CHRIST HAS RISEN!

Tomorrow (Sunday, 4/5) is a Resurrection Celebration! This is the day we celebrate our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has risen from the dead. Paul the Apostle said, “Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (Romans 4:25).  
Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, visited the tomb where He was buried. Much to her astonishment, the stone had been removed, and the grave was empty.

She quickly ran to find Peter and John to tell them what she had seen. Both men ran as fast as they could, and when they arrived, Peter stooped down first to look at the neatly lying linen cloths that had been used to wrap Jesus’ body.

John followed Peter, and when he saw the linen cloths and the handkerchief folded together around Jesus’ head, he believed. He remembered Jesus's words about His resurrection, which would undoubtedly occur after His death.

At the time, none of the disciples heard this promise due to the grief that filled their minds regarding the arrest, suffering, and crucifixion of their Teacher. But now John saw clearly that Jesus had kept His word that on the third day, He would rise out from among the dead, never to die again.

Today, two thousand years later, we celebrate the day that changed the world forever. We can confidently proclaim that because He lives, we have been declared righteous before God the Father. Because He lives, we never have to fear death. Because He lives, we are assured that He is for us, not against us. Because He lives, we know we will be with Him when this life ends.

When we gather in the main sanctuary after breakfast (8:00-9:30), we will focus on Apostle Peter's eyewitness account of that morning’s events and his letter that followed, when the entire religious and secular world hurried to respond to the news that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. What happened changed the world forever.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was and continues to be a message for all the world that whosoever believes in Him and what He accomplished on the cross will experience a transformation from the inside out and the guarantee that once their time on earth is complete, they will spend eternity with Jesus and all the saints of all the ages. For the followers of Jesus, the resurrection is a message of hope amid a Christ-rejecting, sin-loving, selfish world.

Invite your family and friends to come and celebrate. A recent statistic stated that 82% of people invited to an Easter service would attend. That is a fantastic fact. You have an incredible opportunity to witness someone’s life changed for eternity. Breakfast is 8:00-9:30 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
BECAUSE HE LIVES,
Pastor

SAVED BY HIS DEATH

Today is Good Friday! This evening, gather with your Calvary family in the main sanctuary (6:00 p.m.) for a night of worshipping Jesus Christ for His sacrificial death, which provided forgiveness of sins.

Good Friday is an important day for the church to commemorate the death of Jesus. It provides an opportunity to reflect on why Jesus had to die and to give thanks. Jesus has made Good Friday a significant day.

Good Friday is also a good day to learn the meaning of several truths concerning Christ’s death: (1) It was sacrificial; (2) It was vicarious; (3) It was substitutionary; (4) It was propitiatory; (5) It was expiatory; (6) It was efficacious; (7) It was victorious.  

All of the results of Christ’s sacrificial death are potentially available to everyone, but they apply only to those who accept Jesus Christ and His death through faith.

Believing that Jesus will pour out His Spirit upon all who are here. Believing that Jesus will bring people to saving faith in His name. Believing that Jesus will minister to all who are in need. Believing that Jesus will enjoy being with His people.

The service's live stream (Facebook & YouTube: Calvary Inverness; website: calvaryinv.com) is available for those who cannot attend. Although you may not be present with your church family, you can still participate in all that God is able and willing to do.
BECAUSE HE DIED FOR ME,
Pastor

WORSHIP IN THE UPPER ROOM

Tonight (Wednesday, 4/1, 7:00 pm), we will gather in the main sanctuary for an evening of worship and communion.

The hour of Jesus’ trial had finally arrived. This was the purpose of His birth. Every time He taught, healed the blind, restored hearing to the deaf, or raised the dead, it all pointed to this moment. The moment when He would give His life for mankind's salvation.  
 
Before Jesus went to the cross, He wanted to spend one last Passover with His disciples. During the meal, He shared His heart with those who had been with Him. John the Beloved recorded those words for us in John 13-17. It began with Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and ended with His priestly prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.    

Every word He spoke was filled with passion. Words that conveyed the purpose of His death and the promise of His resurrection. He wanted to share words with His disciples and with us, who belong to His church. Words that would support His disciples through the darkest moments of their lives. Words that would strengthen them with the confidence of the promise of eternal life.

We will celebrate that night in the upper room. The service begins with Jesus's words inviting His disciples to join Him for the Passover. Then, the men of Calvary Chapel will read Jesus’ words recorded in John 13-17. Between each section, the worship team will lead us in song.  
After the last words Jesus spoke in John 17, we will observe His death and resurrection with communion. You will have the opportunity to thank aloud for the body and blood of Jesus. This will be a beautiful moment as we listen to one another and give thanks to Jesus for what He has done.

The service's live stream (Facebook, YouTube: Calvary Inverness, and website: calvaryinv.com is available for those who cannot attend. You might not be with your church family in person, but you’ll still be able to participate in all that God is able and willing to do.
Remembering His Sacrifice,
Pastor

THE TRIUMPHANT SHEPHERD

Join your Calvary Chapel family on Sunday, March 29, at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.comFacebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to share the gospel as we continue a three-week in-depth study of Psalm 22:22-31.

Darkness. The only light came through the cracks in the cave’s ceiling. To add to David’s misery, the cave was cold and damp. Though he was thankful for the hiding place from the relentless pursuit of his father-in-law, Saul, the king of Israel.

