Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

<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>

<p>Levi is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and everywhere online. He is a best-selling author, podcast host, husband, and father of five, and travels the world speaking about Jesus. Levi is the author of several books, children’s books, and devotionals, including Through the Eyes of a Lion, I Declare War, The Marriage Devotional, and his latest, The Last Supper on the Moon. He and his wife, Jennie, co-host their podcast, Hey It’s the Luskos. Levi and Jennie have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Wonders of Heaven</p><p>II. The Weight of Glory</p><p>III. The Word of God</p><p>IV. The Wounds and Worth of Jesus</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: If you’re in a season of suffering or overwhelmed by a trial in your life, focus your heart on the One who will carry you through to the coming glory (see v. 18).</p><p>Talk with others: Sit with a fellow believer who’s suffering this week and encourage them to seek the Lord and find rest in Him.</p><p>Talk with kids: How did Paul’s faithfulness in preaching the gospel—even in prison—give us an example to follow?</p>

<p>This sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? After all, to make such a statement seems to help out with the problem of evil that is so prevalent in our fallen world. If there is a God who is good and loving, can’t He throttle back on the pain and suffering, especially in the lives of His children? As we examine this statement today, we need to make four critical adjustments to our thinking.</p><p><br></p><p>I. A Misunderstood Verse (1 Corinthians 10:13)</p><p>II. A Misguided Statement</p><p>III. A Missing Perspective (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:17)</p><p>IV. A Meaningful Example (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and thank the Lord that His grace and strength allow us to “boast in [our] infirmities.”</p><p>Talk with others: As a family or Connect Group, pray for the families and members of our community who visited our campus for the Thanksgiving Pickup Party.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does it make you feel to know God is always in control and He cares for you?</p>

<p>Money matters! But how much? And how much does it matter to you? To God? For generations, people have said, “Money is the root of all evil.” Is that statement true? Does it come from the Bible? Today, we will ask and answer a few questions in order to get at the truth of all this. I think we will discover that money is a lot like fire—it’s an excellent servant, but a terrible master.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Where Does it Come From?</p><p>II. What Does it Mean?</p><p>III. How Should We Live?</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 22:37 and ask the Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you’ve allowed the love of money to take root.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if they’ve noticed any idols in your life recently.</p><p>Talk with kids: What should we do if others make fun of us or are mean to us for sharing the gospel?</p>

<p>After David's son Solomon took control of the kingdom, he sought wisdom from God to govern Israel. God was pleased and granted him wealth and honor as well as wisdom. In this message on 2 Chronicles 1-3, Skip Heitzig looks at Solomon's wisdom, the grandeur of his reign, and his dedication to building a house for God.</p>

<p>Is God concerned with our own personal happiness? I’m going to say “Yes!” and “No!” Though the Bible does indeed talk about being happy, it’s not as straightforward as you may think. Allow me to unpack this idea through the lens of one of King David’s psalms, written while he was at war. Here, David explicitly wrote that God’s people are happy people. Let’s find out why.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Because of Life's Conflict</p><p>II. Because of our Commitment</p><p>III. Because of God's Care</p><p>IV. Because of God's Character</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Psalm 144:2 and thank the Lord for His faithfulness as you “take refuge” in Him.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to intentionally spend time in the Word and in prayer this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How can we be reminded that God loves us and cares for us?</p>

<p>As David’s reign neared its end, he led Israel in joyful worship, organized the musicians, Levites, and officials for temple service, and publicly charged Solomon to build the house of the Lord. In this message on 1 Chronicles 25-29, Skip Heitzig highlights David’s leadership, his heart for God’s temple, and his final instructions to the nation.</p>

<p>I have spent my entire ministry telling people what the Bible does say. In this series I have been telling you what it doesn’t say—that is, commonly used sayings that many have assumed were from Scripture but are not. Today we look at one that many a parent has quoted to a child, and teachers have quoted to their students. Our story in Mark 7 reveals three categories of cleanliness.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Cleanliness Had Become External</p><p>II. Cleanliness Was Seen as Eternal</p><p>III. Cleanliness is Really Internal</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Prayerfully consider your relationship with the Lord. Have religious habits taken the place of an active, intimate connection?</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a fellow believer how they stay focused on the Lord when life distracts them.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does knowing that God has a plan help you face hard situations?</p>

<p>After David’s prideful census brought God’s judgment, he repented and built an altar where Solomon's temple would later stand. He prepared materials for the temple and organized the Levites and priests for service. In this message on 1 Chronicles 21-24, Skip Heitzig examines David’s repentance, God’s mercy, and the preparations for Israel’s worship.</p>

<p>David expanded Israel’s kingdom through many victorious military campaigns and secured its borders, demonstrating God’s favor. In this message on 1 Chronicles 18-20, Skip Heitzig explores David’s military success, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the continued conflicts that shaped Israel’s history.</p>

