This is Us: Who are We? Ephesians 1:15-23 | Pastor Jason Roton | 1.19.2020 by Calvary Church

Who are you? What do you do? What are you living your life for? The Apostle Paul set out to write a letter to a church in a place called Ephesus. Even though it was almost 2000 years ago, they struggled with the same things that we do today. They faced temptations, doubts, and questions. In the first three chapters of the letter Paul reminds them again and again about who they really are in Christ. Paul's message is still relevant for us today: Don't forget your true identity! (Ephesians 1:1-14)

Baptism | Pastor Zach Thompson | 1.5.20 by Calvary Church

As we walk into 2020, we will undoubtedly set goals and make plans for the year ahead. And, for a few weeks we might even manage to pull off some of those plans and resolutions by shear determination! We want 2020 to be better than 2019. What to do when things don’t go as we have planned and what do we do when God changes our plans? God's Divine direction can make our lives everything we've ever wanted them to be. By leaning into God's Divine direction for our lives, He can lead us each to a life we've only imagined and dreamed of. He will take us to wonderful and unexpected places that only God himself could have planned for each one of us.

Choosing Obedience | Katelyn Mapes | 12.29.19 by Calvary Church

What Is Christmas All About?

There are certain things we believe are essential at Christmastime.

Cookies. Movies. Music. Decorations. Traditions. But what is Christmas really all about? When the angels appear to the shepherds on Christmas night, they share three important truths about Christmas that can change your life forever!

Waiting can be difficult. Simeon had waited for decades for God to fulfill a promise to him, that he would see and meet the Messiah. Then one day Mary and Joseph, along with their newborn baby, walked into the temple. And Simeon praised God for his faithfulness. Come learn some important lessons from Simeon. (Luke 2:28-35)

There are many reasons why we might be afraid. Fear is a common emotion in our world. In the Christmas story, there are many who are afraid. So, it is comforting that the angels' first words to the shepherds are "Be not afraid..." Then, they sing a beautiful chorus, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace..." Our world needs peace. We need peace. Jesus came to bring us peace with God and to overcome our fears. (Luke 2:8-14)

An angel shows up and tells a teenaged Mary that she is going to have a divinely conceived baby, who will save the world? What would you do? What would you say? Mary chooses to praise the Lord and to trust His plan. Mary's song begins with the powerful words "My soul magnifies the Lord..." No matter what you are facing in your life, because of who God is, you too can trust He is working for good. (Luke 1:46-55)

In the Christmas there are four songs that are sung. Each of them has profound meaning for us still today. We are introduced to Zechariah at the beginning of Luke 1. He is a priest in the temple, a very important man. He is married to Elizabeth, and they are not able to have a child. When they miraculously have a son, Zechariah breaks out into a song reminding us of the promises and plans of God. Even when God is silent, He is still working! (Luke 1:68-79)