Calvary Undenominational Church

As we near the end of Ecclesiastes, we find ourselves asking – how is it that a book that is about the meaninglessness of life can be used by God to give so much meaning to life? And how will God continue to take our world's pursuit of meaningless things and continue to speak life and meaning to us? In this message, we see that the Bible is a one-of-a-kind book and it holds the answer to these questions and so many more. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 15, 2025

This message closes out our series in Ecclesiastes with a look at the passage that has served as our benediction throughout. We will examine the importance of fearing God. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 22, 2025

This devotional looks at the most important date on the church calendar. As we explore the significance of Pentecost, Pastor Jim offers two metaphors to help us recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Speaker: Jim Samra, Minister & Senior Pastor Passage: Acts 2 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 8, 2025

In this message, guest teacher Dave Morlan shares how we can make progress in our faith and experience more joy. Speaker: Dave Morlan, Teaching Pastor, Fellowship Denver Church Passage: Philippians 1:19-26 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 1, 2025

Speaker: Director, Special Needs Ministries; Zach Schmuck Passage: Exodus 33:12-23, 34:6-7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 18th, 2025

In the typical fashion of this series in Ecclesiastes, this message looks at what the world gets wrong about aging and how Jesus brings a better perspective. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 18th, 2025

This message looks at the anxiety, depression, and darkness that come with living life in this fallen world. We learn a defense against these elements and are encouraged to embrace the reality that we are loved by God. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 11th, 2025

This sermon looks at the blessing and value of work. This covers anything that we apply energy and effort to in an attempt to accomplish something productive. With this broad definition in mind, we are given five principles we can apply to our lives as we work by faith. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 4th, 2025

God's compassion goes beyond welcoming us home, he also wants to help us make better decisions so we can experience the fullness of life that he offers. These decisions include how we speak about the rulers of our people. While this can feel like a small thing, it speaks volumes of the state of our heart and where our trust lies. Learn more in this timely message. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:15-20 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 27th, 2025

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 6, 2025

We live in a culture that thrives on contentious exchanges and vitriolic arguments. In Ecclesiastes 10:1-14, Solomon emphasizes the value of remaining calm in the face of foolish arguments. In this message, Pastor Jim offers us four principles for making our way through these contentious conversations. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:1-14a This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 30th, 2025.

In this sermon, Pastor Jim explores Ecclesiastes 9:18, emphasizing how wisdom is more powerful than weapons of war but can be easily overshadowed by the destructive power of sin. He highlights how just one act of sin can undo the good work of many, illustrating this through biblical and real-life examples. This message challenges believers to pursue godly wisdom and recognize the dangers of allowing sin to corrupt their lives and communities. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:18 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 23rd, 2025.

In Ecclesiastes 9:17, Solomon highlights the value of wisdom that comes from those who measure their words. Pastor Tom explains the significance and the power of words. We are encouraged to pursue proper speech when engaging with others. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 16th, 2025.

This sermon explores how life's unpredictability often challenges our personal definitions of success. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 9:11-16, Pastor Tom highlights how human effort alone does not guarantee outcomes and emphasizes God's providence in guiding our paths. True success, as defined by Scripture, is recognizing that we are exactly where God wants us to be and using our gifts for His glory. Rather than striving for accumulation, achievement, or acclaim, we are called to trust in God's plan, knowing He is working all things for His purpose and our good. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:11-16 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 9th, 2025.

In Revelation 7:9-17, Pastor Artie Lindsay explains how all things are united things, and everything is brought under the authority of Jesus. We see how God's people will worship him together in unity, and how He will set all things right. Speaker: Teaching Pastor, Tabernacle Community Church; Artie Lindsay Passage: Revelation 7:9-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 2nd, 2025.

Every human life will come to an end. In Ecclesiastes 9:1-10, Solomon expresses how both the good and the evil experience death. Through this message, we learn how death takes on new meaning for those who believe in Jesus. We are all faced with the choice to live in the light of the resurrection or in the shadow of death. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 23rd, 2025.

Why do the wicked prosper? This is the question Solomon wrestles with in Ecclesiastes 8:10-17. As we explore this, we find that while we often reach the end of our rope when confounded by such realities, God's mercy proves to be more extensive than we ever imagined it could be. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:10-17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 16th, 2025.

Why do bad things happen to good people? This is the question that confronts us as we experience suffering. In Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1, Pastor Jim explains how Solomon acknowledges that sin is the root cause of suffering. Despite Solomon's pursuit of wisdom, he finds no solution within himself, showing us that the ultimate solution is in Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:2-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 9th, 2025.

