Calvary Chapel Ellicott City | Midweek

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!

Do you have any morning habits? As much as I'd love to say that mine is running or working out, in this season of life, it's been hitting the snooze on my alarm once or twice! But scientific and behavioral studies have shown time and again that the first thing done in the morning will often “set the tone” for the day. While that may seem like a lot of pressure, I think that Pastor Dan's message today can both encourage and challenge you. Take a moment and listen in, and don't forget to get the coffee brewing!

The Olympics are quite a spectacle. There's something about seeing people of such incredible talent, with that level of devotion to their craft, and watching them compete on the world stage. One of the sports I find most interesting is gymnastics; more specifically, the balance beam. I'd be lucky to simply walk across, without falling and getting hurt! There's a balance that must be in place - when it comes to understanding how God works, and in today's message, Pastor Dan delves into just that!

Perhaps you've heard the joke about the man stranded during a hurricane. He continues to ignore the assistance offered to him, passing up a truck, a boat, and even a helicopter! When he dies, he asks God, “Why didn't you save me?” The truth is, God provided ample opportunities for the man to be saved, but the man was responsible for his choice to accept or decline the help. Listen in today, as Pastor Dan speaks on this topic, and consider this: Are you passing up on the help that God is offering you?

I tried my hand at pottery when I was in 7th-grade art class. From a heap of clay, I had made a fine-looking cup to bring home to my mother. I was proud of my work, but imagine, if you will, that this cup spoke to me, complaining about my craftsmanship. “You didn't make me large enough; you didn't give me a handle; I wanted to be a different color!” A foolish thought, perhaps; but what are you, in God's hands, but clay? Today, Pastor Dan provides insight into understanding this analogy of your place before God.

Getting what we deserve feels great, doesn't it? Receiving good grades after studying hard, getting those promotions at work after a long project, or picking up that free Chick-fil-A sandwich! But it depends on the context. If we receive what we deserve, when it comes to our standing before God, we are all sinful, deserving of death and hell. Today, Pastor Dan walks us through how, despite how “no one is good, not even one”, we don't have to get what we deserve. There is grace to go around.

Our God is gracious beyond comprehension. He went to incredible lengths, sending His own beloved Son to take on flesh and suffer and die on a cross to secure our salvation. Yet many people reject Him and even accuse Him of being cruel and unloving. As Pastor Dan will explain in today's message, as much as God loves those people, He will not force their hearts to soften. As they harden their hearts, they can come to a point where God allows them to completely solidify against Him.

Have you ever heard someone say, “That's just not right!” in response to a tragic event? When we experience things that we see as unfair, one of our first responses may be to question God and wonder how He could be good if He allows such injustice. As Pastor Dan will clarify in today's message, our God, who exists eternally, with no end or beginning, is the very definition of righteous. He created righteousness, and we can trust that His ways are good even when we can't see it from our perspective. 

On the surface, if you look at the nation of Israel, it may appear as though God's plan failed. As a nation, they rejected Jesus as their Messiah and still do. But, as Pastor Dan will point out in today's message, there is a remnant of Israel that believed, and this remnant has grown over time. While some believe God is done with Israel, that isn't supported by Scripture. He still has a plan for this chosen nation, and He will use them in orchestrating His final work of judgment and redemption for this world.

You don't want that to be true of you. Just as God chose Israel to hold a special position in this world – a nation to bless all other nations – He's extended that invitation to all who would believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If you've accepted that gift, you have a calling. Your life is no longer just about meeting your own needs and desires. As Pastor Dan will remind us in today's message, we are called to live a life that serves others and spreads the amazing truth of the Gospel to our world. 

Material wealth and abundance in this world are not the same as the blessings we experience in God's Kingdom. Our God is a faithful and generous provider, and we can trust Him to meet our needs. This is true for us as individuals, and it's true on a larger scale – for our churches and even our nations. As Pastor Dan will point out, when a nation operates in a way that honors God – marked by love, compassion, and righteous living, we can expect to experience the blessing of His divine providence. 

God never backs out of His covenants or breaks His promises. He is steadfast in His Word. As we enjoy the benefits and blessings of the New Covenant He extended to us through Christ, we can still take comfort and encouragement by looking back at the ways He fulfilled His promises under the Old Covenant. As Pastor Dan will point out in today's message, even in the last century, we see the fulfillment of His promises taking place on a global scale, and He has shown Himself to be faithful.  

Struggle is a part of this life. That's not how God designed it. This brokenness we experience rises out of sin and rebellion against God. Just to clarify, this doesn't mean God punishes us specifically for our individual sins. It's the sin we're born into that results in pain and heartache throughout our lives. As Pastor Dan will remind us in today's message, whatever form our hardship may take, it should not be seen as a punishment or a slight from God, but as an opportunity to trust in Him more.

