Calvary Chapel Ellicott City | Midweek

One of my pet peeves includes someone breaking my trust. When someone makes a promise and breaks it, I get upset, and honestly, rightfully so. Sometimes it's easy to forgive that person, but sometimes it's hard. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that despite God commanding us to stay in a marriage through everything, adultery is a huge exception to that. If your spouse cheats, that's extremely hard to overcome, and God knows that and wants you to flourish, so divorce is an option in that situation.

Did you ever rank the gifts you received on your birthday growing up? You might have gotten a bike, new socks, and a video game. How would you rank them? Most likely giving the bike or the new game the top spot. This is sometimes what we do when we are given gifts from the Lord. Some are blessed with one thing, while others are blessed with something else. Today, Pastor Dan shares that some are blessed to be married, while others are blessed to be single. Dan shares that one is not better than the other!   

Have you heard that saying, “you can't teach an old dog new tricks”? This is the struggle of most people when they come to know the Lord. People who were brought up living and doing things that the world deemed ok have decided to follow Jesus. They are given a new heart and a new identity and have to “relearn” how to live in this world according to the Lord's standards! Today, Pastor Dan shares that you can learn a new way to live. These new ways of living are found in the Word of God! 

You have been purchased; you are important in the Lord's eyes, so much so that God sent His Son down to die on your behalf and win you from sin, satan and death by being raised from the dead, saving you from being separated from God for all of eternity. This is a gift, and when you believe in this Gospel, you are a living sacrifice to the Lord. Today, Pastor Dan explains that your body isn't yours but belongs to the Lord, and it is encouraging that the One who saved you will guide you in glorifying Him. 

Have you ever been at a place where you had to question, “If I did this, would it benefit me or hurt me? It could be a new “extreme” diet plan, watching the latest popular show, or hanging out with friends that don't share the same values you do. Will it benefit you and your faith in Jesus, or will it consume you and drive you away from the Lord? Today, that is the question Pastor Dan is asking you. When you come to a crossroads in making a choice, will it help your faith, or will it hinder your walk with Christ? 

Some things that are not beneficial to you might seem attractive. It could be small things like staying up late and binge-watching a show, or eating half a carrot cake in one sitting. There are other things that are bigger, like lying to someone to get ahead at work or saying a hurtful thing because you are hurt. These things might feel good in the moment, but in the end, they just cause you suffering. Today, Pastor Dan shares that sin is nothing to mess around with. If you sit in it long enough, it also becomes your identity. 

Have you ever been in a room at night when the power goes out? It's pretty alarming when it happens so suddenly. The first thing you might do is find some kind of light, right? Navigating in the dark is not fun, so you try to find a flashlight. Light is so important, and if you believe in the Gospel of Jesus, you ARE a light shining in this dark world. Today, Pastor Dan shares the importance of your light shining. When others who are far from the Lord see your light, it is attractive, and some are drawn to it like a moth to a flame. 

When you have a civil dispute with someone, how do you handle it? It could be about money, property, or anything of the sort. The world has “different” ways of handling these situations. They say to take it to court and figure it out there. Today, Pastor Dan shares another approach to handling these matters. If you believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the person you have a problem with also believes the same, handle it between you both and keep the world out of it, because Jesus will guide you to reconciliation.

Have you ever questioned why you see so much wrong in the world? It's everywhere you look! You can't go a day without hearing about another tragedy. This is due to the brokenness of this place. It is heartbreaking to witness this day in and day out. Well, friends, there is a HOPE you can have, and it's found in Jesus. Today, Pastor Dan shares that if you believe in the Gospel and have placed your faith in Jesus, you have a hope that surpasses understanding. This gift that you have is meant to be shared WITH the broken world! 

That is HEAVY. There are moments to love and welcome, while there are times you have to remove people from the group. This is hard to do because we want to love others well, but when does loving someone become hurtful? Well, that is the case here. Pastor Dan shares that the welcoming nature of this man's sin is damaging the whole church. Removing him is in his best interest and the church's as well. When he is left to his sin, he is given the opportunity to grieve his sin, see it as wrong, and TURN back to the Lord! 