Forsaken. David couldn’t understand why God had turned His back on him. Nothing made sense. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't reconcile recent events. He was the commander of Israel’s army. He had joined the royal family, which gave him influence. Yet, despite everything he had, his most cherished role was as a worship leader. He was a skilled musician who played worship music for Saul, who was tormented by evil spirits. But all of it was gone in an instant. One moment, life was good, and the next, he was in hiding.
Pain. His mind and emotions were frayed. His bones ached. His head throbbed. One moment, he was freezing, and the next, his insides felt like an inferno. He couldn’t eat or drink. Sleep eluded him. And when he did sleep, it was brief or filled with dreams of running, hiding, and struggling. It was a nightmare that never ended.

Shamed. David’s family, friends, and countrymen all abandoned him. They believed whatever happened to him was his fault. Betrayed by many he thought could be trusted. His memories haunted him as he reflected on all he had enjoyed when he was honored and respected.

Silence. It was deafening. Even though he was in a cave, he wasn’t alone. Over four hundred of his men approached the cave where he was hiding, bringing their wives and children with them. David’s parents arrived along with many family members. Yet, amidst all the noise of conversations, laughter, and arguments among his family, the one David desperately wanted to hear from was nowhere to be found.

Joy. Just when David felt like nothing would change, a light broke through, illuminating and infusing his heart with inexpressible joy. God had answered his cries. He gave him the absolute certainty that his suffering was not being ignored, nor would he die in a cave alone and frightened. His circumstances hadn’t changed. His pain remained. Yet, the difference was that David knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was with him. His strength returned. He knew how or when, but he knew he was going to make it.

Praise. The moment David received a message from God, he declared that he would testify to everyone he knew about God’s greatness, goodness, kindness, and power. He planned to do this through song. He would take everything he had compiled while on the run and give it to the Levites, who God had anointed to lead Israel in worship.

Prophecy. David documented his cave experience in a journal. He was a talented songwriter and musician. He was also a prophet, anointed by God. His psalm speaks of his greatest descendant, Jesus of Nazareth, and details what He experienced and endured on the cross. It also vividly describes Christ’s victory on the cross and His millennial reign.
Conclusion: What started as a lament and dirge has transformed into praise for God, giving us a beautiful prayer, a song of praise, and a prophecy of our Great God and Savior, Jesus, our faithful high priest and soon-coming King.

My prayer is that, as our church family reads this psalm, we will notice how David stayed firm in his trust in God, no matter what he faced, also how his suffering foreshadowed what Jesus would go through, so that we, who were sinners in need of a Savior, could be forgiven and become a new creation.
In His strong love, Pastor

THE ROAD TO THE CROSS
 
Tonight, Wednesday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m., join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 p.m., followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Ground Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.comFacebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we continue our journey through the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew (19:1-20:34).

The cross was looming. Each step felt heavier as Jesus approached Jerusalem. He knew what awaited Him—long before the foundation of the world was set in motion. He wasn’t afraid, but determined to finish what He had come to earth to accomplish.

His heart was heavy. The cross represented separation from the Father. There had never been a moment in all of eternity when they hadn’t been in constant communion. Yet, there was no other way. Jesus understood that even though the people He came for had rejected Him, He would still pave the way for their salvation.

Jesus understood, even with the heaviness in His heart, that He still had much to do before that moment—healings, miracles, preaching, teaching, and instructing His disciples. There was no time to waste. His time was running out.
 
The stakes were at an all-time high. The crowd, although still large, was beginning to dwindle. His enemies were becoming more anxious and, as a result, bolder and more aggressive because they feared His influence over those they regarded as His dedicated followers. Therefore, His enemies kept trying to trap Him in saying or doing something that would discredit Him.

Throughout everything, Jesus calmly and resolutely continued to serve both His people and His enemies. Peter remembered how, after Jesus’ resurrection, He responded to those who hated Him. “When He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”
Christ’s life, ministry, crucifixion, death, and resurrection have set an example for all His followers from that day until now, demonstrating that when suffering or persecution occurs, we should trust in Him, who protects, guides, and strengthens us through every trial and tribulation.
 
I’m excited to continue this journey with you through the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, trusting that none of us will remain the same as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love,
Pastor

THE SUFFERING SHEPHERD 
Join your Calvary Chapel family on Sunday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to share the gospel as we continue a three-week in-depth study of Psalm 22:12-21.

Pain. Agony. Anguish of the soul. David frantically tried to understand why God had forsaken him to his enemies, and he also faced unbearable pain. Every joint ached, and his clothes hung from his emaciated body due to hunger and thirst.

Sitting in a cave, penning the words before us, his journaling, which would become a song for Israel and the early church to sing when they gathered to worship God. His mind raced. His hand was cramping with searing pain from dehydration, making it difficult to keep up.

Yet, there was something comforting to his troubled soul in putting his thoughts into writing. He sensed God’s presence, which had been with him when he defended his flock against a lion and, at another time, a bear. But the moment David remembered most was when he, on behalf of Israel, ran to battle the giant from Gath, Goliath.

Now, even though he felt God's presence, it was only a brief moment. His memories of God’s past faithfulness had faded with each passing day. Hiding in a cave from his father-in-law, King Saul, all he could remember was those he once led into battle for. God’s glory, and Israel had become his enemies.
 
No matter how he tried to shake off the increasingly toxic thoughts, he was unsuccessful. Why did his friends turn on him? Why was Saul so full of rage against him? Why did his wife not stay at his side? On and on the thoughts raced through his mind like a hot knife through butter.
David believed that due to his present condition, he lay at death’s door. He had a grasp of the resurrection of the righteous dead and of spending eternity with God, but he was not himself. It was difficult for him to discern what was true and what was a lie.