What a relief! For most believers, this isn't a new concept, but it's one that we need reminded of frequently. We seem to have a hard time letting it really sink in. God is for us. He wanted us to have a relationship with Him since before we were born, and He went to great lengths to make it possible. He sent Jesus to take on flesh and suffer and die so that we could be righteous in His sight. As Pastor Dan will remind us today, we can rest in this knowledge and have joy as we experience freedom from sin.

Jesus was gentle and patient. This doesn't mean He was weak or timid. He did have moments where His anger rose to the surface. All too often, when we get angry, it's out of weakness and fear. Jesus' anger was only displayed out of His righteousness and compassion when He saw people abusing others in some way. As Pastor Dan will challenge us in today's message, if we're going to be like Jesus, we'll need the help of His Holy Spirit to impart patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.

This life is full of ups and downs. There are beautiful moments where you can enjoy spiritual, emotional, or physical pleasure – these are gifts of God's grace. But there are also many moments where the brokenness of humanity, both internally and in the people around us, brings pain and suffering. As Pastor Dan continues our study of the book of Romans today, we'll be reminded of the great hope we have in Christ. He can redeem even the worst things in life and use them to bring good.

We've all chosen things that aren't from the Lord; it's in our nature! No matter what you try to do, you'll always sin because you were born that way. In today's message, Pastor Dan says all creation groans because they aren't being used the way that God intended them to be used. Your sin has made a gap between you and God. But God sent His Son so you could be free from the chains of sin. He wants you to be in eternity with Him; all you must do is believe that Jesus died and rose again for your sins! 

When I was younger, I was able to play sports every single day and not feel a thing. Now, as I've aged, I become sore a lot quicker and different body parts start to ache. As you get older, you'll realize that your body decays at a rapid rate! Today, Pastor Dan says when Jesus returns, you'll be given a new body. The body that you have is full of sin, but if you trust in Jesus, He'll give you a new body, free of sin and made new through the blood of Jesus. Trust in Him today and have the hope of eternity with Him!

If you ever watch the news, you'll notice that suffering and pain are going on all around you! In today's message, Pastor Dan says if you believe in Jesus, you'll be lifted to the Heavens with every believer when Jesus returns. God promises that your bodies will be made new and that there will be no more pain and no more sorrow! If you don't believe in God, now's the time to do so! He loves you and has allowed you to accept and receive eternal life through His Son! All you must do is believe in Him today!

Throughout history, kings would give their inheritance and wealth to the next generation. This would allow for kingdoms to have families who would rule for decades. This is much more uncommon in the present day, but what if I told you that you could have an inheritance for eternity? Today, Pastor Dan says you'll receive the full inheritance Christ received if you believe. Trust in God today and find your comfort in what's eternal. This world is temporary; find your hope in the eternality of God.

What does a child do when they're lost or hurt? They call for their parent or guardian to come rescue them and save them from whatever's tormenting them! In today's message, Pastor Dan says just as Jesus calls God “Abba,” we can also call Him “Abba.” God has given us access to Himself through the death and resurrection of His Son. Now you can live with confidence in life knowing that whenever you're in trouble, you can call out to your “Abba Father” and He'll come help you in every circumstance.

You can always tell when a baby is with their parent because they look comfortable. Their smile becomes wider, they may babble a little, they may even fall asleep in their arms! Today, Pastor Dan says that every day, believers must be guided by the Holy Spirit. People will know God is with you if they see the Holy Spirit working in your life. The enemy wants nothing more than for you to fit into the world, but God wants you to stand out for Him! Allow God to work in your life through the Holy Spirit today!

As children, we must depend on our parents for assistance in our everyday lives. From our diet to our housing, everything we do is influenced by our parents! In today's message, Pastor Dan says that as believers, we must always live with reliance on the Holy Spirit. He'll guide you if you ask! God gave you the Holy Spirit to discern the things that please God and displease Him. Like your parents, the Holy Spirit will always guide you to what's best for you. Allow God to lead your life, trust in Him today!

Have you ever completely forgiven someone for the wrong they did to you? It's an uncommon thing because you don't naturally want to forgive others. Pastor Dan reminds you today that there's no condemnation for those who follow Christ Jesus. Did you hear that? There's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! If you follow God, you're free from the bondage of sin! God gave His Son as a sacrifice. You can have confidence knowing that Christ has paid your debt, live freely through His blood!  

How hard is it for us to stop ourselves from falling into temptation? When we want something, usually we get it! Today, Pastor Dan says sin is a deceiving thing and will always lead us to emptiness. God has given you a way to fight sin! It's through Jesus's death and resurrection! He loves you and sent His Son for your sins. Follow Jesus and find freedom in Him! Sin always leads to emptiness, but the Lord will always lead you to eternal life.

