Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

During this Advent season, we want to look at the familiar Christmas story through a different lens: the actual places these events happened. They were common—even unremarkable—places. Yet, because of what happened there, they became Holy Ground. Through our short journey together, perhaps we’ll become more appreciative of the places and circumstances God has placed us in. I. An Ordinary Place (v. 26)II. An Unordinary Person (vv. 26-29)III. An Extraordinary Prediction (vv. 30-34) Talk with God: Reflect on your walk with the Lord over the past year and thank Him for the mundane places in your life that He chose to make holy ground.Talk with others: Reach out to friends or family who may be struggling with loss or grief this holiday season and pray with them.Talk with kids: Why do you think God chose ordinary people to be Jesus’ parents?

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2025

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

The last two years have seen a massive chasm in every country of the world over the Israel/Palestine issue. Since October 7, 2023 and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel, people are divided. But this is not a recent debate. Anyone who knows the history of the region understands this dispute is ancient. But today I want to go back “behind the curtain” to get the real story. I. The Incessant Competition (Philistine History)II. The Invisible Conflict (Spiritual Hostility)III. The Irrevocable Covenant (Divine Treaty) Talk with God: Pray for the people of Israel and Palestine as they continue to deal with the conflict in their everyday lives.Talk with others: Share what you’re thankful for this season with your Connect Group.Talk with kids: Why is it important that these prophecies came true?

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2025

Some people insist that in our post-modern (or even meta-modern) age, we only believe in science, not metaphysics. That’s not quite true. At the heart of the transgender movement, people believe they are what they claim to be regardless of biological evidence. None of this is new. Something similar happened in the ancient worship of Asherah. Let’s examine it more carefully. I. The Practice of Debased Idolatry (Jeremiah 7)(Three Notable Characteristics)II. The Proclamation of Divine Wrath (Romans 1)(Three Notable Reasons) Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for the lost, confused, and hurting people in your family, community, and city.Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group or believing family and friends how you can support them in boldly and lovingly sharing the hope of Jesus with someone this week.Talk with kids: Pick up some poster board from Calvary Kids and create a banner to share what you’re thankful for as a family at our Thanksgiving Banner Service this Wednesday.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2025

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

If you think the Sexual Revolution began in 1960s America, think again. It’s been going on since ancient times. Today we look at three texts which outline God’s standard for human sexuality and how a competing system, the worship of Asherah, blurred the lines of gender and sex. The worship of this ancient demon tampered with three distinct areas. I. Identity (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25)II. Clarity (Deuteronomy 22:5)III. Intimacy (Leviticus 18:19-23) Talk with God: Ask the Lord for clarity as you root your identity in Him and walk in the path He’s prepared for you (see Ephesians 2:10).Talk with others: Talk about what it looks like to honor your God-given sex in today’s world with your Connect Group or believing friends.Talk with kids: How does God see people differently than we see them?

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2025

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

We did it! Together, we raised more than $215,000 to show the love of Jesus to our city: providing 10,000 meals, free haircuts, dental and medical services, family portraits, and shoes for kids. That’s what it means to look like Jesus, to see needs around us and meet them with love. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Pickup Party this weekend, we’re preparing our hearts as we turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to learn how to do the things Jesus would do and act the way Jesus would act. Because in order to look like Jesus, we have to love like Jesus—with patience, kindness, and compassion for a world that desperately needs Him. I. Do the Things Jesus Would Do  A. Be Patient in Gratitude for His Patience with You  B. Be Kind, Remembering His Kindness Toward YouII. Act the Way Jesus Would Act  A. Don’t Be Rude: Treat People the Way Jesus Treats You  B. Don’t Be a Cynic: See People How Jesus Sees Them (Sheep Without a Shepherd) Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this week.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or a believing friend if they’ve noticed an area of your life where you aren’t reflecting Jesus.Talk with kids: What was Saul’s excuse for disobeying the Lord?

