Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

<p>I. Hope Now (v. 3)</p><p>II. Heaven Later (v. 4)</p><p>III. Help In Between (v. 5)</p><p><br></p><p>Learn Your Bible: Thank the Lord that He keeps you “through faith for salvation” and meditate on Psalm 37:23-24 as you recognize His keeping power in your own life.</p><p>Love Your Neighbor: Invite a new believer to visit your Connect Group this week.</p><p>Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life—hurt, bitterness, or hidden sin—that you haven’t yet surrendered to Him.</p><p>Talk with kids: What do you think the torn veil in the temple demonstrated?</p>

<p>I. What's Happening in the Sky</p><p>II. What's Happening in the Temple</p><p>III. What's Happening on the Cross</p>

<p>Mark shows us “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). After introducing John the Baptist, he includes three (really four) foundational scenes that mark the beginning movement of the gospel—from the lips of Jesus to those who followed Him and then took it around the world.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Identification (v. 9)</p><p>II. Confirmation (vv. 10-11)</p><p>III. Confrontation (vv. 12-13)</p><p>IV. Proclamation (vv. 14-15)</p><p><br></p><p>Learn Your Bible: What does this passage teach you about how God works before great things begin?</p><p>Love Your Neighbor: Share the gospel with a friend or family member this week—or simply invite them to our Good Friday and Easter services.</p><p>Live in Freedom: What step of obedience is God calling you to take so you can walk in freedom and purpose as you follow Jesus?</p><p>Talk with kids: Why do we have to turn from our sin to trust Jesus as Savior?</p>

<p>Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” John the Baptist was certainly that! This unusual figure dominates the first part of Mark’s gospel account. Let’s discover what made him so great and why his role was so important to the ministry of Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>I. John Was Anticipated by Scripture (vv. 2-3)</p><p>II. John Was an Unusual Character (v. 6)</p><p>III. John Was Preparing the Future (vv. 4-5, 7)</p><p>IV. John Was Introducing the Savior (vv. 7-8)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: As you prepare for Easter, ask the Lord to soften your heart, deepen your faith, and draw you closer to Jesus.</p><p>Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to join you for one of our Good Friday services.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did Elisha display God’s power?</p>

<p>Today we begin an extended series on the gospel of Mark, a document that reveals the story of Jesus Christ and His first followers. Jesus stands at the very center of history’s stage. He has no equals; He has no peers. Let’s examine four aspects of this unique book.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Presentation of Jesus (“The beginning”)</p><p>II. The Proclamation of Jesus (“The gospel”)</p><p>III. The Person of Jesus (“Jesus Christ the Son of God”)</p><p>IV. The Prediction of Jesus (“As it is written in the Prophets”)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Ephesians 1:7 and spend time in worship thanking the Lord for His faithfulness to redeem.</p><p>Talk with others: Invite your friends and family to join you for Easter Sunrise service.</p><p>Talk with kids: How was Ahab disobedient, stubborn, and greedy?</p>

<p>I. Jesus People Grow</p><p>II. Jesus People Gather</p><p>III. Jesus People Give</p><p>IV. Jesus People Go</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your life in which you can be a better reflection of Jesus.</p><p>Talk with others: Intentionally lift up the Jesus People around you and look for one practical way to come alongside someone walking through a difficult season this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How do we know God hears us when we pray?</p>

<p>For our final study together in this Overlooked series, we examine five courageous women who faced a crisis with grace. As we unpack their bold response, we will see how it correlates to believers today as we relate to God, to others, and to our future.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Crisis (v. 1)</p><p>II. The Courage (vv. 2-4)</p><p>III. The Confirmation (vv. 5-11)</p><p>IV. The Correlation</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to fill you with the courage to boldly face crises and dilemmas with faith and grace.</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re walking through a difficult season, reach out to your Connect Group and invite them to stand with you in prayer, encouragement, and support.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why were the kings of Israel considered evil?</p>

