Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

In life, you don't get to choose between building and battling—you're called to do both. In Nehemiah 4, we discover how to keep building the future while fighting off the fear, distraction, and opposition that threaten to stop us. Whether it's clearing the rubble of your past, guarding the vulnerable places in your life, or learning to trust God as your ultimate defender, we are called to stay strong in the fight and faithful in the work. Don't drop your shovel. Don't sheathe your sword. The wall goes up when you show up.I. Buried in the Rubble (v. 10)II. Threats in the Shadows (vv. 11-12)III. Guard the Gaps (vv. 13-18)IV. Backup on the Battlefield (vv. 19-23)Talk with God: Meditate on Hebrews 4:12 and ask the Lord for the discipline and courage to take up your sword—the Word—as you step onto the battlefield each day.Talk with others: Go to battle in prayer for your Connect Group or circle of believers and ask them how you can guard the gaps and provide backup for them this week.Talk with kids: How do the Commandments teach us to love God and people?

Being a Christian can be hard in the current climate of hostility—where believers worldwide face physical oppression and persecution. In our own culture, the church is labeled archaic and irrelevant in its stance on modern issues. Today we will consider a few reasons for the opposition we face as Christians and how we can face it victoriously.I. Opposition is NormalII. Opposition is VerbalIII. Opposition is ContinualIV. Opposition is ConquerableTalk with God: Ask the Lord for the courage to stand firm in Christ, despite opposition.Talk with others: Encourage a believer or family member who's been struggling this week and remind them that their “labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).Talk with kids: Why did Moses need help leading the people?

One of the greatest coaches of all time, Vince Lombardi, said, “Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Nehemiah 3 records the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls by individuals committed to this group effort. Here we can learn several practical and spiritual principles.I. God's Work Should Be OrderlyII. There's a Place for EveryoneIII. Your Service Should Fit YouIV. Some Work Harder Than OthersV. Work Should Be Tied to PurposeTalk with God: Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 this week and ask the Lord to “show you which path to take” (NLT) as you seek His will in every area of your life.Talk with others: If you're struggling with brokenness in your life—spiritually, mentally, or physically—ask a mentor or trusted fellow believer to stand with you as you start rebuilding.Talk with kids: Why can we trust God to provide for our needs?

Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to fix a problem. The city's ancient, protective walls were in ruins, the entrances still had scorch marks from almost 200 years before, and the people had gotten used to the deplorable conditions. Let's consider five ingredients we can apply to fix any problem.I. Go the DistanceII. Assess the NeedIII. Get a GroupIV. Expect a FightV. Take a StandTalk with God: Meditate on Psalm 147:1-6 this week and rest in the knowledge that the God who calls the stars by name also “heals the brokenhearted” (v. 3).Talk with others: Encourage your believing friends and family to “not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9) and go to battle for them in prayer this week.Talk with kids: Why is faith in Jesus the only way to be saved?

Your life is not an accident. You were made on purpose and for a purpose. Finding that purpose is the most important discovery you could ever make. There were four distinct elements that confirmed Nehemiah's calling and purpose in life. These four essentials will help you find your purpose.I. TimingII. TrustingIII. TestingIV. TensionTalk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal the relationships and areas of your life that need to be rebuilt or strengthened.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer to hold you accountable to spend time in prayer and the Word each day throughout this series.Talk with kids: What were the ten plagues God sent to Egypt?

Author Margaret Atwood's book The Handmaid's Tale includes a character who says, “The fact is that I hate this city. I've hated it so long I can hardly remember feeling any other way about it.” For some people, this is a daily reality. But Nehemiah loved his city—Jerusalem—though it was a city in shambles. How can we, by God's grace, learn to love our city for God's glory?I. Loving Your City Begins by Asking the Right QuestionsII. Loving Your City Includes Feeling the Right EmotionIII. Loving Your City Means Having the Right ReactionIV. Loving Your City Involves Doing the Right ActionsTalk with God: Meditate on verses 10-11 and ask the Lord to give you His heart for the people of our city.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing friends how you can lock shields with them in their daily walk with the Lord and as they serve Him in their community.Talk with kids: How did God save Moses when he was a baby?

Does your family have any Easter traditions? Allow me to give you a few more. These are the instructions that a heavenly messenger gave to the women who came to the tomb early that first Easter morning: Come, See, Go, Tell! Today we'll discover what these instructions mean.Talk with God: Meditate on today's passage and ask the Lord to fill you with a joyful desire to fulfill the Great Commission (vv. 18-20).Talk with others: Practice sharing the gospel message with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member so you will “always be ready” (1 Peter 3:15).Talk with kids: How did the resurrection impact our lives as followers of Jesus?