Yet, he continued to compose his song. Even through the searing pain and throbbing of his head, he knew he had a mission. This, David, understood. He was a soldier. He followed orders. The Holy Spirit, even though David didn’t recognize His presence, was guiding his hand and inspiring his heart to write a song that would be passed down through the generations to the church of today.
 
A song to be sung, memorized, and shared with others, this Psalm acts as a vivid reminder that God is especially present with those who are suffering.

David rehearsed the words he had in his mind and wrote them down without realizing that the early church, facing many trials and hardships, would find great comfort in them.  He composed this worship song as a prophecy, containing various intricate details that would be fulfilled over a thousand years later through the life, ministry, trials, scourging, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. He wrote about the emotions, despair, and desperate cries for help during Jesus of Nazareth's crucifixion. Suffering, which would lead to the redemption of all who trust in Him from the tyranny of sin and death.
 
My prayer is that, as our church family reads this psalm, we will observe how David remained steadfast in his trust in God, regardless of what he faced. Also, how his suffering foreshadowed what Jesus would endure, so that we, who were sinners in need of a Savior, could be forgiven and become a new creation.

In His strong love, Pastor

LESSONS FROM THE MOUNTAINTOP

Tonight, Wednesday, March 18, at 7:00 p.m., join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 p.m., followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Ground Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness), as we continue our journey through the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew (17:1-19:15).

Six days after Jesus asked His disciples the most important question of life, “Who do you say that I am?” (16:15), He chose Peter, James, and John to go with Him to the top of Mount Hermon. When they arrived, Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, and the three disciples heard them discussing Jesus’ upcoming death.

In a sudden moment, filled with a mix of fear and awe, Peter blurted out that if Jesus wished, they could build a tabernacle for each of them. Later, when recounting the experience to Mark, Peter explained he said this because he didn’t know what else to say.
Everything Peter, James, and John saw and heard would stay with them forever. Their hearts pounded, adrenaline surged, and their minds raced. What should they do next? Who should they tell? These questions were answered when Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead” (17:9).

That mountaintop experience and the euphoria of the three quickly evaporated when coming down the mountain; they were met by an angry mob, a frustrated father, and his son, who was demon-possessed. It was a grim reminder that those quiet times alone with the Lord will always be met with spiritual resistance.

Jesus delivered the boy from his demonic bondage, ministered to the distraught father, and taught His disciples a valuable lesson that spiritual warfare is real. They should never go into a fight unprepared, and remember that after every spiritual victory comes spiritual warfare.

In the days that followed, there were numerous lessons Jesus’ men had to learn—everything from the importance of childlike faith to forgiving those who had wronged them.
The men learned that when they put their complete trust in Jesus, they would always be willing to show mercy to those who were undeserving, even to the point of releasing them from their debt.

As the disciples pondered what Jesus had said, they saw the Pharisees approach Him once again to test Him. This time, they wanted Jesus to give His opinion on which Rabbi they should follow regarding marriage and divorce. Jesus quickly and clearly provided the Pharisees with a detailed explanation of biblical principles when He told them that marriage didn’t originate during Moses’ time.

Marriage was established by God and was defined and explained to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, they weren’t going back far enough in biblical history in attempting to understand marriage.

Jesus’ schooling with the Pharisees provides a blueprint for His followers from that day until now. It also highlights why today’s church should make studying the Bible its top priority. With countless opinions on life and eternity, only God's Word remains the objective source of truth.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you through the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, trusting that none of us will remain the same as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love, 
Pastor

THE FORSAKEN SHEPHERD

Join your Calvary Chapel family on Sunday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to share the gospel as we begin a three-week in-depth study of Psalm 22.

Bewildered and confused, his mind raced as he tried to understand what had gone wrong. Everything he relied on no longer made sense. David, who had been constantly trying to stay one step ahead of Saul, had just learned that men from his hometown had betrayed him.

Now, even though he escaped Saul, who had been called back to deal with a Philistine invasion, he couldn’t understand why God had turned His back on him. As his heart rate returned to normal, his mind kept getting bombarded with one thought after another about what had gone wrong.

To make matters worse, those who were supposed to be his friends not only betrayed him but also insulted him, blaming him for his situation. David, who had been allowed to lead Israel’s army, marry the king’s daughter, and earn everyone’s admiration, destroyed all of it through his rebellion.

As David sat alone with his thoughts, he wrote this Psalm, expressing his raw emotions about being forsaken and abandoned by the One who had chosen him to be the next king of Israel. Was it still part of the plan? When would he become king? And, did he sabotage all God had planned by actions he’d taken? At the end of the day, he had more questions than answers.

David wasn’t just journaling his emotions. He has been called the “Sweet Psalmist of Israel, Anointed of God, and a prophet.” So, like many of his Psalms, they not only describe what he was feeling, thinking, and experiencing but also contain prophecies that were fulfilled in his most famous descendant, Jesus Christ.

My prayer is that, as our church family reads this psalm, we will observe how David remained steadfast in his trust in God, regardless of what he faced, also, how his suffering foreshadowed what Jesus would endure, so that we, who were sinners in need of a Savior, could be forgiven and become a new creation.
In His strong love, Pastor

THE ELAM PROPHECY

Join your Calvary Chapel family this Sunday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m., in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we come together to exalt Jesus, encourage one another in love, and prepare to evangelize a lost world by looking to the prophet Jeremiah (49:34-39) to learn what God says about Iran's future.
 
Millions of Americans, along with people in Europe and the Middle East, have been glued to their TVs, watching as the Americans, together with Israel, launched a preemptive strike on the evil dictatorship of Iran. While some question the motives of the leaders of the USA and Israel, the Iranians are not among them. Celebrations have broken out in Tehran, Tel Aviv, New York City, and across the Iranian diaspora.