<p>Most of us have a hard time saying this man’s name, but Paul knew it well. He was a loyal friend to the apostle, especially in his darkest hour. In just three verses we find six characteristics of this wonderful man who’s been overlooked for far too long. If you have a friend like this, you’re blessed.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Refreshing</p><p>II. Repetitious</p><p>III. Risk-Taking</p><p>IV. Resolute</p><p>V. Renowned</p><p>VI. Rewarded</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: This week, take time to thank the Lord for the true friends He’s blessed you with, as you pray over their lives.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your friends how you can come alongside them as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) in their walk through this season of life.</p><p>Talk with kids: What is the wise way to live?</p>

<p>I. He Was a Genuine Disciple</p><p>II. He Was a Gentle Disciple</p><p>III. He Was a Generous Disciple</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord how He’s inviting you to greater generosity with your time, resources, attention, and compassion.</p><p>Talk with others: In your Connect Group, discuss practical ways you can be known for your love for others (see John 13:35).</p><p>Talk with kids: Why was the queen amazed by Solomon’s kingdom?</p>

<p>Anna is one of the Bible’s most unusual women. She, along with a man named Simeon, had spent a lifetime in loyal service to God and was finally able to meet her Messiah. Though only three verses give us all the information we have about her, it’s sufficient to get a profile of her.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Spiritual</p><p>II. Venerable</p><p>III. Single</p><p>IV. Faithful</p><p>V. Vocal</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:25–26 this week, and surrender the things you’ve been holding too tightly, trusting the Lord and His perfect timing.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group to remain deeply rooted in God’s Word as they walk through their present season.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is knowing God and following Him most important?</p>

<p>Many a transformative event can be traced to the influence of one person. Mordecai was one such person in the lives of the Jews living in Persia. By inspiring Queen Esther, Mordecai turned a blasting into a blessing; he changed a national catastrophe into national continuity for the Jews.</p><p><br></p><p>I. A National Tragedy (3:13-15)</p><p>II. An Expected Anxiety (4:1-3)</p><p>III. A Strategic Opportunity (4:10-14)</p><p>IV. An Inspired Bravery (4:15-16)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Reflect on God’s work in your life (recently or across several years) and thank Him for His providence in guiding your steps (see Proverbs 16:9).</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer or your Connect Group by reminding them the Lord has a plan in every difficult situation they face this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: What was special about the temple?</p>

<p>In these two chapters of Nehemiah, we see Nehemiah's focus shift from building a structure to building people. In chapter six, we follow along as Nehemiah faces distraction, slander, and attempted sabotage. Yet in spite of every external opposition, Jerusalem's wall was still completed in 52 days. Chapter seven is three key principles of preparation for restoration: leadership, citizenship, and stewardship. In this message from Pastor Skip Heitzig, we see that God not only cares about completion, but faithfulness, dependability, and unfailing trust in Him, even after the victory.</p>

<p>I. Jesus People Belong Together</p><p>II. Jesus People Carry One Another</p><p>III. Jesus People Live Life Together</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Ecclesiastes 4:12 and thank the Lord for the people He’s placed in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your friends and family how you can pray for them this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did Solomon ask for wisdom?</p>

<p>Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. But he was also the one responsible for Moses’s success as a leader over the people of God. Jethro provides five ways for leaders to thrive. Whether you lead a family, a small group, a large organization, or a fast-paced business, these five practices are imperative.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Change Your Approach (vv. 13-18)</p><p>II. Instruct the People (vv. 19-20)</p><p>III. Build a Team (v. 21)</p><p>IV. Trust the Team (vv. 22-23)</p><p>V. Take Good Advice (v. 24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 19:30 as you ask the Lord to strengthen you in each of these five areas.</p><p>Talk with others: As a Connect Group, discuss how you can apply these practices to your daily life.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did David respond to God’s forgiveness?</p>

<p>As the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall progressed, opposition intensified. Ridicule, discouragement, and fear are three tactics Israel's enemies used then, and our enemy—Satan—continues to use. Fear is the trap; it's the worst way to live—to live fearfully instead of confidently. In this message, Pastor Skip Heitzig points to Nehemiah's example of integrity and selflessness, which was motivated by reverence for God rather than the pursuit of personal gain.</p>