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2025

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

Without a doubt, the biggest threat to ancient Israel’s worship of Yahweh was the rival demon-god Baal, regarded as the chief of all Canaanite deities. The allure of Baal worship was the promise of profit and prosperity. I’ve chosen four words that tell the story of the showdown between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and frame our role in modern culture. I. Courage (vv. 16-17)II. Contest (vv. 20-40)III. Confrontation (v. 21)IV. Cause (v. 36) Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 6:24 and ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life in which you’re trying to “serve two masters.”Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer to keep their eyes on Jesus, no matter what they’re walking through this week.Talk with kids: Why was it wrong for Saul to make the burnt offering?

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2025

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Today we celebrate how God has used our generosity to take back what the Enemy has stolen. Broken lives that were once shattered have been restored. Hope reigns where despair once did. The generous gifts of your time, treasure, and talent have made the difference. Let’s learn a few key lessons from how Joshua celebrated the ground taken in crossing the Jordan River. I. God’s Commands Aren’t Always Practical (vv. 1-3)II. Our Obedience Is Always Vital (vv. 4-5, 8)III. Remembering the Past Is Inspirational (vv. 6-7)IV. God’s Power Is Irresistible (v. 24) Talk with God: Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 and thank the Lord for His faithfulness to “multiply the seed” of your obedience and generosity (v. 10).Talk with others: Ask a friend how you can pray for them this week and encourage them to look back at a time when God’s hand in their life was evident.Talk with kids: Why did the Israelites want a king?

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2025

Jesus canceled our debt at the cross and freed us from rule-keeping and spiritual add-ons. We've been handed a bill stamped "Paid in Full"—we don't have to work for our salvation. We simply need to accept the receipt and live in the true freedom only Jesus provides. In this message from Colossians 2, we'll learn from the apostle how to anchor ourselves in Christ.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

One of the most emotional debates raging in our day centers on the subject of abortion. Some see it as simply the choice of a woman over what happens to her body; some see it as far more sinister. Today, we look at the ancient practice of child sacrifice to see if there is any parallel to the modern practice. This conversation is vital because it involves the doctrines of both God and man. I. The Ancient Practice (Leviticus 20:1-5)II. The Modern Parallel (Psalm 106)III. The Divine Prescription (John 3:16; Romans 12:1-2) Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-24, thanking the Lord that His mercies “are new every morning,” and ask Him to renew your hope in Him this week.Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group in refusing to conform to the world and focus on “being transformed” through the Word.Talk with kids: What does it mean to repent?

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

John Calvin noted, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” Idolatry was a constant issue in the Old Testament, and Paul saw that Athens was filled with idols. But have you ever considered how false worship systems of the past have made their way into the present, but under other names? Today we’ll see how, over time, societies move away from God, His authority, and His truth. I. Corruption in the Nation (vv. 1-6)II. Confusion in the Home (vv. 2-5)III. Chaos in the Heart (v. 6) Talk with God: Take time to prayerfully assess your priorities this week and ask the Lord to reveal anything—or anyone—that’s pulling your focus away from Him.Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group or believing friends and family members to keep Jesus at the center of their lives.Talk with kids: Why is it right and good for God to punish sin?

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2025

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

Levi Lusko is the pastor of Fresh Life Church, a multisite church with locations across Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and online. He is the author of several books, including Through the Eyes of a Lion, I Declare War, The Marriage Devotional, The Last Supper on the Moon, and his latest, Blessed Are the Spiraling. He and his wife, Jennie, cohost their podcast, Hey! It’s the Luskos. Levi and Jennie have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven. I. Stick to the PlanII. Peel Away the ExtraIII. Interpret Your Struggle AccuratelyIV. Retool for the Current/Coming SeasonV. Attack the Problem from All AnglesVI. Look for Beauty

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2025

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Robert Furrow is committed to studying God’s Word and maintaining a close walk with God as he serves and shepherds Calvary Tucson. He is the general editor of The Making of a Biblical Leader: A Practical Guide to Leading Others Well, which explores the essentials of Spirit-guided leadership.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

