Thanks to Calvary

Thanks to Calvary Thanks to Calvary is an Underwood Family Podcast, based in Biblical teachings and principles.

Hosted by renowned Independent Baptist preacher Larry Underwood, his son Dan Underwood, and grandson Joshua Underwood.

09/27/2025

Daily Devotional – God’s Perfect Peace

> “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

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Reflection

Peace is one of the greatest needs of the human heart. The world chases peace through possessions, power, or pleasure, but Scripture promises peace through trust in God.

Voddie Baucham: “The problem isn’t that God has not given us peace. The problem is that we have not trusted Him enough to rest in it.”

R.C. Sproul: “The only way the Christian can have true peace is to rest in the sovereignty of God.”

C.S. Lewis: “God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

Tim Keller: “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.”

Charles Spurgeon: “Peace without Christ is merely the peace of the dead. The only real peace is the peace of God reigning in the heart.”

John Calvin: “True peace is not found in earthly prosperity, but in God alone who calms our hearts.”

D.L. Moody: “A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do is enter into it.”

Warren Wiersbe: “God’s peace is not a shallow optimism but a deep confidence that God is in control.”

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Apologetics Insight

The search for peace is universal, and the gospel offers what nothing else can.

Lee Strobel: “The case for Christ isn’t just about truth—it’s about finding peace with God through Him.”

Frank Turek: “If Christianity isn’t true, then we’re left searching for peace that never lasts. But if it is true, then Christ is the anchor for our souls.”

Sean McDowell: “Christianity explains not only why we long for peace but why we can never find it apart from Christ.”

Josh McDowell: “The evidence for Christianity is overwhelming, but beyond the facts, the greatest testimony is the peace of a transformed life.”

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Application

Guard your mind by fixing it on God’s promises daily.

When anxiety arises, remind yourself of His sovereignty.

Share the message of peace in Christ with others who are searching.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for the peace You offer through trust in You. Fix my mind on Your truth and help me to rest in Your sovereignty today. May my life reflect the perfect peace found only in Christ. Amen.

09/26/2025

Daily Devotional – The Power of the Gospel

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” — Romans 1:16 (ESV)

Reflection

The gospel is not advice, suggestion, or philosophy—it is power. It changes lives, transforms hearts, and reconciles us to God.

Voddie Baucham emphasizes this when he says, “I don’t defend the Bible because it needs defending. I defend it because it is true, and the truth of the gospel is the only hope this world has.” His words echo Paul’s bold declaration that the gospel is sufficient and mighty.

R.C. Sproul noted, “The power is not in our eloquence, it is in the Word of God.” Salvation comes not through human effort but through the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen.

Charles Spurgeon declared, “The gospel is like a caged lion. It does not need to be defended, it simply needs to be let out of its cage.” This reminds us that our task is not to soften or dilute the message but to release it with faith and confidence.

C.S. Lewis captured the radical call of the gospel when he wrote, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”

Tim Keller explained why the gospel pierces every heart: “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

John Calvin wrote, “Our faith is founded upon the gospel, not upon the shifting opinions of men, but upon the solid truth revealed by God.”

D.L. Moody added, “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

Warren Wiersbe summarized it beautifully: “The gospel is not good advice to be obeyed, it is good news to be believed.”

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Apologetics Insight

Christian apologists also affirm the power and reliability of the gospel.

Lee Strobel observed, “The gospel is not based on legend but on verifiable history.”
Frank Turek reminds us: “The evidence shows Christianity is true beyond a reasonable doubt. The gospel changes lives because it’s grounded in reality.”
Josh McDowell testified, “After investigating, I could not escape the truth—the gospel is backed by overwhelming evidence.”
Sean McDowell encourages, “Truth has nothing to fear from investigation. The gospel welcomes questions because it stands firm.”

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Application

Live boldly, unashamed of the gospel in your words and actions.

Share Christ’s love confidently, knowing the power is in Him, not in you.

Let the truth of the gospel renew your mind and strengthen your heart today.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for the power of the gospel that saves, heals, and restores. Give me courage to live unashamed, wisdom to share it boldly, and joy in knowing Your truth sets people free. In Jesus’ name, amen.

09/25/2025

Daily Devotional – The Faithfulness of God

Scripture Reading

> “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)

> “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” — Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

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Reflection

God’s faithfulness is the anchor of our hope. When all else feels uncertain, His promises remain sure. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The Lord’s faithfulness is the believer’s bulwark and shield. When you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.”

John Calvin emphasized that our trust does not rest on shifting experience but on God Himself: “God never deceives; He never changes or fails; His word is certain and infallible.”

