Sunday Messages at Calvary Bible Church

This week, we return to the book of Habakkuk for our final sermon in the series. In Habakkuk 3:16-19, we will witness a great exchange: fear transformed to faith, and anguish replaced by adoration. Habakkuk comes to understand that no earthly or material blessing compares to the joy of knowing God, and trusting His word. Life is not about knowing the “why,” it is about knowing the “who!”When all is stripped away, when earthly blessings fade, and when relief from suffering is far away, Habakkuk realizes that he still has God. He is preserved and strengthened by the God of his salvation. Join us this Sunday, as we aim to follow in the footsteps of Habakkuk, rejoicing in God through all circumstances.

He is risen! He is risen indeed! We look with great anticipation to Resurrection Sunday where we can joyfully proclaim the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is no greater love, no greater truth, no greater hope than Jesus Christ. He rose from the dead, conquered sin and death, and made a way for us to be with God forever. We hope you will join this Sunday as we respond to Jesus’ victory and the gift of salvation in worship. We will take a look at the story of Thomas when he first saw his resurrected Savior. Thomas is an all-too relatable character, and his journey from unbelief to belief is meant to be our response as well. We can’t wait to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with you. Sunday is coming!

May the Lamb that was slain receiveThe due reward of His sufferingO glorify Him crucifiedAmenOn Good Friday, we gather to remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.This is a reflective, Scripture-centered service that invites us to slow down and consider the weight of the cross, the cost of our sin and the depth of Christ’s love. Through readings, songs, and moments of quiet reflection, we will trace the story of the crucifixion and the finished work of Christ on our behalf. As we sing and reflect, we are reminded: “It is done, it is finished, no more debt I owe. Paid in full, all sufficient merit now my own.”Throughout the service, we will share in corporate worship through hymns and songs, and we will also come together for a special time of communion as we remember Christ’s body and blood given for us.Early in the service, we will walk through “The Last Words: A Good Friday Liturgy.” In this portion of the service, we will reflect on the final words Jesus spoke from the cross, words spoken in agony, yet filled with mercy, compassion, and surrender. Through Scripture and song, this moment invites us to thoughtfully consider both the humanity of Christ and the magnitude of His sacrifice.Our Good Friday service is intentionally quiet and contemplative. We will conclude in silence, allowing the weight of the cross to linger as we prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter.

It's Palm Sunday at Calvary Bible Church; a day to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.As we enter Holy Week, Pastor Eric is tackling a topic we all face - life and death. How can we face death with hope? Death is inescapable. Its impact is felt deeply in our own lives, and all around us. In John 11, Jesus responds to the death of his friend Lazarus, and we see how God’s plans are often bigger than we know.God is present with us in our grief, and Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. He came to turn death on its head, and bring Life After Death.

This Sunday, Pastor Caleb will guide us, as we continue our journey through Habakkuk by entering into the prophet’s final prayer, in Habakkuk 3:1–15. Rather than hearing one extended message, our service will move through the text in three movements—prayer, vision, and trust—with opportunities to respond in song and reflection along the way.Habakkuk began this book wrestling with God over injustice and judgment. But in chapter three, his questions give way to worship as he remembers who God is and what He has done. Together we will consider an important question for our own lives: How do we stand firm when God’s ways feel overwhelming?As we follow the prophet’s prayer together, we will be reminded that even when God’s purposes are difficult to understand, we can anchor our faith in His character and His saving power.

Have you ever felt helpless as a victim to injustice? Have you ever felt convicted for doing nothing to confront the injustice you see around the world? I think many of us can admit we are prone to feeling powerless and paralyzed in the fight against injustice. Yet, as believers, the Holy Spirit within us convicts us to respond! Pastor Michael guides us as we read God’s response to Habakkuk’s lament (in Habakkuk 2:6-20) against injustice, and how God calls us to respond. We will see that God’s power, and just character, gives us what we need to stand up for the oppressed, abused and enslaved victims of injustice!

We begin a new series in the book of Habakkuk called “How Long, O Lord?” Habakkuk faced some of the darkest days in Israel’s history. In such wearisome times, he wrestled with questions you and I have likely asked as well. Why does God allow evil to endure? How long will God be distant or silent? Does God care or know my pain? Habakkuk is a story of a great exchange. Worry is transformed into worship. Fear turns to faith. Terror becomes trust. Anguish melts into adoration. Join us as Pastor Michael guides us in exploring what led Habakkuk to glorify God, even with hope, despite his circumstances remaining unchanged. Our prayer is that Habakkuk’s experience can bring hope and purpose to the suffering you may be going through today.

