul’s life since coming to Jesus. Thats what makes him such an authority on joy. He uses the word “joy or rejoice” some 16 times in jut 104 verses.

The Faithfulness of God

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Guest Speaker

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

A Firm Foundation

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

I cant give what I don’t have… If you are dehydrated you need to drink water. If you are starving you need food. If you are tired you need rest. What do you do when you read a passage like John 13:34-35 where Jesus is calling us to love one another as He has loved us?

My point is this… Often times on Father’s Day dads can feel like a failure. That’s the last thing I want you to feel like today. I remember the very first time I got to teach a message in the sanctuary when I was the youth pastor of this church back in the early 1990’s. It was a Father’s Day and I was looking up definitions of words and when I looked I up the word Father I noticed something interesting. Not in the definition but in the placement of the word Father in the dictionary. The word Father fell right between two other words, Fathead and the word Fatigue. Fathead and Fatigue… That described perfectly how I feel often times as a Father.

On this Father’s Day I want to speak to two groups of people today… Raise your hand if you are a Father with us this morning? (Give them a round of applause). Raise your hand if you have ever had a father this morning? Good, we are 100% all in today so this message applies to us all, not just dads.

He Sends Us Out

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

To Be Continued...

Sun, 30 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The book Acts covers a period of about thirty-three
years. J. B. Phillips has pointed out that in no
comparable period of human history has "any small
body of ordinary people so moved the world that
their enemies could say, with tears of rage in
their eyes, that these men 'have turned the world
upside down!'"

How did a small group of 120 huddled together in
the upper room ultimately,

“Turn the world upside
down”? Is there anything we can glean from the

book of Acts to help us be effective in our minatory
to the Lord? I believe so.

Becoming A Better Friend

Sun, 23 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Here’s a question to ask ourselves right off the bat this morning. If you aren’t awake yet this should get you thinking… Ask yourself this question… “If everyone in the church was just like me what kind of church would my church be and to add to it, would you even attend it.”

The apostle Paul knew the value of having true friends who you can count on not just when life is good but when life is tough. The Christian life is a war, a constant battle so having friends you can count on during both the thick and the thin is critical to our success.

Live It Like You Mean It

Sun, 16 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Before looking ahead this morning lets look back for a moment and remember how we got here to this text this morning…

The apostle Paul is writing from a Roman prison to a little church in Philippi that he started a number of years before and where he also spent time in jail. All for loving Jesus and wanting to share Jesus life with them. He was writing to say thank you for offering him care while he was in prison and to address an issue of disunity that arose between a couple of women in the church.

Mother's Day 2021

Sun, 09 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Happy Mother’s Day to you Mom’s. This morning I wanted to dedicate this service to our moms and to the women of our church who fill the role of moms in the lives of others, and I am not just thinking of children.

Mother’s Day is special for me for a number of reasons… I grew up in a home where I never questioned for a second my mothers love. I have two wonderful older sisters who have loved me and cared for me all my life and still do to this very day. I have an amazing Mother in law who has shown me nothing but love from the very moment I met her. And there is my wife, the mother of our children. She to me is the picture of what a Proverbs 31 woman is. Her fierce love for our family is evidenced in everything she does. My daughter Bree who is very much like her Mom. The women in this church. Some of your stories are almost beyond human in what you accomplish in the course of one day. How you do it all I will never know apart from the grace God gives you!

Pew Potatoes and How To Avoid Becoming One

Sun, 02 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

We all now what a “couch potato” is, “a person who spends little or no time exercising and a great deal of time watching television.”

Are you aware there are “pew potatoes” too? If you follow the analogy of the couch potato then you understand a pew potato is someone who attends church and watches everyone else without becoming actively involved.

Christianity is a participant sport you might say. It takes work to get into spiritual shape the same way it takes hard work to get our bodies into shape too.

Paul addresses the subject here in Philippians 2. Paul might have titled this message, “Working out what God is working in you…”

Speaking of working out… Here is some interesting statistics for you.