Why do bad things happen to good people? This is the question that confronts us as we experience suffering. In Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1, Pastor Jim explains how Solomon acknowledges that sin is the root cause of suffering. Despite Solomon's pursuit of wisdom, he finds no solution within himself, showing us that the ultimate solution is in Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 2nd, 2025.

It is natural for us to attempt to change the unpleasant situation in which we find ourselves. In this message, we learn that it is pride when we take these matters into our own hands, rather than relying on God. From Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Jim demonstrates the ways in which patience in such difficult circumstances is better than pride. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 19th, 2025.

It is natural for us to attempt to change the unpleasant situation in which we find ourselves. In this message, we learn that it is pride when we take these matters into our own hands, rather than relying on God. From Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Jim demonstrates the ways in which patience in such difficult circumstances is better than pride. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 19th, 2025.

In life we experience lots of struggles and difficulties. In Ecclesiastes 7: 1-6 Pastor Jim identifies 4 blessings that come through suffering! We are challenged to lean into God amid the struggle reminding us that God ordains our path drawing us closer to him. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:1-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 12th, 2025.

Insatiable appetites are desires we turn to for fulfillment instead of seeking satisfaction in God. In Ecclesiastes 6:7-12, Jon identifies four insatiable appetites: words, knowledge, the question of “what's next?”, and power. We discover that we are powerless to defeat these appetites, but God is able to crush these appetites when we find satisfaction in Him. Speaker: Director, Young Adults Ministry: Jon Nuenke Passage: Ecclesiastes 6:7-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 5th, 2025.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 29th, 2024.

In this message, we explore the differences between receiving a gift like a book and the gift of Jesus! We find that the gift of Jesus is both costly and supplies all wisdom and knowledge. The lordship of Jesus is not just for one part of our life but grows to have authority over every part of our life. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Colossians 2:6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 22nd, 2024.

The holiday season can contribute to our relationship with money being characterized by concerns, frustrations, anxieties, and doubts. In Ecclesiastes 5:8-17, Solomon wrestles through the disappointment of how money fails to satisfy. Our difficult emotions surrounding money stem from our love for money. We find that two blessings that God gives are enjoying money, and investing in eternity through giving it to the church and personal opportunities. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 15th, 2024.

What does it mean to be a serious Christian? To answer this question, we turn to Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. Solomon shares four instructions on how to be a serious Christian. These instructions are to guard your steps, listen to God, watch your mouth, and keep your promises to God. In all this, we are reminded of the importance of having a healthy fear of God. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 8th, 2024.

In this message, we see that the lie of the “Sigma Male” popular in our current culture is that it romanticizes loneliness and replaces our need for genuine companionship with something else. Instead we find that the truth of the Gospel is that we were created for meaningful relationships with God first and then with others. If you are feeling the sting of loneliness, during the holidays or whenever, turn to God first in faith, hope and love, in prayer, in Scripture and in serving and then watch Him provide human companionship to fill out the friendship that He himself offers through Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 1st, 2024.

In this message, we receive four encouragements to help us to take our focus off of others, so that we don't end up in either envy-fueled ambition or quitting on life. Instead we learn we are to focus on surrendering to God, trusting that His choices are better than ours. When we do this we can experience the blessings of contentment. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 24th, 2024.

In this sermon, Jim preaches on Ecclesiastes 4:1-3. We are reminded of how oppression is very present in the world. We discover that our call as a church is to draw attention to cases of oppression, to call people to repentance, and to comfort the oppressed. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 17th, 2024.

This sermon explores Ecclesiastes 3:18-22, where Solomon reflects on the similarities between humans and animals. However, Pastor Jim emphasizes the distinction of humans from animals by explaining what it means to be made in the image of God. We realize that humans are made for relationship, dominion, and to be indwelled by God. As we walk by the Holy Spirt, we understand the privilege of what it means to be truly human. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:18-22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 10th, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 3:15-17, we see Solomon distressed about injustice in the world. Pastor Tom teaches that we find hope in the midst of injustice, by remembering that God is the ultimate judge. We find that our call to love leads to significant change. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:15-17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 3rd, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 and John 1, Pastor Jim explains how the eternal God places eternity in our hearts. Everything God does lasts forever, and that includes the endurance of our souls. We recognize that our response to Jesus is directly linked to how we spend eternity. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 27th, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon points out the many different seasons of life. Through this teaching, we discover the importance of discerning what season we are in, how to accept the season, and when to ask God to change our season. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 20th, 2024.

