Calvary Chapel Ellicott City | Midweek

Nothing can stop God's plans from coming to fruition. When it came to Jesus' birth, God really wanted that to happen. It was His act of love to send His only Son just to be destined to die for your sins. Today, Pastor Dan will show you that when you look back at the prophecies about Jesus' birth, you can clearly see how God's plan did ultimately come to pass. This means there's a way to have eternal life through faith in Jesus. The real story behind Christmas is Jesus' birth, which started it all.

The real story behind Christmas is often lost in the hectic Christmas season. It's not reindeer or Christmas trees, and it's not even dinner around a warm table. It's the story of the birth of Jesus: when His earthly ministry began. Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you how prophecies from hundreds of years before pointed to Jesus' unique and miraculous birth. Everything in God's Word is accurate, and you can be sure when you read it that it's true. The real reason for Christmas is to remember Jesus' birth.

Jesus came to the earth with a plan. He came to the earth just as God willed it. What was that plan? It was to make a way for you to come directly to The Father and be forgiven of your sins. It was all made possible by Jesus. Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you that every part of Jesus' life gave glory back to God, and that included His birth. He was born of a virgin, fulfilling centuries-old prophecies. The day Jesus was born is the day you remember now when you celebrate Christmas. That's where it all started.

Even though you might celebrate Christmas every year, do you know the reason? Do you know where it all started? Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you that the very first Christmas was an act of love towards you. Jesus was sent to the earth, destined to live a perfect life and die as a sacrifice for your sins. The first step of Jesus' earthly life for your salvation was His miraculous birth. That day is what we celebrate on Christmas today. It mustn't be overlooked in all the hustle of the holiday season.

You can do anything you want in order to achieve or earn eternal life, but you won't find it without Jesus. Without Him, you can't find true peace for your soul. Today, Pastor Dan's going to show you where that peace is found. It's through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He came to earth and died for you. His whole ministry started with His miraculous birth through His virgin mother. That day is why we celebrate Christmas. That's the true story behind all the hustle and bustle and celebration of Christmas today.

God became a man the day that He sent Jesus to the earth. Jesus was God in human form. He lived a perfect life as a man, so He could be the perfect sacrifice for your sins. Today, Pastor Dan's going to point you back to where it all started: the first Christmas. While it wasn't like we see it today, with the lights and wrapped gifts, it was important. It was miraculous. That's the true story behind Christmas. That's where it all started. And all of it came in God's perfect timing, according to His plan.

Jesus came to the earth for a reason. At the exact time God had planned, He sent Jesus to the world to be born of a virgin on the first Christmas night. That's the reason we celebrate Christmas. That's the true reason behind the lights, the presents, and the Christmas trees. Today, Pastor Dan will remind you that the first Christmas started the events of Jesus' life that would eventually lead to his sacrifice and resurrection. Jesus made a way for you to have eternal life by dying for your sins. In Him, you don't have to fear death or eternity. In Him, you're secure. 

Through Jesus's resurrection, you have salvation. His controversial but perfectly lived life leading up to it all started on that first Christmas through the virgin birth. That's the miraculous event we celebrate at Christmas: the real reason for the season. Pastor Dan's going to remind you in today's message that it's a story of love. It's The Father's love for you that was so great, He sent His only Son to the earth to be a sacrifice for your sins so you could be forgiven. That first Christmas in Bethlehem started it all.

Sometimes we complain about something small, but deep down, it's about something much bigger. The Israelites grumbled about the manna, but the real issue wasn't the menu; it was their hearts. They'd lost trust in the God who provided it. Pastor Dan will explain to you today how you do the same thing when you fixate on surface frustrations while ignoring the deeper struggle underneath. God isn't afraid of your honesty, but He wants more than your complaints. He wants you to trust that His ways are good.

Remember playing dodgeball and always staying at the back line—never really in the action, just trying not to get hit? That's how some of us live out our faith. We're on the edge of the court. We stay close enough to look like we're a part of it, but far enough to feel safe. We go through the motions, but we're not all in. Today, Pastor Dan will tell you that Jesus didn't call you to play it safe; He called you to step forward, to trust Him completely. Don't miss out on the fullness of life He's offering right now.

