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On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate preaches from the topic of Job.Support the show
In Matthew 6, Jesus gives us a how to Manuel on how to pray. The Lord's Prayer is something many of us know, and have memorized, but we don't understand it fully. In this sermon, Pastor Nate begins with the WHY of Prayer, but then breaks down a step by step process of the HOW based on the Lord's Prayer. Grab your pen, because if you can apply these principles, it will CHANGE your prayer life.
When God calls you forward, do not live looking in reverse. In this message, Pastor Nate unpacks the story of Lot's wife to ask a piercing question: in what direction is your affection? Learn why looking back drains your fruitfulness and how to flip the script by disconnecting from the world and connecting with God through worship, fasting, and prayer.
This week at Christ Street Fellowship, Pastor Nate continued our fall series Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims' Pathway, by exploring Psalms 128 and 129 and showing how we can ascend through the fear of God, even in times of persecution.Psalm 128 reminds us that true blessing flows from a holy fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord, although not definable in a single, short definition, is about awe, reverence, honor, obedience, and intimacy with a God who is both powerful and good. We will learn that the fear of God doesn't drive us away, it draws us closer. We also learn that nearness to God is a place of safety, not danger. From Isaiah's trembling vision of the throne room to Jesus' delight in the fear of the Lord, Scripture shows that reverent awe leads to deeper friendship, wisdom, and blessing.Then, turning to Psalm 129, as pilgrims we are reminded that affliction will come, but it will not prevail. “The plowers plowed upon my back,” the psalmist writes, yet the Lord “cut the cords of the wicked.” We see parallels to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4 and Peter's encouragement in 1 Peter 5: though we suffer for a season, the God of all grace will restore, strengthen, and establish us.
Title: The Participationist KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the profound significance of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? Pastor Nate reveals how Christ's baptism was an act of complete identification with humanity—a deliberate choice to participate fully in our story so we could participate in his. Through the Trinitarian authentication at the Jordan River, we discover three transformative realities: we participate in Jesus' life (the "in Christ" union that brings redemption, new creation, and freedom), we participate in the Spirit's anointing (what Pastor Nate calls "dove power"—gentle yet authoritative strength), and we participate in the Father's delight (the eternal love spoken over the Son now extended to us through adoption). This message challenges believers to embrace their identity as beloved children who represent Christ with both truth and tenderness, understanding that salvation is far more than forgiveness—it is union with the Triune God. Part of the series "The Promised King and His Good Kingdom."Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes
Listen as Pastor Nate and Pastor Daniel tackle one of the most divisive questions in modern Christianity: How should Christians approach Halloween? This balanced, historically-informed discussion explores the holiday's complex origins—from Celtic Samhain to Christian All Hallows' Eve—and provides biblical principles for navigating this controversial cultural moment.Discover why both total rejection and uncritical acceptance miss the mark, and learn how Romans 14 principles apply to disputable matters like Halloween participation. Whether you attend Harvest Festivals, hand out gospel tracts while trick-or-treating, or avoid the holiday entirely, you'll gain clarity on how to engage culture with biblical confidence instead of fear.Perfect for your morning commute or workout, this episode equips you with:✅ The real historical origins of Halloween traditions✅ Biblical frameworks for being "in the world, not of the world"✅ Practical strategies for redeeming Halloween with gospel light✅ Wisdom for respecting personal convictions while engaging culture✅ How Vintage Church approaches Halloween with their Light the Night eventStop debating and start discerning. Hear how to shine light in darkness rather than hiding from it, making October 31st an opportunity for gospel witness instead of cultural retreat.New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now and never miss the biblical wisdom you need for real-world challenges.
February 9, 2025
In this week's message, Pastor Nate sits down with our friends, Bob and Sandy, as they share their story of faith.
