Calvary Chapel Ellicott City | Midweek

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.

Believers won't always make identical choices about music, schooling, and spiritual practices. But healthy discipleship honors conscience, maturity, and context while holding fast to core truth. Seek wisdom, listen well, and avoid flaunting freedom or weaponizing rules. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will ask you to embrace unity without uniformity: pursue holiness personally, extend charity relationally, and let peace and humility guide how you walk—and how you walk with others.

Each sunrise quietly shortens the distance to the day when Jesus returns. Time isn't a conveyor belt of sameness; it's a countdown filled with purpose! And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you to let expectancy shape priorities: repent quickly, forgive freely, serve generously, and share hope boldly. Loosen your grip on trivial pursuits, invest in people, and cultivate a watchful heart. Every ordinary moment becomes sacred when you live ready for the King's fast-approaching return.

The Bible makes it clear: life with God can be summed up in loving Him wholeheartedly and loving people tangibly. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will ask you to return to the essentials: worship that shapes priorities, and neighborly love that shows up in listening, forgiveness, and everyday generosity. Let these two commands guide your schedule, filter your words, reframe your conflicts, and embolden your service. When love for God fuels love for others, your ordinary life becomes a compelling witness.

The only debt that rightly remains is the debt of love we owe to Christ. He paid what we could never pay; our response is a lifetime of gratitude expressed in obedience, generosity, and service. Every act of kindness, every forgiven offense, every sacrifice becomes another installment of thanks that will never run out. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will encourage you to let this holy indebtedness free you from ego and entitlement, propelling you to love God and your neighbor with joyful abandon.

Christians should honor civil authority as part of loving our neighbors—paying what we owe, speaking respectfully, and living above reproach. Yet our highest allegiance is to the Lord; no human rule may claim what belongs to Him. When laws align with goodness, we obey gladly; when they demand compromise, we choose faithful resistance with humility, courage, and peace, accepting the cost if needed. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will ask you to pray for wisdom to discern, strength to obey, and grace to witness well.

Honoring the law of the land can be an act of worship because it reflects trust in God's appointment of those in charge. When we obey regulations, pay what we owe, speak respectfully, and pursue change through lawful channels, we model humility and love for our neighbors. Our integrity on ordinary rules— taxes, traffic, licensing—points to a higher allegiance. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will encourage you to choose to live above reproach so your citizenship brings honor to God and credibility to your witness.

Respecting authorities is an act of trust in God's sovereignty. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you that we commit to obeying laws, paying taxes with integrity, honoring officials in speech, and contributing to the common good for a reason. Submission doesn't mean blind approval; it means a posture of humility, prayer, and peaceable citizenship while seeking justice through lawful means. When you live this way, your quiet witness builds credibility and opens doors for the gospel.

Goodness is not a side project; it's the visible echo of Christ's work in you. Acts of integrity at work, patience in conflict, generosity in need, and courage for the overlooked all preach before words ever do. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you to consciously choose the next good thing you know to do—return the call, make the apology, bring the meal, or tell the truth. Consistent, humble goodness turns ordinary days into living testimonies that point hearts toward Jesus.

Spiritual fire fades without fuel. Staying ablaze is not hype; it's steady surrender—daily prayer, Scripture meditation, worship, confession, and courageous obedience. Protect the flame by pruning distractions, choosing holy friendships, and serving where love costs you something. Rekindle it through gratitude, fasting, and remembering God's past faithfulness. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you that you can ask for fresh fire from the Spirit, then act on it. A burning heart brings clarity, resilience, and joy.

God calls you to be a peacemaker when tensions rise in the family of faith. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will inspire you to choose humility over winning: listen before speaking, apologize specifically, and seek understanding rather than ammunition. Go directly to the person, not to an audience. Invite prayer, and if needed, ask a wise, trusted believer to help. Forgive quickly, erase the scorecard, and rebuild trust through consistent kindness so unity becomes the testimony that honors Christ.

Do you have anyone like that in your life? Someone who is encouraging every time they speak? Perhaps you are that person? As Pastor Dan will remind us in today's message, God has planned out and is actively orchestrating His will for this world, and that includes your life. He uses His Children to lift up and encourage each other and push each other on in carrying out His mission for us in this world. We simply need to make ourselves available and ready to step out in faith.

Have you ever felt God speaking to your heart, directing you to share something with someone? It can be intimidating. What will that person think? What if you misheard God's voice? That's okay to be nervous. It's an opportunity to step out in faith and exercise obedience. As Pastor Dan will encourage us today, we should share when we feel led. Remind the person to test and weigh it against Scripture and the Spirit's guidance, but the word you share with them may be just what they need to hear.

Our culture pushes us to take pride in who we are. Like so many deceptive teachings, this starts with a fundamental truth. Scripture tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Humans are amazing. But this isn't a point of personal pride, it's a reason to look Heavenward in humble gratitude for the work of our Creator. As Pastor Dan will warn in today's message, we need to maintain a realistic and honest sense of self, fully aware of our weakness, while leaning into God's incredible love and grace.

Our world is on a path away from God and contrary to His design for humanity. We were created to glorify Him and live in relationship with Him. Instead, we've embraced lives that go directly against His will, and we pour energy and resources into our selfish ambitions. As Pastor Dan will challenge us in today's message, we should stand out from the culture as believers. When we reflect the radical love, compassion, and humility of Christ, it will catch their attention and point towards Him.

