The Calvary Chapel Vail Valley podcast is a place where you can get encouraged in your faith by listening to our current and past messages from our Pastors. We hope that this helps you grow deeper in your faith and encourages you to share the gospel with those around you.
This Christmas Eve, Pastor Nate reminds us that the birth of Jesus is more than a familiar story — it is the moment God stepped into our world to realign our hearts with what we were truly made for. Using Scripture, the imagery of a wandering compass, and the breathtaking truth of God's relentless love, this message invites us to rediscover Jesus as our True North — the only One who can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Whether you're feeling off-course or simply ready for a renewed sense of joy and direction, this message points us back to the good news of great joy: a Savior has been born, and He has come to bring us home.
A Willing Heart looks at the often-overlooked story of Joseph in Matthew 1–2 and reminds us that God doesn't use people because they have it all together, but because they are willing to trust Him. In the middle of confusion, cost, and uncertainty, Joseph repeatedly says “yes” to God, even when it doesn't make sense. This message speaks to the tension many of us feel between wanting to live on mission for Jesus and feeling overwhelmed by our own weakness. Ultimately, it points us to the grace of Christ, who doesn't ask us to be strong enough or impressive enough, but simply willing to take the next step of obedience, trusting that He will supply the strength we lack.
"Anticipation & Participation" is a Vision Sunday message celebrating what God has been doing through Mountain Life Church and calling our church family to keep living on mission until Jesus returns. As Christmas draws near, we're reminded that the same anticipation we feel for His first coming should shape how we live as we look forward to His coming again. We'll celebrate wins from this past year, share vision for the future, and invite everyone to participate in the Great Commission through prayer, generosity, and being present with our community, bringing the light of Jesus to a weary world.
Amid the sparkle and struggle of the season, we turn our hearts back to the reason we celebrate. By looking at the Magi's journey of worship, we uncover our own purpose and the only hope that never disappoints.
In the final message of The Good Life series, Pastor Nate explores Jesus' last Beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” While persecution often brings to mind dramatic scenes from around the world, Jesus reminds us that opposition also shows up as insults, exclusion, misunderstanding, or quiet resistance when we choose to follow Him. Rather than fearing it, Jesus calls His people to courageous joy - because opposition is evidence that our lives are reflecting His. In this message, we'll learn what true persecution is (and isn't), why obedience naturally brings resistance, and how to respond with joy, love, and faithfulness. Ultimately, Jesus shows us that the Good Life isn't the painless life - it's the Christ-shaped life, blessed even in rejection.
In the final message of The Good Life series, Pastor Nate explores Jesus' last Beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” While persecution often brings to mind dramatic scenes from around the world, Jesus reminds us that opposition also shows up as insults, exclusion, misunderstanding, or quiet resistance when we choose to follow Him. Rather than fearing it, Jesus calls His people to courageous joy - because opposition is evidence that our lives are reflecting His. In this message, we'll learn what true persecution is (and isn't), why obedience naturally brings resistance, and how to respond with joy, love, and faithfulness. Ultimately, Jesus shows us that the Good Life isn't the painless life - it's the Christ-shaped life, blessed even in rejection.
In this message, Pastor Nate unpacks Jesus' words, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” showing how true peace is more than avoiding conflict - it's restoring things to the way they ought to be. Through practical steps and biblical truth, we learn how to pursue healing, reconciliation, and the kind of shalom that reflects the heart of God.
In this message, Pastor Nate unpacks Jesus' words, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” showing how true peace is more than avoiding conflict - it's restoring things to the way they ought to be. Through practical steps and biblical truth, we learn how to pursue healing, reconciliation, and the kind of shalom that reflects the heart of God.
Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the story of Esther, this week's message calls us to shift our perspective from comfort and earthly goals to a life lived in light of eternity—seeking God's kingdom first, trusting Him with our needs, and choosing each day to live for what lasts forever.
Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the story of Esther, this week's message calls us to shift our perspective from comfort and earthly goals to a life lived in light of eternity—seeking God's kingdom first, trusting Him with our needs, and choosing each day to live for what lasts forever.
In a world that tells us satisfaction is found through selfish pursuits, Jesus teaches us satisfaction is found in a pure heart that allows us to see God.
In a world that tells us satisfaction is found through selfish pursuits, Jesus teaches us satisfaction is found in a pure heart that allows us to see God.