In the past few weeks, the Ayatollah has ordered his army to suppress the uprising among the people. Estimates vary, but most agree that more than 30,000 people have been killed (though credible reports suggest the number is closer to 100,000).

Both the American President and the Prime Minister of Israel have insisted their attack isn’t about regime change. Instead, the bombing was carried out to give the people of Iran a chance to reclaim their country from the tyrants who have controlled it for over fifty years.

In light of this weekend’s events, we will come together to open our Bibles and hearts, focusing on the Author and Finisher of our faith to understand what He says about another war in the Middle East and the future of Israel, Iran, and the nations of the world.
 
Please continue to pray for our leaders to make wise decisions, seeking God’s perfect will, for all of our military and first responders who are facing increased violence and chaos in our inner cities, and for pastors across our nation to be bold and courageous, willing to preach Bible prophecy.   
Maranatha,

Pastor

A JOYFUL FINISH

Join your Calvary Chapel family this Sunday, February, at 10:00 a.m., in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by concluding our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:10-23).

Paul had walked with the Lord long enough to trust Him regardless of the circumstances, whether good or bad; he knew he would be okay. Now, as he sat in prison waiting for a hearing before Caesar Nero, he didn’t know if he would be released or executed. Still, despite the uncertainty, he was at peace.

Therefore, knowing that his time might be short, he wished to see his beloved church family in Philippi and share the same joy, peace, and contentment he had. He wrote that the contentment he possessed was not a natural response to trouble, trials, or tragedy. Instead, it comes from a deep and intimate knowledge of God's character. That knowledge can only come from a close, personal relationship with Him.

To demonstrate the importance of a close relationship with God, Paul told them that everything he faced, believed, and overcame came from the strength Christ gave him. It was more than just a feeling; it was a deep-seated belief that flowed through every part of his being.

This belief kept him from falling into despair, wrongly blaming God, or becoming bitter toward those who aimed to destroy him and his message. It was a steadfast, unwavering trust in His Savior, Lord, and Master, who had promised never to leave or forsake him.
So, Paul’s concluding message was to thank the church for their love and concern in sending Epaphroditus to check on him and to provide him with much-needed financial support. To let them know he knew their gift was sacrificial, that came not from their abundance but from a generous heart. And because of their love for God and Him, their gift was a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord that not only was well pleasing to Him, but guaranteed them a great reward in heaven.

My prayer is that our church, filled with love for God and one another, will continue to uphold the unity of the Spirit and walk humbly before our Lord and Savior so that our ministries stay impactful. Therefore, our community will see and recognize that we love God and each other with all our hearts, minds, and strength.
In His Unfailing Love, 
Pastor

JESUS & HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES

Tonight, Wednesday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m., join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 p.m., followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Ground Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness), as we continue our journey through the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew (9:35-10:42).
Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Matthew—six of the twelve men Jesus chose as His witnesses to Israel of His mission.

Ordinary men, equipped and empowered by Jesus to follow and learn from Him. Each was specifically chosen after spending an entire night praying and communing with His Father.
They weren’t supernatural or super saints. They were men who loved God and their families, answered the call to follow Jesus, and left everything behind. Men who had nothing to offer except their loving obedience. Men who, after spending three and a half years with Jesus, would go out into all the world with the glorious gospel.

When Jesus called them to follow Him, He explained their mission, message, and method for representing Him across Israel. It marked the start of a global ministry.

Jesus didn’t shy away from warning them about the opposition and persecution they would face from their families, friends, religious leaders, and fellow countrymen. It would serve as a stark reminder that the suffering they experienced was rooted in the hatred that sinful mankind harbored toward a holy God, whom they would stand before to hear their condemnation for rejecting His Son.

The twelve were challenged to consider the cost, but not to be afraid. Even though it would be no easy task, the Lord promised to be with them, and when they were arrested, He would give them the courage to speak up and boldly proclaim the message He would give them.

Today, the church is called to follow the example of these twelve ordinary men—to be Christ’s ambassadors to a culture similar to His day, to live out their faith boldly, and when opportunities arise, to proclaim the gospel, pray for the sick, and encourage fellow believers with the hope of who Jesus is.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you through the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, trusting that none of us will remain the same as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love, 
Pastor

KEYS TO A JOYFUL LIFE

Join your Calvary Chapel family this Sunday, February, at 10:00 a.m., in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:1-9).
 
Life can be tough. Many things challenge one’s sense of well-being, peace, and happiness. And when one thing happens, it can trigger a domino effect, unleashing circumstances that come at you like a locomotive.

Paul was accustomed to a chaotic life. If asked when he first faced the trials and troubles that constantly followed him, he would point to the moment he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.
The Lord transformed Paul from within. He never regretted that moment. And, despite suffering at the hands of the Romans, his fellow Pharisees, his countrymen, and Gentile hostility, he learned to rely on the Lord for strength, peace, and joy.

Joy is a gift. Given to Paul as he learned that no matter the circumstances, the Lord was with him, strengthening him and filling him with the joy of knowing that God was with him. Nothing would ever snatch him from his secure position in Christ.
 
Although his enemies might torture and eventually kill him, he would be resurrected with a glorified body and spend eternity in heaven with His Savior and all the saints of all the ages.
Therefore, when Paul heard about the quarrel among members of the Philippian church, he quickly took pen to paper and shared the lessons he had learned from following the Lord: how the church, having received the joy of the Lord, should preserve it and not lose it to the distractions the enemy of their souls had put in place.

