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The teaching ministry of Calvary Church.

We exist to magnify Jesus in all we are and all we communicate.

Our mission is to equip our church family—and others beyond us—for lives that honor Christ.

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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)
A circular stained glass window depicting a central figure with arms outstretched
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)
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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…
The Prayer You Think You Can’t Pray (Psalm 38)
a man sitting on the floor in front of a microphone
The Prayer You Think You Can’t Pray (Psalm 38)Sunday TeachingsSummer in the Psalms

The Prayer You Think You Can’t Pray (Psalm 38)

July 23, 2026
In this week's teaching at Calvary Church,…
When Wickedness Wounds You (Psalm 36)
man raising arms between greenfield
When Wickedness Wounds You (Psalm 36)Sunday TeachingsSummer in the Psalms

When Wickedness Wounds You (Psalm 36)

July 9, 2026
In this week's teaching at Calvary Church,…

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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
Pastor Manny Collazo picks up our study through the book of Matthew this weekend. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/when-jesus-doesnt-fit-your-expectations-matthew-111-19/ 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
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy44NzQ1OTI1OUFFM0NFRTc5
In this weekend's sermon on Psalm 41, "Blessed Are The Merciful, Right?," Pastor Nate Holdridge brings us to the close of Book I of the Psalter. David sings of a merciful God and his merciful people—but then asks what happens when those who extend mercy receive anything but mercy in return. Pastor Nate walks through the psalm's three movements: the call to strategically consider the poor (Ps. 41:1-3), the pain of a merciless world of sickness, slander, and betrayal (Ps. 41:4-9), and the response that refuses vengeance and rests in God's delight (Ps. 41:10-13). At the center stands Jesus, who took this psalm onto his lips about Judas at the Last Supper (John 13:18), yet absorbed the ultimate betrayal at the cross so that mercy might flow forever. Join us at Calvary Church to see how the only truly merciful man let the world's mercilessness fall on him—so that we might both receive and extend the mercy of God. Link to Sermon Notes: https://jesusfamous.com/blog/blessed-are-the-merciful-right-psalm-41/ 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 7:41 The Ideal: Recipients of mercy extend mercy. (1-3) 17:41 The Reality: Life can be a merciless experience. (4-9) 21:50 Elements of his merciless experience 28:29 The Response: Allow a merciless world to point you to God. (10-13) 36:12 Concluding Aid 39:22 Closing Prayer & Communion
YouTube Video UExsOThaNnZKRlk0cmN1c2JFcE5IX0ViZFFWRjJ3MnJwVy5DODY2Qzc5Mzc1QkZEQ0NF
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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
a river in a valley surrounded by mountains
Gospel Blessing: Christ Was Cursed for Us (Galatians 3:10–14)

Gospel Blessing: Christ Was Cursed for Us (Galatians 3:10–14)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeOctober 10, 2024
a castle sitting on top of a small island in the middle of a lake
The Millennial Reign: Part 1 (Mark 13:24-37 & Rev. 20:1-6)

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

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 15, 2024
Part 3: What Kind of King is Jesus? Long Awaited (Mark 11:8-11)

Part 3: What Kind of King is Jesus? Long Awaited (Mark 11:8-11)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJune 22, 2023
gray stone cross on brown wooden round table
The Case for the Resurrection: Part 2 (Mark 16:1-14)

The Case for the Resurrection: Part 2 (Mark 16:1-14)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 30, 2024
Make Gospel Investments Into the Spirit & Your Community (Galatians 6:6-10)

Make Gospel Investments Into the Spirit & Your Community (Galatians 6:6-10)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 1, 2025
A Gospel Community Bears Burdens of Others (Galatians 6:1-5)

A Gospel Community Bears Burdens of Others (Galatians 6:1-5)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeApril 10, 2025
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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
The Gospel Starts a War Within (Galatians 5:16-18)

The Gospel Starts a War Within (Galatians 5:16-18)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 20, 2025
What We Are After the Gospel (Galatians 3:23–29)

What We Are After the Gospel (Galatians 3:23–29)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeNovember 14, 2024

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Friend of Sinners, Part 1 (Mark 2:13-17)
Friend of Sinners, Part 1 (Mark 2:13-17)

Friend of Sinners, Part 1 (Mark 2:13-17)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeAugust 18, 2020
Revolution of the Heart, Part 1: Cleanness Does Not Come by Human Effort (Mark 7:1–5)
Revolution of the Heart, Part 1: Cleanness Does Not Come by Human Effort (Mark 7:1–5)

Revolution of the Heart, Part 1: Cleanness Does Not Come by Human Effort (Mark 7:1–5)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeSeptember 23, 2022
The New You: Truthful And Free Of Anger (Ephesians 4:25-27)
grayscale portrait photo of man
The New You: Truthful And Free Of Anger (Ephesians 4:25-27)

The New You: Truthful And Free Of Anger (Ephesians 4:25-27)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeNovember 2, 2018
What Does the Magnificat Say About Mary?
What Does the Magnificat Say About Mary?

What Does the Magnificat Say About Mary?

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeNovember 30, 2021
When You Feel Worn Down, He is Faithful (Job 14:18-19)
When You Feel Worn Down, He is Faithful (Job 14:18-19)

When You Feel Worn Down, He is Faithful (Job 14:18-19)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 22, 2020
Marriage Principles From Non-Marriage Verses — 1. Our Identity Is In Christ (Colossians 3.3-4)
Marriage Principles From Non-Marriage Verses — 1. Our Identity Is In Christ (Colossians 3.3-4)

Marriage Principles From Non-Marriage Verses — 1. Our Identity Is In Christ (Colossians 3.3-4)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeSeptember 26, 2018
Will You Allow Christ To Delete Your Shame?
Will You Allow Christ To Delete Your Shame?

Will You Allow Christ To Delete Your Shame?

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 24, 2017
Fasting For Beginners
bundle of assorted vegetable lot
Fasting For Beginners

Fasting For Beginners

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJuly 31, 2018
Paul, The Parent Who Served His Children (2 Corinthians 12:14)
Paul, The Parent Who Served His Children (2 Corinthians 12:14)

Paul, The Parent Who Served His Children (2 Corinthians 12:14)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeFebruary 6, 2019
Jesus Is the King of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15)
Jesus Is the King of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15)

Jesus Is the King of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJune 30, 2020

JESUS FAMOUS✱

JESUS FAMOUS✱

JESUS FAMOUS✱

JESUS FAMOUS✱

For Men

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04 Jesus Famous Men Receive Christ’s Design For Their Bodies
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04 Jesus Famous Men Receive Christ’s Design For Their Bodies

04 Jesus Famous Men Receive Christ’s Design For Their Bodies

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMay 2, 2022
Jesus Famous Men #2: They Are Being Restored By Christ
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Jesus Famous Men #2: They Are Being Restored By Christ

Jesus Famous Men #2: They Are Being Restored By Christ

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeMarch 7, 2022
Book Excerpt: The No-Nonsense Biblical Man
Book Excerpt: The No-Nonsense Biblical Man

Book Excerpt: The No-Nonsense Biblical Man

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJanuary 22, 2020
Build Up Your Advance Strength (Proverbs 24:1)
Build Up Your Advance Strength (Proverbs 24:1)

Build Up Your Advance Strength (Proverbs 24:1)

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJuly 14, 2018
6 Attributes Of Good Leaders — Proverbs 16:10-15
6 Attributes Of Good Leaders — Proverbs 16:10-15

6 Attributes Of Good Leaders — Proverbs 16:10-15

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeJanuary 9, 2018
Wall Dancin’
Wall Dancin’

Wall Dancin’

Nate HoldridgeNate HoldridgeDecember 26, 2017

Resources

FOR PASTORS

9 Lessons From A Sabbatical
9 Lessons From A Sabbatical

9 Lessons From A Sabbatical

One of my heroes is Geoff Buck, one of the pastors at Calvary Monterey. Ten years ago, Geoff joined our pastoral team and has served as a great friend, mentor,…
Benefits Of A Sermon Based Small Group
Benefits Of A Sermon Based Small Group

Benefits Of A Sermon Based Small Group

Calvary Monterey, the church I pastor, embraces a simple ministry model. We aren’t a collection of Sunday plus a billion ministries to subspecific groups. The left-handed-golfers-with-a-plus-13-handicap will have to look…
50 Healthy Church Leader Tips
50 Healthy Church Leader Tips

50 Healthy Church Leader Tips

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From Tahoe, To Nate
From Tahoe, To Nate

From Tahoe, To Nate

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How Should We Respond To The Roe Decision?
How Should We Respond To The Roe Decision?

How Should We Respond To The Roe Decision?

Read More

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