Calvary Bible Church-NH

In Acts 4:1-22, we see Peter and John stand firm in the face of pressure, not with arrogance, but with Spirit-empowered boldness. This passage reminds us that one of the greatest gifts a father, or any believer, can give is the example of unwavering faith in the face of opposition. As we turn to God's Word, let's consider what it looks like to stand firm for Christ when it's costly, and how that courage shapes the next generation.

In Acts 3, Peter stands before a crowd, amazed by the miraculous healing of a man who had been crippled since birth. However, Peter understands that true healing isn't merely about restored legs; it's about a restored life, a life made whole by the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that Jesus doesn't just offer temporary relief; He provides total restoration. He can heal what is physically broken and also restore what is spiritually shattered. But that restoration requires a response from us.

In Acts 3:1-10, we see that the lame man was sure of what he needed until he received what he had not asked for. God gives us what we most need, not what we think we need most.

After the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter's sermon led to the conversion of 3,000 people (Acts 2:41). But what happened next was just as powerful: the Spirit-filled individuals and formed a community. In verses 42-47, Luke gives a snapshot of this newborn church, a model of what gospel transformation looks like in real life. In a world divided by class, race, gender, and status, we see the Spirit unite by grace.

Acts 2 records a life-changing moment: not just a personal experience, but the birth of the Church. On the day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) descended, filling ordinary people with extraordinary power. What followed was not confusion, but clarity; not fear, but boldness; not silence, but a Spirit-empowered proclamation of the gospel that led to thousands being saved. This passage answers three essential questions: What does the Spirit do when He comes? How does the gospel take root in people's hearts? And how are we called to respond today?

Some of the most powerful legacies aren't built on stages but in living rooms - through quiet prayers, open Bibles, and consistent faith. In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul highlights a sincere faith passed from Lois to Eunice to Timothy. This kind of faith isn't accidental - it's LEARNED, LIVED, AND BOLD. And when we're intentional about passing it on, it can shape generations for God's glory. A spiritual legacy is not what we leave to people, but what we leave in people.

In Acts 1, we see that the church would begin, and the Kingdom would expand by the power of the Holy Spirit by sending His witnesses out, because the scope of God's plan is for the world.

The book of Acts tells the true story of how the gospel of Jesus Christ exploded out of Jerusalem and began to reach the world. But it's not a story that's over - it's a story we're still living in. Let's take a bird's-eye view of Acts today - not to fly past it - but to see the path so we can walk it more intentionally in the months ahead.

That first Easter morning, fear turned into faith, and mourning gave way to awe. Jesus didn't just come back to life—He rose as King. Today, we celebrate the risen Christ—our AWESOME KING who came, who conquered sin and death, and who WILL COME AGAIN.

Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus entered Jerusalem - not with military might, but with humility, fulfilling prophecy and revealing His true mission. Yet even in celebration, Jesus weeps. Why? Because while the people shouted praise, they missed the point. The triumphal entry is not just about a moment of praise - it's a moment of decision. Will you recognize the King?

False prophets do not announce themselves or their true intentions. They blend in to win the loyalty of others. We must heed the words of Jesus to stormproof our lives and build our house upon the rock (Jesus) instead of the sand (false teachings). What lies beneath what you're building?

Matthew 7 deals with some of the most critical choices we will ever make: how we conduct our relationship with others. These verses, part of His Sermon on the Mount, challenge us to move beyond superficial religion into a life of true discipleship. As we explore this passage, we will see that Jesus isn't just giving us moral advice - He is inviting us into a way of living that reflects His kingdom. Will we choose discernment over condemnation, persistence in prayer, and the narrow road of faithful obedience?

In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount by addressing one of the greatest obstacles to Kingdom living—misplaced trust. He challenges His disciples to trust God rather than wealth, worry, or the world. This passage presents three interconnected lessons: trusting God with our treasure, our needs, and our future. When we trust the King, our hearts rest in His provision, rather than being enslaved to the temporary.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, warns against hypocritical righteousness and directs His disciples to practice their faith in a way that seeks God's approval rather than human recognition. In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus gives three examples: giving, prayer, and fasting. Each example calls for a heart posture that values intimacy with God over public recognition. Jesus isn't after behavior modification; He's after heart transformation.

In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus delivers some of the most radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. He clarifies His relationship to the Law, intensifies its moral demands, and calls His followers to a standard of righteousness that is impossible apart from divine grace. Jesus came not to abolish the Law, but to demonstrate that we could never fulfill it on our own. He fulfills it for us and transforms us from the inside out.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus talks about being the salt and light of the world. Though this phrase is fairly common, we'll see that it's truly a call to show grace, mercy, and peace with everyone as we look to Jesus and imitate Him.

The world has its own definition of success—power, wealth, comfort, and status. Yet, in the opening words of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus flips this notion upside down. Jesus redefines what it means to live a truly blessed life, one marked by dependence on God, a hunger for holiness, and faithfulness under trial. The question before us today is this: Are we pursuing the kind of life Jesus calls “blessed,” or are we chasing the fleeting rewards of this world?