On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate continues his series on "Heroes of the Faith" with a figure by the name of Daniel.Support the show
Everyone's talking about artificial intelligence, but beneath the headlines and hot takes, many of us are quietly wondering: what does this mean for our faith?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate explores our shared AI anxiety, that uneasy feeling that technology might outpace our humanity, and what Scripture has to say about it. From the story of creation to the healing miracles of Jesus, this conversation reminds us that the heart of the Gospel has always been about relationship, incarnation, and community.As AI reshapes how we live, learn, and even pray, Nate challenges us to see the hope within the change, that God is still at work, calling us back to real human connection and reminding us that we are more than what we produce.You'll hear about:Why AI is changing everything — but maybe for the betterHow technology can push us toward deeper community instead of away from itWhat Jesus' incarnation teaches us about the importance of being physically presentThe danger of idolatry when we start thinking we can “save ourselves”How faith invites us to hope beyond our fears of the future
In this week's message from our Ascent series, Pastor Nate leads us through Psalms 126 and 127, showing that we ascend through a healthy vision of God's will.In Psalm 126, we're reminded that when despair clouds our hearts, a clear vision gives strength for the pilgrimage. It teaches us to look back with gratitude at God's past restoration, to see the present with honesty about our captivity or struggles, and to face the future with faith in His promises.Psalm 127 then calls us to trust God's sovereignty in everything we do. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Whether in work, family, or rest, only what's done in alignment with God's will endures. Solomon reminds us that our calling is not self-reliance, but surrendered obedience in which we pray as Jesus taught his disciples: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”This message encourages every pilgrim on the journey: remember God's faithfulness, face your current reality with humility, and walk forward in faith—knowing that every step, every seed sown, and every act of obedience in the Lord is never in vain.“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
Title: The Joy of Preparing for the KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this week's teaching from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the dramatic arrival of John the Baptist in Matthew 3. While John's message to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" can sound harsh, this sermon uncovers the profound and surprising joy found in preparing our lives for King Jesus. Pastor Nate explains how John's call leads us into the liberating joy of true repentance, the refreshing joy of authenticity before God, and the deep joy of expiation—the complete cleansing from sin that only Jesus can provide. This is a foundational teaching on what it means to clear the way for the King to work in our lives.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate brings the message, "A Powerful Weakness” from 1 Corinthians 4:9-21. The first section of Paul's letter comes to a close with a climactic statement that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. In other words, the measure of a person's walk with God is not determined by what he says but by the power of God at work in his life.
February 5, 2025
What if the moment you thought your faith was slipping away… was actually the moment it started growing deeper roots?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate wrestles with a truth that's both unsettling and freeing: sometimes, you have to lose your faith to find it again. He explores why doubt isn't a failure—it's often the beginning of a more honest, mature faith.This episode unpacks how God meets us in our uncertainty, how compassion heals more than clichés ever could, and how even in the silence, God is already showing up, sometimes right in the palm of your hand.You'll hear about:Why “childlike faith” isn't the same as childish faith.The harm in faith clichés like “God never gives you more than you can handle.”What it really means to suffer with someone (compassion's truest definition).How doubt and belief can coexist and why faith actually requires both.A personal story about doubt, communion, and discovering God in the middle of it all.Whether you've ever felt disconnected from church, uncertain about your beliefs, or frustrated by easy answers, this episode is for you. It's a reminder that resurrection comes after death of faith, of certainty, of what we thought we knew.Maybe what feels like losing faith is really God inviting you into something more real.
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…”? In this week's message, Pastor Nate takes us into Psalms 124 and 125 — two pilgrim songs that celebrate God's rescue and the unshakable security of those who trust in Him.In Psalm 124, we see that God isn't just with His people, He's for them. David declares that Israel's survival was not due to their strength or strategy, but to the Lord's saving power. In the same way, our own deliverance from sin, fear, and the spiritual forces that oppose us is entirely because of God's faithful hand.Then in Psalm 125, we ascend higher to the place of steadfast trust. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people forever. Even when the world feels unstable and evil seems to prevail, God's people can stand firm on Christ, the immovable Rock!
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Servants and Stewards" from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. In our study of 1 Corinthians, we've seen that there have been weird loyalties in the church to leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter. Certainly not helpful to the unity of God's people, then or now! As he closes out this first section of the letter, Paul shows us what leaders in the church are to be: servants of Christ and stewards of God. But then, doesn't that sound like the role for all Christians?
Pastor Nate continued our journey through the New Testament in the week's Bible Reading from the Bible Recap, by preaching the Parable of the Sowers.Join us as we read through the Bible in a year together as a church!To learn more, visit thebridgebiblechurch.com.
What was behind Judas's betrayal of Jesus? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 22:1-6 that Judas's betrayal wasn't so much different from our own unfaithfulness when we are lured by the world to follow our own agenda rather than remain true to Christ.
