The “1040 window” is a well-known name to define a rectangle’s latitude and longitude in Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This region correlates to a heavily concentrated population of nations and tribes who have not been reached with the Gospel. Living in America, where the Bible is readily available, and our history records […]
Go.Stop. – Grace Explained
November 26, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes Jonah 4:10-11And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than […]
Christmas Offering 2023
Calvary is a devoted family who loves God and loves our neighbors. This beautiful mission leads us to carry hope to the world, and everyone can be a part of advancing God’s Kingdom. As we enter this Christmas season, prayerfully consider a gift above and beyond your regular giving to contribute toward our goal of […]
Mercy Unveiled
In Tel Dan of northern Israel is a gushing stream that is one of a few sources that feed the Jordan River and supply water to the valley. On a recent trip, I was overwhelmed by the mercy of God as I observed this stream. For thousands of years, it has supplied the “Promised Land” […]
Go. Stop. – Grace Taken
November 19, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Jonah Stubbornly Exercises His Preference Jonah 4:5Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Our expectations and […]
Justice and Mercy
Negative emotions typically are a progressive trend downward. Fear gives way to anger and then hatred. Every person struggles with negative emotions. Some manifest in anxiety, and others in anger. One common thread between all negative emotions is the results are not how we want to be, and often, it stems from having lost control […]
Go. Stop. – Gracious Correction
November 12, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. God’s Will & Jonah’s Resentment Jonah 4:1But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. II. Jonah’s Reasoning & God’s Character Jonah 4:2And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is […]
Turning to the Potter
For years my family has a tradition of visiting a local pottery store and painting ornaments as part of the holiday season. The experience has made many beautiful memories and increased my fascination for the pottery-making process. I can’t help but wander through the studio area and peeking at the kiln. The entire process is […]
Go. Stop. – Week 9
November 5, 2023Does God Change His Mind?Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes Jeremiah 18The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And […]
Overcoming Fear and Worry
I must confess a few weeks ago, I was not sleeping well and consumed with worry and fear. Due to some stressful and hard conversations that were necessary and productive, I had great fear over what could possibly happen, and I operated out of fear rather than out of faith in the sovereignty of God. […]