Calvary Hot Springs

Exalting Christ Through the Ministry of the Word

Journal

Thinking Out Loud

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A Wisdom from Godly Fear

This past Sunday we learned in Joshua 9, that the Gibeonites are contrasted with every other people group in the region. While the kings in the hill country and in the lowland all along the coast of the Great Sea… gathered together as one to fight against Joshua and Israel… the inhabitants of Gibeon… on their part acted with cunning (Joshua 9:1-4). That means that they acted wisely in order to enter into a peace agreement with Israel. Later in verse 24 we learn that they did this because they feared for [their] lives.

Fear comes at us in many ways and through a variety of circumstances. Fear, in and of itself is not an evil emotion. As a matter of fact, fear is sometimes brought about by God. The differentiating factor between healthy fear and ungodly fear is its object. Anything that grips your emotions so as to consume you with fear and anxiety, motivating you to self-reliance will rob you of peace. The object of your fear is your circumstance. It is a sin. Godly fear may grip your emotions and may consume you as well. But godly fear will motivate you to call out to God for help and will bring you to rest in Him. The object of your fear is your God (seeing God as greater than your circumstances). The peace that comes from a fear of God guards your heart and mind, even if your circumstances never change.

The kings of the land, driven by fear joined forces against God. The Gibeonites, driven by fear acted wisely, and sought peace with God and His people. Let what fear you have drive you to Christ.

Meet Isaac & Angie Stanley

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Well you should know these faces. This is Isaac and Angie Stanley, and if you didn’t already know, Isaac is our Associate Pastor here at Calvary. Isaac’s primary role is to shepherd the flock of God that is among us (1 Peter 5:2), doing so by teaching and with leading in our worship. He currently teaches our adult Sunday Studies class and during the school year directs and teaches the TnT club in our Awana Clubs. Isaac and Angie both attended Cornerstone Bible Institute between 2009 To 2012 They met while they were students at CBI, and after Isaac returned from his studies at Appalachian Bible College they were married. Isaac recently earned a Masters degree in Ministry.

Angie grew up in Brazil as a daughter of missionary parents, who continue to serve today. Isaac’s family have spent their lives in Christian camping ministry. Angie gets to stay at home with their daughter Talitha, while Isaac is the maintenance manager at Pine Hills Retirement. They are excited to welcome child #2, a boy, in July! Angie is involved in our ladies Bible studies and enjoys writing to encourage Christian woman. You can access her latest writings at inthemeantime-livinglife.blogspot.com

Both Isaac and Angie place their hope in what God has provided through the cross of Christ. Isaac professes that God saved him at a very young age, largely through the testimony of his parents. Angie is grateful that God used a friend to confront her, as a teenager, of her need for the Savior.

Worship Together, May 24

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Calvary Church Family, whether online or in person, come and join us this Sunday morning as we worship the Lord together. Below are the links for our Zoom Studies and Sunday Message.

Worship in Music

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Here is a Playlist you can use to worship in music.

Worship in Bible Study

Morning Study at 8:30

If, by chance, we have trouble again, check your email right away for updates.

If you live far away, or would otherwise like to attend Sunday School in-person, you are welcome to join us! Just be sure to pay special attention to hygiene and distancing since we will be together for a longer period of time.

Take some time beforehand to read and meditate on Romans 2:6-29.

Out of caution, we do not publicly provide information regarding our Zoom meetings. However, we would love to have you join us. If you’d like the information how to join, please contact Isaac Stanley or the church office.

Ladies Study at 2:00

The ladies are studying the book of James, using notes provided by Jen Wilkin.

Again, we would enjoy your participation in this study. If you’d like information how you might join in, please contact Sheri Coleman or the church office.

Worship in Preaching

THIS LINK will take you to our YouTube Channel from where you can select this morning’s message, “The Wisdom of Godly Fear.” The video will be available at 6:00 this morning. 
Have your Bible open to Joshua 9.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel. This will keep you updated when we post new videos.

You can also access the audio and/or video files from the recorded teachings on our website.

Worship in Giving

Giving the firstfruits of our resources is a genuine form of worship, expressing thanksgiving for God’s blessing and dependance on His provision.
Missionaries are still  being supported and bills are still being to be paid. Here are a few options for giving your tithes and offerings.

  • Mail a check made to: Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 957, Hot Springs, SD 57747
  • Call Pastor Matt at (605) 890-1428 or Isaac at (805) 602-2990 to arrange to drop a check by the office.
  • FOLLOW THIS LINK to give online. It will take you to a secure site where you will be able to pay by CC or eCheck. 

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.Brothers and sisters… love one another.

Pastor Matt

Meet Zach & Melany Boltjes

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This is Zach and Melany Boltjes and 1 year, 9 month old Iris. The Boltjes moved from Kimball, NE to attend Cornerstone Bible Institute in December 2018. Zach works in the yard at Builders First Choice. Melany, a stay at home mom started Mel Bee Virtual Solutions, helping overwhelmed entrepreneurs with administrative tasks and marketing strategy. The Lord graciously drew both Zach and Melany to His Son early in life and continues in set them apart for His sake. Zach states that he “rests his destiny in the gospel; Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection”. In her continued growth in the Lord, Melany explains, “I now know what a gracious and merciful Savior He is to save me as I was, and sanctify me as I am.” Zach and Melany joined Calvary in May of 2019 and serves joyfully and faithfully in our Trek ministry. Burn their image and their names in your memory, so the next time we’re together, you’ll know just who they are. 

Worship Together, May 17

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Calvary Church Family, whether online or in person, come and join us this Sunday morning as we worship the Lord together. Below are the links for our Zoom Studies and Sunday Message.

Worship in Music

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Here is a PLAY LIST

Worship in Bible Study

Morning Study at 8:30 (NOTE the time change)

Our study this week is in Romans 1:18-32. You might read it in advance to prepare your heart. You are welcome to join Isaac at the church if you’d like.

If you’d like to join us via Zoom, please contact Isaac.

Ladies Study at 2:00

Topic: The Book of James

If you’d like to join us via Zoom, please contact Sheri

Worship in Preaching

Take THIS LINK to our YouTube Channel from where you can select this morning’s message, “Aspects of Pure Worship.” The video will be available at 6:00 this morning. 
Have your Bible open to Joshua 8:30-35
Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel. This will keep you updated when we post new videos.

You can also access the audio and/or video files from our website: https://calvaryhs.org/resources/teachings/

Worship in Giving

Giving the firstfruits of our resources is a genuine form of worship, expressing thanksgiving for God’s blessing and dependance on His provision.
Missionaries are still  being supported and bills are still being to be paid. Here are a few options for giving of your tithes and offerings.

  • Mail a check made to: Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 957, Hot Springs, SD 57747
  • Call Pastor Matt at (605) 890-1428 or Isaac at (805) 602-2990 to arrange to drop a check by the office.
  • FOLLOW THIS LINK to give online. It will take you to a secure site where you will be able to pay by CC or eCheck. 

I trust you continue to seek the Lord in the Scriptures each and every day and that you being creative as to how you might minister to one another… albeit from a distance. Continue to pray, which allows us to minister to one another… no matter where we are.
Brothers and sisters… love one another.
Pastor Matt

Worship Together, May 10

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Calvary Church Family, whether online or in person, come and join us this Sunday morning as we worship the Lord together. Below are the links for our Zoom Studies and Sunday Message.

Hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day!

Worship in Music

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:1, 31–32

Playlist
Call to Worship… Our Song from Age to Age

Adoration… Our Great God 

Confession/Gospel… How Deep the Father’s Love for US

Assurance… He Will Hold Me Fast 

Response/Trust…Now Why This Fear 

Worship in Bible Study

Morning Study at 8:45

Our new study in the book of Romans begins this week. You might read Romans 1:1-17 to prepare your heart.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8920933036pwd=UmgvbGJ5UWVySnVsbDJHMmFVVDBZZz09

Meeting ID: 892 093 3036
Password: 512919

Ladies Study at 2:00

The Ladies will not be meeting today.

Worship in Preaching

Take THIS LINK to our YouTube Channel from where you can select this morning’s message, “God’s Grace Extended.” The video will be available at 6:00 this morning. 
Have your Bible open to Joshua 8.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel. This will keep you updated when we post new videos.

You can also access the audio and/or video files from our website: https://calvaryhs.org/resources/teachings/

Worship in Giving

Giving the firstfruits of our resources is a genuine form of worship, expressing thanksgiving for God’s blessing and dependance on His provision.
Missionaries are still  being supported and bills are still being to be paid. Here are a few options for giving of your tithes and offerings.

  • Mail a check made to: Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 957, Hot Springs, SD 57747
  • Call Pastor Matt at (605) 890-1428 or Isaac at (805) 602-2990 to arrange to drop a check by the office.
  • FOLLOW THIS LINK to give online. It will take you to a secure site where you will be able to pay by CC or eCheck. 

I trust you continue to seek the Lord in the Scriptures each and every day and that you being creative as to how you might minister to one another… albeit from a distance. Continue to pray, which allows us to minister to one another… no matter where we are.
Brothers and sisters… love one another.
Pastor Matt

In-Person Gathering to Resume

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Dear Calvary Church Family,

Following the guidelines of the Hot Springs City Council and the state of South Dakota’s “Back to Normal” plan, we intend to resume our on-site meeting at 10:00 this Sunday morning, May 10.