<p>Although Solomon composed 1,005 songs (see 1 Kings 4:32), this one is in a class by itself. It was his magnum opus. Solomon called it his song of songs (see Song of Solomon 1:1)! This poetic song was directed to his young bride. Though she often gets overlooked by many who read the Bible, she caught Solomon’s eye. Let’s notice some of her qualities. I’ve put them in the form of four juxtapositions.</p><p><br></p><p>I. She’s Unnamed but Not Unnoticed (1:8-10, 15)</p><p>II. Passionate but Not Promiscuous (2:4-7)</p><p>III. Desirous but Not Dominating (3:6-11)</p><p>IV. Irritated but Not Inflexible (5:2-3, 6-10)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Read Genesis 16:13 and Matthew 6:25-34 and spend time in prayer to thank the Lord for His faithfulness in seeing you and providing for you.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your friends and family if they’re feeling overlooked and how you can help support them in this season.</p><p>Talk with kids: What special promise did God make to David?</p>

<p>After Nehemiah is struck with the desire to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, we see how God's people from all walks of life came together to aid the cause. Diversity of activities, but the same God; many gifts, but the same spirit. His people were able to work toward a shared vision despite ridicule and discouragement. In this teaching, Pastor Skip Heitzig shows us how opposition can't stop the Lord's work when His people work together for His purpose.</p>

<p>I. Faith</p><p>II. Faithful</p><p>III. Fainthearted</p><p>IV. Fretful</p><p>V. Fruitful</p>

<p>I. This Place Had a History (vv. 1-5)</p><p>II. This Place Was in Prophecy </p><p>III. This Place Was at Capacity (v. 7)</p><p>IV. This Place Showcased Humility (v. 7)</p>

<p>We’ve heard this story so many times that it doesn’t surprise us like it ought to. And what boy hasn’t dressed like a shepherd for a Christmas play? But what was an ordinary workplace for these blue-collar sheep farmers became holy ground on this particular night. They were in for five surprises that would stay with them forever. Let’s try to put ourselves in their sandals.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Audience (v. 8)</p><p>II. The Angels (v. 9)</p><p>III. The Announcement (vv. 10-12)</p><p>IV. The Anthem (vv. 13-14)</p><p>V. The Accuracy (vv. 15-20)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for opportunities to turn your workplace into holy ground this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Invite a friend or family member to join you for a Christmas Eve service.</p><p>Talk with kids: What does it mean to worship Jesus as King?</p>

<p>In this second message of our Holy Ground series, we come to an unnamed city in the hill country of Judah, where Mary’s cousin lived. But I hope you realize that the real emphasis shouldn’t be on holy places where God once moved, but holy people in whom God now dwells. Mary was one of them. She is our sister in Christ and a great example to us. Let’s notice five attributes.</p><p><br></p><p>I. She Was Hopeful (vv. 39-45)</p><p>II. She Was Worshipful (vv. 46-55)</p><p>III. She Was Scriptural (vv. 46-49)</p><p>IV. She Was Needful (v. 47)</p><p>V. She Was Helpful (v. 56)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this Christmas and throughout the coming year.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your friends or Connect Group to stay grounded in the Word through the holiday season.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is it important to understand that Jesus is not just a baby born two thousand years ago?</p>

<p>During this Advent season, we want to look at the familiar Christmas story through a different lens: the actual places these events happened. They were common—even unremarkable—places. Yet, because of what happened there, they became Holy Ground. Through our short journey together, perhaps we’ll become more appreciative of the places and circumstances God has placed us in.</p><p><br></p><p>I. An Ordinary Place (v. 26)</p><p>II. An Unordinary Person (vv. 26-29)</p><p>III. An Extraordinary Prediction (vv. 30-34)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Reflect on your walk with the Lord over the past year and thank Him for the mundane places in your life that He chose to make holy ground.</p><p>Talk with others: Reach out to friends or family who may be struggling with loss or grief this holiday season and pray with them.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why do you think God chose ordinary people to be Jesus’ parents?</p>

<p>Upon hearing of Jerusalem's destruction, Nehemiah humbled himself before God in fasting and prayer before boldly appealing to King Artaxerxes for permission to return and rebuild the city walls. Though the king could have ended his life, Nehemiah found favor and received both permission and generous provisions to complete the work. In this message from Nehemiah 1-2, we see the power of faithfulness and prayer.</p>

