Sunday Teaching • Apr 14, 2013

LIFE AFTER DEATH:  BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive!  (Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

Please join us this Sunday, April 14th at 10:00 am, as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Communion Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled: “Life After Death: But Wait, There’s More!" taken from the Gospel of John and the Letters of the Apostle Paul. Please join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

On Easter Sunday, we celebrated the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Prior to His death and resurrection, Jesus taught us what we should expect after we die and pass from this life into the next.  For one thing, Jesus Himself clarified the ancient belief that the “good” would be rewarded with a pleasant “afterlife” and the “bad” would suffer a painful, eternal punishment. (Luke 16:19-31)  But better than that, Jesus went on to define who is “good” and who is “bad,” by clearing up both Jewish and pagan misconceptions of the kind of relationship God and humanity needs to have with one another.  He zeroed in on worship (John 4:23-24), loving God and one another (Luke 10:27), and the importance of just “hanging in there” until the end in order to receive our reward. (Revelation 2 & 3) But even better than these words, Jesus showed us all what kind of body we can expect to receive, when we join Him in His glorious, heavenly kingdom.

Just before Jesus was crucified and arose from the dead in His new, glorified body, He toke Peter, James, and John up to the summit of Mt. Tabor and there was "transfigured" before them into His "glorified" heavenly body. The three apostles tell us that they "were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' And we heard this voice which came from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain." (2 Peter 1:16-18)  For 40 days following His resurrection, Jesus showed all of His disciples this new body, a body made of "flesh and bone," yet heavenly-transformed. (Luke 24:39)  This new "glorified" body, as we call it, could disappear from sight (Luke 24:31) and even pass through walls and locked doors! (John 20:19)  This is the new body which Paul tells us, we will have when Jesus returns to take us to His heavenly kingdom, and the same everlasting life promised by Jesus Himself. (Colossians 3:4 & John 11:25)

The personal hope of a physical, bodily resurrection from the dead is based on the promise of Jesus Himself, when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live!" (John 11:25) This promise from the one, true living God, Jesus Christ, is the entire foundation of Christianity. No other man-made religion on planet earth makes such a claim! Nor can they even suggest such a thing, for all of their founders are dead. Our founder, on the other hand, is alive! The Word of God guarantees the believer's resurrection at the return of Jesus Christ. Such hope and assurance results in a great song of triumph, as the Apostle Paul writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) This is our Hope. This is our Victory. Our hope and obedience in Jesus Christ makes it possible to triumph over death. So, with this kind of guarantee, shouldn’t you ask yourself, “Don’t I want to live forever?” I know that I do!

His Empty Tomb is Our Guarantee of Our Own Resurrection to Life!

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus?

Join Us This Sunday On Beautiful Catalina Island!

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  If you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Apr 7, 2013

LIFE AFTER DEATH:  WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.  (Revelation 22:1-5)

Please join us this Sunday, April 7th at 10:00 am, as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Communion Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled: “Life After Death: What’s It All About?" taken from the Books of Isaiah, Revelation & John. Please join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

Last Sunday, we celebrated the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Prior to His death and resurrection, Jesus taught us what we should expect after we die and pass from this life into the next.  For one thing, Jesus Himself clarified the ancient belief that the “good” would be rewarded with a pleasant “afterlife” and the “bad” would suffer a painful, eternal punishment. (Luke 16:19-31)  But better than that, Jesus went on to define who is “good” and who is “bad,” by clearing up both Jewish and pagan misconceptions of the kind of relationship God and humanity needs to have with one another.  He zeroed in on worship (John 4:23-24), loving God and one another (Luke 10:27), and the importance of just “hanging in there” until the end in order to receive our reward. (Revelation 2 & 3) But even better than these words, Jesus showed us all what kind of body we can expect to receive, when we join Him in His glorious, heavenly kingdom.

