Messages at CalvaryOKC

2024-10-06 SUN PM

Feeling the presence of God is a profound experience that brings us together in worship and community. As we gather, we are reminded of the importance of our roles in building and sustaining the church. God has given us the responsibility to be co-laborers with Him, to tend to His creation, and to build His church. This partnership with God requires us to invest our time, resources, and hearts into His kingdom. We are called to make sacrifices, just as David did when he sought to build a temple for God, even though he was not the one to see it completed. His investment laid the foundation for Solomon's temple, teaching us that our sacrifices today can yield extraordinary results for future generations.
The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly ointment illustrates the depth of gratitude and love that should drive our giving. Her act of worship was not about the value of the ointment but about the value of what Jesus had done for her. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to give for the kingdom of God. Our sacrifices, whether financial, time, or effort, are not just about the immediate results but about investing in something greater than ourselves.
As we look to the future, we are reminded of the need for a new building to accommodate our growing congregation. This requires extraordinary sacrifice from each of us. We are called to fast, pray, and give generously, trusting that God will honor our sacrifices and provide for our needs. Just as Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel brought about a miraculous response from God, our sacrifices can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
In the coming weeks, let us seek God's guidance on how we can contribute to the future of our church. Let us be willing to give more than we have before, knowing that God will do more than we can imagine. Our sacrifices are not just about what we give up but about what we gain in return—an opportunity to be part of God's work and to see His kingdom grow.

2024-10-02 WED PM

2024-09-29 SUN PM

2024-09-29 SUN AM

2024-09-25 WED PM

2024-09-22 SUN AM

What does it mean to praise the Lord?

2024-09-15 SUN PM

### Summary
Today, we delved into Isaiah 61, focusing on the transformative power of God's anointing. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us to bring good news to the meek, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives. This message is not just about physical ailments but addresses the deep spiritual and emotional wounds we carry. If you feel bound by past mistakes, failures, or the weight of sin, today is your day of jubilee. Your past does not define you; God's anointing is here to break the yoke of fear and replace it with a garment of praise.
We explored the importance of relationships and the necessity of valuing others. None of us can make it alone; we need each other to succeed. This extends to our relationship with God, where humility and openness are crucial. Fear of rejection often hinders us from receiving what God has for us. We must overcome this fear by trusting in God's unconditional love and extending that same love and trust to others.
The sermon also touched on the impact of parental acceptance and the need for positive affirmation. Fathers, in particular, were encouraged to express unconditional love and appreciation to their children, breaking the cycle of performance-based acceptance. This principle extends to our relationship with God, who loves us unconditionally, not based on our performance but on who we are.
We were reminded that Jesus' love and mercy are unconditional. Even in His moment of greatest rejection on the cross, He extended forgiveness. This is the model we are to follow—loving and forgiving unconditionally, even when it hurts. By doing so, we allow God to destroy our fears and insecurities, making us vessels of His glory.
Finally, we were encouraged to exchange our ashes for beauty, our mourning for the oil of joy, and our spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. This transformation allows us to become trees of righteousness, glorifying God through our restored lives. Today is the day to let go of fear, embrace God's love, and step into the fullness of what He has for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. **God's Anointing Breaks the Yoke of Fear**: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us to heal our deepest wounds and set us free from the bondage of fear and past mistakes. Today is a day of jubilee, where our past is erased, and we are given a fresh start. Embrace this freedom and let go of the chains that have held you back. [02:05]
2. **The Importance of Valuing Others**: We cannot make it alone; we need each other to succeed. This principle extends to our relationship with God, where humility and openness are crucial. By valuing and trusting others, we open ourselves to receive the blessings and support that God has placed in our lives. [07:54]
3. **Unconditional Love and Acceptance**: God's love for us is unconditional, not based on our performance but on who we are. Fathers are encouraged to express unconditional love and appreciation to their children, breaking the cycle of performance-based acceptance. This principle extends to our relationship with God, who loves us unconditionally. [11:00]
4. **Overcoming Fear of Rejection**: Fear of rejection often hinders us from receiving what God has for us. We must overcome this fear by trusting in God's unconditional love and extending that same love and trust to others. By doing so, we allow God to destroy our fears and insecurities, making us vessels of His glory. [16:02]
5. **Transformation Through Praise**: We are encouraged to exchange our ashes for beauty, our mourning for the oil of joy, and our spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. This transformation allows us to become trees of righteousness, glorifying God through our restored lives. Today is the day to let go of fear, embrace God's love, and step into the fullness of what He has for us. [38:32]