Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

<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>

<p>Today we celebrate our fathers. We honor them for their sacrifice, valor, and commitment. But I’d like to explore the Fatherhood of God today as we look at the most famous prayer in the world—actually, the first line of that prayer. As we do, we discover that this prayer implies four great truths.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Relationship</p><p>II. Lordship</p><p>III. Fellowship</p><p>IV. Guardianship</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Pray for the fathers you know—that the Lord would strengthen and guide them as they lead their families and build a legacy of faith in their communities.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a brother in Christ how you can come alongside them and support them in their walk with the Lord this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why do we not need a tabernacle today?</p>

<p>Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. In these verses, Paul shifted from theology to testimony, highlighting two faithful believers—Timothy and Epaphroditus. Through these men, Paul painted a picture of what it means to live selflessly, serve faithfully, and put the needs of others above our own—all for the sake of Christ.</p>

<p>Complaining is draining! It only takes away energy from today and never solves problems for tomorrow. And what’s more, a complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart. Here in Nehemiah 5, we see that tension was growing among God’s people as complainers voiced their grievances. Some of these complaints were legitimate, but Nehemiah set out to fix the issues and stop the protests.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Local Condition (vv. 1-5)</p><p>II. The Leader’s Reaction (vv. 6-7)</p><p>III. The Loving Solution (vv. 7-19)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the situations in your life that you are more prone to complain about than to pray about.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer to hold you accountable to pray and give thanks in everything as you “follow the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does Jesus save us from God’s judgment of sin?</p>

<p>In Philippians 2, Paul called for believers to live with humility, unity, and Christlike love. He draws our attention to Jesus as an example of selfless obedience and urged believers to shine as lights in a dark world. Pastor Skip Heitzig reminds us that true joy comes from living for God's glory and putting others first.</p>

<p>In life, you don’t get to choose between building and battling—you’re called to do both. In Nehemiah 4, we discover how to keep building the future while fighting off the fear, distraction, and opposition that threaten to stop us. Whether it’s clearing the rubble of your past, guarding the vulnerable places in your life, or learning to trust God as your ultimate defender, we are called to stay strong in the fight and faithful in the work. Don’t drop your shovel. Don’t sheathe your sword. The wall goes up when you show up.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Buried in the Rubble (v. 10)</p><p>II. Threats in the Shadows (vv. 11-12)</p><p>III. Guard the Gaps (vv. 13-18)</p><p>IV. Backup on the Battlefield (vv. 19-23)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Hebrews 4:12 and ask the Lord for the discipline and courage to take up your sword—the Word—as you step onto the battlefield each day.</p><p>Talk with others: Go to battle in prayer for your Connect Group or circle of believers and ask them how you can guard the gaps and provide backup for them this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How do the Commandments teach us to love God and people?</p>

<p>In 2 Corinthians 7:4-13, Paul expressed the tension of being heavy-hearted over sin yet joyful over repentance. In this message, Pastor Mat Pirolo examines how conviction can be a gift when it moves us toward restoration. God uses even the weight of our sorrow to bring healing when our hearts remain open to Him.</p>

<p>Being a Christian can be hard in the current climate of hostility—where believers worldwide face physical oppression and persecution. In our own culture, the church is labeled archaic and irrelevant in its stance on modern issues. Today we will consider a few reasons for the opposition we face as Christians and how we can face it victoriously.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Opposition is Normal</p><p>II. Opposition is Verbal</p><p>III. Opposition is Continual</p><p>IV. Opposition is Conquerable</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for the courage to stand firm in Christ, despite opposition.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a believer or family member who’s been struggling this week and remind them that their “labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did Moses need help leading the people?</p>

<p>What epitaph would sum up your life? In this chapter, Paul emphasized that the gospel cannot be chained. He looked beyond personal hardship to eternal purpose, urging believers to live boldly and fearlessly for the faith. In this message, Skip Heitzig highlights how courage, unity, and a heavenly perspective equip us to stand strong—even when life gets hard.</p>

<p>One of the greatest coaches of all time, Vince Lombardi, said, “Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Nehemiah 3 records the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls by individuals committed to this group effort. Here we can learn several practical and spiritual principles.</p><p><br></p><p>I. God's Work Should Be Orderly</p><p>II. There's a Place for Everyone</p><p>III. Your Service Should Fit You</p><p>IV. Some Work Harder Than Others</p><p>V. Work Should Be Tied to Purpose</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 this week and ask the Lord to “show you which path to take” (NLT) as you seek His will in every area of your life.</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re struggling with brokenness in your life—spiritually, mentally, or physically—ask a mentor or trusted fellow believer to stand with you as you start rebuilding.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why can we trust God to provide for our needs?</p>

<p>In Philippians 1, Paul wrote with deep affection and gratitude to remind believers their joy and purpose are not dependent on their circumstances but rooted in Christ. He encouraged the church to stand firm, grow in love, and live with confidence in God’s work within them. Pastor Skip encourages us to live boldly for the gospel, trusting that what God will be faithful to complete what He's begun.</p>