Paul yearned for the church to have what he possessed. A joy that overflowed from the depths of his soul and empowered him, calmed his mind, brought peace to his heart, and fostered a deep, lasting faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A joy that would shield their hearts and minds with the invincible power of the Holy Spirit residing within each of them.

My prayer is that our church, filled with love for God and one another, will continue to uphold the unity of the Spirit and walk humbly before our Lord and Savior so that our ministries stay impactful. Therefore, our community will see and recognize that we love God and each other with all our hearts, minds, and strength.

In His Unfailing Love,
Pastor

JESUS’ ABSOLUTE POWER

Tonight, Wednesday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m., join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 p.m., followed by the service at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Ground Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness), as we continue our journey through the New Testament with the Gospel of Matthew (8:28–9:38).

Jesus’ arrival in Capernaum was a spiritual tsunami. The people had never encountered anyone like Him. All within a few days, a leper was cleansed, a child servant healed with a word from Jesus, who wasn’t close to his house, blind eyes and deaf ears were opened, and demons were set on the run with a word.

Word spread quickly, and the crowds grew into the thousands. They hung on every word He said, watched closely as He performed miracles, and fought one another to get as close as they could to be next to Him.

The murmur among the crowd was: "What would Jesus do next?" Would it be more spectacular than the previous miracle? Would He call someone to the front so He could touch and heal them? On and on they went, voices rising, as they tried to figure out Jesus’ next move.

If he astonished before, then what He did next would cause them to lose their minds. What miracle could He perform greater than what He had already done? He answered this when, while teaching a house full of people, four men lowered their paralytic friend into the room where Jesus was sitting.

The room quickly filled with excitement as the multitude believed that Jesus was about to perform another one of His spectacular miracles. Yet all their excitement was sucked out of the room the moment that Jesus opened His mouth and said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you” (Matt. 9:2).

What the multitude didn’t see, nor took the time to understand, was that everything Jesus said and did up to that point pointed to the moment when He would reveal that God had come down to save them from their sins.

Because the authority to forgive can only be granted by divinity, and all the miracles were performed to build the multitude’s faith in Him, so that at that moment He forgave the paralytic, and they would believe.

By forgiving the man, Jesus also proved that He was the Messiah whom the Old Testament prophets had been preaching about for a thousand years.

Yet, as Isaiah said of the people, “They keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive” (Isa. 6:9). But for those who did believe in Him, the greatest miracle of all took place: they became a brand-new creation.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you through the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, trusting that none of us will remain the same as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.

In His Strong Love,
Pastor

JESUS’ MIRACULOUS MINISTRY

This Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 pm, join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 pm, followed by the service at 7:00 pm in the Holy Ground Cafe or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). As we continue our journey through the New Testament with the Gospel of Matthew (8:1-9:38).

When people travel to Israel to see where Jesus walked, ministered, died, and was raised to life, it is a life-changing experience. Many return home and eagerly share with their family and friends that one of the main benefits of the trip is that it made their Bible come alive.
The same applies to those who saw the ten miracles Jesus performed in chapters eight and nine of Matthew’s gospel, which demonstrated that He has full authority over disease, demons, disasters, and death.

The prophet Isaiah, seven hundred years earlier, had prophesied that Israel’s Messiah would appear in Galilee and prove that He was their Savior through the many healings, deliverances, and miracles He performed.

Isaiah’s prophecies were repeatedly read and studied by Israel during their worship gatherings. Each one offered promises to those who trusted in God. But, like many today, the challenges of life, numerous distractions, and a variety of other concerns can create a gap between what people hear and what they believe.

Therefore, to bridge the gap, the Holy Spirit prompted Matthew to record the miracles Jesus performed. He did this so that those who saw what Jesus did would realize that a 700-year-old prophecy was being fulfilled right before their eyes.

So, Matthew writes that Jesus had recently begun His Galilean ministry, with His base of operations in Capernaum. Jesus ministered to those who were hurting and in need, and over the course of weeks, the multitudes who followed Him grew exponentially to see what He would say and do next.

Blinded eyes and deaf ears were opened, mute tongues were loosed, leprosy was cleansed, and those oppressed or possessed by demons found deliverance. People with various sicknesses and diseases were healed, and those grieving the loss of loved ones were filled with glorious joy as Jesus raised them from the dead.

Even though Jesus is no longer on earth, that doesn’t mean His ministry has stopped. He is still able and willing to help, lead, and intervene in the lives of His followers.

I'm excited to continue this journey with you through the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, trusting that none of us will remain the same as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love,
Pastor

BLESSED IS THE ONE

Join your Calvary Chapel family for the first Sunday of 2026 on Sunday, January 4th, at 10:00 a.m., in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to share the gospel by exploring the book of Psalms (1:1-6).
 
Each year, the world is given a fixed number of hours. How each person spends their time varies just as much as the people themselves.  Time doesn’t favor any particular group. It plays no favorites. Whether a person’s year is worthwhile or a complete waste depends on individual choices.

One path leads to a productive, fruitful, happy, and satisfying life in which the person who puts God at the center of his life enjoys a close and intimate fellowship with Him.
 
The second path, which most people choose, deceptively guides them into a downward spiral that is fruitless, unstable, and worthless, ending in their destruction.  The Psalmist in chapter one, knowing that one’s time on earth is limited, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, presents to God’s people two completely opposite paths—one narrow and the other broad—each offering both temporal and eternal benefits and consequences.
 