Isaiah 6:1–8

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Race To The Bottom

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

This morning in Philippians 2 we come to what some consider to be the most profound and theologically important words of all of the New Testament writers. In verses 5-11 the apostle Paul points out that Jesus is the ultimate example of what service is like. In just a few verses the apostle Paul makes clear that it was God Himself clothed in human flesh who came from heaven to earth not to be served but to serve, and not just serve but to sacrificially serve by giving His life on Calvary’s Cross. Paul points to Jesus as the ultimate example of both faith and practice and is why I titled this mornings message a “Race To The Bottom” because unlike the ladder of success the world promotes which is always upward, Jesus made it clear in both His teachings and in His modeling that the greatest among us is the servant and when you study the life of Jesus Christ you see the greatest service and the greatest sacrifice of all.

The Do’s and Don'ts of Joy Filled Relationships

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Picking back up in our series “Joy Filled Living” in the book of Philippians the apostle Paul is writing to a church that he started and that is doing really well. Its a good church, a growing church and obviously a pretty mature church based on the unity we find there. I have read this book, all four chapters, all 104 verses countless times now in my life and I am always amazed at the apostle Pauls joy. To think he is writing this book from a roman prison cell and the major theme of his writing is joy. 19 times Paul mentions joy.

Have you discovered in your own life that people more than circumstances have a tendency to rob us of our joy. I remember Pastor Chuck Smith sharing at a Senior Pastors Conference years ago (half kiddingly) he said, “the ministry would be great if it went for the people.”

The Proof of God’s Love

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The Cross is the most powerful display of God’s love for me and you because it’s a Cross that offers FORGIVENESS.

Palm Sunday

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The significance of this day is lost on a great many people, just as it was in the day Jesus entered the city ridding on a donkey... We call it “the triumphant entry” or “Palm Sunday” but both of these names can easily be misunderstood. As people we often put our expectations on God and find ourselves disappointed when He isn't what we imagined or wanted Him to be... This was true of Jesus as well on the 10th day of Nissan as He entered the city.

The Steps To Joy, From Sinner To Soldier

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0400

The book of Philippians is a book about joy. 19 times in just four chapters the apostle Paul talks about joy, unshakeable joy even in the midst of the most trying of circumstances. Remember that the apostle Paul is writing to the church in Philiipi from a Roman prison cell. Uncertain of his fate he takes time to write to a little church he planted and wanted to encourage.

When you think about joy are you aware Jesus wants us to have joy? You recall that in John 15:11 Jesus said to His disciples, “These things have I spoken unto you, . . . that your joy might be full”. If the disciples had never seen Jesus laugh or smile they would not have understood what He meant by joy. Yes, Jesus was a man of sorrows but He also was overflowing with joy too.

The Secret To Joy: It’s Not About Me

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0400

I titled this mornings message “It’s Not About Me” for the simple fact that I believe that much of the apostle Pau’s success in this life was his awareness of the tension all believers must deal with in experiencing JOY this side of heaven.

Paul he understood what Casey Kasem, the American radio personality would say as he closed his radio program “American Top 40” each week, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars”

Perspective Changes Everything

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Perspective…

Have you ever met someone that a first you didn’t like them but the more you got to know them, the more you understood their story, something changed in you and you began to like them.

Paul, the prisoner of joy writes the book of Philippians from a Roman cell about JOY. The main these of this book is about JOY. In four chapters, 104 verses in all, the words joy, rejoicing, and gladness appear some 19 times.

I shared with you last week there is a difference between happiness and joy.

Our Source of Joy

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Paul is writing this letter to the church at Philippi, which was actually the first church that he started in Europe. You can read about the days that Paul spent in Philippi in Acts chapter 16, where you can read about one of the first converts in Philippi, a woman named Lydia, and also hear some of the specifics of Paul’s hard times in Philippi.

Phillipi was a heavily gentile city. There was no synagogue there. No Jewish presence.