<p>Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to fix a problem. The city’s ancient, protective walls were in ruins, the entrances still had scorch marks from almost 200 years before, and the people had gotten used to the deplorable conditions. Let’s consider five ingredients we can apply to fix any problem.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Go the Distance</p><p>II. Assess the Need</p><p>III. Get a Group</p><p>IV. Expect a Fight</p><p>V. Take a Stand</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Psalm 147:1-6 this week and rest in the knowledge that the God who calls the stars by name also “heals the brokenhearted” (v. 3).</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage your believing friends and family to “not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9) and go to battle for them in prayer this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is faith in Jesus the only way to be saved?</p>

<p>As Pastor Skip Heitzig wraps up this Expound study of 2 Chronicles, we see that God always responds to humble hearts—even in the midst of national rebellion and looming judgment. Through Josiah's repentance and renewal, we see that God's Word still transforms and calls His people back. Though exile came, so did the promise of return. Our God never forgets His covenants, and He always makes a way home.</p>

<p>Your life is not an accident. You were made on purpose and for a purpose. Finding that purpose is the most important discovery you could ever make. There were four distinct elements that confirmed Nehemiah’s calling and purpose in life. These four essentials will help you find your purpose.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Timing</p><p>II. Trusting</p><p>III. Testing</p><p>IV. Tension</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal the relationships and areas of your life that need to be rebuilt or strengthened.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer to hold you accountable to spend time in prayer and the Word each day throughout this series.</p><p>Talk with kids: What were the ten plagues God sent to Egypt?</p>

<p>Hezekiah struggled with pride and his son Manasseh led Judah into deep rebellion, but they both experienced God's grace and mercy through repentance. By the time young Josiah came to power, the nation was spiritually broken—but his tender heart and bold reforms sparked a return to God’s Word. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares how genuine humility and a responsive heart can lead to powerful personal—and sometimes even national—revival.</p>

<p>Author Margaret Atwood’s book The Handmaid’s Tale includes a character who says, “The fact is that I hate this city. I’ve hated it so long I can hardly remember feeling any other way about it.” For some people, this is a daily reality. But Nehemiah loved his city—Jerusalem—though it was a city in shambles. How can we, by God’s grace, learn to love our city for God’s glory?</p><p><br></p><p>I. Loving Your City Begins by Asking the Right Questions</p><p>II. Loving Your City Includes Feeling the Right Emotion</p><p>III. Loving Your City Means Having the Right Reaction</p><p>IV. Loving Your City Involves Doing the Right Actions</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on verses 10-11 and ask the Lord to give you His heart for the people of our city.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing friends how you can lock shields with them in their daily walk with the Lord and as they serve Him in their community.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did God save Moses when he was a baby?</p>

<p>Hezekiah led a spiritual revival, calling his people back to worship and God honored their humble response through healing and unity. In this message, Skip Heitzig explores how revival begins with repentance, and how faith—not fear—brings victory when the pressure’s mounting.</p>

<p>Does your family have any Easter traditions? Allow me to give you a few more. These are the instructions that a heavenly messenger gave to the women who came to the tomb early that first Easter morning: Come, See, Go, Tell! Today we’ll discover what these instructions mean.</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on today’s passage and ask the Lord to fill you with a joyful desire to fulfill the Great Commission (vv. 18-20).</p><p>Talk with others: Practice sharing the gospel message with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member so you will “always be ready” (1 Peter 3:15).</p><p>Talk with kids: How did the resurrection impact our lives as followers of Jesus?</p>

<p>I. The Attribute</p><p>II. The Action</p><p>III. The Audience</p>

<p>Who is the man of the shroud? In this message, Dr. Jeremiah Johnston explores the mystery of the Shroud of Turin and its possible connection to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah highlights eyewitness testimony, physical reality, the eternal glory of the risen Lord, and explains how the Shroud invites deeper reflection on the suffering, death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Serious Scholars and Experts Believe the Shroud is Authentic</p><p>II. Science Today Still Cannot Explain How the Image is in the Cloth</p><p>III. The Evidence Most Powerfully Points to One Conclusion: Jesus is the Man of the Shroud</p><p><br></p><p></p>

<p>Ahaz led Judah into deep spiritual decline, but his son Hezekiah reversed course with bold reforms and a heart for worship. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares that it’s never too late to turn back to God—and it only takes one act of obedience at a time.</p>

<p>When life feels overwhelming, 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 reminds us to look beyond our present troubles and fix our eyes on what is unseen and eternal. We may not understand everything in this life, but we can trust the One who does. Though evil and suffering raise hard questions, guest speaker Frank Turek shows how some of the strongest arguments used to doubt God actually point to His existence.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Does Evil Disprove God?</p><p>II. What's the Purpose of Evil?</p><p>III. What's God's Solution to Evil?</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Ephesians 3:16 this week and ask the Lord to renew and strengthen you as you walk with Him.</p><p></p><p></p>

