Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

We’ve heard this story so many times that it doesn’t surprise us like it ought to. And what boy hasn’t dressed like a shepherd for a Christmas play? But what was an ordinary workplace for these blue-collar sheep farmers became holy ground on this particular night. They were in for five surprises that would stay with them forever. Let’s try to put ourselves in their sandals.I. The Audience (v. 8)II. The Angels (v. 9)III. The Announcement (vv. 10-12)IV. The Anthem (vv. 13-14)V. The Accuracy (vv. 15-20)Talk with God: Ask the Lord for opportunities to turn your workplace into holy ground this week.Talk with others: Invite a friend or family member to join you for a Christmas Eve service.Talk with kids: What does it mean to worship Jesus as King?

In this second message of our Holy Ground series, we come to an unnamed city in the hill country of Judah, where Mary’s cousin lived. But I hope you realize that the real emphasis shouldn’t be on holy places where God once moved, but holy people in whom God now dwells. Mary was one of them. She is our sister in Christ and a great example to us. Let’s notice five attributes.I. She Was Hopeful (vv. 39-45)II. She Was Worshipful (vv. 46-55)III. She Was Scriptural (vv. 46-49)IV. She Was Needful (v. 47)V. She Was Helpful (v. 56)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this Christmas and throughout the coming year.Talk with others: Encourage your friends or Connect Group to stay grounded in the Word through the holiday season.Talk with kids: Why is it important to understand that Jesus is not just a baby born two thousand years ago?

During this Advent season, we want to look at the familiar Christmas story through a different lens: the actual places these events happened. They were common—even unremarkable—places. Yet, because of what happened there, they became Holy Ground. Through our short journey together, perhaps we’ll become more appreciative of the places and circumstances God has placed us in.I. An Ordinary Place (v. 26)II. An Unordinary Person (vv. 26-29)III. An Extraordinary Prediction (vv. 30-34)Talk with God: Reflect on your walk with the Lord over the past year and thank Him for the mundane places in your life that He chose to make holy ground.Talk with others: Reach out to friends or family who may be struggling with loss or grief this holiday season and pray with them.Talk with kids: Why do you think God chose ordinary people to be Jesus’ parents?

The last two years have seen a massive chasm in every country of the world over the Israel/Palestine issue. Since October 7, 2023 and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel, people are divided. But this is not a recent debate. Anyone who knows the history of the region understands this dispute is ancient. But today I want to go back “behind the curtain” to get the real story.I. The Incessant Competition (Philistine History)II. The Invisible Conflict (Spiritual Hostility)III. The Irrevocable Covenant (Divine Treaty)Talk with God: Pray for the people of Israel and Palestine as they continue to deal with the conflict in their everyday lives.Talk with others: Share what you’re thankful for this season with your Connect Group.Talk with kids: Why is it important that these prophecies came true?

Some people insist that in our post-modern (or even meta-modern) age, we only believe in science, not metaphysics. That’s not quite true. At the heart of the transgender movement, people believe they are what they claim to be regardless of biological evidence. None of this is new. Something similar happened in the ancient worship of Asherah. Let’s examine it more carefully.I. The Practice of Debased Idolatry (Jeremiah 7)(Three Notable Characteristics)II. The Proclamation of Divine Wrath (Romans 1)(Three Notable Reasons)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for the lost, confused, and hurting people in your family, community, and city.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing family and friends how you can support them in boldly and lovingly sharing the hope of Jesus with someone this week.Talk with kids: Pick up some poster board from Calvary Kids and create a banner to share what you’re thankful for as a family at our Thanksgiving Banner Service this Wednesday.

If you think the Sexual Revolution began in 1960s America, think again. It’s been going on since ancient times. Today we look at three texts which outline God’s standard for human sexuality and how a competing system, the worship of Asherah, blurred the lines of gender and sex. The worship of this ancient demon tampered with three distinct areas.I. Identity (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25)II. Clarity (Deuteronomy 22:5)III. Intimacy (Leviticus 18:19-23)Talk with God: Ask the Lord for clarity as you root your identity in Him and walk in the path He’s prepared for you (see Ephesians 2:10).Talk with others: Talk about what it looks like to honor your God-given sex in today’s world with your Connect Group or believing friends.Talk with kids: How does God see people differently than we see them?

In the final section of Colossians, Paul outlined a pattern for Christian living which transcends social and cultural trends and speaks to the heart of human behavior. As believers, we're called to do all things—including the way we conduct our daily lives—"as to the Lord and not to men" (3:23). In this teaching, Skip Heitzig concludes this series in Colossians with guidance for our spiritual posture and Paul's grace-filled encouragement to press on in prayer, thanksgiving, and wisdom so we might reach a lost world. 

We did it! Together, we raised more than $215,000 to show the love of Jesus to our city: providing 10,000 meals, free haircuts, dental and medical services, family portraits, and shoes for kids. That’s what it means to look like Jesus, to see needs around us and meet them with love. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Pickup Party this weekend, we’re preparing our hearts as we turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to learn how to do the things Jesus would do and act the way Jesus would act. Because in order to look like Jesus, we have to love like Jesus—with patience, kindness, and compassion for a world that desperately needs Him.I. Do the Things Jesus Would Do  A. Be Patient in Gratitude for His Patience with You  B. Be Kind, Remembering His Kindness Toward YouII. Act the Way Jesus Would Act  A. Don’t Be Rude: Treat People the Way Jesus Treats You  B. Don’t Be a Cynic: See People How Jesus Sees Them (Sheep Without a Shepherd)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this week.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or a believing friend if they’ve noticed an area of your life where you aren’t reflecting Jesus.Talk with kids: What was Saul’s excuse for disobeying the Lord?

