Calvary Gulf Coast https://calvarygulfcoast.com Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com The Whole Earth is Full of God's Glory https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/22/the-whole-earth-is-full-of-god-s-glory Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/22/the-whole-earth-is-full-of-god-s-glory
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” 

What a snapshot of heaven! These angelic beings, called seraphim, constantly worship God the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit.  All three as relating to three holies!
Yet what they state is simple fact.  All the earth is full of His glory.  Everything created is for Him and by Him.  Yes, creation is fallen now, and very marred by sin, yet all will be restored as God intended it.  All creation declares the glory of God regardless of how or what it believes.  Gods word is true and will always rule.  No matter who claims to be superior over God, God will be glorified.  Many men have claimed this false glory.  Alexander the Great conquered the whole known world yet something was still missing and he died a miserable death.  He refused to let his heart be conquered by Christ.
The glorification of God in us is our highest calling.  How are you allowing Christ to be glorified in your life today?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/22/the-whole-earth-is-full-of-god-s-glory#comments 0 God is Still Upon The Throne https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/21/god-is-still-upon-the-throne Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/21/god-is-still-upon-the-throne
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 

This world has had few great world leaders.  Uzziah was a good one.  As he, they will always pass on.  But what remains true is that the LORD sits upon His throne.  He has never lost control.  It is important to be reminded that hope remains even when all looks lost.  In your moments of despair or fears, you must look up.  Somehow, the LORD has a way of calming our fears.  People come and go as well as their well intended promises but God remains and His promise, sure!  
It's moments like this we must be reminded God is still in control.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/21/god-is-still-upon-the-throne#comments 1 Israel is the Vineyard of the LORD https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/19/israel-is-the-vineyard-of-the-lord Mon, 19 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/19/israel-is-the-vineyard-of-the-lord
Isaiah 5:7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel

Both the vineyard and the fig tree are national symbols for Israel.  The LORD tells us the vineyard is Israel.  This is a very important chapter speaking about what the LORD has done for His vineyard.  There is nothing else He could of done for it but it produced wild grapes.  Their fruit was not of the LORD.  The LORD desires fruit.  Fruit isn't produced by our actions but by living in Christ.  Spiritual fruit is a natural byproduct of being connected to the Vine.  I never have to sweat producing fruit, I only need to trust in my LORD and let Him live through me.  Day by day, I become more like Him.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/19/israel-is-the-vineyard-of-the-lord#comments 0 Walking in the Light https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/15/walking-in-the-light Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:07:08 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/15/walking-in-the-light
Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of the LORD. 

This sounds very reasonable to me.  The LORD desires us to walk in light and not darkness.  We know many of the benefits to walking when you can see verses when you cant.  There are so many stupid things we do as we stumble in darkness.  All we must do is flip on the light.  I love seeing where I am going and the only way to do this spiritually is by coming to the LORD, His word.  We see the darkness we once was all a part of.  We see how close we were to destruction.  Better yet, we see the amazing grace  and mercy of God He has given us during those times of walking in darkness.  
It is the LORD's delight that we walk in His light today.  What is He doing in and for you today?  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/15/walking-in-the-light#comments 1 Christ' Future Reign https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/14/christ-future-reign Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/14/christ-future-reign
Isaiah 2:3 Many people shall come and say,“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

I know it is difficult to believe this however, Jerusalem will always be the center of this world.  Every measurable prophecy centers around it.  It is the city in which God redeemed from a very wicked people and made it His own city.  It is the only major city not built around a river or large body of water.  Yet for some reason, it is a holy city.  
what Isaiah speaks of here is a future time during the Mellinium when Jesus will come back and rule for 1000 years.  You may not be able to afford to go now but you will go every year then.  How amazing this time will be when Jesus once again is literally on the earth.  However, He has given us His Spirit now to learn and be taught by Him.  Our hearts cant wait to unite with our Savior soon.  I am so ready for this time.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/14/christ-future-reign#comments 2 Path of Blessing or Cursing? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/13/path-of-blessing-or-cursing Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/13/path-of-blessing-or-cursing
Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