In any city where there were 10 adult males they were required to build a synagogue.

With no synagogue the Jews would go down to the River side to worship. A beautiful place in nature.

Tried, Tested, True

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Let me begin this morning by asking you a question. How different do you think your faith would be in Jesus if suddenly God whisked you away literally to heaven and you got to see your new house that Jesus has built for you and where you will spend eternity? Would it impact the way you live now? Would that experience have an affect on how you deal with life? How about suffering? Would going to heaven make even the painful things of life bearable now? If you answered yes to any of those or all of those, you get a basic understanding of what Peter is referring to here in 2 Peter 1.

New Years Eve Eve Service 2020

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

For many 2020 will be a year they want to forget but I hope for you listening tonight it will be a year you will never want to forget. Why would we want to remember a year that has been marked by so much tragedy on so many levels? The answer is simple. No matter what you and I have been through God has remained faithful, God is still good.

Most all of us have a calendar program or reminders built right into our phones to remind us of important dates and things we want to remember. Things like birthdays, anniversaries top the lists but tonight I am going to invite you who are here in the sanctuary to get a rock that we have here for you. If you are watching from home I want to encourage you to find a rock around your house that you can write on. I will explain more about that latter in the message.

As we come to the end of 2020 the Lord quickened a story from the Bible to my mind that I wanted to share with you tonight in hopes that it encourages you like it did me. Its from Joshua chapter 4 and it is a great reminder to us about the goodness of God.

Putting Things Into Perspective

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Remember the number one problem facing the church was persecution.
Peter is reminding the church, don’t give up, keep going. Don’t misunderstand God’s plan.
Remember, those who desire to live godly will suffer persecution. Pain is part of the plan.

As 1 Peter comes to a close Peter draws our attention away from ourselves and back onto the Lord where our eyes need to be as we come to not just the end of a book but then end of a year and a very difficult and trying year at that.

Candle Light Service

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Candlelight service is to celebrate the fact that Jesus is the light of the world and that as John 1 declares, John 1:4, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men”. As we light the candles tonight in solidarity we celebrate the reality that Jesus was born for us, and His life is the light of each of our lives.

Light… it’s been said that when God said in Genesis 1, “let there be light that Jesus was the first thought that ever passed through the mind of God.”

Christmas Joy

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Christmas is just two days away. How is your JOY meter this year? Is it high or is it low?

You see the word “Joy” all over the place…

What A Difference A Day Makes!

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Most all of us have heard the expression, “Timing is everything” and its true. Are you aware that the average “brick and mortar” retail business makes about 30% of their annual revenue between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Black Friday is called Black Friday for a reason. Its the day of the year that many retail businesses go from being in the red (in debt) to being in the black (profitable).

Our Enemy

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

So, this morning we are talking about not our favorite topic in the Bible but a very important topic none the less. The devil. What do we know about the devil? The Bible has much to say about him.

First, his name. Well, before we get to his name let’s make this perfectly clear, the devil is your adversary Peter says, in other words he is your enemy. You can never forget that.

Remember

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Temporal Pain, Eternal Glory

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Temporal pain eternal glory reminds me of the mom who went grocery shopping with her 3-year-old daughter who wasn’t happy being trapped in the seat of the shopping cart and was overdue for her afternoon nap. She kept screaming and throwing a fit and her mom would say, “Just five more minutes Molly” as she kept shopping. She came upon an elderly gentleman who was shopping on the same aisle and her daughter let out another scream when the man smiled at the little girl. The mom looked at the man and then turned to her daughter and said, “five more minutes Molly” and kept pushing. This went on until the mom couldn’t take it any longer. As she came to the register the elderly gentlemen she had encountered earlier was checking out in front of her when once again the little girl let out a scream. The mom smiled at the elderly gentlemen and said, “five more minutes Molly” to which the old man said, “Molly is such a cutie, how old is she?” The mom replied, “Jenny is three, thank you, I am Molly.”

