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The Gentle and Lowly Warrior (Matthew 12:22-37)
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The Gentle and Lowly Warrior (Matthew 12:22-37)Sunday TeachingsThe Promised King and His Good Kingdom

The Gentle and Lowly Warrior (Matthew 12:22-37)

September 10, 2026
In this Sunday sermon from Matthew 12:22-37,…
How Can Christ’s Yoke Be Easy? (Matthew 12:1-21)
a couple of animals stand near each other
How Can Christ’s Yoke Be Easy? (Matthew 12:1-21)Sunday TeachingsThe Promised King and His Good Kingdom

How Can Christ’s Yoke Be Easy? (Matthew 12:1-21)

September 3, 2026
In this message from our series The…
Invited Into Rest (Matthew 11:20-30)
woman lying on grass front of sea at daytime
Invited Into Rest (Matthew 11:20-30)Sunday TeachingsThe Promised King and His Good Kingdom

Invited Into Rest (Matthew 11:20-30)

August 27, 2026
In this message from our series The…
When Jesus Doesn’t Fit Your Expectations (Matthew 11:1-19)
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When Jesus Doesn’t Fit Your Expectations (Matthew 11:1-19)Sunday TeachingsThe Promised King and His Good Kingdom

When Jesus Doesn’t Fit Your Expectations (Matthew 11:1-19)

August 23, 2026
In this week's teaching at Calvary Church,…
Blessed Are The Merciful, Right? (Psalm 41)
A group of people standing around a cross
Blessed Are The Merciful, Right? (Psalm 41)Sunday TeachingsSummer in the Psalms

Blessed Are The Merciful, Right? (Psalm 41)

August 13, 2026
In this weekend's sermon on Psalm 41,…
On the Summit in the Pit (Psalm 40)
person standing on mountain
On the Summit in the Pit (Psalm 40)Sunday TeachingsSummer in the Psalms

On the Summit in the Pit (Psalm 40)

August 6, 2026
In this week's teaching at Calvary Church,…
The Way from Fog Town to Clearview City (Psalm 39)
silhouette of mountains during daytime
The Way from Fog Town to Clearview City (Psalm 39)Sunday TeachingsSummer in the Psalms

The Way from Fog Town to Clearview City (Psalm 39)

August 2, 2026
In this week's teaching at Calvary Church,…
Life Is a Breath (Psalm 39)
woman blowing dandelion flower selective focus photography
Life Is a Breath (Psalm 39)Thursday NightsSummer in the Psalms

Life Is a Breath (Psalm 39)

July 30, 2026
In this Thursday Night teaching at Calvary…

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Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/heart-renovation-required-matthew-151-20/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://www.calvary.com/s/LG-Discussion-Questions-FA26_Oct-22-25.pdf Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 13:44 1. Incorrect Solution: Dead Devotion (1–9) 27:39 2. Problem: Defiling Hearts (10–20) 34:39 3. Correct Solution: Heart Renovation 40:54 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy5EQTdFNDU3M0Y3MTM1QjlG
This world can be exhausting, and we all live under the thumb of little kings who promise a party but serve our head on a platter. In Matthew 14, Pastor Nate Holdridge sets Herod’s deadly banquet beside the feast Jesus spread in the wilderness and asks: What kind of King is Jesus? He is the Shepherd-King who feeds us, the Storm-Walker who comes to us in the darkest watch of the night, and the Saving King who reaches out the moment we cry, “Lord, save me.” Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/what-kind-of-king-is-jesus-matthew-14/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://www.calvary.com/s/LG-Discussion-Questions-FA26_Oct-15-18.pdf Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 0:00 Josh Querfurth Hiring Announcement 3:00 Begin Message 13:00 1. The Shepherd-King who feeds us in our wilderness (13–21) 25:40 2. The Storm-Walker King who comes to us in our storms (22–27) 35:10 3. The Saving King who reaches out when we become desperate (28–33) 39:45 Conclusion: Worship and reach for him (34–36) 41:40 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy4wNjIzRDA1OTQ2M0UyODEw
Guest speaker Pilgrim Benham continues our study through the book of Matthew. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/the-kingdom-without-the-king-matthew-1344-58/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://www.calvary.com/s/LG-Discussion-Questions-FA26_Oct-8-11.pdf Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 0:00 Introduction 2:40 Begin Teaching 11:21 1. The Kingdom is priceless 19:06 2. The Kingdom is public 26:56 3. The Kingdom is provocative 38:41 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy4wQjA4QkVEQ0RFREIzMjFC
God's people expected a kingdom that would arrive big, political, and obvious—but Jesus came another way. In Matthew 13:24–43, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through three parables of the kingdom of heaven: the mustard seed, the leaven, and the weeds of the field. The kingdom is small and unimpressive, it quietly transforms from the inside out, and it patiently coexists with evil—at least for now. Pastor Nate calls us to patience, to guard against the idolatry of size, to live in quiet, leaven-like faithfulness, and to take the coming harvest seriously. And he closes with hope: the hiddenness of Jesus' kingdom is not permanent, and one day the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/what-is-the-kingdom-like-matthew-1324-43/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://www.calvary.com/s/LG-Discussion-Questions-FA26_Oct-1-4.pdf Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 7:32 Manny Right, Nate Wrong 17:52 1. The kingdom is small and unimpressive—at least for now. 22:17 Applications 25:22 2. The kingdom quietly transforms from the inside out—at least for now. 28:27 Applications 31:02 3. The kingdom patiently coexists with evil—at least for now. 34:02 Applications 39:17 Eternal Judgement 43:02 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy41QTQ4QTIyM0Y1RTBGMUNE
How you hear matters. In Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus tells the parable of the sower—one seed, four soils—and calls everyone with ears to hear. Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through the hardened path, the rocky ground, the thorny field, and the good soil, drawing out five ways to hear the word of the kingdom: with gratitude and prayer, above the noise, receiving the whole message, with an undivided heart, and with understanding. Along the way, Pastor Nate confronts the loudest voices of our culture, the anxiety of the age, and the quiet deceit of comfortable wealth. And he closes with hope: the Son heard and did the will of the Father for us, and from his fullness we receive grace upon grace. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/how-to-hear-the-word-of-the-kingdom-matthew-131-23/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://www.calvary.com/s/LG-Discussion-Questions-FA26_Sept-24-27.pdf Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 11:16 1. Hear with Gratitude and Prayer 27:02 2. Hear Above the Noise 33:05 3. Hear the Whole Message 35:11 4. Hear with Undivided Heart 39:07 5. Hear and Understand 42:09 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy5CRjBFOTUzQTE4Mjg3RUJF
Jesus is either the greatest egomaniac who ever lived or the Lord worth building an entire life upon—and in Matthew 12:38–50 he leaves us no third option. When the religious leaders demand a sign from heaven, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through the threefold answer Jesus gives: a resurrection greater than Jonah’s deliverance, a message of grace greater than Jonah’s preaching, and a life of wisdom greater than Solomon’s splendor. From there, Pastor Nate turns to two implications, one sobering and one beautiful. A life merely cleaned up but left unoccupied is a house waiting for squatters, because in the kingdom of God neutrality does not exist. And a life joined to Christ is a life welcomed into a new family, as Jesus stretches out his hand toward ordinary disciples and calls them mother, brother, and sister. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/jesus-the-only-one-worth-building-your-life-on-matthew-1238-50/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://calvary-monterey-church.squarespace.com/s/LG-Discussion-Questions-FA26_Sept17-20.pdf Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 7:08 1. Christ is enough, so let's be captivated by him (12:38–42) 24:48 2. Christ must fill what he cleanses, so let's be occupied by him (12:43–45) 33:13 3. Christ includes us in his family, so let's enjoy that relationship (12:46–50) 44:08 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy5ENUI5OTFCQkYxNDUxQjQ3
In this Sunday message from Matthew 12:22-37, Pastor Nate Holdridge turns to the moment when Jesus—who has just called himself gentle and lowly—reveals himself as the strong warrior-King who invades enemy territory to set captives free. When Jesus heals a demon-oppressed man and the crowds wonder whether he could be the Son of David, the Pharisees credit his power to Beelzebul, and Jesus answers by showing what he does (liberate the bound by binding the strong man), how he does it (by the power of the Holy Spirit), and why he does it (to make bad trees into good trees through conversion). Pastor Nate walks through the sobering warning about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the diagnostic truth that our words expose our hearts, and the hope of the gospel: that every sin can be forgiven and that Christ himself makes us new at the root so that good fruit follows. It is an invitation to celebrate the King who plunders the house of the enemy on our behalf. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/why-is-christs-yoke-easy-matthew-121-21/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19obfZuQU9H-eaBC_c70joOXj7uVDWhIE/view?usp=drive_link Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 12:13 1. What He Does - Liberate 25:18 2. How He Does It - By The Spirit 29:23 Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit 34:18 3. Why He Does It - Our Justification 39:08 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy5GN0EwRkMxQTJGMTFCNDc1
In this Sunday sermon from Matthew 12:1-21, Pastor Nate Holdridge asks a deceptively simple question: how can Jesus call his yoke easy and his burden light when the life he describes is a narrow gate and a difficult way? The answer is found in who is yoked to us. Working through two Sabbath confrontations and the longest Old Testament quotation in Matthew's Gospel, Pastor Nate shows that Jesus is the true King, Priest, Prophet, and Lord—the one greater than David, greater than the temple, and lord of the Sabbath itself (Matthew 12:6-8). Against the Pharisees, who turned God's day of rest into an exhausting treadmill, Jesus reveals a heart that treasures mercy over ceremony (Hosea 6:6), loves to restore the broken, and does so gently, never breaking a bruised reed or quenching a smoldering wick (Matthew 12:20). For anyone weary of life with Jesus as burden, this is an invitation to genuine soul-rest in the gentle Servant who steps into the yoke beside us. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/why-is-christs-yoke-easy-matthew-121-21/ Link to Discussion Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19obfZuQU9H-eaBC_c70joOXj7uVDWhIE/view?usp=drive_link Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 20:29 Because of who he is—the true King, Priest, Prophet, and Lord 29:34 Because of what he loves—restoring people. 41:16 Because of how he restores—gently. 43:37 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy43RjdBQTMwNUUwRTA1QkE3
In this Sunday message from Matthew 11:20-30, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through three surprising portraits of Christ from a single passage: Jesus the Judge, who denounces the towns that witnessed his mighty works yet remained indifferent; Jesus the Revealer, the exclusive door through whom the Father is known and who hides truth from the proud while unveiling it to the lowly; and Jesus the Rest Giver, who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to him. Pastor Nate presses the sobering weight of spiritual privilege—greater light brings greater responsibility—while holding out the tender invitation of the One who is gentle and lowly in heart. This is not a call to escape our burdens but to trade them for the easy yoke of Jesus, learning to walk his way and find rest for our souls. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/invited-into-rest-matthew-1120-30/ Are you new to Calvary? We'd love to connect with you! https://tinyurl.com/635h6pv9 Sign up for our Calvary Connection (weekly newsletter): https://calvarymonterey.churchcenter.com/people/forms/308794 Give online: https://calvary.com/give Chapters 6:43 1. Jesus the Judge: Respond to Him (11:20-24) 23:44 2. Jesus the Revealer: Be Humble Before Him (11:25-27) 32:21 3. Jesus the Rest Giver: Come to Him (11:28-30) 41:59 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy5CMDk1Q0MxREYyOTVEOTZF
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Encouraging Words

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Part 2: What Kind of King is Jesus? Meek (Mark 11:8)

Part 2: What Kind of King is Jesus? Meek (Mark 11:8)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJune 15, 2023
Concluding Galatians (Galatians 6:11-18)

Concluding Galatians (Galatians 6:11-18)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 8, 2025
How to Win the War Within (Galatians 5:16-18)

How to Win the War Within (Galatians 5:16-18)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 27, 2025
a black background with small white dots
The Millennial Reign: Part 2 (Mark 13:24-37 & Rev. 20:1-6)

The Millennial Reign: Part 2 (Mark 13:24-37 & Rev. 20:1-6)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 22, 2024
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What Jesus Treasures, Part 1 (Mark 12:41-44)

What Jesus Treasures, Part 1 (Mark 12:41-44)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeDecember 28, 2023
What We Were Before the Gospel (Galatians 3:23–29)

What We Were Before the Gospel (Galatians 3:23–29)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeNovember 7, 2024
sand pathway surrounding grass
The Gospel of Grace Promotes the Way of Faith (Galatians 3:10-14)

The Gospel of Grace Promotes the Way of Faith (Galatians 3:10-14)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeOctober 3, 2024
grayscale photo of woman with flower on her head statue
Mary, an Example of Devotion to Christ (Mark 14:1-11)

Mary, an Example of Devotion to Christ (Mark 14:1-11)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 29, 2024
brown lion
Proclaim The True Jesus (1 John 1:1-2)

Proclaim The True Jesus (1 John 1:1-2)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 10, 2023
low angle view of cross with red garment
The Courage of Christ (Mark 10:32-34)

The Courage of Christ (Mark 10:32-34)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 11, 2023

Podcast Episodes

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The Christian Life

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Get Christ’s Steadfastness In Your Bones
Get Christ’s Steadfastness In Your Bones

Get Christ’s Steadfastness In Your Bones

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMarch 23, 2017
Jesus Is the Champion Who Delivers His People (Mark 1:12–13)
Jesus Is the Champion Who Delivers His People (Mark 1:12–13)

Jesus Is the Champion Who Delivers His People (Mark 1:12–13)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJune 23, 2020
How to Read More Books
How to Read More Books

How to Read More Books

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeApril 16, 2020
United To Christ’s Love — The Spirit Must Strengthen Your Inner Person (Ephesians 3:16)
man praying
United To Christ’s Love — The Spirit Must Strengthen Your Inner Person (Ephesians 3:16)

United To Christ’s Love — The Spirit Must Strengthen Your Inner Person (Ephesians 3:16)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeAugust 9, 2018
Pause To Set Down Your Ebenezer Stone (1 Samuel 7:12)
Pause To Set Down Your Ebenezer Stone (1 Samuel 7:12)

Pause To Set Down Your Ebenezer Stone (1 Samuel 7:12)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeAugust 27, 2018
Galatians 4:4-5 — The Son Who Came to Make Sons
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Galatians 4:4-5 — The Son Who Came to Make Sons

Galatians 4:4-5 — The Son Who Came to Make Sons

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeDecember 20, 2020
A Truth About Poverty (And Wealth), Proverbs 18:23
A Truth About Poverty (And Wealth), Proverbs 18:23

A Truth About Poverty (And Wealth), Proverbs 18:23

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMarch 10, 2018
A Guide For The Climb – The Introduction
photo of man climbing mountain
A Guide For The Climb – The Introduction

A Guide For The Climb – The Introduction

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 2, 2019
Pruned by the Father (John 15:2)
Pruned by the Father (John 15:2)

Pruned by the Father (John 15:2)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeAugust 11, 2022
The Heart Of Ephesians
heart shaped concrete wall with heart shaped shadow
The Heart Of Ephesians

The Heart Of Ephesians

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJanuary 11, 2018

JESUS FAMOUS✱

JESUS FAMOUS✱

JESUS FAMOUS✱

JESUS FAMOUS✱

For Men

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From Tahoe, To Nate
From Tahoe, To Nate

From Tahoe, To Nate

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeAugust 8, 2018
The Cool Spirited Know What’s Up — Proverbs 17:27
The Cool Spirited Know What’s Up — Proverbs 17:27

The Cool Spirited Know What’s Up — Proverbs 17:27

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 13, 2018
Husbands: Sacrificially Love, Part 2 (Ephesians 5:26-28a)
man and woman holding hands
Husbands: Sacrificially Love, Part 2 (Ephesians 5:26-28a)

Husbands: Sacrificially Love, Part 2 (Ephesians 5:26-28a)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJanuary 18, 2019
6 Ways To Let God Weigh Your Heart, Proverbs 21:2
6 Ways To Let God Weigh Your Heart, Proverbs 21:2

6 Ways To Let God Weigh Your Heart, Proverbs 21:2

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 27, 2018
21 Questions To Help You Sift Through An Online Date’s Christianity
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21 Questions To Help You Sift Through An Online Date’s Christianity

21 Questions To Help You Sift Through An Online Date’s Christianity

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 15, 2018
Dear New Dad: Be A Son
man holding boy's head
Dear New Dad: Be A Son

Dear New Dad: Be A Son

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJanuary 21, 2017

Resources

FOR PASTORS

Staff Chapel
Staff Chapel

Staff Chapel

Each week at Calvary Monterey we hold an hour-long staff chapel. Currently held on Wednesdays after lunch, Staff Chapel is an opportunity for the staff of our church to gather…
Micah: a Short Introduction
open book
Micah: a Short Introduction

Micah: a Short Introduction

Note: We are starting Micah this week, so I thought I would talk a little about the book beforehard, especially for those leading small groups who would like to see…
50 Healthy Church Leader Tips
50 Healthy Church Leader Tips

50 Healthy Church Leader Tips

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When The Bees of Discouragement Swarm, Psalm 118:12
When The Bees of Discouragement Swarm, Psalm 118:12

When The Bees of Discouragement Swarm, Psalm 118:12

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Great Leaders Have Good Friends
man sitting beside two woman on gray surface
Great Leaders Have Good Friends

Great Leaders Have Good Friends

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