We have spent seventeen weeks covering the book of Nehemiah and have considered the many life-application lessons that these chapters provide. But today, for our eighteenth and final study, we’ll zoom out to get the bigger picture. There are five “mega-themes” from this book that we can benefit from. These great themes provide both encouragement and warning to us today. I. Great Cities Can FallII. Ordinary People Can HelpIII. Real Prayer Can WorkIV. Spiritual Revival Can HappenV. Good Movements Can Falter Talk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 6:8 this week and ask the Lord to give you His heart for your city and the people He’s placed in your life.Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to pray for and support you as you seek revival in your walk with the Lord.Talk with kids: How did God rescue His people through Samson?

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2025

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

No Christian ever plans on backsliding, that is, moving away from Christ. Yet it happens. The prophet Jeremiah even admitted, “Our backslidings are many” (Jeremiah 14:7). Sometimes, a city can be in shambles because the lives of its people are in shambles. Nehemiah left Jerusalem for a short time and returned to find the people had gone back to practicing their old ways. Let’s consider four mistakes they made and how to prevent them from happening to us. I. Misplace Your Bible (vv. 1-3)II. Misalign Your Companions (vv. 4-9)III. Misarrange Your Priorities (vv. 10-22)IV. Mismanage Your Family (vv. 23-24) Talk with God: Prayerfully consider the people you turn to for encouragement and advice. Are you surrounding yourself with strong, healthy believers who will sharpen you (see Proverbs 27:17) and urge you to grow in your faith?Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to hold you accountable to pray and spend time in the Word daily as you recommit to a habit or create a new one.Talk with kids: How did Gideon test God’s words?

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2025

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2025

Last week we eavesdropped on the worship service of ancient Israel as they gathered to dedicate their city and their future to God. We noticed four characteristics of their worship: It was biblical, it was vocal, it was musical, and it was joyful. Today we continue with four more. V. Their Worship Was Thankful (vv. 27, 31, 38, 46)VI. Their Worship Was Communal (v. 43)VII. Their Worship Was Powerful (vv. 42b, 43b)VIII. Their Worship Was Physical (v. 43) Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and thank the Lord for His provision and direction in your life.Talk with others: Encourage a friend or family member who’s recently been struggling to continue faithfully in their walk through a difficult season.Talk with kids: Who received the praise and glory for Israel’s victory over their enemies? Why?

Transcribed - Published: 7 September 2025

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

“The whole you needs worship—and the part of you that will live forever needs it most,” wrote Robert McIntyre. Nehemiah chapter 12 describes the worship of God’s people who had gathered to dedicate the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This week and next week we will eavesdrop on their worship service and discover how we should worship when we assemble together. I. Their Worship Was Biblical (v. 24)II. Their Worship Was Vocal (vv. 27-30, 43)III. Their Worship Was Musical (vv. 27b, 35-36, 41)IV. Their Worship Was Joyful (vv. 27, 43) Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that’s holding you back from authentic worship and a deeper relationship with Him.Talk with others: Share your favorite worship album or playlist with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member this week.Talk with kids: How is Jesus better than the judges in the story?

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

Jerusalem was not the most popular place to live. Most people preferred to live elsewhere—in outlying towns and villages. It was more expensive to be in the city, and safety was a big concern. In this section there are some vital but often-forgotten principles about God’s city, God’s people, and God’s work. Let’s glean some of these important lessons from the city planners. I. All Places Are Significant; This Place Is Sacred (v. 1)II. Projects Are Important; People Are More Important (vv. 3-36)III. Ability Is Good; Availability Is Better (v. 2)IV. Work Is Practical; Worship Is Vital (vv. 22-24) Talk with God: Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for you to pour into His people this week.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if they’ve noticed anything in your life that might hinder the Lord’s desire to work through you.Talk with kids: How has Jesus defeated our enemies: sin and death?

