Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

<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>

<p>Without a doubt, the biggest threat to ancient Israel’s worship of Yahweh was the rival demon-god Baal, regarded as the chief of all Canaanite deities. The allure of Baal worship was the promise of profit and prosperity. I’ve chosen four words that tell the story of the showdown between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and frame our role in modern culture.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Courage (vv. 16-17)</p><p>II. Contest (vv. 20-40)</p><p>III. Confrontation (v. 21)</p><p>IV. Cause (v. 36)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 6:24 and ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life in which you’re trying to “serve two masters.”</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to keep their eyes on Jesus, no matter what they’re walking through this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why was it wrong for Saul to make the burnt offering?</p>

<p>D.L. Moody once said, “Every Bible should be bound in shoe leather,” reminding us that faith is meant to be lived out daily. In Colossians 3:1-19, Paul encouraged the Colossian church to set their hearts on things above, not on earthly distractions. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why letting God’s Word dwell richly in us will transform our thoughts and actions and encourages us to reflect Christ’s love and peace in everyday life.</p>

<p>Today we celebrate how God has used our generosity to take back what the Enemy has stolen. Broken lives that were once shattered have been restored. Hope reigns where despair once did. The generous gifts of your time, treasure, and talent have made the difference. Let’s learn a few key lessons from how Joshua celebrated the ground taken in crossing the Jordan River.</p><p><br></p><p>I. God’s Commands Aren’t Always Practical (vv. 1-3)</p><p>II. Our Obedience Is Always Vital (vv. 4-5, 8)</p><p>III. Remembering the Past Is Inspirational (vv. 6-7)</p><p>IV. God’s Power Is Irresistible (v. 24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 and thank the Lord for His faithfulness to “multiply the seed” of your obedience and generosity (v. 10).</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a friend how you can pray for them this week and encourage them to look back at a time when God’s hand in their life was evident.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did the Israelites want a king?</p>

<p>Jesus canceled our debt at the cross and freed us from rule-keeping and spiritual add-ons. We've been handed a bill stamped "Paid in Full"—we don't have to work for our salvation. We simply need to accept the receipt and live in the true freedom only Jesus provides. In this message from Colossians 2, we'll learn from the apostle how to anchor ourselves in Christ.</p>

<p>One of the most emotional debates raging in our day centers on the subject of abortion. Some see it as simply the choice of a woman over what happens to her body; some see it as far more sinister. Today, we look at the ancient practice of child sacrifice to see if there is any parallel to the modern practice. This conversation is vital because it involves the doctrines of both God and man.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Ancient Practice (Leviticus 20:1-5)</p><p>II. The Modern Parallel (Psalm 106)</p><p>III. The Divine Prescription (John 3:16; Romans 12:1-2)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-24, thanking the Lord that His mercies “are new every morning,” and ask Him to renew your hope in Him this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group in refusing to conform to the world and focus on “being transformed” through the Word.</p><p>Talk with kids: What does it mean to repent?</p>

<p>Paul showed Jesus as the Maker and Maintainer of all things, the Head of the church who reconciles us by His cross and continues His work in us until completion. Like a building, your life needs both a cornerstone and a blueprint—Christ is both. He will align every room of your life to His design. This teaching from Colossians 1 will help you build on what lasts. </p>

<p>John Calvin noted, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” Idolatry was a constant issue in the Old Testament, and Paul saw that Athens was filled with idols. But have you ever considered how false worship systems of the past have made their way into the present, but under other names? Today we’ll see how, over time, societies move away from God, His authority, and His truth.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Corruption in the Nation (vv. 1-6)</p><p>II. Confusion in the Home (vv. 2-5)</p><p>III. Chaos in the Heart (v. 6)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Take time to prayerfully assess your priorities this week and ask the Lord to reveal anything—or anyone—that’s pulling your focus away from Him.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group or believing friends and family members to keep Jesus at the center of their lives.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is it right and good for God to punish sin?</p>

<p>In Colossians 1, Paul reminded the church that Jesus holds all things together—He’s the center of creation and the anchor of our faith. When Christ is at the center, everything else in life will fall into place. As believers, we find true direction only when our focus is on Christ, who reconciles us to God and gives purpose to all we do.</p>