The point is, sometimes in the midst of a trial the best thing to do is remind yourself just “five more minutes” as the trial you are facing is temporal at best but the glory of God that is going to be revealed to you is eternal.

Your Last Day On Earth

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Have you ever thought about your last day on earth and how your story ends? 1 Peter chapter 4 causes us to sit up and to think about it.

Have you ever heard the expression, “Tomorrow is the Devils favorite word” Or “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” Here in chapter 4 Peter is reminding us that time is short no matter how long you live. Last week I shared a song that contained the lyrics “100 years comes faster than you think so don’t blink”. This week Peter continues in the same vein. Since we are not promised tomorrow how should we live today?

Don’t Blink

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Yesterday my mother and father in law, Rod and Marj Almstrom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. One of the things my mother in law kept saying when asked how she felt about being married for half a century was, “Wow, it doesn’t seem like fifty years, the time has flown by”.

I thought that was interesting observation and one that must have been on Peter’s mind too, possibly considering his own martyrdom that he most likely sensed was coming soon. I say that because one of the key thoughts of Peter in the opening few verses of chapter 4 is TIME.

The Purpose of Pain

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0400

You can learn a lot about people by looking at what’s on their refrigerator. Yes, you heard me right. I said what’s on their refrigerator, not just wants in their refrigerator. How many of you have pictures and sayings attached to your refrigerator? Drawings your children or grandchildren made. Pictures of people, vacations you took, missionaries you support. I love those little magnets you can get from places to remind you where you have been. I especially like when you see scripture or quotes that you post to remind yourself of something you don’t want to forget.

When Being Good Isn’t Good Enough

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0400

What do you do when being good isn’t good enough? That's the question Peter deals with here in chapter 3. Peter you recall was writing a general epistle to the church at large at a time in the world when the church was suffering tremendous persecution for something it didn’t do. The church had become the “fall guy” for Caesar Nero who wanted to rebuild Rome and decided to light the city on fire and when the citizens of Rome rose up against him in revolt he blamed the fires on a small yet growing group of Christians in the city who were already under suspicion for their strange practices of worshipping without idols and practiced what they preached by loving and caring for one another when they met.

How To Love Your Life

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0400

How many of you like charts? I don’t. In 1 Peter 3
we have a chart of sorts so that we can check our
progress as a child of God.

It’s important to note right off that this isn’t a list that
we use to check if we are saved or not. We use lists
like this to check our growth because we are saved
to get a pulse of where we are at and to be
encouraged knowing as we draw close to God this
is the work that He has begun and is faithful to
complete in you!

But hear me on this. No two people are alike. Plant
two trees side by side and water them the same
and one will still grow taller than the other.

Happy Wife Happy Life

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Last week we looked at the word
submission from the wife’s perspective. We looked
at what Peter and Paul had to say. In 1 Peter 3:1-6
Peter addressed the women more at length than he
does men for the simple fact women had no rights
other than the ones their husbands afforded them in
the Roman Empire. It was much more difficult for
women in those days than it is today and Peter
explains out how a wife can in fact have a happy
life. Peter laid it out in two words, “duty and beauty”

You Can’t Make Me

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0400

As promised we are looking at what the Bible speaks of when it speaks of submission. The word “submission” conjures up all kinds of thoughts and emotions in both men and women. I recall years and years ago now a guy in the church who bought his wife for her birthday one year a book. She loved to read and he gave her a book by P.B. Wilson titled, “Liberated Through Submission”. For the record, they are no longer married.

A+B=C

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Have you ever really thought about what makes the Christian life so hard to live? There is a constant battle raging in us. The battle of good and evil, right and wrong, black and white, my will and God’s will. Of all the teachings in the Bible, living in submission to God is by far and a way the most difficult to do for it means dying to myself and my ways and wants and trusting God, looking to God and obeying God.

Be Who You Are, Not Who You Aren’t

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0400

A few weeks ago when we began our study in 1 Peter I felt the Lord pointing me to this book to study because there are many parallels between the time in around 64 A.D. when Peter penned the books of 1 and 2 Peter and today, 2020 and the world we are now living in.

