Calvary Church

It is amazing how often in life we come to points where we are faced with our own mistakes and we have the chance to admit that we are wrong and turn from what we are doing or be defensive, double down and dig in. In this message, we look at a tragic character from the Bible who after a great start in life ends up at a critical moment when everything rides on admitting that he’s wrong. Sadly, he stands as a stark warning of what not to do.

Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 7, 2026

In examining the life of Jotham, King of Judah, we have the opportunity to look at what makes a person steadfast. Jotham is revered as a leader because instead of focusing internally, bowing to what people want or how people will perceive his decisions, he keeps his focus on God. May this be a lesson to all of us to turn from the temptations of pride and people pleasing and keep our eyes on the Lord.

Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 31, 2026

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

In this message, we’ll explore Anna, a prophet and a widow who had a special connection to baby Jesus. As we learn more about her life, we have the opportunity to examine our own stories and decide whether we will look at them through the lens of the world, or through the lens of Scripture. An encouraging word for each of us on what is also Mother’s Day.

Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Luke 2:36-38

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 10, 2026

As we conclude our look at the Risen Christ, we’ll examine the ways in which God provides for us. As we see Jesus provide for the disciples in John 21, we’ll find that He cares in the same way about our needs and provides abundantly for them.

Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson

Passage: John 21:1-14

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 3, 2026

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