<p>Jesus turned the world’s idea of blessing upside down when He shared the Beatitudes. When life feels like it’s spiraling—when we’re poor in spirit, grieving, or desperate for righteousness—He reminds us that we're positioned closest to God’s grace in these very moments. True blessing isn’t found in comfort or control but in surrender, dependence, and the promise that God will meet us at our lowest.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Stick to the Plan</p><p>II. Peel Away the Extra</p><p>III. Interpret Your Struggle Accurately</p><p>IV. Retool for the Current/Coming Season</p><p>V. Attack the Problem from All Angles</p><p>VI. Look for Beauty</p>

<p>Are you ready for revival—and what comes next? When Jesus came to the country of the Gadarenes, He encountered a man who was tormented by a legion of demons and had been given up as lost by his community. With just a word, Jesus delivered him and restored him to peace, dignity, and purpose. This passage reminds us that when Jesus comes to town, no life is too broken, no situation too dark, and no one too far gone for His transforming power.</p>

<p>The Bible often speaks about courage, reminding us again and again to be strong and not give in to fear. True courage is not the absence of fear—it's facing it and choosing to do what is right, no matter the cost. In this message from Pastor Robert Furrow, we examine five biblical examples that show us what real courage looks like.</p>

<p>In John 12:20–26, Jesus explains that revival begins not with hype, but with surrender. Like a seed that must fall into the ground and die before it can multiply, we must lay down our own desires so God can bring forth lasting fruit in our lives and new life that spreads beyond us. Revival begins not with what we keep, but with what we’re willing to give up to follow Christ.</p>

<p>We have spent seventeen weeks covering the book of Nehemiah and have considered the many life-application lessons that these chapters provide. But today, for our eighteenth and final study, we’ll zoom out to get the bigger picture. There are five “mega-themes” from this book that we can benefit from. These great themes provide both encouragement and warning to us today.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Great Cities Can Fall</p><p>II. Ordinary People Can Help</p><p>III. Real Prayer Can Work</p><p>IV. Spiritual Revival Can Happen</p><p>V. Good Movements Can Falter</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 6:8 this week and ask the Lord to give you His heart for your city and the people He’s placed in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to pray for and support you as you seek revival in your walk with the Lord.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did God rescue His people through Samson?</p>

<p>When a crack appears in the foundation, you can’t just paint over it, you have to repair it, or the whole structure is at risk. In Ezra 9–10, God’s people realized they had compromised their foundation by drifting into sin. Through confession, repentance, and renewal, they were reminded that lasting strength comes only from building on God’s truth. No matter how far we’ve wandered, God is always ready to restore us when we return to Him.</p>

<p>No Christian ever plans on backsliding, that is, moving away from Christ. Yet it happens. The prophet Jeremiah even admitted, “Our backslidings are many” (Jeremiah 14:7). Sometimes, a city can be in shambles because the lives of its people are in shambles. Nehemiah left Jerusalem for a short time and returned to find the people had gone back to practicing their old ways. Let’s consider four mistakes they made and how to prevent them from happening to us.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Misplace Your Bible (vv. 1-3)</p><p>II. Misalign Your Companions (vv. 4-9)</p><p>III. Misarrange Your Priorities (vv. 10-22)</p><p>IV. Mismanage Your Family (vv. 23-24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Prayerfully consider the people you turn to for encouragement and advice. Are you surrounding yourself with strong, healthy believers who will sharpen you (see Proverbs 27:17) and urge you to grow in your faith?</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to hold you accountable to pray and spend time in the Word daily as you recommit to a habit or create a new one.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did Gideon test God’s words?</p>

<p>Ezra’s story reminds us that one life surrendered to God can influence an entire nation. After years in Babylon, Ezra returned to Jerusalem—not with an army but armed with the Word of God. Ezra led his people faithfully, trusting God to protect them on the dangerous journey. When you set your heart on His Word and rely on His hand for guidance and protection, He can use you to bring revival, no matter how dark or evil the culture seems.</p>

