Calvary Temple

Guest teacher Joe D'Anna shares an inspired word focusing on Ephesians 1:3. That God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing - in Christ. Nothing that is God's is held back from us as joint heirs with Christ.

2 Samuel chapter 5 details the beginning of King David's reign over Israel. Right away the Philistines came up against the City of David and David inquired of the Lord about going to war with them. The Lord assured victory and so David and his men marched out and easily dispatched the Philistines. But the Philistines came yet again against the City of David, and David again inquired of the Lord. This time the Lord offered a new strategy - “go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. when you hear a sound in the trees, then rouse yourself, for the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” Consider: the strategies of yesterday may not be God's strategy for today. Inquire of the Lord for yourself; seek Him in prayer, fasting and reading of the Word! Lord, what is your strategy against the enemy today?

All throughout scripture we can see the strong arm of the Lord moving.  We see it in Exodus as Moses, assisted by Aaron and his sons keeping Moses’ arms raised in prayer, leading the Children of Israel successfully through battle.  We see it in the prophets, as Jesus Christ was prophesied as the coming Messiah.Then we see the arm of the Lord extended in love to a lost world through his Son, Jesus as he was raised on a cross.  But, we see two arms, one of love and salvation, and the other of judgment of all those who hate His laws.   Psalm 119:126-128:   It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law. But I love your commandments above gold; yes, above fine gold. Therefore, I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. The Lord’s arms are full of salvation and righteous judgment. 

The enemy rages around us, sneering at the people of God through corrupted politicians and businesses, “health” mandates, and the implementation of perversions of every sort into our culture. It is natural to wonder - “what can I do? I am not a politician, not a doctor, not a ‘culture warrior’ - what would the Lord have me do?” In this Sunday’s service we consider Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, outnumbered and surrounded by their enemy. We read that in these dire circumstances, they all fell down and worshiped God. They couldn’t outfight, outwit, or even escape their enemy, so they bowed down and honored God, and God defeated the enemy. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7.

Pastor Debbie Haynes discusses the many battles that Israel fought with the idol worshiping Midianites, who caused the Israelites to sin greatly. JudGes 6 tells us that Israel was enslaved and plundered by the Midianites. However, God made a way for them to not only triumph over their enemy, but to take back what was stolen from them. He can do the same for you!

In Matthew 15:21-28 we read about a brave Greek woman who faced social barriers, including racial discrimination and disdain by Jesus' own disciples in order to get to Jesus and ask for deliverance for her demon-controlled daughter. Jesus tested her faith by telling her that she can't take the Children's Bread, which was meant for the Jews first. But, she persisted in demonstrating great faith in Jesus. She told Him that 'even the dogs are allowed the bread crumbs that fall from the table', and her faith so moved the heart of Jesus that He immediately delivered her daughter.

Today’s message has a very close parallel with the state of our nation today. Peter and John performed a miracle, teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, but the government was very angry and tried to shut them down and stop them from using the name of Jesus. But God intervened and literally shook that place by the power of the Holy Ghost, and gave a great outpouring of boldness for them to speak in his name and many were saved. We are praying for the same outpouring in the Bay Area, and beyond!

In today’s message, taken from I Chronicles 21, we read about King David’s selfish and prideful desire to number Israel and Judah - such that it became a grievous sin against God.  Because of his actions, God was angry with David and it ultimately cost many thousands of lives.  But in his broken repentance, David taught us that a meaningful offering to the Lord must cost us something.

In Ezekiel 9 God gave Ezekiel a vision about sin and debauchery in the land. This sin even reached into the house of God, the church. And so His glory departed and He brought judgment instead, starting first in His own house, the church.  But thank God for the ‘man in linen’, with the inkhorn on his belt. signifying the righteousness of Christ, He marked those who had sighed and cried over the abominations. These were the true remnant of the church, to be spared from destruction.  Do you cry and sigh over sin and debauchery, especially in the house of God?

In our July 11th service, the Lord moved mightily – calling us to step a little further in, even where we are unsure, and from there He will direct us. Just a little further in, and He would meet us there. This surprise message from the Lord tied perfectly into Pastor Debbie’s prepared sermon concerning entering into the secret place of prayer – beyond the distractions of the world and the eyes and ears of man – and into communion with God. Matthew 6:5-8