Pastor Stephen Martin shares powerful firsthand accounts from South Korea and Israel in this special Culture Review episode. Listen as he recounts visiting imprisoned Pastor Song, who stood against government overreach and LGBTQ ideology, and his experience in Jerusalem during historic peace negotiations.Hear how the South Korean church continues despite their pastor's imprisonment, why Christians and Jews must strengthen their alliance, and what these global events mean for American believers. Perfect for your commute or workout, this episode provides urgent wisdom for navigating cultural chaos with biblical confidence.✅ What you'll discover:✅ The parallels between South Korea's leftist takeover and America's challenges✅ How persecution reveals true faith versus cultural Christianity✅ Biblical foundations for supporting Israel amid propaganda✅ Why prosperity weakens churches while pressure strengthens them✅ Practical lessons from global spiritual warfareJoin Pastor Stephen and Pastor Nate for this eye-opening conversation about standing firm when governments turn hostile and culture demands compromise. New episodes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT.
On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate talks about the 3 Hebrew boys who would not bow down, nor compromise their behavior to any other God.Support the show
Let's be honest, a lot of us are doing everything right. We've got the job, the family, the house, the hobbies. Maybe even a decent morning routine. And yet…we're not happy.Why?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate digs into that question we all wrestle with but rarely say out loud. Why do we keep chasing the next thing, the next achievement, the next purchase, the next version of ourselves, only to end up feeling restless again?It's what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill: the more we get, the more we want. And that cycle can leave even the most faithful among us exhausted and unsatisfied. But grace tells a different story. Grace says you don't have to keep running. Grace says you are enough, right now, exactly as you are. Nate shares a real-life confession about stress-buying on Amazon (because we've all been there) and even pulls a surprisingly wise lesson from NBA star Kevin Durant. This episode paints a picture of how our endless pursuit of happiness, more stuff, more success, more “nexts” can blind us to the joy that's already sitting right in front of us.Because maybe the question isn't “Why am I not happy?” Maybe it's “What if I already have everything I need?”Listen if you've ever felt like:You should be happier than you areYou're stuck chasing “the next thing”You can't rest until life finally feels perfectYou want to find a joy that actually lasts
This week, Pastor Nate continues our fall spiritual growth campaign through the Songs of Ascent with Psalms 122 and 123, reminding us that the Christian life is a pilgrimage that has a pattern we see repeated in these Psalms: Desperation, Dependence, Delight. Desperation because of the sin that permeates this earth, dependence on an all-sufficient God, and delight when we arrive home in His presence! In Psalm 122, King David rejoices to go to the house of the Lord, teaching us that worship is both our destination and our purpose along the way. Worship isn't based on feelings but on truth the truth of who God is. We were created for worship, and every action we take should be a living sacrifice of praise.Then, in Psalm 123, we find ourselves back at the beginning of our pilgrimage, crying out for God's mercy. Like servants looking to their master's hand, we lift our eyes in humility to the Lord. We will see that prayer is not about demanding our way but submitting to His will and trusting His justice.Whether in joy or in trial, the journey continues: from desperation to dependence to delight. So keep walking, and remember, "Further up and further in!"
This week, Pastor Nate calls us to examine our faith in action by the evidence that should be produced in the life of one who follows Jesus.
Does the future return of Christ impact our lives today? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 21:5-38 that Christ's return drives us to live faithful lives today because only faithfulness will have us ready to meet Him when He returns.
January 8, 2025
On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate talks about King David and how he was described by God to have a heart after Him. So we too should desire to have our Lord say that about us, so our pursuit must change.Support the show
Have you ever sat with the question, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” You're not alone. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate wrestles with the big questions of purpose, vocation, and identity, and why chasing the “perfect” career or calling often leaves us more restless than fulfilled.Through scripture, stories, and some honest reflection, Nate reminds us of an important truth: you are already loved, already blessed, and already enough in God's eyes. Instead of searching endlessly for the next big thing, maybe God is inviting you to notice what's already in your hands.You'll hear about:Why our culture pushes us to believe something better is always around the corner.How the story of Moses and the burning bush invites us to look at the gifts we already carry.The difference between original sin and “original blessing” in understanding who we are.Practical ways to discern identity, belonging, and purpose through faith.Why gratitude and joy are linked—and how that can shift your perspective today.This episode is for anyone feeling restless, burned out, or stuck in the constant “what's next?” cycle. Instead of chasing greener grass, learn how faith roots us in the moment, teaches us to love what's in our hands, and shows us that there is more than one way to live a purposeful life.