C.S. Lewis put it plainly: “Faith… is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”

Tim Keller reminds us of the gospel’s foundation: “God’s love is not based on the quality of our faith but on the object of our faith — His faithful Son.”

D.L. Moody encouraged believers with this truth: “God never made a promise that was too good to be true.”

Warren Wiersbe added, “The future is your friend when Jesus is your Lord, because His faithfulness guarantees His promises.”

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Apologetics Insight

The reliability of God’s faithfulness is also a defense of the Christian faith. Lee Strobel noted, “If God kept His promises in the past, then we can trust Him with the promises that are yet to come.”

Frank Turek reminds skeptics: “Christianity isn’t true because it works; it works because it’s true. God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances but revealed through them.”

Josh McDowell observed, “God’s promises, verified through history and evidence, give us confidence that His faithfulness is not wishful thinking but reality.”

Sean McDowell adds, “The faithfulness of God is not blind optimism but grounded trust in the God who has proven Himself time and again.”

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Application

Rest in God’s faithfulness today. Whatever your trial, remember His mercies are new every morning.

Recall past moments where He has proven trustworthy, and let them fuel present confidence.

Share with others that faith is not blind — it is anchored in the faithful God who has revealed Himself in Christ.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness. When I falter, remind me that You remain unchanging. Help me trust You in uncertainty, proclaim Your reliability to others, and live with confidence in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/25/2025

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09/24/2025

Daily Devotional – September 24, 2025

Scripture Reading
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

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Reflection

God’s Word is unshakable. While the world shifts, cultures crumble, and human wisdom fades, Scripture remains immovable truth. R.C. Sproul once said, “The Word of God can never fail. It is rooted in His character, and God Himself is immutable.” This is why we build our lives not on fleeting trends, but on eternal truth.

C.S. Lewis captured this well: “All that is not eternal is eternally out of date.” Every philosophy, ideology, or worldview that does not rest on God’s Word will eventually prove hollow. The Bible is not merely ancient literature—it is the living voice of God.

Charles Spurgeon urged believers, “Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion. Unchain it and it will defend itself.” The power of Scripture does not depend on our cleverness; it depends on God Himself. Like a lion, His Word roars with authority, liberating those in bo***ge.

Warren Wiersbe added, “The Bible is not a book that you read once and put on the shelf—it is the living Word that grows with you.” God speaks anew each time we open it, bringing comfort, conviction, and courage.

Tim Keller reminds us of the gospel focus of all Scripture: “The central basis of Christian assurance is not how much our hearts are set on God, but how unshakably His heart is set on us.” The Word points us to Christ, who is Himself the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

John Calvin wrote, “We must seek our conviction in a higher place than human reasons, judgments, or conjectures—in the secret testimony of the Spirit.” The Spirit confirms in our hearts that God’s Word is true and reliable.

D.L. Moody put it practically: “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Scripture doesn’t just inform us—it transforms us.

From the realm of apologetics, Lee Strobel reminds us: “Christianity survived not because of one persuasive argument, but because the evidence is overwhelming.” Josh McDowell adds, “The Bible is not just a book of good ideas; it is a book backed by historical evidence and divine power.” Frank Turek stresses the reliability of Scripture’s claims: “Truth is not invented, it is discovered. And the Bible reveals the ultimate truth.” Sean McDowell echoes this, “We don’t need to fear tough questions. The truth of Christianity can stand up to scrutiny.”

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Application

1. Anchor your day in God’s Word, not shifting circumstances.

2. Rest in its permanence—everything else fades, but God’s Word stands.

3. Let it speak boldly—you don’t need to defend it; simply live it and proclaim it.

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Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your eternal Word. In a world of uncertainty, let me find stability in Your truth. Give me courage to trust it, live it, and share it boldly. Amen.

09/24/2025

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09/23/2025

Daily Devotional – God’s Word Stands Forever

Scripture (NIV):
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." — Isaiah 40:8

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Reflection

In a changing world filled with uncertainty, God’s Word remains steady and eternal.

Charles Spurgeon: “The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself.”

John Calvin: “Scripture is the school of the Holy Spirit. As nothing is omitted that is necessary to be known, so nothing is taught but what is expedient to know.”

R.C. Sproul: “The Word of God can never fail. It is impossible for it to err, impossible for it to lie, impossible for it to deceive.”

C.S. Lewis: “We must show our Christian colors, if we are to be true to Jesus Christ. We cannot remain neutral. The Word forces us to choose.”

Tim Keller: “If your god never disagrees with you, you might just be worshiping an idealized version of yourself. Scripture confronts and corrects us.”

D.L. Moody: “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

Warren Wiersbe: “God’s Word is the spiritual food that strengthens us for the journey and the weapon that equips us for battle.”

