Calvary Baptist Church of Hiawassee Georgia

Remember and Obey: The Command to Abstain from Cultural Paganism

In this week’s message, “Perfect Before God,” we examine Book of Deuteronomy 18:9–13 and God’s call for His people to remain holy in the midst of a pagan culture. Israel was warned to guard their minds, their methods, and their moral purity—and their failure to do so led them into deeper corruption, even surpassing the wickedness seen in the days of Manasseh.
Yet even in judgment, God’s mercy endured. Join us as we consider what it means to perfect holiness in the fear of God today (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Remember and Obey: Partakers with God

In this message, we explore the unique calling of the Levites, who were given no earthly inheritance because the Lord Himself was their portion. Through their service, sacrifices, and complete dependence on God’s provision, we see a powerful picture of what it means to be sustained by His presence rather than possessions.
This episode challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we content with God’s provision? Is His presence enough? Discover how true peace and purpose are found not in prestige or position, but in being partakers with God Himself.

Remember and Obey: Rulership Prophesied and Directed

Long before Israel ever asked for a king, God already gave instruction for their future rulers. In this episode, we explore how the Lord foretold kingship, warned against the dangers of carnal leadership, and directed rulers to be shaped by His Word. The king’s strength was never meant to be power or wealth, but a heart grounded in Scripture and the fear of the Lord. With the New Testament truth that believers are made “kings and priests,” this passage speaks directly to how we govern our own lives under Christ today.

Remember and Obey: Dealing with Transgressions

Sin is never private with God. In this episode, we unpack Deuteronomy 17:2–7 and learn how to confront evil in our lives. Using Israel’s call to remove idolatry as a guide, we explore three essential steps: identify sin, acknowledge sin, and put it away. Discover how God exposes hidden sins through His Word, convicts through His Spirit, and empowers us through Christ to walk in holiness and freedom. Reflect on your heart today, what must be removed so you can fully live for Him?

Remember and Obey: God’s Standard for Sacrifices

What does God really mean by sacrifice? It’s more than giving something up — it’s a covenant act tied to how God deals with sin, mercy, and redemption.
From Deuteronomy 17:1 to Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 9), we see that God rejects blemished sacrifices and calls His people to offer what is holy and acceptable. The Christian life isn’t an attempt to earn mercy, but a response to mercy already sworn and fulfilled in Christ.
Discover what acceptable sacrifices look like today: righteous living, sanctified service, prayer, honoring others, and patient endurance.
Are our offerings shaped by Scripture — or by the world?

God's Open Door

In this episode, we trace the powerful phrase “the key of David” from Isaiah 22 to Revelation 3 and uncover what it means that Christ alone opens doors no man can shut. Jerusalem once had walls, water systems, and military plans—but no humility before God. While judgment loomed, the people trusted engineering, strategy, and alliances instead of repentance. So God removed the key of authority from proud, self-reliant leadership and gave it to another.
Fast forward to the church at Philadelphia: a people with “a little strength,” yet rich in faithfulness. They kept God’s Word, did not deny His name, and walked in humble dependence — and Christ set before them an open door.
This episode explores the contrast between religion without repentance and faithfulness with humility, showing that God entrusts access, authority, and opportunity not to the self-sufficient, but to those with the right posture of heart and path of life.

Remember and Obey: The Feast of Tabernacles

In this episode, we explore the Feast of Tabernacles from Deuteronomy 16 and discover a powerful truth: God not only redeems and blesses His people—He dwells with them. After Passover (Redemption) and Pentecost (Fruitfulness), Tabernacles reminds us that we are not alone. We’ll see how this feast follows atonement and harvest, leading God’s people from affliction to celebration, from provision to gratitude. Learn how satisfaction, rejoicing, and stewardship all flow from a God who walks with His people and delights in their worship.

Exaltation of Praise

In this episode, we fast-forward to the birth of John the Baptist and the powerful moment when Zacharias’ silence is broken. After nine months without a voice, his first words are not doubt or explanation, but praise to God. Walking through Luke 1:63–79, we explore Zacharias’ Spirit-filled prophecy and its gospel themes: the blessing of redemption, the beginning of God’s mercies, the bringing of true deliverance, and the burden placed on John to prepare the way for Christ. This passage reminds us that God keeps His promises, shines His light into our darkness, and calls His redeemed people to lifelong worship and faithful service.

Remember and Obey: The Feast of Weeks

In this episode, we explore the Feast of Weeks—Israel’s celebration of the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and a reminder that every blessing comes from God. Deuteronomy 16:9–12 shows how Pentecost centered on honoring God’s timing, rejoicing with a thankful heart, and remembering their deliverance from Egypt. We connect these themes to Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection and the Spirit’s outpouring in Acts 2, revealing how Pentecost points us to a life of gratitude, generosity, and gospel harvest.

Remember and Obey: The Feasts of Redemption

In this episode, we explore the rich biblical meaning behind the Passover as commanded in Deuteronomy 16. Though Israel still observes the Passover today, many miss the true spiritual significance that God intended, one that points us to His sanctifying work, His redeeming power, and the unity of His people.
We walk through three major themes found in the text. First, we look at the Sanctified Offering, the unblemished sacrifice, fully consumed, and made accessible to all, even those once considered unclean. Then, we examine the Special Observance of the month of Abib: the timing, the place, and the bread that reminded Israel of their suffering and their sudden deliverance. Finally, we consider the Solemn Assembly, the gathering of God’s people around one focus, His greatness and their redemption.
As we trace Israel’s Passover from the first month of their sacred calendar to the pilgrimage feasts that shaped their year, we uncover a rhythm of remembrance that ultimately points forward to Christ, our Passover Lamb. The episode closes by drawing a clear connection to the Lord’s Table, where believers today remember the sacrifice that secured our redemption.
If you want to better understand the Passover in its biblical context, and see how it prepares the way for Christ—this episode will deepen your appreciation for God’s deliverance, both then and now.