The culture in the world should not be the moral compass of your life. The ways of the world tell you that certain sins aren't bad, but if you look at God's word, it says something different. Which will you follow…? Some people want to follow the ways of the world because it will give them a clear conscience in committing sin, but God wants better for you! Today, Pastor Dan shares that the culture around you should not be what you follow; rather, it is Christ and His ways that are the compass that should guide you. 

Growing up, there was ALWAYS that one kid who was just SUPER athletic. What a great trait to have, but instead of crediting it to God, that person may have made it about themselves. In today's message, Pastor Dan reminds you that every skill, talent, and knowledge that you have is from Him! Every good and perfect gift is from God, and this is your opportunity to use it for His glory! For example, if your gift is talking to others, share the Gospel! How will you use your gifts and talents to glorify Him today?

In elementary school, we all loved getting the special roles, for example, line leader, or door holder. Well, as Christians, we have an EXTREMELY special role. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that every pastor has a mission to share the Gospel with everyone, but that role doesn't JUST belong to pastors; we're ALL called to go and share the Gospel around the whole world. You have a job as a Christian to be an ambassador of Christ and tell everyone the Good news. How will you share with someone today?

If you were house shopping, you wouldn't buy a house on the edge of a mountain that's known to have mudslides, that's guaranteed to crumble! You want a house that is on solid ground and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that some churches are completely built on the wrong foundation. Churches that use worldly things to bring you in are churches built on the wrong ideals. This can affect your faith and how you perceive the Gospel. Seek a church with the right foundation!

Gardeners typically take GREAT care of their plants; they're so attentive to how much water, soil, and sunlight they need to grow. But at the end of the day, they don't do anything personally to make it grow; they just provide the supplemental stuff to help it. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that when a pastor plants a seed of faith in you, God is the one who grows it. In all instances, God is the one growing your faith; you may do outside things and water that seed, but God allows it to bear fruit in your life.

As babies, we need nutrients to grow and develop properly. Without them, we would have terrible foundational growth, and we would be stunted. The Bible gives the perfect amount of nutrients to nourish us in our faith in order to build the foundation we need. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that in order to grow as a Christian, you need to fill yourself with the “milk.” Eventually, that milk will turn into meat, and you'll be able to build off of that knowledge and seek wisdom through God.

Sometimes, my friends share secrets with me that help me grow closer to them, but they only trust me with secrets when they know that I won't run everywhere telling everyone else. The things of the Holy Spirit aren't a secret, but in today's message, Pastor Dan says that the Holy Spirit will reveal things to you if you're close to God. When you know God, over time, things will be revealed so that you can grow deeper in your relationship with Him, and then you get the opportunity to tell others what He revealed to you!

There are many unwritten rules in life, but the problem is, sometimes we never hear the unwritten rules because they're... well... UNWRITTEN! The good news is that the Gospel isn't an unwritten rule. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that you may have gone your WHOLE life living as a Christian but never heard the Gospel. As crazy as it sounds, it can definitely happen! The Gospel is the key part of Salvation and the acceptance of Christ. It's never too late to hear and accept the Gospel!

We make a lot of important choices in life, such as who we want to marry. Where do we want to live? What should we eat for dinner? But all of these questions lead to temporary things; there's one question that determines our life ETERNALLY. In today's message, Pastor Dan makes it clear that if you've accepted Christ, you'll have eternal life; if you haven't, then you won't. The message of the Gospel is MEANT to convict and put you in a position to decide on Christ. The question is, what will you choose?

Have you noticed how sometimes the people who have the most in this world deny Christianity? Today, Pastor Dan says God doesn't typically call those in power because He wants to use those who are unimpressive to give all glory to Himself! When God uses people who don't necessarily warrant attention, people start to ask, “How does this person have so much authority?” and it allows for conversations about the worthiness of the Lord. If you don't think you have worth, you do, in Christ Jesus!