Praise leads the way. That's such a profound point. Before the battles, before the breakthroughs, before the blessings, praise went out front. Pastor Dan will share with you today how the same is true for you. When you choose to worship God before you see the outcome, you're declaring your trust in His power and goodness. Praise isn't just a response to victory; it's what prepares the way for it. When you lead with praise, you remind your heart that He's already worthy, no matter what comes next.

When God led Israel through the wilderness, He went before them as a cloud by day and a fire by night. He was shade from the scorching sun and warmth in the dark, cold hours. Today, Pastor Dan will share with you how that same God leads you through the deserts of life. Jesus is your covering when the heat of trial bears down and your warmth when the cold of fear sets in. He doesn't just point the way: He is the way. Every step, every season, He remains your faithful guide and constant presence.

It's amazing how something so small can have such a big impact. Jesus said a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough, and the same is true in our lives and communities. A quiet compromise or an unaddressed sin can spread and affect everyone around us. Pastor Dan will explain to you today that it's so important to deal with sin honestly and lovingly. You're called to forgive, but forgiveness doesn't mean ignoring what's wrong. It means seeking restoration and keeping Christ at the center.

Imagine with me for a second…you have a need at 2 am… honestly, how many of your neighbors would wake up at the unreasonable time and help you out? Probably not very many. Pastor Dan will share in today's message that God contradicts the imposed and mostly likely tired and annoyed neighbor. Unlike us, God doesn't sleep. He is available to you 24/7! There isn't a time of day or night that He isn't ready to hear from you and offer comfort and guidance for whatever you're facing!

Giving, whether to charity, the Church, or simply your time, isn't about the amount…it's about the sacrifice you make to give it. It's about the humble generosity that our hearts must take in order to give an honorable offering. In today's message, Pastor Dan will share the story of a woman who gave ALL she had just to please Jesus. Pastor Dan teaches that her gift wasn't traditional in any sense, but her heart was authentically thankful! What posture does your heart take when you give?

Followers of Christ have one purpose and one purpose only: to love the Lord! We should ALL have consecrated, set apart, wildly different-looking lives than everyone else! Why? Because we have experienced deep love and true purpose that other people only dream of. In today's message, Pastor Dan will really challenge you to remember what Christ did for you on the cross... How does your life reflect admiration and profound thanks for the loving work Jesus did for you? 

Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, whether you've been a Christian for 2 months or 10 years, God wants you to know that He is a generous God to those who walk uprightly! That is a fact straight from the Bible! Meaning, God will bless the faithful, the righteous, and those dependent on Him! In today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you that first and foremost, God is a charitable giving God. He truly loves you and wants to bless you! So, live into those blessings and be faithful, righteous, and God dependent!!!

Christianity is a public religion; being a Christian is a public relationship with God. We see all over the Bible that people would make changes to their physical appearance and make life-altering choices just to honor God and reflect what He was doing in their lives. In today's message, Pastor Dan will challenge you to honor God with physical changes to your life. If someone were to look at your life…look at your habits and hobbies…would they see clearly, without a doubt that you're a follower of Christ? 

We live in a world where just about everything is accessible to us, and we're encouraged to do what feels good. The Bible teaches that that is not godly. Not everything, good or bad, is going to be helpful for our development as Christians. In today's message, Pastor Dan will encourage you to pray before you make any choices. Just because it feels right, or some other Christian is doing it, doesn't mean it is okay for you. You should ask God for direction in all your decisions and endeavors!

Jesus tells us and even models for us that forgiveness is the ultimate way to show love! In today's message, Pastor Dan will share a direct story from the Bible where Jesus completely forgives a woman, and it shocks the disciples. You'll learn in this story that love is an action, it's patience, it's forgiveness, and it's humble servanthood. As you go throughout your day, ask yourself how you can show the love of Christ to those you come into contact with; Not just with words, but with your actions!!!

