Calvary Hot Springs

Exalting Christ Through the Ministry of the Word

Meet Abi Johnson

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putting names to faces

Abi Johnson came to Hot Springs in 2016 to attend Cornerstone Bible Institute and graduated in 2019. Through the years prior, Abi attended Calvary with her family when visiting Hot Springs, and so it became her church home when moving here. Abi wasted no time getting involved in the ministry of Calvary and has served leading Little Lambs, participating on music teams, is learning to run the sound booth and is currently the friendly face you see when joining us on Sunday mornings.

Abi is a para-professional in the elementary school Resource Room, tutoring kids in the things like reading, writing and math. She also works at Wooly’s during the summer months, along with several other part time work. 

On Saturday, September 5, Abi will marry Luke Stanley and they will begin a new life together. Their wedding announcement with the details is on the bulletin board. 

Abi has and will be helping with events sponsored by Freedom’s Journey and A21 and desires to work towards more direct involvement in the anti-human trafficking movement with various organizations.

The lack of assurance regarding her salvation began when Abi was about 6 years old. At that time, after discussing her fears with her mom, she “prayed the prayer.” How much of the gospel she grasped at the time is unclear, but God was faithful to continue to draw her to Himself through the teaching of His Word. “I am confident,” she states, “in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His resurrection. His blood has redeemed me and He keeps me as His own. Praise God!”

Worship Together, June 21

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Recording the events in the first church, Dr. Luke tells us that all who believed were together and had all things in common (Acts 2:44). Many of these were from out of town and perhaps were strangers to one another… before meeting Christ (Acts 2:5-11). This is one of the numerous things that make the church so unique from every other association, club or social structure. The common bond between the saints is our bond to Christ. And although it would be preferable that we all be together, the fact remains, we are one in Christ.

Whether at home or at the church facilities, let’s be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3) by setting our sights on Christ in worship and in all of life.

Take some time this morning (if not every morning) to pause in worship through the God’s revealed Word, take your brothers and sisters before the Lord in prayer, and then perhaps give one or two of them a call, just to say hi and to make contact.

Worship in Music

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Psalm 95:6–7 

Here is YouTube play list you might want to sing with…

Worship in Bible Study

Morning Study at 8:30

Looking forward to working through Romans chapter 7 this morning. Have your Bibles open and I’ll see you then!

You are welcome to join us in person at the church. If you prefer to join us via Zoom, please contact Isaac for the details.

We have posted the recordings of our weekly Zoom meetings on our YouTube channel. Be encouraged, if you have not been able to attend, to give each a listen.

Worship in Preaching

Take THIS LINK to our YouTube Channel from where you can select this morning’s message, “Because the Lord is Faithful.” The video will be available at 6:00 this morning. 

Have your Bible open to Joshua 23

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 HERE.

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.
  • Click HERE 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

Meet Missy Pranke

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putting names to faces…

This is Melissa “Missy” Pranke. She moved to Hot Springs in August of 2015, and this past spring moved to White Clay, NE. Missy serves as a missionary with International Messengers on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and has enjoyed being a part of the body at Calvary since 2018.

Missy was blessed to be raised in a Christian home in MN, and is the oldest of four children. She grew up hearing God’s Word on a regular basis, and “said the prayer” at age seven. It wasn’t until middle school, however, that she began to desire to really know the Lord. After hearing a call to repentance from a stranger sharing the Gospel, she asked God to forgive her of her sins and trusted in the finished work of Christ to save her at age thirteen. 

Throughout high school Missy was involved in short term missions trips and began to feel God calling her into ministry long-term.

In 2012 Missy graduated from the Pranke Home School, then spent the next three years in two vocational ministry internships, working in a manufacturing plant, as well as being a wilderness guide for an adventure ministry program. 

In 2015, Missy joined International Messengers. She attended their four-month training program in Montana, then raised support and moved to South Dakota. 

Her primary ministry focus on the reservation is Bible study with a group of 15-20 young people, boys and girls, with whom she has come to know on a deep level over the past five years. Currently she is also foster parenting Rielly (almost 13), and growing a big vegetable garden.”

Pray for Revival

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Thinking Out Loud

Not long ago, a brother with whom I was praying, to my surprise began to pray for a revival in America. To my shame, it had never occurred to me to do so. It just seemed rather futile at the time. However, my heart was pricked and I have not been able to put that idea out of my mind ever since. Is it right, or is it realistic to pray for revival in the United States? Have we gone beyond the point of no return? Is it too late to expect God to do a mighty work in our midst? The following are some of my thoughts on the matter. I pray that it will provoke you, not only to think about your prayer for our nation, but that it will provoke you to in fact, pray.