Title: His Identity and PurposeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this sermon on Matthew 1:18-25, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores the most foundational question of the Christian faith: "Who is Jesus?" By examining the angelic announcement to Joseph, we discover that Jesus' identity is threefold: he is fully human, fully God, and the long-awaited Son of David. Pastor Nate explains how this unique identity is the necessary foundation for Jesus' purpose—to be Immanuel, "God with us," and to save His people from their sins. This teaching challenges us to find our ultimate identity not in our performance or affiliations, but in the person and mission of King Jesus.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes
Pastor Nate continues our Fully Devoted series with “Becoming the Woman He Can't Resist.” He dives into Song of Solomon from the woman's point of view and leaned into what God's Word says about love, marriage, and devotion. If you accepted Christ we'd love to meet you! Click the link below to introduce yourself so we can help you along your faith journey! Click Here!
Pastor Nate brings the message, “Time to Grow Up” from 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. You've seen the toddler who has to have it his way. That little guy can disrupt a room full of people. In the church, Christians can act like toddlers and it can cause all kinds of division. In this first section of 1 Corinthians (chapters 1-4), God's Word continues to lead us away from our sinfulness in order to find unity in Christ.
This week, Pastor Nate calls on us as disciples to proclaim to others that there is an open invitation for the Salvation that Jesus provides!
Pastor Nate continues our Fully Devoted series with “Becoming the Woman He Can't Resist.” He dives into Song of Solomon from the woman's point of view and leaned into what God's Word says about love, marriage, and devotion. If you accepted Christ we'd love to meet you! Click the link below to introduce yourself so we can help you along your faith journey! Click Here!
Listen as Pastor Nate interviews Azziz Azula in this powerful testimony recorded live at The Forge Conference. Hear how a 9-year-old boy teaching himself English in war-torn Afghanistan eventually became a Special Forces interpreter, survived Taliban persecution, and found salvation through the witness of American Christians.This remarkable story of faith, courage, and divine providence will challenge everything you thought you knew about God's ability to work through impossible circumstances. Perfect for your commute or workout - prepare to be deeply moved and encouraged.You'll Learn:✅ How learning English at age 9 saved 800 Afghan lives✅ What it's really like growing up under Islamic extremism✅ Why Christian peace convinced a Muslim warrior to follow Jesus✅ How God orchestrated a miraculous rescue during the Taliban takeover✅ The power of Christian witness even when you don't see immediate resultsThis conversation proves that your faith matters more than you know - even to those who seem furthest from the Gospel.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now to never miss biblical wisdom for real-world battles.
Listen as Pastor Nate and Pastor Keegan break down Part 2 of their series on operational excellence. They explore seven practical areas where Christians can honor God through excellence - from workplace performance to family relationships. Hear powerful personal stories, including Pastor Nate's journey back to ministry and the challenge to "pastor your family first."You'll Learn:✅ Why excellence in work opens doors for kingdom influence✅ How to identify if you're truly growing spiritually✅ The connection between sacrifice and worship✅ Why your time and money reveal your true prioritiesThis episode is perfect for your morning commute or workout - practical wisdom that transforms how you approach every area of life.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe for biblical confidence in navigating modern culture.
Pastor Nate brings the message, “Confidence in God, Not Ourselves” from 1 Corinthians 2. What role would you be playing if God did push a true, Christ-exalting, gospel-centered revival into the hearts of people? Providentially, we arrive at 1 Corinthians 2 this Sunday where the Bible gives us a sound confidence that God uses His methods, not the world's, to ultimately carry out the work.
Why doesn't prayer work the way we want? You pray for healing, peace, or even a new job…and instead of a clear answer, it feels like God left you on “read.” If you've ever wondered why God doesn't answer prayers, you're not alone.In this episode of Together for Good, Pastor Nate explores the purpose of prayer from a Lutheran perspective, with a little help from three German theologians (Schleiermacher, Tillich, and Martin Luther). Think of it as a crash course in “Prayer for Real Life,” with fewer halos and more honesty.✨ What you'll hear:Why prayer isn't a vending machine (sorry, no button for instant miracles).How Christian theology explains unanswered prayers.Why even Jesus prayed for something and didn't get it.What prayer is really about: connection, trust, and God's presence in suffering.Whether you're searching for “why doesn't God answer my prayers,” “Christian teaching on unanswered prayers,” or just curious about how prayer actually works, this conversation is for you.