I. The AttributeII. The ActionIII. The Audience

Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD is a New Testament scholar, pastor, author, nationally syndicated radio host, Bible teacher, and apologist, and he ministers internationally as president of Christian Thinkers Society. Jeremiah loves the local church and serves as pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas. Jeremiah's passion is working with churches and pastors in equipping Christians to giveintellectually informed reasons for what they believe.I. Serious Scholars and Experts Believe the Shroud is AuthenticII. Science Today Still Cannot Explain How the Image is in the ClothIII. The Evidence Most Powerfully Points to One Conclusion: Jesus is the Man of the ShroudTalk with God: Read John's account of the Passion (chapters 18-20) and meditate on God's love for you as you prepare your heart for Easter this week.

Frank Turek is a dynamic speaker, TV program host, podcaster, and award-winning author. As president of CrossExamined.org, he presents powerful and entertaining evidence for Christianity.I. Does Evil Disprove God?II. What's the Purpose of Evil?III. What's God's Solution to Evil?Talk with God: Meditate on Ephesians 3:16 this week and ask the Lord to renew and strengthen you as you walk with Him.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group, friends, or family how you can support them in focusing on “the eternal weight of glory” (v. 17) through the struggles they may be facing.Talk with kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on Earth?

The great preacher of Victorian England Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “I do not believe there ever existed a Christian yet, who did not now and then doubt his interest in Jesus. I think, when a man says, ‘I never doubt,' it is quite time for us to doubt him.” It's reassuring that even a spiritual heavyweight like John the Baptist experienced doubts. Let's see how Jesus helped him.I. The Ambivalence of John  A. Experiential Doubts  B. Intellectual Doubts  C. Societal Doubts  D. Moral Doubts II. The Answer of Jesus  A. He Answered Directly  B. He Answered Verbally  C. He Answered Practically  D. He Answered PatientlyTalk with God: Meditate on Mark 9:23-24 and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and peace as you seek to address your own doubts and unbelief.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer who's wrestling with doubt or questioning their faith by reminding them that God can handle their questions (see James 1:5).Talk with kids: What did Job learn about God?

Joel Rosenberg is a New York Times bestselling author with more than five million copies of his books in print. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of All Israel News and All Arab News and the host of the Rosenberg Report, a primetime weekly news and analysis program on TBN, the most watched Christian TV network in the US. In 2006, Rosenberg and his wife founded the Joshua Fund, a nonprofit organization that has invested more than $100 million towards strengthening the church in Israel and the Arab/Muslim world to preach the Word, shepherd the flock, care for the poor and needy, teach the global church about God's love and prophetic plan for the people of the Middle East, and fulfill the Great Commission.

Doubt is often a stepping stone on the road to a secure faith. We've all had our doubts; it's what we do with those doubts that matters. Do we give up, take our ball, and go home? Or do we find unshakable reasons that faith in God is the best worldview possible? Today let's look at the rocky journey of Thomas's struggle between faith and doubt. Perhaps we'll see ourselves in it.I. ConfidenceII. TurbulenceIII. DistanceIV. EvidenceV. PenitenceVI. PermanenceTalk with God: Meditate on 1 Peter 1:8-9 and thank the Lord for the peace and confidence we have in our salvation, so we can “rejoice with joy inexpressible” (v. 8).Talk with others: If you're wrestling with a doubt or difficult question, ask a mentor or pastor for help in navigating that struggle.Talk with kids: How does God show He keeps His promises in this Bible story?

I. Stand StrongII. Stay GroundedIII. Step ForwardTalk with God: Ask the Lord to give you strength and courage as you commit to plant your flag and reclaim what the enemy has stolen in your life.Talk with others: How can your Connect Group, family, or friends take ground in your community this year?Talk with kids: How did God's promise to Abraham continue through Jacob?

Sharing your faith with unbelievers can be the scariest experience for many of us. Just the term evangelism can make us sweat. So we make excuses like, “I'm not an evangelist,” or, “I'll mess it up,” or, “They'll reject me,” or, “I'm not good enough at it.” Today we get a lesson on sharing our faith from the Master Himself—Jesus Christ—as we see how He spoke to a woman who thought she'd heard it all.I. Have the Right AttitudeII. Have the Right ApproachIII. Have the Right AppealTalk with God: Ask the Lord for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel this week.Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to come to church with you next weekend.Talk with kids: How did finding Isaac a wife show that God was keeping His promise to Abraham?