If you were a curious kid, you probably asked a lot of questions in elementary school about what was taught and shared. Today, Pastor Dan says that the things of this world are foolish and that trying to explain something indescribable is futile. You must stand firm on what you know from Scripture. God's given you a guide, and it's called the Bible. There's power in the name of Jesus! Even when this world denies it, continue to be confident and bold in sharing the Gospel! Find your confidence in Jesus today!

Have you ever said something and instantly been invalidated? Maybe someone pushed what you said off or didn't acknowledge it. That can make you second guess if what you shared is factual or not. In today's message, Pastor Dan says those who push off the Gospel and call it foolish are perishing in their sin. Jesus is worthy of all praise. He isn't to be mocked! You must continue to press on and continue to share the Gospel. Lean into the truths of who Jesus is and stand firm in the truths you're declaring.

When your favorite sports team wins the championship, what do you do? Well, you'll probably tell everyone around you that they won because you want everyone to know about the joy you have! When you have something important to share, you share it from the rooftops so everyone can hear, yet oftentimes with the Gospel, that's not the case. Today, Pastor Dan says you must share the Gospel with everyone you know. He's the best news you can tell anyone! Shout it from the rooftops that Jesus is Lord!

In life, you'll always have something that calls for your identity. If you have a child, your identity is a parent. If you play sports, your identity is an athlete. If you're married, your identity becomes husband or wife. In today's message, Pastor Dan says that despite your title, your identity in Christ must be the first thing that you identify as! Christ has given you everything you need and is worthy of all praise! Allow the first words to come out of your mouth to be “I'm a Christ-follower” before anything else!

When a sports team is playing for a championship, usually the team that wins has the most unity and plays as one unit. They recognize that everyone's important and that every contribution matters, no matter how big or small. In today's message, Pastor Dan says the church must be comprised of people who want to be unified under Christ. When we work in unison under the same goal, God is glorified! You must be the change! If you see divisions in your church, do your best to push for unity!

Have you ever gotten anything that you didn't deserve? Maybe it was a second chance at an exam you failed, or maybe it's someone choosing to build trust with you again, even though you failed them. Today, Pastor Dan says God has given you a gift, and you didn't deserve it. He gave it to you because of the grace He has for you. He loves you and makes you unique. Share your gifts with a local church and find your place within that community. Every gift is useful; you must use it for the glory of God.

People will gather for all sorts of things. It could be to play sports, to play board games together, or maybe it's to read (Any book readers listening in today?) Today, Pastor Dan says the church is the place where Christians gather to hear the word of the Lord. If you walk into a church building, be prepared to hear God's Word taught, because that's the most important thing to hear! God loves you and is reaching out to you. Find your identity in Him and join a fellowship of local believers near you!

When a mailman comes to your door, they're being a messenger and giving you the news that someone is trying to share with you. In today's message, Pastor Dan says being an apostle simply means being a messenger for the kingdom of God. Everyone is an apostle to some degree. It's your duty to share the Gospel with others. There's power in the name of Jesus! Find your confidence in His name and not your own! He loves you and will give you the right words to say at the right time.

It seems that the government and people in power know that there's power in the name of Jesus and want to stop a movement from God from happening. In today's message, Pastor Dan says even though the government tried to stop Paul, God had a plan, and He brought many people to a saving knowledge of Himself through the church. Maybe you're under persecution right now. Stand firm in the Gospel of Christ. He has a plan for you. Trust in His goodness and mercy and watch as you become stronger, not weaker. 

Sometimes when we share the Gospel, we try to overcomplicate things because we think we need to share in a way that's compelling to someone so that they might believe. In today's message, Pastor Dan says Paul made the decision to simplify his message and share about Christ and Christ crucified. You see, there's power in Jesus' name. If you name-drop Him in a conversation, you'll see that people react because He's just that good. You must trust in God's power to change hearts, not your own! 

Sometimes, as a parent, you must decide what to protect your kids from and what to allow them to do so that they learn from their mistakes. Today, Pastor Dan shares that the church of Corinth was given up to the passions of their minds because it was what they truly desired. God loves you, but He doesn't want to control all your thoughts. You weren't made to be a robot! You were made to have a choice and to follow Jesus with that choice! When the world calls for your attention, stand firm in the Gospel.

