Calvary Hill Sermons

In this sermon from Hebrews 5:11–6:3, Pastor James O'Dell discusses the author's challenge to move from spiritual apathy to spiritual advancement. The writer of Hebrews warns believers about becoming “dull of hearing,” remaining spiritually immature, and failing to grow in the Word of God.God does not desire His children to remain spiritual infants. He calls us to grow, to practice discernment, to handle His Word rightly, and to press on toward maturity through the power of the Holy Spirit.This message encourages us to examine our hearts, return to the nourishment of Scripture, and keep moving forward in our walk with Christ.Scripture: Hebrews 5:11–6:3 Theme: Spiritual maturity, discernment, and growth in God’s Word

In Hebrews 5:1–10, we are shown one of the most important categories in all of Scripture for understanding Jesus: Priest.Why did God spend centuries building the categories of prophets, kings, sacrifices, and priests before sending His Son into the world? Because Jesus cannot be rightly understood apart from the Old Testament story that prepared the world for Him. He is not merely a teacher, moral example, or spiritual guide. He is our Great High Priest.In this sermon, Pastor Neil Sandlin looks at the priest God required and the priest God provided. The Old Testament priesthood revealed what sinful people needed: a mediator appointed by God, able to sympathize with human weakness, and able to offer sacrifice for sin. But every earthly priest was limited by his own weakness and guilt.Hebrews shows us that what God required, He Himself provided in Christ.Jesus is the true and better High Priest—appointed by God, enthroned as the eternal Son, compassionate toward sinners, and the final sacrifice for sin. He is the Priest-King after the order of Melchizedek, the one who not only died for His people, but now reigns and intercedes for them forever.This sermon calls us to behold the glory of Christ as our perfect High Priest and to come to Him, because there is no other priest, no other sacrifice, and no other salvation.

In Hebrews 4:14–16, we are reminded that the One before whom we will one day give an account is not only holy and all-knowing—He is also our perfect High Priest. Jesus knows us completely, sympathizes with our weakness, and invites us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell explores the comfort and courage found in Christ our Perfect Priest. Because Jesus has passed through the heavens, endured every temptation without sin, and now intercedes for His people, believers can persevere with confidence. We do not face suffering, weakness, temptation, or failure alone. In Christ, we find mercy for our failures, grace for our weakness, and help exactly when we need it most.Hebrews shows us that the Christian life is not easy—but it is not unsupported. Our great High Priest has gone before us, sympathizes with us, and supplies everything we need to endure faithfully.Jesus is our Perfect Priest—our forerunner,our sympathy,our mercy,our grace,and our rest.

Everyone is looking for rest. We try to find it in success, comfort, distraction, or escape—but no matter how hard we strive, something still feels unsettled deep within us.In Hebrews 4, we are confronted with a powerful truth: the rest we are searching for is real… but it is not found where we think.In this sermon, Pastor Neil walks through three critical realities:The Reality of God’s Rest – What it truly is and how it was always pointing to JesusThe Urgency of Entering Rest – Why Scripture warns us not to miss it and how true faith receives itThe Exposure of False Rest – Why you cannot fake your faith and how God’s Word reveals what is realThis message will challenge you to examine your heart, move beyond surface-level belief, and ask the most important question:Have you truly entered the rest of God?

In this powerful message from Hebrews 3, we are confronted with a sobering truth: the root of rebellion is unbelief.As the writer of Hebrews continues to show the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant, we are warned through the example of Israel in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God’s power, provision, and miracles, they still hardened their hearts and refused to believe. Their story becomes a warning for us today.In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell explores the danger of an evil, unbelieving heart—not just occasional sin, but a willful, persistent rejection of God’s truth. It challenges us to examine whether our faith is genuine and calls us to persevere in belief.You’ll also be encouraged with practical ways to fight unbelief:The importance of daily encouragement within the churchWhy we must stay connected in communityHow sin deceives and hardens our heartsWhat it means to truly persevere in faithMost importantly, this message reminds us that belief is not just intellectual—it is trusting God and living in light of His Word, even in difficulty.“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)If you’ve been struggling with doubt, discouragement, or drifting in your faith, this message is both a warning and an invitation: Turn from unbelief and trust fully in Christ.