For your sake and for the sake of others, if you are in a higher risk group, are feeling sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick, please consider staying at home until a later date.

If you are not yet comfortable gathering in a group, don’t worry. We intend to continue our Sunday studies online and will be posting the sermon to be available on YouTube, just as we have been doing in isolation.

Here are a few details about Sunday…

Regarding Services

  • Adult Sunday Studies will NOT resume in person. We will continue to meet via Zoom. However, to accommodate those attending “in person” the service at 10:00, we will begin at 8:30 rather than 8:45. Feel free to join Isaac at the church if you would prefer to study in person for for Adult Sunday Studies. The Ladies Study will continue to meet via Zoom at 2:00. If you have not yet availed yourself to these studies, now is as good a time as ever. While the ladies continue their study in the book of James, the auditorium class will begin this Sunday in the book of Romans. These are opportunities YOU SHOULD NOT MISS.
  • Corporate Worship – To allow you to keep up with our study in the book of Joshua, the weekly sermon video will continue to be posted on YouTube to view at home.Because there will be NO Little Lambs and NO nursery, the in-person gathering beginning at 10:00 will be abbreviated to conclude at 11:00.

Regarding Logistics

  • We will post greeters at front door so you don’t need to touch the doorknob. If you would like to volunteer for this, please text me at 605-890-1428.
  • We will be sure to have sanitizer available at various locations.
  • We will place the offering plates at the back table rather than passing them.
  • We will have the Communion elements at four different stations.
  • We are asking you to seat yourselves in a way that allows about 6 feet between your family (or you) and others.
  • We are corporately agreeing NOT TO SHAKE HANDS. Instead, we will greet one another using the Hawaiian “shaka” sign (knuckles always toward the other person). 

Regarding Grace

Without question, one of the key issues to be addressed in both personal and corporate life is how we view and relate to others who do not view the Covid-19 pandemic in the same way. This is especially true for brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who take strict measures regarding hygiene, social distancing, and such, may at times consider those who don’t as ignorant and “unloving.” Those who believe things to be “not as big a deal” as others may at times consider those who are more strict as paranoid and perhaps “lacking in faith.” The truth is, when it comes to relationships, what you believe about Covid-19 is not the primary issue. The primary issue is God’s glory through your grace in love toward one another.

We will resume our in-person gatherings this Sunday. If you disagree with this decision, I am asking you to be gracious in your heart, in your words, and in your actions. Continue to join us in worship online and pray for us to have godly wisdom as we try to prudently navigate these matters. If you choose to attend, but believe we are going over the top with the precautions being taken, I am asking you to be gracious in your heart, your words, and in your actions. Follow the guidelines with kindness, considering those around you. Wherever you find yourself in this matter, remember this – as a Christian, life is not about you. As a Christian, your life is all about God’s glory in you and through you; and there is no better place for this to be manifested than in your relationships in the body of Christ. Guard your heart! Refuse to allow our differences to divide us. Instead, give thanks for one another and rejoice that the body of Christ is made up of all sorts of people, including the weird ones.

Whether online or at the church, I hope to see you this weekend interacting with God’s people around His Word.

Because of Calvary,

Pastor Matt

Suggested Book of the Month, May

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Reviewed by Isaac Stanley

Our recommended book of the month for May is Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter J. Williams.

The goal of this book is to make a compelling case that the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – bear strong marks of authenticity even though they make claims about Jesus Christ that are remarkable. Peter Williams approaches this task by arguing that when all the evidence is considered, it is far simpler to accept that Jesus truly did and said the things contained in the Gospels then to try to rationalize and explain away the content of the Gospels.

The chapters of the book deal with topics such as…

“What Do Non-Christian Sources Say?” Did you know that there are records from ancient, non-christian historians who speak about Jesus?  

“Did the Gospel Authors Know Their Stuff?” Did you know that the Gospels refer to 26 specific towns, while the false gospels (Thomas, Judas, etc) mention 3 or 4?

“What about Contradictions?” Did you know that some things with the appearance of contradiction in the Bible were actually deliberately written that way in order to make the reader think about the underlying truths?

For believers, a book like Can We Trust the Gospels? provides a refreshing reminder that the Book that we trust so much has unmistakable evidence of authenticity and reliability. Also, this book may be a useful resource to give to an unbeliever in order to make them reflect more seriously on the claims of the Bible. Evidence supporting the Bible is not a substitute for the message of Good News, but it might provoke someone to look again at the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.