Avizandum with Pastor John Munro

It used to be common for churches to hold annual missions conferences. But this kind of missions focus seems to have decreased. Why is that? And how then should we think about the Great Commission?

Whether we're doing a will or attending a funeral, it can be difficult to face our own mortality. But followers of Jesus shouldn't fear death. Our hope goes beyond death, even though there is much we don't understand.

John and his wife, Gudny, recently celebrated their 20th year at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Join John as he shares thoughts and reflections on this milestone of God's faithfulness

Our Heavenly Father watches over us, cares for us, provides for us, and loves us so much that from time to time He also disciplines us. Have you experienced discipline by God the Father? What has been your response?

Calvary member Stan Rawls endured the unthinkable when his son, Kelly Rawls, was tragically killed in a skydiving accident. Yet the Lord worked through the terrible experience by inspiring Stan to write a book helping parents know how to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their children--the most important conversation they will ever have.

Lies and gossip cause a lot of trouble in relationships, in business, in families, and even in the church. In particular, social media makes it easy to spread rumor and innuendo, but followers of Christ are to be people of truth.

As a pastor, John has received many questions, but the most frequent one deals with eternal security. Is it possible to be truly saved and then lose that salvation? Or another variation: Once I am saved by grace, do I have the freedom to live as I like?

"Dispensationalism” has recently been in the news. It's a theological term describing an approach to Scripture looking at the categories of history in God's revelation, such as before and after the Mosaic Law and the end times. What should we make of topics like this?

We are probably familiar with the idea of Jesus being with us and never forsaking us, rather than the encouraging truth that the Lord goes before us. But as you begin this new year, reflect on and find comfort in this glorious promise!

Most of us are familiar with the nativity story as presented in the Gospel of Luke. But do you ever think of Christmas from the perspective of eternity? Today John reflects on a different passage that deals with mind-blowing miracle of the Word becoming flesh.

In a world where the months seem to fly by, does the message of Christmas ever seem repetitive or humdrum? Join John as he challenges us to reset and approach this Christmas with a fresh sense of wonder and awe.

We may immediately think of financial provisions when we think of leaving a legacy, but there much more to what we leave behind. Join John as he reflects on different and even more powerful legacies.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christian families also enjoy fun traditions like Santa. So how does that work? Join John for a special interview with Sarah French, author of the children's book, "A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick."

Most of us do more talking than listening! But in relationships, it's important than we listen with a desire to understand. Join John as he discusses how this same idea applies in our relationship with God--being still and listening to Him

During October, John struggled with severe nerve pain on the right side of his face. While he has had mild forms of this pain for many years, this recent episode was a powerful reminder of our need to depend totally on the Lord.

It can be easy to define ourselves based on our race or background. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is offered to everyone. How can that be reflected in our worship and relationships? Join John as he reflects on the implications for worship and ministry.

It's fascinating how God selected the piece of real estate for Israel at the very center of the world. For centuries it has been at the heart of human history. So what does the Bible say about this elusive goal of "peace in the Middle East"?

No Christian minimizes the importance of prayer, yet this is an area where most of us struggle. While an incredible privilege, prayer is also a discipline, so listen as John offers insight and shares a simple guide for prayers.

If asked, we would all likely agree that what is important is not our outward appearance but what is in our hearts. However, John was recently surprised by an objection to his wearing a tie to preach! Why are these personal choices important? (And why does he like wearing ties?)

Disagreements are a part of life. But too often in today's climate, we see arguments escalate with no real effort put into resolving the conflict and preserving the relationship. What guidance does the Bible give us on conflict resolution?

One of the dimensions of being made in the image of God is our ability to reason, though sin has impacted our thinking. Still, followers of Christ are called to be transformed and to have the mind of Christ. But often we allow the viewpoints of the world to shape our perspective.

As we mourn the brutal killings of Iryna Zarutska and Charlie Kirk, why is there all this hate? And how are we to respond and function in what seems to be a growing culture of hate?

Much of our Bible reading is often limited to a few verses which are read and discussed without regard to the overall context. But the context is critical to accurate understanding. Join John as he discusses the all-important practice of reading the Bible extensively as well as intensively.

Jesus means Savior and is one of the most beautiful and precious names of the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again. Yet why are people sometimes uncomfortable with referring to Jesus as Lord?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement has been big news, along with Taylor's ring! So why is there always such a fuss about engagement rings? Join John as he thinks back to his own experience with an engagement ring, and what is most important.

