Why did Eric write the book "God Joy"? What was it like writing it? Were there any stories that were hard to share? What's the difference between guilt and shame? What's the God Joy holiday? What's a spirit of generosity? 

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Pastors Eric and Matt discuss many topics related to Eric's new book "God Joy". Eric shares what led him to write this book, what it was like writing it, and he talks about certain stories that were difficult to share in the book. Eric and Matt also talk about the difference between guilt and shame, and the relationship between suffering and joy. And we end the podcast with questions sent in from our viewers.

What is it like to prepare an Easter sermon? Is there a preferable technique to baptize someone? What's your family Easter tradition? What's your favorite holidays? Should Christians celebrate the Passover?

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Pastors Eric and Matt discuss how to prepare an Easter sermon that can reach both a wide variety of people on different faith journeys, what's their family Easter traditions, they rank their favorite holiday (Shocker: Eric loves Christmas), and why it's important for Christians to celebrate the Passover. 

Should we tell others what we're fasting from for Lent? What's some best practices for Christians using social media? What is the heart of a city? What does your family do to prepare for Easter Sunday? 

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Pastor Eric and Matt are joined by Pastor Tim Nellis. Pastor Tim shares about his experience recently preaching on Palm Sunday and he shares certain things that the LORD taught him as he studied for his sermon. The team also discusses topics related to Lent, Christians on social media, and how each of the team's families prepare for Easter Sunday. 

What Bible verses did God use to impact the lives of the Calvary missionaries? What does it mean to be sent by God? Is that something only for missionaries or for everyone?

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, we're explore those topics in depth through the Calvary Missionary panel discussion we recently had during a Sunday morning service. Our missionaries will share a little about their individual stories, how God called them to be a missionary, and what it means to be sent by God. 

Why does Calvary care about missions? What's Pastors Eric and Matt's individual heart for missions? Are we still needed as missionaries in today's world? 

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt explore those topics in depth. They explain why Calvary has a heart for mission, how Jesus has used experiences in Eric and Matt's pasts to shape their own hearts for missions, as well as discuss why missionaries are still important in today's world. 

What was it like on Calvary's recent trip to Israel? Is there actually a real benefit to going to Israel? What's been the personal impact of studying through the book of Numbers for our current sermon series?

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt explore those topics in depth. They explain the impact of going to Israel has had on their relationships with Jesus. They also share about what's stuck out to them through studying through the book of Numbers and how we can sometimes attempt to manipulate God through our good deeds.

When people say they "hear" God, what does that mean? What does God's voice sound like? Are people literally hearing voices in their heads?

In this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt explore that topic in depth. They explain the methods of hearing from God through His Word (Scripture), other believers, and in Listening Prayers, as well as discuss the importance of finding time to be quiet, and how your spiritual gifts will impact the way you experience God's communication with you! 

Sometimes, life just isn't fair. Sometimes it's hard to understand what God is doing, and often, it leads to us complaining. Is that alright? How does God view our complaining? How should we?

In today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt dive deeper into last Sunday's topic of Complaining, based on Numbers 10 and 11. They talk about the differences between the way we experience anger and God experiences anger, how to read the Bible when God does things we don't understand, and what justice means on a cosmic, God-level. 

If you'd like to check out the books mentioned in today's episode, you can order them through the Calvary Bookstore, or find them here: 

This Strange and Sacred Scripture - Matthew Schlimm

How (Not) to Read the Bible - Dan Kimball

Welcome to a brand new season of the Calvary Life Podcast! In this week's episode, we're kicking things off by talking about Blessings- why we bless, who we can bless, and how we bless others with God's authority. 

Join as Matt and Eric go into deeper explanations of how we can practically and biblically bless others, and hear the heart behind our new "Bless this Block" initiative. They also take a moment to sing TO each other, and listener, we're sorry. 

If you'd like to listen to past seasons of our show, check us out at calvarylife.org/podcast! 

It's the end of the year, and time for our hosts Eric and Matt to answer your questions! Throughout the season, we've collected listener questions from our email and compiled them into a single episode- some are serious, some are funny, and some are completely made up by Eric and Matt themselves. So enjoy this special holiday treat, and we'll see you again in the new year!