In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Jesus calls us to a better way. In “Joy in Showing Mercy,” Pastor Nate unpacks Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Discover how mercy reflects the heart of God, extends forgiveness, meets real needs, and works hand-in-hand with justice. Learn how compassion in action leads to true joy.
In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Jesus calls us to a better way. In “Joy in Showing Mercy,” Pastor Nate unpacks Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Discover how mercy reflects the heart of God, extends forgiveness, meets real needs, and works hand-in-hand with justice. Learn how compassion in action leads to true joy.
Joy comes not from indulgence but from craving what is right. The world says joy comes from satisfying every desire; Jesus says joy comes from desiring God and His ways. Longing for God's way leads to satisfaction.
Joy comes not from indulgence but from craving what is right. The world says joy comes from satisfying every desire; Jesus says joy comes from desiring God and His ways. Longing for God's way leads to satisfaction.
In a world that says you have to dominate and assert yourself and your needs, Jesus says “Blessed are the meek”. In this message, Joy In Meekness, we will see that the good life isn't found in asserting ourselves and our will, but humbly trusting in God's will and plan. Living in meekness towards others as Christ our Lord has met us with kindness, meekness, and gentleness.
In a world that says you have to dominate and assert yourself and your needs, Jesus says “Blessed are the meek”. In this message, Joy In Meekness, we will see that the good life isn't found in asserting ourselves and our will, but humbly trusting in God's will and plan. Living in meekness towards others as Christ our Lord has met us with kindness, meekness, and gentleness.
In a world that tells us to avoid pain, Jesus says something radical: “Blessed are those who mourn.” In this message, Joy in the Tears, we'll see that the good life isn't found in comfort or control, but in meeting God right in the middle of our sorrow. When we bring Him our grief - whether over loss, sin, or brokenness - He meets us with real comfort, healing, and hope.
In a world that tells us to avoid pain, Jesus says something radical: “Blessed are those who mourn.” In this message, Joy in the Tears, we'll see that the good life isn't found in comfort or control, but in meeting God right in the middle of our sorrow. When we bring Him our grief - whether over loss, sin, or brokenness - He meets us with real comfort, healing, and hope.
When life drains you, joy feels impossible. But Jesus says the good life begins not in strength, but in surrender. In this message, discover why recognizing our spiritual emptiness is the first step toward fullness in God's kingdom - and how admitting our need opens the door to His power, peace, and joy.
When life drains you, joy feels impossible. But Jesus says the good life begins not in strength, but in surrender. In this message, discover why recognizing our spiritual emptiness is the first step toward fullness in God's kingdom - and how admitting our need opens the door to His power, peace, and joy.
The Good Life: Redefined opens our series in Matthew 5:1–12 by asking a simple but life-changing question: What is the good life, really? While the world points us to possessions, success, relationships, or approval, Jesus announces a radically different reality—blessed are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek. This message unpacks how true joy begins not in having it all together, but in depending on Him
The Good Life: Redefined opens our series in Matthew 5:1–12 by asking a simple but life-changing question: What is the good life, really? While the world points us to possessions, success, relationships, or approval, Jesus announces a radically different reality—blessed are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek. This message unpacks how true joy begins not in having it all together, but in depending on Him
Join us starting September 28th for a new series studying through The Beatitudes is Matthew 5:1-12.
This final message in our James series, Speak (James 5:19–20), reminds us that following Jesus means opening our mouths to share the Gospel—the best news in the world. James calls us to lovingly restore those who have wandered and boldly proclaim Jesus to those who don't yet know Him. Life is short, eternity is real, and revival begins when ordinary people are unashamed to speak about Jesus.
This final message in our James series, Speak (James 5:19–20), reminds us that following Jesus means opening our mouths to share the Gospel—the best news in the world. James calls us to lovingly restore those who have wandered and boldly proclaim Jesus to those who don't yet know Him. Life is short, eternity is real, and revival begins when ordinary people are unashamed to speak about Jesus.
We're reminded that God is not distant from our weakness but draws near as Yahweh Ropheka — the Lord our Healer. James shows us that prayer is powerful, not just for physical sickness but for the whole person: body, mind, and soul. Sometimes God heals immediately, sometimes He allows weakness to remain, but His promise is certain — He will raise us up. This message calls us to bring our struggles into the light, seek prayer, and trust the God who saves, forgives, and restores.