The Word of God contrasts the two paths. The path to a blessed life is chosen by those whose lives delight in and are guided by God’s Word. Everything they do, or decide not to do, is evaluated through the lens of Scripture. Their life’s goal is to prioritize and maximize their lives so they can live for God's good pleasure and holy purposes.

Their rejection of God’s Word marks the path of the condemned. They live for themselves and decide, through their own thoughts, what is right and wrong. Unaware to most, their self-built moral code is flexible with no absolute morals, which will change suddenly over their lives and blindly lead them down a path at the end where God rejects them and casts them outside His presence into Hell for eternity.
 
My prayer is that our church family will make the Word of God their top priority and the center of their lives. By doing so, we embrace God’s promise that He will be with us through thick and thin, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and will strengthen and guide us so that in the end, we can hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Redeeming the Time,
Pastor

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THE JOY OF KNOWING CHRIST

Join your Calvary Chapel family (Sunday, December 28, at 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) for the last Sunday of 2025 as we come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (3:9-16).
 
Paul had told the Philippian church in detail about the futility of relying on one’s own work to justify oneself before God. He, of all people, had a reason to be confident. He was from a prominent family and was trained to be part of an elite group of men who served as Israel’s spiritual leaders. And, despite his young age, he had achieved more in his life than many older than him.

Yet he saw it all as useless compared to what Christ had done for him. His deeds, though performed with good intentions, lacked power. On the outside, he was faultless in following the law, but inside, his heart was corrupt and filled with greed.
 
Therefore, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Paul writes about the joy of knowing Christ. It’s more than just an intellectual exercise. He speaks of personally and intimately knowing the power of God that transformed him from the inside out.

This power was so great that it wiped his heart clean of all the greed, hatred, arrogance, and bitterness that had driven him to pursue and kill those who claimed to be followers of Christ.
One can’t put a price on what Christ has done on the cross. His death and resurrection open the way for sinners to become saints. The only requirement is for the wayward sinner to place their faith in Him.

Paul came to this realization only after recognizing that everything he was and had achieved paled in comparison to knowing what Christ had done. He set aside his accomplishments and humbly and passionately pursued the One who had promised him eternal life.

As he sat in a Roman prison, he wanted his beloved Philippian church to know that he was okay and was ready to live or die for the cause of Christ. He didn’t have a death wish; instead, he wanted to live wholeheartedly for the pleasure and purpose Christ had for him. With that resolve, Paul has a joy that Rome, Israel, friends, enemies, possessions, or the lack of them could never take away.

My prayer is that our church, filled with love for God and one another, will continue to maintain the unity of the Spirit and walk humbly before our Lord and Savior so that our ministries remain impactful. Therefore, our community will see and recognize that we love God and each other with all our hearts, minds, and strength.
 
In His Unfailing Love, 
Pastor

A JOYFUL SAFEGUARD
 
Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.comFacebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (3:1-8).

Paul, after addressing the disunity that threatened his beloved Philippian church, began confronting what seemed to be a group of false teachers who claimed that becoming a Christian was more than simply placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
Like the cults today, these false teachers, instead of going outside the church to evangelize, entered the church secretly to proselytize new converts and pull them away from their secure position in Christ.

When Epaphroditus told Paul what was happening, he didn’t hold back. He said the false teachers were not genuine believers, comparing them to a wild pack of rabid dogs, whose every word and deed was evil. All this was an attempt to cause those who were not rooted and grounded in Christ to stumble.

Therefore, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul gave the church safeguards to help them distinguish truth from lies. Furthermore, if they were willing to listen to his words, they would continue to grow in their faith and become more confident that Christ is enough to secure their salvation.

Paul, aiming to explain why the church shouldn’t permit false teachers to influence believers, listed his extensive spiritual background and his accomplishments in God's name. He believed his external works were enough to declare him righteous, which was before he met the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus.

Now, the Apostle realized that everything he was and had done was insignificant compared to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. He was in prison for his faith, yet he saw it as an honor to be persecuted for His name’s sake. In fact, he considered everything before his conversion worthless.

Nothing could compare to what Christ had done for him. He was filled with peace, joy, faith, and love that motivated him to fight for the church, defending them against the savage wolves that had been released from the pit of Hell. It was his joy to ward them off and see believers live a rich, full life in Christ.

My prayer is that our church, filled with love for God and each other, will continue to uphold the unity of the Spirit and walk humbly before our Lord and Savior so that our ministries stay impactful. Our community will see and recognize that we love God and one another with all our hearts, minds, and strength.
In His Unfailing Love,
Pastor

GOD’S MESSENGER

Tonight, Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 pm, join your Calvary Chapel family for coffee at 6:00 pm in the Holy Ground Cafe, followed by the service at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will conclude our study of the Old Testament in the "Through the Bible" series with the book of Malachi (1:1-4:6).

In July 2021, we started a 'Through the Bible' journey. Tonight, with the book of Malachi, we will finish the Old Testament. After the study, we will celebrate our journey with Communion.

Please browse the Old Testament for verses that refer to Jesus Christ. An example is Isaiah’s prophecy, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6).

During Communion, you will be able to share the verse with everyone. Together, we will celebrate the coming of our Messiah and how He fulfills the hundreds of prophecies about His birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and return to reign first for a thousand years and then for all eternity.

Beginning in January (1/7/26), we will start our journey through the New Testament. Since many of you have committed to studying the Old Testament, you will gain a new or more profound understanding of the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the book of Revelation (which references over 400 Old Testament passages).

I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love,
Pastor

JOYFUL HUMILITY

Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, November 23, at 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we gather to exalt Jesus, edify one another in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (2:5-11).
 