In this episode of Radiant Ladies, we continue our " Seasons" series with Jessica Sandlin sharing a powerful word on navigating the in-between seasons of life, reflects on the transitions we all face and how God meets us in the messy middle.From moving, parenting, career changes, and releasing children into new stages of life, Jessica reminds us that transition is often stressful, uncertain, and emotionally complex—but never wasted. Using the image of a butterfly in the cocoon, she shows how God uses pressure, stretching, and struggle to reshape us at the deepest level.If you are walking through change, uncertainty, grief, new beginnings, or identity shifts, this message will encourage you with the truth that God is faithful in every season. You are not behind, forgotten, or abandoned—you are being formed.In this episode:• Why transitions feel so disorienting• The emotional weight of the “in-between”• What Scripture says about stress, uncertainty, and identity• How God transforms us through seasons of change• Why the cocoon is not punishment, but preparation“God is faithful in the cocoon.”

Is Christianity just a leap of faith or is it something far more reasonable than we think?In this Easter message, Pastor Neil Sandlin explores one of the most important questions ever asked: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? And if He did, what does that mean for us?We look at two powerful realities at the heart of Christianity:A kind of love no one would invent—God giving Himself for sinners who didn’t deserve itA resurrection that stands up to honest investigation and offers the most reasonable explanation for what happened after Jesus’ deathFrom the transformation of the disciples, to their willingness to suffer, to the explosive growth of the early church—this message invites you to think deeply and respond personally.If Jesus is alive… it changes everything.Key Texts: Romans 5:6–8, 1 Corinthians 15This message speaks to both those exploring faith and those who want to see the gospel more clearly than ever before.

In this episode of Radiant Ladies, we continue our " Seasons" series with a moving testimony from Jan O’Dell as she shares what God is doing in the autumn season of her life. With warmth, humor, and deep wisdom, Jan reflects on growing older, looking back on God’s faithfulness, and learning to trust Him through every stage of life.She shares about the lasting influence of her mother, the gift of a godly husband, the faithfulness of the Lord through ministry and hardship, and the blessing of church family through the years. Jan’s story is one of reflection, gratitude, perseverance, and hope—reminding us that every season has purpose and that God truly does make everything beautiful in His time.This testimony is especially encouraging for anyone walking through later seasons of life, caring for aging parents, reflecting on God’s provision, or learning to rest in His promises for the future.

In this episode from Radiant Ladies, we continue our "Seasons" series with Gabby McHargue sharing what God is doing in the summer season of her life. Through humor, honesty, and deep faith, Gabby opens up about motherhood, routines, grief, obedience, and learning to trust God even when she doesn’t feel like it.Her message is simple but powerful: do it anyway.From raising two little boys to walking through miscarriage, from hard jobs to answered prayers, Gabby reflects on what it means to stay faithful in every season and to recognize that many of the blessings we live in today are the fruit of yesterday’s obedience. She points us to Jesus in the wilderness and reminds us that faithfulness often looks like daily surrender, quiet routines, and choosing obedience when it’s hard.

In Hebrews 3:1–6, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus and see that He is greater than one of the most important figures in all of Scripture—Moses.In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell discusses how Moses was faithful in God’s house, but Jesus is the builder of the house. How Moses delivered God’s word to the people. But Jesus is the Word.This passage shows us that while Moses was a servant within God’s house, Jesus is the Son over the house—the one with ultimate authority, glory, and honor.And here’s the challenge: If Jesus is greater than Moses, then He is worthy of our full attention, trust, and obedience.

In this episode from Radiant Ladies, we continue our "Seasons" series with a powerful testimony from Annabelle Parker, one of our teenagers at Calvary Hill. Sharing from the “spring” season of her life, Annabelle opens up about walking through her parents’ divorce, learning to trust God through pain, and discovering what it means to truly live for Jesus at a young age.Her story is one of courage, healing, prayer, and light. From brokenness in her family to a deeper relationship with her Heavenly Father, Annabelle reminds us that no matter your age, God can use your life right now for His glory. Through Scripture, youth camp, and everyday faithfulness, she shares how the Lord is shaping her heart to shine for Christ.This testimony is honest, moving, and full of hope for anyone walking through hardship, family pain, or a season of growth.