First off, let’s establish the obvious, we are not God! Therefore, we do not know if the US has gone beyond the point of no return, therefore we do not know whether it is too late to expect God to do a mighty work in our midst. After all, the city of Nineveh was spared God’s destruction, in spite of Jonah’s reluctance (read Jonah 4:2). Or consider the account of David praying for the life of his young child whom the Lord afflicted. It teaches us that until the Lord brings a matter to a close, we can and ought to pray for Him to intervene (2 Samuel 12:15-23). It is fair to say that we must pray for our nation and its leaders until the Lord returns.

Second, if we are to pray for revival, we do well to consider what exactly revival is, and what it would look like in America and in your own life? If your idea of revival is some sort of utopia where everyone will be at peace with one another, you’re sadly mistaken. Universal peace will take place only when the Prince of Peace sits upon His throne for a thousand years. Both biblical and secular history reveal that some of the greatest revivals have taken place in the midst of persecution against God’s people. Consider the fact that one-third of Israel will be saved in the midst of the tribulation (Romans 11:26; Zechariah 13:8). Or that the early church continued to grow even as it was scattered because of persecution (Acts 8:1-8).

Because revival is that which takes place in the hearts of God’s own, God normally takes great pains to separate the goats from the sheep, often through suffering. Even the “go to” passage for revival, 2 Chronicles 7:14, is in the context of God’s judgment on the land and on His people. Revival is God’s work in the life of His people calling them to holiness.

So although revival is desirable for the sake of God’s glory, be well aware that when it comes it may in fact cost you everything… leaving you with nothing… but Jesus.

Finally, because revival is best applied to God’s people, a more accurate prayer for the nation might be for enlightenment (use whatever word you’d like). But for genuine change to take place in the US, there must be a mighty work of God by His Spirit to illumine the eyes of the lost. Pray that men and women might be saved either one at a time or en masse. However, God uses the proclamation of the gospel to bring people to Himself (Romans 10:14-15). So a more biblical understanding and prayer for our nation would be, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38. And then, having prayed for this, know that YOU are the laborers God has sent into the harvest.

It IS right to pray for revival… and it IS right to pray for enlightenment. But know that praying for revival and enlightenment is not merely a nice sentiment. Looking for the Lord to work in our nation entails acknowledgment and willingness for God to begin with you. It is knowing full well, that if revival and enlightenment is to ever take place in the United States of America, it must begin in the house of God (1 Peter 4:17-19). It must begin with… you.

Soli Deo Gloria!

My Ugly, Selfish Self… and the Gospel

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Thinking Out Loud

So our son and his family just moved to Hot Springs and are living with us until they find a place to live. It has been a joy beyond what Kellie or I ever imagined, and for this we thank the Lord. It’s been a few years since we’ve had young children in our home (three BOYS five years old and younger), so the “energy” they have has been a surprise. A pleasant surprise. I’m so thankful for parents who love their boys enough to lovingly and wisely deal with each drama with grace. It truly is amazing.

Observing the boys however, has been a bit revealing of my own heart and the bent of my flesh. It’s like looking in a mirror. At their age, these young men haven’t learned the “sophistication” of hiding their fleshly desires and motives like their Pops has. There is no facade. Their expectations, demands and motives are laid out in the open for all to see. And in seeing, I see my own heart, and it is both indicting and encouraging… because of Jesus. 

PLEASE KNOW that these boys are sweet boys who are well mannered and a joy to be around. The things I note below are realities, not just of little boys but rather of the human heart. Here are ten things regarding my sinful self which I am reminded…

  1. I tend to live my life as though the world revolves around me. Everyone and every thing is secondary to my needs.
  2. When I am hurt, the hurt doesn’t begin to feel better until I let others around me know how bad it hurts.
  3. I don’t like being told what to do… by anyone. Period!
  4. It seems easier to blame something or someone else than it is to take personal responsibility.
  5. Even though it’d be easier just to obey, resisting, procrastinating, complaining and excusing is my usual course of action.
  6. I operate on the premise that I know exactly how close to the line I can get before being chastened. Sometimes I’m wrong.
  7. Sometimes I behave differently when I think no one is watching.
  8. The world is a wonderland when everything is going my way.
  9. I have the uncanny ability to be selective with my hearing.
  10. I so much need Jesus!

The glorious truth is, the gospel not only saves us from eternal wrath to come, the gospel is in the process of saving us daily from the stronghold that sin has on us right now. None of us have yet attained behavioral holiness, but thanks be to God that His patience and grace sustains us and continues to sanctify us by His Spirit through His Word. 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Soli Deo Gloria!

Meet John & Nancy Lamb

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putting names to faces

Here’s a new couple that perhaps you haven’t met. This is John and Nancy Lamb. John is a retired master electrician who worked in Purdah Bay Alaska for several years. Nancy is the Athletic Director’s Secretary at the Hot Springs School District. John and Nancy have three sons and six grandsons. Their son’s names are John, Scott and Michael the youngest,  was adopted from a Russian orphanage. 