This week, Pastor Chris begins a new series on Kingdom Living.

The New Testament reveals a profound truth: as followers of Jesus, we are not merely called to gather but to be sent into the world to fulfill God's mission. Churches often measure success by attendance and budgets, but the New Testament prioritizes sending workers into the harvest field. As individuals, we can embrace that God has sent us to where he has us now to Glorify Him, Love People, and Make Disciples. Corporately, we have the opportunity to embrace a “Sending” culture and rejoice in the work of furthering the invitation to join the Kingdom of God.

The endless pursuit of more— more success, more possessions, more recognition—often leaves us restless and dissatisfied. But in Matthew 4, we see Jesus demonstrate a life of perfect contentment: He models it, offers it through His Kingdom, and enables us to experience it through His presence. Will we seek contentment in the world, or will we find it in the Savior who alone can satisfy our souls?

Solomon's life illustrates great potential, generous blessings, and unfortunate failures. Despite his wisdom, he sought meaning in wealth, pleasure, knowledge, and power, but found it all to be “vanity and striving after wind”. His reflections in Ecclesiastes warn about the dangers of discontentment and emphasize finding satisfaction in God alone. Solomon's story teaches us that true contentment does not come from self-improvement, material gain, or superficial relationships. It comes from trusting God with who we are and what we have, leading us to peace and satisfaction.

Last week, we examined Paul's declaration in Philippians 4:10-13, where he reveals his secret of contentment in every situation, rooted in his identity in Christ. His confidence that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” highlights this. To understand how Paul achieved such peace, we look at Philippians 3:1-16, where he relinquished worldly achievements for the worth of knowing Christ. This shift from self-reliance to Christ-reliance allowed him to find true contentment. Today, we'll explore how this understanding can lead us to similar freedom and satisfaction, no matter our circumstances.

Contentment is a powerful and rare virtue that shapes how we live, trust God, and find peace. In today's fast paced, consumer-driven world, we often equate happiness with having more. But biblical contentment is something deeper and enduring. Biblical contentment is a spiritual posture rooted in God's sufficiency.

As we begin a new year, we take a look at what Paul writes in Romans about walking in newness of life. Instead of just "goal achievement" like New Years Resolutions, we should be focused on lifestyle change - the wonder of the Gospel should invade, inspire, and ignite every aspect of our lives.

The word “behold” appears frequently in Scripture, yet glossing over its significance is easy. In English, it means to “see” or “observe,” but it's far more profound in the biblical context. “Behold” is an invitation to stop, focus, and consider deeply what is being presented. It's not a casual glance but a deliberate act of fixing one's attention on something extraordinary. BEHOLDING Jesus as the Light of the world, the Lamb of God, and the Hope of mankind brings joy to our lives.

The incarnation of Jesus is arguably the greatest act of humility ever. God becoming flesh, coming to earth, and living as a human all so he could rescue a rebellious and sinful people is a magnificent display of His gentle and humble love for His creation. We are privileged to worship, serve, and proclaim the wonders of our humble savior.

Remembering Jesus this Christmas reminds us of the Reason for the Season. The reason for Christmas is that the world was suffering and dying from the self inflicted wounds of our depravity. Humanity turned away from a loving God, yet He welcomed us back in the most sacrificial, powerful, and perfect way by giving us Himself. We all need perspective on the actual value of what we call Christmas. The insights from the retelling of Old Testament prophecy enhance our understanding of how God has indeed come to deliver us!

Lamentations ends with Jeremiah's cry of desperation for the Lord to bring relief and renewal to the broken people of Israel. This prayer models a raw and honest emotional state that roots itself in the reminders of God's promises.

The priests were responsible for upholding God's law (Lev. 10:10-11), and the prophets were meant to convey His messages. However, by the time of Jeremiah, both roles had become corrupt (Jer. 6:13-14). These leaders assured the people that judgment would not come, directly contradicting God's warnings (Jer. 23:16 17). At their best, the Old Testament prophets, priests, and kings foreshadowed the coming of Christ. At their worst, they demonstrated the necessity of His arrival. False prophets, priests, and kings ultimately failed Israel, contributing to its destruction. In Christ, we find the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King who offers life, hope, and eternal restoration. We must turn to Him for unwavering truth, salvation, and guidance.

The third lament of Jeremiah is very personal as it focuses on the intensifying nature of suffering. Jeremiah expresses his feelings of despair, making his pivot to hope even more impactful for the reader. His raw honesty about pain in the light of his hope in God's mercy and faithfulness is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, God's loyal love and mercy are unfailing. This chapter is a model for expressing grief, seeking repentance, and finding strength in God's enduring compassion.