When sin entered the world, God saw how it began to pull mankind away from Him, leading them down a path of destruction. That would mean we'd be separated from God for all eternity. That's when God crafted a brilliant master plan to mend the relationship. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, into the world to take on your sins and settle the debt once and for all. Today, Pastor Dan reminds you that Jesus has saved you through Salvation. He'll never let you drift away from Him again!

You may have come across the phrase, “family comes first.” It's relevant to all aspects of your life. They hold the top spot, above everyone else. But what about God? Where does he fit into your list of priorities? Can you put God's plan for your life first, rather than your family? In today's message, Pastor Dan reminds you to prioritise God in all aspects of your lives. What truly counts are His words and the guidance He provides. Rest assured, God has your family covered and will look after all their needs!

You wouldn't believe the impact that your kind words and heartfelt affection can have on someone's life. That's precisely what Jesus went ahead and did. During His time on earth, He radiated love and kindness to everyone in His presence. That's what truly touched people's hearts. Today, Pastor Dan shines a light on how powerful love and uplifting words can be for someone. Your words of encouragement can truly guide someone on their journey to finding Jesus as their Saviour!

Have you ever noticed how some families have their own unique set of rules for how they do things or how they act? It's interesting to see the different ways people navigate their family dynamics! It can really shape the way kids behave when they grow up. As a parent, how often do you find yourself guiding your kids, encouraging them to pray and have faith in God, no matter the circumstances? Today, Pastor Dan is here to inspire you, parents, to cultivate a spiritual environment within your family.

Parents usually want to have their newborn baby in view all the time, ensuring they're protected from any potential harm. To God, the people of Israel are like a newborn baby. God cares for them deeply, always keeping a watchful eye on them. He stands guard against any danger that comes their way and will keep doing so. Did you know that God loves you too? Today, Pastor Dan reminds you that God is always watching over every step you take! He'll always protect you in times of trouble!

People with a talent for gardening can easily tell when their plants are in need of a drink. A plant that doesn't get water can soon start to droop and lose its vitality. Watering the pot every day is the secret to keeping your plant vibrant and thriving! Have you ever thought about how your spiritual life also resembles a plant? Today, Pastor Dan shares how your soul craves its daily nourishment, and that sustenance comes from meditating on the Word of God. So, keep your spirit vibrant and nourished!

Have you ever noticed that when you sign up for a conference, whether at your church or at your workplace, you usually get an identity card? It's that little piece of proof that says, “Yep, I'm officially registered for this event!” So, when you arrive in heaven and stand before God for judgment, have you thought about what or who your identity card will be? In today's message, Pastor Dan shares that Salvation through Jesus is the key that will save you from God's judgment and wrath!

Have you ever found yourself in a tough spot, reaching out to God for guidance, only to hear that little voice inside you nudging you in a particular direction? It's pretty fascinating how that works, isn't it? It's as if it nudges you to take that leap, and just like that, you realise it was the perfect choice all along! That's the way the Holy Spirit rolls, my friend! Today, Pastor Dan shares insights on how the Spirit of God can be your guiding light in everyday life. He'll always be there for you!

When you throw your hat in the ring for a job at a company, they won't just whip up a position tailored just for you once you're on board. The company has a clear plan for the position and workflow, all set before they dive into the hiring process. In the same way, there's a unique plan that God has crafted for each and every one of us in this world. It comes to life the moment you welcome Jesus as your Saviour. In today's message, Pastor Dan encourages you to seek God's perfect plan for your life!

If a car has a small-capacity engine, it just can't hit those high top speeds, no matter how much effort you put into the throttle. You'll need to pump up those engine upgrades to really unleash that power! In the same way, your body can't resist sin all by itself. It seems like you need some help! In today's message, Pastor Dan shares insights on how God can empower you to resist sin. All you need to do is grab the upgrade package, known as Salvation, and it's exclusively available through Jesus!