In this message from Ecclesiastes 2:12-26, we find that the best legacy is living a life that is pleasing to God. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 13th, 2024.

In this sermon, we find that obedience to God and the fear of God are the solution to a spirit of accumulation. We discover that this is the path to experiencing fullness of joy. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 6th, 2024.

This week's message explores the theme of true happiness and satisfaction, using the biblical story of Solomon from Ecclesiastes. We reflect on how people often seek happiness in temporary pleasures—such as wealth, laughter, projects, or relationships—but find them unfulfilling. We find through the scripture that lasting happiness can only be found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ! And that true joy comes not from worldly pursuits but from living in, through and from, the person of Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 29th, 2024.

In this message we study Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. We read that Solomon finds wisdom to be burdensome. We are reminded that just like our inability to obey the law, we are also unable to walk out our wisdom. We are invited to experience the wisdom of God through daily communion with Christ. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 22nd, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, Solomon declares that he feels like everything is meaningless, a sentiment we can all resonate with. As explore this passage together, Pastor Jim helps us see that God is always doing something new, he meets us where we are, and he wants to transform our lakes into rivers. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 15th, 2024.

In this message, Pastor Jim began a new sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes. The story of Naaman and Elisha, found in 2 Kings 5, is used to reveal the message of Ecclesiastes. Through this passage, we find that true meaning for our lives is found in faith and obedience to God. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Second Kings 5 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 8th, 2024.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Acts & Ephesians 2:11-19 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 1st, 2024.

In this message, we look at how Jesus demonstrates for us true love for neighbor, which asks what is the most that I can do for someone and still meet the other obligations that I have. Pastor Jim walks through multiple examples in the life of Jesus that show how he loved his neighbors with regard to race and ethnicity. As we leave, we are encouraged to go and do likewise. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Luke 10:25-37 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 25th, 2024.

In this message, we have the opportunity to be able to see how in God's grace he allows obedience in the present with regard to the issue of race and ethnicity to bring healing for injustices in the past. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Second Samuel 21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 18th, 2024.

The Bible testifies to the truth that God absolutely hates racial oppression and is always at work to overcome it. In this message, we see that He was at work in Joseph's life amid great suffering. And He was at work in the nation of Israel amid even greater suffering. And He is at work today in all the racial oppression that has happened and is happening throughout our world. Ultimately, this sermon reminds us that our sins will not overcome God's faithfulness. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Genesis 37 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 11th, 2024.

This sermon begins a five-week series on a Biblical Theology of Race and Ethnicity. Through passages from Genesis to Revelation, we see that God's plan for humanity to diversify, allows us to collectively reflect His image more fully. Through this series, we are called to align our thoughts and actions with God's heart for multiethnic unity and to build relationships that reflect His diverse creation. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Genesis 1-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 4th, 2024.

In our last sermon in the gospel of Matthew, we hear Jesus giving his disciples the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. These are Jesus' last words to his disciples in the closing section of the gospel of Matthew. In these words, Jesus assures us of his power, he explains the commission, and he promises his presence. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Matthew 28:18-20 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 28th, 2024.

In this sermon, we look at Matthew 28:16-20, what is commonly known as the Great Commission. We hear the answer to this question: What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Through examples from the original disciples and passages throughout Scripture, we learned some of the distinguishing characteristics of a disciple. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Matthew 28:16-20 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 21st, 2024.

In this sermon, we look at Matthew 28:16-20, what is commonly known as the Great Commission. We hear the answer to this question: What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Through examples from the original disciples and passages throughout Scripture, we learned some of the distinguishing characteristics of a disciple. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Matthew 28:16-20 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 21st, 2024.

In this sermon, we see what God has to say in Matthew 27:62-66 regarding the Pharisee's false claim that Jesus' real, physical resurrection was alternatively deception. We considered some of the responses to refute this false claim and some of the evidence of the real, physical resurrection of Jesus. We are reminded that what you believe about Jesus' resurrection is crucial. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Matthew 27:62-66 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 14th 2024.

Death is a reality of life in this world. What is our response to it? As we see in this message, through Jesus death is defeated. However, we must decide if this is a fictional story we disregard or a historical event that changes our lives forever. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Matthew 27:27-66 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 7th 2024.

In this message, we follow along with Jesus at his trial before Pilate in Matthew 27:11-26. Jesus shows us the positive value of silence; that silence truly can be golden. During His trial, we see Jesus is silent because of three things: because he knows his Father, because He submits to his Father's plan, and because He is committed to his Father's purpose for him. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Matthew 27:11-26 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 30th 2024.