Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

<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>

<p>“Cancel culture” is a newer cultural phenomenon whereby a group of people attempts to remove an individual’s or organization’s power, platform, financial resources, or livelihood. It takes place when people perceive that the target has transgressed against moral or social norms. But it’s not really new. It’s been around since the beginning. How should we live in such an environment?</p><p><br></p><p>I. React Calmly</p><p>II. Resist Firmly</p><p>III. Reply Clearly</p><p>IV. Respond Humbly</p><p>V. Rest Inwardly</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you a heart of compassion for those who may attack you for your beliefs, so you won’t return “evil for evil or reviling for reviling” (v. 9).</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a fellow believer how you can pray for them and support their walk this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac point us to Jesus?</p>

<p>King Asa's faithfulness led to a period of peace as he removed idols and renewed Israel's covenant with God. After Asa's death, his son Jehoshaphat honored God's teachings, strengthening Judah by seeking divine guidance. In this teaching, Pastor Skip Heitzig examines the destructive consequences of losing faith—and the blessings of trusting God.</p>

<p>Love Bomb 2025 - Matthew 5:13-16 - from the series of Topical Teachings with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Church.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Our World is Dark</p><p>II. Our Walk is Different</p><p>III. Our Work is Demonstrated</p>

<p>When we trust God with our battles, we find peace and prosperity. As successive kings from the tribe of Judah stumbled into sin and then repented, God showed His mercy—healing and restoring His people. In this teaching, Skip Heitzig explores the consequences of living in the flesh and turning away from God.</p>

<p>Legalism was a serious problem in Paul’s day, and it’s a serious problem today. Vibrant truth is exchanged for a narrow-minded list of do’s and don’ts. The glorious name of Jesus becomes a synonym for a gloomy killjoy. A legalistic Christian is a dangerous substitute for the real thing. Anyone living under this tyranny never feels like they are doing enough. Let’s get some help!</p><p><br></p><p>I. Legalism Contradicts the Gospel</p><p>II. Legalism Contradicts Experience</p><p>III. Legalism Contradicts Logic</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where legalism is taking over your walk and for peace to rest confidently in your salvation—through your faith in Jesus alone.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer by reminding them of Jesus’ work in their lives.</p><p>Talk with kids: What promises has God made to us?</p>

<p>Solomon's reign reached incredible heights but rapidly declined when he turned away from God and began practicing idolatry. Solomon's son Rehoboam brought further division to the kingdom when he rejected wise counsel. In this message, Skip Heitzig unpacks this powerful reminder to seek God's guidance for every decision.</p>

<p>An alarming report from one research group noted, “Our nation is facing a new public health threat…feelings of anxiety and depression have grown to levels where virtually no one can ignore what is happening.” Today, we consider the help available for our mental health. In this letter to the Philippian church, Paul gives us five steps that will improve our mental health.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Rejoice in the Presence of God</p><p>II. Rely on the Power of God</p><p>III. Recall the Provision of God</p><p>IV. Rest in the Peace of God</p><p>V. Reflect on the Purpose of God</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to guide your steps and provide wisdom and clarity as you seek to improve your mental health in accordance with Scripture.</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, ask a pastor, ministry leader, or mentor for prayer and practical support.</p><p>Talk with kids: How were the people disobeying God’s commands?</p>

<p>God appeared to Solomon again, to reassure him of His commitment to the temple and the people of Israel and warn of the dangers in turning away from Him. In this teaching, Skip Heitzig examines God's faithfulness and Solomon's dedication to obeying God's plans.</p>

<p>If someone takes a substance or engages in an activity that provides temporary pleasure, but it becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, he or she is said to be an addict. Addictive behavior is widespread and is one of the reasons people turn to Christ. But even those who follow Christ can tend toward addictive behavior. We were born with a sinful nature. When we’re born again and have a new nature, sometimes the battle is fiercer than ever. How can we find help?</p><p><br></p><p>I. We Have a Standard</p><p>II. We Face a Struggle</p><p>III. We Use a Strategy</p><p> A. Reason</p><p> B. Reckon</p><p> C. Resist</p><p> D. Replace</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Identify a sin you’re struggling with and ask the Spirit to intercede for you “with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).</p><p>Talk with others: If you’re struggling with addiction or addictive behavior, ask a pastor or trusted believer for ongoing prayer and spiritual encouragement as you go to battle with that addiction.</p><p>Talk with kids: How has God rescued us from sin?</p>

<p>Jonah ran from God’s call, but God ran after Jonah—with a storm, a fish, and relentless grace. Jonah's isn’t just a story about a prophet and a great fish—it’s about a great God who showed mercy to both rebellious prophets and wicked cities. In this message, Pastor Kaiden Ritchie examines how Jonah reminds us that God’s compassion reaches farther than we ever expect—even to our enemies.</p>