The choice is our really.  The path of blessing from God if we are obedient to God's word.  The path of being accursed for disobedience.  It makes no logical sense to walk in any other way but obedience.  I enjoy God's blessing upon my life.  God has been good to me.  He will always be good to me.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/13/path-of-blessing-or-cursing#comments 0 God Calls Us to Come Reason Together https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/12/god-calls-us-to-come-reason-together Mon, 12 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/12/god-calls-us-to-come-reason-together
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson,They shall be as wool.

The LORD has just called Judah out about their hypocrisy.  They did all the outward things such as sacrifices and such but left out the important things to God such as giving of their hearts and repentance from sin.  
The LORD says, Come, lets talk about this in a rational way.  God takes not desire in judging them.  Judah is giving Him no choice.  
Today, I find people in the same situation.  Gods grace is sufficient for us yet it's not cheap grace to be taken advantage of.  Do we have a heart like David that is tender and ready and willing to repent when the LORD calls our sin out?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/12/god-calls-us-to-come-reason-together#comments 1 Nobody Knows When the LORD will Return https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/07/nobody-knows-when-the-lord-will-return Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/07/nobody-knows-when-the-lord-will-return
Luke 12: 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Be ready at every watch of the day for the LORD's soon return.  It never ceases to amaze me how many foolish people have predicted the LORD's return.  Nobody knows!  The message Jesus gives here to be ready always has been a great purifying agent for the church as well.  Who wants to be found in sin knowing the LORD can return at anytime.  And once we fall to sin, to get right ASAP!  In light of everything the LORD just spoke, be you ready for Jesus' soon return.  Live for Christ.  Be the light of the world.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/07/nobody-knows-when-the-lord-will-return#comments 1 Jesus Comes to Serve https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/06/jesus-comes-to-serve Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/06/jesus-comes-to-serve
Luke 12:37“Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.

Your blessed when you watch for Jesus!  Jesus is coming back as He promised and when He does, He will serve His servants.  What an example Jesus is.  Many religious men have tried to take opposite approaches than Christ gave.  I'd rather follow my Jesus.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/06/jesus-comes-to-serve#comments 0 Be Working for the Kingdom, Jesus is Coming https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/05/be-working-for-the-kingdom-jesus-is-coming Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:14:18 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/05/be-working-for-the-kingdom-jesus-is-coming
Luke 12:35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 

This isn't a stressful requirement, this is a lifestyle of thanksgiving for a God who has love us and given us promise to return for us.  
We are to be about our Fathers business of the gospel.  Jesus will be coming soon and there is no time to waste.  Souls are in the balance.  I have committed my life to Jesus Christ over 30 years ago and the life I now live is for Him.  When He comes a knocking, I will not keep Him waiting outside.  Obviously, this is a figure of speech.  We know that we will meet Jesus in the air on that day but the point being made is this, Jesus will not come unaware to us.  I'm not sure how loud the shout will be or if everyone will hear it or not, but I will!  I'm waiting for His voice and He is coming!
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/10/05/be-working-for-the-kingdom-jesus-is-coming#comments 1 Jesus Links Worry to Faithlessness https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/30/jesus-links-worry-to-faithlessness Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/30/jesus-links-worry-to-faithlessness
Luke 12:28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

The point Jesus is making is that if He takes care of things in nature, how much more you are valuable to Him and He will provide every need.  There is no reason to worry according to the LORD.  In fact, when we worry, it only proves we doubt and we lack faith.  Jesus said you of little faith!  The you is me and you!  The thousands of times I should know better yet still worry.  Yes, the Lord brings me out of my worry but how much damage have I done in the meantime?  Look, its not even a wonder if I doubt, I do, I have, but Lord forgive me of my unbelief.  Help me to believe.  Help me to rise above all worries and fears and trust Your proven word.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/30/jesus-links-worry-to-faithlessness#comments 1 Worry Adds No Value To Us https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/29/worry-adds-no-value-to-us Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/29/worry-adds-no-value-to-us
Luke 12:25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Jesus states the obvious yet man still tries to prove this wrong.  Worry will never solve our problems.  It has zero value to our lives.  It is no good every time.  Even physical exercise has a little value according to the word of God.  There is no value in worry & anxiety.  Its actually proven to hurt us.  Worry is the opposite of faith.  
Since it has no value, lets keep this in mind the next time worry confronts us.  There will be thousands of opportunities, and that is just in a day at times.  I choose faith and trust in the Faithful LORD.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/29/worry-adds-no-value-to-us#comments 1 Don't Worry https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/28/don-t-worry Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/28/don-t-worry
Luke 12:22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

These two things named by Jesus were the basic necessities of life.  To have food and clothing.  Yet Jesus said, do not worry about your life.  Worry is a part of this world but as Christians, we have the antidote to worry, its called faith and trust in the LORD.  Earlier, Jesus said, don't fear him who is able to kill the body but cant do any more but fear Him who is able to kill the body and cast the soul into eternal damnation.
We worry because we feel we lost control of the situation.  News flash, we never had control of any situation.  The LORD has us. The LORD is in control.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/28/don-t-worry#comments 1 Live Today For Eternity https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/25/live-today-for-eternity Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/25/live-today-for-eternity
Luke 12:16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” 
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

This parable Jesus gave is so we can see this earthly example and understand a spiritual reality or truth.  It's great to be successful here and I root for you in that however when we just lay up our success for the present, forsaking the future, that is very foolish.  Everything we do here, truthfully is counting toward eternity.  We are eternal beings created by God and will spend it in heaven or hell.  Everything we have is from God and for God's purposes.  Some give up everything to gain what will be lost soon, for this world as we know it will burn with fervent heat.  The missionary Jim Elliot wisely said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  If you hold onto this worlds possessions without investing them into the kingdom, you will lose everything and have nothing to show for it when you stand before the LORD.  However, if you give over to God what you know you cant keep here, well you actually just invested in the greatest investment option ever, you have treasure in heaven in which can never be lost.  Choice is yours really, invest in the world or the kingdom of God right now?  I am committed to giving of my time, talent, and treasure unto the LORD now.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/25/live-today-for-eternity#comments 0 Dont Be Greedy https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/24/dont-be-greedy Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/24/dont-be-greedy
Luke 12:15 And Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 

This world is all about the money.  This drive to make more and take what others have.  This is really a frustrating environment to live in as a Christian.  Some Christians just embrace the status quo and look just like the world.  A church often doesnt look any different from the secular world and its business growth models.  This thirst and lust for more valueless money consumes the agenda.  I have worked for "Christian companies" that were in name only but far worse than a company owned by a heathen.  
Gods word says that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.  
Jesus simply says, Beware of greed.  Your life is more than just money and aquiring stuff.  I have experienced that the stuff actually takes control of us.  It dictates to us how much time we have to work to pay for it or how much less time we get with our families because of it.  The simple life seems to be where we all end up eventually anyways.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/24/dont-be-greedy#comments 0 Press Secretary for Jesus? https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/23/press-secretary-for-jesus Wed, 23 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/23/press-secretary-for-jesus
Luke 12:11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

This type of trust takes a close communion with God.  A close fellowship with your LORD.  This requires spending large amounts of time with Jesus and really getting to know Him.  If you think the Spirit will just fill your heart and mind with the right stuff at these moments without what I spoke of earlier, you might want to rethink things.  Not that God cant or at rare occasions has not ever done that, but that is not the norm.  
I am amazed at how familiar and connected press secretaries are with the presidents they serve.  They cant go out and just give their opinions.  They have to be in beat with the leader of the free world.
As Christians, I don't see a difference in that regard.  The things the Spirit draws out of me in times as this are things I have deposited in my spiritual bank, sometimes many years in advance.  He brings them up fresh as when the day He gave them. 
The reason I wont sweat and worry about what to say is I have had many amazing conversations with my LORD and He will refresh His word in my heart and mind when I need it.  
Look, when you have time to study, study until there is no more time.  Then trust the LORD will give you what you need in His season.  I have found it impossible to every prepare for every encounter you have because the majority of them, you never know whom you will encounter.  In order for a heart to be settled in regards to this text Jesus gave us is to study to show yourself approved unto God, one who rightly divides the word of God and is not ashamed.  Talk to Jesus continually.  Then these times will be no sweat.  His word & love will naturally flow from you.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/23/press-secretary-for-jesus#comments 2 Confession Unto Salvation https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/21/confession-unto-salvation Mon, 21 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/21/confession-unto-salvation
Luke 12:8 “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

This is crystal clear from our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Confess Jesus before men and He will confess you before His Father.  Deny Him, and He will deny you before His Father.  
Confession that Jesus Christ is your LORD is a requirement for eternal life.  Its not alone to believe He exists, the demons do that.  He must be your LORD.  You believe Him He is your sacrifice for your sins.  He is not ashamed to call you His.  
But what if I mess up and sin?  Well, your human!  Repent of your sin, turn to God, ask Him to forgive you of that sin, and follow Jesus.  

The simplicity of the Christian faith is summed up in our confession of Jesus Christ.  Millions have been killed for their courageous firm stand upon that action.  It hasn't changed for today.  

No matter what amount of persecutions you may endure for your Faith, stand for Christ.  You will never be ashamed of that.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/21/confession-unto-salvation#comments 0 Called To Walk in Faith https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/17/called-to-walk-in-faith Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/17/called-to-walk-in-faith
Numbers 13:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.” 

How exciting, it is finally time to move into the calling of God.  God sends out 12 to experience and witness what He has already said about the land He gave to them.  The story should be happily ever after right?  No, life begins now.  Now is the time when we put our trust & faith to the test.  Do we believe Him or do we doubt?  God never hid anything from them but they failed to understand how utterly impossible it always was in of their own flesh.  Have you come to understand this as well as to living a victorious Christian in the land of wicked giants? God didn't save you and promise you things because you are so dedicated or strong.  He called you when you were weak and received His strength.  He is making us and showing us and battling through us but make no mistake about it, the victory is 100% His.  Now, will you trust Him?  He doesn't lead us into defeat but will allow it if we operate in our flesh. He that began in the Spirit, will he be made perfect in his flesh now?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/17/called-to-walk-in-faith#comments 0 The LORD Wont Leave You https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/16/the-lord-wont-leave-you Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:04:39 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/16/the-lord-wont-leave-you
Deut 31:8 And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Moses reassures Joshua what the LORD wanted him to know before entering the promise land.  Moses cannot enter due to his actions and this had to be challenging for young Joshua.  In fact, everyone who grew up with Joshua except Caleb would not enter!  Talk about being left alone even in the midst of a multitude.  
This is one of the things I greatly dislike about ministry the most, people whom you love and learn to depend upon leave!  For all sorts of reasons but they leave.  As the man of God, you don't get that option.  Ministry can feel lonely and enough of these departures can alienate a leader and cause him to put up walls to not hurt like this again, which is a spiral downward. Sometimes, the LORD just wants to remind him, I wont leave you or forsake you, like ever!  
I know this passage well in my time as a Christian leader, a under shepherd of my LORDS body.  It still hurts but I have grown a lot through it also and not holding tightly what doesn't belong to me.  The church is Gods and He chooses who goes where and who comes too.  I'm just to faithfully love and feed His sheep.  Then there is the aspect of, I only have so much of me to give and there will be nothing left.  Ah, but our wonderful LORD has made provision there as well because I'm not to give of myself but give of Him and He lacks nothing and has an endless supply.  When I come to the end of myself, that's where the LORD wants me and can use me.  And then there is the blessing of having my wife who has never left my side and has always supported me.  There has been countless brothers & sisters who have fully supported me, even the ones whom God has moved on from me.  
We can look at the cup half full or half empty however it's the LORD who will overflow that cup in a supernatural amazing way.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/16/the-lord-wont-leave-you#comments 2 The Crowds Around Jesus Can Be Rude https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/15/the-crowds-around-jesus-can-be-rude Tue, 15 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/15/the-crowds-around-jesus-can-be-rude
Luke 12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another...

We would like to think that church is a perfect place where everyone respects and prefers each other before himself.  Well, it is not just in case you were not aware.  It never was and I assume, until Jesus returns, never will.  People get trampled upon and hurt.  People say mean things.  However, where else can you go to hear and witness Gods word on display in the midst of imperfect people.  At the end of the day, we are selfish without God and have no hope without Him.  Use the same criteria you judge the church with any secular gathering, and it will result far worse.  I don't excuse this behavior in our churches, I wont tolerate that in our local church, but Its impossible to avoid such behavior, we just have to address it when it happens.  
I guess, that is why it is so special when a church operates in the love of Christ toward each other.  Jesus said this, the world will know you are His disciples by your love.  The love of God is the direction of the church and when we fail this purpose, we must repent.  Life isn't fair or perfect and I have had my fair share of loved ones who left our church due to people relations out of my control. Recently, an old text message chain was used and a joke was presented.  Well, unbeknownst to this guy, another guy who fit the bill of his joke happened to be on as well.  He didn't take it well and commented such.  Another guy took offense to his response and now an atomic bomb blew up all because we didn't care about trampling upon others!  I don't shame any of them but there are consequences.  A couple left the church due to this, much more what was going on in their hearts and this was just the straw that broke the back.  
I have seen whole families leave the church due to a couple who divorces.  Not fair, after all, I invested my life into them and lose them both!  Again, people trample people but all in all, the church is the best organism on the planet because its the body of Christ!  This is where Jesus meets with us and we honor Him.  If you are currently being trampled upon, let this encourage you, Jesus has you.  If you are trampling upon others, stop it!  Jesus is watching.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/15/the-crowds-around-jesus-can-be-rude#comments 1 Love For Jesus' Body https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/14/love-for-jesus-body Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/14/love-for-jesus-body
Matt 27:57 57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

The love of Jesus is the greatest measure of our Christianity.  How we love Christ' body is just as important or more so to Him.  All four gospels record the love and respect for Jesus' literal body after His death.  I mean, think about the respect and honor this was to handle Jesus' lifeless body in love, cleaning Him up somewhat, wrapping Him in this shroud, giving Him a proper burial.  Then there was the fact that this was during Holy days and touching blood or the dead would make you unclean.
Nobody touching Jesus was unclean that day but they were the cleanest they could ever be.
Do we, as the church, the body of Christ, love the spiritual body of Christ this much?  Do we go out of our way, even if it inconveniences us, to respect Christ' church?  Do we seek to help clean her wounds and give her honor?  We prove this when we love His body, the church.  Love the unlovable, because they belong to Jesus.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/14/love-for-jesus-body#comments 1 The Word of God is the Key https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/11/the-word-of-god-is-the-key Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/11/the-word-of-god-is-the-key
Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

Lets begin by defining this "key of Knowledge".  It is so major, Jesus hinged these religious scribes eternity upon it and their drive to keep others out as well.  
They prided themselves on their maticulous attention to the scriptures.  Yet, as Jesus stated, behold in the volume of the book, its written of Me.  The word of God is about the Word of God, Jesus Christ.  He is the wisdom of God that alone unlocks knowledge.  Any attempt to understand this creation apart from Christ, well, is futile.  Jesus created all things, and all things were created by Him and for Him.  The religious establishment rejected the Chief Cornerstone.  It gets much worse for them.  Not only did they reject Christ, all those free thinkers about Christ were threatened and hindered to approach Jesus as well.  Beware of anyone who puts ultimatums upon men.  They are used as leverage to get what they want from them.  Christ gives you a choice for the brains He created in man.  
Its one thing to protect those from false Christs or prophets by using the truth of the Bible to expose the lies.  Yet, Jesus fulfilled the very scriptures these scribes would copy day in and out seeing perfectly well, Jesus fulfilled these passages, yet out of envy, rejected Him still.  They lost the argument and they were losing their followers quickly.  
The midevil church put a death sentence upon any who would translate the Bible into English from Latin.  This was their attempt to keep the power with the only men who could read the scriptures, the hard hearted priests who practiced all sorts of unbiblical things, even unto this day.  We just know better now.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/11/the-word-of-god-is-the-key#comments 0 Seeking the very best https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/10/seeking-the-very-best Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/10/seeking-the-very-best
Luke 11:43 “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.

The Pharisees loved the places of honor and recognition of men, especially in public places.  You know, just to build up their religious cred among others they sought to dominate over.  Jesus rebuke this lifestyle.  So why does so much of the church chase this very thing.
we see a wise practice that Abraham employed with his nephew Lott in Genesis.  Their business got so large they needed to branch out in different locations.  What Abraham did was gave Lott the first pick of the land.  Of course, a person seeking the Spirits lead would of alaays, without exception, choose the lesser of the two choices out of love for his brother.  Instead, Lott got eyes full of carnality and chose the seemingly best spot.  What does this mean for his uncle Abraham?  And the dishonor of sending his family elder to the lesser spot to struggle to survive?  How selfish our flesh can be, for real!  We know the story, that choice Lott made was his demise.  I have no doubt, God would have blessed them both if Lott just made decisions his Lord would have made.  I have chosen the lesser path on many occasions, not because they appeared better, they were just right!  And God blessed each one.  We have got to trust God as Abraham to know no matter which direction you are left, He blesses.  Yet we also need to set a standard to always if given a selection, always chose the lesser in preference of your brother.  Knowing, God creates beautiful things out of nothing.  
Now, these Pharisees are no different than you and I its just we are blessed to have the Spirit of God convict us not to live as they.  Who doesn't want to be honored & recognized?  The Lord places new desires within us to point others to Him, not us.  Please, do yourself a solid next time, learn from the scriptures next time you are given a choice of preference.  What would Jesus choose?
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/10/seeking-the-very-best#comments 0 Ambassadors & Translators https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/09/ambassadors-translators Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/09/ambassadors-translators
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

An ambassador has two primary goals.  1st to represent their leader and 2nd to relate to the foreign land in which they are sent.  Translators have a similar mission.  Its not enough that the messenger clearly defines the message, but the translator must articulate that message to the people.  Both these, the Christian should seek to be great at.
We should have the message of heaven but also be able to speak, or translate that message to earth, in a way common unchurched people will understand.  If we fail this, you fail being an ambassador.  How many Christians speak way over the heathens heads with Christian language?  Do they think these folks will miraculously understand them?  Paul became all things to reach all people.  
I have noticed some of the church only speak heavenly languages that are way over heads while other liberal churches speak watered down earthly messages that cant change anyone.  Is our church properly interpreting the Lord fur His people?  If He died for all men, we must do our due diligence to reach all men, no matter the cost.  
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/09/ambassadors-translators#comments 1 Majoring in the minors https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/08/majoring-in-the-minors Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/08/majoring-in-the-minors
Luke 11:42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

I have experienced in my Christian walk that it is very easy to get caught up in the lesser things of life.  Not that they are not important but to leave the primary things undone will result in a frustrating life as a believer.  We need to focus our goals upon the weighter things of God like love and justice.  If I can do that, those other secondary things will naturally take place as well.  Not only will the secondary things happen, you will enjoy them.
]]> https://calvarygulfcoast.com/blog/2026/09/08/majoring-in-the-minors#comments 0