Paul loved the Philippians. During his time in prison, he fondly remembered all that God had done when he and his band of brothers first ventured into Europe.

Their message of the gospel burst onto the scene, captivating men and women who had been enslaved and worn out by the hollow promises and parasitic ways of the Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses.
 
Soon, the first church in Europe was established. Paul’s efforts were successful, and by the time he and Silas left, they had laid a solid foundation and established a congregation of new believers that continued to grow into a healthy, thriving, and mature community.

But now there was a serious threat to the church's health. Two of the women who had ministered alongside Paul and Silas were at odds with each other. As is often the case, those in the church were forced to choose sides. And if things weren’t resolved soon, everything that God had done would come to a screeching halt.

Paul knew the spirit behind the argument. Signs could be seen everywhere. Selfish ambition, conceit, gossip, backbiting, and selfishness. He also knew what needed to be done. The church and the two who had fallen out with each other needed to be reminded of who and what Christ had done for them.

As Paul thought about his strategy for bringing peace to his beloved Philippians, the Holy Spirit inspired him to illustrate the importance of humility. He wrote a poem that would become a hymn of the early church.
 
It was sound in doctrine and spoke of the greatness of Jesus and His willingness to leave the grandeur of Heaven, come to earth, and be confined to the limitations of a physical body and willingly submit to His Father by enduring death on the cross.

Paul wanted the church to reflect on what Jesus had done for them and, in response, to imitate His humility. The desire to prioritize others over oneself, not to think of oneself as better than others, and the willingness to look out for each other are gifts from above. But Paul knew that for peace to be restored among the Philippians, each person must deliberately choose to pursue peace and live in humility.
 
My prayer is that our church, filled with love for God and one another, will continue to maintain the unity of the Spirit and walk humbly before our Lord and Savior so that our ministries remain impactful. Our community will see and recognize that we love God and each other with all our hearts, minds, and strength.

In His Unfailing Love,
Pastor

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A JOYFUL INTEGRITY

Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we gather to exalt Jesus, edify one another in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (1:27-30).
 
Paul was in prison, but his faith in Christ stayed strong. He knew that was why he had been arrested. Soon, he would face trial before Emperor Nero Caesar. He hoped to be released so he could continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire. However, there were no guarantees.

He resolved that whether he was freed or executed, he would remain faithful to the One who had promised him eternal life. A gift he didn’t deserve. He had been a murderer, passionately hunting down those who professed Christ to arrest and kill them. Yet, Christ graciously forgave his sins, paid the debt he owed to God, and transformed him from the inside out.

So, there was no way he was going to turn his back on Christ. It was the least he could do. He was committed not only to spreading the gospel but also to living its message with boldness and courage. By doing so, he experienced a peace and joy he had never known.
 
Now, he wanted the church at Philippi, which had committed itself to him from the beginning, to know the same peace and joy that he had. It was a gift for those who had come to Christ, like him, by faith. And, by living a life wholeheartedly set apart for Christ’s good pleasure and purpose, peace and joy would fill them until they were overflowing.

A joy that would never diminish but continue to grow as they increase in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, no matter what opposition they face, what circumstances challenge them, or what tragedies come their way, they can be at peace knowing that Christ is for them and not against them.

As we read this letter, my prayer is that we all experience the same joy and peace that Paul did, so that, regardless of the challenges in ministry or life, we can glorify Christ with unwavering faith in Him.

In His Unfailing Love,
Pastor

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A JOYFUL PERSPECTIVE

Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, November 2, at 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we gather to exalt Jesus, edify one another in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (1:12-26).
 
The church in Philippi was concerned. Their beloved spiritual father, the Apostle Paul, who had introduced them to the gospel of Jesus Christ during his first journey into Europe, was now in prison. He was chained to Roman guards and under constant surveillance while awaiting his trial before Caesar Nero.

To make matters worse, rumors spread that many of Paul’s opponents and enemies were doing everything possible to exploit his absence and convert new believers from those churches that only existed because of Paul's dedicated and relentless efforts.
Others had been waiting for their chance to slander Paul’s name by viciously lying about his character, telling anyone who would listen that he was in prison because of his own wrongdoing.

The church knew there was nothing Paul could do to defend his ministry or character from those men who were rushing to take his place as leaders of the struggling churches.
They were the first church to support Paul financially, enabling him to stop working as a tent-maker and focus entirely on spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire. When Paul shared with them about the suffering of those in the Jerusalem church due to a severe famine, they were quick to step up and help.

So, they sent one of their own, Epaphroditus, to undertake the long and risky journey, find Paul, and deliver the food, clothing, and money they had sent, and check in with him and report back?

What Epaphroditus discovered caught him off guard, and he realized the church was utterly unprepared for the situation. Instead of meeting a man who was broken physically, emotionally, and spiritually, he found someone who was at peace and filled with joy. A man who understood that regardless of what happened at his trial, it didn’t matter because the One he belonged to would work everything out for his good and God’s glory.

On the way home, Epaphroditus had a lot to think about. He was eager to share Paul’s letter with the church and was amazed at how the Apostle could stay so joyful despite facing imminent death. In fact, Epaphroditus had concluded that Paul welcomed it.

There was one thing that stood out to Epaproditus, and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. He believed it was the source of Paul’s joy and peace, and he knew it would encourage the church and motivate them to keep spreading the gospel to their city, nation, and world.
So, when Epaphroditus arrived, he delivered Paul’s letter to the church to be read on the next Lord’s Day, when they would gather to hear what the Apostle had said.

And when the letter was read and reached the part that Paul had written, which had filled him with hope, he knew the church would be changed forever.
 
