Calvary Life Podcast

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.

Calvary's History and Vision for Missions

What do the Vatican, Notre Dame, Westminster Abbey, and la Sagrada Família all have in common (besides being famous churches)? They're all located in countries with a 1% population of Christ followers. 

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt discuss Calvary's historical ties with global missions and their visions for how God is moving in Europe today. They discuss the impact of the refugee crisis on reaching previously unreachable people, the importance of translating the Bible into people's heart languages, and how you can be involved with God's work from Southern California to the entire globe. 

If you're interested in learning more about the exciting opportunities at Reach Week 2020, check out calvarylife.org/reachweek. And if you'd like to learn more about everyday local and global missions opportunities at Calvary and how you can join in, visit calvarylife.org/reach.

Planting Seeds with Chris Plant

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, we continue our discussions on apologetics and the importance of knowing and defending what we believe with Calvary Christian School teacher, Chris Plant!

Together, Eric, Matt, and Chris explore some of the major issues brought against Christianity, and how an honest study of science and history supports Biblical truth. They discuss the intersection of social justice and Christianity, the value of planting seeds, and even some tips to get the best tri-tip you've ever had. 

If you're interested in learning more about the academic and spiritual education students receive at Calvary Christian School, visit them online here. To find many of the books mentioned in today's episode, visit our Corner Bookstore on Sunday - Thursday mornings and learn more about them here! 

Intelligent Faith with John and Laurie Stewart

"Apologetics" is one of those words many Christians fear. The idea of defending our faith can seem daunting and fraught with pitfalls- but does it need to?

On today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric talks with John and Laurie Stewart- both of whom are Calvary Members, practicing lawyers, and experienced apologists for Christ. Together, they discuss the importance of conversational apologetics, the role women play in sharing and defending Christianity, and the most common issues Christians should prepare themselves to answer. 

If you would like to learn more about the Stewarts and be updated on their events and resources, visit their website at IntelligentFaith.com. You can also join their Sunday LifeGroup (and learn more about the rest of Calvary's Groups and Gatherings) here.

Adoption and Redemption with Denise Hongslo

"People don't make families, God makes families"

From the beginning of Denise Hongslo's life, she knew two things: she was adopted, and her birth mom had passed away. However, when Denise began the journey of learning more about herself and her past, she was met with a radical discovery.

This week, Eric sits down with lifelong Calvary Member Denise Hongslo and hears her story. She talks about growing up as an adopted child, introducing your parents to your parents, and the ways that experiencing adoption can give you a new picture of God. 

Creating to Reflect the Creator with Ryan Roehl

If you've ever stepped foot on Calvary's campus, you've experienced the work of our guest on this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast. It's in the music, on the big screens, and even in the landscape!

Today, Eric and guest host Robert Carter sit down with Calvary's Technical Arts Director, Ryan Roehl. They talk about what exactly a Technical Arts Director does, how architecture and design can declare the Gospel and exhort the Church, and everything that goes on behind the scenes to make Christmas truly shine at Calvary. 

If you are interested in getting involved with Calvary's technical arts program, let us know here! 

The Art of Making Music with Trevor Brown

What do Bruno Mars, Demi Lovato, and Lizzo all have in common? They've all had music produced by our guest on this episode of the Calvary Life Podcast!

Today, Eric and special guest host Ben Harris sit down for an interview with Grammy award-winning music producer Trevor Brown. Together, they discuss his music career, what music producers actually do, how Christians should think about making art, and what it's like to be a believer in an industry that can so often be unwelcome towards Christ.

Trevor isn't available on social media, but if you're interested in the music industry and want to know more, reach out to him at trevorious555@aol.com. If you're interested in serving on the worship team at Calvary, let us know at calvarylife.org/serve.

Knowing What You Believe with Brett Kunkle

Has your faith been challenged recently? What role does doubt play in our relationship with God? How can we know that what the Bible says is true? 

On this week's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric and Matt welcome Brett Kunkle from Maven to discuss the importance of knowing your faith. Brett tells the story of how his faith was challenged in college, and how engaging with that challenge inspired him to prepare himself and the young people of the Church to be ready to defend their faith. Together, they discuss the value of studying the Bible with your family, the impact of technology on developing youth, and the dangers of a church not knowing God's word. 

If you'd like to learn more about Maven, visit them at their website at maventruth.com. To learn more and sign up for Calvary's Maven Conference, visit us at calvarylife.org/maven. 

Exploring Spiritual Gifts with Desiree Elrod, Brandon Elrod, and Ben Harris

What are spiritual gifts? Does everyone have one? How can you know what they are, and what do you do once you know them?

In today's episode of the Calvary Life Podcast, Eric explores the topic of spiritual gifts with Brandon and Desiree Elrod and Ben Harris. Together, they discuss what spiritual gifts look like in action, how we can use them to glorify God, and how they can impact our relationships and lives on a deeper level. 

If you're interested in learning more about spiritual gifts, check out Desiree's class, How Spiritual Gifts Influence Relationships, Sunday mornings at 11:00 am.