Calvary La Habra

Pastor Lance's teaching through Colossians emphasizes Christ's supremacy in creation and the church, highlighting His unique resurrection and the gift of eternal life through belief in Him. We discuss importance of faith, community support, and clear gospel communication, addressing challenges from cultural influences and the need for prayer and revival.

Gabe Jauregui explores Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding efforts amidst opposition. He highlights his strategies against enemies, the importance of prayer, and the need for unity among the people. Nehemiah's integrity shines as he addresses exploitation during a famine. He points out how the completion of the wall in 52 days showcases God's strength, emphasizing reliance on Him for protection and guidance. In closing, Gabe encourages us to influence others with confidence in God's love.

Pastor Lance explains the purpose and role of Jesus as Head of the Church. Colossians 1:18 dives into the body of Christ, stressing love, service, and unity among all members. Pastor Lance encourages prayer, the use of gifts, and effective outreach, urging believers to trust in God's guidance and to submit to Jesus's authority.

Chris McCarrick shares from Romans chapter seven, and discusses the internal struggle with sin that everyone faces. The teaching highlights God's love and pursuit of humanity, the hope found in Romans 8, and the importance of living by the Spirit. Chris emphasizes surrendering to God, the need for confession, and the assurance of forgiveness.

Pastor Lance continues through Colossians 1, highlighting the preeminence of Jesus Christ. He focuses on redemption through Jesus, emphasizing forgiveness and atonement. When looking at the vast expanse of the universe, it's clear that there is a Creator, and that Jesus' fingerprints are all over creation.

Chad Bell leads us Nehemiah chapter five, highlighting internal strife during the wall's construction in Jerusalem. He points out that opposition often comes from within the community. He also discusses the importance of mindfulness in leadership, and encourages living to please God while nurturing personal growth and positive examples in our community.

Pastor Lance covers Paul's prayer for the Colossians in Colossians chapter 1, and their struggles with Gnosticism and internal issues. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and being filled with knowledge of God's will. He emphasizes that spiritual growth and maturity are crucial, and mentions traits like good works, endurance, patience, and thankfulness.

Pastor Lance kicks off the book of Colossians with the main theme of: "The Supremacy of Christ." He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the severity of our sin, and that we are unworthy of the grace the the Lord gives us. When we recognize that we are indeed sinners in desperate need of God's grace, we then can become dispensers of that grace. He closes by stating that if we are willing to obey the will of God in our lives, we can be the "one" in someone's life that points them to the Lord.

Steve Busch explores the challenges faced during the second half of tasks, as we continue through Nehemiah and take a closer look at the Israelites building the walls of Jerusalem. He highlights the importance of prayer, leadership, and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. He discusses the personal stakes in defending the home and family, the spiritual battles Christians encounter, and the need for readiness in both building-up and defense. The takeaways Steve points out emphasize facing opposition and seeking divine guidance.

Stan Mitchell teaches on the significance of Jesus' ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the empty tomb as a foundation of faith and the implications of eternal life for believers. He shares about Personal experiences of prayer and guidance, highlighting the importance of unity and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. He encourages seeking baptism in the Holy Spirit and obedience to its transformative power, inviting deeper relationships with God.

Gabe Jauregui briefly recaps the first 2 chapters of Nehemiah, where Nehemiah learns about the destruction of Jerusalem and feels compelled to act. After praying and fasting for four months, he presents a rebuilding plan to the king, who supports his mission. Gabe highlights the importance of protecting the home and family dynamics, by being intentional to spend time with the Lord as a regular routine. He emphasizes the need for prayer and strong spiritual foundations within families.

Join us as we celebrate our risen King and Savior!

Join us for our special Good Friday service, where we reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us, and a time of worship, prayer, and communion.

Listen to Pastor Lance's message on Palm Sunday, as we dive into who Jesus is, His mission (what He came to do), and how it pertains to us as believers.

John Bush teaches that Prayer and understanding scripture serve as essential tools for believers. As John leads us through Nehemiah chapter 2, he highlights the importance of recognizing limitations and relying on God's promises. He also reflects on Jerusalem's significance and the prophecy of Jesus' entry, stressing the need for prayer, preparation, and patience. Comfort from God empowers us to support others while staying true to His word.

Ken Graves taught through John chapter 8 verses 1-11, the story of the woman caught it adultery. He delved into these verses on a very deep and emotional level, emphasizing the importance of understanding our roles as men and women of God. He walked us through parts of Genesis 1&2, talking about the fall, and how Adam and Eve were created to complete one another. He brought service back to John by looking at Jesus's response to the scribes and Pharisees, and the woman. God has wired men and women in His perfect way, and we should never try to change it.