Just before Jesus was crucified and arose from the dead in His new, glorified body, He toke Peter, James, and John up to the summit of Mt. Tabor and there was "transfigured" before them into His "glorified" heavenly body. The three apostles tell us that they "were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' And we heard this voice which came from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain." (2 Peter 1:16-18)  For 40 days following His resurrection, Jesus showed all of His disciples this new body, a body made of "flesh and bone," yet heavenly-transformed. (Luke 24:39)  This new "glorified" body, as we call it, could disappear from sight (Luke 24:31) and even pass through walls and locked doors! (John 20:19)  This is the new body which Paul tells us, we will have when Jesus returns to take us to His heavenly kingdom, and the same everlasting life promised by Jesus Himself. (Colossians 3:4 & John 11:25)

The personal hope of a physical, bodily resurrection from the dead is based on the promise of Jesus Himself, when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live!" (John 11:25) This promise from the one, true living God, Jesus Christ, is the entire foundation of Christianity. No other man-made religion on planet earth makes such a claim! Nor can they even suggest such a thing, for all of their founders are dead. Our founder, on the other hand, is alive! The Word of God guarantees the believer's resurrection at the return of Jesus Christ. Such hope and assurance results in a great song of triumph, as the Apostle Paul writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) This is our Hope. This is our Victory. Our hope and obedience in Jesus Christ makes it possible to triumph over death. So, with this kind of guarantee, shouldn’t you ask yourself, “Don’t I want to live forever?” I know that I do!

His Empty Tomb is Our Guarantee of Our Own Resurrection to Life!

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus?

Join Us This Sunday On Beautiful Catalina Island!

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  If you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

His Is Risen! Alleluia!

Wishing each and every one of you the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding from our Lord Jesus Christ, as we celebrate the most dramatic and important event in history: His glorious resurrection from the dead. Jesus Himself tells us, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live!" (John 11:25)

If you are visiting beautiful Catalina Island, California this weekend, then please join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM, as we read from the Gospel of John and learn why the empty tomb is the personal guarantee of our own resurrection to everlasting life. Many advertised products like the Ginsu Knife Set and others promise a “lifetime guarantee.” But only Jesus promises each and every one of us an “after-lifetime guarantee!” Following Jesus from this life into the next is why we are called “Christians.” His love is all that matters.

God Bless You!

Pastor Jason

For More Information, Please Visit: www.calvarybiblechurch.com

Sunday Teaching • Mar 31, 2013

JESUS HAS RISEN SO YOU MIGHT LIVE!

“I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” (John 10:17-18) "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live!" (Jesus in John 11:25)

Please join us this Sunday, March 31st at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), celebrating the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead with a Biblical study entitled: “Jesus Has Risen So You Might Live!" taken from the Gospel of John.  All are welcome to join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word! Please join us!

Just before Jesus was crucified and arose from the dead in His new, glorified body, He toke Peter, James, and John up to the summit of Mt. Tabor and there was "transfigured" before them into His "glorified" heavenly body. The three apostles tell us that they "were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' And we heard this voice which came from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain." (2 Peter 1:16-18)  For 40 days following His resurrection, Jesus showed all of His disciples this new body, a body made of "flesh and bone," yet heavenly-transformed. (Luke 24:39)  This new "glorified" body, as we call it, could disappear from sight (Luke 24:31) and even pass through walls and locked doors! (John 20:19)  This is the new body which Paul tells us, we will have when Jesus returns to take us to His heavenly kingdom, and the same everlasting life promised by Jesus Himself. (Colossians 3:4 & John 11:25)

Jesus Himself confirmed that only He had the power to allow Himself to be killed, as well as the power to bring Himself back to life from the dead. (John 10:18)  He knew what His purpose here on earth was: to die on the cross for the salvation of each and every one of us.  This “appointment with destiny,” as it were, had a very specific timetable, and Jesus knew it. How many times in the Gospels do we hear Jesus tell His disciples, “My time has not yet come?” (John 7:6)  Finally, just before His arrest and execution by Pontius Pilate, Jesus announces to His own disciples in a plain and simple language that they would understand, that He MUST die and be resurrected from the dead. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later, He will rise." (Mark 10:33-34)  The glorification of Jesus through His unselfish act of love enables all of us now to be glorified like Him. Alleluia!! (John 3:16)

The personal hope of a physical, bodily resurrection from the dead is based on the promise of Jesus Himself, when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live!" (John 11:25) This promise from the one, true living God, Jesus Christ, is the entire foundation of Christianity. No other man-made religion on planet earth makes such a claim! Nor can they even suggest such a thing, for all of their founders are dead. Our founder, on the other hand, is alive! The Word of God guarantees the believer's resurrection at the return of Jesus Christ. Such hope and assurance results in a great song of triumph, as the Apostle Paul writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) This is our Hope. This is our Victory. Our hope and obedience in Jesus Christ makes it possible to triumph over death. So, with this kind of guarantee, shouldn’t you ask yourself, “Don’t I want to live forever?” I know that I do!

His Empty Tomb is Our Guarantee of Our Own Resurrection to Life!

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus?

Join Us This Sunday On Beautiful Catalina Island!

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  If you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Mar 24, 2013

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE?

“The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”  (Psalm 22:16-18)

Please join us this Sunday, March 24th at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled: “Why Did Jesus Have To Die?" taken from the Gospel of John. We are so blessed to have the musical praise group Cloud of Hope lead our worship this week. All are welcome to worship with us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word! Please join us!

Members of Cloud of Hope Will Lead Worship This Sunday

Since the days of Adam and Eve, the prophecy of a Savior has been echoing in the ears of humanity for thousands of years.  Among these prophecies, we read a virtual monologue of Jesus Himself in Psalm 22, describing His own crucifixion and death on the cross.  But it is the Prophet Isaiah, speaking the Word of God 700 years before Jesus would be born, who tells is WHY Jesus would be tortured and die an excruciating death, nailed to a cross some 2000 years ago: Jesus died for our sins, so that all of us could be saved from our sins!

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.  Surely, He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  He was wounded for our transgressions (wrong doings), He was bruised for our iniquities (sins); The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray;  We have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity (sins) of us all.  He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. (Isaiah 53:3-7)

Jesus Himself confirmed that only He had the power to allow Himself to be killed, as well as the power to bring Himself back to life from the dead. (John 10:18)  He knew what His purpose here on earth was: to die on the cross for the salvation of each and every one of us.  This “appointment with destiny,” as it were, had a very specific timetable, and Jesus knew it. How many times in the Gospels do we hear Jesus tell His disciples, “My time has not yet come?” (John 7:6)

Finally, just before His arrest and execution by Pontius Pilate, Jesus announces to His own disciples in a plain and simple language that they would understand, that He MUST die and be resurrected from the dead. "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later, He will rise." (Mark 10:33-34) The glorification of Jesus through His unselfish act of love enables all of us now to be glorified like Him. Alleluia!! (John 3:16)

As we study the Old Testament together looking forward to the cross of Jesus, we see that despite mankind’s continued failure – beginning with Adam & Eve and continuing with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – our most Benevolent, Loving, and Living Creator demonstrates His unending love for us.  Every time man falls on his face in failure, our Loving Father is there to pick him up, dust him off, and send him (and all of us, as well) on his way to begin all over again.  To the Prophet Jeremiah, our Heavenly Father said, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)  His love is meant to sweep us off our feet and save us from our sinful self.

It couldn’t have been said any clearer than by Jesus Himself: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jesus Speaking in John 3:16)  The sacrificial lamb, prophesied by Abraham, reflected in the Passover prior to the Israelites leaving Egypt, and the “Lamb of God” spoken of by John the Baptist is Jesus. His ultimate sacrifice – His death on the cross – made the washing away of our sins possible. By His mercy, our cries for forgiveness are now heard, and our eternal salvation is assured.  Have you called upon the name of the Lord and asked for forgiveness of your sins?  “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”  (Jesus in John 16:24)

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus?

Join Us This Sunday On Beautiful Catalina Island!

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  If you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Mar 3, 2013

ABRAHAM'S FAITH IS TESTED AGAIN!

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place, which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:8-12)

Please join us this Sunday, March 3rd at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Communion Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled: “Abraham’s Faith Is Tested  Again!" taken from the Book of Genesis, Chapter 20 & 21. All are welcome to join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." (Genesis 17:1-2)  A short time later, the LORD visits Abraham, who is resting in the doorway of his tent under the large oak tree at the Oasis of Mamre near the northwest corner of the Dead Sea. He tells the old man once again, that he will have a son, with whom He – the LORD – would make an everlasting covenant, giving his offspring (the Jews) the entire land of Israel. Overhearing this, Abraham’s 89-year old wife Sarah laughs to herself. Knowing Abraham and Sarah’s wavering faith, the Lord tells him, “Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:13-14)  “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” had to be ringing in Abraham’s ears!  But, because he was obedient and trusted the LORD, Abraham’s faith grew, and he “believed (trusted) the LORD and it was credited to him to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)  A thousand years later, our LORD tells the Prophet Isaiah, “I am the LORD, that is My Name! New things I declare to you. Before they spring into being, I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9)  When Isaac was born to his 90 year old wife Sarah, the 100-year old Abraham finally got it!  The promises of the LORD are true indeed! Our faith is our trust and obedience to the LORD, that His promises WILL come to pass and in His timing, not ours. Like Abraham, will YOUR faith be accounted to you as righteousness?