Have you ever hurt someone, and instead of retaliating or holding it against you, they forgave you and withheld the consequences you deserved? It's a humbling experience. Even the most broken relationship can heal because of that act of mercy. As Pastor Dan will remind us in today's message, all of us have hurt God with our actions and attitudes. We deserve eternal separation from Him, yet He's extended mercy and, even beyond that, grace, in offering redemption through Christ.

The promise that God made to Israel—that all the land of Israel would belong to them—is everlasting. In today's message, Pastor Dan reminds us that God keeps His promises. This promise to the Jewish people, regarding the land of Canaan, includes the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It is not a promise made by humans that can be changed or broken; rather, it is a covenant made by an omnipotent God that will last forever. While human promises may be broken, God's promises are eternal.

During the end times, all the nations of the world will turn against Israel. We are already witnessing a rise in anti-Semitism, but it will be nothing compared to what will occur before the Battle of Armageddon. All nations will gather to attack Israel. In today's message, Pastor Dan describes this battle. He explains that Christ will eventually return and stand on the Mount of Olives, where He ascended into heaven. God will rescue His people, the Jews, who have turned to Him, and away from destruction.

Although some Jews accepted Jesus, the vast majority were blinded to spiritual truths because they rejected Christ as the promised Messiah of Israel and the Son of God. In today's message, Pastor Dan explains this blindness and the hardening of their hearts. He also clarifies the term "mystery" in Scripture. There are truths hidden in the Old Testament that are revealed in the New Testament. It is not that these truths were unknown; rather, they were simply explained more fully in later years.

Our salvation is not something we should boast about; it is entirely based on Jesus and our faith in Him. In today's message, Pastor Dan explains the role of the Jews, with whom God established His new covenant, and how Gentiles have been incorporated into the plan of salvation. The Jews were like branches that were cut off, due to their dependence on their works. In contrast, the salvation of the Gentiles came solely through faith in Christ, and not something to take pride in of their own doing. 

The history of the nation of Israel showcases a remarkable miracle of God's preservation. In 70 AD, the Jewish nation was destroyed and scattered around the world. Not until 1948 did the Jewish people return to their homeland and reestablish their nation. In today's message, Pastor Dan points out that “people usually assimilate after two or three generations, losing their language, culture, and traditions." However, the Jewish people have preserved their culture and returned to their country.

Israel has a long history of turning away from God. The rejection of Jesus by the Jews aligns with this past behavior. In today's message, Pastor Dan reminds us that a small remnant of faithful individuals remained throughout these periods of disobedience. He also emphasizes that God set Israel aside, due to their apostasy, often leading them into bondage. However, this captivity was never permanent; God always restored Israel. This process, in turn, paved the way for the salvation of the Gentiles.

God's invitation to salvation is open-handed, extended to every soul without price. But grace is not a toy; treating it as a license to do whatever you want hardens the heart and insults the Giver. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you that God welcomes the humble and repentant, but He will not be mocked by casual deceit. Choose sincerity: confess honestly, turn from sin, and receive mercy. You can honor the gift by living gratefully, and you'll find freedom rather than judgment.

History proves that when many abandon truth, God preserves a remnant—ordinary believers who refuse to bow to the spirit of the age. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will remind you to take heart that hidden faithfulness still burns in quiet homes and small gatherings, keeping the flame alive. This remnant prays, repents, and serves with steady courage until renewal breaks forth. Choose steadfast obedience where you are; your unwavering light may help spark the next awakening.

Watching the unfolding story of Israel provides a lens through which global events come into sharper focus. It alerts our hearts to the bigger narrative God is writing in Israel's history. In today's message, Pastor Dan will share with you that this nation's rebirth, alliances, and conflicts serve as living indicators of larger spiritual and geopolitical currents. Observing its challenges and breakthroughs can help you, as a believer, to see God making a way for His people.

The core of the gospel isn't cloaked in obscure theology; it's a straightforward invitation to a restored relationship. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will encourage you to celebrate a God who distills eternal truth into terms a child can embrace: brokenness met by love, forgiveness offered through faith, new life gifted freely. Complexity fades when hearts hear that heaven's door swings on grace, not achievement. You can share this beautifully simple story that transforms everything.

God's heart beats for every neighborhood, workplace, and classroom, and He invites His people to carry good news into them all. In today's message, we're reminded that the gospel travels best through ordinary lives—conversations at lunch, kindness in crisis, and integrity under pressure. As you go, speak with humility and courage, listen with compassion, and point to hope. Wherever your feet step today, Pastor Dan will encourage you to use your voice and actions to proclaim Jesus.

God often speaks through messengers you might overlook—mentors, friends, a child's question, a song, even an interruption that redirects your steps. And in today's message, Pastor Dan will help you learn to stay attentive and humble, inviting the Spirit to highlight what is from Him. Wise counsel, providential timing, and inner peace often confirm the nudge. You can honor the messenger, but focus on the Sender, and respond with grateful and immediate obedience.

Long before the iPhone, the MacBook, or the iPod, there was the Commodore 64. Releasing this machine in the early 1980s, Apple made home computers accessible to many family homes for the first time. Even further back, way before the Commodore 64, Jesus' death and resurrection made salvation accessible to all people – and even better, it doesn't require electricity or internet! In today's message, Pastor Dan shares with us how salvation was made accessible, why it matters, and how we can attain that salvation for ourselves!