<p>Last week we eavesdropped on the worship service of ancient Israel as they gathered to dedicate their city and their future to God. We noticed four characteristics of their worship: It was biblical, it was vocal, it was musical, and it was joyful. Today we continue with four more.</p><p><br></p><p>V. Their Worship Was Thankful (vv. 27, 31, 38, 46)</p><p>VI. Their Worship Was Communal (v. 43)</p><p>VII. Their Worship Was Powerful (vv. 42b, 43b)</p><p>VIII. Their Worship Was Physical (v. 43)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and thank the Lord for His provision and direction in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a friend or family member who’s recently been struggling to continue faithfully in their walk through a difficult season.</p><p>Talk with kids: Who received the praise and glory for Israel’s victory over their enemies? Why?</p>

<p>When opposition arose once again, God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage His people to continue rebuilding the temple. Despite threats and challenges, they pressed on in obedience, and God even moved pagan kings to support the work. This is a vivid illustration of the way He refines us through the furnace and brings us forth as pure gold.</p>

<p>“The whole you needs worship—and the part of you that will live forever needs it most,” wrote Robert McIntyre. Nehemiah chapter 12 describes the worship of God’s people who had gathered to dedicate the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This week and next week we will eavesdrop on their worship service and discover how we should worship when we assemble together.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Their Worship Was Biblical (v. 24)</p><p>II. Their Worship Was Vocal (vv. 27-30, 43)</p><p>III. Their Worship Was Musical (vv. 27b, 35-36, 41)</p><p>IV. Their Worship Was Joyful (vv. 27, 43)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that’s holding you back from authentic worship and a deeper relationship with Him.</p><p>Talk with others: Share your favorite worship album or playlist with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How is Jesus better than the judges in the story?</p>

<p>Ezra 3–4 reminds us that whenever God is rebuilding, His people will experience both great joy and fierce opposition. The exiles restored worship and laid the temple’s foundation, celebrating God’s faithfulness, but opposition rose quickly. Together, these chapters show us that true faith rejoices in God’s work, perseveres through resistance, and trusts that His purposes cannot be stopped.</p>

<p>Jerusalem was not the most popular place to live. Most people preferred to live elsewhere—in outlying towns and villages. It was more expensive to be in the city, and safety was a big concern. In this section there are some vital but often-forgotten principles about God’s city, God’s people, and God’s work. Let’s glean some of these important lessons from the city planners.</p><p><br></p><p>I. All Places Are Significant; This Place Is Sacred (v. 1)</p><p>II. Projects Are Important; People Are More Important (vv. 3-36)</p><p>III. Ability Is Good; Availability Is Better (v. 2)</p><p>IV. Work Is Practical; Worship Is Vital (vv. 22-24)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for you to pour into His people this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if they’ve noticed anything in your life that might hinder the Lord’s desire to work through you.</p><p>Talk with kids: How has Jesus defeated our enemies: sin and death?</p>

<p>In Ezra 1, we see God’s faithfulness on display as He orchestrated the Israelites' return to Jerusalem by stirring the heart of King Cyrus. What looked like the end of God’s promises in Babylonian captivity was actually just a pause—because His Word never fails. God moved kings and common people to fulfill His plan, reminding us of His sovereignty and faithfulness.</p>

<p>When your values are clear, making decisions becomes easy. After generations of failure, God’s people finally realized what was most important in life, so they made a list of things they were committed to changing. Their heartfelt prayer in chapter nine led to heartfelt priorities in chapter ten. Let’s explore how they committed to change in these four areas of life.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Scriptural Authority (vv. 28-29)</p><p>II. Relational Purity (v. 30)</p><p>III. Spiritual Regularity (v. 31)</p><p>IV. Financial Responsibility (vv. 32-39)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Spend time in prayer as you consider each of these areas in your own life and ask the Lord to reveal areas you need to re-prioritize.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your mentor or a trusted fellow believer to provide accountability as you refresh your priorities.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does Jesus save us from the punishment our sin deserves?</p>

<p>Paul closed his letter to the church in Philippi with a call to live joyfully, think rightly, and trust fully in God’s provision. True peace comes when we rejoice in the Lord, pray instead of worry, and fix our minds on what’s good. Contentment isn’t about circumstances—it’s about Christ being enough in every situation and trusting God to supply all our needs. </p>