When you take a closer look at the laws crafted by humans, it's hard to ignore the imperfections and those sneaky loopholes that people sometimes slip through to dodge conviction and prison time. What do you think about the laws that God has set in place? Are there any sneaky little gaps you could take advantage of over there too? No way! Today, Pastor Dan talks about how God's commands are truly perfect in every way. Through Jesus, you can now obey every law given by God!

It can be a bit of a challenge to follow your boss's directives if you find them completely unreasonable. You might find those commands hard to follow and end up ignoring them altogether. So, what's the deal with the laws and the commands that God has laid down for you? In today's message, Pastor Dan shares how obeying God's commands might be simpler than you realise. His laws resonate perfectly with that inner voice in your heart that already knows what's right and what's wrong.

Have you ever noticed how the principal's kid tends to get a bit of extra love from both teachers and students at school? That's how it goes with God and Israel, too. God truly values the way you treat His people and His chosen nation. Today, Pastor Dan invites you to send your blessings to Israel and to hold them close in your thoughts and prayers. Blessing God's people is like a magnet for His blessings to come into your own life. But if you speak ill of Israel, brace yourself for the consequences!

There was a moment in history when the Jewish people were on the brink of disappearing altogether. Once upon a time, there wasn't a country known as Israel like we see on the map today. But God is bringing the people of Israel back together as time unfolds. Today, Pastor Dan shares the exciting news that God's covenant with Israel is coming to life! God is faithful to His promises, not only to the people of Israel but also to you as you embrace your identity as a child of God through Salvation!

The Bible mentions that there will be two occasions when Jews will come together from all corners of the globe. So, the first one is the one we're experiencing right at this moment! The Jewish community is getting ready for the approaching season of reflection and judgment. What's the scoop on the second one? In today's message, Pastor Dan shares insights about the second gathering of the Jews, highlighting how that moment is all about getting ready to embrace the blessings from God.

Denying ourselves is a hard battle to fight. God calls us to turn away from our selfishness and be generous, not to be critical of others but to look at others more highly than ourselves. But if we're honest, this is a tough pill to swallow. Saying no to the things that make us feel good is so hard, but it is all worth it because we can have peace with God. Today, Pastor Dan shares the peace you will have with God when you turn from your selfish ways and turn to the Lord, proclaiming He is Lord and Savior over your life. 

We all have needs, right? We need money, so we get a job. We need clothes, food, shelter, etc.  These needs can lead you to worry. It can cause you to grow in anxiety to the point where it cripples you. Friends, this doesn't have to be the case. There is a God who provides for the birds in the air, so why wouldn't he care for you? Today, Pastor Dan encourages you that the Creator who knitted you together and knows you better than you know yourself will provide for all of your needs! You are precious in His eyes.  

Isn't it a great feeling when you work so hard, and you finally purchase the thing you've always wanted? It could be the moment you were able to buy your first car or purchase your home. These are big things, and when you buy them, they are yours! If someone borrows your car or stays in your home, it isn't any less yours, because YOU OWN IT! Today, Pastor Dan shares that even in the times that Israel disobeyed God and was removed from the promised land, it still belonged to them.

Friends, this is going to be a tough message! The blessings that God pours out on the nation of Israel are many. But that's only one side of the story. Sadly, there are SUBSTANTIAL implications and curses when the nation of Israel chose to forsake God. As Pastor Dan has been teaching verse by verse through the twenty-eighth chapter of Deuteronomy, we've seen SO MANY of the blessings…today, not so much. Today, Dan will share all the awful consequences that Israel faced when…not if…WHEN they chose to disobey Him and break the covenant that He made with them.

Imagine you've got a torn ACL and you're scheduled for surgery with the best orthopedic surgeon in the world. You arrive at the surgery center early, and you whip out your kitchen knife and offer to “help” the surgeon fix your ACL. LOLOL. This is nonsense, right!?!?!? Of course! You would never do that. You would trust the person who KNOWS what they're doing. Today, Pastor Dan shows us that many of us approach God as we KNOW better…like we can do what it takes to fulfill the covenant that God has made with us. It has been, and will always be, based upon the finished work of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross!