Calvary: the Hill Sermons

Paul sees his behavior before the Corinthians with unparalleled confidence. Is this out of arrogance, or is there something about relationships that he understands more deeply than we do? (2 Corinthians 1:12-1:22)

Leviticus opens with an index of the various offerings one can give to the LORD. This week, we look at the free will offerings, which consist of the Burnt (Ascension) Offering, the Grain (Gift) Offering, and the Peace (Fellowship) Offering. We see in these ordinances that the posture a worshipper must have before the LORD is costly, genuine, humble, and joyful. This is as true today as it was in t...

We often isolate ourselves when going through suffering. At times, this is because we don't want to burden others with our problems. Hidden beneath that seemingly selfless intention lies a mistaken notion of independence. Just as in Salvation, so as amongst the church, no believer is meant to navigate the issues of life alone. In our suffering, God reminds us that no one is self-reliant. 2 Corinth...

Scott Harrison is an employee in the tech industry and a congregation member at Calvary: the Hill. At our seminar, Scott shares some lessons he's learned navigating office politics and the party lifestyle that can often accompany a business atmosphere. In Christ, Scott has learned to take obstacles gracefully and see others with compassion. Scott advises we do the same.

Dr. Al Erisman is a professor at Seattle Pacific University and author of the book 'The Accidental Executive - Lessons on Business, Faith, and Calling From the Life of Joseph'. He is also a contributor to the Theology of Work Project, a full-bible commentary on day-to-day vocation. Our Saturday Session opened with his words on what professional lessons we learn from the life of Joseph in the book...

Is there a purpose to the suffering in the life of a Christian? How can a believer find meaning amidst persecution, disappointment and depression? We see in 2nd Corinthians that Paul sees suffering as a catalyst to learning and drawing closer to Christ (2 Cor 1:3-7).

We close the book of Exodus with a repass of all of the instructions toward the construction of the Tabernacle, only this time, the execution of those instructions. The repetition of these instructions reminds us of the incredibly meticulous detailed obedience that was required in order to access the presence of the fellowship with God. Even so, the final verses of the book end with Moses not even...

In this, our opening message to 2 Corinthians, we see how Paul attributes suffering to God's sovereignty. This Epistle may be one of Paul's most emotional as he confronts criticism of his apostleship, integrity, and even the genuineness of his faith in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:1-2

Moses is up on the mountain with God and the Israelites have thus lost their access to YHVH. To fill this void, they create an idol. This creates a dissemblance of the close covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. Moses finds himself in an intercessory position between God and the nation of Israel.

Salvation of the Christian is not to the credit of the believer, but to God alone. Not only that, but because of the magnanimity of the Cross, all that transpires on earth glorifies God Himself whether in His justice or by His mercy (1 Peter 4:10-14).

All works of the Priesthood were laid out as a type of the High Priest to come. We see that a reality of the rituals of the priesthood involved refreshing the atonement and purification of a sinful and insufficient servant. What we see in the fulfillment that is Christ is the "once-for-all" ministry of a pure and sinless High Priest [Cross Reference - Hebrews 7:1-10:25].

It is God's immeasurably compassionate grace that saves the desperate sinner. No one can boast for the salvation that was given him so freely (Ephesians 2:1-10)

The Faith of a Christian placed in the sufficiency of Jesus to save is all he or she needs to be saved. The Reformers fought to keep the emphasis in the fact that faith does not need to be supplemented with good works for one to be saved.

The creation of the world was covered over 1 chapter, but the construction of the Tabernacle spans 13 chapters of detail-oriented instructions. The Tabernacle is clearly a matter of great importance. This portable temple bears a great reminder of the tension between the exclusive holiness of God and His great desire to dwell amongst His people. As the story of redemption endures, we see God's cont...

We see in this extended list of property laws that God is fair. He cares for victims as well as the perpetrators. God shows loving wisdom toward restitution as well as in cases of penalties.

As emphasized in the reformation, salvation only comes through Jesus' sacrifice and not of any works of our own (1 Cor 1:30)

Not only are we the product of God's artistic work, but we are also are assigned our own unique works. In this sermon, we see how our relationship with Christ directly informs and equips us to accomplish that which has been assigned to us. (Ephesians 2:10)

Between the miraculous episodes of the Gospels, we see that there is a rhythm of rest in the life of Jesus. It is appropriate and legitimate for us, His disciples to take similar opportunities of rest for refreshment and consolation.

Here in Exodus, we see the introduction of the Law to the people and their God. We see that the Nation is given a law that exceeds their ability that they may operate as a nation dependent on their God.

This is the first in our five-part series highlighting the five foundations of theological orthodoxy. In this part, we see the authority of Scripture and the implications thereof on the life of the believer. God's word is consuming and purifying like a fire; and hard and uncompromising like a hammer.

As the Israelite continue to wander through the wilderness, God uses opposing nations and in laws to continue to train His people (and even begin to raise up a successor to Moses). When the people arrive at the foot of the Mountain of God, they shutter in the presence of the Lord and agree to serve Him.

In our day and age, the myriad of churches can enable the Christian to be far too selective and exclusive. In this last portion of 1 Corinthians, we are reminded that Jesus' death has saved the universal church. We need not agree with one another on every doctrinal point, but we must remember to draw the lines that Jesus drew for His church. (1 Cor 16:19-24)

The pivotal moment of the Red Sea crossing is just the beginning of a host of uncanny miracles God performs for the preservation of Israel. We see in this passage how God's generous slew of miracles was granted with the purpose to train Israel. God gave miracles to teach His people how to be appropriately dependent upon Him.

In this passage, we get an inside glimpse into the pastorate of the first century Corinthian church. This reminds us how integral local ministers are to the development of a church body. No external influence can ever replace the effective work of a brother or sister who is there (1 Corinthians 16:13-18).

Paul, who never had children of his own, exemplifies how men of the church are to be fathers in discipleship. Growth in the church comes from relationship. Men are to engage in discipleship of younger men and be brothers to the women of the church that the Family that is the Church may flourish in a diversity of strengths.