<p>The purpose of prayer is not to inform God of our needs but to invite Him to rule our lives. After a national revival broke out in Jerusalem during a Bible study, the people gathered again for prayer. Let’s notice a few key elements that make for an effective experience of communicating with God.</p><p><br></p><p>I. They Looked Up: Adoration (vv. 5-6)</p><p>II. They Looked Back: Reflection (vv. 7-35)</p><p>III. They Looked Within: Confession (v. 37)</p><p>IV. They Looked Around: Petition (vv. 32-37)</p><p>V. They Looked Ahead: Submission (v. 38)</p>

<p>In Philippians 3, Paul reminded believers that real joy isn't found in religious performance, but in knowing Jesus personally. He warned against those who put their confidence in the flesh. True righteousness doesn't come from what we do for God, but from what God has done for us through Jesus.</p>

<p>The nation of Israel was back in its homeland once again after the Babylonian captivity. The walls of the city of Jerusalem had been repaired and rebuilt. But something was missing. The spiritual hunger of the nation now demanded a clear word from the Lord. As they gathered together, we see five clear signs of how this nation was transformed, experiencing a real revival.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Realization: They Knew They Needed More (vv. 1-2)</p><p>II. Reading: They Heard the Word of God (vv. 3-8)</p><p>III. Remorse: They Mourned Over Their Failure (vv. 9-10)</p><p>IV. Rejoicing: They Felt the Joy of the Lord (vv. 11-12)</p><p>V. Results: They Obeyed God’s Commands (vv. 13-18)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Take an honest look at your daily walk this week and ask the Lord to refresh your heart and revive your passion for His Word.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to encourage you to spend time in the Word each day and keep you accountable.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous?</p>

<p>The Christian life isn't about starting strong—it's about staying faithful to the end. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflected on his life with confident clarity: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Finishing well means staying in the fight, running with endurance, and holding tightly to our faith no matter the cost. It’s not perfection that matters, but perseverance. In this message, Pastor Nelson Walker encourages us to live with eternity in mind, so we can one day say, “I finished well.”</p>

<p>In 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, Paul reminded the church that the Christian life is not a casual jog—it’s a purposeful race of salvation through grace. Just as athletes discipline themselves to train for a purpose, we’re called to run with determination, focus, and self-control. The goal? A crown that lasts forever. This passage challenges us to examine how we’re running. Are we chasing what matters? Are we living like we want to win the race God has set before us? It’s time to run with passion, not passivity—because in Christ, we’re not just in the race, we’re running to win. </p><p><br></p><p>I. The Right Attitude (v. 24)</p><p>II. The Right Motivation (v. 25)</p><p>III. The Right Commitment (vv. 26-27)</p>

<p>Jesus didn’t come to manage your life—He came to transform it. In Matthew 11, Jesus doesn’t offer tips for a better life; He offers rest for weary souls. He invites us to lay down the burden of self-reliance and religion and take up His yoke—not to work harder, but to walk with Him. If your version of Jesus only exists to motivate, optimize, or advise, you might be following a counterfeit. The real Jesus leads with gentleness, gives rest, and calls us to surrender, not self-help.</p>

<p>What if the most overlooked chapter in Nehemiah is actually the loudest proof that God keeps His promises? Nehemiah 7 isn’t just a list of names—it’s a receipt of God’s faithfulness and a record that He finishes what He starts. In a world full of broken promises, this chapter invites us to trust the One who never forgets, never fails, and never leaves His people behind.</p><p><br></p><p>I. God Finishes What He Starts</p><p>II. God Remembers Every Name</p><p>III. God Moves Hearts to Respond</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Philippians 1:6 this week as you praise the God who will complete the work He’s doing in you.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to rest in the knowledge that the Lord “will sustain [them] to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:8).</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is complaining a sin?</p>

<p>Jesus doesn't need to campaign for His throne—His kingdom isn’t of this world, and His authority isn’t up for debate. Jesus already has all the power; it's our job as His followers to make disciples in His name. The question has never been whether He’s King, but whether you’ll follow Him.</p>