Choose One

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0400

We name our children after the apostles, Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John and we name our dogs,
Cesars, Nero, Julis, Hercules, Apollo, and Atlas.

Good and Angry

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Living Self-less in a Selfie-centered World

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0400

The book of Proverbs teaches us about True Wisdom. Is there such a thing as false wisdom? The
Bible says yes.

The Power of People

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0400

We are studying the book of Proverbs. Last week we talked about the Power of our Tongue. As we continue our study this morning in the book of Proverbs we are looking at the “Power of People” and the impact our friendships have in our life. I want to look with you at three things this morning…

1. Two Ways To Be A Better Friend
2. Three Friends Everyone Needs
3. Love Means Letting Go

Nothing will make you or break you in this life like the relationships you have.

You might look at it like this. If you get the right friends it will set you up for success in every area of life that matters. Get your friends wrong and you will pay for it for years to come.

The Cure for Laziness

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0400

We're looking at the book of Proverbs. And Proverbs chapter 6 and 24 deal with this, though there are many other scriptures that deal with it.

In the book of Proverbs, there are 19 different verses that deal with the issue of laziness.

Written mostly by Solomon, Remember our definition of a Proverb. “A pithy statement that packs a powerful punch.”

Short sayings based on long experience. They are also known as aphorisms, axioms, and epigrams.

What’s In Your Mouth?

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0400

In the book of Proverbs Solomon has a lot to say about what we say.

Heres an interesting fact: the words, tongue, mouth, lips, and words occur almost 150 times in Proverbs.

On average, a reference to speech appears 5 times in each of the 31 chapters.

Solomon often times uses a contrastive couplet when speaking of the wise and the foolish. Both types of people reveal themselves to others by how they use their tongues.

The point is this… Our tongues are powerful.

We can draw people to God by our words and lifestyle
or we can draw people away from God by our words and lifestyle.

Why Sex Sins Are Worse Than Other Sins

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0400

A couple of weeks ago we were reading in Proverbs 5 and I was sharing with you that in Proverbs 5-7 Solomon is instructing his son on the topic of “sex” and specifically dealing with temptation and adultery. I had titled the message, “why sex sins are worse than other sins” and invited you to read Proverbs chapters 5-7 and 1 Corinthians 6. This morning I wanted to pick up the message in 1 Corinthians 6. But before we go there let me have your attention…

So as to not lose or confuse you with the title of this message let me first begin by saying, “Sex sins are worse than other sins because sex sins do more damage than other sins.”

“Sex sins are not harder for God to forgive than any other sin.”

Praise God for Spiritual Blessings!

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Sex Education Solomon Style part 1

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Before we read this text this morning and pray I realize this topic of human sexuality can be very uncomfortable for some for a number of reasons. Obviously the Lord desires that we do speak about the subject for the simple fact that it is addressed within the pages of scripture frequently. It is best to be direct to avoid confusion.

"Sex Education Solomon Style" Part 2

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0400

This morning we are returning to our study in the book of Proverbs, on practical wisdom for everyday living. If you recall when we began the study I shared with you that Solomon is credited with writing the book of Proverbs, one of the 5 books that make up the Poetic Books in the Old Testament. The 5 poetic books are:
1. Job
2. Psalms
3. Proverbs
4. Ecclesiastes
5. Song of Solomon

Solomon wrote, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

1 Kings 4:32 tells us that King Solomon, the son of King David spoke 3000 Proverbs. Solomon spoke 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs. You might say Solomon was the Barry Manilow of the Old Testament in that he wrote the songs…

A Proverb by definition means,

Proverbs comes from the Latin word Proverbium
“PRO”-‘on behalf of’, ‘in place of another’
Verba, ‘words’, ‘instead of words’

Life Lessons From Our Fathers

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Today is Father’s Day, the day we honor all of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and all the men who fill such important roles in the lives of our families and our church. Fathers we celebrate you today!
We want you to know how important you are to us. We want you to know that we realize how much you teach us.
Our fathers teach us much. Mine did. I am sure yours did. They probably teach us much more than we realize.