Jason Stead Kicks us off in our studies through the book of Nehemiah, beginning in Chapter 1, where Nehemiah learns of Jerusalem's dire state and feels deep concern for its people. He responds with prayer and fasting, acknowledging his people's sins and seeking God's mercy. Jason pointed out how this passage encourages openness to God's mission in daily life and responding to His calling.

Pastor Lance shares that true spiritual life is rooted in faith in Jesus, with Scripture serving as divine guidance. He emphasizes the importance of humility and service, contrasting self-love with the call to servanthood. He talks about the negative influence of Diotrephes highlighting the need for godly leadership and a return to true Christian values.

Chad teaches through Ezra chapter 10, and discusses the return of captives to Israel and the importance of maintaining purity in relationships. He stresses the need for true repentance, and explains the process by which we can make it a part of our lives. He highlights the significance of accountability and daily repentance for personal growth.

John McCarthy, a surfer from Ireland, shares his journey of faith and the challenges of leading a church in a Catholic country. He combines surfing with evangelism through his YouTube ministry, reaching a global audience. He emphasizes the power of God's Word, the importance of repentance, and living a life dedicated to the Lord. Service concludes with worship, celebrating God's uniqueness and inviting prayer for forgiveness.

Randy explores the significance of hearing God's voice and the historical context of Ezra chapter nine. He reflects on Israel's captivity and the importance of grieving over sin while committing to holiness. He recognizes the need to separate from worldly influences to fully embrace God's blessings. He acknowledges the daily necessity of Jesus to avoid burdens and celebrate God's mercy, especially in light of Christ's sacrifice, as we prepare for the Easter season.

Steve begins this study by touching on gratitude and shifts to the complexities of planning group vacations, highlighting the need for consensus on various aspects. He then details Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the challenges of leading a large group and the support from King Artaxerxes. He discusses temple offerings and the importance of learning from past experiences, ultimately arriving in Jerusalem and reflecting on reliance on God and prayer.

Pastor Lance explores the themes of rest and restoration through the Word. He emphasizes the importance of encountering Jesus Christ and addressing spiritual needs. He includes personal insights, biblical examples, and the cultural context of busyness and burnout. His message encourages individuals to surrender their burdens to Jesus and find hope in eternal life with Him.

Pastor Lance speaks about how John, identifying as the elder, shares insights on love and truth as essential values for the church amidst persecution. He discusses agape love as unconditional and selfless, emphasizing the importance of truth in faith. He addresses the spirit of the antichrist and the need for discernment against false teachings. He highlights the significance of using spiritual gifts for God's glory and encourages caution in hospitality towards those not aligned with God's truth.

Jason Stead highlights the significance of returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding after exile. He recounts the challenges faced by the exiles, including discouragement, but emphasizes God's faithfulness through the encouragement of prophets. He touches on the celebration of Passover and the feast of unleavened bread, which symbolizes God's protection and the removal of sin.

Finishing up the book of 1 John, Pastor Lance explains the difference between "sin that leads to death" and sin that does not. He explains about continual/habitual sin and how Jesus is the only One who can truly deliver us from our sins when we repent. Pastor Lance also reminds us that Satan is a defeated foe, and that we believers walk in victory!

Steve Busch shares out of Ezra 6, reflecting on the Israelites' efforts to rebuild the temple. He stresses that God is omnipotent, and He prepares us for anything the enemy might throw at us, so we can trust in His plan for our lives.

Pastor Lance teaches on 1 John 5:14-15, exploring prayer and the different ways of how God answers our prayers. He stresses the importance of understanding the assurance of salvation and the character of God, and aligning our personal desires with His will in prayer.

John Busch teaches through Ezra 5:1-17, reflecting on how we can overcome adversity while we pursue the Lord. Just as a silversmith refines silver, so God will work on our hearts as we stay committed to the work of building His kingdom.

Joey Buran, a longtime friend to our church, shares the journey God took him on from professional surfing to a pulpit. He reflects on the emptiness that can follow success and emphasizes the transformative power of his faith in God, and the generational legacy that the Lord has built through his life.

Chad Bell takes us through Ezra 4, teaching about the exiles returning and rebuilding the temple in joy. He asserts that Satan will always oppose what God wants to build in and through us. Challenges lead to spiritual growth, and it is vital that we persevere in prayer and resilience through our trials.

Picking up in 1 John 5:6-13, Pastor Lance considers how God's love influences us as believers to love one another in truth. He explains the certainties we can have about Jesus' divinity because He was affirmed by the Father and the Holy Spirit at His conception/birth, baptism, death, and resurrection.