We're reminded that God is not distant from our weakness but draws near as Yahweh Ropheka — the Lord our Healer. James shows us that prayer is powerful, not just for physical sickness but for the whole person: body, mind, and soul. Sometimes God heals immediately, sometimes He allows weakness to remain, but His promise is certain — He will raise us up. This message calls us to bring our struggles into the light, seek prayer, and trust the God who saves, forgives, and restores.
In this passage, James echoes Jesus' words: “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Our speech isn't just about honesty—it reveals the state of our hearts. When we're double-minded, trying to serve God and something else, life feels unstable and empty. But when we return to our first love and give Jesus our whole devotion, our words gain weight, our faith gains focus, and our lives reflect His truth.
In this passage, James echoes Jesus' words: “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Our speech isn't just about honesty—it reveals the state of our hearts. When we're double-minded, trying to serve God and something else, life feels unstable and empty. But when we return to our first love and give Jesus our whole devotion, our words gain weight, our faith gains focus, and our lives reflect His truth.
Tired of waiting? James 5:7–11 reminds us that waiting on the Lord is never wasted—He is working even when we can't see it. Through the examples of the prophets, Job, and Abraham, we see that God's promises never fail because they rest on His faithfulness, not ours. Waiting on the Lord is not passive—it's trusting, seeking, and holding fast to His Word. And as we wait, He renews our strength and proves again that every promise finds its “Yes” in Jesus.
Tired of waiting? James 5:7–11 reminds us that waiting on the Lord is never wasted—He is working even when we can't see it. Through the examples of the prophets, Job, and Abraham, we see that God's promises never fail because they rest on His faithfulness, not ours. Waiting on the Lord is not passive—it's trusting, seeking, and holding fast to His Word. And as we wait, He renews our strength and proves again that every promise finds its “Yes” in Jesus.
In James 4:17–5:6 we're reminded that sin isn't just the bad things we do—it's also the good things we leave undone. True faith is never passive. It moves. It acts. It changes lives. Don't just hear the Word—do it. Step into the good works God prepared for you.
In James 4:17–5:6 we're reminded that sin isn't just the bad things we do—it's also the good things we leave undone. True faith is never passive. It moves. It acts. It changes lives. Don't just hear the Word—do it. Step into the good works God prepared for you.
In a world that constantly pushes us to take control of our plans, our schedules, our relationships, James 4:13–16 reminds us of a better way. In this message, Pastor Nate confronts the illusion of control and the anxiety it produces. Through Scripture, and story, we're invited to release our grip, open our hands, and trust the God whose plans are higher, wiser, and rooted in love. When we surrender what we cannot control, we make room for the peace, purpose, and power God longs to give us—because open hands receive what closed fists never will.
In a world that constantly pushes us to take control of our plans, our schedules, our relationships, James 4:13–16 reminds us of a better way. In this message, Pastor Nate confronts the illusion of control and the anxiety it produces. Through Scripture, and story, we're invited to release our grip, open our hands, and trust the God whose plans are higher, wiser, and rooted in love. When we surrender what we cannot control, we make room for the peace, purpose, and power God longs to give us—because open hands receive what closed fists never will.
Pastor Nate encourages us to leave a critical spirit at the door, and walk in grace, love and truth.
Pastor Nate encourages us to leave a critical spirit at the door, and walk in grace, love and truth.
Pastor Nate encourages us to re-orient our lives towards God, as we are reminded that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
Pastor Nate encourages us to re-orient our lives towards God, as we are reminded that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
Submission is the foundation, resistance is the fight, and victory is already won in Christ.
Submission is the foundation, resistance is the fight, and victory is already won in Christ.
Pastor Nate reminds us that God loves and blesses a humble heart.
Pastor Nate reminds us that God loves and blesses a humble heart.
Pastor Nate gives us a reminder that compromise with the world is not only wrong, it's dangerous for our lives. God wants the very best for us, and we can trust Him in what He says and what He asks of us.
Pastor Nate gives us a reminder that compromise with the world is not only wrong, it's dangerous for our lives. God wants the very best for us, and we can trust Him in what He says and what He asks of us.
Pastor Nate gives us an encouragement to walk in true wisdom rather than false wisdom as we grow in Christ.
Pastor Nate gives us an encouragement to walk in true wisdom rather than false wisdom as we grow in Christ.
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