Lamentations chapter 2 continues the writer's reflection on God's divine punishment of Jerusalem. The fall of Jerusalem was an act of divine justice, intended to repay a wayward people for their rebellion. It was also love, intended to chasten God's people to turn them away from their sins. Through sufferings of defeat and exile, God's people could finally learn not to place their confidence in kings or temples, but only in God Himself. “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves and chastises every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6

This week, we have the privilege to hear from our keynote speaker and supported missionary Dave Spinale. We encourage you to pray for our missionaries and their families as they serve the Lord in their respective mission fields.

The book of Lamentations is read as reflective mourning over the destruction of the temple and the devastation of Jerusalem. The temple, a symbol of God's covenant, was destroyed. The people had abandoned their relationship with God, departed from His Word, and transferred their trust from God to political allies and the temple itself. When God's people abandon Him and depart from His Word, tragedy follows.

Mark 10:17-22 is filled with encouragements, and it's also incredibly challenging. It reveals some huge realities of our walk with Jesus. Jesus is asking us to treasure Him above anything else. Is the Gospel your greatest joy? Is Jesus your treasure?

Nehemiah 13 brings us to the end of Nehemiah's account, but the work of restoration and renewal is far from over. After leading the people in rebuilding the walls and renewing their commitment to God, Nehemiah returns from a trip to Persia to find the people falling back into old patterns of compromise. This final chapter highlights a sobering reality: our spiritual vitality requires constant diligence and perseverance. Nehemiah's response shows us that spiritual renewal isn't a one-time event—it demands ongoing reform and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Nehemiah 10-12 helps us see that our life's passion will determine the purpose of our life and the person we become.  What specifically about your person, purpose, or passion do you need to rededicate to the Lord today?

Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Nehemiah 9 echoes this showing that the Word of God leads to spiritual restoration, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness, confessing failure and rebellion, and renewing commitment.

What comes to mind when you think of worship? In Nehemiah 7 and 8, we'll see that worship of God restores our spiritual vitality, raises leaders, reinforces identity, roots legacy, recalls truth, and revives community. Worship is the heartfelt expression of our remembrance of God's character and work.

In Nehemiah 6, we see Nehemiah facing intense opposition as he works to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. The enemy's tactics shift from external force to subtle manipulation. The enemy's goal is clear: to distract, discredit, and ultimately defeat Nehemiah. But Nehemiah's responses offer a model for us in spiritual battles today. Spiritual battles can be exhausting and disorienting, but losing sight of who we are in God only amplifies the struggle. In this passage, we learn three critical ways not to lose ourselves in these battles.

We will have the privilege of hearing from our supported missionary from Senegal, Josh Bell, during our morning worship service. You won't want to miss hearing what God has laid on his heart to share with us!

William Gurnall wrote “We fear men so much because we fear God so little.” Do we fear God? Do we understand God's heart for justice? Do we trust in God's justice? Nehemiah chapter 5 shows us that God-fearing people accept the responsibility of confronting injustice and addressing sin, while doing so with courage and a commitment to righteousness.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah reminds us that spiritual opposition will reappear in different ways in each generation; we must expect it and by God's grace overcome it.

It is much easier to serve in the face of adversity when you are not alone. Nehemiah Chapter 3 offers us an exciting picture of what can happen when God's people come together. God's desire is for us to come together to accomplish our mission to Glorify God, Love People, and Make Disciples.

As servants of God, each of us have opportunity to Rebuild and Renew our character. To serve God well we must develop our courage, character and competency. Nehemiah illustrates these qualities throughout chapter 2 in his boldness in facing challenges, his integrity in seeking God's guidance, and his competency in planning and executing the rebuilding project. Nehemiah serves as a helpful model for effective and faithful service to God.

Because of God, you can experience a spiritual rebuilding and renewal. God offers bright hope, the hope of fresh starts and new beginnings. In Nehemiah, the people of Israel are given a fresh start. The challenge is following through on living in right relationship with God.

Today we will hear about the recent CBC Mission trips and the joy in receiving and sharing the Gospel.

As we conclude our time in the book of Esther, we reflect on the lessons we've learned. God uses broken and unlikely vessels. God is sovereign and knows what is best for us. Evil will become a victim of its own devices. We must learn to navigate living as followers of God and living as good citizens in a pagan society. What a gift God has given us in the powerful reminder that God is working in all things. Like the Jews, we have much to delight in when we give attention to the person and work of God.

In this passage, we'll look at three lessons of God's Justice in the Story of Esther: we will reap what we sow, ultimate justice awaits, and when God is for us, none can stand against us. When we truly understand God's sovereignty, it should have an effect on our daily decisions.

Chiastic structure is a literary device in which a sequence of ideas is presented and then presented in reverse order. For example, Ben Franklin said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." The result is a mirror effect. At the climax of the story's structure, we see the reversal of events that bring life instead of death. Esther and Mordecai actively participate in the unfolding drama of Esther 5:1-7:6. Their courage, wisdom, and strategic actions demonstrate how God uses human agency to accomplish His purposes. We, too, have a role to play in God's grand narrative.