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Apologetics Insight

The enduring truth of Scripture is not only a comfort for believers but a challenge for skeptics.

Lee Strobel: “Time and again, archaeology and history have confirmed the reliability of the Bible.”

Frank Turek: “The Bible isn’t a made-up story—it’s rooted in real events, verified by evidence, and written by eyewitnesses or those who knew them.”

Sean McDowell: “The manuscript evidence for the New Testament is unparalleled in ancient history, showing God’s hand in preserving His Word.”

Josh McDowell: “The Bible is not just a book—it is God’s love letter to humanity, trustworthy and true.”

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Application

Anchor your life not in shifting culture but in the unchanging Word of God.

Read Scripture daily as nourishment and guidance.

Share its truth confidently, knowing it is reliable and eternal.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your Word endures forever. In a world of fading voices, let me cling to Your truth. Shape me, strengthen me, and send me out to live boldly by Your Word. Amen.

09/22/2025

Daily Devotional – The Peace of Christ

Scripture (ESV):
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." — John 14:27

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Reflection

The peace Christ offers is not circumstantial but eternal—rooted in His presence and promises.

Charles Spurgeon: “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.”

John Calvin: “Christ’s peace is not only freedom from outward troubles, but a quiet conscience and calm mind resting on God’s fatherly favor.”

R.C. Sproul: “Biblical peace is not the cessation of conflict, but the presence of reconciliation with God.”

C.S. Lewis: “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

Tim Keller: “When Jesus says ‘my peace,’ He means the unshakable confidence and joy He had with the Father—and He gives it to us.”

D.L. Moody: “A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do is enter into it.”

Warren Wiersbe: “The world bases peace on resources, but God’s peace depends on relationships. If you know Christ, you have peace with God and the peace of God.”

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Apologetics Insight

True peace is a universal longing, and Christianity claims it is only found in Christ.

Lee Strobel: “The case for Christ isn’t just intellectual—it’s existential. He alone offers lasting peace.”

Frank Turek: “If Christianity isn’t true, then we’re left with a peace the world gives, which never lasts.”

Sean McDowell: “The resurrection of Jesus not only proves Christianity true, it proves peace with God is possible.”

Josh McDowell: “The evidence of peace is not just in history, but in transformed lives through Christ.”

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Application

When anxiety rises, remind yourself that Christ’s peace is already yours.

Surrender fears to Him in prayer, trusting His promises.

Be a peacemaker, pointing others to the source of true peace—Jesus.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the peace You give, not as the world gives. Calm my heart today and keep me from fear. Help me rest in You and share Your peace with others. Amen.

09/20/2025

Daily Devotional – The Lord Is My Shepherd

Scripture (ESV):
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." — Psalm 23:1–3

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Reflection

David paints God not as a distant ruler, but as a present Shepherd who cares for His sheep. In Him, our deepest needs are met.

Charles Spurgeon: “If He is a Shepherd to no one else, He is a Shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me.”

John Calvin: “David means that God will always be his Shepherd, so that he shall not be in want of anything conducive to perfect happiness.”

R.C. Sproul: “The greatest need of man is to be reconciled to God. Psalm 23 shows us that God not only saves us, He sustains us.”

C.S. Lewis: “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

Tim Keller: “If the Lord is your Shepherd, then the most important thing in life is already taken care of. Everything else is secondary.”

D.L. Moody: “If God is your partner, make your plans big.”

Warren Wiersbe: “When we follow the Shepherd, we experience His provision, His peace, and His leading. To refuse Him is to forfeit His best.”

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Apologetics Insight

Psalm 23 resonates not only with believers but also addresses the skeptic’s longing for guidance, peace, and purpose.

Lee Strobel: “We all have a God-shaped hole in our hearts. Only Christ, our Shepherd, can fill it.”

Frank Turek: “If you’re following the wrong shepherd, you’ll end up in the wrong pasture. Truth matters, and Jesus claimed to be the truth.”

Sean McDowell: “Christianity doesn’t just claim God exists—it claims He cares for you personally, like a shepherd for His sheep.”

Josh McDowell: “The evidence for Christ is not only historical but personal: the transformed lives of those who follow the Shepherd.”

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Application

Trust God’s provision today—He knows what you need before you ask.

Follow His leading in righteousness, even when the path feels difficult.

Rest in His peace, remembering He restores weary souls.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. Lead me beside still waters today, restore my soul, and guide me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Keep me close to You, and let me live in confidence that I lack nothing in You. Amen.

09/19/2025

When you've been hurt, it's easy to react with anger issues, but Christianity teaches us a different path. Discover the reasons why we should forgive, embrac...

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