The preparation for the ministry of Jesus is complete (1:1-4:17). Matthew then presents the first of five teaching discourses of Jesus-the Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:27). Now, Matthew lays out topically the miracles of Jesus, demonstrating the power and authority of the King and His Kingdom (8:1-9:35).
The preparation for the ministry of Jesus is complete. He now calls his first followers (4:18-22) and Matthew summarizes the nature of his ministry—teaching, proclaiming, and healing (4:23-25). Matthew then presents the first of five teaching discourses of Jesus—the Sermon on the Mount.
Here's how the ministry of Jesus began - John introduces and baptizes Jesus, the Spirit anoints and empowers Jesus, the Father affirms and approves Jesus, then the Devil taunts and tempts Jesus...to no avail.
People’s reactions to Jesus vary greatly. As Matthew continues his account of the Christmas story, we see the contrast in response to the birth of Jesus between the Wise Men, King Herod, and the religious leaders. Whose example will we follow as we consider how we respond to the news of His birth?
As Matthew continues his prologue in the gospel account, he presents the Christmas story from Joseph’s perspective. Let’s look together at what we learn about Joseph, Jesus and ourselves.
Matthew, a disciple and follower of Jesus, wrote a Gospel to help us understand that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Messiah and King. He begins his account with a genealogy, different than any of the other Gospel writers. Let’s dig in today to understand why.
We begin a new series entitled Fulfilled, a study through the Gospel of Matthew. To more fully appreciate what we read in Matthew, we will look back through some aspects of the story of God's people, and see how those chapters relate not only to Matthew, but to our lives as well.
In our eighty-five history, Calvary Church has always sought to keep a priority on involvement in global missions. As we pursue life in Christ, what are ways to carry out the present challenge of reaching an ever-changing world while also carrying out our ministry locally? Today, we will look at three ways that Scripture encourages us to meet that challenge.
Who do you trust? Another contentious election season is coming to and end. It has been filled with a flurry of ads, debates, signs, billboards, commercials, and non-stop news coverage. You are now encouraged to decide - to vote. Your vote is often determined by who you trust. Our national motto directs us to place our ultimate trust in God. How do we do that, as followers of Jesus, in our polarizing, political climate? Today, we unpack four biblical principles which show our trust in God as we ...
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching and mission of Jesus and they influence other to do the same. This best happens in the context of relationship with the Word of God being central. Today we conclude this series by hearing the practical ways this is happening through the lives of the people of Calvary Church.
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching and mission of Jesus and they influence others to do the same. For that to be a reality, God’s Word must be central in our disciple making relationships. It is where we encounter and engage with the life, teaching and mission of Jesus.
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching, and mission of Jesus, and they influence others to do the same. But how do we do disciple-making? What should our core context be and how can we leverage what God has given us to create eternal ripple effects?
A disciple is committed to the life, teaching, and mission of Jesus, and they influence others to do the same. But who should be part of Jesus' call to make disciples? Where do we "go" in order to make disciples? Who are we to disciple? What is our role in the process? Let's take a close look.
What ripple effects are we creating in how we choose to live our lives? As followers of Jesus, let's commit to the life, teaching, and mission of Jesus and influence others to do the same. If we do, those ripple effects will last throughout eternity.
God knows we are good forgetters. Scripture encourages us to always remember and never forget His faithfulness. When God's people gather, we are reminded of His faithfulness as we sing, pray, hear testimony, open His Word, take communion, etc. Sometimes the forms and methods appropriately change, but the content always points us and others back to our faithful God.
Last week, Calvary celebrated it's 85th Anniversary. As we are reminded of God's faithfulness, it moves us forward with life-changing hope that compels us to take courageous action.
Calvary's 85-year history is one small, yet significant, part of God faithfully building His church for nearly 2000 years. Let's look back together, and be reminded of God's faithfulness, knowing we are part of a movement much bigger than ourselves.
Before we begin a new sermon series next week, let’s pause long enough today to allow God, through His Word, to make sure our hearts and minds are refocused on what is most important.
As we conclude our Life of David series, we'll look together at David's most famous Psalm to see why it is so beloved.
Each of us hopes to make a difference in the world and leave a legacy behind us. We want to be challenged from the life and death of David to consider what kind of legacy and impact we are creating.
Reflect on Zephaniah 3:17, contemplating God's love for you, your children, and others. Ask Him to fill you with His love so that it overflows onto your children and others. Which of these demands of the heart can you relate with the most? Are you willing to confess and seek forgiveness and growth?
After David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah, God sends Nathan to confront him. Nathan uses a parable to help David see the devastation his sin has caused. David’s heartfelt confession is preserved for us in Psalm 51. It reminds us how much we all need the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
The two people most often linked to the life of David are Goliath and Bathsheba. David's encounter with Goliath was his most celebrated victory but his episode with Bathsheba was his most devastating failure. Let's look humbly at this story and learn together about how to overcome temptation to avoid the disastrous consequences of sin.
God uses every circumstance in our lives to help us find strength in Him.
Success: We will only ultimately thrive when we bow in submission, enjoying relationship with our sovereign King by faith.
The New Testament opens with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Far from a boring list of exotic names, these verses lay the foundation for everything that follows. They strengthen our confidence in God’s sovereignty and motivate us to share the good news of Jesus and His kingdom.
David killed Goliath and instantly became a national hero. King Saul was angry and envious which led him to relentlessly pursue David in order to take his life. But God used David’s friendship with Jonathan to strengthen his faith in God through one of the darkest and most challenging periods of his life. Let’s look together at the characteristics of their friendship.