When we encounter Christ and our lives are changed, we generally have some conviction of the things we've done or even are doing. There isn't any condemnation; you don't have to carry the weight of your sin anymore, but you probably have some wrongs to right. In today's message, Pastor Dan reaches that no matter what you've done or when you did it, there is forgiveness for you! There is still time for you to make things right with that person and share Jesus' love and forgiveness with them!

In a world where there are so many people looking for their purpose, looking for the answer to life, we can take heart because Jesus is the answer! Followers of Christ have a purpose in their lives given directly from the Lord. In today's message, Pastor Dan will encourage you to live into that calling from the Lord. So, if you're a follower of Christ, how are you living out your purpose? And, if you've yet to surrender your life over to God's will, let this be encouragement to find your purpose!!!

When you think of the word “Church”, what do you picture? Do you see a building, or do you picture God's people? In today's message, Pastor Dan will inform you that the Church is just the gathering of God's people…no matter where! The Bible tells us that where two or more are gathered IN HIS NAME, He will be there. So, if the body of Christ meets at a grocery store, a park, or the church building in your community, that place can become Holy ground! Because God's presence resides with His people!

When we read the Bible, we can often get confused or overwhelmed by all the parables or just the sheer amount of information and guidance we find. In today's message, Pastor Dan will highlight that even the very people who tell the stories, write them down, and are the subjects of the stories, reflect the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! When you read God's Word, remember that every aspect, every word, and every person reflects or reveals something about God to you.

You've probably heard in the church world that we're not meant to do life alone. That is true, but also, a lot easier said than done… finding people who have similar life experiences and years of following God under their belt is no easy task. In today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you of the importance of surrounding yourself with godly people who will both challenge and support you. With the ups and downs of life, it can mean a whole world of difference to have a man or woman of God in your corner!

Today, Pastor Dan encourages us to enjoy the gifts the Lord has given us. We're reminded that our gifts are specifically chosen for us, and that no two people have the exact same ones. We should also be thankful for the gifts we're given, and not jealous of someone else's gifts that we lack.  Are you an encourager? A teacher? Do you have a way with kids? Have you been told you're artistic? Or organized? God has given you gifts to be used specifically for His Kingdom. Are you holding up your end of the bargain? 

The Bible is the foundation of all truth and the beginning of all knowledge. Can you imagine anything more powerful or sacred? Scholars, Bible historians, and language experts have been poring over its contents for centuries. And yet, there are still Biblical mysteries and symbolism that you might not know or understand. Today, Pastor Dan teaches you one of these hidden allegories. If you knew the entire depth and breadth of the Bible, it would blow your mind. After all, it was written by the Creator of all things. 

Moses was a great leader who was appointed by God. He was raised up and set apart for a very noble and important purpose. God has reasons and plans for all leaders, whether we understand or agree with Him or not. Do you ever get jealous of the leaders God has placed in your life? Pastor Dan reminds you today to remember that Moses came from humble beginnings, and leadership was thrust upon him. You may not be called to lead. Sometimes, you're called to be the loyal, supportive follower.  

Pastor Dan has an important question for you to ask yourself today.  When people look at your life, do they see everything pointing to Jesus?  Can they see your love and devotion to your Savior through your actions, words, and choices? Is He at the forefront of everything you do and at the core of who you are? If not, maybe it's time to make some changes. Jesus died for you and gave you new life. You're not obligated, but privileged to lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and your life speaks volumes. 

We often can feel alone in the world. Sometimes, people ignore us, devices and social media divide us, and we feel empty in a world that's over-full. But Pastor Dan encourages you in his message today! Jesus thinks about you, personally. He loves you as His own. He cares for you as if you were the only one on earth. Lean into this truth. Jesus came to save YOU. He died for YOU. Your sins are forgiven, and you have a new life because of HIM. People will fail you, but Jesus never will. What a Savior you have in Jesus!  