“Cancel culture” is a newer cultural phenomenon whereby a group of people attempts to remove an individual's or organization's power, platform, financial resources, or livelihood. It takes place when people perceive that the target has transgressed against moral or social norms. But it's not really new. It's been around since the beginning. How should we live in such an environment?I. React CalmlyII. Resist FirmlyIII. Reply ClearlyIV. Respond HumblyV. Rest InwardlyTalk with God: Ask the Lord to give you a heart of compassion for those who may attack you for your beliefs, so you won't return “evil for evil or reviling for reviling” (v. 9).Talk with others: Ask a fellow believer how you can pray for them and support their walk this week.Talk with kids: How does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac point us to Jesus?

Love Bomb 2025 - Matthew 5:13-16 - from the series of Topical Teachings with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Church.I. Our World is DarkII. Our Walk is DifferentIII. Our Work is Demonstrated

Legalism was a serious problem in Paul's day, and it's a serious problem today. Vibrant truth is exchanged for a narrow-minded list of do's and don'ts. The glorious name of Jesus becomes a synonym for a gloomy killjoy. A legalistic Christian is a dangerous substitute for the real thing. Anyone living under this tyranny never feels like they are doing enough. Let's get some help!I. Legalism Contradicts the GospelII. Legalism Contradicts ExperienceIII. Legalism Contradicts LogicTalk with God: Ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where legalism is taking over your walk and for peace to rest confidently in your salvation—through your faith in Jesus alone.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer by reminding them of Jesus' work in their lives.Talk with kids: What promises has God made to us?

An alarming report from one research group noted, “Our nation is facing a new public health threat…feelings of anxiety and depression have grown to levels where virtually no one can ignore what is happening.” Today, we consider the help available for our mental health. In this letter to the Philippian church, Paul gives us five steps that will improve our mental health.I. Rejoice in the Presence of GodII. Rely on the Power of GodIII. Recall the Provision of GodIV. Rest in the Peace of GodV. Reflect on the Purpose of GodTalk with God: Ask the Lord to guide your steps and provide wisdom and clarity as you seek to improve your mental health in accordance with Scripture.Talk with others: If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, ask a pastor, ministry leader, or mentor for prayer and practical support.Talk with kids: How were the people disobeying God's commands?

If someone takes a substance or engages in an activity that provides temporary pleasure, but it becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, he or she is said to be an addict. Addictive behavior is widespread and is one of the reasons people turn to Christ. But even those who follow Christ can tend toward addictive behavior. We were born with a sinful nature. When we're born again and have a new nature, sometimes the battle is fiercer than ever. How can we find help?I. We Have a StandardII. We Face a StruggleIII. We Use a Strategy  A. Reason  B. Reckon  C. Resist  D. ReplaceTalk with God: Identify a sin you're struggling with and ask the Spirit to intercede for you “with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).Talk with others: If you're struggling with addiction or addictive behavior, ask a pastor or trusted believer for ongoing prayer and spiritual encouragement as you go to battle with that addiction.Talk with kids: How has God rescued us from sin?

A Turkish soldier beat a Christian prisoner until he was barely conscious. He kicked him and shouted, “What can your Christ do for you now?” The bloodied soldier responded, “He can give me strength to forgive you.” One of the hardest areas in the Christian life is forgiving people (even other Christians) who have hurt us in the past. In this passage, let's see what help Jesus can give.I. Forgiveness is DifficultII. Forgiveness is DivineIII. Forgiveness is DemandedIV. Forgiveness is Doable  A. Start Upward  B. Move Inward  C. Reach OutwardTalk with God: Ask the Lord to show you where you've chosen to hold on to hurt, anger, or bitterness, and ask Him for the strength to choose forgiveness.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer to pray for you as you work through any anger or bitterness you've been harboring.Talk with kids: Why did God have to punish Cain for his sin? How was God merciful, even in punishment?

Ours is not a reading culture anymore. Reading has been replaced by visual sound bites. And reading the Bible is a difficult endeavor, since it was written so long ago with cultures and practices that are now outdated. So, what are we to do? Isn't it just easier to listen to sermons and pick up Bible truths from social media posts? It is easier, but not better. Let me give you some helpful tips.I. It Will Transform Your LifeII. It Will Challenge Your MindIII. It Will Delight Your HeartIV. It Will Clarify Your VisionV. It Will Stabilize Your FutureVI. It Will Guard Your StepsTalk with God: Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clear understanding and “ears to hear,” (Mark 4:9), as you begin your quiet times this week.Talk with others: Ask a friend or mentor to hold you accountable to read and study the Word consistently.Talk with kids: How did God show mercy to Adam and Eve?