Racism: What’s A Church To Do

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0400

The refrain from the song “Jesus Loves The Little Children” written by Clarence Herbert Woolston comes to mind this morning,

“Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Sadly, many don’t feel loved today in our world.

Like many of you here today, I thought the news surrounding the Coronavirus would be the most pressing issue we would face as a country this year, but the death of George Floyd in Minnesota has dominated the reporting in the US the past couple weeks.

Reactions to his death at the hands of law enforcement have ranged from peaceful protests to rioting, vandalism, looting, setting cities on fire, and even murder.

Pentecost Sunday

Sun, 31 May 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Pentecost means 50… in calendar terms we are 50 days past Easter Sunday.

How many bought a Pentecost card to send to someone today?

Pentecost is one of the three major feasts the Jews came to Jerusalem to celebrate each year.

Pentecost Sunday is a celebration of the prophecy of Joel being fulfilled as the promised Holy Spirit was poured out on all of creation.

A Relentless Love

Sun, 10 May 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Happy Mother’s Day! Today we celebrate the gift of women and particularly our Mom’s who regardless of our relationship with them are the ones who gave us life. I love Mother’s Day for the simple reason God used women to reveal His love for me from my youngest memories of life. From the moment I was born God blessed my life with some very special womanI’d like to begin this Mother’s Day saying thank you to for being to me the personification of God’s love and grace. My Mom who has gone home to be with the Lord loved me and my brother and sisters “irrationally” far more than what we deserved. My wife, who gave me the privilege of being the father to three beautiful babies, Bree, Brett, and Brandon and who raised our children in love who are all grown now with families of the their own. My sisters Beth and Susan who have for my entire life been there for me, have loved me and encouraged me and been two of my biggest supporters. My mother in law Marj who from the time I met her and my father in law made me feel like a son and not just a son in law. My daughter Bree who is so much like her Mom in the way she loves and cares and sacrifices for her family. My daughter in law Jackie who like so many moms, juggles more activities in a single day than most men do in a month, a real life example of what it is to be a proverbs 31 woman.

Just As He Said

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Happy Easter! He is Risen! Just as He said. To be honest with you this morning today is a hard day for me personally… What should be the greatest gathering of the church together in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the most amazing moment in world history, we are celebrating apart from one another, practicing “social distancing” for the safety and well being of all.

The King Has Arrived

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:00:00 -0400

I love the story of Palm Sunday… what an entrance Jesus makes…

Talk about making an entrance.

Developing A 2020 Vision

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why am I here?” Or maybe you phrased it this way, “Why am I still here? Or maybe better still, “What on earth am I here for?”

Those are great questions to ask yourself. I have had three weeks laying in bed to ask myself and God that question.

What am I investing my life in?

What gets the best of me?

Hopefully all of us can say we are here on earth, alive today to serve the God of heaven and earth. And that the best of me, the greatest investment of my life is knowing Jesus and making Him known.

Nathan: The True Friend

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Christmas Eve Service 2019

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 10:00:00 -0400

The Expected One

Sun, 22 Dec 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Presents

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Baptism With Holy Spirit

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:00:00 -0400

I love what God is doing in our church today…

God is on the move today by His Spirit.

God is working in the world today by His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is completely God. The Third person of the trinity. Not an “IT” or a “force” but a “Person”.

How do we see the Holy Spirit working in the Bible?

The Holy Spirit draws a person to God

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin

When you think about your relationship with God tonight, are you living life on your own ability?

Are you growing in surrender to God?

Are you living your life by the power of the Holy Spirit?

In John 14:16 Jesus promises “Another”

Grace Active

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Holy Holy Holy

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Its All About Relationships

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0400

God’s Word gives us incredible insight into parenting…

But it starts with children… You kids have lots of power! More than you know.