<p>The wall was finished, but the battle wasn’t over. Even after the work was done, Nehemiah faced ongoing opposition. This message from Pastor Nate Heitzig reminds us that completing a task or completing the rebuilding process doesn’t mean the fight is over—spiritual resistance often continues. Stay watchful, stay faithful.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Wall Was Finished, but the Work Wasn’t Over</p><p>II. The Enemy Was Intimidated, but Not Repentant</p><p>III. The Victory Was Visible, but the Attacks Became Subtle</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Romans 8:31-39 and spend time in worship as you are reminded that “God is for [you].”</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing friends and family members how you can support them in their walk this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why can we always trust God?</p>

<p>People often treat Jesus like an insurance policy—someone to call when life falls apart. But Romans 5:1–5 shows us that faith in Christ gives us more than a rescue plan—it gives us peace with God, daily access to His grace, and real hope. Trials aren’t detours in the Christian life; they’re part of the journey. And God uses each trial to build perseverance, character, and a hope that won’t disappoint. In this message, Pastor Taylor Bronisz unpacks a powerful truth: Jesus doesn’t just get us out of trouble—He transforms us through it.</p>

<p>Nehemiah faced relentless attempts to distract, discredit, and derail him from completing God’s work. His enemies used deceit, false accusations, and even spiritual manipulation to try to lure him off the wall, but Nehemiah responded with bold focus, unwavering conviction, and consistent prayer. Refusing to come down, he modeled what it means to stand firm in the face of pressure and stay faithful to God’s mission. This passage challenges us to silence the noise, resist fear that’s been dressed as faith, and declare with confidence: “I’m doing a great work—I cannot come down.”</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Distraction of Deceit</p><p>II. The Distraction of False Accusations</p><p>III. The Distraction of Spiritual Manipulation</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 41:10 this week and ask the Lord to give you the strength to continue faithfully in your calling.</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re facing a struggle or battling distraction, ask a pastor, mentor, or trusted believer to lock shields with you in prayer and practical ways.</p><p>Talk with kids: How can we show thankfulness in all circumstances?</p>

<p>In a world drawn to self-help philosophies and spiritual influencers, it’s tempting to reduce Jesus Christ to just another life coach or guru—someone who simply offers advice without providing true life change. But in Mark 8 and 10, Jesus calls for far more than personal improvement; He calls for death to self. Jesus doesn’t invite us to self-discovery—He invites us to the cross. In this message, Pastor Taylor Bronisz asks: Will you choose to follow Him on His terms?</p>

<p>During the last two days, we have practiced and proclaimed the gospel to our community. Both Love Day and Freedom Celebration were outward expressions of the good news about Jesus Christ loving the world. But why not make it a lifestyle that continues year-round? Today we will explore four reasons Paul the apostle was not ashamed of the gospel.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Because It’s Good News</p><p>II. Because It’s God’s Power</p><p>III. Because It’s Given Freely</p><p>IV. Because It Gets Us Right</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on “the righteousness of God” (v. 17) and spend time in worship as you thank Him for the salvation and freedom He’s given you through His</p><p>Son’s sacrifice.</p><p>Talk with others: Come alongside a believing friend or family member facing sorrow or difficulty this week and encourage them to rest in God’s grace and continue to “live by faith” (v. 17).</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is Jesus the perfect and final sacrifice for sin?</p>

<p>“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:15-17, NIV).</p><p><br></p><p>Evidence for the Supernatural</p><p>1. Documented Miracles</p><p>2. Deathbed Visions</p><p>3. Near-Death Experiences</p><p>4. Angelic Encounters</p><p>5. Mystical Dreams</p><p>6. Divine Experiences</p><p><br></p><p>Receive salvation through Christ so you can be confident that you’ll spend eternity with Him (see 1 John 5:13).</p><p>Put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18).</p>

<p>Have you fully surrendered your life to God? Pastor Antonio Aragón walks us through Mark 14, where we see Jesus model sacrificial love and complete obedience to the Father's will. In the garden, He prayed with honesty and humility, seeking strength—while surrendering to the Father's plan: "Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will" (v. 36). When we submit to the will of God, we'll experience true victory.</p>