When a sign says, “Don't touch that lawn”, what's our initial instinct? Most of us would want to touch it! Our sin causes us to be curious about what happens when we break the law! Today, Pastor Dan reminds us that it's easy for us to make rules and tell ourselves that we'll stop sinning, but we'll never be able to keep them. You see, the laws you create for yourself remind you of the sin that you can't have. God wants you to depend on His power to stop yourself from sinning and not on your own.

Have you ever tried to go through a day without an adequate amount of sleep? It's difficult to function, and our brains struggle to focus on the things we need to concentrate on. Today, Pastor Dan says our sanctification isn't by anything we've done, but by everything the Lord's done in our lives. Just like the sleep you need to function in life, you also need God, but so much more. You're sanctified because of Him! He gave up His Son to save you from the sentence of death that you deserved.

Today, Pastor Dan will remind you that when you turn to Christ and receive His forgiveness, you experience a heart change, and that heart change results in a behavior change. Forgiveness is not cheap, and it does not excuse the sin that separated you from God. It cost God everything to offer you the cleansing that pronounces you righteous before Him. Rather than continue on the self-centered path that led you astray from Him to begin with, the forgiven can walk in God's path, full of joy and holiness. 

Today, Pastor Dan will remind you that you are commanded by God not to let sin reign in your body, obeying its lusts, but instead you are to present yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. While you're now set free from the penalty of sin, you still live in the presence of sin while you're alive on this earth. And the only way you can be free from the power of sin is by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is given to believers at the moment you come in faith to Christ. 

As Pastor Dan continues his teaching series through the book of Romans, he'll explain that everyone is a slave in the spiritual sense. We are either slaves to sin, which is our natural state, or we are slaves to Christ. Once you come to Christ in repentance and receive forgiveness for sin, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit who comes to live within you. It's by His power that you can resist sinning and become slaves of righteousness. Sin no longer has dominion over you; you can now say no to sin!

The phrase “dead to sin” comes from Romans 6:11: “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Here, the contrast is made that to be “dead to sin” is to be “alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Today, Pastor Dan will remind you that those who have come to faith in Jesus are no longer to allow sin to control their lives. Instead, you should offer yourselves to God to serve His purposes. Before Christ, you were a “slave” to sin. Now you have a new Master and can be a slave to righteousness. 

Today, Pastor Dan will be explaining how everyone is in need of redemption and that everyone has a chance to make that choice. Our natural condition was characterized by guilt: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Christ's redemption has freed us from guilt, being “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”. You were a slave to sin, condemned to eternal separation from God. Jesus paid the price to redeem you, resulting in your freedom from sin and death!

When you become a child of God, your entry in God's ledger is wiped completely clean! But the amazing thing is that this salvation isn't a one-time event; it's ongoing! So the sins and mistakes you may commit in the future will also not be counted against you. Pastor Dan wants you to know that the grace of God that covers your life is greater than any sin you could possibly commit in this life. By accepting this grace over your life, you have broken the hold that sin had on your soul.

Because the nature of sin is integral to the story of mankind, it becomes necessary for the person who defeats sin to also be fully human! That's one of the great mysteries of Jesus: that He came to Earth fully man and fully God. He didn't compromise His nature as the Son of God by taking on a human form. Pastor Dan teaches you today that Jesus' dual nature was the only reason He was able to live a sinless life, and why He was able to take the sins of mankind on the cross to purchase our salvation.

The story of the Gospel hinges on the problem of sin. Because after all, why would Jesus come to save a world if sin wasn't real? That's why Pastor Dan is so adamant in today's message that the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is true and accurate. If sin didn't exist, it wouldn't have made sense for Jesus to die on the cross for the sake of humanity. But it's precisely because mankind is destined for its own destruction that it needs an outside intervention, a Savior to help change its course.

One way to make your product stand out among the rest is to make it out of strong materials, so that it can be more durable than the competition. A good salesman knows how to show off when their product is strong enough and resilient enough to withstand heavy use. Well, as a follower of Jesus, you have been filled with strong and resilient materials! Pastor Dan reminds you today that with the Holy Spirit living inside of you, you are equipped to withstand the trials of this world, to stand tall for the Truth.

Do you know someone who has started a successful business? Well, for the most part, an entrepreneur doesn't find success immediately. More often than not, there is failure involved, and the business needs to pivot and learn from its failure if it wants to succeed. Pastor Dan teaches you today that your faith is just like that successful business: you need to go through trials and tribulations in order to grow stronger as a follower of Jesus. But the Lord is on your side, and He will lead you through those trials.

Scripture teaches us that you cannot serve two masters. So if you aren't serving God, then who are you serving? And more importantly, doesn't that make you God's enemy? Pastor Dan reminds you today that while your sin makes you God's enemy, Jesus has made a way for you to find peace with Him. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the influence of sin is expelled from your life. Without the influence of sin in your heart, you are free to follow God and become part of His family.

There's nothing we can do to justify ourselves before God. We could donate millions of dollars to wonderful causes and spend every spare minute serving the poor, and still couldn't bridge the gap between our broken souls and our perfect Creator. As Pastor Dan will remind us in today's message, in our state of spiritual depravity, we have only one hope. Jesus Christ is that hope. He gave Himself as a perfect sacrifice to atone for our sin, and offers us righteousness through faith in Him.

Have you heard of the “name it and claim it” movement? While it's loosely based off Scriptural truth, believers in this movement often misplace their faith. The focus is on our determination and on the actual phrases themselves, as if it's a magical incantation. Oftentimes, the request is also self-promotion or gain, not God's glory. As Pastor Dan will remind us in today's message, faith is only effective if it's placed in God, meaning that you believe He can accomplish something that aligns with His will.  

Faith by itself. As Pastor Dan continues our study of the book of Romans in today's message, we'll be reminded of this fundamental truth. There's nothing we can do, or add, or subtract from our lives, to be justified in God's sight. It's simply by faith. Our lives should look different from the rest of the world, as a result of placing our faith in God. We should be doing good works and avoiding sin – not to earn or keep our salvation, but out of gratitude and a desire to honor the One Who's saved us.

We have some very meaningful sacraments, which is a fancy word for a spiritual ritual or practice in the Church. In some denominations or traditions, these sacraments are given a place akin to salvation itself. Some even attribute their salvation to those practices. For example, some believe that you aren't really saved unless you get baptized. As Pastor Dan will clarify in today's message, these practices do not save you. They are just an outward sign of what Christ has already done in your heart.

Many of us have had unknown charges on our bank accounts. You may go into a panic mode, trying to figure out if you actually spent that money, or if someone stole your card info. As Pastor Dan will illustrate in today's message, imagine if it went the other way – you spent money, but the charges don't show up on your account. What a blessing that would be! In a similar way, when you sin, it's like a charge against your spiritual account – but Jesus makes it as though those charges never existed. 

Some believers, and even entire denominations of the Church, believe that to be saved, you must live a righteous life. Once you've been saved by Jesus, your life should be free of sin, and any sin you commit requires confession and recommitment to God. As Pastor Dan will point out in today's message, this way of thinking puts way too much on you. It expects something you're incapable of. Your life is changed, but your righteousness is only in Christ, not because of your ability to follow the law.

God has embedded a desire for justice in all of our hearts. It's easy for us to believe that God can have mercy on us for our sins, but when we see the sins of others, we fully understand why they deserve punishment. God is perfectly just, and even the most minor of sins are deserving of His judgment. We've done nothing that even comes close to justifying ourselves in His sight, but as Pastor Dan will remind us today, Jesus' death on the cross provides justification for anyone who believes in Him.

Sin is a constant, daily struggle for every human being. Some aren't even trying to fight it. Some of us really try to stay away from it, but if we're honest and aware, we fail a lot. As Pastor Dan will point out in today's message, when the Bible says we all “fall short,” it's in the present tense. It's not something that happened a while ago; it's something that is still happening on a moment-by-moment basis. There's nothing we can do about it, except place our faith in Jesus, Whose death has provided justification.

Whether you've spent every waking moment of your life engaged in sin or your trespasses are few and far between, you still fall far short of God's standard of righteousness. If you compare your separation from Him to the Grand Canyon, it doesn't matter if you can jump a couple of feet or you're a long-jump world champion. If you try to jump across, the results will be the same. As Pastor Dan will remind you in today's message, the only way to cross that chasm is with Divine intervention.

People have often wondered how God will judge people who may have never heard His Gospel or encountered the Bible in any form. Does He judge them against a different measurement? Do they get a pass due to ignorance? As Pastor Dan will point out in today's message, while Scripture doesn't go into detail about how God handles this matter, it does make it clear that God writes His laws on the hearts of man, and all of us ultimately will have the opportunity to either accept or reject salvation in Christ.

To believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior requires submitting to the authority of the Bible. There are certain elements of Scripture that leave room for discussion over their interpretation, but if you're subscribing to beliefs that go directly against clear teachings found in this Holy Book, you're rejecting the authority of its Author. As Pastor Dan will explain in today's message, sin cannot be justified. It separates you from God, and it's essential to lay sin down when you decide to follow Jesus.