Calvary Church

It is natural for us to attempt to change the unpleasant situation in which we find ourselves. In this message, we learn that it is pride when we take these matters into our own hands, rather than relying on God. From Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Jim demonstrates the ways in which patience in such difficult circumstances is better than pride.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 19th, 2025.

It is natural for us to attempt to change the unpleasant situation in which we find ourselves. In this message, we learn that it is pride when we take these matters into our own hands, rather than relying on God. From Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Jim demonstrates the ways in which patience in such difficult circumstances is better than pride.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 19th, 2025.

In life we experience lots of struggles and difficulties. In Ecclesiastes 7: 1-6 Pastor Jim identifies 4 blessings that come through suffering! We are challenged to lean into God amid the struggle reminding us that God ordains our path drawing us closer to him.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 12th, 2025.

Insatiable appetites are desires we turn to for fulfillment instead of seeking satisfaction in God. In Ecclesiastes 6:7-12, Jon identifies four insatiable appetites: words, knowledge, the question of “what’s next?”, and power. We discover that we are powerless to defeat these appetites, but God is able to crush these appetites when we find satisfaction in Him.

Speaker: Director, Young Adults Ministry: Jon Nuenke

Passage: Ecclesiastes 6:7-12

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 5th, 2025.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 29th, 2024.

In this message, we explore the differences between receiving a gift like a book and the gift of Jesus! We find that the gift of Jesus is both costly and supplies all wisdom and knowledge. The lordship of Jesus is not just for one part of our life but grows to have authority over every part of our life.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Colossians 2:6

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 22nd, 2024.

The holiday season can contribute to our relationship with money being characterized by concerns, frustrations, anxieties, and doubts. In Ecclesiastes 5:8-17, Solomon wrestles through the disappointment of how money fails to satisfy. Our difficult emotions surrounding money stem from our love for money. We find that two blessings that God gives are enjoying money, and investing in eternity through giving it to the church and personal opportunities.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:6

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 15th, 2024.

What does it mean to be a serious Christian? To answer this question, we turn to Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. Solomon shares four instructions on how to be a serious Christian. These instructions are to guard your steps, listen to God, watch your mouth, and keep your promises to God. In all this, we are reminded of the importance of having a healthy fear of God.

Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson

Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 8th, 2024.

In this message, we see that the lie of the “Sigma Male” popular in our current culture is that it romanticizes loneliness and replaces our need for genuine companionship with something else. Instead we find that the truth of the Gospel is that we were created for meaningful relationships with God first and then with others. If you are feeling the sting of loneliness, during the holidays or whenever, turn to God first in faith, hope and love, in prayer, in Scripture and in serving and then watch Him provide human companionship to fill out the friendship that He himself offers through Jesus.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 1st, 2024.

In this message, we receive four encouragements to help us to take our focus off of others, so that we don’t end up in either envy-fueled ambition or quitting on life. Instead we learn we are to focus on surrendering to God, trusting that His choices are better than ours. When we do this we can experience the blessings of contentment.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:4-6

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 24th, 2024.