Why did Jesus become human?In Hebrews 2:10–18, we see that Jesus didn’t just come to forgive sins—He came to accomplish something far greater. He came to taste death for His people, to bring many sons to glory, and to call them His brothers and sisters.This passage answers three powerful questions:• Who is the “everyone” Jesus died for?• What does it mean that He is bringing them to glory?• Why is He not ashamed to call them His family?Jesus is the Champion of our salvation—the One who stepped into our humanity, defeated sin and death, and now leads His people into the glory they were created for.And the best part? The One who won the victory is not distant. He is our brother, our High Priest, and our helper.

In this episode from Radiant Ladies, April Mozingo opens our new Seasons series by sharing a personal message on walking through winter seasons of life. Through grief, loss, loneliness, and hardship, this message points us to the nearness of Jesus in suffering and the hope He gives us in the dark.Looking at John 11 and the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, April reminds us that winter is not wasted. God is present in our pain, working beneath the surface, deepening our roots, and drawing us into deeper intimacy with Him. If you are in a hard season right now, this message is an encouragement to hold on, to hope in Christ, and to trust that spring will come.In this message, we explore:How God meets us in seasons of grief and lossWhy winter can deepen our intimacy with the LordThe difference between optimism and biblical hopeHow Jesus enters into our pain and weeps with usPractical ways to endure difficult seasons with faith

God created humanity with a purpose: to rule over His creation as His image-bearers. But sin shattered that calling. Instead of living in glory and dominion, humanity now lives under the shadow of suffering and death.In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Hebrews 2:5–9, reminds us that while we do not yet see humanity ruling as God intended, but Jesus came to to earth to conquer death and place humans back in their proper order. This is not being realized fully right now, it will when Jesus returns. The story of the gospel is the story of dominion lost… and dominion restored in Christ.

Drifting rarely feels dramatic. It doesn’t begin with rebellion. It doesn’t start with renouncing the faith. It begins with carelessness.In Hebrews 2:1–4, Pastor Neil Sandlin discusses one of the most sobering warnings in the New Testament. After showing us the supremacy of Jesus — Heir of all things, Creator of the world, Radiance of God’s glory, and superior to angels — the author turns and says: “Therefore… we must pay much closer attention.”Why? Because drifting from Christ is not small. Neglecting salvation is not neutral. It is deadly.In this sermon, we explore:• The Caution to Pay Attention• The Cost of Neglect• The Call of the GospelWe also see the fourfold witness behind this great salvation — the Son who declared it, the apostles who testified to it, the Father who authenticated it, and the Holy Spirit who confirmed it.This is not fragile religion. This is heaven’s unified testimony.If Jesus is truly better, then attention is not optional — it is necessary.Anchor yourself. Cling to what you have heard. Do not drift.

In Hebrews 1:5–14, Pastor James O'Dell continues our series Jesus Is Better by seeing why Christ is greater than the angels. While angels are glorious, powerful, and ministering servants of God, Jesus is something infinitely more.He is the Son, uniquely begotten and eternally exalted.He is Sovereign, enthroned and ruling over all creation.He is Savior, the One whose kingdom will never end.The writer of Hebrews anchors our confidence not in created beings, but in the eternal Son who reigns forever. Angels serve. Jesus rules. Angels minister. Jesus is worshiped.Join us as we continue walking through Hebrews and beholding the supremacy of the Son.

We live in a world obsessed with upgrades, better technology, better systems, better experiences. But the book of Hebrews makes a different kind of claim. Not that Jesus is improved. Not that He complements what came before. But that He is absolutely and permanently better.In Hebrews 1:1–4, the writer begins with thunder, declaring the supremacy of the Son. Jesus is the better Prophet who reveals God fully, the better Priest who cleanses sin completely, and the better King who rules forever. Everything that came before — angels, Moses, the temple, the prophets — was real and glorious, but it was partial. Christ is the fulfillment.This message reminds us that the identity of Jesus is not a secondary issue. It is a life-and-death reality. If we do not see Him as better, we do not see Him at all. And when we truly see Him, we hold fast.Join us as Pastor Neil Sandlin begins our new series through the book of Hebrews: Jesus Is Better.

