Calvary Life Podcast

Racial Injustice with Courtnie Dowdy

Ahmed Arbery. George Floyd. These names have dominated headlines in the past weeks for the tragedy and injustices they suffered. So as believers, how do we respond? How are we called to act when we encounter racial discrimination and oppression? 

Today, Eric discusses this topic with Calvary's High School Pastor, Courtnie Dowdy. Together, they explore the idea and meaning of privilege, Courtnie's experience growing up as a black woman in predominantly white spaces, and what Jesus' life tells us about how we should respond to and work against racial injustice. 

If you would like to explore this topic further, check out the resources Courtnie and Eric discussed below: 

Books- I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, Insider Outsider by Bryan Loritts

Accounts to Follow- Jackie Hill Perry: Instagram, Twitter; Bryan Loritts: Instagram, Twitter; Jo Saxton: Instagram, Twitter; Albert Tate: Instagram, Twitter

When to Submit to Government

When the United States government restricts the gathering of people, is that an infringement on our religious freedom? What do we do if we believe our government leaders are foolish and wrong? What does the Bible say about how to behave when those in authority over us are hard to respect? 

On this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric explores how we should consider our current circumstances as the Body of Christ- how we love the people we disagree with, submit to the government officials in authority over us, and protect our right to worship the Lord. In times as turbulent and challenging as these, it is vital we seek Biblical guidance on how to proceed in grace, truth, and love. 

If you would like to learn more about how Calvary is serving our community in this time, or if you would like to sign up to give or receive aid, visit us online at calvarylife.org/help and calvarylife.org/pantry. 

What is the Church?

It's common to hear someone say that they "go to Church", but is the church a location? When we're not able to gather in person, what does that mean about the Church? 

In today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric discusses the idea of the Church being a people, not a building. He explores what that means for re-entering normal life, how we fulfill our role in the body of Christ, and how that impacts our understanding of community. 

If you are interested in learning more about how Calvary is doing Sunday services in this time, visit us at calvarylife.org/live. 

Corona Convictions

In this season of raised tensions, conflicting opinions, and what seem to be incredibly high stakes, how do we love people that disagree with us? Is there a way to re-enter the next "normal" as a united family and with respect for everyone's comfort levels? 

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric discusses the importance of understanding the perspective of others as we begin to look at ending shelter-in-place orders and deciding what culture will look like after lockdown. Whether you believe we should have ended it weeks ago or you feel it would be safer to keep it going for a few more months, we can learn from one another and engage in respectful, caring, Christ-honoring conversation about it. 

If you would like to know more about how Calvary is serving our community in this time, visit calvarylife.org/help. And if you are in need of someone to talk to or pray with, check out our free counseling options at calvarylife.org/counseling. 

Marriage, Relationships, and Quarantine with Chris and Alisa Grace

When you're stuck in a house with someone for months at a time, tensions can rise and conflict can multiply. Small irritants can turn into world-ending issues, leaving you wondering why you ever thought it was a good idea to live with this person. So what can you do to handle this well? 

On this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Bea Wakeling discuss exactly this with Chris and Alisa Grace, the founders and directors of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships! They talk about how to reframe your thinking to encourage grace in your home, ways to counter the natural desire to criticize, and how to engage well in difficult discussions.

 

If you would like to access any of the resources of the CMR or learn more about what they do, visit them at their website at cmr.biola.edu. And if you'd like to find out more about counseling options at Calvary, check us out at calvarylife.org/counseling.

Words of Wisdom with Dr. Tim McAveney

For this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, we're hearing from our very own Dr. Tim McAveney, Chief of Cardiology for Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, on our Words of Wisdom Facebook Live video with Shannon Reese. So tune in to hear all about Coronavirus from a medical viewpoint, what we should and shouldn't be concerned about, and how to respond in a spirit of faith in the Lord.

Be sure to check back to Calvary's Facebook  for new live content on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, as well as on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am for our regular weekly worship service!

Words of Wisdom with Dr. Andrea Ganahl

For this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, we're hearing from a familiar voice- the wonderful Dr. Andrea Ganahl. We were lucky enough to have her be the first guest on our Words of Wisdom Facebook Live video with Shannon Reese, and it was so great that we wanted to share it with you here! So take a listen, because there's no shortage of new things to learn about anxiety, where it comes from, and how to handle it well when you're hearing from Dr. Ganahl. 

Be sure to check back to Calvary's Facebook  for new live content on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, as well as on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am for our regular weekly worship service!

Anxiety with Dr. Anny Ganahl- Revisited

In the stress of this current season, it can be easy to fall in to panic, anxiety, and hopelessness. So for this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, we wanted to revisit one of our most popular episodes which just so happens to be filled with some very pertinent wisdom for this time. 

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from clinical anxiety. But if the Bible tells us to be "anxious for nothing" (Phil. 4:6), what can we do to deal with this overwhelming issue? 

In today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt Davis sit down with Dr. Andrea Ganahl to discuss this very topic. They talk about tips to manage your anxious thoughts, what it means for Christians to live with anxiety, and how we can help support one another in a world that can often cause us to be anxious. 

If you'd like to learn more about anxiety, or hear more from Dr. Ganahl, you can visit her website at andreaganahl.com. You can also learn more about and sign up for counseling services at Calvary by visiting calvarylife.org/counseling.

Comfort in the midst of COVID-19

In this season of fear, uncertainty, and insecurity, we can draw comfort that even if we're social-distancing from other people, our God is as close and accessible as ever.

For this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt take a minute to address the global COVID-19 pandemic, how it's affecting all of us, and how we can find comfort in God's ultimate sovereignty. 

If you are available to assist our more at-risk community, or if you're in need of assistance for yourself, please visit calvarylife.org/help to let us know your situation. Calvary Church truly is better together- whether that's in person or not! 

Adoption and Acres of Love with Erin Krusiewicz

James 1:27- "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

We know that the Lord has a heart for orphans, but how can we join in? That's what Eric and Matt discuss in this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast with lifelong Calvary member and Acres of Love advocate, Erin Kruiewicz! Together, they talk about Erin's lifelong heart for adoption, her journey to get involved in Acres of Love, and how she met her son for the first time!

If you would like to learn more about Acres of Love, visit their website here or follow them on their Instagram or Facebook pages. You can also learn more about how Calvary is helping serve the orphans of Orange County by visiting our Reach Local page.