Loving other people is one of life's most difficult challenges. Even the closest followers of Jesus had a hard time doing it. Peter found it hard to forgive more than a few times (see Matthew 18:21). James and John wanted to nuke the Samaritans (see Luke 9:52-56), and all the disciples argued about their positions in the kingdom (see Luke 22:24-30). Here are some practical ways we can love both God and our neighbor.I. Learn to Hear PersonallyII. Learn to Judge AccuratelyIII. Learn to See DifferentlyIV. Learn to Act ImmediatelyTalk with God: Ask the Lord for wisdom in finding practical ways to be merciful toward a challenging neighbor this week (v. 36-37).Talk with others: Invite a neighbor or coworker to church and ask how you can support them.Talk with kids: Which of God's characteristics do we see in creation?

The Bible opens with the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After the first humans disobeyed and chose death, God graciously kept them away from the Tree of Life, lest they live forever in their fallen state. But now, at the end of the Bible, the Tree of Life reemerges in the garden environment of the capital city of heaven. Today, let's consider our future home.I. Anterior DesignII. Exterior DesignIII. Interior DesignIV. Superior DesignTalk with God: Thank the Lord for His faithful love and gracious plan of redemption as we prepare to celebrate the birth of His Son.Talk with others: Reach out to a believer who may be hurting this Christmas season and encourage them to seek comfort from the “God [who] will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (21:4).Talk with kids: Why is Jesus' return good news for Christians?

Leading up to Christmas, we will examine human history in the light of three trees: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Tree of Life, and the cross of Christ. Today, we're in the garden of Eden. Next week, we'll be in the garden environment of the New Jerusalem. On Christmas Eve, we'll consider the cross of Christ—where, after His betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane, He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree,” (1 Peter 2:24)—and why the Christmas tree has tried to usurp it.I. PerfectionII. PlungeIII. PenaltyIV. PredictionTalk with God: In the midst of this season's busyness, be intentional to make time to “[walk] in the garden” (Genesis 3:8) with the Lord each day through prayer and the Word.Talk with others: Ask a friend who may be hurting this season how you can lock shields with them in prayer and acts of service.Talk with kids: What are some ways we can worship Jesus?

Driven by a divine calling and guided by God's hand, Vitaliy and Natalia Smolin have dedicated their lives to full-time missionary work in Ukraine since 2009. Their mission is to share Christ's love and His Word with everyone. They remain steadfast in the face of challenges—including the Russian invasion in February 2022—providing humanitarian aid to civilians and military personnel alike as they spread the good news of Jesus Christ and embody hope and resilience for the people of Ukraine.

Levi is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and everywhere online. He is a best-selling author, podcast host, husband, and father of five, and travels the world speaking about Jesus. Levi is the author of several books, children's books, and devotionals, including Through the Eyes of a Lion, I Declare War, The Marriage Devotional, and his latest, The Last Supper on the Moon. He and his wife, Jennie, co-host their podcast, Hey It's the Luskos. Levi and Jennie have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.I. The Wonders of HeavenII. The Weight of GloryIII. The Word of GodIV. The Wounds and Worth of JesusTalk with God: If you're in a season of suffering or overwhelmed by a trial in your life, focus your heart on the One who will carry you through to the coming glory (see v. 18).Talk with others: Sit with a fellow believer who's suffering this week and encourage them to seek the Lord and find rest in Him.Talk with kids: How did Paul's faithfulness in preaching the gospel—even in prison—give us an example to follow?

This sounds reasonable, doesn't it? After all, to make such a statement seems to help out with the problem of evil that is so prevalent in our fallen world. If there is a God who is good and loving, can't He throttle back on the pain and suffering, especially in the lives of His children? As we examine this statement today, we need to make four critical adjustments to our thinking.I. A Misunderstood Verse (1 Corinthians 10:13)II. A Misguided StatementIII. A Missing Perspective (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:17)IV. A Meaningful Example (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and thank the Lord that His grace and strength allow us to “boast in [our] infirmities.”Talk with others: As a family or Connect Group, pray for the families and members of our community who visited our campus for the Thanksgiving Pickup Party.Talk with kids: How does it make you feel to know God is always in control and He cares for you?

Money matters! But how much? And how much does it matter to you? To God? For generations, people have said, “Money is the root of all evil.” Is that statement true? Does it come from the Bible? Today, we will ask and answer a few questions in order to get at the truth of all this. I think we will discover that money is a lot like fire—it's an excellent servant, but a terrible master.I. Where Does it Come From?II. What Does it Mean?III. How Should We Live?Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 22:37 and ask the Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you've allowed the love of money to take root.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if they've noticed any idols in your life recently.Talk with kids: What should we do if others make fun of us or are mean to us for sharing the gospel?