<p>How many times have you heard about the separation of church and state? I’m guessing a lot! But usually, it’s from Christians who think that it is in the Bible (it is not). It comes from secularists who think that it comes from the US Constitution (it does not). Every election cycle brings with it the dilemma: Should Christians be involved in politics? If so, to what degree?</p><p><br></p><p>I. Complexity</p><p>II. Policy</p><p>III. Responsibility</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Pray for our elected leaders and candidates and ask the Lord for wisdom and clarity as you get ready to vote.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a believer who is anxious about the upcoming election and remind them that “no purpose of [God’s] can be thwarted” (Job 42:2, ESV).</p><p>Talk with kids: How does learning about God help us receive courage?</p>

<p>David carefully brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great joy and reverence, and God made a covenant with him. David responded in humility, acknowledging God’s greatness. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why true worship requires both joy and obedience, encouraging us to approach God with reverence and surrender our hearts to Him as we embrace His plans.</p>

<p>This noble-sounding little statement has been around for a couple of decades but was popularized by Oprah Winfrey at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. She stated, “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have.” In all fairness, she was talking about those women who dared to speak up about being sexually harassed; however, the quip rapidly became a modern mantra for those who say absolute truth doesn’t exist, but that all truth is individual and comes from within.</p><p><br></p><p>I. We Should Know the Truth</p><p>II. We Should Guard the Truth</p><p>III. We Should Speak the Truth</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on John 17:14-19 and ask the Lord to sanctify your life by the truth of His Word.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group how they stay “ready in season and out of season” (v. 2).</p><p>Talk with kids: Who can you share the gospel with?</p>

<p>As David established his kingdom, he sought the Lord's guidance and warriors from every tribe united under his leadership and recognized God’s hand upon him. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why seeking God’s direction leads to success when we choose to trust Him, revere His commands, and walk in His ways.</p>

<p>Some of the worst advice we have ever received has come from the best friends we’ve ever had. A popular slogan of our modern culture tells us each to, “Follow your heart,” and we’ve all had close friends tell us as much. But is that a good plan? Is your heart reliable? Let’s discover three valuable components of decision-making from a familiar story where things almost went really wrong.</p><p><br></p><p>I. A Good Intention</p><p>II. Some Bad Advice</p><p>III. A Better Plan</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you choose to follow your heart instead of seeking His direction.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a fellow believer or mentor to be your sounding board and keep you accountable to follow the Word rather than your heart.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why is faith in Jesus the only way to be saved?</p>

<p>Saul’s reign ended in tragedy due to his unfaithfulness and disobedience to God. In contrast, David's rise marked God's faithfulness in establishing a leader after His own heart. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why trusting God’s plans will lead us to victory and encourages us to walk in obedience and rely on God’s strength.</p>

<p>Welcome to our new weekend series, which we are simply calling The Bible Doesn’t Say That. Over the next few weeks, we will look at some sayings and concepts people think are found in Scripture but aren’t. Perhaps you heard your grandma say them, or they were given as a piece of advice that just sounded right, so you assumed they must be in the Bible. Today, we’ll look at one of the first I heard.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Where Did it Originate?</p><p>II. Is There Any Truth to It?</p><p>III. What Does the Bible Say?</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on vv. 8-10 and thank the Lord that “we shall be saved by His life” (v. 10).</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer who may be struggling right now, reminding them that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).</p><p>Talk with kids: What are some ways you can tell others about Jesus?</p>

<p>Israel's lineage points to God's sovereign hand in preserving His people throughout history. In this message, Skip Heitzig examines God's faithfulness, the significance of the genealogical records found in 1 Chronicles 1-9, and the foundation they set for the kingdom to come.</p>

<p>Saving anyone from death would, of course, be a noble goal. If physical death threatens someone and we can help them avert it, we should by all means try to do so. But especially if there is a risk of spiritual, eternal death, we should step in and try to stop it. Today I will share the four musts of saving a soul from death. These four ingredients are needed for every Christian life.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Restoration Must Be Our Plan</p><p>II. Admonition Must Be Our Call</p><p>III. Conversion Must Be Our Goal</p><p>IV. Salvation Must Be The Result</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Pray for an unbelieving or backslidden friend or family member and take comfort in knowing God’s Word “shall not return…void” (Isaiah 55:11).</p><p>Talk with others: Sharpen another believer (see Proverbs 27:17) this week through gentle, Spirit-led correction, encouraging words, or time spent praying together.</p><p>Talk with kids: What difficulties did Paul and Barnabas have to endure while sharing the gospel?</p>

<p>Paul urged believers to be strong in the Lord and stand against spiritual attacks by putting on the full armor of God. In this message on Ephesians 6:10-24, Skip Heitzig explores the need for spiritual readiness and the power of prayer in overcoming the enemy.</p>

<p>As the war on Christianity intensifies, it is tempting to feel overwhelmed and underprepared, but believers have a powerful weapon that is always available—prayer. In this message, Nate Heitzig examines James 5:16-18 to discover who prayer is for, how we should pray, and the impact it makes.</p><p><br></p><p>I. What Is It?</p><p>II. Who Can Use It?</p><p>III. What’s the Impact?</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Is there someone or something that you’ve given up praying about?</p><p>Talk with others: “Confess your faults” (v. 17, KJV) to a mentor or trusted fellow believer and ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable as you tackle these areas in your life.</p><p>Talk with kids: What’s the difference between knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus?</p>

