Calvary Monterey Podcast

Title: The Participationist KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: 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."Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: The Joy of Preparing for the KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: 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.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: The King in Humble GlorySpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: 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.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: Responding to the Legitimate KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: 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.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: Strength in the WaitingSpeaker: Kelly BellOverview: Session 3 of our 2025 Women’s Conference on the theme of Psalm 27.

Title: An Earnest and Strong PrayerSpeaker: Kelly BellOverview: Session 2 of our 2025 Women’s Conference on the theme of Psalm 27.

Title: His Presence Brings StrengthSpeaker: Kelly BellOverview: Session 1 of our 2025 Women’s Conference on the theme of Psalm 27.

Title: His Identity and PurposeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: 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.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: The New BeginningSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: 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.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Speaker: Nate HoldridgeText: John 15:1-16:4Overview: In this sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines John 15 to reveal the blueprint for a life of full and lasting joy. Jesus teaches that this joy is not a feeling we chase but the result of cultivating three essential relationships: an upward relationship of abiding in Him, an inward relationship of loving His people, and an outward relationship of resilient witness to the world. This teaching provides a clear and practical diagnostic for our spiritual health, inviting us to find our ultimate satisfaction in our connection to Christ and His body.Link to Discussion Questions

Speaker: Matt KehlerText: Ephesians 3:14-21Overview: This Sunday we have a special message from our Family Pastor Matt Kehler.Link to Discussion Questions

Title: How can we partner with the Holy Spirit?Speaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this message on partnering with the Holy Spirit, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the dramatic transformation of the disciples from fearful, self-focused men to bold witnesses empowered for global mission. We’ll explore how believers today can actively cooperate with the Spirit through earnestly desiring spiritual gifts and being filled with His power. Nate provides a comprehensive survey of biblical spiritual gifts—from teaching and exhortation to healing and prophecy—while maintaining that love must be the controlling principle for all Spirit-led ministry. Our hope is that you will be equipped to test spiritual expressions against biblical criteria while pursuing the desperate need for divine strength to face today's cultural and spiritual strongholds.

Title: Who is the Holy Spirit? | The Person and Power of God's SpiritSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this first message of a three-week series on the Holy Spirit, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the fundamental question "Who is the Holy Spirit?" He addresses three common church errors regarding the Spirit—abuse, rejection, and neglect—while establishing from Scripture that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God and co-equal with the Father and Son. Through biblical evidence, he demonstrates the Spirit's divine attributes and personal nature, challenging believers to relate to him not as an impersonal force but as the divine Person who serves as our Helper, Comforter, and intercessor. The message calls Calvary Monterey to pursue biblical balance while maintaining genuine spiritual hunger for the Spirit's work in their lives and ministry.

Pastor Nate Holdridge concludes our study at our Women’s Gatherings this year in Hebrews chapter 12.

Title: Sing to Him a New SongSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Psalm 33Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches through Psalm 33, an anonymous psalm that calls believers to sing a "new song" to the Lord. The sermon examines three central truths about God from this psalm: His power and goodness revealed through creation and His Word, His sovereign plan that supersedes human counsel, and His worthiness of our trust over earthly securities. Pastor Nate traces how the Book of Psalms progressively moves toward praise, explains the significance of God's steadfast love (chesed) throughout creation, and addresses the modern "false hopes" that compete for our trust. The message concludes with practical application for becoming worshippers who engage both exuberantly and sincerely in their faith.

Title: The Happiest People on EarthSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Psalm 32Overview: In this week’s teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through Psalm 32, painting a vivid picture of the happiest people on earth—those who know their sin, know their Lord, and have experienced the joy of full forgiveness. Through David’s testimony, we see the misery of hidden guilt, the turning point of true repentance, and the beauty of God’s steadfast love that surrounds the forgiven. This message invites us to drop our self-made coverings, run to the Lord as our hiding place, and enter into the freedom, guidance, and joy that only he can give.

Title: A Prayer for the Sad, Stressed, and SlanderedSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Psalm 31Overview: In this weekly sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines Psalm 31, a prayer for the sad, stressed, and slandered. Pastor Nate walks through the psalmist David’s journey from being overwhelmed by physical, emotional, and spiritual pain to finding profound security in God’s character. Discover how convictions about God's steadfast love and protective power can lead to an active, life-altering trust. This teaching offers a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can commit our spirit into God's hands, find our true identity in Him, and be filled with strength and courage.

Speaker: Ted LeavenworthText: John 13Overview: This Sunday we have a special message from guest speaker Ted Leavenworth.

In this episode, we share stories and reflections from our recent missions trip to Thailand. You’ll hear firsthand how God is moving in powerful ways through the local church and ministry partners on the ground. From moments of deep connection to unexpected opportunities to serve, this conversation is a glimpse into what God is doing in Thailand—and how our church has been part of it. Whether you supported this trip through prayer, giving, or are simply curious about missions, we hope you’re encouraged and inspired by these updates.

Title: Joy Comes in the MorningSpeaker: Matt KehlerText: Psalm 30Overview: Continuing our study through the Psalms this Summer, our Family Pastor Matt Kehler teaches on Psalm 30.