Calvary Church

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus’ first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let’s explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

In this message, we see that just like Jesus provided for his disciples, God has a great purpose for our lives. God has a mission of reconciliation for each of us who choose to follow Him. Whether you are living as an ambassador for Christ, or simply a tourist, there is a word for you as we continue examining the risen Christ. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 19, 2026

Most of us recognize the turmoil in our lives, and the turmoil all around us, and we simply wish for peace to take hold. With this message, we are starting a four-week series on The Risen Christ with a focus on the peace that Jesus gives. Together we’ll see what that peace is and how we can experience it personally. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:19-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 12, 2026

As we close out our series in the Epistles of John, we are shown one of the final keys to experiencing a life of abundance. Throughout this series, we have seen that the true “good life” comes from loving and obeying Jesus. Looking at the story of Palm Sunday, we see how that obedience and love often looks like putting the needs of others above our own. May you be encouraged to examine where you are putting yourself before others and see how you can reorder your love to truly experience the abundant life. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 3 John 1:9-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 29, 2026

Speaker: Lead Pastor, The Local Church, Toran Scott Passage: Exodus 19 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 22, 2026

In this message, we look at the role of the church in addressing political issues. As this passage in 3 John highlights immigrants, refugees and foreigners it’s a good opportunity to look at the difference in how government is tasked with approaching these groups of people versus how God has tasked the church to do so. Together, we will see how we as the church have been asked to love immigrants, be compassionate toward refugees, and come alongside of those who are foreigners among us. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 3 John 1:1-8 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 15, 2026

Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 2 John 7-13 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 1, 2026

Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 2 John 1-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 22, 2026

Throughout this series, we have talked about the blessings and benefits that come from having Jesus in our lives. In this message we are reminded that we are forgiven through Jesus, we experience the fact that God is love through Jesus, and now we find out that we are safe from ultimate harm and given true understanding because of Jesus. As we move from here, shouldn’t we tell others about this? Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 5:18-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 15, 2026

In this message, we are talking about approaching our Father in heaven in prayer. As we have been going through the book of 1 John we have been focused on recognizing the benefits of receiving Jesus in our lives. One of the great benefits is that Jesus enables us to pray effectively to God. As we look at 1 John 5:13-17, we’ll think together about the confidence we have in prayer as well as the content of our prayers. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 5:13-17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 8, 2026

Speaker: Pastor, Sanctuary Church, Lenski Llorens Passage: Jeremiah 29:1-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 1, 2026

This message covers an important passage for affirming that Jesus is both human and divine. We will look at why this truth is essential to our faith as Christians. And we’ll talk about the practicalities of how we live this out. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 5:5-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 25, 2026

In this message, we see that the commands of God are not burdensome. They are just what we need in the moment we need them. They introduce us to the kingdom of God, they let us show God that we are serious about our relationship with Him and they are clear straightforward ways of loving God and loving others. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 5:1-4

Speaker: Pastor, Indwelling Community Church, Clarence Stamps Passage: Psalm 107 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 11, 2026

Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 1 John 4:15-19 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 4, 2026

In this message, we look at how we should respond to the great gift of love God has lavished on us. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 4:7-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 28, 2025

We look for the second week at the most momentous statement in the Bible: God is love. In this message, we come to understand a little more of what that means. There is no love without cost. As we delve into this reality, we will see what it cost God to love us. The hope is that this Christmas you will truly understand how loved you are by Him. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 4:9-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 21, 2025

This message looks at the most momentous statement in all the Bible. Which is a big claim because the Bible has lots of powerful and important affirmations! As we explore this statement, we’ll learn more about who God is and how we benefit when we receive Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 4:7-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 14, 2025

This message looks at what John means in chapter 4 when he says that children of God have overcome the world. We see that in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, He has overcome. Therefore, when we accept Him we are given His Spirit and through His Spirit we have already overcome the world. As we then partake in communion, we are reminded that our job is not then to reform the cultures, technologies and systems of this world, but to speak the Word of God to those who are trapped in those systems and invite them to receive Jesus, the Word of Life, so they can overcome. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 4:4-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 7, 2025

This Sunday is the beginning of Advent, a season of preparation in the church calendar before we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Each week of this season follows a theme, and for this Sunday it is hope. Biblical hope is anchored in a God who does not change, who keeps His promises, and who is coming again to rule and redeem. On this cold, snowy night we are reminded that the light of Christ has come to be with us and break through the darkness. While we cannot be together this Sunday to acknowledge that light and proclaim our hope in Christ as a body, we are grateful for the technology that allows us to share an abbreviated worship experience with each of you. The service includes song, prayer, and a word from 1 John 4 delivered by Young Adults Minister & Director, Jon Nuenke. May the Lord graciously be with you in the midst of these unique circumstances. Speaker: Minister & Director of Young Adult Ministry, Jon Nuenke Passage: 1 John 4:1-3 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 29, 2025

This Sunday is the beginning of Advent, a season of preparation in the church calendar before we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Each week of this season follows a theme, and for this Sunday it is hope. Biblical hope is anchored in a God who does not change, who keeps His promises, and who is coming again to rule and redeem. On this cold, snowy night we are reminded that the light of Christ has come to be with us and break through the darkness. While we cannot be together this Sunday to acknowledge that light and proclaim our hope in Christ as a body, we are grateful for the technology that allows us to share an abbreviated worship experience with each of you. The service includes song, prayer, and a word from 1 John 4 delivered by Young Adults Minister & Director, Jon Nuenke. May the Lord graciously be with you in the midst of these unique circumstances. Speaker: Minister & Director of Young Adult Ministry, Jon Nuenke Passage: 1 John 4:1-3 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 29, 2025

In this message we see that God gave us His Spirit to help us discern His voice from the others that enter our heart. Whether you struggle with an inner critic, a guilt complex, impostor syndrome, or crippling insecurity, know that this is not from God. God has given us His Spirit so that we might learn not to listen to the voice from our hearts that condemns us but to listen to His voice, the voice that loves us enough to make us His children. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 3:19-24 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 23, 2025

There have been times in all of our lives when we have wondered about our purpose. But for those who have Jesus, you are a child of God and that gives you purpose. Your purpose is to love others! We’ll explore the implications of this purpose more in this message. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 1 John 3:11-18 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 16, 2025

Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Samra (616)956-9377

Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Samra (616)956-9377

God has written a great story, and we are right in the middle of it. The middle is not an easy place to be. There are antichrists all around us and the spirit of antichrist is at work in this world. And even more, an Antichrist is coming. In this sermon we are encouraged to remember, it’s still God’s story and He is the author. Rescue is coming! Jesus is going to return! The question is are we ready for that return? Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 1 John 2:28-29 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 26, 2025

In this message, we see that the Bible makes it clear there is an end-time Antichrist figure coming. We don’t know when, but it is already decreed and there is no stopping it. The far bigger concern for us today though is that the spirit of antichrist is rampant in our culture and in our world. This message tells the story of the Antichrist and helps us recognize that spirit of antichrist at work in this world. As we listen, we’ll learn to embrace the Spirit of the real Christ, the Spirit of the True Messiah so we are not led astray. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 2:18-27 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 19, 2025

We all enjoy the things of this world, and this enjoyment is from God. However there is always a danger that good stuff lapses into a love that is unhealthy. In this sermon we look at discerning if we are loving the things of this world too much and how God can help us stop. May God give us the humility to hear this from him and accept it. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 2:15-17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 12, 2025

In this message, we come to understand poetically and powerfully that all of these benefits we receive through salvation, are possible because Jesus is God. Because Jesus is God, God is our Father and as sons and daughters we are forgiven. Because Jesus is God, there are no responsibilities we will be asked to face that are too much for us. And because Jesus is God, we have all that we need to overcome any darkness and win any battle we face. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 2:12-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 5, 2025

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 2:9-11 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 28, 2025

One way to know that you have received Jesus is if you are living as He lived. Jesus’ life illustrates perfectly what it means to love God and love neighbor so that if we simply do what he did we will be obeying God perfectly. We can rejoice that because Jesus came and lived the life that he did, he has shown us how to have an indestructible life that darkness cannot shake or destroy. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 2:3-8 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 21, 2025

The first message in this series introduced the book of 1 John and said it was written so that we might know what all of us are being offered by God: The Word of life. In this message, we are going to start digging into 1 John by looking at the very first feature mentioned when you accept God’s offer of the Word of life. So whether you are new to Christianity, have been a Christian for a long time, or are still investigating whether or not you are ready to make this commitment, this is a helpful look at the forgiveness of sins, the first feature in God’s offer. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 1:5-2:2 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 14, 2025