Thats why the apostle Paul begins Ephesians 6 like this…

The Gift's of God

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0400

I am so excited about the first Wednesday of the month as we study together a very important subject matter, spiritual gifts.

The reason I am so excited is I know that some of you have no idea what your spiritual gift or gifts are as you can actual have more than one.

I know that once you begin to tap into the realization that you have spiritual gifts and that God can at any time bless your life with these amazing gifts not only will you sense fulfillment in your life like never before but you will have a sense of purpose for your life like nothing in this world can provide.

One Who Is Worthy

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Friendship Sunday 2019

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Danielle’s Legacy… On August 20, 2004 Danielle Marie Gould stepped into eternity at just seventeen years of age. She was a vibrant young girl who had fallen in love with Jesus and was just discovering herself and who God had created her to be. Through the years you have heard words like “Live, Laugh, Love” as themes for many of our women’s functions. Many of the topics and themes for events we have hosted came as a result of the impact of Danielle’s life on our church at the time of her death.

She wasn’t just your ordinary seventeen year old soon to be high school senior. She was a young woman who was learning to live her life on mission, wanting to make a difference in her world for Jesus learning how to live her life “naturally supernatural.”

I’ll never forget the morning after Danielle had gone home to be with Jesus. I was sitting next to Sherrill in the living room of their home and she was riding that wave of numbness going from moments of complete brokenness to laughter when suddenly she just stopped and looked at me as said, “people will forget her”. I remember thinking then that it would be impossible but I was wrong, we do forget, not everyone, but some. But the good news of the Gospel is, God doesn’t forget.

Psalm 90

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Guest Speaker

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Families On Mission

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400

It was after one thirty in the morning and I couldn’t sleep. I was laying in bed thinking about our cities homeless population that like many of you it overwhelms me. I pray for the homeless, I reach out to many in my daily travels. I deliberately seek them out when possible to learn more of their stories in hopes that somehow I can make a difference.

Jonathan: The Faithful Friend

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Controlling the tongue

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Father's Day 2019

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Have you heard the one about... Everyone likes a
good story and Jesus was the master story teller.

Chapter 13 is a section known as the Kingdom
Parables, the Kingdom Parables. There are seven
of them all together. One of Jesus' favorite subjects
was to talk about the kingdom. Repent, the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Repositioning Romans

Sun, 26 May 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Tomorrow Monday May 27th the last Monday of the month has been set aside to remember the fallen in Battle of all wars. Flags are placed on the graves of those who fought and died during times of war.

Allen Rigg

Sun, 19 May 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Join us for a special message from Allen Rigg!

Brotherly Fellowship

Thu, 16 May 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Today we will be looking closely at one of the things the
first church was practicing. The Apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and
prayers.

Mother's Day 2019

Sun, 12 May 2019 10:00:00 -0400

When I think about honoring Mom’s on this special day I find it easy to do so. It’s biblical to recognize and honor people. God commands that we honor our mothers and fathers. The passage we just read in proverbs says, “her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her.” Mother’s Day is just one day out the year as a church we choose to publicly recognize Mom’s. And not just Mom’s but women in general too. You will understand more as the message unfolds.

We would like you to stand this morning if you are a mom, a grandma, a great grandma, a great great grandma. Even if you are not a biological mother but maybe you have adopted a child as your own, or you are a woman who is a babysitter or a childcare provider, a children’s ministry worker. The bottom line is you are a woman who loves, nurtures and and cares for people. Would you stand and let us recognize you today.

I know Mother’s Day can be difficult for some today. Your mom is not with you and the pain hurts. For others you didn’t have a great relationship with your mom and this day brings up bad memories. For some, you have lost a child and the celebration of this day is a painful reminder of that loss. Or you are a woman here today that wants children desperately but you are unable to have them. All those feelings are real but they shouldn’t stop us from recognizing the heart of God when He created woman and how in mothers we get a glimpse of God.