What does it actually look like to live by the Spirit day by day?In Galatians 5:25–26, the apostle Paul moves from the fruit the Spirit produces to the rhythm the Spirit invites us into: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”In this final sermon of our Inside Out Kingdom series, Pastor James O'Dell discusses the reality that life in the Spirit is not passive or chaotic, but intentional, responsive, and communal. Paul shows us that walking by the Spirit means learning to match our pace to His—resisting pride, comparison, and rivalry, and instead living with humility, love, and awareness of one another.This message explores:What it means to live by the Spirit, not just believe in HimHow keeping in step with the Spirit shapes our daily decisionsWhy pride, envy, and comparison disrupt Spirit-led communityHow the Spirit forms a people, not just individualsThis sermon calls us to a steady, faithful walk—not striving ahead of the Spirit, and not lagging behind, but learning to move in rhythm with the life God has already given us.

In Galatians 5:23b–24, the apostle Paul shows us that the Christian life is not about learning to live better under the same old rulers, but about living under an entirely new authority.Many of us struggle with authority because we have lived under rules that pressured but never healed, desires that promised freedom but never satisfied, and rulers that were harsh or unjust. Paul says the gospel introduces something different. The law no longer condemns. The flesh no longer rules. Christ now reigns from the inside out.In this sermon from our Inside Out Kingdom series, Pastor Neil Sandlin explores:Why there is “no law” against the fruit of the SpiritWhat it means to belong to Christ before we ever changeWhy the flesh is crucified, not improvedHow the cross reorders our desiresWhat true freedom looks like under a new authorityThis message is not a call to try harder, but to trust deeper, to live as people whose authority has already changed because of the cross of Jesus Christ.If this sermon encourages you, consider sharing it or subscribing for more messages from our Inside Out Kingdom series.

Self-control is often misunderstood as willpower or behavior management—but the Bible presents something far deeper.In this message from our Inside Out Kingdom series on the Fruit of the Spirit, Pastor James O'Dell explores self-control from Galatians 5:22–23, not as white-knuckled discipline, but as a life ordered by the Spirit under the lordship of Jesus.Rather than asking, “How do I try harder?” Scripture invites us to ask, “What is ruling my heart?”In this sermon, we’ll look at:-Why self-control is not repression, but freedom-How the Bible understands desire, mastery, and discipline-Why self-control flows from loving Christ, not fearing failure-How the Spirit reshapes our habits, appetites, and reactionsSelf-control is not about becoming less human—it’s about becoming truly free.Free from being ruled by impulses.Free to live a life oriented toward God and love for others.The Spirit doesn’t just help us say “no.” He trains us to say “yes” to what leads to life.

What if gentleness isn’t weakness, but strength that no longer needs to prove itself?In this sermon from our Inside Out Kingdom series on the Fruit of the Spirit, Pastor Neil Sandlin explores gentleness from Galatians 5:22, not as softness or passivity, but as Spirit-formed strength shaped by the heart of Jesus.Beginning with C.S. Lewis’s famous line about Aslan—“Safe? Who said anything about safe?" this message challenges our cultural assumptions about power, dominance, and what it means to truly reflect Christ.We’ll look at:The biblical and historical meaning of gentleness (prautēs)Why Jesus describes His own heart as “gentle and lowly”How gentleness shapes life within the churchWhy our calling toward the world is witness, not warfareThis sermon is an invitation to see Jesus more clearly and to let the Spirit form a kind of strength in us that the world desperately needs to see.Not safe.But gentle.

In a culture where commitments are easily broken and trust is fragile, Scripture points us to a deeper, steadier definition of faithfulness, one rooted in the very character of God.In this message Pastor James O'Dell explores the Fruit of the Spirit of Faithfulness, beginning with the example of God’s unwavering faithfulness and moving to what it means for believers to reflect that faithfulness in everyday life. The Bible presents faithfulness as trustworthiness, reliability, and honesty, a steady, consistent life shaped by confidence in God’s promises.