Jesus never promised that this life would be smooth sailing or problem-free. In fact, He often warned us of the opposite. He told us that we will have trouble, that the road is narrow, that our temptations will be many, and that Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion waiting to devour us. As Pastor Dan reminds us today, we need to stand guard. Maybe you feel this tension. As the earth groans and the return of our Savior nears, you'll see greater sin and deeper division. But remember, Jesus wins!

It's an interesting study to look at all the names of people in the New Testament.  Some of them appear over and over, and are well known.  But there are others who only show up once, and no details about their lives are given.  Today, Pastor Dan talks about one of his favorites: a man named Tertius*.  He was the scribe who wrote the entire book of Romans as Paul dictated.  Your job may be to write a sermon.  Or, it may be simply to type it up for the pastor.  No matter, God acknowledges all labor for Him.

When people hear about you, or your Christian small group, or your church, what do they think of?  What are you known for?  Today, Pastor Dan marvels at the early church in Rome.  Though it was made up of all kinds of people, from every social class in Rome, including both Jews and Gentiles, it was known for its faith and obedience.  Not that being multi-cultural wasn't important.  It just wasn't the most important thing.  So, be sure that faith and obedience are foremost in your Christian witness, too.

What does it take to have a united church?  Is it that everyone has the same likes and dislikes?  Maybe it's that they're all from the same socio-economic class?  Or is it something more fundamental?  Today, Pastor Dan takes an in-depth look at the closing verses of Romans Sixteen and notes the true source of unity.  It's the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, as Paul proclaimed it, nothing more, nothing less.  You can have real, meaningful fellowship with other Christians when you make that your sole criterion.

One of the most interesting lists of people you'll find in the Bible comes in the last chapter of the book of Romans.  At first, they may just seem like a lot of hard-to-pronounce names.  But not after Pastor Dan gets through with them!  You'll hear, from every name, some back story about that person.  Some of them are minor, while others are amazing demonstrations of the power of the gospel.  Your name may not be known in the world today.  And, it's too late to get it into the Bible.  But… It's known in heaven.

When you look at the history of just about any civilization, you'll find that they almost always have some type of social division.  It may be based on wealth or status, or on some personal characteristic, but it's a clear way to divide people into groups.  Today, Pastor Dan explains that first-century Roman society had very strictly defined divisions.  And yet the Christians crossed all of those barriers because of their unity in Jesus.  When you are in Christ, every Christian is your brother or sister.  Period.

One of the characteristics of the letters of the apostle Paul was his numerous personal references.  And if you just read through the names, they may not seem very important.  But today, Pastor Dan expounds upon the many, many names in the last chapter of the book of Romans.  And one of the most important is Phoebe*, who actually carried this letter all the way from Corinth to Rome.  God may sometimes give you seemingly obscure or unimportant jobs.  But nothing He gives you is insignificant in His plan.

There's a common practice in corporate America for companies to place motivational phrases or inspirational words on the walls of their offices. You may walk into a gym and be greeted by a mural of the word “Determination.” Or maybe your job has a sign in the breakroom that says, “Work hard and be kind.” In today's message, Pastor Dan encourages you to find a verse that stands out to you – something that reflects what God has called you to do – so that you have a piece of scripture to motivate you to fulfill your calling.

So often, we cower down from sharing the Gospel with those around us because of our own insecurities. “What if I stumble over my words?” “What if I can't answer their questions?” “What if my mind goes blank?” In today's message, Pastor Dan encourages you to go and start those conversations anyway, because the power doesn't come from you… It doesn't come from how eloquent your speech is or how confidently you talk. The power comes from the Gospel and what Jesus did on the cross.

When service members of the military go in for training, they practice many things. They practice escaping from helicopters that have landed in water and hitting targets from hundreds of yards away. While they may not use these skills in their day-to-day, they practice them so when the adrenaline hits, their muscle memory kicks in. Today, Pastor Dan teaches that when God presents you with an opportunity to share the Gospel, you're not going in blind. You've been equipped and trained by the Holy Spirit.