What does Jesus desire for His people? As we get to the climactic end of Jesus' prayer to the Father, we get an intimate look at the heart cry of our Savior. This week, Pastor Eric will walk us through the final week of our Upper Room series, preaching from John 17:20-26. In this passage, Jesus prays for his future disciples, (that’s us) that we would be one. He prays that the unity of the body of Christ would be a living reflection of the loving unity between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, that we would dwell in fellowship with God, and the ancient desire of God to dwell among his people would be realized through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Join us on Sunday, at 8:30 and 11:00 am, as we study God's Word together and discover the depths of His love for us.

Prayer is a central, and vitally important, part of our Christian life. It's our direct line to God, where we can pour out our hearts, and speak vulnerably without fear of judgment. So many times, throughout Scripture, Jesus leads by example, showing us what our prayer life should look like. In John 17:11-19, Jesus gives us a gift, a window into his own vulnerable conversations with God. Two weeks ago, Pastor Keith helped us to answer the question, "how can I move from knowing "about" Jesus' love, to actually experiencing it?" In John 13-16, we saw the incredible goal, grace, and guardianship of his love.This Sunday, as we head back to the Upper Room, we will see that the merciful love of Jesus included praying for us. How did Jesus pray for us, and what specifically did he say? Join us at 8:30 and 11:00 am, as we open the Word together, and discover the "Heart of our King."

As we share in One Bread, God is working to make us One Body. For us as believers, communion is a special time of remembrance: a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ. But do we, as disciples of Jesus, actively participate as he directs us to in 1 Corinthians 10:12-17? How should our participation in the Lord's Table shape us as disciples? On Sunday, Pastor Caleb will walk us through this passage of scripture, helping us to see, through the Apostle Paul, how participation in communion shapes our daily lives. Even though we are stepping out of our Upper Room series briefly, this passage provides a helpful echo of Christ’s prayer for unity in John 17. We invite you to ponder these questions, and come ready to receive, reflect, and be formed together as the people of God. 

This week, we are inviting you into a moment; a moment in time where Jesus steps into the upper room, of John 13-16, with his disciples. Can you picture it? He sits down at the table across from them, almost as if it's a modern day 'table talk,' bringing comfort in their anxiety and fear, and preparing them for his departure. After offering a series of pledges and promises, his words culminate in a statement of triumph.  Pastor Michael ended with those words of triumph in his sermon last Sunday: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (16:33). With that climactic promise of ultimate victory, Jesus ends his talking to the disciples, and now, He talks to His Father. Jesus pours out his heart in prayer. Philipp Melanchthon once said, “there is no voice which has ever been heard, neither in heaven nor in earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime than the prayer offered up by the Son of God to His Father…”  So, what did Jesus pray to the Father about? We’ll explore this prayer together, this Sunday, at CBC.Jesus’ prayer to His Father:- Reveals the Goal of Jesus’ Love (1-5), “…Glorify your Son, so that the Son may glorify you…” (1)- Rejoices In the Grace of Jesus’ Love (6–10), “…they were yours…you gave them to me…” (6)- Reassures Us of the Guardianship of Jesus’ Love (v.11–12), “I guarded them and not one of them is lost…” (12)

True lasting peace can only be found through Jesus.- Through the Truth He Reveals (v. 23-25)- Through the Relationship He Restores (v. 26-28)- Through the Victory He Supplies (v. 29-33)

The “Movements” of Conversion- Resistance, (c/f 8:3; 9:1,2), “But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.”- Intervention, (3-9), “…I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…” (5)- Submission (10-22), “…and immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God’” (20)

Three Sources of Hope in Struggle:- Jesus will Return - John 16:16-19- The Struggle is Temporary - John 16:20-22a- Everlasting Joy will be Yours - John 16:22The Big Idea: We Persevere with Hope because Jesus will return and He exchanges our struggle for everlasting Joy.

- The Lamb-King is a Majestic King (9:6,7), “the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called Wonderful…of peace – no end!” (9:6)- The Lamb-King is a Merciful King (53:4-7), “…the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all…like a lamb that is led to the slaughter…he opened not his mouth” (53:6,7)

What does The Passover have to do with our celebration of Christmas?The Passover teaches us to Behold the Lamb of God.- We behold Jesus through incarnational activity. (v. 21-25) “You shall observe this rite for you and for your sons forever.”- We behold Jesus through expectant adoration. (v. 26-27) “And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.”

