Calvary Monterey Podcast

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

Title: The King in Humble GlorySpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this week's teaching from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines Matthew 2:13-23, a passage filled with divine guidance, dangerous threats, and deep sorrow. Follow the young Messiah's family as they flee to Egypt, witness the fulfillment of prophecy in the midst of Herod's horrific cruelty, and discover the significance of their return to the obscure town of Nazareth. This sermon illustrates how Jesus is our true exodus from sin, our real return from spiritual exile, and the ultimate embodiment of a humble, servant King.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: Responding to the Legitimate KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: The arrival of a mysterious star and a group of foreign travelers in Jerusalem was more than a celestial event; it was a cosmic confrontation that forced a response. In this sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the explosive question asked by the Magi—"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?"—and the three starkly different reactions it provoked from a paranoid ruler, an apathetic religious establishment, and a group of pagan seekers. This teaching from Matthew 2 challenges us to see that the birth of Christ is the arrival of the one legitimate King, demanding that every heart decide how they will respond: with worship, resistance, or indifference.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Title: Strength in the WaitingSpeaker: Kelly BellOverview: Session 3 of our 2025 Women’s Conference on the theme of Psalm 27.

Title: An Earnest and Strong PrayerSpeaker: Kelly BellOverview: Session 2 of our 2025 Women’s Conference on the theme of Psalm 27.

Title: His Presence Brings StrengthSpeaker: Kelly BellOverview: Session 1 of our 2025 Women’s Conference on the theme of Psalm 27.

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

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

Speaker: Nate HoldridgeText: John 15:1-16:4Overview: In this sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines John 15 to reveal the blueprint for a life of full and lasting joy. Jesus teaches that this joy is not a feeling we chase but the result of cultivating three essential relationships: an upward relationship of abiding in Him, an inward relationship of loving His people, and an outward relationship of resilient witness to the world. This teaching provides a clear and practical diagnostic for our spiritual health, inviting us to find our ultimate satisfaction in our connection to Christ and His body.Link to Discussion Questions

In this dialogue, Family Pastor Matt Kehler shares his insights on Ephesians 3:14–21, emphasizing the importance of spiritual strength through the Holy Spirit. He discusses the contrast between Paul's prayers for enlightenment and enablement, highlighting the need for inner strength. Kehler outlines three key characteristics of a Spirit-filled life and the transformative power of Christ's presence within us. He concludes with an uplifting reminder of God’s infinite capacity to exceed our expectations.