As we begin a new series in the Epistles of John, we are examining the life that we are offered in Jesus. In this book, John is like a verified purchaser telling us that God is offering to us Jesus: the Word of life who reveals God to us, has become human so that we might connect to God and who brings us abundant, never-ending life. We as the church are the users group who get the incredible joy out of sharing Him with others. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 John 1:1-4 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 7, 2025

In this teaching, we are offered two examples of sacrificial giving from 2 Corinthians 8-9. More than a church history lesson, we see that these examples include promises and benefits for us when we also give generously. The hope is that this message leaves you encouraged to fulfill your own giving vows and excited to give generously out of your love for the Lord. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 2 Corinthians 1 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 31, 2025

In this teaching, we are offered two examples of sacrificial giving from 2 Corinthians 8-9. More than a church history lesson, we see that these examples include promises and benefits for us when we also give generously. The hope is that this message leaves you encouraged to fulfill your own giving vows and excited to give generously out of your love for the Lord. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: 2nd Corinthians 8-9 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 17, 2025

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Joshua 7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 3, 2025

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Joshua 7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 3, 2025

In this Sunday sermon, Pastor Jim explores the vows we make in marriage and the vows we can make in singleness. We are challenged to make commitments to God in these areas so that he can pour his life into our lives. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 Corinthians 7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 27, 2025

Church membership is one of the key ways that we can experience our heavenly future in our earthly present. How this works can be a bit mind-bending, but hopefully this message clearly explains this kingdom principle. As you listen you’ll see how church membership establishes a new connection between the future and the present, between heaven and earth, and as you fulfill that commitment you will see the blessings of God flow into your life in new and powerful ways. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 1 Corinthians 12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 20, 2025

In this series we are looking together at the power of vows, promises and commitments that we make to God. In this message we look at the commitment that we can make to God to serve him – the vow to volunteer. Together we’ll see the power of fulfilling this commitment and the outcomes God brings as we do so. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Matthew 14:13-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 13, 2025

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Joel 1 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 13, 2025

This message introduces the concept of vows in the Bible, inspired by a passage in Ecclesiastes 5. We see that Solomon is right in Ecclesiastes – it is a terrible thing to make a vow and not keep it. But the rest of the story is that if you make a vow and do keep it, that is even more powerful. When we make vows to God and fulfill them, this enables life to flow from heaven to earth and for God to bring blessing into our lives. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Genesis 28 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 29, 2025

This message closes out our series in Ecclesiastes with a look at the passage that has served as our benediction throughout. We will examine the importance of fearing God. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 22, 2025

As we near the end of Ecclesiastes, we find ourselves asking – how is it that a book that is about the meaninglessness of life can be used by God to give so much meaning to life? And how will God continue to take our world’s pursuit of meaningless things and continue to speak life and meaning to us? In this message, we see that the Bible is a one-of-a-kind book and it holds the answer to these questions and so many more. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 15, 2025

This devotional looks at the most important date on the church calendar. As we explore the significance of Pentecost, Pastor Jim offers two metaphors to help us recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Speaker: Jim Samra, Minister & Senior Pastor Passage: Acts 2 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 8, 2025

In this message, guest teacher Dave Morlan shares how we can make progress in our faith and experience more joy. Speaker: Dave Morlan, Teaching Pastor, Fellowship Denver Church Passage: Philippians 1:19-26 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 1, 2025

Speaker: Director, Special Needs Ministries; Zach Schmuck Passage: Exodus 33:12-23, 34:6-7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 18th, 2025

In the typical fashion of this series in Ecclesiastes, this message looks at what the world gets wrong about aging and how Jesus brings a better perspective. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 18th, 2025

This message looks at the anxiety, depression, and darkness that come with living life in this fallen world. We learn a defense against these elements and are encouraged to embrace the reality that we are loved by God. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 11th, 2025

This sermon looks at the blessing and value of work. This covers anything that we apply energy and effort to in an attempt to accomplish something productive. With this broad definition in mind, we are given five principles we can apply to our lives as we work by faith. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 4th, 2025