Listen as Pastor Nate and Pastor Keegan Sidhu explore what it means to pursue excellence as an act of worship. This episode breaks down the crucial difference between godly excellence and worldly perfectionism, showing how striving for your best honors God without falling into the performance trap.Hear practical wisdom on how everything you do—from your job to your relationships—can become worship when done with excellence. The pastors discuss God's excellent character revealed in creation, His perfect plans, and how Christians are called to reflect that excellence as His masterpiece.Perfect for your morning commute or workout, this episode provides biblical motivation to elevate every area of your life for God's glory. Discover why "good enough" was never God's standard and how to pursue excellence with grace.You'll Learn:✅ The theology behind operational excellence✅ How to strive without perfectionism✅ Why excellence matters for your witness✅ Practical steps to honor God in daily tasks
Title: The New BeginningSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching from Matthew 1:1–17, Pastor Nate Holdridge opens the Gospel of Matthew by exploring the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Far from a dry list of names, this passage proclaims the arrival of the Promised King and a new beginning for humanity. Pastor Nate highlights how Matthew intentionally connects Jesus to David and Abraham, includes outsiders and the broken in His lineage, and points to the fulfillment of God's promises through the Incarnate King. This sermon encourages us to see Jesus as the one who brings mercy, justice, and hope—not only to Israel but to all nations.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes
Send us a textThanks for joining us online! Feel free to share this sermon with friends and family. Grace Baptist Church of Brandon, FL, led by Pastor John Jupp, is a dynamic church that will enrich your daily life. Whether you are just curious about church and God or you are a committed follower of Jesus Christ, you are welcome to join us here at Grace!If you have a prayer concern, we would love to come alongside you in prayer: Share that here:https://growingatgrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/391447To worship through giving clink this link below.https://growingatgrace.churchcenter.com/givingFill out our digital connect card and help us to get to know you.https://growingatgrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/602007Support the showSupport the show
David wrote many of the Psalms. In Psalm 8, a song of wonder, David marvels at God's greatness displayed in creation. Then he's shocked by the reality that this infinite God cares for small, fragile humans. The tension between God's majesty and our smallness - yet our God-given dignity - forms the heartbeat of this psalm. Pastor Matthew McNutt shares "A Song of Wonder" from Psalm 8. Please sign our digital Connection Card Pizza with the Pastors is next Sunday at 12:30pm. No registration.Learn more Explore Membership class begins next Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in Pastor Nate's office. Learn more and register. Thank you for your generosity. Give online Downloaded the Children's Bulletin. License: CSPL066641 Size D #church #LifeOfDavid #Psalm8
Listen as Pastor Nate and Pastor Daniel uncover shocking revelations from inside the U.S. military. Daniel shares his firsthand infiltration of a Marine Corps training that labels Christian men as potential "insider threats" simply for holding biblical values.Hear how woke ideology has infected our armed forces - from transgender integration to racial discrimination against white officers. Plus, discover why Antifa's new terrorist designation matters for justice and what really happened with Jimmy Kimmel's cancellation.Perfect for your commute or workout, this episode equips you with biblical wisdom to understand the cultural battles facing Christians in America's institutions.You'll Learn:✅ The truth about military "insider threat" training targeting conservatives✅ How to recognize and resist institutional wokeness✅ Why standing firm in faith matters more than everSubscribe for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT.
On Sunday Pastor Nate kicked off our new series, “This is the Way.” Early Christians were known as “people of the Way,” because they learned to walk with Jesus and live reflecting God's values. In the book of Acts we read about Spirit-led patterns and practices that were part of the fabric of the early church. In this 5-part series, we'll cover a pattern each week on Sunday and discuss it in Connect Groups throughout the week. The first pattern that Pastor Nate preached about is “Life-Giving Spiritual Community.” We may find community in many relationships, but spiritual community brings life to our soul. If we want the fruit of community, we need to have the roots of commitment to each other. What a powerful message! If you couldn't join on Sunday, check out the message here.
Listen as Pastor Nate and Pastor Stephen Martin process the profound impact of Charlie Kirk's recent passing and what it means for Christians across America. Hear their personal stories of Charlie's influence and discover why his death is sparking unprecedented revival among young Christians.You'll Learn:✅ Charlie's prophetic message to pastors that changed everything✅ Why his martyrdom follows the biblical pattern of Stephen✅ How to identify courageous vs. cowardly church leadership✅ The responsibility every Christian man has to disciple the next generation✅ Why this is America's greatest turning point for faithThis conversation will challenge you to let your faith impact every area of life - perfect for your morning commute or workout. Don't miss this historic moment in the American church.New episodes Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 7 AM CT.