What does it really mean to be “good”?In a world that often confuses goodness with niceness, Scripture offers a deeper, truer vision. In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin explores the Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness, not as harmless behavior, but as holy, life-giving moral excellence rooted in the very character of God. Beginning with a biblical definition of goodness, we look at God’s goodness as an essential attribute, how He both is good and does good (Psalm 119:68), and how that same goodness is produced in believers through the new birth by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical kindness isn’t about being polite, it’s about reflecting the heart of God. In this sermon Pastor James o'Dell discusses how the Holy Spirit produces genuine kindness in us and why gospel-shaped kindness has the power to heal, restore, and transform relationships.”

What does the Bible really mean when it calls patience a ‘fruit of the Spirit’? In this message, Pastor Neil unpacks the two powerful New Testament words for patience—one that teaches us to endure hardship with trust in God, and one that teaches us to love people with long-suffering grace. Discover why humility is the soil patience grows in, how to wait faithfully in seasons of confusion, and how to show Christlike patience in messy relationships. This sermon will challenge and encourage you to see patience not as a personality trait, but as the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Galatians 5:22, discusses peace as a fruit of the spirit, how Jesus exemplified it and how Christians should bear it out in their lives.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Galatians 5:22, discusses the fruit of joy by discusses it in the life of Jesus, its grounding in salvation and how it is manifested in the life of the church.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Galatians 5:22, discusses the love that the Spirit produces in the lives of believers; what is means, how Jesus exemplified it and how we to bear it out.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Galatians 5:19-21, discusses the warning of Paul to not being identified with your flesh and miss out on inheriting the kingdom of God.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Galatians 5:18, discusses how if you are a child of God you are led by the Spirit and if you are under the grace of God you do not need the law to help you in your spiritual transformation.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Galatians 5:16-17, beings a new series on the fruit of the Spirit by discussing the battle with and victory over the flesh as Christians walk by the Spirit.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 24, concludes our series on the book of Joshua by discussed Joshua's final address to the people of Israel, focusing on his challenge for them to be faithful to the Lord.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 23, discusses the differences between the Old and New Covenant and what that means for believers in their practical walk with Jesus.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 15:12-19, discusses the faithfulness of Caleb as he provides for his children and the future of his family.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 20, discusses God's provision of the cities of refuge and how they point us forward the the ultimate Refuge that is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 14:6-14, discusses the life of Caleb and the courage he displayed to wholly follow The Lord no matter what was asked of him.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 15-17, discusses Israel's disobedience to the Lord's command to drive out the Canaanites from the land and how it causes serious consequences. He also uses it as an analogy for how Christians are to kill sin in their lives.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 13:14, 13 & 14:1-5, discusses how God provided a special portion for the tribe of Levi and how Christians are spiritually connected to them.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 13:1-13 & 15-31, contrasts how Joshua finished his life strong and obedient but three tribes stopped short of receiving all that the Lord promised. He interweaves how this relates to the modern church and our temptation to compromise and not go all in at times.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 12, discusses how God not only hardens peoples' hearts to accomplish his purposes but he also graciously pours out good things on others to accomplish his sovereign will.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 11, discusses what it means theologically that God is just and right to harden the hearts of those who reject and disobey him.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 10:16-43, discusses how we can fight our spiritual battle with confidence and assurance knowing that God is on our side.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 10:1-15, discusses the day the sun stood still and shares how the great miracle in the text was not cosmic but relational in nature considering God heeded the voice of a man.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 9, to discusses Joshua being tricked into an alliance with the Gibeonites and how even though we make mistakes God never does.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 8:30-35, discusses the renewal of the Old Covenant that Joshua made with the people of Israel after they had established themselves in the Promised Land and contrasted it with the better and New Covenant made in Christ.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 8:1-29, discusses how God encouraged Israel and gave them a great victory over Ai after they had previously experienced a terrible defeat and how uplifting this is for Christians to know that God is a God of fresh starts.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 7, uses the sin of Achan as an example of the deadliness and severity of sin.

In this sermon Pastor Neil Sandlin, using Joshua 6, discusses how God gave the Jericho to Joshua and the Israelites through strange instructions so that he alone could get the glory.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 5:13-15, to discuss the proper way for people to view themselves in light of God; not if he is on our side but are we on his side and are we following his lead.

In this sermon Pastor James O'Dell, using Joshua 5:1-12, discusses the two things the Israelites were to commemorate in order to consecrate themselves for their arrival in the promise land and how both point ultimately to the new covenant in Jesus Christ.