Jesus Calms the Storm

Sun, 05 May 2019 10:00:00 -0400

The miracles of Jesus demonstrate Jesus’s absolute authority and power over the devil, sickness, death, and nature, thereby confirming to all that he is indeed the Messiah and the Son of God. Also, the signs and wonders of Jesus testify to his limitless compassion for people and his longing to see people set free from all bondage.

My hope today is that you will be encouraged that when we face the storms of life, we can turn to Jesus through trust and prayer to experience the peace of God in our hearts and minds. God is with you in the storm. He doesn’t calm every storm but He is with us in every storm.

The Superiority of Submission

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Submission used 6 times in 1 Peter, more than any other book of the Bible.

Peter could be on fire for the Lord one moment and out of the will of God the next

Easter 2019

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0400

So a Sunday school teacher was telling her third graders about the Resurrection, and then she asked them a question. She goes, OK, students, does anyone here know the first words Jesus said when he left the tomb? And little Bethany shot her hand up in the back. She goes, I know, I know. And so she stood up and said, Jesus' first words when he came out of the tomb-- and she opened her arms up-- were this, ta-da!

Jesus resurrection is God’s Ta-da of the Bible.

Good Friday 2019

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0400

You can learn a lot about people when they are under stress.

The Bible says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

Jesus has just endured a night of beatings and is near death after 6 separate trials.

Have you really ever considered the heart of God towards you?

2019 Easter Play

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Palm Sunday 2019

Sun, 14 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0400

The day started great. A celebration where the people who were gathered in Jerusalem heard that Jesus was on His way into the city and they came out in droves and lined the streets with their jackets and with Palm branches. They had heard the news that He had raised Lazarus from the dead.

Archaeological Evidence for the Bible

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Learn more and support Charlie at https://alwaysbeready.com/

Paul’s Parenting Philosophy. Keep It Simple

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Welcome to One Service Sunday!

Lee and I have been married for 36 years and we have 3 children and 3 grand babies out of the oven and one coming in June and another this next year by way of adoption. I know what a functional and dysfunctional family looks like as our family is all that and then some. Without Jesus everything is dysfunctional and with Him and His help we learn to become functional as God intended. We are all a work in progress. Today it makes no difference if you are single or married, have kids or don’t have kids. We all fit into at least one category and the apostle Paul speaks to them all. We are all God’s kids.

Far Reaching Ministries

Sun, 10 Mar 2019 10:00:00 -0400

Wes Bentley, a former Marine, first traveled to Africa in 1996. He delivered basic provisions, and most importantly, hope to predominantly Christian people in South Sudan, who were suffering at the hands of Islamic jihadists.

Prior to Wes’ work in Africa, he served as a missionary in Russia before realizing a greater need in South Sudan. Wes founded Far Reaching Ministries (FRM) in 1998.

To change the course of the nation, he began a Bible school for the South Sudan army chaplains. Since then, ten classes have graduated; over 400 chaplains deployed throughout South Sudan.

Currently, FRM is ministering in seven of the ten most dangerous Muslim countries in the world. In South Sudan, we have had 35 staff members killed—22 men in the last 2 years alone.

Christmas 2018

Sun, 23 Dec 2018 10:00:00 -0400

Are you ready for Christmas?

It seems like it’s been Christmas since the 4th of July this year. I never realized there were so many designated days for Christmas shopping.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, Green Monday (the second Monday in December), Stamp and Ship Day (10 Days before Christmas Eve), Free
Shipping Day (guaranteed by Christmas Eve), Super Saturday (the last Saturday before Christmas), Gift Card Exchange Day, (December 26), A Story of Three Trees…

Let me begin by asking you a question. How many of you have a Christmas tree in your home this Christmas? The Bible talks a lot about trees, but three trees in particular…

A Thorny Past vs. a Glorious Future!

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:00:00 -0400

This week's message is from Pastor Antoyne Holyde from Calvary Chapel Shoreline North London.