Gabe Jauregui teaches out of Ezra 3, talking about the rebuilding of the temple and the importance of lineage in the narrative. He explains that true worship is about the heart, not the building.

In 1 John 5:1-5, Pastor Lance continues our studies through John's message about the love of God. He highlights the importance of obedience to God, and how we can only demonstrate love through our actions.

Listen to Pastor Lance share on the Sanctity of Life, as well as our friend from "Love Life" Shon Thornburg. Shon shares with us about the impact that Love Life has had nationally, statewide, and locally, as well as how we can get involved with upcoming opportunities to support families in crisis looking for hope.

Randy Dickinson shares out of Ezra 2 about the importance of understanding the exiles outlined in God's Word, and how Daniel and Jeremiah fit into the equation. He talks about the roles of priests and singers in Jerusalem, as well as the significance of genealogy. He shares Ezra's role in bringing God's Word and the commitment to worship after exile.

Stan Mitchell shares with us about the woman with the alabaster jar from Luke 7:36-47. The main focus was that extravagant love deserves extravagant surrender!

Jason Stead kicks off our new Wednesday night studies through Ezra and Nehemiah by teaching through Ezra 1. He shares about embracing a new identity in Christ, focusing on grace, redemption, and freedom from shame. Introducing Ezra, Jason also talked about revival and rebuilding, and the importance of humility and allowing for God's intervention in our life.

Pastor Lance gives an update about the SoCal fires, and teaches us what the Bible says about being the church in the midst of crisis. He shares about compassion, mercy, and the importance of acting on empathy, encouraging Calvary La Habra to support those in need this week.

Pastor Lance kicks off the New Year sharing about the One Year Bible reading plan that the church is going through again. He stresses the importance of personal devotion, scripture reading, and avoiding distractions in our time with the Lord.

1 John 4:17-21 explores the Father-Son relationship of the Trinity, and the attributes passed from God to believers. Pastor Lance emphasizes that God is light and love, urging believers to reflect these qualities. He discusses the importance of abiding in God's love, which leads to personal experiences and the ability to love others. True love for God is shown through love for others, authenticity in faith, and obedience to God's commandments.

Larry Powers shares with us from Luke 2 about "Jesus Under the Law", finishing up our Advent focus for the year!

Finishing up our 3 part series on "Key Events of Advent", Pastor Lance discusses the event of Jesus' birth itself...how God our Creator stepped down into the filth of humanity and took on flesh to one day save us from our sin!

Pastor Lance continues our Advent series, focusing on Jesus' incarnation reflecting both His humanity and deity, including the historical context of His coming. He emphasizes the miraculous birth of Jesus, explaining the message given to Mary in depth, as well as its significance for our faith.

Pastor Lance kicks off the Advent series in Luke 1, focusing on Zacharias and Elizabeth's story, before the birth of John the Baptist. In this context, he highlights the importance of faith and trusting the Lord in the events leading up to the birth of Jesus as King!

Steve Busch highlights the difference between providing a defense and giving a reason for your faith. He emphasizes the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, showcasing the apostles' unwavering faith as a defense for Christianity. As believers, it's important that we defend our faith with historical evidence while fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28!

As Pastor Lance continues through 1 John 4, he emphasizes God's love through our actions towards others. He explains the characteristics of true agape love, and how when we love others sacrificially, it is a reflection of our Father's nature.

Gabe Jauregui walks us through the brutality of the crucifixion, and the mockery that our Lord faced leading up to it. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the personal nature of the cross. Jesus took on my personal sin, so that I may be one with the Father. The cross of Christ is the pinnacle of the Love our God has toward us.

Rod and Noreen Carver from Corpus Christi, TX share with our church body a testimony of God's deliverance from the torment of mental illness over the last year. Pastor Rod encourages us that, in times of difficulty, when it feels like God doesn't hear our prayers, He is with us and He is still good.

Pastor Lance walks the church through the recent Footsteps of Paul tour, highlighting Paul's message in Athens, given to learned people who were culturally steeped in idolatry. In the book of Acts, Paul used the "unknown god" to witness about the One True Living God, explaining God's nature and our need for repentance. Pastor Lance explains how Paul's message and mission is the same as that of our present day Church in America.

John Busch shares from Matthew 27 about the betrayal of Judas, the various trials Jesus faced, and how the tide of popular opinion turned against the Son of God and led to His crucifixion. He talks about the lessons we can learn from Judas' failure, and what remorse should lead us to, as believers.