<p>The son of great missionary Hudson Taylor noted of his father, “For forty years the sun never rose on China that God didn’t find him on his knees.” Someone called prayer the gymnasium of the soul. When was the last time you had a good “workout”? Today, James jumps into the mysterious cooperation of the divine with the human through prayer. When and why should we do it?</p><p><br></p><p>I. Pray When You're Suffering</p><p>II. Pray When You're Smiling</p><p>III. Pray When You're Sick</p><p>IV. Pray When You Sin</p><p>V. Pray For the Saints</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Consider your prayer life—what things consistently keep you from praying (e.g. anxiety, distractions)? Surrender them to the Lord this week.</p><p>Talk with others: Invite a few friends to gather regularly to spend time in prayer together.</p><p>Talk with kids: How do you use the gifts God has given you to serve your church?</p>

<p>Paul called believers to submit to one another in love, reflecting Christ’s example, with specific instructions for wives, husbands, and children. In this message on Ephesians 5:21-6:15, Skip Heitzig highlights the importance of honoring God in our relationships. </p>

<p>Sometimes parents will tell their children not to do certain things. But such prohibitions are motivated by love. These negative commands are to ensure a positive outcome. A good biblical example of this is the list of thou shalt nots in the Ten Commandments. In this section, James gives his audience a few negative instructions so they can have a positive life.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Do Not Grumble</p><p>II. Do Not Back Down</p><p>III. Do Not Give Up</p><p>IV. Do Not Speak Hastily</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on 1 John 2:5-6 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life that don’t reflect your love for the Lord.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask a friend or member of your Connect Group how you can pray for them as they seek to align their lives to God’s Word.</p><p>Talk with kids: What were the believers doing while Peter was in prison?</p>

<p>Paul emphasized wisdom and living in the Spirit as he urged believers to live as children of light and to follow Christ's example by walking in love. In this message on Ephesians 5:1-21, Skip Heitzig explores the call to reflect God’s character, walk in purity, and make the most of every opportunity for His glory.</p>

<p>Ever since Jesus came to Earth over 2,000 years ago to die and rise again, He promised to return. And believers have been looking for Him since. Every generation has its doomsday preachers and prophecy “experts,” predicting when He will return. But today we examine not when He will come back, but rather how we should live until He does. James tells us three ways we are to wait for it.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Be Ready</p><p>II. Be Patient</p><p>III. Be Strong</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on verse 8 and ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to “strengthen your [heart]” (NASB), so you can continue to live for Him in the last days.</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to seek the Lord diligently and continue in the faith as we wait for His coming.</p><p>Talk with kids: Why should we celebrate when others repent and turn to Jesus?</p>

<p>After encouraging the church in Ephesus to walk in a way that honors God's call to follow Jesus, Paul firmly reminded them to have nothing more to do with the wickedness of their past. In this message, Skip Heitzig unpacks why being grounded in biblical truth is essential to understanding how we’re called to live as believers.</p>

<p>This is undeniably one of the most difficult passages in the Bible. It is seldom preached on because the language is accusatory and blunt. But I’ve learned that everyone is concerned about money to some extent, and this passage gives us several reasons as to why we should be careful with money.</p><p><br></p><p>I. It Can Be Obtained Wrongly</p><p>II. It Can Be Used Poorly</p><p>III. It Will Vanish Eventually</p><p>IV. It Involves Judgment Ultimately</p><p>V. It Presents An Opportunity</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Read Matthew 25:14-30 and prayerfully consider your attitude toward money. Ask the Lord for wisdom to intentionally steward the resources He’s given you.</p><p>Talk with others: Ask someone in your family or Connect Group how you can pray for them this week.</p><p>Talk with kids: How do our differences show God’s creativity?</p>

<p>You can tell a lot about a person by observing their walk. As Paul continued his letter to the Ephesians, he explained that a believer's calling to the faith should change how they live their life, revealing their identity as believers who have become members of one body under Christ. In this message, Skip Heitzig unpacks the importance of walking in unity as we embrace our unique spiritual gifts and build up the church.</p>

<p>Do you put your trust in earthly things like money, relationships, and personal ability—or in God? In this message, Nate Heitzig examines what James 4:13-17 has to say about submitting our ambitions and best-laid plans to God's will and timing as we place our confidence in Him.</p><p><br></p><p>I. You Can’t Control the Future (vv. 13-14, 16)</p><p>II. You Must Control Yourself (v. 17)</p><p>III. Let God Control It All (v. 15)</p><p><br></p><p>Talk with God: Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7. Ask the Lord to fill you with His peace, "which surpasses all understanding” (v. 7).</p><p>Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer by reminding them that God is in control, no matter what struggle they’re facing.</p><p>Talk with kids: How does knowing Jesus give us hope that He will make things all right one day?</p>