<p>The last two years have seen a massive chasm in every country of the world over the Israel/Palestine issue. Since October 7, 2023 and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel, people are divided. But this is not a recent debate. Anyone who knows the history of the region understands this dispute is ancient. But today I want to go back “behind the curtain” to get the real story.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Incessant Competition (Philistine History)</p><p>II. The Invisible Conflict (Spiritual Hostility)</p><p>III. The Irrevocable Covenant (Divine Treaty)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Pray for the people of Israel and Palestine as they continue to deal with the conflict in their everyday lives.</p><p>Talk with others: Share what you’re thankful for this season with your Connect Group.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is it important that these prophecies came true?</p>

<p>Some people insist that in our post-modern (or even meta-modern) age, we only believe in science, not metaphysics. That’s not quite true. At the heart of the transgender movement, people believe they are what they claim to be regardless of biological evidence. None of this is new. Something similar happened in the ancient worship of Asherah. Let’s examine it more carefully.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Practice of Debased Idolatry (Jeremiah 7)</p><p>(Three Notable Characteristics)</p><p>II. The Proclamation of Divine Wrath (Romans 1)</p><p>(Three Notable Reasons)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for the lost, confused, and hurting people in your family, community, and city.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing family and friends how you can support them in boldly and lovingly sharing the hope of Jesus with someone this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Pick up some poster board from Calvary Kids and create a banner to share what you’re thankful for as a family at our Thanksgiving Banner Service this Wednesday.</p>

<p>Calvary Church met for a night of worship, prayer, and a parade of thankfulness to prepare our hearts for our annual Thanksgiving Pickup Party. Pastor Skip shared a message from Hebrews 13:1-3, encouraging the church to demonstrate our faith through acts of love to believers and unbelievers, friends and strangers.</p>

<p>If you think the Sexual Revolution began in 1960s America, think again. It’s been going on since ancient times. Today we look at three texts which outline God’s standard for human sexuality and how a competing system, the worship of Asherah, blurred the lines of gender and sex. The worship of this ancient demon tampered with three distinct areas.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Identity (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25)</p><p>II. Clarity (Deuteronomy 22:5)</p><p>III. Intimacy (Leviticus 18:19-23)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for clarity as you root your identity in Him and walk in the path He’s prepared for you (see Ephesians 2:10).</p><p>Talk with others: Talk about what it looks like to honor your God-given sex in today’s world with your Connect Group or believing friends.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does God see people differently than we see them?</p>

<p>In the final section of Colossians, Paul outlined a pattern for Christian living which transcends social and cultural trends and speaks to the heart of human behavior. As believers, we're called to do all things—including the way we conduct our daily lives—"as to the Lord and not to men" (3:23). In this teaching, Skip Heitzig concludes this series in Colossians with guidance for our spiritual posture and Paul's grace-filled encouragement to press on in prayer, thanksgiving, and wisdom so we might reach a lost world. </p>

<p>We did it! Together, we raised more than $215,000 to show the love of Jesus to our city: providing 10,000 meals, free haircuts, dental and medical services, family portraits, and shoes for kids. That’s what it means to look like Jesus, to see needs around us and meet them with love. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Pickup Party this weekend, we’re preparing our hearts as we turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to learn how to do the things Jesus would do and act the way Jesus would act. Because in order to look like Jesus, we have to love like Jesus—with patience, kindness, and compassion for a world that desperately needs Him.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Do the Things Jesus Would Do</p><p> A. Be Patient in Gratitude for His Patience with You</p><p> B. Be Kind, Remembering His Kindness Toward You</p><p>II. Act the Way Jesus Would Act</p><p> A. Don’t Be Rude: Treat People the Way Jesus Treats You</p><p> B. Don’t Be a Cynic: See People How Jesus Sees Them (Sheep Without a Shepherd)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or a believing friend if they’ve noticed an area of your life where you aren’t reflecting Jesus.</p><p>Talk with kids: What was Saul’s excuse for disobeying the Lord?</p>

<p>When God calls His people to repent, He isn't looking for mere outward expressions of sorrow, He desires hearts truly broken over sin. Like a parent calling a wandering child home, God invites us to return to the safety of His mercy. In this message from Joel, Brian Nixon underscores the repentance which results in revival and the grace of God which is always greater than His people’s failure.</p>