- The Call (1,2), “Out of my depths I cried to you…” (1,2)- The Crisis (3-4), “…If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, who should stand? But with you there is forgiveness…” (3,4)- The Comfort (5-7), “…I wait for the Lord…and in His word I hope…O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love…” (5,7)

The Cost of Following Jesus is Great, the Reward for Following Jesus is Greater- Would you rather be loved by the world or belong to Jesus? (v. 18-20)- Would you rather be accepted by the world or known by God? (v. 21-25)- Would you rather have an extra hour in the world or an eternity with Jesus? (v. 15:26-16:4)

How does abiding in Christ reshape our relationships?- The Command to Love reshapes how we relate to one another. vs 12-13 "love one another as I have loved you"- The Call to Friendship reshapes how we relate to Christ. vs 14-15 "but I have called you friends"- The Choice of Grace reshapes how we relate to the world. vs 16-17 "You did not choose me, but I chose you"

How do I know if I am spiritually alive?- Spiritual life is only found in Jesus – “apart from me you can do nothing”- Spiritual life is only possible through abiding – “abide in me”- Spiritual life is only seen through bearing God-glorifying fruit – “by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit”

What difference does the Holy Spirit make to your life? His Encouraging Presence (14:17,26; others), “He will come, that is, the Spirit of Truth, who the world cannot receive because it cannot behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” (17)- His Indwelling Presence (7,18,21,23)- His Illuminating Power (26)His Extraordinary Gifts (27-31), “…my peace I give to you…” (27) - Peace (27)- Joy (28)- Faith (29)

New Life is just the beginning:- New Life in Christ produces Love toward God and Love toward Others. vs. 1-3- New Life in Christ leads to Obedience to God. Vs. 2-3- New Life in Christ results in Victory over the World. Vs. 4-5Response:- Celebrate the new life we have and lean into this process of Growth and Obedience.- Help each other along this journey of growth.

“What Does it Look Like to Love Jesus?”- The Experience of Trinitarian Love (15-23), “If you love me you will keep my commandments…I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever…” (15,16)- The Evidence of Trinitarian Love (18-24), “I will not leave you as orphans…if anyone loves me, he will keep my word…” (18,23)

What Should We Do When Plans Change?- We Can Worship God (1-4), ‘…It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die…So Jacob took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to God…”- We Can Follow God (4b-7), “…Do not be afraid… I myself will go with you to Egypt…then Jacob set out from Beersheba…” (3,4,5)

Turn to Jesus and the assurance only he can provide. - Assurance for the Confused (v. 1-7) - We know the end of the story, and it is with Jesus.- Assurance for the Doubting (v. 8-11) - Jesus is God, and the evidence is certain.- Assurance for the Weary (v. 12-14) - Jesus is working, and we will see his power.

How will “they” know we are Christians? They will see…A New Renown (31-33), “…now is the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him…” (31) - They should see “trust” in suffering…A New Resolve (34-35), “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples…” (34,35) - They should see ‘’love” in conflict…A New Reality (36-38), “…Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (36) - They should see “dependence” in pressure…

How do we respond when we encounter Jesus?- The Blessing of Following a Servant Hearted Master (v. 16-17)- The Trust Gained from Following a Sovereign Lord (v. 18-19)- The Unity Formed from Receiving Christ (v. 20)Main Point: Encountering the Great I Am causes us to live like Jesus lived. 

In the “Upper Room”, we see:- Social Posturing (13:1-5), “…Jesus knew that His hour had come…having loved His own…” (1)- Sinful Ego (13:6-11), “Lord, do you wash my feet?” (6)- Servant Leadership (13:12-17), “Do you understand what I have done for you?...you also ought to wash one another’s feet…” (12,14)

What does it mean to be a “new creation”?- The Basis of the New Creation, “…For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation…” (15)- The Behavior of the New Creation (14,15), “…As for all who walk by this rule…peace and mercy be upon them…” (16)- The Breadth of the New Creation (16), “…and upon the Israel of God…” (16)