<p>The great preacher of Victorian England Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “I do not believe there ever existed a Christian yet, who did not now and then doubt his interest in Jesus. I think, when a man says, ‘I never doubt,’ it is quite time for us to doubt him.” It’s reassuring that even a spiritual heavyweight like John the Baptist experienced doubts. Let’s see how Jesus helped him.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Ambivalence of John</p><p> A. Experiential Doubts</p><p> B. Intellectual Doubts</p><p> C. Societal Doubts</p><p> D. Moral Doubts </p><p>II. The Answer of Jesus</p><p> A. He Answered Directly</p><p> B. He Answered Verbally</p><p> C. He Answered Practically</p><p> D. He Answered Patiently</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Mark 9:23-24 and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and peace as you seek to address your own doubts and unbelief.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer who’s wrestling with doubt or questioning their faith by reminding them that God can handle their questions (see James 1:5).</p><p>Talk with kids: What did Job learn about God?</p>

<p>Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jotham prospered when they sought the Lord, but Amaziah turned to false gods, Uzziah’s arrogance brought judgment, and Jotham failed to lead the people spiritually. In this message on 2 Chronicles 25-27, Skip Heitzig explores why true success comes from consistent obedience, not personal strength.</p>

<p>The tragic events that unfolded in Jerusalem on October 7, 2024, have left the region in turmoil. How should we respond in these uncertain times as followers of Christ? Joel Rosenberg unpacks these challenges through the lens of Scripture, exploring prophecy and God’s plan for the days ahead.</p><p><br></p><p>Joel Rosenberg is a New York Times bestselling author with more than five million copies of his books in print. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of All Israel News and All Arab News and the host of the Rosenberg Report, a primetime weekly news and analysis program on TBN, the most watched Christian TV network in the US. In 2006, Rosenberg and his wife founded the Joshua Fund, a nonprofit organization that has invested more than $100 million towards strengthening the church in Israel and the Arab/Muslim world to preach the Word, shepherd the flock, care for the poor and needy, teach the global church about God’s love and prophetic plan for the people of the Middle East, and fulfill the Great Commission.</p>

<p>In 2 Chronicles 23-24, Jehoiada restored Joash to the throne, leading Judah back to God. Joash repaired the temple, but after Jehoiada’s death, he turned from the Lord, which ultimately led to his downfall. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why lasting faith requires ongoing commitment and accountability.</p>

<p>Doubt is often a stepping stone on the road to a secure faith. We’ve all had our doubts; it’s what we do with those doubts that matters. Do we give up, take our ball, and go home? Or do we find unshakable reasons that faith in God is the best worldview possible? Today let’s look at the rocky journey of Thomas’s struggle between faith and doubt. Perhaps we’ll see ourselves in it.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Confidence</p><p>II. Turbulence</p><p>III. Distance</p><p>IV. Evidence</p><p>V. Penitence</p><p>VI. Permanence</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Peter 1:8-9 and thank the Lord for the peace and confidence we have in our salvation, so we can “rejoice with joy inexpressible” (v. 8).</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re wrestling with a doubt or difficult question, ask a mentor or pastor for help in navigating that struggle.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does God show He keeps His promises in this Bible story?</p>

<p>King Jehoshaphat faced a vast enemy, but turned to God in prayer and witnessed a miraculous victory through divine intervention. However, he eventually suffered the consequences of his alliances with wicked rulers. In this message, Pastor Skip Heitzig explores God’s faithfulness, the dangers of compromise, and the tragic downfall of Judah’s leadership.</p>

<p>It's time to reclaim the ground God has entrusted to us and step into our God-given roles. In this message, Pastor Nate Heitzig calls us to be bold—supporting and serving one another and our church, guarding our homes and families, clinging to what is good, and trusting that God still works miracles. To take ground in our homes, communities, and cities, we must stand strong, stay grounded, and step into God's calling on our lives.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Stand Strong</p><p>II. Stay Grounded</p><p>III. Step Forward</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you strength and courage as you commit to plant your flag and reclaim what the enemy has stolen in your life.</p><p>Talk with others: How can your Connect Group, family, or friends take ground in your community this year?</p><p>Talk with kids: How did God’s promise to Abraham continue through Jacob?</p>

<p>As believers, we’re part of God’s kingdom, but there’s a learning curve when it comes to speaking the language. In this message from Colossians 4, we discover how to navigate the new of way of life we're called to in Christ as Pastor Mat Pirolo explores three key aspects of Christian speech.</p>

<p>Sharing your faith with unbelievers can be the scariest experience for many of us. Just the term evangelism can make us sweat. So we make excuses like, “I’m not an evangelist,” or, “I’ll mess it up,” or, “They’ll reject me,” or, “I’m not good enough at it.” Today we get a lesson on sharing our faith from the Master Himself—Jesus Christ—as we see how He spoke to a woman who thought she’d heard it all.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Have the Right Attitude</p><p>II. Have the Right Approach</p><p>III. Have the Right Appeal</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to come to church with you next weekend.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did finding Isaac a wife show that God was keeping His promise to Abraham?</p>

<p>King Asa's son Jehoshaphat unwisely allied himself with King Ahab and ignored the admonishment of the only prophet willing to speak what God revealed to him. In this message, Skip Heitzig unpacks God's sovereignty and the importance of seeking and obeying His will.</p>