.

As we study the Book of Genesis together, we see that despite mankind’s continued failure – beginning with Adam & Eve and continuing with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – our most Benevolent, Loving, and Living Creator demonstrates His unending love for us.  Every time man falls on his face in failure, our Loving Father is there to pick him up, dust him off, and send him (and all of us, as well) on his way to begin all over again.  Reading Genesis, you will get some understanding of why God is seeking to have such a close, loving relationship with each and every one of us.  To the Prophet Jeremiah, our Heavenly Father said, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)  His love is meant to sweep us off our feet and save us from our sinful self.  It couldn’t have been said any clearer than by Jesus Himself: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jesus Speaking in John 3:16)

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus Christ?

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  The celebration of the Lord’s Supper for believers follows, with our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  Can't join us this Sunday?  Visit Pastor Jason’s new blog for answers to your questions regarding the Christian Life at www.onepastorsperspective.com.  In the meantime, if you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Feb 24, 2014

SODOM: TWO ANGELS ON A MISSION

When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed!" (Genesis 19:15-17)

Please join us this Sunday, February 24th at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study on Faith & Obedience entitled:  “Sodom: Two Angels On A Mission," taken from the Book of Genesis, Chapter 19.  All are welcome to join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

Visiting Beautiful Catalina Island?  Then Come Worship With Us!

During a hot summer day, the LORD Himself walks out of the wilderness with two men to greet Abraham, who is resting in the doorway of his tent under the large oak tree at the Oasis of Mamre near the southwest corner of the Dead Sea.  He tells the now 99 year old man once again, that he will have a son, with whom He – the LORD – would make an everlasting covenant, giving his offspring (the Jews) the entire land of Israel.  He also shares with Abraham His plan to have His angels – the two men who were with Him -- to go on to the sexually-corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and destroy them completely. After a brief and very brave argument on Abraham’s part, the LORD agrees to save his nephew Lot and his family from the fiery destruction to come. As we begin Chapter 19 of Genesis, we see the two angels of the LORD entering Sodom, meeting Lot, and the sexual immorality of the men of the city revealed.

The Destruction of Sodom by John Martin 1840
Click On Photo To Display Larger Image

From there the story picks up with the speed of an action-adventure motion picture. Bigger-than-life action stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger could have easily played the angels!  "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed!" the angels told Lot. (Genesis 19:17) And run they did: Lot, his wife, and his two daughters. Although God’s plans are always perfect for us (as long we are obedient to His Word), leave it to we humans to muck things up!  It is said that “curiosity killed the cat.” But in this case, Lot’s wife turned and looked back, disobeying the command of God’s angels, and her curiosity turned her into a pillar of solid salt.  

As we study the Book of Genesis together, we see that despite mankind’s continued failure – beginning with Adam & Eve and continuing with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – our most Benevolent, Loving, and Living Creator demonstrates His unending love for us.  Every time man falls on his face in failure, our Loving Father is there to pick him up, dust him off, and send him (and all of us, as well) on his way to begin all over again.  Reading Genesis, you will get some understanding of why God is seeking to have such a close, loving relationship with each and every one of us.  To the Prophet Jeremiah, our Heavenly Father said, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)  His love is meant to sweep us off our feet and save us from our sinful self.  It couldn’t have been said any clearer than by Jesus Himself: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jesus Speaking in John 3:16)

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus Christ?

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  Can't join us this Sunday?  In the meantime, if you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Feb 17, 2013

ABRAHAM'S FAITH IS TESTED BY OBEDIENCE

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place, which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;  for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:8-12)

Please join us this Sunday, February 17th at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled:  “Abraham’s Faith Is Tested By Obedience," taken from the Book of Genesis, Chapter 18.  All are welcome to join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

During a hot summer day, the LORD Himself walks out of the wilderness to greet Abraham, who is resting in the doorway of his tent under the large oak tree at the Oasis of Mamre near the southwest corner of the Dead Sea.  He tells the now 99 year old man once again, that he will have a son, with whom He – the LORD – would make an everlasting covenant, giving his offspring (the Jews) the entire land of Israel.  Overhearing this, Abraham’s wife Sarah couldn’t believe it.  Remember, Sarah was 89 years old herself!  Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well-advanced in age, and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore, Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ “ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”  (Genesis 18:10-14) “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” had to be ringing in Abraham’s ears!  Because he was obedient and trusted the LORD, Abraham’s faith grew, and he “believed (trusted) the LORD and it was credited to him to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)  A thousand years later, our LORD tells the Prophet Isaiah, “I am the LORD, that is My Name! New things I declare to you. Before they spring into being, I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9)  Our faith is our trust and obedience to the LORD, that His promises WILL come to pass and in His timing, not ours.  Like Abraham, will YOUR faith be accounted to you as righteousness?