<p>A Turkish soldier beat a Christian prisoner until he was barely conscious. He kicked him and shouted, “What can your Christ do for you now?” The bloodied soldier responded, “He can give me strength to forgive you.” One of the hardest areas in the Christian life is forgiving people (even other Christians) who have hurt us in the past. In this passage, let’s see what help Jesus can give.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Forgiveness is Difficult</p><p>II. Forgiveness is Divine</p><p>III. Forgiveness is Demanded</p><p>IV. Forgiveness is Doable</p><p> A. Start Upward</p><p> B. Move Inward</p><p> C. Reach Outward</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you where you’ve chosen to hold on to hurt, anger, or bitterness, and ask Him for the strength to choose forgiveness.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer to pray for you as you work through any anger or bitterness you’ve been harboring.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why did God have to punish Cain for his sin? How was God merciful, even in punishment?</p>

<p>Solomon dedicated the newly-built temple with a powerful prayer, and God's glory filled the temple in a breathtaking display of His presence, reaffirming His covenant with Israel. In this message, Skip Heitzig delves into God’s enduring relationship with His people.</p>

<p>Ours is not a reading culture anymore. Reading has been replaced by visual sound bites. And reading the Bible is a difficult endeavor, since it was written so long ago with cultures and practices that are now outdated. So, what are we to do? Isn’t it just easier to listen to sermons and pick up Bible truths from social media posts? It is easier, but not better. Let me give you some helpful tips.</p><p><br></p><p>I. It Will Transform Your Life</p><p>II. It Will Challenge Your Mind</p><p>III. It Will Delight Your Heart</p><p>IV. It Will Clarify Your Vision</p><p>V. It Will Stabilize Your Future</p><p>VI. It Will Guard Your Steps</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clear understanding and “ears to hear,” (Mark 4:9), as you begin your quiet times this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a friend or mentor to hold you accountable to read and study the Word consistently.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did God show mercy to Adam and Eve?</p>

<p>When Solomon's temple was completed, God's presence filled it in a glorious way. In this teaching from 2 Chronicles, Skip Heitzig explores how the tabernacle and the temple point us to Jesus' first and second comings—and the eternal glory we will witness in God's kingdom.</p>

<p>Loving other people is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Even the closest followers of Jesus had a hard time doing it. Peter found it hard to forgive more than a few times (see Matthew 18:21). James and John wanted to nuke the Samaritans (see Luke 9:52-56), and all the disciples argued about their positions in the kingdom (see Luke 22:24-30). Here are some practical ways we can love both God and our neighbor.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Learn to Hear Personally</p><p>II. Learn to Judge Accurately</p><p>III. Learn to See Differently</p><p>IV. Learn to Act Immediately</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Lord for wisdom in finding practical ways to be merciful toward a challenging neighbor this week (v. 36-37).</p><p>Talk with others: Invite a neighbor or coworker to church and ask how you can support them.</p><p>Talk with kids: Which of God’s characteristics do we see in creation?</p>

<p>God’s greatest gift wasn’t wrapped in paper and placed under a Christmas tree. He was nailed to a tree—the cross. In this Christmas message, Pastor Skip Heitzig reminds us that God's Christmas tree had two branches, where Jesus stretched out His arms to receive all who come to Him. Stained with His blood, not adorned with tinsel, the cross is where Christ bore our sins and offered salvation to the world.</p>

<p>The Bible opens with the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After the first humans disobeyed and chose death, God graciously kept them away from the Tree of Life, lest they live forever in their fallen state. But now, at the end of the Bible, the Tree of Life reemerges in the garden environment of the capital city of heaven. Today, let’s consider our future home.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Anterior Design</p><p>II. Exterior Design</p><p>III. Interior Design</p><p>IV. Superior Design</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Thank the Lord for His faithful love and gracious plan of redemption as we prepare to celebrate the birth of His Son.</p><p>Talk with others: Reach out to a believer who may be hurting this Christmas season and encourage them to seek comfort from the “God [who] will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (21:4).</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is Jesus’ return good news for Christians?</p>

<p>Leading up to Christmas, we will examine human history in the light of three trees: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Tree of Life, and the cross of Christ. Today, we’re in the garden of Eden. Next week, we’ll be in the garden environment of the New Jerusalem. On Christmas Eve, we’ll consider the cross of Christ—where, after His betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane, He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree,” (1 Peter 2:24)—and why the Christmas tree has tried to usurp it.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Perfection</p><p>II. Plunge</p><p>III. Penalty</p><p>IV. Prediction</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: In the midst of this season’s busyness, be intentional to make time to “[walk] in the garden” (Genesis 3:8) with the Lord each day through prayer and the Word.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a friend who may be hurting this season how you can lock shields with them in prayer and acts of service.</p><p>Talk with kids: What are some ways we can worship Jesus?</p>

<p>Driven by a divine calling and guided by God’s hand, Vitaliy and Natalia Smolin have dedicated their lives to full-time missionary work in Ukraine since 2009. Their mission is to share Christ’s love and His Word with everyone. They remain steadfast in the face of challenges—including the Russian invasion in February 2022—providing humanitarian aid to civilians and military personnel alike as they spread the good news of Jesus Christ and embody hope and resilience for the people of Ukraine.</p>