Most of us have experienced the death of a loved one and know what it is to grieve. How do we deal with crippling loss? How do we help others who are grieving? And why do followers of Christ approach grief differently?

Have you heard the term "red meat preaching"? It refers to when a preacher gives the congregation what they want. Pandering to an audience isn't a new concept but one that is still relevant today.

We hear that young people often leave the church once they go to college or leave home. Why is this? And how should followers of Christ consider and approach this important issue?

Are you content? Being contented does not mean that you don't have ambitions or future plans, but that you are at peace with present circumstances. Why is contentment important? And why can it be so difficult for us?

In our culture of relativism and subjectivism, we are not surprised that the Word of God continues to be attacked. Even followers of Christ sometimes make their experience of God foundational over the truth of God. So why should we receive the Bible as absolute truth?

Therapy is often seen as an answer as people grapple with personal struggles and look for direction and peace. While therapy may have its place, it is essential that followers of Christ keep their eyes on Him, understanding Scripture as the source of truth and the center of gravity in their lives.

The concept of celebrity is not limited to the secular world. There are also preachers and teachers who attract followers and seem to attain a higher level of attention and respect. So why is this problematic?

How would you react to a definitive diagnosis of having only a few months to live? How would you view your life? How would you approach the future? Join John as he reflects on the experience and testimony of his older brother, George.

Statistics reveal that viewing pornography impacts the lives of many who are professing followers of Jesus Christ, including both men and women. Lust is not a new problem. What is the answer? What does Scripture say?

John serves full-time as Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Newcomers to Calvary and listeners to The Verdict often have questions about Calvary, so today John discusses Calvary Church, its values, vision, and mission.

"Original Sin" is the title of the recent bestseller by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. They write in terms of an "original sin" related to politics, but there is a deeper concept of original sin that we either accept or reject based on our view of human nature. What is the evidence? What does the Bible say?

Despite all kinds of advancements, we live in an age of anxiety. There is constant discussion about the causes and the statistics, but what struggles are at the root of anxiety? And why does the Christian viewpoint make such a difference?

Simple acts of hospitality can be life-changing and opportunities for God to work in your life and the lives of others. Join John as he shares personal memories about the nature and impact of hospitality.

Do you attend church regularly? Is it a priority or an occasional option if you feel like it? Join John as he revisits the biblical purpose for the local church and how our views of church and church attendance have changed.

AI as a new technology has many applications, including as a tool in ministry. But what are the considerations for AI in preaching as pastors bring messages from God's Word? Join John as he reflects on the issues and implications.

How do you feel about solitude? We live in a noisy world where it can be difficult to unplug and find a quiet time to reflect, enjoy the sounds of nature, and commune with God. Today take a break from the hectic pace of life and reflect on the beauty and value of being still and alone.

In Scripture, followers of Christ are encouraged to rejoice, even in the midst of suffering and trials. How is this possible? Be encouraged as John explains and shares individual examples to help us understand how to "count it all joy."

Based on the work of 16th-century theologian John Calvin, Calvinism often centers on the identity and implications of "the elect" as noted in Scripture. Some distinctions held by "Neo-Calvinists" can inadvertently confuse or divide--so what are followers of Christ to do?

All of us need good friends. But making or choosing good friends can be difficult. And being a good friend can be even harder! Join John as he reflects on the joys and risks of friendship, and how to be and make godly friends.

All of us want the power of God to be evident in our lives. But how is this accomplished? John discusses A.W. Tozer's Five Vows for Spiritual Power as a convicting and helpful tool in pursuing spiritual growth.

Marriage is a special and sacred relationship because it was designed by God. And it's important for those contemplating marriage (even those who have been married before) to understand the biblical nature of this important covenant, often through premarital counseling.

Every day we are all faced with trials, struggles, and suffering. But Scripture calls for followers of Jesus Christ to respond to these times of life with a different perspective. We are people of faith, people of hope. So how does this change things?

Why is preaching so important? What's different about biblical preaching vs. regular teaching or other modes of communication? And why is it so important to our spiritual growth?

How does someone read the Bible? How do you start? What should you expect? Why is it so important? Whether you're a new believer or longtime follower of Christ, go back to basics on reading God's Word!

Apparently, there are more and more standing ovations in our society. Isn't that interesting? What does this tell us about ourselves? And what are the implications for clapping and ovations in worship services? Join John for his reflections on this intriguing aspect of human behavior.

Why is the idea of people gathering in person so important to the community of believers? As we celebrate the recent opening of Calvary's new cafe, The Gathering, John comments on the significance of connecting in person vs. the modern tendency to isolate ourselves.