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

When your values are clear, making decisions becomes easy. After generations of failure, God’s people finally realized what was most important in life, so they made a list of things they were committed to changing. Their heartfelt prayer in chapter nine led to heartfelt priorities in chapter ten. Let’s explore how they committed to change in these four areas of life. I. Scriptural Authority (vv. 28-29)II. Relational Purity (v. 30)III. Spiritual Regularity (v. 31)IV. Financial Responsibility (vv. 32-39) Talk with God: Spend time in prayer as you consider each of these areas in your own life and ask the Lord to reveal areas you need to re-prioritize.Talk with others: Ask your mentor or a trusted fellow believer to provide accountability as you refresh your priorities.Talk with kids: How does Jesus save us from the punishment our sin deserves?

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2025

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

The purpose of prayer is not to inform God of our needs but to invite Him to rule our lives. After a national revival broke out in Jerusalem during a Bible study, the people gathered again for prayer. Let’s notice a few key elements that make for an effective experience of communicating with God. I. They Looked Up: Adoration (vv. 5-6)II. They Looked Back: Reflection (vv. 7-35)III. They Looked Within: Confession (v. 37)IV. They Looked Around: Petition (vv. 32-37)V. They Looked Ahead: Submission (v. 38)

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2025

In Philippians 3, Paul reminded believers that real joy isn't found in religious performance, but in knowing Jesus personally. He warned against those who put their confidence in the flesh. True righteousness doesn't come from what we do for God, but from what God has done for us through Jesus.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

The nation of Israel was back in its homeland once again after the Babylonian captivity. The walls of the city of Jerusalem had been repaired and rebuilt. But something was missing. The spiritual hunger of the nation now demanded a clear word from the Lord. As they gathered together, we see five clear signs of how this nation was transformed, experiencing a real revival. I. Realization: They Knew They Needed More (vv. 1-2)II. Reading: They Heard the Word of God (vv. 3-8)III. Remorse: They Mourned Over Their Failure (vv. 9-10)IV. Rejoicing: They Felt the Joy of the Lord (vv. 11-12)V. Results: They Obeyed God’s Commands (vv. 13-18) Talk with God: Take an honest look at your daily walk this week and ask the Lord to refresh your heart and revive your passion for His Word.Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to encourage you to spend time in the Word each day and keep you accountable.Talk with kids: Why did God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous?

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

The Christian life isn't about starting strong—it's about staying faithful to the end. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflected on his life with confident clarity: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Finishing well means staying in the fight, running with endurance, and holding tightly to our faith no matter the cost. It’s not perfection that matters, but perseverance. In this message, Pastor Nelson Walker encourages us to live with eternity in mind, so we can one day say, “I finished well.”

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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)

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

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 Respond Talk 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?

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

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 Subtle Talk 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?

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

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 Manipulation Talk 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?

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

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 Right Talk 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?

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2025

“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 Experiences Receive 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).

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2025

Have you fully surrendered your life to God? Pastor Antonio Aragón walks us through Mark 14, where we see Jesus model sacrificial love and complete obedience to the Father's will. In the garden, He prayed with honesty and humility, seeking strength—while surrendering to the Father's plan: "Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will" (v. 36). When we submit to the will of God, we'll experience true victory.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Today we celebrate our fathers. We honor them for their sacrifice, valor, and commitment. But I’d like to explore the Fatherhood of God today as we look at the most famous prayer in the world—actually, the first line of that prayer. As we do, we discover that this prayer implies four great truths. I. RelationshipII. LordshipIII. FellowshipIV. Guardianship Talk with God: Pray for the fathers you know—that the Lord would strengthen and guide them as they lead their families and build a legacy of faith in their communities.Talk with others: Ask a brother in Christ how you can come alongside them and support them in their walk with the Lord this week.Talk with kids: Why do we not need a tabernacle today?

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2025

Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. In these verses, Paul shifted from theology to testimony, highlighting two faithful believers—Timothy and Epaphroditus. Through these men, Paul painted a picture of what it means to live selflessly, serve faithfully, and put the needs of others above our own—all for the sake of Christ.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025