Calvary Monterey Podcast

Title: The Upside Down SpiritSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this episode, we dive into Chapter 9: The Upside Down Spirit, a fresh look at Jesus’ opening words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-5). Pastor Nate Holdridge guides us through the first three Beatitudes—poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek—and shows how Jesus turns the world’s values completely upside down. Rather than celebrating self-sufficiency, power, and confidence, Jesus invites his followers into a kingdom where blessing is found in spiritual need, brokenhearted dependence on God, and humble strength. Listeners will be challenged to rethink what it means to be “blessed” in Christ and discover how the upside-down spirit of God’s kingdom reshapes the way we see ourselves, others, and our world.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Beautiful InterruptionSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeScripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Mike Casey, a recovery pastor known for his compassionate insights, delivers a moving sermon on Lamentations 3:1-23. He dives into the concept of lament, sharing personal stories that resonate with deep sorrow and grief. Casey highlights God's presence in our darkest times, urging listeners to see suffering as a path to growth. He discusses the importance of remembering God's mercy and emphasizes the hope found in true repentance. Through communion, he invites a renewed connection with Christ, inspiring all to embrace new beginnings.

Title: Glory in our Midst Speaker: Pastor Jared BurkeLink to Sermon Notes

Title: Jesus is God in the FleshSpeaker: Austin KavaLink to Sermon Notes

Title: Responding to the LightSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this message on John 1:9–13, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our series, Light in the Darkness, by examining the pivotal response humanity must make to the coming of Christ. We explore the profound tragedy of those who reject their Maker and the surpassing treasure found by those who receive Him. We unpack the theology of regeneration and the incredible privilege of being given the right to become children of God, inviting us to see the Incarnation not just as a historical event, but as a personal invitation to a new life and eternal identity.Link to Sermon Notes

Explore the profound truths about Jesus as the Light of Life! Discover how this light is essential to human existence and illuminates our path through creation. Learn about the victorious nature of this light, shining amid darkness and sin. Delve into the role of John the Baptist as a witness, directing us to trust in Jesus for life. This message beautifully ties the arrival of Christmas to God's victory over darkness, reminding us that the light we truly need is here to rescue us.

Delve into the profound meaning of the Logos in John 1:1-18, where the eternal Word transforms into flesh. Discover how Jesus confronts human darkness through miraculous encounters—from turning water into wine to healing the blind. Experience the contrast between Mary’s extravagant worship and Judas’s cold calculation. Engage with themes of spiritual sight, grace over condemnation, and the powerful message of life after death. This enlightening exploration challenges listeners to respond wholeheartedly to the Light that has come.

Title: The Upside Down KingdomSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches Matthew 4:12-25, revealing how Jesus' ministry location, personnel choices, and healing demonstrations preview the radical nature of God's kingdom. This message explores why Jesus established his headquarters in marginalized Galilee rather than religious Jerusalem, how he called ordinary fishermen to immediate and costly discipleship, and what his comprehensive healing ministry reveals about the kingdom's power to overturn every form of brokenness—physical, mental, spiritual, and relational. Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: The Upside Down KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines Matthew 4:1-11 and Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Pastor Nate reveals how Jesus' forty-day testing reversed Israel's forty-year failure, demonstrating what kind of King he would be—one who lives by God's Word, trusts the Father's care, and maintains exclusive loyalty rather than taking shortcuts to glory. Through careful exposition of each temptation, Pastor Nate shows how Jesus fulfilled Israel's story as our representative, teaches us how to endure temptation through Scripture, and models the servant-King leadership that defines his entire ministry. The message offers practical guidance for pursuing satisfaction God's way, developing trust-based relationships with God through remembrance and worship, and rejecting idolatrous crowns to receive the imperishable crown from God. Pastor Nate concludes with a clear gospel invitation, calling listeners to trust in the Upside Down King who conquered sin, Satan, and death through his perfect obedience and sacrificial love.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes