Pursuing Life

Calvary Elder, Freeman Chakara, was born in Zimbabwe and all but orphaned as a young boy. After committing his life to Christ as an early teen, he faced quite a bit of persecution from his extended family. But the one thing that has been true throughout Freeman’s life is that God is faithful to provide. Today he is sharing the story of how God brought him from a small village in Africa to where he is today—a Doctor of Psychology with his own local practice, where he lives out the Great Commission by caring for people’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Today we have the privilege of hearing from Steve Iseman, who has served on the Elder Board for about 5 ½ years. You may have heard a bit about Steve on Episode 20, when we heard from his wife, Meg, who oversees our ministry to 5th & 6th graders here at Calvary. Like Meg, Steve is also a former teacher, and he loves being able to serve alongside her in C56, because he believes it’s such a formative age where there is so much opportunity for spiritual growth. Today, Steve is sharing about his own faith journey and reflecting on his time as an Elder as his term draws to a close at the end of 2025.

Grif Jack recently rejoined the Elder Board, taking the place of another Elder whose vocation moved him out of the area. While Grif previously served as an Elder, he’s excited about the ways God will use his unique giftings to contribute to the overall leadership of Calvary Church at this specific point in time. If you’re a regular listener of Pursuing Life, you may remember hearing from Grif’s other half, Kim (Calvary’s Librarian), in episode 96. Grif has served in a variety of capacities over the years, but his heart for relationships is the driving force behind his investment both at church and in the workplace.

Our series may be ending, but for us, the resurrection is just the beginning. Today we reflect back on what we've learned and what it looks like to not only behold the King, but to follow Him.

Follow along by reading John 21, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

We've reached the culmination of our series. Jesus is crucified as a sacrifice for the sins of all, and just when it seems like the battle has been lost, He victoriously conquers death by rising from the dead.

Follow along by reading Matthew 27:27-28:10, Mark 15:16-16:8, Luke 23:26-24:43, and John 19:18-20:23, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available here.

This week we unpack the trials of Jesus that ultimately lead to His condemnation and death. In the face of injustice, we see Jesus boldly declaring His identity and inviting us to believe that He is who He says He is.

Follow along by reading Matthew 26:57–27:26, Mark 14:53–15:15, Luke 22:54–23:25, and John 18:12–19:15, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit ⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠.

A video edition of this podcast is available here.

This week we see Jesus pray in deep sorry and unwavering submission as He prepares for His coming arrest. Through it all, He remains in complete control, resolute in His mission to drink the cup of suffering for our sake. Follow along by reading Mark 14:32-50; Matthew 26:36-56; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-11, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit ⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠here⁠.

Join us as we discuss what happens as Jesus eats His final meal with His disciples and gives them an example to follow to continuing building His Kingdom. Follow along by reading Matthew 26:17-25, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:14-38, John 13-17, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit ⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Join us as we discuss what happens during Tuesday of Holy Week. Follow along by reading Mark 11:27-12:44, Matthew 21:23-25:45, and Luke 20-21, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit ⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠here⁠.

Join us as we discuss what happens the day after Jesus' triumphal entry as He enters the temple and displays His authority. Follow along by reading Matthew 21:12-27 and Mark 11:20-12:44, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.