Pastor Nate Holdridge examines Matthew 4:1-11 and Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Pastor Nate reveals how Jesus' forty-day testing reversed Israel's forty-year failure, demonstrating what kind of King he would be—one who lives by God's Word, trusts the Father's care, and maintains exclusive loyalty rather than taking shortcuts to glory. Through careful exposition of each temptation, Pastor Nate shows how Jesus fulfilled Israel's story as our representative, teaches us how to endure temptation through Scripture, and models the servant-King leadership that defines his entire ministry. The message offers practical guidance for pursuing satisfaction God's way, developing trust-based relationships with God through remembrance and worship, and rejecting idolatrous crowns to receive the imperishable crown from God. Pastor Nate concludes with a clear gospel invitation, calling listeners to trust in the Upside Down King who conquered sin, Satan, and death through his perfect obedience and sacrificial love.

In this sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the profound significance of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? Pastor Nate reveals how Christ's baptism was an act of complete identification with humanity—a deliberate choice to participate fully in our story so we could participate in his. Through the Trinitarian authentication at the Jordan River, we discover three transformative realities: we participate in Jesus' life (the "in Christ" union that brings redemption, new creation, and freedom), we participate in the Spirit's anointing (what Pastor Nate calls "dove power"—gentle yet authoritative strength), and we participate in the Father's delight (the eternal love spoken over the Son now extended to us through adoption). This message challenges believers to embrace their identity as beloved children who represent Christ with both truth and tenderness, understanding that salvation is far more than forgiveness—it is union with the Triune God. Part of the series "The Promised King and His Good Kingdom."

In this week's teaching from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the dramatic arrival of John the Baptist in Matthew 3. While John's message to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" can sound harsh, this sermon uncovers the profound and surprising joy found in preparing our lives for King Jesus. Pastor Nate explains how John's call leads us into the liberating joy of true repentance, the refreshing joy of authenticity before God, and the deep joy of expiation—the complete cleansing from sin that only Jesus can provide. This is a foundational teaching on what it means to clear the way for the King to work in our lives.

In this week's teaching from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines Matthew 2:13-23, a passage filled with divine guidance, dangerous threats, and deep sorrow. Follow the young Messiah's family as they flee to Egypt, witness the fulfillment of prophecy in the midst of Herod's horrific cruelty, and discover the significance of their return to the obscure town of Nazareth. This sermon illustrates how Jesus is our true exodus from sin, our real return from spiritual exile, and the ultimate embodiment of a humble, servant King.

The arrival of a mysterious star and a group of foreign travelers in Jerusalem was more than a celestial event; it was a cosmic confrontation that forced a response. In this sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the explosive question asked by the Magi—"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?"—and the three starkly different reactions it provoked from a paranoid ruler, an apathetic religious establishment, and a group of pagan seekers. This teaching from Matthew 2 challenges us to see that the birth of Christ is the arrival of the one legitimate King, demanding that every heart decide how they will respond: with worship, resistance, or indifference.

In this sermon on Matthew 1:18-25, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores the most foundational question of the Christian faith: "Who is Jesus?" By examining the angelic announcement to Joseph, we discover that Jesus' identity is threefold: he is fully human, fully God, and the long-awaited Son of David. Pastor Nate explains how this unique identity is the necessary foundation for Jesus' purpose—to be Immanuel, "God with us," and to save His people from their sins. This teaching challenges us to find our ultimate identity not in our performance or affiliations, but in the person and mission of King Jesus.

In this teaching from Matthew 1:1–17, Pastor Nate Holdridge opens the Gospel of Matthew by exploring the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Far from a dry list of names, this passage proclaims the arrival of the Promised King and a new beginning for humanity. Pastor Nate highlights how Matthew intentionally connects Jesus to David and Abraham, includes outsiders and the broken in His lineage, and points to the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Incarnate King. This sermon encourages us to see Jesus as the one who brings mercy, justice, and hope—not only to Israel but to all nations.

Pastor Nate continues his study through the bible in the New Testament of Matthew.

Pastor Nate continues his study through the bible in the New Testament of Matthew.

Pastor Nate continues his study through the bible in the New Testament of Matthew.