How do we keep the Cross of Jesus central in all Christian living?- A Cross-Centered Life is Pliable (12-14a), “…far be it from me to boast except in the cross…” (14a)- A Cross-Centered Life is Progressive (14b-15), “…for neither circumcision counts for anything…but a new creation…” (15)- A Cross-Centered Life is Principled (16-18), “…and as for all who walk by this rule…I bear in my body the marks of Jesus…” (16,17)

How do we navigate through the Valley (in Freedom, by the Spirit) as God’s People?- Encourage Generously - Vs. 6 Paul encourages us to demonstrate gratitude toward those who have opened the Word and spiritually invested in our growth.- Cultivate Spiritual Fruit – Vs. 7-8 Paul encourages us to tend the Garden of our hearts and relationships, pulling the weeds of the flesh, and allowing God to produce the fruit of the Spirit in us.- Persevere in Doing Good – Vs. 9-10 Paul encourages us to not give up, but to persevere in doing good to others.Big Idea: Persevere in doing good to one another, by the Spirit, because it will bear the fruit of life.

What kind of ministry does God call us to?-A ministry that breaks free from sin (v. 6)-A ministry that restores human dignity (v. 7)-A ministry that requires self-sacrifice (v. 9-10)The Promise: You will know that God is with you. 

What are the practices of a Gospel-Shaped Community?Action # 1: Restore Gently (1), “…Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (1)Action # 2: Carry Burdens (2-5), “…Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ…” (2)

How do we preserve our Gospel Freedom?- Recognize the Battle Within (vv. 16–18). “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit… these are opposed to each other” (17)- Reject the Works of the Flesh (vv. 19–21) “the works of the flesh are evident…those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (19, 21)- Reflect the Character of Christ (vv. 22–24) “…those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (24)- Remain in Step with the Spirit (vv. 25–26) “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (25)

How Do We Steward Our Gospel Freedom?- Distinguishing Truth from Error (6-12), “…a little leaven leavens the whole lump…” (9).- Demonstrating Obedience with Love (6, 13-15), “…but only faith working through love…love your neighbor…” (6,14).

How Do We Steward Our Gospel Freedom?- Standing Free (1), “…For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery…” (1)- Embracing Truth (2-4), “…for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love…” (4)- Pursuing Hope (5), “…await…the righteousness for which we hope” (5)

The Story: Abraham and Hagar have a child together in an effort to receive the promises of God. Their efforts fail.The Meaning: We are either slaves of human effort or sons of divine promise. The Significance: Jesus is the only one who can take a slave and make him/her free.Our Response: Live as a son, not a slave.

What mindset is necessary for intentional disciple-making?- Making Disciples Is a Pilgrimage (8-11), “…but now that you have come to know God…” (9)- Making Disciples Isn’t Painless (12-16), “…you know it was because of the bodily ailment that I preached the Gospel to you at first…” (13)- Making Disciples Isn’t Popular (17-20), “I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you..." (19)

Why was it necessary for God to save us from our “good works” as well as our sin?- God Sent His Son to Redeem Us (1-5), “God sent forth his Son…to redeem those who were under the law…” (4)- God Sent His Spirit to Adopt Us (6,7), “God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba Father!” (6)

We’ll consider….- The Gravity of Prayer: To Commune with the Living God (14-16), “I bow my knee before the Father…according to the riches of his glory…” (14,16)- The Goal of Prayer: To be Conformed to Christ (16,17), “…he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts…” (16,17)

Faith alone in Christ alone unites the people of God to receive the promises of God.- An Unconditional Promise- (With) an Unwavering Protection- (Leads to) a Unified People of God

Why did God give the Law?- To Manifest Sin (10,11), “…For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse…" (15)- To Magnify Jesus (12-14a), “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” (13)- To Motivate Obedience (14), “the blessing of Abraham might come…so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith” (14)

When are we most vulnerable to falling away?= When we minimize the cross (v. 1)- When we mask the gospel (v. 2-4)- When we misplace our identity (v. 5-9)

Section 1: The Gospel is Real (Gal. 1:1-2:21)Section 2: The Gospel is Superior (Gal. 3:1-4:31)Section 3: The Gospel is Liberating (Gal.5:1-6:18)What doesn’t save you?- You Weren’t Saved by Advantage (15,16), “…we ourselves are Jews by birth ad not Gentile sinners…" (15)- You Weren’t Saved by Rights (17-19), “…For through the law, I died to the law so that I might live to God…” (19)- You Weren’t Saved by Works (20,21), “I am crucified with Christ…” (20)