When God calls His people to repent, He isn't looking for mere outward expressions of sorrow, He desires hearts truly broken over sin. Like a parent calling a wandering child home, God invites us to return to the safety of His mercy. In this message from Joel, Brian Nixon underscores the repentance which results in revival and the grace of God which is always greater than His people’s failure.

Without a doubt, the biggest threat to ancient Israel’s worship of Yahweh was the rival demon-god Baal, regarded as the chief of all Canaanite deities. The allure of Baal worship was the promise of profit and prosperity. I’ve chosen four words that tell the story of the showdown between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and frame our role in modern culture.I. Courage (vv. 16-17)II. Contest (vv. 20-40)III. Confrontation (v. 21)IV. Cause (v. 36)Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 6:24 and ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life in which you’re trying to “serve two masters.”Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to keep their eyes on Jesus, no matter what they’re walking through this week.Talk with kids: Why was it wrong for Saul to make the burnt offering?

D.L. Moody once said, “Every Bible should be bound in shoe leather,” reminding us that faith is meant to be lived out daily. In Colossians 3:1-19, Paul encouraged the Colossian church to set their hearts on things above, not on earthly distractions. In this message, Skip Heitzig shares why letting God’s Word dwell richly in us will transform our thoughts and actions and encourages us to reflect Christ’s love and peace in everyday life.

Today we celebrate how God has used our generosity to take back what the Enemy has stolen. Broken lives that were once shattered have been restored. Hope reigns where despair once did. The generous gifts of your time, treasure, and talent have made the difference. Let’s learn a few key lessons from how Joshua celebrated the ground taken in crossing the Jordan River.I. God’s Commands Aren’t Always Practical (vv. 1-3)II. Our Obedience Is Always Vital (vv. 4-5, 8)III. Remembering the Past Is Inspirational (vv. 6-7)IV. God’s Power Is Irresistible (v. 24)Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 and thank the Lord for His faithfulness to “multiply the seed” of your obedience and generosity (v. 10).Talk with others: Ask a friend how you can pray for them this week and encourage them to look back at a time when God’s hand in their life was evident.Talk with kids: Why did the Israelites want a king?

Jesus canceled our debt at the cross and freed us from rule-keeping and spiritual add-ons. We've been handed a bill stamped "Paid in Full"—we don't have to work for our salvation. We simply need to accept the receipt and live in the true freedom only Jesus provides. In this message from Colossians 2, we'll learn from the apostle how to anchor ourselves in Christ.

One of the most emotional debates raging in our day centers on the subject of abortion. Some see it as simply the choice of a woman over what happens to her body; some see it as far more sinister. Today, we look at the ancient practice of child sacrifice to see if there is any parallel to the modern practice. This conversation is vital because it involves the doctrines of both God and man.I. The Ancient Practice (Leviticus 20:1-5)II. The Modern Parallel (Psalm 106)III. The Divine Prescription (John 3:16; Romans 12:1-2)Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-24, thanking the Lord that His mercies “are new every morning,” and ask Him to renew your hope in Him this week.Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group in refusing to conform to the world and focus on “being transformed” through the Word.Talk with kids: What does it mean to repent?

Paul showed Jesus as the Maker and Maintainer of all things, the Head of the church who reconciles us by His cross and continues His work in us until completion. Like a building, your life needs both a cornerstone and a blueprint—Christ is both. He will align every room of your life to His design. This teaching from Colossians 1 will help you build on what lasts. 

John Calvin noted, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” Idolatry was a constant issue in the Old Testament, and Paul saw that Athens was filled with idols. But have you ever considered how false worship systems of the past have made their way into the present, but under other names? Today we’ll see how, over time, societies move away from God, His authority, and His truth.I. Corruption in the Nation (vv. 1-6)II. Confusion in the Home (vv. 2-5)III. Chaos in the Heart (v. 6)Talk with God: Take time to prayerfully assess your priorities this week and ask the Lord to reveal anything—or anyone—that’s pulling your focus away from Him.Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group or believing friends and family members to keep Jesus at the center of their lives.Talk with kids: Why is it right and good for God to punish sin?

In Colossians 1, Paul reminded the church that Jesus holds all things together—He’s the center of creation and the anchor of our faith. When Christ is at the center, everything else in life will fall into place. As believers, we find true direction only when our focus is on Christ, who reconciles us to God and gives purpose to all we do.

Jesus turned the world’s idea of blessing upside down when He shared the Beatitudes. When life feels like it’s spiraling—when we’re poor in spirit, grieving, or desperate for righteousness—He reminds us that we're positioned closest to God’s grace in these very moments. True blessing isn’t found in comfort or control but in surrender, dependence, and the promise that God will meet us at our lowest.I. Stick to the PlanII. Peel Away the ExtraIII. Interpret Your Struggle AccuratelyIV. Retool for the Current/Coming SeasonV. Attack the Problem from All AnglesVI. Look for Beauty