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This message explores the idea that words are incredibly powerful. They don’t just describe things, they do things. Christians as prophets have been equipped with this power to speak God’s words to people who desperately need to hear what He has to say. Understanding this power, we pray that the Lord may touch our lips and put His words in our mouths. Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 20, 2026

In Jeremiah babies are central to the plans and purposes of God. In this message we look together at how babies represent both the problems and the blessings that God wants to address today. Please note: This message discusses the issue of abortion, both the sin that it is and the hope that Jesus offers. If abortion – or a pregnancy in difficult circumstances – is part of your story, we want to walk with you in this. For prayer and counsel as you process this sermon, contact Christie Thompson, Calvary Care Ministry Assistant at (616)956-5628 to make an appointment. We have staff and congregants who understand difficult journeys and want to come alongside you. For men and women who have abortion as part of their story, you can find more information and support at Garden of Hope. For women facing a pregnancy in the midst of difficult circumstances, consider joining Flourish – our Bible study for single moms of small children. This group will help you connect with other resources of the church as well. Contact Sheri at (616)956-5524 to learn more. You can also find support and resources through Calvary’s community partner, Alpha Grand Rapids. For those grieving a miscarriage or the loss of an infant, Hannah’s Heart is a Calvary ministry provides comfort and support for women, couples, and families. They would be so honored to walk with you and encourage you on this incredibly difficult journey. Contact [email protected]. Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 20, 2026

This message introduces our new series for 2026-2027, studying the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. To lay the foundation for why God has led us to this book for this season, we are looking at the role of the church within society. Through this time, we will see how God will use Jeremiah to help us be the people who can live out that role. Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 13, 2026

Joseph is a fitting end to our Abundant Lives series because in many ways the whole series is about some of the lesser known, behind the scenes characters of the Bible, if you will. But as I have said from the beginning, they are lesser known to us not to God. And the principle from Joseph’s life and really from the whole series is, if you choose to be a righteous person, if you obey God and if you are willing to accept that most of us get assigned “behind the scenes” type roles God will accomplish great things through you and you will live an abundant life. Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on September 6, 2026

In this message we see that just as God chose Mary Magdalene to receive the truth of Jesus and to share it with others, God is choosing us to receive that truth and to share it with others. Yes, we are not the first, she is. But our story looks like her story because Jesus is the same in our story as he is in her story. May we be inspired and encouraged as examine Mary more closely. Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 30, 2026

This message, looking at a difficult story in Genesis 38, is an encouragement to all who are going through unjust and unprovoked suffering. Abundant life and abundant blessings come when we faithfully endure. And, while we know Tamar’s deception is not from God, her faithfulness to submit to her situation and to make the best of some really hard situations was. Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 23, 2026

Jim Samra | Minister & Senior Pastor This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 9, 2026

Don Hancock | Minister & Director, Senior Adult Ministry This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 9, 2026

Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on August 2, 2026

This message looks at the life of Tabitha, a beloved disciple known for all she did for the poor. As we examine her life and resurrection, we see the key for those of us who long to feel alive and full of life. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 26, 2026

In this message, we are reminded that the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed when Christ returns. As we look at the life of James, we see his desire was to have a great place in the kingdom of God. And while it looks different than expected, Jesus has granted that to him and to all who are willing to join him in being sons and daughters of thunder. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 19, 2026

The Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God and so, in this message, we have the opportunity to examine another life in ourAbundant Lives series. So far we have looked at a king, a judge, two skilled workers, a widow, a prophetess, a tribal leader, a government official, a citizen of Sodom, and more. In Joshua 2, we meet a prostitute, Rahab, who turns out to be one of the Bible’s foremost examples of what it means to have faith. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 12, 2026

Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 5, 2026

One of the blessings of this Abundant Lives series is that we get to see how the life of Jesus plays itself out in all sorts of different lives. So far we have looked at a tribal leader, a female prophet, a king, a government official, a widow, and a citizen living in Sodom and Gomorrah. In this message, we have the opportunity to meet two men that we might call the patron saints of working professionals. They demonstrate how skilled craftsman, artists, business professionals, educators, and workers everywhere can be filled with God’s Spirit and used for great things. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 28, 2026

In looking at the life of Caleb, we find that one of the keys to an abundant life is seeing today’s giants through the lens of yesterday’s faithfulness. Pastoral Resident, Gabriel Jorden This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 21, 2026