Calvary Albuquerque with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

The great preacher of Victorian England Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “I do not believe there ever existed a Christian yet, who did not now and then doubt his interest in Jesus. I think, when a man says, ‘I never doubt,’ it is quite time for us to doubt him.” It’s reassuring that even a spiritual heavyweight like John the Baptist experienced doubts. Let’s see how Jesus helped him.I. The Ambivalence of John  A. Experiential Doubts  B. Intellectual Doubts  C. Societal Doubts  D. Moral Doubts II. The Answer of Jesus  A. He Answered Directly  B. He Answered Verbally  C. He Answered Practically  D. He Answered PatientlyTalk with God: Meditate on Mark 9:23-24 and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and peace as you seek to address your own doubts and unbelief.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer who’s wrestling with doubt or questioning their faith by reminding them that God can handle their questions (see James 1:5).Talk with kids: What did Job learn about God?

Joel Rosenberg is a New York Times bestselling author with more than five million copies of his books in print. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of All Israel News and All Arab News and the host of the Rosenberg Report, a primetime weekly news and analysis program on TBN, the most watched Christian TV network in the US. In 2006, Rosenberg and his wife founded the Joshua Fund, a nonprofit organization that has invested more than $100 million towards strengthening the church in Israel and the Arab/Muslim world to preach the Word, shepherd the flock, care for the poor and needy, teach the global church about God’s love and prophetic plan for the people of the Middle East, and fulfill the Great Commission.

Doubt is often a stepping stone on the road to a secure faith. We’ve all had our doubts; it’s what we do with those doubts that matters. Do we give up, take our ball, and go home? Or do we find unshakable reasons that faith in God is the best worldview possible? Today let’s look at the rocky journey of Thomas’s struggle between faith and doubt. Perhaps we’ll see ourselves in it.I. ConfidenceII. TurbulenceIII. DistanceIV. EvidenceV. PenitenceVI. PermanenceTalk with God: Meditate on 1 Peter 1:8-9 and thank the Lord for the peace and confidence we have in our salvation, so we can “rejoice with joy inexpressible” (v. 8).Talk with others: If you’re wrestling with a doubt or difficult question, ask a mentor or pastor for help in navigating that struggle.Talk with kids: How does God show He keeps His promises in this Bible story?

I. Stand StrongII. Stay GroundedIII. Step ForwardTalk with God: Ask the Lord to give you strength and courage as you commit to plant your flag and reclaim what the enemy has stolen in your life.Talk with others: How can your Connect Group, family, or friends take ground in your community this year?Talk with kids: How did God’s promise to Abraham continue through Jacob?

Sharing your faith with unbelievers can be the scariest experience for many of us. Just the term evangelism can make us sweat. So we make excuses like, “I’m not an evangelist,” or, “I’ll mess it up,” or, “They’ll reject me,” or, “I’m not good enough at it.” Today we get a lesson on sharing our faith from the Master Himself—Jesus Christ—as we see how He spoke to a woman who thought she’d heard it all.I. Have the Right AttitudeII. Have the Right ApproachIII. Have the Right AppealTalk with God: Ask the Lord for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel this week.Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to come to church with you next weekend.Talk with kids: How did finding Isaac a wife show that God was keeping His promise to Abraham?

“Cancel culture” is a newer cultural phenomenon whereby a group of people attempts to remove an individual’s or organization’s power, platform, financial resources, or livelihood. It takes place when people perceive that the target has transgressed against moral or social norms. But it’s not really new. It’s been around since the beginning. How should we live in such an environment?I. React CalmlyII. Resist FirmlyIII. Reply ClearlyIV. Respond HumblyV. Rest InwardlyTalk with God: Ask the Lord to give you a heart of compassion for those who may attack you for your beliefs, so you won’t return “evil for evil or reviling for reviling” (v. 9).Talk with others: Ask a fellow believer how you can pray for them and support their walk this week.Talk with kids: How does Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac point us to Jesus?

Love Bomb 2025 - Matthew 5:13-16 - from the series of Topical Teachings with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Church.I. Our World is DarkII. Our Walk is DifferentIII. Our Work is Demonstrated

Legalism was a serious problem in Paul’s day, and it’s a serious problem today. Vibrant truth is exchanged for a narrow-minded list of do’s and don’ts. The glorious name of Jesus becomes a synonym for a gloomy killjoy. A legalistic Christian is a dangerous substitute for the real thing. Anyone living under this tyranny never feels like they are doing enough. Let’s get some help!I. Legalism Contradicts the GospelII. Legalism Contradicts ExperienceIII. Legalism Contradicts LogicTalk with God: Ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where legalism is taking over your walk and for peace to rest confidently in your salvation—through your faith in Jesus alone.Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer by reminding them of Jesus’ work in their lives.Talk with kids: What promises has God made to us?

An alarming report from one research group noted, “Our nation is facing a new public health threat…feelings of anxiety and depression have grown to levels where virtually no one can ignore what is happening.” Today, we consider the help available for our mental health. In this letter to the Philippian church, Paul gives us five steps that will improve our mental health.I. Rejoice in the Presence of GodII. Rely on the Power of GodIII. Recall the Provision of GodIV. Rest in the Peace of GodV. Reflect on the Purpose of GodTalk with God: Ask the Lord to guide your steps and provide wisdom and clarity as you seek to improve your mental health in accordance with Scripture.Talk with others: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, ask a pastor, ministry leader, or mentor for prayer and practical support.Talk with kids: How were the people disobeying God’s commands?

If someone takes a substance or engages in an activity that provides temporary pleasure, but it becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, he or she is said to be an addict. Addictive behavior is widespread and is one of the reasons people turn to Christ. But even those who follow Christ can tend toward addictive behavior. We were born with a sinful nature. When we’re born again and have a new nature, sometimes the battle is fiercer than ever. How can we find help?I. We Have a StandardII. We Face a StruggleIII. We Use a Strategy  A. Reason  B. Reckon  C. Resist  D. ReplaceTalk with God: Identify a sin you’re struggling with and ask the Spirit to intercede for you “with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).Talk with others: If you’re struggling with addiction or addictive behavior, ask a pastor or trusted believer for ongoing prayer and spiritual encouragement as you go to battle with that addiction.Talk with kids: How has God rescued us from sin?