Both are accustomed to serving in the church. In their previous church John took care of electrical troubleshooting and repairs as well as served on the security team. Nancy extended hospitality as a greeter, which she does currently here at Calvary. We’re looking for loose wires for John to repair. 🙂 John is originally from central Illinois and Nancy from Sheridan Wyoming.

Nancy has been actively involved in Precept Ministries (precept.org), setting up Precepts Bible training for leaders and served as a substitute leader for seven years in Sheridan.

Both John and Nancy came to faith in Christ later in life. Nancy grew up in the Catholic church with traditions and rituals. John had no prior church background. The Lord brought a friend into Nancy’s life who explained the gospel, taking her through the Bible from the fall of Adam to the cross of Christ where Jesus bore her sins, was buried and is alive. Coming to understand who Jesus is, she accepted Him as Savior and was forgiven of her sin by His mercy and healing grace. John came to Christ listening to a Pastor preach on creation and science and how science validates the Bible. One of their favorite bible verses is Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John and Nancy visited a few churches, taking their time to decide on a church home. When they  came to Calvary last November they decided Calvary was to be their home church where Jesus Christ is exalted and worshiped, truth is proclaimed and the Word of God is taught and preached. Of the church, John MaCarthur states, “We are spiritually connected and designed for shared life, shared love, shared purpose, shared ministry, shared truth, shared power and we share His life.”

Worship Together, June 7

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Although we long for the day we can all gather together to worship and to fellowship with one another, now is not the time. Many of you are susceptible to the Corona virus or are concerned for someone with whom you are in contact. For this we are grateful. The word is that western South Dakota will likely see a spike in instances very soon and therefore, we must take extra precautions. Those who gather in person each week are making an effort to practice the CDC guidelines. If you are unable to attend in person, know that you are missed.

Take a few moments today to pray with one another (and for one another), to read the scriptures with one another, sing with one another and listen to the Word preached.

Worship in Music

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Colossians 1:13–18

HERE IS A LINK to a suggested music for worship.

(Note: The lyrics for “The Lord is King” are in a comment under the video)

Worship in Bible Study

Morning Study at 8:30

We will be working through Romans chapter 5 – A critical chapter for understanding how Christ justifies us through faith.

We do not publish the Zoom meeting information for our studies. However, you are more than welcome to come and join us. Call Isaac Stanley for information how to do so.

Ladies Study at 2:00

Topic: The Book of James

We do not publish the Zoom meeting information for our studies. However, you are more than welcome to come and join us. Call Isaac Stanley for information how you might join us.

Worship in Preaching

Take THIS LINK to our YouTube Channel from where you can select this morning’s message, “God’s Mercy toward His People.” The video will be available at 6:00 this morning. 

Have your Bible open to Joshua 10:40

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

Double Visioned

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Thinking Out Loud

As people who are justified by faith, we see this present world with a double vision. On the one hand, we long and strive for a world where love and peace prevails and where injustices are few and far between. On the other hand, we know the world’s turmoil is sourced by sin and that the only eternal remedy is the gospel. So as Christians, we must be willing to apply a band-aid on the symptoms of sin while faithfully and diligently administering God’s remedy, the gospel. The gospel compels us to do so. It cannot be an either or. It must be both. But it must begin and end with the gospel.

When ministering in the world, having an understanding of, and beginning with the gospel in mind lends to a proper perspective. It brings to the forefront God’s provision in Christ for the hurting. It gives greater meaning to meeting material needs than merely filling a belly or providing a warm bed. The gospel reminds us of God’s mercy toward us when we don’t deserve it. It reminds us of just how patient the Lord is with us in our numerous short comings. The gospel centers your focus on Christ and guards the motives of your heart. This is important because we are quick to take glory for what God has ultimately done. 

Above all, having an understanding of, and beginning with the gospel in mind keeps before us what really matters. It keeps at the forefront man’s desperate need for a Savior, and it is from this position that true compassion flows within and through you. Having an understanding of, and beginning with the gospel makes you aware of opportunities the Lord may give to plant the seed of the gospel, to articulate its truths in grace. 

We, the recipients of God’s mercy are compelled to view the world with different eyes than that of the world. We know experientially what God has provided for us in Christ and the work He so faithfully continues to carry out in our lives.

The world’s problem is sin. It’s remedy is the gospel!

In times of national turmoil (and at all times), here are a few things that we would do well to put to practice immediately…

  • Pray… for those who are hurting, that the church would behave in wisdom and grace, that in your own heart, you will think biblically (pray before you speak or post on social media)
  • Act… take any and every opportunity the Lord provides to help make a difference where you live. You may not be able to impact the lives that are at the epicenter of turmoil, but you can make a difference right where you are. There is nothing unbiblical about working to make this world a better place to live.
  • Speak… pray for and take opportunity to speak the truth about God’s divine justice, satisfied for our sins in Christ’s death, so that in turn, He might be merciful to those come to Him in faith.