Despite mankind’s continued failure – beginning with Adam and Eve – our most Benevolent, Loving, and Living Creator demonstrates His unending love for us.  Every time man falls on his face in failure, our Loving Father is there to pick him up, dust him off, and send him (and all of us, as well) on his way to begin all over again.  As we read Genesis together, you will get some understanding of why God is seeking to have such a close, loving relationship with each and every one of us.  To the Prophet Jeremiah, our Heavenly Father said, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)  His love is meant to sweep us off our feet and save us from our sinful self.  It couldn’t have been said any clearer than by Jesus Himself: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47)  This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  There is no other way to eternal life after you die.  Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves.  Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation.  To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 20:21)  It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured.  Peter  tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and  be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)   Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus Christ?

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse.  Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided.  Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching.  Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards.  For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at www.calvarybiblechurch.com.  Can't join us this Sunday?  In the meantime, if you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).  Remember...  Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Jan 20, 2013

ABRAHAM: GOD DOES A "DO-OVER"  •  PART 3

Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3)

Please join us this Sunday, January 20th at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled: Abraham: God Does A "Do-Over," taken from the Book of Genesis, Chapters 12-13. All are welcome to join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

Visiting Beautiful Catalina Island? Come Worship With Us!
Isthmus Cove at Catalina's West End  •  Population 300

Noah’s three sons and their wives are now repopulating the earth. And mankind seems to be back up their old tricks, avoiding the God of their fathers and relying on their own corruptible wisdom! Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3:5 “You will be like God” must have been echoing in their ears. And so, as men and women populate the earth, so does their sinful desires. Establishing one common language with a “one world order” consensus, the people gathered together in what is now central Iraq and built for themselves a city. In its center, they built a monumental stone tower, reaching toward the heavens, with the idea of “making a name for themselves.” Their pride and their arrogance against the Almighty drove them to want to rule the earth, seeking a power akin to God Himself. (Genesis 11:4) The city was Babylon. The tower was the now infamous, Tower of Babel. Obviously, our LORD was not pleased with what He saw happening on the earth!

So, God scattered mankind across the whole globe and gave everyone a different language, thus confusing this race of power-hungry people. And now, God starts all over again. Like Noah, He picks one righteous man with whom He has a personal relationship (like He did with Noah). God picks a 75 year old Abram (later renamed Abraham by God) and begins His “Do-Over” with a people, which will receive His – and ONLY His – special attention. These people would be called by His name. (2 Chronicles 7:14) These people would become the Jews – the Nation of Israel!

Despite mankind’s continued failure – beginning with Adam and Eve – our most Benevolent, Loving, and Living Creator demonstrates His unending love for us. Every time man falls on his face in failure, our Loving Father is there to pick him up, dust him off, and send him (and all of us, as well) on his way to begin all over again. As we read Genesis together, you will get some understanding of why God is seeking to have such a close, loving relationship with each and every one of us. To the Prophet Jeremiah, our Heavenly Father said, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3) His love is meant to sweep us off our feet and save us from our sinful self. It couldn’t have been said any clearer than by Jesus Himself: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47) This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) There is no other way to eternal life after you die. Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves. Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation. To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21) It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured. Peter tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus Christ?

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse. Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided. Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching. Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards. For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at  www.calvarybiblechurch.com. Can't join us this Sunday? Visit Pastor Jason’s new blog for answers to your questions regarding the Christian Life at www.onepastorsperspective.com. In the meantime, if you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).

Remember... Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

Sunday Teaching • Jan 13, 2013

ABRAHAM: GOD DOES A "DO-OVER"  •  PART 2

Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3)

Please join us this Sunday, January 13th at 10:00 am., as Calvary Bible Church hosts its weekly Bible Teaching and Fellowship Service in the front lobby of the U.S. Bank Building, 303 Crescent Avenue (near the corner of Crescent & Metropole), offering a Biblical study entitled: Abraham: God Does A "Do-Over," taken from the Book of Genesis, Chapters 12-13. All are welcome to join us and hear this message of love and truth from God's Life-Changing Word!

Visiting Beautiful Catalina Island? Come Worship With Us!

Noah’s three sons and their wives are now repopulating the earth. And mankind seems to be back up their old tricks, avoiding the God of their fathers and relying on their own corruptible wisdom! Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3:5 “You will be like God” must have been echoing in their ears. And so, as men and women populate the earth, so does their sinful desires. Establishing one common language with a “one world order” consensus, the people gathered together in what is now central Iraq and built for themselves a city. In its center, they built a monumental stone tower, reaching toward the heavens, with the idea of “making a name for themselves.” Their pride and their arrogance against the Almighty drove them to want to rule the earth, seeking a power akin to God Himself. (Genesis 11:4) The city was Babylon. The tower was the now infamous, Tower of Babel. Obviously, our LORD was not pleased with what He saw happening on the earth!

So, God scattered mankind across the whole globe and gave everyone a different language, thus confusing this race of power-hungry people. And now, God starts all over again. Like Noah, He picks one righteous man with whom He has a personal relationship (like He did with Noah). God picks a 75 year old Abram (later renamed Abraham by God) and begins His “Do-Over” with a people, which will receive His – and ONLY His – special attention. These people would be called by His name. (2 Chronicles 7:14) These people would become the Jews – the Nation of Israel!

Despite mankind’s continued failure – beginning with Adam and Eve – our most Benevolent, Loving, and Living Creator demonstrates His unending love for us. Every time man falls on his face in failure, our Loving Father is there to pick him up, dust him off, and send him (and all of us, as well) on his way to begin all over again. As we read Genesis together, you will get some understanding of why God is seeking to have such a close, loving relationship with each and every one of us. To the Prophet Jeremiah, our Heavenly Father said, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3) His love is meant to sweep us off our feet and save us from our sinful self. It couldn’t have been said any clearer than by Jesus Himself: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection in His new, glorified body, He told them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ (the Messiah King) to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:46-47) This is the true "gospel," the "good news" that ministers of our Lord are commanded to preach: repentance of your sins with the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Your faith in this promise "comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) There is no other way to eternal life after you die. Please join us this Sunday and learn what God has to say about your future, as written in His inspired Holy Word... the Bible. Become a REAL Christian... a true follower of Jesus Christ. He gave up His life so that we -- each and every one of us -- might have eternal life!

Paul, in his letters to the early Church, tells us that it is our friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and gives us a resurrected body and eternal life -- we do not save ourselves. Trying to be "a good person" or doing good deeds does not lead to salvation. To both Jews and pagans, Paul preached "repentance of sin toward God and faith commitment toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21) It is only by our repentance of sin (turning away from it) and direct commitment to Jesus Christ -- not belonging to a particular religion, following a church denomination, or doing "good works" -- that changes in our life and our eternal salvation are assured. Peter tells us how easy it is to find salvation: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) Are you ready to receive the free gift of eternal life from your new-found friend, Jesus Christ?

Each week's study is taught by Pastor Jason Gant, bringing you the loving and living Word of God from the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse. Everyone is welcomed, and transportation is happily provided. Attendees at this Sunday's service will have the opportunity to ask their Bible questions and take part in a brief discussion period after the teaching. Our "Coffee & Carbs Fellowship" follows immediately afterwards. For more information, please call 310-510-3003 or visit our website at  www.calvarybiblechurch.com. Can't join us this Sunday? Visit Pastor Jason’s new blog for answers to your questions regarding the Christian Life at www.onepastorsperspective.com. In the meantime, if you need prayer. please call our toll-free 24-Hour Prayer Line 1-866-Holy-Word (465-9967).

Remember... Read the Book, Learn the Truth!

_____________________________________________

New Bible Verse Pop-Ups Added

MOUSE HOVER OVER BIBLE VERSE

To view a Bible Verse, just hover your mouse pointer over the verse and watch it "magically" appear in a pop-up window.

Try it now by hovering over John 3:16. 

You will find this Bible verse pop-up tool very helpful in viewing the Biblical references in my End Times Prophecy Chart. The ability to do this in our blog and also on the Calvary Bible Church website has been made possible by Logo Bible Software.

May Our LORD Richly Bless You!

Pastor Jason