Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

In 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, Paul reminded the church that the Christian life is not a casual jog—it’s a purposeful race of salvation through grace. Just as athletes discipline themselves to train for a purpose, we’re called to run with determination, focus, and self-control. The goal? A crown that lasts forever. This passage challenges us to examine how we’re running. Are we chasing what matters? Are we living like we want to win the race God has set before us? It’s time to run with passion, not passivity—because in Christ, we’re not just in the race, we’re running to win. I. The Right Attitude (v. 24)II. The Right Motivation (v. 25)III. The Right Commitment (vv. 26-27)

Jesus didn’t come to manage your life—He came to transform it. In Matthew 11, Jesus doesn’t offer tips for a better life; He offers rest for weary souls. He invites us to lay down the burden of self-reliance and religion and take up His yoke—not to work harder, but to walk with Him. If your version of Jesus only exists to motivate, optimize, or advise, you might be following a counterfeit. The real Jesus leads with gentleness, gives rest, and calls us to surrender, not self-help.

What if the most overlooked chapter in Nehemiah is actually the loudest proof that God keeps His promises? Nehemiah 7 isn’t just a list of names—it’s a receipt of God’s faithfulness and a record that He finishes what He starts. In a world full of broken promises, this chapter invites us to trust the One who never forgets, never fails, and never leaves His people behind.I. God Finishes What He StartsII. God Remembers Every NameIII. God Moves Hearts to RespondTalk with God: Meditate on Philippians 1:6 this week as you praise the God who will complete the work He’s doing in you.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to rest in the knowledge that the Lord “will sustain [them] to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:8).Talk with kids: Why is complaining a sin?

Jesus doesn't need to campaign for His throne—His kingdom isn’t of this world, and His authority isn’t up for debate. Jesus already has all the power; it's our job as His followers to make disciples in His name. The question has never been whether He’s King, but whether you’ll follow Him.

The wall was finished, but the battle wasn’t over. Even after the work was done, Nehemiah faced ongoing opposition. This message from Pastor Nate Heitzig reminds us that completing a task or completing the rebuilding process doesn’t mean the fight is over—spiritual resistance often continues. Stay watchful, stay faithful.I. The Wall Was Finished, but the Work Wasn’t OverII. The Enemy Was Intimidated, but Not RepentantIII. The Victory Was Visible, but the Attacks Became SubtleTalk with God: Meditate on Romans 8:31-39 and spend time in worship as you are reminded that “God is for [you].”Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing friends and family members how you can support them in their walk this week.Talk with kids: Why can we always trust God?

People often treat Jesus like an insurance policy—someone to call when life falls apart. But Romans 5:1–5 shows us that faith in Christ gives us more than a rescue plan—it gives us peace with God, daily access to His grace, and real hope. Trials aren’t detours in the Christian life; they’re part of the journey. And God uses each trial to build perseverance, character, and a hope that won’t disappoint. In this message, Pastor Taylor Bronisz unpacks a powerful truth: Jesus doesn’t just get us out of trouble—He transforms us through it.

Nehemiah faced relentless attempts to distract, discredit, and derail him from completing God’s work. His enemies used deceit, false accusations, and even spiritual manipulation to try to lure him off the wall, but Nehemiah responded with bold focus, unwavering conviction, and consistent prayer. Refusing to come down, he modeled what it means to stand firm in the face of pressure and stay faithful to God’s mission. This passage challenges us to silence the noise, resist fear that’s been dressed as faith, and declare with confidence: “I’m doing a great work—I cannot come down.”I. The Distraction of DeceitII. The Distraction of False AccusationsIII. The Distraction of Spiritual ManipulationTalk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 41:10 this week and ask the Lord to give you the strength to continue faithfully in your calling.Talk with others: If you’re facing a struggle or battling distraction, ask a pastor, mentor, or trusted believer to lock shields with you in prayer and practical ways.Talk with kids: How can we show thankfulness in all circumstances?

In a world drawn to self-help philosophies and spiritual influencers, it’s tempting to reduce Jesus Christ to just another life coach or guru—someone who simply offers advice without providing true life change. But in Mark 8 and 10, Jesus calls for far more than personal improvement; He calls for death to self. Jesus doesn’t invite us to self-discovery—He invites us to the cross. In this message, Pastor Taylor Bronisz asks: Will you choose to follow Him on His terms?

During the last two days, we have practiced and proclaimed the gospel to our community. Both Love Day and Freedom Celebration were outward expressions of the good news about Jesus Christ loving the world. But why not make it a lifestyle that continues year-round? Today we will explore four reasons Paul the apostle was not ashamed of the gospel.I. Because It’s Good NewsII. Because It’s God’s PowerIII. Because It’s Given FreelyIV. Because It Gets Us RightTalk with God: Meditate on “the righteousness of God” (v. 17) and spend time in worship as you thank Him for the salvation and freedom He’s given you through HisSon’s sacrifice.Talk with others: Come alongside a believing friend or family member facing sorrow or difficulty this week and encourage them to rest in God’s grace and continue to “live by faith” (v. 17).Talk with kids: Why is Jesus the perfect and final sacrifice for sin?

“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:15-17, NIV).Evidence for the Supernatural1. Documented Miracles2. Deathbed Visions3. Near-Death Experiences4. Angelic Encounters5. Mystical Dreams6. Divine ExperiencesReceive salvation through Christ so you can be confident that you’ll spend eternity with Him (see 1 John 5:13).Put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18).