Today's culture places such a heavy emphasis on the “ists.” Everyone is labeled as a racist, misogynist, a Zionist, a communist, a fascist… You name it. Society sees our differences and seeks to drive a wedge further between them. In contrast, as Pastor Dan will teach today, God sees what's similar. He sees that we are all broken, yet He loves us anyway. You may not have the same history as your neighbor, but your story is the same. You are broken, but Jesus died for you, and now you can be made whole.

Think about the foods you love… now think about how incredible it is that we even have them. Someone decided to throw some tomatoes, vinegar, and sugar in a blender, then dip a potato in it, and now, aren't you thankful for the origin of French fries! In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that God knows how to take the most unlikely ingredients and turn them into something beautiful. Maybe you're the sugar… or maybe you're the vinegar, but somewhere out there in the body of Christ are your tomatoes and potatoes.

When your family gets together for the holidays, does it end up being something you look back on with a smile, or something you wish you could forget? When family members love and accept one another, it can create the happiest, strongest memories in life. In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that when the body of Christ is united, it is not only pleasant for the believers but for God as well. As you engage with other believers, serving them and fellowshipping, it brings glory to God.

There are very few moments in history where the whole world rallies behind the same thing. The Olympics are a prime example, as even though there's competition, each country unites and celebrates the accomplishments of others for a few weeks. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone were united for months? … Years? In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that you have the opportunity to bring unity to your community by digging into God's Word and celebrating the works of Jesus.

Operation Red Wings II is a bone-chilling moment in the history of the United States' involvement in the Middle East. After a tragic turn of events, the US Navy Seals found themselves in a dangerous search and rescue mission for one of their own. In the end, 16 Navy Seals paid the ultimate sacrifice to return the lone survivor home. Today, Pastor Dan teaches that Christianity demands sacrifices for the sake of unity. It may not cost you your life, but it could cost you your time, money, or satisfaction.

Serving others can happen in many different ways, but a constant theme is lowering yourself to benefit their needs. That could mean getting your hands dirty, testing your patience, or sacrificing your time. In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that, as a mature Christian, sometimes you'll have to serve others by stooping to their level… spiritually that is. They may not have the spiritual maturity that you do, so instead of asking them to come to you, you have the opportunity to meet them where they are.

Any gardener knows that not all produce grows at the same rate. In a pumpkin patch, you're likely to see both green and orange pumpkins on the same vine. Some apple trees might produce before others. In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that we are all on a spiritual journey. Your relationship with Christ may not grow as fast as your spiritual mentor's. However, you may also grow quicker than your spouse. Your responsibility is to show love to those who are less spiritually mature and help them grow.

The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It contains absolute truth. The words of Jesus have been cemented in time by the legacy of His faithful disciples. However, some areas seem… well, a little gray. Paul didn't necessarily write about whether it's okay to listen to Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley. Today, Pastor Dan teaches that whatever areas Christ's words don't directly cover, you are to live under the convictions that the Holy Spirit puts into your heart. If you feel hesitation, then it's probably conviction!

Part of what makes any organization work well is when leaders know how to balance each other with different focuses and ideas. This happens in God's Kingdom, too. Each of us has our own convictions and our own passions within ministry. In today's message, Pastor Dan teaches that your convictions may be different than his, but that's okay. You're both God's children, you're both loved, and you both have a seat at God's table. Today, you'll learn about submitting to those convictions for God's glory.

Christian freedom is a gift, not a license to flex. What you can do isn't always what you should do, especially when someone else's conscience is tender. Love asks, “Will this build them up?” Choose limits that protect others' growth: keep gray-area liberties private, explain choices gently, and prioritize unity over preference. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you that mature disciples will gladly trade some freedoms so newer believers can walk confidently with Jesus, unburdened by confusion or pressure.

Salvation is not a customizable lifestyle choice or a build-your-own path; it's a gift secured and offered by Jesus alone. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will gently confront the impulse to treat personal truth like biblical truth. Preferences can shape worship styles or habits, but they cannot save. Only the crucified and risen Savior reconciles us to God. You can surrender opinions to obedience, receive grace from His hand, and let gratitude begin to reshape how you live and love.