Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

Do the words that come out of your mouth bless others and honor God, or do they bring bitterness and destruction? In this message, Nate Heitzig examines what James 3:2-12 says about the power of the tongue and reminds us that God is the only one capable of changing our heart—and the words that flow from it.I. What You Say Is a ReflectionII. What You Say Causes DestructionIII. What You Say Is a DecisionTalk with God: Ask the Lord to help you break any habits of complaining, gossiping, or tearing others down—and to help you use your words to bless and encourage.Talk with others: Be intentional in encouraging a fellow believer this week.Talk with kids: What problem did the early church face? How did the apostles solve the problem?

Since the days of the early church, false teachers have claimed that a believer's faith is incomplete without the addition of worldly elements like philosophy, mysticism, or legalism. Paul's letter to the Colossians counters this message by pointing to the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. In this message, John Miller examines what believers truly need to live the abundant life that is found through faith in Christ alone.

When our lives don't match our testimony, it gives unbelievers an excuse to blaspheme the name of God and diminishes our witness to a lost world. It's critical that believers continually develop their spiritual character and stay accountable for their conduct. In this message, Nate Heitzig applies James 3:1 to Bible teachers—and every believer who faces the scrutiny of a skeptical world. 

Just as young children ask their parents what is going to happen each day, we can find ourselves wondering how and when God is going to work in and through our lives. Hebrews 11:1-12 provides powerful examples of how God calls us to have faith in Him before He calls us to act. In this message, Cody Byrne unpacks the faith we need to step into our God-given calling. 

You probably couldn’t find two people more different than the two examples chosen by James to show the difference between dead faith and dynamic faith. Abraham was the first patriarch and designated figurehead of the Jewish nation. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho during Israel’s assault of that city. But both demonstrate how true faith will produce action and change.I. Question (v. 20)II. Illustration (vv. 21-24)III. Amplification (v. 25)IV. Conclusion (v. 26)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you ways to put your faith into action.Talk with others: Brainstorm some practical ways to regularly serve your community with your family or Connect Group.Talk with kids: How does sharing the gospel show we love God and people?

Every believer is called to share the gospel, but one survey found that most Christians have never led another person to Jesus. There are a number of reasons people give for not sharing the gospel—but could the underlying issue be a lack of compassion and conviction? In the book of Matthew, Jesus' words and example create a blueprint for how we can pray for—and participate in—the harvest.

According to a recent Netflix documentary, there are more forgeries of famous paintings hanging in museums than most people suspect. From time to time, these cases come to light. But what about faith in God? The easiest thing to do is to simply say that one is a believer. But where’s the proof? James addressed this, giving four telltale signs to help us spot the genuine from the fake.I. Words without Works (v. 14)II. Sight without Sympathy (vv. 15-16)III. Profession without Proof (vv. 17-18)IV. Commotion without Conversion (vv. 19-20)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you a servant’s heart, then seek opportunities to serve or encourage someone this week.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if your faith is obvious in your daily habits, attitudes, and relationships.Talk with kids: How can people see the power of God in our lives?

After painting a beautiful picture of new life in Christ, Paul reminded the Ephesian church what they were saved from, saved for, and saved by. In this message, Skip Heitzig explores the profound journey from spiritual death to spiritual life—and the mystery of spiritual unity between Jewish and Gentile Christ-followers.