That statement that has inspired Philippians and countless millions of believers over the past two thousand years is, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Php 1:21).

As we read this letter, my prayer is that we all experience the same joy and peace that Paul did, so that, regardless of the challenges in ministry or life, we can glorify Christ with unwavering faith in Him.

In His Unfailing Love,
Pastor

VISIONS IN THE NIGHT

Tonight, Wednesday, October 22, at 7:00 pm, join your Calvary Chapel family at the Holy Grounds Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we continue our "Through the Bible" study in the book of Zechariah (4:1-6:15).

Zechariah is one of three prophets who prophesied after the exile, meaning he, along with Haggai and Malachi, delivered messages to those who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon.

When fifty thousand exiles first returned to Jerusalem, led by Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, there was great excitement about rebuilding the Temple.
However, when the neighboring nations saw and heard what the Jews were doing, they impeded their progress by appealing to the Persian King Ahasuerus, who stopped the rebuilding effort.

The discouraged and hopeless Jews put down their tools, lost any enthusiasm and optimism they had, and went back home.

The foundation was laid, and the altar was built, but the Temple was not finished. The work site remained empty for sixteen years.

God gave the prophet Zechariah eight night visions to share with the discouraged exiles. Each vision was meant to encourage them to finish rebuilding the Temple without fear of threats from neighboring nations.

 It also served as a reminder for them to stay confident that the Lord would fulfill every promise—about inheriting all of Canaan, living peacefully without fear of invasion or extinction, being forgiven of their sins and rebellion, and experiencing the joy of knowing that God would dwell among them forever.

May our church family be willing to follow Zechariah’s example, walk in fellowship with our Lord and Savior, understand what God’s prophetic Word says about the future, and be willing to share what the Bible says about these topics with those who have not yet come to saving faith in Christ Jesus.

I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love,
Pastor

A JOYFUL PETITION

Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we gather to exalt Jesus, edify one another in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (1:9-11).

Paul, writing from a Roman prison—the notorious Mamertine dungeon—he composed a letter to be sent back to the Philippian church, which had continued to support him through their prayers, finances, and love.

He wanted them to know how deeply he appreciated and loved them. When others had stopped supporting him or turned away, they remained loyal. He knew it didn’t matter what others said; they believed he was a man sent by God to share the good news of what Jesus Christ had done for them.

Therefore, with a pastor’s heart, Paul told the church he hadn’t forgotten about their generosity or their love. Neither had he ceased to pray for them. When others would have been consumed by their miserable circumstances, Paul set an example for Christians for generations to come by putting others before himself.

Paul found joy in praying for the church. God had done so much for him; it was the least he could do. So, in the darkness of his prison cell, he prayed sincerely to God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The more he prayed, the more his heart was filled with God’s love; the darkness faded, along with any thoughts of self-pity or despair. Minutes turned into hours, and hours into days, but he never stopped, whenever he could, to lift his friends and partners in ministry to the Lord.

He prayed with confidence and clarity. Paul knew that the same God who saved him was also the one who would fill the believers at Philippi with an indescribable joy, full of glory. A joy that would strengthen them to face any adversity as a result of living for Christ in a pagan culture. A joy that would sustain them until the day they meet Christ, whether
 through the rapture or death—a joy in knowing that a great reward awaited them in heaven.
As we read this letter, my prayer is that we all experience the same joy and peace Paul did, so that no matter the challenges in ministry or life, we can glorify Christ with unwavering faith in Him.
In His Unfailing Love,
Pastor

THE TRANSFORMED LIFE

Tonight, Wednesday, October 22, at 7:00 pm, join your Calvary Chapel family at the Holy Grounds Café or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we pause in our "Through the Bible" study in the book of Zechariah and join with the Shepherd’s School in Kenya, alongside men from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and more to explore what the Apostle Paul calls the transformed life (Romans 12:1-21).

In the first eleven chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he establishes the foundation of our Christian faith. He starts by explaining mankind’s need for a Savior. Why? Because of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Their fellowship with God was broken. They were expelled from paradise and told that they had spiritually died and would also die physically.

Everyone, since Adam’s rebellion, has been born spiritually dead to God and alive to sin. Therefore, no matter how hard someone tries to live a good life and obey God’s moral law, it is not enough to overcome their sin. Because sin is not something they have done or not done, it is the spiritual gene handed down from Adam.

Next, Paul offers the Romans the solution for their sin. He urges them to turn from sin toward God and place their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. When they do, God removes their sin, renews their heart through the Holy Spirit, and they become a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Beginning with chapter twelve and continuing through chapter sixteen, Paul teaches the Roman Christians what the new life in Christ involves.

First, in chapter twelve, Paul provides a detailed look at new life. He begins by encouraging them, considering all that God has done for them, to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice. To dedicate their entire lives to the One who has given them life, for the praise of His glory.
Second, Paul encourages believers to understand the spiritual gifts that Christ has given to the church. These gifts are distributed to everyone according to the will of the Holy Spirit. They are meant for the common good of the church body. When properly exercised, the congregation is built up, and Christ is exalted.

Third, Paul instructs the church on how to relate to one another. He encourages them to love each other, do what they can to meet each other’s needs, forgive each other's grievances, and stand by each other to rejoice during good times and to grieve during hardships.

Finally, Paul outlines his approach to how the church should treat those who haven't believed in Christ, including those who seek to cause trouble and persecute believers. He strongly emphasizes that everyone should strive to live in peace with others and respond to evil with good.

I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire Calvary Chapel family.
In His Strong Love,
Pastor